U.S. patent application number 14/491634 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for pocket system for clothing.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cathy Rosenhaus. Invention is credited to Cathy Rosenhaus.
Application Number | 20150189935 14/491634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53494275 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150189935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenhaus; Cathy |
July 9, 2015 |
Pocket System for Clothing
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a pocket system includes an item of
clothing having a waistband portion that is connected to first and
second leg portions by one or more waistband seams arranged around
at least a portion of the waistband portion. The first leg portion
includes one or more first leg seams, and the second leg portion
includes one or more second leg seams. The system further includes
one or more waistband cables coupled to a portion of the one or
more waistband seams, and one or more leg cables coupled to a
portion of the one or more first leg seams and further coupled to
the one or more waistband cables. The system also include a first
pocket frame coupled to the one or more leg cables, and a first
pocket coupled to the first pocket frame.
Inventors: |
Rosenhaus; Cathy; (West
Bloomfield, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rosenhaus; Cathy |
West Bloomfield |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53494275 |
Appl. No.: |
14/491634 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61924390 |
Jan 7, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/74 ; 2/220;
2/228; 2/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/207 20130101;
A41D 1/22 20130101; A41D 1/14 20130101; A41D 27/20 20130101; A41D
1/08 20130101; A41D 27/204 20130101; A41D 2600/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20; A41D 1/14 20060101 A41D001/14; A41D 1/22 20060101
A41D001/22; A41D 1/08 20060101 A41D001/08 |
Claims
1. A pocket system, comprising: active-wear pants having a
waistband portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion,
wherein the waistband portion is connected to the first and second
leg portions by a waistband seam arranged around the waistband
portion, wherein the first leg portion includes first and second
leg seams arranged along at least a portion of a length of the
first leg portion, wherein the second leg portion includes third
and fourth leg seams arranged along at least a portion of a length
of the second leg portion; an interconnecting cabling system
coupled to the active-wear pants and comprising: a waistband cable
coupled to a portion of the waistband seam; first and second leg
cables coupled respectively to a portion of the first and second
leg seams, the first and second leg cables further coupled to the
waistband cable; and third and fourth leg cables coupled
respectively to a portion of the third and fourth leg seams, the
third and fourth leg cables further coupled to the waistband cable,
wherein each of the waistband cable, the first and second leg
cables, and the third and fourth leg cables comprise a casing and
an elastic draw cord coupled inside the casing; a first pocket
frame coupled to each of the first and second leg cables, the first
pocket frame shaped to fit in-between the first and second leg
cables, the first pocket frame comprising a first frame casing and
a first support structure coupled inside of the first frame casing;
a first pocket coupled to the first pocket frame; a second pocket
frame coupled to each of the third and fourth leg cables, the
second pocket frame shaped to fit in-between the third and fourth
leg cables, the second pocket frame comprising a second frame
casing and a second support structure coupled inside of the second
frame casing; and a second pocket coupled to the second pocket
frame.
2. A pocket system, comprising: an item of clothing having a
waistband portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion,
wherein the waistband portion is connected to the first and second
leg portions by one or more waistband seams arranged around at
least a portion of the waistband portion, wherein the first leg
portion includes one or more first leg seams arranged along at
least a portion of a length of the first leg portion, wherein the
second leg portion includes one or more second leg seams arranged
along at least a portion of a length of the second leg portion; one
or more waistband cables coupled to a portion of the one or more
waistband seams; one or more leg cables coupled to a portion of the
one or more first leg seams and further coupled to the one or more
waistband cables; a first pocket frame coupled to the one or more
leg cables; and a first pocket coupled to the first pocket
frame.
3. The pocket system of claim 2, wherein the item of clothing
comprises one of the following: pants; shorts; a skirt; and a
dress.
4. The pocket system of claim 2, wherein the item of clothing
comprises active-wear pants.
5. The pocket system of claim 2, wherein: the one or more first leg
seams comprise two first leg seams; and the one or more leg cables
comprise two leg cables.
6. The pocket system of claim 5, wherein: the first pocket frame is
shaped to fit in-between the two leg cables; the first pocket frame
comprises a first edge coupled to a first of the two leg cables;
and the first pocket frame comprises a second edge coupled to a
second of the two leg cables.
7. The pocket system of claim 2, further comprising: one or more
second leg cables coupled to a portion of the one or more second
leg seams and further coupled to the one or more waistband cables;
a second pocket frame coupled to the one or more second leg cables;
and a second pocket coupled to the second pocket frame.
8. The pocket system of claim 7, further comprising: a third pocket
frame coupled to: the one or more leg cables; or the one or more
second leg cables; and a third pocket coupled to the third pocket
frame.
9. The pocket system of claim 2, further comprising: a second
pocket frame coupled to the one or more leg cables; and a second
pocket coupled to the second pocket frame.
10. The pocket system of claim 2, wherein each of the one or more
waistband cables and the one or more leg cables comprise a casing
and an elastic draw cord coupled inside the casing.
11. The pocket system of claim 2, wherein the first pocket frame is
coupled on top of the one or more leg cables by a zipper.
12. The pocket system of claim 2, wherein the first pocket frame is
moveably coupled to the one or more leg cables.
13. A method, comprising: coupling one or more waistband cables to
a portion of one or more waistband seams of an item of clothing
having a waistband portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg
portion, wherein the one or more waistband seams are arranged
around at least a portion of the waistband portion and connect the
waistband portion to the first and second leg portions, wherein the
first leg portion includes one or more first leg seams arranged
along at least a portion of a length of the first leg portion,
wherein the second leg portion includes one or more second leg
seams arranged along at least a portion of a length of the second
leg portion; coupling one or more leg cables to a portion of the
one or more first leg seams and further coupling the one or more
leg cables to the one or more waistband cables; coupling a first
pocket frame to the one or more leg cables; and coupling a first
pocket to the first pocket frame.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the item of clothing comprises
one of the following: pants; shorts; a skirt; and a dress.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the item of clothing comprises
active-wear pants.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein: the one or more first leg
seams comprise two first leg seams; and the one or more leg cables
comprise two leg cables.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the first pocket frame is
shaped to fit in-between the two leg cables; and coupling the first
pocket frame to the one or more leg cables comprises: coupling a
first edge of the first pocket frame to a first of the two leg
cables; and coupling a second edge of the first pocket frame to a
second of the two leg cables.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: coupling one or
more second leg cables to a portion of the one or more second leg
seams and further coupling the one or more second leg cables to the
one or more waistband cables; coupling a second pocket frame to the
one or more second leg cables; and coupling a second pocket to the
second pocket frame.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: coupling a third
pocket frame to: the one or more leg cables; or the one or more
second leg cables; and coupling a third pocket to the third pocket
frame.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the first pocket frame
comprises a first frame casing and a first support structure
coupled inside of the first frame casing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/924,390, filed Jan. 7, 2014, the entirety of
which is incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of clothing
and more specifically to a pocket system for clothing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It may be difficult to utilize pockets on particular items
of clothing, such as active-wear pants, because the weight of the
pocket and the contents of the pocket may weigh down the item of
clothing and the pocket, thus making carrying the item within the
pocket uncomfortable to the user. Furthermore, the lightweight
and/or stretchy nature of particular items of clothing, such as
active-wear pants, may prohibit the use of pockets to carry items.
As such, typical items of clothing may be deficient.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one embodiment, a pocket system includes an
item of clothing having a waistband portion, a first leg portion,
and a second leg portion. The waistband portion is connected to the
first and second leg portions by one or more waistband seams
arranged around at least a portion of the waistband portion. The
first leg portion includes one or more first leg seams arranged
along at least a portion of a length of the first leg portion. The
second leg portion includes one or more second leg seams arranged
along at least a portion of a length of the second leg portion. The
pocket assembly system further includes one or more waistband
cables coupled to a portion of the one or more waistband seams, and
one or more leg cables coupled to a portion of the one or more
first leg seams and further coupled to the one or more waistband
cables. The pocket assembly system also include a first pocket
frame coupled to the one or more leg cables, and a first pocket
coupled to the first pocket frame.
[0005] Certain embodiments of the disclosure may provide one or
more technical advantages. For example, by coupling the pocket to a
pocket frame (which is coupled to one or more leg cables and one or
more waistband cables), the pocket may be capable of carrying the
weight of one or more items in a manner that does not tug the item
of clothing (such as active-wear pants) down from the weight. In
particular embodiments, this may allow pockets to be added to
particular types of clothing (such as active-wear pants, which may
have flexibility and may be comfortable) for added functionality.
Furthermore, it may enable the clothing to be used in additional
activities where pockets are useful or necessary. For example, it
may enable active-wear pants to be used in the workplace to carry
equipment or tools, or to be used in activities other than exercise
and the practice of yoga. Additionally, when one or more items are
added to the pockets, the pockets may allow the weight of the items
to be borne (or otherwise carried) by a user's legs and/or core, as
opposed to a user's back and/or shoulders (which would bear the
weight if the items were carried in a backpack or purse, or tool
belt, as may be required when wearing conventional active wear
pants).
[0006] Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include none,
some, or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other
technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the
art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an item of clothing
having pockets that are added according to one example of the
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the clothing of FIG.
2;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the clothing of FIG.
2;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a second side view of the clothing of
FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an item of clothing
having pockets that are added according to another example of the
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the clothing of FIG.
5;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a first side view of the clothing of FIG.
5;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a second side view of the clothing of
FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an item of clothing
having pockets that are added according to another example of the
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the clothing of FIG.
9;
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a first side partial view of the
clothing of FIG. 9 without a pocket; and
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a first side partial view of the
clothing of FIG. 9 with a pocket.
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a second side partial view of the
clothing of FIG. 9 without a pocket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure are best understood by
referring to FIGS. 1-12 of the drawings, like numerals being used
for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0022] The present disclosure provides examples of clothing with
pockets (and/or other additional structure) added to the clothing
in a manner that may prevent the pockets from tugging when the user
puts something within the pocket. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first
example of an item of clothing with one or more pockets added to
the clothing by positioning the pockets over major seams. FIGS. 5-8
illustrate a second example of an item of clothing with one or more
pockets added to the clothing by adding one or more pocket frames
to the clothing in order to hang (or otherwise couple) pockets from
the pocket frames. FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a third example of an item
of clothing with one or more pockets added to the clothing by
coupling a cabling system to the clothing, and also coupling one or
more pocket frames to the cabling system in order to hang (or
otherwise couple) pockets from the pocket frames. In particular
embodiments, these example methods of adding pockets to clothing
may provide additional support for pockets on the clothing.
[0023] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first example of an item of clothing
with one or more pockets added to the clothing by positioning the
pockets over major seams. As illustrated, the item of clothing 10
includes a pair of active-wear pants, such as exercise pants,
spandex performance pants, or yoga-type pants. The active-wear
pants may be made of a stretch fabric that has a compression
quality that enhances the performance of the pockets added to the
active-wear pants. Although clothing 10 is illustrated as
active-wear pants, clothing 10 may be any other suitable type of
clothing, such as any other type of pants, shorts, a skirt, or a
dress. Clothing 10 includes a waistband portion 12 (which may be
reinforced with a foundation fabric or elastic, such as a power
mesh contained within the waistband portion 12) and leg portions 14
(such as first leg portion 14a and second leg portion 14b). Leg
portions 14 may have at least one major seam 20. The major seam 20
is positioned on the outside seam or outside portion of the leg
portion 14. The seam is sewed together by means of thread or other
suitable fastening material. The seam is strong enough to hold and
support the contents of a pocket. The seam 20 provides for
increased stability, structure, and support, allowing the user to
put articles within the pocket 22 without tugging down on the pants
or sagging of the pocket 22
[0024] The pocket 22 includes a pocket portion 23 and an opening
portion 24. The pocket 22 further includes an upper support portion
26. The pocket 22 is sewed to the leg portion 14 and positioned
over the seam 20. The seam 20 provides the additional support
required for the pocket 22.
[0025] As illustrated, clothing 10 further includes pocket 30 and
pocket 40. The pocket 30 includes an opening 32 and a zipper 34.
The zipper 34 may be utilized to allow the user to access the
interior of the pocket 30. The zipper 34 may further include a
zipper pull 36. The pocket 30 is positioned over the two major
seams 28a and 29a. The two major seams 28a and 29a form a generally
V-like shape extending away from the major seam 20. The pocket 30
is positioned over both the major seam 28a and the major seam 29a
allowing the pocket 30 to have extra support and structure gained
from the two major seams 28a and 29a.
[0026] The pocket 40 (which may be positioned on the opposite side
of the pocket 30, as illustrated) includes an opening 42 and a
zipper 46. The pocket 40 is also positioned over the major seams
28b and 29b. The major seams 28b and 29b may be essentially
identical to the major seams 28a and 29a. The major seams 28b and
29b generally extend away from and in a V-like formation from the
major seam 20. The major seams 28b and 29b provide the support
required to support the pocket 40 and the contents therein.
[0027] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to
clothing 10 without departing from the scope of the invention. For
example, clothing 10 may have any number of added pockets, such as
1 pocket, 2 pockets, 4 pockets, or any other number of pockets. As
another example, pockets (such as pocket 22, pocket 30, and pocket
40) may be positioned at any location over one or more seams (such
as seam 20, seams 28a and 29a, and seams 28b and 29b) of clothing
10.
[0028] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a second example of an item of clothing
with one or more pockets added to the clothing by adding one or
more pocket frames to the clothing in order to hang (or otherwise
couple) pockets from the pocket frames. As illustrated, the item of
clothing 110 includes a pair of active-wear pants, such as exercise
pants, spandex performance pants, or yoga-type pants. The
active-wear pants may be made of a stretch fabric that has a
compression quality that enhances the performance of the pockets
added to the active-wear pants. Although clothing 110 is
illustrated as active-wear pants, clothing 110 may be any other
suitable type of clothing, such as any other type of pants, shorts,
a skirt, or a dress. Clothing 110 includes a waistband portion 112
(which may be reinforced with a foundation fabric or elastic, such
as a power mesh contained within the waistband portion 112) and leg
portions 114 (such as first leg portion 114a and second leg portion
114b). Pockets 122, 130, and 140 may be positioned at similar
locations as pockets 22, 30, and 50 discussed above with regard to
FIGS. 1-4. The pocket 122 includes a main pocket portion 123 and an
upper portion 126. The pocket 122 hangs from (or is otherwise
coupled to) a pocket frame 124. The pocket frame 124 is affixed (or
otherwise coupled) to the leg portion 114. The pocket frame 124 may
be affixed (or otherwise coupled) to the leg portion 114 in any
suitable manner. For example, the pocket frame 124 may be affixed
(or otherwise coupled) onto the fabric of the leg portion 114, onto
a seam (such as seam 20 of FIG. 1) of the leg portion 114, onto
both the fabric and a seam of the leg portion 114, or any other
portion of leg portion 114. In order to affix (or otherwise couple)
the pocket frame 124 to the leg portion 114, the pocket frame 124
may be sewn to a portion of the leg portion 114, glued to a portion
of the leg portion 114, attached by fasteners to a portion of the
leg portion 114, any other means of affixing (or coupling), or any
combination of the preceding.
[0029] The pocket frame 124 may be any suitable support structure
material, such as a boning material, plastic, rubber, metal,
fabric, polymer, polymer like, plastic like, or other suitable
material operable to hold the pocket 122. The pocket frame 124 may
also be enclosed within a fabric or pocket material allowing the
pocket to hang from the pocket frame 124. The pocket frame 124
provides support that may prevent tugging on the leg portions 114.
As illustrated, the pocket frame 124 is generally rectangular and
positioned on the upper portion of the pocket structure. In other
embodiments, the pocket frame 124 may be the entire pocket
structure.
[0030] Pocket 130 includes a pocket frame 134. The pocket frame 134
may extend around a peripheral edge of the pocket 130.
Alternatively, the pocket frame 134 of the pocket 130 may be
positioned only at a top portion of the pocket, such as shown in
pocket 122.
[0031] Pocket 140 includes a pocket frame 144 and a zipper/opening
146. The pocket frame 144 of the pocket 140 may be positioned only
at the top of the pocket 140. Alternatively, the pocket frame 144
of the pocket 140 may also extend the outer peripheral edge of the
pocket 140, or may only extend across a portion of the pocket 140.
The pocket frame 144 may also provide structure to prevent tugging
of the leg portion 114.
[0032] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to
clothing 110 without departing from the scope of the invention. For
example, clothing 110 may have any number of added pockets, such as
1 pocket, 2 pockets, 4 pockets, or any other number of pockets. As
another example, pockets (such as pocket 122, pocket 130, and
pocket 140) may be positioned at any other location on clothing
110.
[0033] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a third example of an item of clothing
with one or more pockets added to the clothing by coupling a
cabling system to the clothing, and also coupling one or more
pocket frames to the cabling system in order to hang (or otherwise
couple) pockets from the pocket frames. As illustrated, the item of
clothing 210 includes a pair of active-wear pants, such as exercise
pants, spandex performance pants, or yoga-type pants. The
active-wear pants may be made of a stretch fabric that has a
compression quality that enhances the performance of the pockets
added to the active-wear pants. Although clothing 210 is
illustrated as active-wear pants, clothing 210 may be any other
suitable type of clothing, such as any other type of pants, shorts,
a skirt, or a dress. Clothing 210 includes a waistband portion 212
and leg portions 214 (such as first leg portion 214a and second leg
portion 214b).
[0034] Waistband portion 212 may be reinforced with a foundation
fabric or elastic, such as a power mesh contained within the
waistband portion 212. Furthermore, waistband portion 212 may have
one or more waistband seams 216 configured to connect the waistband
portion 212 to the leg portions 214. As illustrated, waistband
portion 212 has a single waistband seam 216. However, waistband
portion 212 may have any other number of waistband seams 216, such
as 2 waistband seams 216 or more than 2 waistband seams 216. The
waistband seam 216 may be arranged around all or a portion of the
waistband portion 212. For example, as illustrated, the waistband
seam 216 is arranged around all of the waistband portion 212. The
waistband seam 216 may be sewed together by means of thread or
other suitable fastening material.
[0035] Leg portions 214 may each have one or more leg seams 220.
For example, first leg portion 214a may have first leg seam 220a
and second leg seam 220b, and second leg portion 214b may have
third leg seam 220c and fourth leg seam 220d. As another example,
first leg portions 214 may each have a single leg seam 220 or more
than two leg seams 220. The leg seams 220 may be arranged along at
least a portion of the length of the leg portion 214. For example,
the leg seams 220 may be arranged along the entire length of the
leg portion 214, as illustrated. The legs seams 220 may be sewed
together by means of thread or other suitable fastening
material.
[0036] Clothing 210 further includes an interconnecting cabling
system 250. The interconnecting cabling system 250 includes a set
of cables coupled to clothing 210 and further coupled to each
other. The interconnecting cabling system 250 is configured to
provide support for pocket frames 224 and pockets 222, thereby
preventing items in the pockets from tugging down clothing 210.
Interconnecting cabling system 250 may include one or more
waistband cables 254 and one or more leg cables 258.
[0037] Waistband cable 254 is coupled to a portion of waistband
seam 216 and is configured to provide support for leg cables 258
(which provide support for pocket frames 224 and pockets 222). In
particular embodiments, waistband cable 254 may be the main support
cable for leg cables 258, pocket frames 224, and pockets 222.
Waistband cable 254 may be coupled to all of waistband seam 216, or
only a portion of waistband seam 216. For example, as illustrated,
waistband cable 254 is coupled to all of waistband seam 216,
causing waistband cable 254 to be arranged around all of the
waistband portion 212 as one continuous band that may stretch (or
that may not stretch). As another example, the waistband cable 254
may only be coupled to a portion of waistband seem 216. In such an
example, the waistband cable 254 may have two end portions that may
not be coupled to the waistband seem 216. The two end portions may
be secured together by, for example, a knot, a glue dot, a silicone
dot, a bonded reinforcement, any other means of securing, or any
combination of the preceding. This may allow the waistband cable
254 to be tightened (or loosened) when desired by the user.
Furthermore, it may further allow the two end portions to remain
unsecured from each other for a period of time, such as, for
example, when the user is not carrying anything in pockets 222 (or
when pockets 222 are not even attached to clothing 210).
Additionally, when the user adds content to the pockets 222 (or
adds the pockets 222 to the clothing 210), the user may once secure
the two ends of the waistband cable 254 together.
[0038] Waistband cable 254 may be any suitable cable for providing
support for leg cables 258. For example, waistband cable 254 may be
any stretchable and supportive band, such as an elastic cord, a
stretch cord, webbing, a braid, a band, a ring of neoprene, rubber,
silicone tubing, and/or polypropylene, a cable (such as an
"all-in-one" cable produced by 3-D printing as, for example, a
continuous loop corresponding to the size of clothing 210), any
other stretchable and supportive band, or any combination of the
preceding. Furthermore, waistband cable 254 may further include a
casing (or channel) that includes the stretchable and supportive
band inside the casing.
[0039] Waistband cable 254 is coupled to the waistband seam 216 in
any suitable manner. For example, waistband cable 254 may be sewn
onto waistband seam 216. In such an example, a casing (or channel)
that includes the stretchable and supportive band may be stitched
to the waistband seam 216, or sewn on to the waistband seam 216
with a stitch that allows the waistband cable 254 to move
independent of the waistband portion 212 (or otherwise be
independent of the waistband portion 212). The stitch may be a
zig-zag, a binding, or any other stitch that does not puncture the
stretchable and supportive band inside of the casing. Furthermore,
the waistband cable 254 (without a casing or channel) may be sewn
directly on to the waistband seam 216 with a stitch that encases
the waistband cable 254, but does not puncture the waistband cable
254. As another example, the waistband cable 254 may be threaded
through (or otherwise attached to) one or more eyelets on the
waistband seam 216, one or more spiral bindings on the waistband
seam 216, one or more loops on the waistband seam 216, one or more
fasteners on the waistband seam 216, any other type of attachment
mechanism, or any combination of the preceding. As a further
example, the casing (or channel) of waistband cable 254 may be
bonded (such as heat bonding), glued, fused, cemented, and/or
sealed to the waistband seam 216. In particular embodiments, the
waistband cable 254 is coupled to the waistband seam 216 (and/or
the waistband portion 212) in a manner that allows the waistband
cable 254 to maintain its suspension integrity. As such, the
waistband cable 254 may have buoyancy independent of the waistband
portion 212, which may allow the waistband cable 254 to support the
weight of pockets 222 (and any items in pockets 222), as opposed to
the weight being directly supported by the fabric of clothing 210
or directly supported by the waistband portion 212.
[0040] Leg cables 258 are coupled to a portion of leg seams 220 and
configured to provide support for pocket frames 224 and pockets
222. For example, first leg cable 258a and second leg cable 258b
may be coupled to first leg seam 220a and second leg seam 220b,
respectively. Furthermore, second leg cable 258c and fourth leg
cable 258d may be coupled to third leg seam 220c and fourth leg
seam 220d, respectively. Each leg cable 258 may be coupled to all
of the length of a respective leg seam 220, or only a portion of
the length of the respective leg seam 220. For example, in order to
add pockets to any portion of a leg portion 214a, a leg cable 258
may be coupled to the entire length of the respective leg seam 220.
As another example, in order to add pockets only above the knee
portion of a leg portion 214a, a leg cable 258 may be coupled to a
length of the respective leg seam 220 that is above (or at) the
knee portion of the leg portion 214a. In such an example, clothing
210 may not have any portion of the interconnecting cabling system
250 below the knee portion.
[0041] Leg cables 258 may be any suitable cables for providing
support for pocket frames 224 and pockets 222. For example, leg
cables 258 may be any stretchable and supportive band, such as an
elastic cord, a stretch cord of neoprene, rubber, silicone tubing,
and/or polypropylene, a cable, any other stretchable and supportive
band, or any combination of the preceding. As another example, leg
cables 258 may be a flexible zipper tape that may allow pocket
frames 224 to be slid and locked into place on the leg cables 258.
Furthermore, leg cables 258 may further include a casing (or
channel) that includes the stretchable and supportive band inside
the casing. Leg cables 258 are coupled to the leg seams 220 in any
suitable manner. For example, leg cables 258 may be sewn onto leg
seams 220. In such an example, a casing (or channel) that includes
the stretchable and supportive band may be stitched to the leg seam
220. The stitch may be a zig-zag, a binding, or any other stitch
that does not puncture the stretchable and supportive band inside
of the casing. Furthermore, the leg cable 258 (without a casing or
channel) may be sewn directly on to the leg seam 220 with a stitch
that encases the leg cable 258, but does not puncture the leg cable
258. As a further example, the casing (or channel) of waistband
cable 254 may be bonded (such as heat bonding), glued, fused,
cemented, and/or sealed to the leg seam 220.
[0042] Furthermore, the leg cables 258 may be coupled to the
waistband cable 254. The leg cables 258 may be coupled to the
waistband cable 254 in any suitable manner. For example, the leg
cables 258 may be sewn onto (or near) a portion of waistband cable
254 at a location where a leg cable 258 crosses the waistband cable
254 (i.e., the cross-seam). Furthermore, the crossing point may be
re-enforced by sewing, stitched embroidery, or a bonded shape (such
as a ribbon, a butterfly, a heart, an animal shape, or any other
bonded shape). In particular embodiments, the stitch may interloop
itself onto the surface of leg seam 220, as is shown by interloop
262 of FIG. 13. This may prevent the stitch from putting holes all
the way through leg cable 258 and waistband cable 254. As another
example, the leg cables 258 may loop around the waistband cable
254, or be connected to the waistband cable 254 by fasteners.
[0043] The pocket frame 224 is coupled to one or more leg cables
258 and is configured to support a pocket 222 hanging from (or
otherwise coupled to) the pocket frame 224. For example, as
illustrated, first pocket frame 224a (from which first pocket 222a
hangs or is otherwise coupled) is coupled to first and second leg
cables 258a and 258b, and second pocket frame 224b (from which
second pocket 222b hangs or is otherwise coupled) is coupled to
third and fourth leg cables 258c and 258d. The pocket frame 224 may
be coupled to any portion of leg cables 258. For example, if the
pocket frame 224 (and the respective pocket 222) is located near
the waistline portion 212 of clothing 210 (as is illustrated in
FIGS. 9-12), the pocket frame 224 may be coupled to the leg cables
258 at a position near the waistline portion 212. As another
example, if the pocket frame 224 (and the respective pocket 222) is
located near (or just above or below) the knee portion of clothing
210 (as is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4), the pocket frame 224 may be
coupled to the leg cables 258 at a position near (or just above or
below) the knee portion.
[0044] The pocket frame 224 may be coupled to leg cables 258 in any
suitable manner. For example, the pocket frame 224 may be sewn onto
leg cables 258. In such an example, the pocket frame 224 may be
sewn into a casing or channel (discussed above) of the leg cables
258. As another example, the pocket frame 224 may be attached to
the leg cables 258 by a zippering mechanism and/or a slide and lock
mechanism. In such an example, the leg cables 258 may be (or
include) flexible zipper tape and the pocket frame 224 may be (or
include) a rigid zipper that rides on top (or in-between) the leg
cables 258. Furthermore, the pocket frame 224 and the leg cables
258 can connect with a locking or semi-locking slider, and a piece
of power mesh or webbing can be bonded to the zipper tape of the
leg cable 258, and ironed onto the leg portions 214 to add
stability. As other examples, the pocket frame 224 may be glued to
the leg cables 258, attached by fasteners to the leg cables 258,
attached to the leg cables 258 by any other means of affixing (or
coupling), or any combination of the preceding. In particular
embodiments, the pocket frame 258 may be made of boning that runs
through its own lightweight casing or channel. In such embodiments,
this pocket frame 258 (the boning and channel together) may be
bonded (or otherwise coupled) to the back of the pocket 222, and
the pocket frame 258 (and the pocket 222) may then be secured onto
the leg cables 258 by bonding (or any of the coupling means
discussed above).
[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, a first edge of the
pocket frame 224a is sewn (or otherwise coupled) onto first leg
cable 258a and a second edge of the pocket frame 224a is sewn (or
otherwise coupled) onto second leg cable 258b. Additionally, the
pocket frame 224 may also be coupled to leg portions 214. For
example, the back-side of the pocket frame 224 may be glued (or
bonded) to the fabric of the leg portions 214, the pocket frame 224
may be attached by fasteners to the fabric of the leg portions 214,
the pocket frame 224 may be attached to the fabric of the leg
portions 213 by any other means of affixing (or coupling), or any
combination of the preceding. In particular embodiments, coupling
the pocket frame 224 to leg portions 214 may provide additional
stability to pocket 222. However, in such embodiments, the weight
of pockets 222 (or a majority of the weight) may be borne by leg
cables 258 and waistband cable 254, not leg portions 214.
[0046] The pocket frame 224 may be any suitable structure for
providing support for the pockets 222. For example, the pocket
frame 224 may be a boning material. As another example, the pocket
frame 224 may be plastic, rubber, metal, fabric, polymer, polymer
like, plastic like, or other suitable material for providing
support for the pockets 222. Furthermore the pocket frame 224 may
include both a frame casing and a support structure coupled inside
of the frame casing. In such an example, the support structure may
be, for example, a boning material (or any of the other materials
discussed above with regard to the pocket frame 224), and the frame
casing may be a fabric that encases the boning material. The pocket
frame 224 may have any suitable shape for providing support for the
pockets 222. For example, the pocket frame 224 may be rectangular,
circular, oval, square, polygonal, irregular shaped, or any other
suitable shape. As another example, the pocket frame 224 may be
generally rectangular (or circular, oval, or square). As a further
example, the shape of the pocket frame 224 may be an entirely solid
piece of, for example, boning material, or the shape of the pocket
frame 224 may include a hole in the middle (e.g., with the boning
material surrounding the hole). In particular embodiments, the
pocket frame 224 may be shaped to fit in-between two leg cables
258, as is illustrated in FIG. 11. In particular embodiments,
instead of fitting in-between two leg cables 258, the pocket frame
224 may be placed on top of leg cables 258. For example, when leg
cables 258 are a flexible zipper tape, the pocket frame 224 may be
slid and locked on top of leg cables 258.
[0047] The pocket 222 is coupled to a pocket frame 224 and is
configured to hold one or more items. For example, as illustrated,
first pocket 222a is coupled to first pocket frame 224a, and second
pocket 222b is coupled to second pocket frame 224b. A pocket 222
may be coupled to any pocket frame 224 coupled to any portion of
leg cables 258 (as is discussed above with regard to the pocket
frames 224). The pocket 222 may be coupled to a pocket frame 224 in
any suitable manner. For example, the pocket 222 may be sewn onto
the pocket frame 224. In such an example, the pocket 222 may be
sewn into a frame casing (discussed above) of the pocket frame 224.
As other examples, the pocket 222 may be glued to the pocket frame
224, attached by fasteners to the pocket frame 224, attached to the
pocket frame 224 by any other means of affixing (or coupling), or
any combination of the preceding. The coupling of the pocket 222 to
the pocket frame 224 may cause the pocket 222 to hang from the
pocket frame 224. Additionally, the pocket 222 may also be coupled
to leg portions 214. For example, a back-side of the pocket 222 may
be attached to the fabric of the leg portions 214, the back-side of
the pocket 222 may be glued to the fabric of the leg portions 214,
the pocket 222 may be bonded to the fabric of the leg portions 214,
the pocket 222 may be fused to the fabric of the leg portions 214,
the pocket 222 may be attached to the fabric of the leg portions
214 by any other means of affixing, or any combination of the
preceding. In particular embodiments, coupling the pocket 222 to
leg portions 214 may provide additional stability to pocket 222.
However, in such embodiments, the weight of pockets 222 (or a
majority of the weight) may be borne by leg cables 258 and
waistband cable 254, not leg portions 214.
[0048] The pocket 222 may have any suitable shape for holding one
or more items. For example, the pocket 222 may be rectangular,
circular, oval, square, polygonal, irregular shaped, or any other
suitable shape. As another example, the pocket 222 may be generally
rectangular (or circular, oval, or square). The pocket 222 may have
the same shape as the pocket frame 224 to which the pocket 222 is
coupled. Alternatively, the pocket 222 may have a different shape
than the pocket frame 224 to which the pocket 222 is coupled. In
particular embodiments, pockets 222 may be customized and molded to
hold specific tools for trade and task, or for specific
applications. The pocket 222 may have any suitable size. For
example, the pocket 222 may be extra-large, large, medium, small,
any other size, or any combination of the preceding. The pocket 222
may be a single pocket, or it may have two or more sub-pockets. For
example, as illustrated, the pocket 222 may have two sub-pockets
that may individually hold separate items. In such an example, each
sub-pocket may be opened separately, or at the same time. The
pocket 222 may be made of any suitable material for holding one or
more items. For example, the pocket 222 may be made of a thin and
strong fabric, such as ripstop nylon and/or Gore-Tex. As another
example, the pocket 222 may be made of any other type of fabric or
molded material.
[0049] As illustrated, the pocket 222 includes a pocket portion 223
and an opening portion 225. Furthermore, the pocket 222 may include
any suitable mechanism for opening and closing the opening portion
225 of the pocket 222. For example, as illustrated, the pocket 222
may include a zipper 234 and zipper pull 236 for opening and
closing the opening portion 225. As further examples, the pocket
222 may include one or more pocket snaps, one or more buttons, one
or more tie cords, any other mechanism for opening and closing the
opening portion 225, or any combination of the preceding. As
another example, the pocket 222 may not include any mechanism for
closing the opening portion 225. In such an example, the opening
portion 225 may always be open for inserting or removing one or
more items.
[0050] The pockets 222 may be added to clothing 210 according to
any suitable method. As an example, one method for adding pockets
222 to clothing 210 is discussed below.
[0051] First, one or more waistband cables 254 may be coupled to a
portion of one or more waistband seams 216 of clothing 210. A
waistband cable 254 may be coupled to all of a waistband seam 216,
or only a portion of a waistband seam 216. Furthermore, the
waistband cable 254 may be coupled to the waistband seam 216 in any
suitable manner. For example, the waistband cable 254 may be sewn
onto the waistband seam 216. As another example, the waistband
cable 254 may be coupled to the waistband seam 216 using any of the
other couplings discussed above with regard to waistband cable
254.
[0052] Second, one or more leg cables 258 may be coupled to a
portion of one or more leg seams 220. A leg cable 258 may be
coupled to all of a leg seam 220, or only a portion of the leg seam
220. Furthermore, the leg cable 258 may be coupled to a leg seam
220 in any suitable manner. For example, the leg cable 258 may be
sewn onto a leg seam 220. As another example, the leg cable 258 may
be coupled to the leg seam 220 using any of the other couplings
discussed above with regard to leg cable 258.
[0053] Third, one or more leg cables 258 may be coupled to the one
or more waistband cables 254. A leg cable 258 may be coupled to a
waistband cable 254 in any suitable manner. For example, a leg
cable 258 may be sewn onto (or near) a portion of the waistband
cable 254 at a location where the leg cable 258 crosses the
waistband cable 254 (i.e., the cross-seam). Furthermore, the
crossing point may be re-enforced by sewing, stitched embroidery,
or a bonded shape (such as a ribbon, a butterfly, a heart, an
animal shape, or any other bonded shape). As another example, the
leg cable 258 may be coupled to the waistband cable 254 using any
of the other couplings discussed above with regard to leg cable
258.
[0054] Fourth, one or more pocket frames 224 may be coupled to one
or more leg cables 258. A pocket frame 224 may be coupled to any
number of leg cables 258, such as one leg cable 258, two leg cables
258, three leg cables 258, or any other number of leg cables 258.
Furthermore, a pocket frame 224 may be coupled to any portion of
one or more leg cables 258. Additionally, the pocket frame 224 may
be coupled to one or more leg cables 258 in any suitable manner.
For example, the pocket frame 224 may be sewn onto the leg cables
258. As another example, the pocket frame 224 may be coupled to the
leg cables 258 using any of the other couplings discussed above
with regard to pocket frame 224.
[0055] Fifth, one or more pockets 222 may be coupled to one or more
pocket frames 224. A pocket 222 may be coupled to a pocket frame
224 in any suitable manner. For example, the pocket 222 may be sewn
onto the pocket frame 224. As another example, the pocket 222 may
be coupled to the pocket frame 224 using any of the other couplings
discussed above with regard to pocket 222.
[0056] Sixth, the method may end. Modifications, additions, or
omissions may be made to the disclosed method. For example, the
method may further include coupling the pocket frame 224 to one or
more leg portions 214 and/or coupling the pocket 222 to one or more
leg portions 214. Additionally, the steps may be performed in
parallel or in any suitable order.
[0057] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to
clothing 210 without departing from the scope of the invention. For
example, clothing 210 may have any number of added pockets, such as
1 pocket, 2 pockets, 3 pockets, 4 pockets, or any other number of
pockets. In an example where clothing 210 includes 3 pockets, a
first pocket 222a may be coupled to a first pocket frame 224a
(which may be coupled to first and second leg cables 258a and
258b), a second pocket 222b may be coupled to a second pocket frame
224b (which may be coupled to third and fourth leg cables 258c and
258d), and a third pocket 222 (not shown) may be coupled to a third
pocket frame 224 (not shown and which may be coupled to either
first and second leg cables 258a and 258b or third and fourth leg
cables 258c and 258d). As another example, pockets (such as pocket
222a and pocket 222b) may be positioned at any other location on
clothing 210. In such an example, a first pocket 222a may be
coupled to a first pocket frame 224a (which may be coupled to first
and second leg cables 258a and 258b), and a second pocket 222b may
be coupled to a second pocket frame 224b (which may also be coupled
to first and second leg cables 258a and 258b).
[0058] Furthermore, although the pocket frame 224 (and the pocket
222 coupled to the pocket frame 224) is described above as being
fixedly coupled to leg cables 258 (e.g., by sewing, by gluing,
etc.), in particular embodiments, the pocket frame 224 (and the
pocket 222 coupled to the pocket frame 224) may be moveably coupled
to the leg cables 258. For example, once the pocket frame 224 is
coupled to the leg cables 258, the pocket frame 224 (and the pocket
222 coupled to the pocket frame 224) may be slid (or otherwise
moved) along the leg cables 258. In particular embodiments, this
may allow a user to slide (or otherwise move) the pocket 222 to any
position on a leg portion 214. For example, the user may position
the pocket 222 near waistline 212 for a first part of the day (or
any other amount of time), and then the user may re-position the
pocket 222 near the knee portion (or any other portion, such as the
ankle portion) of clothing 210 for a second part of the day (or any
other amount of time). Furthermore, the pocket frames 224 and/or
the leg cables 258 may include a locking mechanism that will hold
the pocket frame 224 (and the pocket 222) in a particular position
while the locking mechanism is locked, but will allow the pocket
frame 224 (and the pocket 222) to slide (or otherwise move) when
the locking mechanism is not locked. The moveable coupling of the
pocket frame 224 to the leg cables 258 may include any suitable
moveable coupling, such as a track and lockable slider
configuration, a railing and lockable wheel configuration, or any
other type of coupling that allows the pocket frame 224 to slide
(or otherwise move) along leg cables 258.
[0059] Furthermore, in particular embodiments, the pocket frame 224
(and the pocket 222 coupled to the pocket frame 224) may be
detachably coupled to the leg cables 258. For example, once the
pocket frame 224 is coupled to the leg cables 258, the pocket frame
224 (and the pocket 222 coupled to the pocket frame 224) may be
removed from the leg cables 258 (or removed and re-coupled to a
different position on the leg cables 258 or to different leg cables
258). In particular embodiments, this may allow a user to move the
pocket 222 to any position on a leg portion 214 (or to move the
pocket 222 to any position on a different leg portion 214). For
example, the user may position the pocket 222 near waistline 212
for a first part of the day (or any other amount of time), and then
the user may re-position the pocket 222 near the knee portion (or
any other portion, such as the ankle portion) of clothing 210 for a
second part of the day (or any other amount of time). In particular
embodiments, this may also allow a user to remove the pocket 222
from clothing 210 for a particular amount of time. For example, the
user may remove the pocket 222 entirely from clothing 210 for a
first part of the day (or any other amount of time), and then the
user may couple the pocket 222 near waistline 212 (or any other
portion of clothing 210) for a second part of the day (or any other
amount of time). The detachable coupling of the pocket frame 224 to
the leg cables 258 may include any suitable detachable coupling
that allows the pocket frame 224 to be detached and moved to other
portions of leg cables 245 (or removed entirely from leg cables
258). For example, the leg cables 258 may include one or more
fasteners (such as buttons, zippers, or velcro) positioned at
different locations on leg cables 258. In such an example, the
pocket frames 224 may be coupled in and out of the fasteners in
order to move (or remove) the pocket frames 224.
[0060] This specification has been written with reference to
various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments. However, it
will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that
various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the
disclosed embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made within the
scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and
understood that this specification supports additional embodiments
not expressly set forth in this specification. Such embodiments may
be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing
any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features,
aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various
non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments described in this
specification. In this manner, Applicant reserves the right to
amend the claims during prosecution to add features as variously
described in this specification, and such amendments comply with
the requirements of 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.112(a) and 132(a).
* * * * *