RETAINING POCKET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to United States Patent Application No. 17/083,842, filed October 29, 2020, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to pockets, and, more particularly, to retaining pockets arranged to prevent items from falling out.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A pocket is a bag- or envelope-like receptacle either fastened to or inserted in an article of clothing to hold small items. Pockets are also attached to luggage, backpacks, and similar items. Current pockets, especially pockets arranged in sweat-pants or gym shorts, have difficulty retaining items such as cellular telephones due to flimsy fabric. A cellular telephone or a wallet will often fall out of a user’s pocket when entering or exiting a vehicle. The increasing expense of cellular telephones requires pockets to retain their items now more than ever.

[0004] Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a retaining pocket that prevents items, for example cellular telephones and wallets, from falling out.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a retaining pocket, comprising a bottom side, including a first opening seam, a first edge, a second edge, and a flap, and a top side, including a second opening seam aligned with the first opening seam, a third edge connected to the first edge, a fourth edge connected to the second edge, and a fifth edge, wherein the flap is folded over the fifth edge.

[0006] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a retaining pocket, comprising a bottom side, including a first opening seam, a first edge, and a second edge, a top side, including a second opening seam aligned with the first opening seam, a third edge connected to the first edge, a fourth edge connected to the second edge, and a fifth edge. [0007] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded elevational view of a retaining pocket;

Figure 2 is an exploded elevational view of a retaining pocket;

Figure 3 is an exploded elevational view of a retaining pocket;

Figure 4 is an exploded elevational view of a retaining pocket;

Figure 5 is an exploded elevational view of a retaining pocket; and,

Figure 6 is an exploded elevational view of a retaining pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0010] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0011] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0012] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0013] Adverting now to the figures, Figure 1 is an exploded elevational view of retaining pocket 2. Retaining pocket 2 generally comprises bottom side 10 and top side 30. Retaining pocket 2 is arranged to be sewn into an existing pocket (e.g., pocket of pants or shorts) to prevent items from easily falling out. Retaining pocket 2 is generally an insert that is arranged within a pocket; however, retaining pocket 2 may be designed in combination with a pocket, the whole assembly arranged to be sewn into pants or shorts as a new pocket.

[0014] Bottom side 10 comprises opening seam 12, fold line 14, edge 18, edge 20, and flap 26. Flap 26 comprises edge portion 22, edge portion 24, and edge 28. In the embodiment shown, edge 28 is a single linear edge. Opening seam 12, edge 18, and edge 20 are linear. Bottom side 10 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 16A.

[0015] Top side 30 comprises opening seam 32, edge 34, edge 38, and edge 40. Opening seam 32, edge 34, edge 38, and edge 40 are linear. Top side 30 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 36A. Top side 30 is arranged to be layered on top of bottom side 10 such that opening seam 32 aligns with opening seam 12, edge 38 aligns with edge 18, edge 40 aligns with edge 20, and edge 34 aligns with fold line 14. Top side 30 and bottom side 10 are then stitched together and to the pocket, specifically, along stitch lines 16B and 36B, and stitch lines 16C and 36C. Flap 26 is then folded around edge 34 such that edge portion 22 aligns with edge portion 42 and edge portion 24 aligns with edge portion 44. Edge portions 22 and 24 are stitched to edge portions 42 and 44, respectively, and to the pocket, specifically along stich lines 16D and 16E, and stitch lines 36D and 36E, respectively.

[0016] When edges 38 and 40 are sewn to edges 18 and 20, respectively, (i.e., along stitch lines 16B and 16C, and stitch lines 36B and 36C, respectively), top side 30 and bottom side 10 form a funnel or frusto-conical shape with opening seams 12 and 32 creating the large opening and fold line 14 and edge 34 creating the small opening. This funnel allows items to be inserted into the pocket. The arrangement of flap 26, which is folded over the small opening of the funnel, prevents items from easily falling out of the pocket. Instead, the user must reach in and displace flap 26 to the side in order to remove items from the pocket. In an example embodiment, bottom side 10 does not have a flap. In this example embodiment, the small opening of the funnel created by fold line 14 and edge 34 prevent items from falling out of the pocket. The user must reach into the pocket and align the small opening of the funnel with the large opening of the funnel in order to remove items. In an example embodiment, bottom side 10 and top side 30 comprise an elastic or stretch fabric and are cut with the stretch following the grain line as shown.

[0017] Figure 2 is an exploded elevational view of retaining pocket 102. Retaining pocket 102 generally comprises bottom side 110 and top side 130. Retaining pocket 102 is arranged to be sewn into an existing pocket (e.g., pocket of pants or shorts) to prevent items from easily falling out. Retaining pocket 102 is generally an insert that is arranged within a pocket; however, retaining pocket 102 may be designed in combination with a pocket, the whole assembly arranged to be sewn into pants or shorts as a new pocket.

[0018] Bottom side 110 comprises opening seam 112, fold line 114, edge 118, edge 120, and flap 126. Flap 126 comprises edge portion 122, edge portion 124, and edge 128. In the embodiment shown, edge 128 is a curvilinear edge having a radius. Opening seam 112, edge 118, and edge 120 are linear. Bottom side 110 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 116A. Top side 130 comprises opening seam 132, edge 134, edge 138, and edge 140. Opening seam 132, edge 134, edge 138, and edge 140 are linear. Top side 130 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 136A. Top side 130 is arranged to be layered on top of bottom side 110 such that opening seam 132 aligns with opening seam 112, edge 138 aligns with edge 118, edge 140 aligns with edge 120, and edge 134 aligns with fold line 114. Top side 130 and bottom side 110 are then stitched together and to the pocket, specifically, along stitch lines 116B and 136B, and stitch lines 116C and 136C. Flap 126 is then folded around edge 134 such that edge portion 122 aligns with edge portion 142 and edge portion 124 aligns with edge portion 144. Edge portions 122 and 124 are stitched to edge portions 142 and 144, respectively, and to the pocket, specifically along stich lines 116D and 116E, and stitch lines 136D and 136E, respectively.

[0019] When edges 138 and 140 are sewn to edges 118 and 120, respectively, (i.e., along stitch lines 116B and 116C, and stitch lines 136B and 136C, respectively), top side 130 and bottom side 110 form a funnel or frusto-conical shape with opening seams 112 and 132 creating the large opening and fold line 114 and edge 134 creating the small opening. This funnel allows items to be inserted into the pocket. The arrangement of flap 126, which is folded over the small opening of the funnel, prevents items from easily falling out of the pocket. Instead, the user must reach in and displace flap 126 to the side in order to remove items from the pocket. In an example embodiment, bottom side 110 does not have a flap. In this example embodiment, the small opening of the funnel created by fold line 114 and edge 134 prevent items from falling out of the pocket. The user must reach into the pocket and align the small opening of the funnel with the large opening of the funnel in order to remove items. In an example embodiment, bottom side 110 and top side 130 comprise an elastic or stretch fabric and are cut with the stretch following the grain line as shown.

[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded elevational view of retaining pocket 202. Retaining pocket 202 generally comprises bottom side 210 and top side 230. Retaining pocket 202 is arranged to be sewn into an existing pocket (e.g., pocket of pants or shorts) to prevent items from easily falling out. Retaining pocket 202 is generally an insert that is arranged within a pocket; however, retaining pocket 202 may be designed in combination with a pocket, the whole assembly arranged to be sewn into pants or shorts as a new pocket.

[0021] Bottom side 210 comprises opening seam 212, fold line 214, edge 218, edge 220, and flap 226. Flap 226 comprises edge portion 222, edge portion 224, and edge 228. In the embodiment shown, edge 228 is comprises two linear edges arranged at an angle relative to each other. Opening seam 212, edge 218, and edge 220 are linear. Bottom side 210 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 216A. Top side 230 comprises opening seam 232, edge 234, edge 238, and edge 240. Opening seam 232, edge 234, edge 238, and edge 240 are linear. Top side 230 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 236A. Top side 230 is arranged to be layered on top of bottom side 210 such that opening seam 232 aligns with opening seam 212, edge 238 aligns with edge 218, edge 240 aligns with edge 220, and edge 234 aligns with fold line 214. Top side 230 and bottom side 210 are then stitched together and to the pocket, specifically, along stitch lines 216B and 236B, and stitch lines 216C and 236C. Flap 226 is then folded around edge 234 such that edge portion 222 aligns with edge portion 242 and edge portion 224 aligns with edge portion 244. Edge portions 222 and 224 are stitched to edge portions 242 and 244, respectively, and to the pocket, specifically along stich lines 216D and 216E, and stitch lines 236D and 236E, respectively.

[0022] When edges 238 and 240 are sewn to edges 218 and 220, respectively, (i.e., along stitch lines 216B and 216C, and stitch lines 236B and 236C, respectively), top side 230 and bottom side 210 form a funnel or frusto-conical shape with opening seams 212 and 232 creating the large opening and fold line 214 and edge 234 creating the small opening. This funnel allows items to be inserted into the pocket. The arrangement of flap 226, which is folded over the small opening of the funnel, prevents items from easily falling out of the pocket. Instead, the user must reach in and displace flap 226 to the side in order to remove items from the pocket. In an example embodiment, bottom side 210 does not have a flap. In this example embodiment, the small opening of the funnel created by fold line 214 and edge 234 prevent items from falling out of the pocket. The user must reach into the pocket and align the small opening of the funnel with the large opening of the funnel in order to remove items. In an example embodiment, bottom side 210 and top side 230 comprise an elastic or stretch fabric and are cut with the stretch following the grain line as shown.

[0023] Figure 4 is an exploded elevational view of retaining pocket 302. Retaining pocket 302 generally comprises bottom side 310 and top side 330. Retaining pocket 302 is arranged to be sewn into an existing pocket (e.g., pocket of pants or shorts) to prevent items from easily falling out. Retaining pocket 302 is generally an insert that is arranged within a pocket; however, retaining pocket 302 may be designed in combination with a pocket, the whole assembly arranged to be sewn into pants or shorts as a new pocket.

[0024] Bottom side 310 comprises opening seam 312, fold line 314, edge 318, edge 320, and flap 326. Flap 326 comprises edge portion 322, edge portion 324, and edge 328. In the embodiment shown, bottom side 310 is generally rectangular. Opening seam 312, edge 318, and edge 320 are linear. Bottom side 310 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 316A. Top side 330 comprises opening seam 332, edge 334, edge 338, and edge 340. Top side 330 is generally rectangular. Top side 330 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 336A. Top side 330 is arranged to be layered on top of bottom side 310 such that opening seam 332 aligns with opening seam 312, edge 338 aligns with edge 318, edge 340 aligns with edge 320, and edge 334 aligns with fold line 314. Top side 330 and bottom side 310 are then stitched together and to the pocket, specifically, along stitch lines 316B and 336B, and stitch lines 316C and 336C. Flap 326 is then folded around edge 334 such that edge portion 322 aligns with edge portion 342 and edge portion 324 aligns with edge portion 344. Edge portions 322 and 324 are stitched to edge portions 342 and 344, respectively, and to the pocket, specifically along stich lines 316D and 316E, and stitch lines 336D and 336E, respectively.

[0025] When edges 338 and 340 are sewn to edges 318 and 320, respectively, (i.e., along stitch lines 316B and 316C, and stitch lines 336B and 336C, respectively), top side 330 and bottom side 310 form a funnel or frusto-conical shape with opening seams 312 and 332 creating the large opening and fold line 314 and edge 334 creating the small opening. This funnel allows items to be inserted into the pocket. The arrangement of flap 326, which is folded over the small opening of the funnel, prevents items from easily falling out of the pocket. Instead, the user must reach in and displace flap 326 to the side in order to remove items from the pocket. In an example embodiment, bottom side 310 does not have a flap. In this example embodiment, the small opening of the funnel created by fold line 314 and edge 334 prevent items from falling out of the pocket. The user must reach into the pocket and align the small opening of the funnel with the large opening of the funnel in order to remove items. In an example embodiment, bottom side 310 and top side 330 comprise an elastic or stretch fabric and are cut with the stretch following the grain line as shown.

[0026] Figure 5 is an exploded elevational view of retaining pocket 402. Retaining pocket 402 generally comprises bottom side 410 and top side 430. Retaining pocket 402 is arranged to be sewn into an existing pocket (e.g., pocket of pants or shorts) to prevent items from easily falling out. Retaining pocket 402 is generally an insert that is arranged within a pocket; however, retaining pocket 402 may be designed in combination with a pocket, the whole assembly arranged to be sewn into pants or shorts as a new pocket.

[0027] Bottom side 410 comprises opening seam 412, fold line 414, edge 418, edge 420, and flap 426. Flap 426 comprises edge portion 422, edge portion 424, and edge 428. In the embodiment shown, edge 418 is curvilinear having a radius, edge 420 is curvilinear having a radius, edge portion 422 is curvilinear having a radius, and edge portion 424 is curvilinear having a radius. Edge 428 is linear. Opening seam 412, edge 418, and edge 420 are linear. Bottom side 410 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 416A. Top side 430 comprises opening seam 432, edge 434, edge 438, and edge 440. In the embodiment shown, edge 438 is curvilinear having a radius and edge 440 is curvilinear having a radius. Top side 430 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 436A. Top side 430 is arranged to be layered on top of bottom side 410 such that opening seam 432 aligns with opening seam 412, edge 438 aligns with edge 418, edge 440 aligns with edge 420, and edge 434 aligns with fold line 414. Top side 430 and bottom side 410 are then stitched together and to the pocket, specifically, along stitch lines 416B and 436B, and stitch lines 416C and 436C. Flap 426 is then folded around edge 434 such that edge portion 422 aligns with edge portion 442 and edge portion 424 aligns with edge portion 444. Edge portions 422 and 424 are stitched to edge portions 442 and 444, respectively, and to the pocket, specifically along stich lines 416D and 416E, and stitch lines 436D and 436E, respectively. [0028] When edges 438 and 440 are sewn to edges 418 and 420, respectively, (i.e., along stitch lines 416B and 416C, and stitch lines 436B and 436C, respectively), top side 430 and bottom side 410 form a funnel or frusto-conical shape with opening seams 412 and 432 creating the large opening and fold line 414 and edge 434 creating the small opening. This funnel allows items to be inserted into the pocket. The arrangement of flap 426, which is folded over the small opening of the funnel, prevents items from easily falling out of the pocket. Instead, the user must reach in and displace flap 426 to the side in order to remove items from the pocket. In an example embodiment, bottom side 410 does not have a flap. In this example embodiment, the small opening of the funnel created by fold line 414 and edge 434 prevent items from falling out of the pocket. The user must reach into the pocket and align the small opening of the funnel with the large opening of the funnel in order to remove items. In an example embodiment, bottom side 410 and top side 430 comprise an elastic or stretch fabric and are cut with the stretch following the grain line as shown.

[0029] Figure 6 is an exploded elevational view of retaining pocket 502. Retaining pocket 502 generally comprises bottom side 510 and top side 530. Retaining pocket 502 is arranged to be sewn into an existing pocket (e.g., pocket of pants or shorts) to prevent items from easily falling out. Retaining pocket 502 is generally an insert that is arranged within a pocket; however, retaining pocket 502 may be designed in combination with a pocket, the whole assembly arranged to be sewn into pants or shorts as a new pocket.

[0030] Bottom side 510 comprises opening seam 512, fold line 514, edge 518, edge 520, and flap 526. Flap 526 comprises edge portion 522, edge portion 524, and edge 528. In the embodiment shown, edge 518, edge 520, edge portion 522, and edge portion 524 are linear. Edge 528 is linear. Opening seam 512, edge 518, and edge 520 are linear. Bottom side 510 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 516A. Top side 530 comprises opening seam 532, edge 534, edge 538, and edge 540. In the embodiment shown, top side 530 is generally triangular. Top side 530 is arranged to be sewn into the pocket along stitch line 536A. Top side 530 is arranged to be layered on top of bottom side 510 such that opening seam 532 aligns with opening seam 512, edge 538 aligns with edge 518, edge 540 aligns with edge 520, and edge 534 aligns with fold line 514. Top side 530 and bottom side 510 are then stitched together and to the pocket, specifically, along stitch lines 516B and 536B, and stitch lines 516C and 536C. Flap 526 is then folded around edge 534 such that edge portion 522 aligns with edge portion 542 and edge portion 524 aligns with edge portion 544. Edge portions 522 and 524 are stitched to edge portions 542 and 544, respectively, and to the pocket, specifically along stich lines 516D and 516E, and stitch lines 536D and 536E, respectively.

[0031] When edges 538 and 540 are sewn to edges 518 and 520, respectively, (i.e., along stitch lines 516B and 516C, and stitch lines 536B and 536C, respectively), top side 530 and bottom side 510 form a funnel or frusto-conical shape with opening seams 512 and 532 creating the large opening and fold line 514 and edge 534 creating the small opening. This funnel allows items to be inserted into the pocket. The arrangement of flap 526, which is folded over the small opening of the funnel, prevents items from easily falling out of the pocket. Instead, the user must reach in and displace flap 526 to the side in order to remove items from the pocket. In an example embodiment, bottom side 510 does not have a flap. In this example embodiment, the small opening of the funnel created by fold line 514 and edge 534 prevent items from falling out of the pocket. The user must reach into the pocket and align the small opening of the funnel with the large opening of the funnel in order to remove items. In an example embodiment, bottom side 510 and top side 530 comprise an elastic or stretch fabric and are cut with the stretch following the grain line as shown. It should be appreciated that the bottom side and the top side may be any suitable geometric shape, such as circular.

[0032] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

2 Pocket

10 Bottom side

12 Opening seam

14 Fold line

16 A Stitch line

16B Stitch line

16C Stitch line

16D Stitch line

16E Stitch line

18 Edge

20 Edge

22 Edge portion

24 Edge portion

26 Flap

28 Edge

30 Top side

32 Opening seam

34 Edge

36A Stitch line

36B Stitch line

36C Stitch line

36D Stitch line

36E Stitch line

38 Edge

40 Edge

42 Edge portion

44 Edge portion

102 Pocket

110 Bottom side

112 Opening seam 114 Fold line

116A Stitch line

116B Stitch line

116C Stitch line

116D Stitch line

116E Stitch line

118 Edge

120 Edge

122 Edge portion

124 Edge portion

126 Flap

228 Edge

130 Top side

132 Opening seam

134 Edge

136A Stitch line

136B Stitch line

136C Stitch line

136D Stitch line

136E Stitch line

138 Edge

140 Edge

142 Edge portion

144 Edge portion

202 Pocket

210 Bottom side

212 Opening seam

214 Fold line

216A Stitch line

216B Stitch line

216C Stitch line

216D Stitch line 216E Stitch line

218 Edge

220 Edge

222 Edge portion

224 Edge portion

226 Flap

228 Edge

230 Top side

232 Opening seam

234 Edge

236A Stitch line

236B Stitch line

236C Stitch line

236D Stitch line

236E Stitch line

238 Edge

240 Edge

242 Edge portion

244 Edge portion

302 Pocket

310 Bottom side

312 Opening seam

314 Fold line

316A Stitch line

316B Stitch line

316C Stitch line

316D Stitch line

316E Stitch line

318 Edge

320 Edge

322 Edge portion

324 Edge portion 326 Flap

328 Edge

330 Top side

332 Opening seam

334 Edge

336A Stitch line

336B Stitch line

336C Stitch line

336D Stitch line

336E Stitch line

338 Edge

340 Edge

342 Edge portion

344 Edge portion

4022 Pocket

410 Bottom side

412 Opening seam

414 Fold line

416A Stitch line

416B Stitch line

416C Stitch line

416D Stitch line

416E Stitch line

418 Edge

420 Edge

422 Edge portion

424 Edge portion

426 Flap

428 Edge

430 Top side

432 Opening seam

434 Edge 436A Stitch line

436B Stitch line

436C Stitch line

436D Stitch line

436E Stitch line

438 Edge

440 Edge

442 Edge portion

444 Edge portion

502 Pocket

510 Bottom side

512 Opening seam

514 Fold line

516 A Stitch line

516B Stitch line

516C Stitch line

516D Stitch line

516E Stitch line

518 Edge

520 Edge

522 Edge portion

524 Edge portion

526 Flap

528 Edge

530 Top side

532 Opening seam

534 Edge

536A Stitch line

536B Stitch line

536C Stitch line

536D Stitch line

536E Stitch line Edge Edge Edge portion Edge portion