Garment with One or More Hidden Pockets

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

The invention relates to clothing, and particularly relates to clothing with pockets, and even more particularly relates to one or more hidden or partially hidden pockets in a garment.

BACKGROUND

Having a pocket in a garment is handy in a number of ways. One or more items may be placed in a pocket of a garment so that a wearer does not have to hold the item or find some other place for the item. A pocket in a garment also may provide the wearer with a hiding place by concealing an item such as a wallet or a money clip.

SUMMARY

Generally stated, the invention relates to one or more pockets that may be substantially hidden from view in a garment. One of the hidden pockets may be accessed from the top side of a kangaroo pouch on a garment. Advantageously, this hidden pocket may be used to hold an item of some weight such as a filled water bottle or full beverage container generally without betraying the presence of the item. In other words, this hidden pocket may be used to hold such an item without significantly distending the hidden pocket, kangaroo pouch, or garment from their respective normal positions when worn.

The invention may take the form of one or more embodiments. A first embodiment may provide a substantially hidden pocket in a garment. The garment may include a front panel and a back panel. A kangaroo panel is disposed on a part of the outside of the front panel of the garment so the kangaroo panel forms a kangaroo pouch with the front panel of the garment.

In this first embodiment, a pocket is positioned between the front panel of the garment and the kangaroo panel. The pocket is substantially wholly disposed within the kangaroo pouch so the pocket is substantially hidden from view from the front of the garment. The hidden pocket has a top opening aligning substantially with at least part of a top side of the kangaroo pouch. The hidden pocket may have a closing mechanism for selectively substantially closing the opening of the pocket. The hidden pocket may have a tab on or near the top opening of the hidden pocket to selectively facilitate opening of the hidden pocket. For example, a user may pull the tab away from his or her body (when wearing the garment) to open or more fully open the hidden pocket.

In this first embodiment, the hidden pocket disposed in the kangaroo pouch includes at least two walls and a bottom. The walls of the hidden pocket are approximately the same size, and may be substantially rectangular. The bottom of the hidden pocket is connected on its opposite sides respectively to the two walls of the hidden pocket. If the bottom of the hidden pocket is substantially rectangular, the long sides of the bottom of the hidden pocket may be made substantially the same length as the short sides of the two walls of the hidden pocket. In that case, the long sides of the bottom of the hidden pocket are connected respectively to the short sides of the two walls of the hidden pocket.

Also in the first embodiment, the bottom of the hidden pocket is pleated inwards generally in parallel to its connections to the two walls of the hidden pocket. The bottom of the hidden pocket is pleated so it forms an interior pleat disposed between the two walls of the hidden pocket. If the bottom of the hidden pocket is rectangular, the bottom may be made to form the interior pleat by being folded substantially in half generally horizontally so the long sides of the bottom are aligned substantially with each other. The walls and the bottom of the hidden pocket are fastened to each other along the respective right sides and left sides of the walls and the bottom of the hidden pocket.

Advantageously, the bottom of the hidden pocket remains substantially pleated within the hidden pocket when the hidden pocket is empty. The pleating of the bottom of the hidden pocket allows for the hidden pocket to lie substantially flat within the kangaroo pocket when the hidden pocket is empty. A flat hidden pocket may benefit a user by not interfering or at least only minimally interfering with a user's use of the kangaroo pouch. A flat hidden pocket also may benefit a user by not distorting the appearance of the kangaroo pouch and the garment when the user is wearing the garment.

When an item is inserted into the hidden pocket in this first embodiment, the bottom of the hidden pocket may remain pleated between the walls of the pocket depending on the size and shape of the item inserted. If the item is of sufficient weight and/or shape (depending on the configuration of the hidden pocket), the bottom of the hidden pocket may unpleat or unfold at least partially between the walls of the hidden pocket. When the bottom of the hidden pocket unpleats or unfolds, the bottom distends from its substantially pleated position through a progression of partially pleated positions depending on the size and/or shape of the item inserted into the hidden pocket. Given an item of sufficient size and/or shape, the bottom of the hidden pocket may unpleat to its maximum distension given the bottom's connections to and between the walls of the hidden pocket. A full distension of the bottom may result in its having a generally pointed oval rather than rectangular shape. The full distension may be a pointed oval shape rather than a rectangle because of the folded left and right sides of the bottom, which are sewn and/or otherwise connected between the respective right and left sides of the walls of the hidden pocket.

Whether partially unpleated or at its maximum distension, the bottom may support inserted items within the hidden pocket so the inserted item may be secluded in the hidden pocket. In other words, an advantage of the bottom of the hidden pocket is that it may not (at least significantly) distort the shape of the pocket, the kangaroo pouch, and/or garment with respect to many different items of size and shape inserted into the hidden pocket. An item squirreled away in the hidden pocket may remain (in many cases) secreted without the pocket, the kangaroo pouch, and/or the garment giving away that an item is contained in the hidden pocket.

As noted, the invention may be embodied in various ways. Another embodiment of the invention provides a top with two substantially hidden pockets. One of these pockets is referred to as a security pocket, but no limitation should be implied by that nomenclature. The other pocket is simply referred to as the “pocket” to distinguish it from the “security pocket” in this summary. The top of this embodiment includes a front and a back. They are connected to each other at least along their respective left and right sides.

In this second embodiment, a security pocket is disposed over a part of the front of the top. A panel is disposed over the security pocket to substantially hide the security pocket from view. The panel is connected to the front of the top so at least to provide an opening between the panel and the front of the top. This opening allows for access to the security pocket under the panel. The panel disposed over the security pocket may be connected to the front of the top so as to provide a kangaroo pouch. The opening between the panel and the front of the top provides access to the security pocket within the kangaroo pouch.

Also in this second embodiment, a pocket is disposed inside an area between the front of the top and the panel. The pocket is disposed between the front of the top and the panel so the pocket is substantially hidden from view. The pocket has a pocket opening that is aligned substantially with at least part of a side of the panel so the pocket is accessible from outside of the top. The pocket opening may be aligned substantially with at least a part of a top side of the panel so the pocket is accessible from the top side of the panel.

Further in this second embodiment, the pocket may include two walls of approximately the same size. The pocket also may include a bottom connected on opposite sides to respective bottoms of the two walls of the pocket. The bottom of the pocket may be folded substantially in half so the folded bottom is positioned between the walls of the pocket. The walls and the bottom of the pocket may be fastened to each other so the right side of the folded pocket is positioned between and attached to the right sides of the walls of the pocket, and the left side of the folded pocket is positioned between and attached to the left sides of the walls of the pocket.

In this second embodiment, the two walls and the bottom may each be substantially rectangular in shape. In that case, the long sides of the bottom of the pocket may be substantially the same length as the short sides of the two walls of the pocket. The long sides of the bottom of the pocket are connected respectively to the short sides of the two walls of the pocket.

The invention also provides a method embodiment. It is a method of making a pocket with a distensible bottom. Per this method, a first pocket wall, a second pocket wall, and a pocket bottom are provided. Each has four sides. Opposite sides of the pocket bottom are connected respectively to a bottom side of the first pocket wall and to a bottom side of the second pocket wall. The pocket bottom is folded inwards so the pocket bottom is folded generally in half horizontally, has a folded right side and a folded left side, and is positioned substantially wholly between the first pocket wall and the second pocket wall.

The exemplary method also connects the right sides of the first and the second pocket walls so the connection also connects the folded right side of the pocket bottom between and to the right sides of the first and the second pocket walls. The method further connects the left sides of the first and the second pocket walls so the connection also connects the folded left side of the pocket bottom between and to the left sides of the first and the second pocket walls. By this method, the pocket bottom remains substantially folded within the pocket when the pocket is empty, but the pocket bottom unfolds at least partially between the right and the left pocket walls when an item of sufficient weight or shape is inserted into the pocket to distend the pocket bottom from its folded position.

Other features and advantages of the invention may be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description and by reference to the appended drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an element of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the front of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is an alternate front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a back view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3F is a right side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3G is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3H is a view of part of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3I is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross section view taken from the side of part of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an element of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the element in FIG. 5A, but in an at least partially unfolded or open position.

FIG. 5C is a side view of an element of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded cross section view taken from the side of part of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded cross section view taken from the side of part of an alternative to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, alternative embodiments, attached drawings, and other accompanying materials. The invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms carried out in a variety of ways, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and other materials set forth herein or accompanying herewith. The exemplary embodiments that are described and shown herein are only examples of the many ways to implement the invention. The subject matter herein is described as “the invention,” but the subject matter may include one or more inventions.

Herein, in terms of nomenclature, the singular includes the plural, the masculine includes the feminine and/or neutral, a person includes an association, corporation, organization, partnership, etc., and an embodiment, in whole or in part, may be an apparatus, a device, a kit, a method, and/or a system, unless otherwise noted. A user of an embodiment of the invention also may be referred to herein as a “wearer” or “customer.” Moreover, like numerals indicate like elements throughout the figures.

Stated generally, the invention relates to a garment with two or more pockets. The invention is described herein with reference to a garment referred to generally as a hooded top or shirt such as a sweatshirt or “hoodie”. The invention, however, should not be limited to hooded tops or shirts, but may be applied to other garments such as, but not limited to blouses, bras or brassieres, camisoles, cardigans, coats, henleys, jackets, jerseys, lingerie, pullovers, shirts, sleepwear, sweaters, sweatshirts, tanks, tunics, t-shirts, tops, uniforms, vests, etc. Moreover, the invention is not limited to garments that function as “tops” in covering at least part of a wearer's upper torso, but may also apply to other types of garments that cover one or more other parts of a wearer's body. Further, embodiments of the invention may be used in other applications that may include a pouch such as a kitchen apron, shop apron, surgical apron, etc. A garment also may be referred to herein as an item of clothing. The terms, “pouch” and “pocket,” are used interchangeably herein unless otherwise noted.

Embodiment 10 with Kangaroo Pouch and Security Pocket—KP/SP Embodiment—FIGS. 1-2

Stated generally, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment 10 of the invention relates to a garment 11 having a pocket or pouch 12 with at least another pocket 14 at least substantially within the first pouch 12. This embodiment 10 is referred to herein as the “KP/SP pocket embodiment.” This embodiment 10 includes a garment 11 having a relatively large pocket 12 on its lower front panel 16. A smaller pocket 14 is found at least substantially inside the large pocket 12. The smaller pocket 14 may appear at least substantially hidden within the large pocket 12. Hereinafter, it will be understood that reference to a “hidden” pocket includes “substantially hidden” without use of the word “substantially” unless otherwise noted.

This exemplary embodiment 10 may be a garment 11 such as a hooded pullover sweatshirt as shown in FIG. 1. Other embodiments may vary. For example, a garment may be a pullover sweatshirt without the hood, a pullover t-shirt, a pullover jacket, a pullover sweater, a pullover shirt, a pullover top, etc. Moreover, a garment does not necessarily have to be a “pullover” type of garment for use in an embodiment of the invention as noted above.

The large pocket 12 of the exemplary embodiment 10 may be the pocket found typically on the lower front panel 16 of such a hooded pullover sweatshirt. The large pocket 12 also may be referred to as a “muff” because entry into the large pocket 12 usually is through one or more of the left and/or right sides of the large pocket 12 rather than the top or bottom sides of the large pocket 12. A person may insert his or her hands and/or other object(s) into the large pocket 12 via one or more of the left and/or right sides of the large pocket 12. The large pocket 12 further may be referred to herein as a “kangaroo pouch.”

In general, the front or outer part 18 of the large pocket 12 is that part of the large pocket 12 that is furthest from the body of the user when the garment 11 is worn. The front part 18 of the large pocket 12 may be sewn and/or otherwise attached to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. In the exemplary embodiment 10, the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 is a single piece of material that compares substantially (if not identically) to the material of the remainder of the garment 11, but that may vary in other embodiments.

The back or inside part 20 (not shown in FIG. 1) of the large pocket 12 in the exemplary embodiment 10, like in most conventional pullover sweatshirts, may be the part of the front panel 16 of the garment 11 that lies beneath or behind the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 of the garment 11. In other words, the large pocket 12 does not have a “separate” back or inside part 20, but instead the large pocket 12 may be formed by the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 and that part of the front panel 16 of the garment 11 that is covered by the front part 18 of the large pocket 12. Other embodiments may vary.

In the exemplary embodiment 10 shown in FIG. 1, the large pocket 12 appears to have a generally or substantially hexagonal shape because the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 has a substantially hexagonal shape. The front part 18 of the large pocket 12 may include a generally horizontal top side, which is slightly shorter in width than the generally horizontal bottom side of the front part 18 of the large pocket 12. Alternatives may vary. The bottom side of the front part 18 is generally parallel to the topside in this embodiment 10, but other embodiments may vary.

In the exemplary embodiment 10 shown in FIG. 1, the large pocket 12 appears to have a generally or substantially hexagonal shape because the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 has a substantially hexagonal shape. The front part 18 of the large pocket 12 may include a generally horizontal top side, which is slightly shorter in width than the generally horizontal bottom side of the front part 18 of the large pocket 12. Alternatives may vary. The bottom side of the front part 18 is generally parallel to the top side in this embodiment 10, but other embodiments may vary.

The front part 18 of the large pocket 12 may include:

an upper right side disposed at a down (or negative) angle towards the right from the right end of the horizontal top side;

a lower right side disposed at an up (or positive) angle towards the right from the right end of the horizontal bottom side;

an upper left side disposed at a down (or negative) angle towards the left from the left end of the horizontal topside;

and a lower left side disposed at an up (or positive) angle towards the left from the left end of the horizontal bottom side.

The upper and lower sides on both the right and left of the large pocket 12 may meet in respective points, which may define the widest part of the large pocket 12. The points may be parallel to each other in two planes (height and width). Other embodiments, of course, may vary.

The right sides and the left sides of the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 are generally symmetrical with respect to each other in this embodiment 10, but that does not have to be the case in all embodiments. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the upper right side may be longer than the upper left side with the lower right side being shorter than the lower left side. Other alternatives are possible. In another embodiment, the front part 18 of a large pocket 12 may have a shape other than a hexagon. For example, a rectangular shape may constitute the front part 18 of a large pocket in an alternative embodiment. Other embodiments may vary.

As noted, the back 20 (not shown in FIG. 1) of the large pocket 12 is that part of the front panel 18 of the exemplary garment 11 that lies beneath or behind the front part 18 of the large pocket 12. Alternative embodiments may have one or more separate pieces for the back 20 of the large pocket 12 instead of or in addition to the front panel of the garment 11. Whether the large pocket 12 is made up of a front part 18 plus a back 20 that is part of the front panel 18 of the garment 11 and/or has a back of one or more separate pieces of material, the overall structure may be referred to generally herein as the large pocket 12 or the “kangaroo pouch 12”, unless otherwise noted herein.

Advantageously, the exemplary embodiment 10 may include another pocket 14 that may be substantially hidden within the kangaroo pouch 12. The pocket 14 is referred to herein as a “security pocket 14” to readily distinguish it from the kangaroo pouch 12. However, the term “security” in such usage is not to be interpreted in any manner except to distinguish this particular pocket 14 from the kangaroo pouch 12, unless otherwise noted. Nonetheless, the security pocket 14 may provide security for the storage of one or more items as is explained below.

Generally stated, in the exemplary embodiment 10, the security pocket 14 may be disposed on top of or, said in another way, in front of part of the back 20 of the large pocket 12. In other words, the security pocket 14 may be positioned on top of or in front of a part of the front panel 16 of the garment 11 that lies underneath or behind the front part 18 of the large pocket 12.

As seen as a separate element in FIG. 2, the security pocket 14 in the exemplary embodiment 10 may be generally rectangular in shape being slightly wider than the security pocket 14 is tall. Other embodiments may vary in shape and size.

The security pocket 14 may be made of any appropriate material. For example, the security pocket 14 may be made of waterproof or water resistant material to protect the contents of the security pocket 14. Alternatively, one or more sides or parts of the security pocket 14 may be made of a mesh material. As yet another alternative, one or more parts of the security pocket 14 may be made of an insulating material.

The security pocket 14 is sized in the exemplary embodiment 10 so the security pocket 14 may appear as hidden by the front part 18 of the kangaroo pouch 12. The security pocket 14 may be positioned substantially wholly within the kangaroo pouch 12. Thus, the size of the security pocket 14 may depend on the size of the large pocket 12.

In the exemplary embodiment 10 as seen in FIG. 2, the security pocket 14 is sized and positioned so as to be generally centered at least with respect to the top side 19 of the kangaroo pouch 12. The top side 19 of the security pouch 14 may be centered along and beneath the top side of the front part 18 of the kangaroo pouch 12. Other embodiments may vary. For example, an alternative security pocket may be smaller in vertical (height) size than the security pocket 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In that case, the alternative security pocket may not be generally centered within its kangaroo pouch even if the top side of the alternative security pouch is centered along and beneath the top side of the front part of its kangaroo pouch. The smaller vertical height of the alternative security pouch may allow for its centering in the top half of its kangaroo pouch rather than being centered generally in its kangaroo pouch.

Referring again to the exemplary embodiment 10 and FIG. 2, the security pocket 14 preferably includes three elements: a front piece 30; a back piece 32; and a closing mechanism 34 may be referred to generally herein as the large pocket 12 or the “kangaroo pouch 12”, unless otherwise noted herein.

Referring again to the exemplary embodiment 10 and FIG. 2, the security pocket 14 preferably includes three elements: a front piece 30; a back piece 32; and a closing mechanism 34.

An alternative embodiment of the security pocket 14 may omit the closing mechanism 34. Another alternative embodiment of the security pocket 14 may omit having a separate back piece 32, and instead, may make use of part of the front panel 16 of the garment 11 that lies beneath or behind the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 of the sweatshirt 10 as the back piece of the security pocket 14. In that case, if a zipper (or other closing mechanism) is included in this alternative embodiment, the zipper (or other closing mechanism) may connect (in whole or in part) the front piece 30 of the security pocket 14 to that part of the front panel 16 of the garment 11 that lies beneath or behind the front piece 30 of the security pocket 14. Other embodiments may vary.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the security pocket 14 may omit having a separate front piece 30, and instead, may make use of part of the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 of the sweatshirt 10 as the front piece of the security pocket 14. In that case, if a zipper (or other closing mechanism) is included in this alternative embodiment, the zipper (or other closing mechanism) may connect (in whole or in part) the back piece 32 of the security pocket 14 to that part of the front part 18 of the large pocket 12 of the sweatshirt 10. Other embodiments may vary.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the front piece 30 and back piece 32 of the security pocket 14 may be secured to each other on three sides. Other embodiments may vary. In the exemplary embodiment 10, the fourth side of the security pocket 14 includes a closing mechanism 34 such as the zipper shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment 10, the closing mechanism 34 is positioned along most of the left side of the security pocket 14. Other embodiments may vary.

The three closed sides of the security pocket 14 may be secured in any appropriate manner. For example, the front piece 30 and back piece 32 pieces may be sewn together on three sides to form the security pocket 14. A second way of securing the three sides of the security pocket 14 is to sew both of its pieces 30, 32 along the three sides to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. In this second way, the security pocket 14 is attached to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. There is a third way of securing the three sides of the security pocket 14. The third way is to sew both of the pieces 30, 32 of the security pocket 14 along the three sides to the front part 18 of the kangaroo pouch 12. In this third way, the security pocket 14 is attached to the front part 18 of the kangaroo pouch 12.

In any of the three ways of securing the three closed sides of the security pocket 14 mentioned above, one or more of the sides may be “releasably” secured. By way of an example, one of the three sides may be secured in any appropriate manner so that a user may unsecure the side and gain entry into the inside of the security pocket 14.

Herein, the side of the security pocket 14 including a closing mechanism 34 is referred to as the “open” side for ease of distinction even though the closing mechanism 34 may be used to “close” the open side. Also, this nomenclature is used simply to distinguish the side with the closing mechanism and not to infer any further limitations.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the exemplary embodiment 10, the left (or back) side 35 of the zipper 34 (as viewed from the front of the garment 11) may be sewn or otherwise attached to the left side of the back piece 32 of the security pocket 14. The right (or front) side 37 of the zipper 34 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the left side of the front piece 30 of the security pocket 14. In this embodiment 10, the zipper 34 runs at least most of the length of the left side of the security pocket 14. Other embodiments may vary.

A user may gain entry into the interior 22 of the security pocket 14 from its side with the closing mechanism 34, which is the left side of the security pocket 14 as shown in FIG. 2. Other embodiments may vary. For example, an alternative embodiment may have an open side positioned on the right side of the security pocket 14 and/or otherwise. Yet other embodiments may have more than one open side, or may have a partially open side, each of which may or may not include one or more closing mechanisms for closing all or part of an open side.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user may unzip the zipper if it is zipped, and may use the resulting opening as an access to insert one or more items for storage within the security pocket and/or remove one or more items from the security pocket 14. The user may re-zip the zipper or not. The zipper may be completely unzipped, only partially zipped, or completely zipped. Other embodiments may vary.

Alternative and/or additional closing mechanisms may include a hook and loop (Velcro) closing, a button closing, a snap closing, a magnetic closing, a tie closing, etc. In this example, the zipper 34 runs most of the length of the left side of the security pocket 14, but other embodiments may vary by having a shorter zipper, a zipper that does not close the whole open side, etc.

As noted, the security pocket 14 is positioned on top of or in front of the lower portion of the front panel 16 of garment 11. The security pocket 14 may be attached to the front panel 16 of the garment 11 in any appropriate manner to achieve the purpose of the security pocket 14 and to keep it hidden within the kangaroo pouch 12 of the garment 11.

For example, as noted above, the secured three sides of the security pocket 14 may be sewn to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. Alternatively, only the top side or edge of the security pocket 14 may be attached to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. Another alternative may involve securing the top and bottom of the security pocket 14 to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. This may result in an additional “pocket” or “muff” created between the front panel 16 of the garment 11 and the back piece 32 of the security pocket 14. In another embodiment, one side of this additional pocket may include its own closing mechanism on one or both of its open sides. Other embodiments may vary.

Alternately, two of the top, bottom, right or left sides of the security pocket 14 may be secured to the front panel 16. Yet another alternative may secure three of the sides of the security pocket 14 and also secure the back piece of the security pocket on the side with the zipper or other closing mechanism 34. The other half of the zipper or other closing mechanism may be secured to the corresponding side of the front piece of the security pocket 14.

As yet another alternative, the security pocket 14 may be tacked at one or more points to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. The tacking may be the manner of attachment of the security pocket 14 or may be an additional manner of attachment. Tacking may be accomplished in any appropriate manner such as a few stitches, adhesive, snaps, etc.

The attachment of the security pocket 14 is described above with reference to attachment of the security pocket 14 to the front panel 16 of the garment 11. Alternative embodiments may instead attach the security pocket 14 to the inside or back of the front part 18 of the kangaroo pouch 12. Such alternative embodiments may vary in ways corresponding to one or more of the ways described above in which the security pocket 14 may be attached to the front panel 16 of the garment 11 including tacking used exclusively or in addition to another method of securing the security pocket 14 to the inside or back of the front part 18 of the kangaroo pouch 12.

Other embodiments may include attachment and/or tacking of the security pouch 14 to both the front panel 18 of the garment 11 and the kangaroo pouch 12.

Further, an alternative embodiment may include a releasable attachment of the security pocket 14 to the garment 11 or kangaroo pouch 12 in such a way that a user may be able to remove the security pocket 14 from the kangaroo pouch 12 of the garment 11. This embodiment may allow for the return of a removed the security pocket 14 to its original place in the kangaroo pouch 12.

Advantageously, the security pocket 14 may include one or more features that may facilitate the storage of one or more objects. These features may be disposed on the inside of the security pocket 14. For example, the security pocket 14 may include an interior elastic band. It may be extended by a user for the insertion of a device such as a mobile phone under the elastic band. Once released by the user, the elastic band may snap back to better restrain the mobile phone than if it were just inserted into the interior of the security pocket 14.

Also, the security pocket 14 may include a ring and/or other device for the attachment of a key or a key ring. In addition, the security pocket 14 may include a loop and/or other device to hold a pen or pencil and/or the like in a relatively fixed position within security pocket. Other embodiments may include alternative or additional features.

The security pocket 14 may, in addition, or in the alternative, include one or more features to aid in securing a gun, or the like, inside the security pocket. Like items may include personal tear gas canisters, pepper spray, light/sound alarms, knives, etc. The one or more features may include a cradle for an element(s) of a gun such as a nozzle, and/or other features to hold a gun in a relatively secure position within the security pocket 14. For example, the interior of the security pocket 14 may be criss-crossed or otherwise patterned with elastic bands so the gun and/or other object may be held relatively securely within the security pocket 14.

In addition to features inside the security pocket 14, it may have features for the retention or securing of one or more objects on its outside or outer walls. These may include the features mentioned above, and/or alternative features.

Depending on the attachment of the security pocket 14, the garment 11 may have more than the KP/SP pockets including the security pocket 14 and the kangaroo pouch 12. Thus, the embodiment 10 is not to be limited by the title or name used for it herein as the KP/SP pocket embodiment. Moreover, depending on the attachment of the security pocket 14, there may be features included on either or both of the outside pieces of the security pocket 14 such as elastic bands, cradles, smaller pockets or pouches, etc.

The security pocket 14 may be made of any appropriate material(s). An embodiment of the invention may provide a waterproof material for the security pocket 14 in whole or in part.

The KP/SP pocket embodiment 10 is described above as having a kangaroo pouch 12 with security pocket 14 disposed on the front of the garment 11. An alternative embodiment may have a kangaroo pouch and security pocket similarly configured, but disposed on the back of a garment, and/or other location(s) on the garment.

In sum, the KP/SP pocket embodiment 10 may provide a garment 11 with a kangaroo pouch 12, which may hide a security pocket 14 that may hold objects relatively securely.

Embodiment 40 with Kangaroo Pouch and Beverage Pocket—KP/BP Embodiment—FIGS. 3A-3I, 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C

Another exemplary embodiment 40 of the invention relates to a garment 41 having a large pocket 42 such as the kangaroo pouch 12 described above, but that may substantially “hide” a pocket 48 different from the security pocket 14 described above in connection with the KP/SP embodiment. The “different” pocket 48 may be used to hold a beverage container such as a bottle of water or can of soda, etc. Of course, the pocket 48 may be used to hold other items such as a flashlight, umbrella, etc., and is not to be limited to holding a beverage container. But for ease of reference, the pocket 48 is referred to herein as a “beverage pocket” 48. This embodiment 40 is referred to herein as the “KP/BP embodiment 40.” The interpretation of this embodiment 40, however, should not be limited by its title or name. Again, the term “substantially” is to be included in any reference to a “hidden” pocket or pockets.

As noted the KP/BP embodiment 40 may include a garment 41, such as the hooded pullover sweatshirt shown in FIG. 3. Garment 41 may be the same type of sweatshirt as shown in FIG. 1, in whole or in part, or a different garment. As with the KP/SP embodiment 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, the KP/BP embodiment 40 described in connection with FIGS. 3A-3I, 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C may include a garment or part of a garment other than a hooded pullover sweatshirt.

FIG. 3A shows the KP/BP embodiment 40 having a relatively large pocket 42 (such as the kangaroo pouch 12 described above in connection with FIG. 1) positioned over the lower part of a front panel 46 of the garment 41. Advantageously, the large pocket 42 in the KP/BP embodiment 40 may substantially hide the beverage pocket 48.

FIGS. 3B-3I show alternate views of the KP/BP embodiment 40, but with a beverage can inserted into the beverage pocket 48 in FIGS. 3B, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G. FIG. 3B is an alternate front view of KP/BP embodiment 40. FIG. 3C is a back view of KP/BP embodiment 40. FIG. 3D is a top view of KP/BP embodiment 40. FIG. 3E is a bottom view of KP/BP embodiment 40. FIG. 3F is a right side view of KP/BP embodiment 40. FIG. 3G is a left side view of KP/BP embodiment 40. FIG. 3H is a close up view of the pocket 42 of KP/BP embodiment 40 without the beverage can. FIG. 3I is a left side view of the KP/BP embodiment 40 without the beverage can. Figures similar to FIGS. 3B-3I may be found in commonly owned, co-pending, United States Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/539,578, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 15, 2015, entitled Garment with Pockets, and incorporated herein by reference.

In alternate embodiments, the inclusion of the beverage pocket 48 in garment 41 may provide for one or additional pockets based on the configuration of the large pocket 42 and/or the smaller pocket 48. The one or more additional pockets are not shown in the figures nor further described in detail herein. The one or more additional pockets are noted herein as a possibility for configurations of another embodiment(s) of the invention. For example, the smaller pocket 48 may be attached on its top and bottom sides to the front panel 46 of the garment 41 or to the inside of the large pocket 42. The top and bottom attachment of the smaller pocket 48 may allow for the creation of a pocket that may be accessed through the smaller pocket's left and right sides as a muff might be accessed. Other embodiments may vary.

In the exemplary embodiment 40, the garment 41 includes a front panel 46 as noted, which may serve as the “back” of the kangaroo pouch 42. The beverage pocket 48 of the embodiment 40 may be positioned in front of the front panel 46 of the garment 41 and underneath or behind the front or outer part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. The positions of the respective pockets 42, 48 are described further in the following section with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of the respective positions of some elements of the embodiment 40 taken from the side and along the line marked 51-51′ in FIG. 3A. These elements, as shown left to right in FIG. 4, include:

A part of the front panel 46 of the garment 41 (which serves as the back of the kangaroo pouch 42 in this embodiment 40, other embodiments may vary);

The beverage pocket 48 in a substantially closed position; and

The front or outer part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42.

In particular, FIG. 4 shows a side view of the elements named above with the cross section taken along the line 51-51′ marked in FIG. 3A from about the center top of the kangaroo pouch 42 to about its center bottom.

Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates that beverage pocket 48 is positioned between the front panel 46 of the garment 41 and the front or outer part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42 of the garment 41. Other embodiments may vary.

Another embodiment of the invention may provide a separate “back” (not shown) for the kangaroo pouch 42 that is not the front panel 46 of the garment 41. In that case, the beverage pocket 48 may be positioned in front of the front panel 46 of the garment 41, but behind the back of the kangaroo pouch 42.

In exemplary embodiment 40 shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the kangaroo pouch 42 may substantially hide the beverage pocket 48. It may be substantially hidden because at least the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42 is larger in area (width and height) than the beverage pocket 48, and because the beverage pocket 48 is positioned substantially entirely behind the front or outer part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. Other embodiments may vary.

FIG. 3A shows beverage pocket 48 in ghost form beneath the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42 of the garment 41. The beverage pocket 48 may be generally rectangular in shape and may be longer than it is wide. In embodiment 40, the size of the beverage pocket 48 may be sized big enough to accommodate a 12-ounce bottle or can of soda or other beverage. Other embodiments may vary.

As may be better seen in FIG. 4, the beverage pocket 48 and the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42 have generally horizontally aligned top sides. The top side of the beverage pocket 48 is centered substantially along the top side of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. Other embodiments may vary.

In embodiment 40, the beverage pocket 48, as noted, lies between the front panel 46 of the garment 41 and the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. The top of the beverage pocket 48 is aligned generally with the top of the kangaroo pocket 42. However, in contrast to the top of the kangaroo pocket 52, the top of the beverage pocket 48 may open or may be openable. In other words, a beverage container or other item may be inserted into the beverage pocket 48 from its top 62, which lies along the top of the kangaroo pocket 42.

The configuration of the beverage pocket 48 is now explained. The beverage pocket 48 includes a front section 52, a back section 54, and a bottom section 56. The back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48 may be secured at least along its top side to part of the front panel 46 of the garment 41. Specifically, the top side of the back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48 may be secured to a part of the front panel 46 of the garment 41 so that the top side of the back section 54 is generally aligned with the top side of the kangaroo pocket 42. In embodiment 40, the top side of the back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48 is secured along its entire width to a part of the front panel 46 of the garment 41. Other embodiments may vary.

As noted, the beverage pocket 48 includes a front section 52 as well as a back section 54. The front section 52 is not secured substantially to the back section 54. The front and back sections 52, 54 are not secured to allow for entry into the beverage pocket 48 from the top. The front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48 may be secured along its top side to a corresponding part of the top side of the kangaroo pouch 42.

To create a pocket, the front and back sections 52, 54 of the beverage pocket 48 are secured to each other at least along their respective left and right sides. In an alternative embodiment, the front and back sections (or walls) of the beverage pocket 48 may be secured to each other along their bottom sides. Thus, the beverage pocket 48 is formed so that an object or item may be inserted into the top of the beverage pocket 48, which also aligns with a part of the top side of the kangaroo pocket 42.

In embodiment 40, the beverage pocket 48 is connected to the front panel 46 of the garment 41 only at the top side of the back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48. The beverage pocket 48 is connected to a part of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42 only at the top side of the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48. Thus, the beverage pocket 48 in this embodiment “hangs” from its top connections. In other words, the beverage pocket 48 in embodiment 40 is independent of the garment 41 and the kangaroo pouch 42 except where the beverage pocket's top sides (top sides of the front and back sections 52, 54) connect respectively to the garment 41 and kangaroo pouch 42. Other embodiments may vary.

In a conventional kangaroo pocket on a garment, the top of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket is attached generally in its entirety (whole top width) to the front panel of the garment. In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment 40, the top of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42 is not attached along its entirety or width to the front panel 46 of the garment 41. Rather, the top side of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42 is attached to the front panel 46 of the garment 41 only where there is no part of the beverage pocket 48 positioned between the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42 and the front panel 46 of the garment 42. Given that the top side of the beverage pocket 48 is generally centered along the top side of the kangaroo pocket 42, the parts of the top side of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42 attached to the front panel 46 of the garment 41 are the parts of the top side of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42 that do not overlay the beverage pocket 48. The middle top of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42 covering the beverage pocket 48 is connected in this embodiment to the top side of the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48 instead of to the front panel 46 of the garment 41 as would be the case in a conventional kangaroo pocket.

Embodiments of the invention, however, may be differently configured than explained above. For example, an embodiment may provide that part of the front panel of the garment serve as the back section of a beverage pocket instead of having an independent or separate back section. Yet another embodiment may provide that part of the kangaroo pocket 42 functions as the front section of a beverage pocket instead of having an independent or separate front section. A further embodiment may have no separate beverage pocket elements, but provide that part of the front panel of the garment and part of the kangaroo pocket be connected so as to provide a beverage pocket within the kangaroo pouch.

In embodiment 40, the positioning of the beverage pocket 48 with respect to the kangaroo pouch 42 may provide an advantage. This advantage is that the beverage pocket 48 may avoid (at least in part) being pulled down as readily from its original position when a relatively heavy item such as a full can of soda is inserted into the beverage pocket 48. The advantage may be provided by the alignment of the top sides or edges of the kangaroo pouch 42 and the beverage pocket 48.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C provide views of the beverage pocket 48 of the KP/BP embodiment 40 without the other elements of the garment 41. FIG. 5A is a slightly exploded perspective view of the beverage pocket 48 in a mostly folded or closed configuration. The beverage pocket 48 may take this configuration or a more folded configuration when it does not contain a beverage container and/or other object. FIG. 5B shows the beverage pocket 48 in an open (at least partially) configuration. The beverage pocket 48 may take this configuration when it contains a beverage container and/or other object. Alternate embodiments of the invention may omit the bottom of the beverage pocket 48 and attach the front and back sections together along three sides including the bottom side. Yet other alternate embodiments may include a bottom and attach the front and back sections together along three sides including the bottom side with the bottom inside (folded or not) between the front and back sections.

FIG. 5C is a slightly exploded side view of beverage pocket 48. FIG. 5C compares to FIG. 5A. The beverage pocket 48 may take the configuration shown in FIG. 5C when it does not contain a beverage container and/or other object.

Particularly, in embodiment 40 as noted, beverage pocket 48 may be made up of three main connected elements: a front section 52, a back section 54, and a bottom section 56. All of the sections 52, 54, 56 may be made of the same material, or they may vary from one or both of the others in whole or in part. For example, an embodiment may have a bottom section 56 of a heavier material than the front and back sections 52, 54. As another example, the front section 52, the back section 54, and the bottom section 56 may be integrally made or made of one piece of material that is folded or otherwise configured into the sections 52, 54, 56 as described and shown herein. Other embodiments may vary.

All three sections 52, 54, 56 of the beverage pocket 48 are substantially rectangular in shape in embodiment 40. Other embodiments may vary. Front section 52 and back section 54 are about the same size and shape in exemplary beverage pocket 48. Other embodiments may vary. In embodiment 40, the front and back sections 52, 54 are taller or longer than they are wide. By being taller than they are wide, the front and back sections 52, 54 of beverage pocket 48 may correspond better to the size of a can or bottle.

The bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 may have two long sides and two short sides. The long sides of the bottom section 56 are about the same length as the short or width sides of the front and back sections 52, 54 of the beverage pocket 48.

As noted previously, the sections 52, 54, 56 of the beverage pocket 48 are connected to each other. The bottom short side of the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48 is connected to a long side of the bottom section 56. As noted above, the top short side of the front section 52 is connected to a part of the top side or edge of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42. This connection is not shown in FIG. 5A, 5B, or 5C, but may be seen in FIG. 4.

Similarly, the bottom short side of the back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48 is connected to the long side of the bottom section 56 not connected to the front section 54. As noted above, the top short side of the back section 54 is connected to a part of the front panel 46 of the garment 41. This connection is not shown in FIG. 5A, 5B, or 5C, but may be seen in FIG. 4.

In this embodiment 40, the bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 is further configured with respect to the front section 52 and back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48. Advantageously, this further configuration of the bottom section 56 may aid in better containing a can or bottle or other item than previous beverage pockets.

The further configuration of the bottom section 56 is now explained. As noted, the bottom section 56 in this embodiment is generally rectangular, but the same general configuration or structure of a bottom section may be carried out with a bottom section of another shape. In this embodiment 40, the bottom section 56 folds in half along its length (long sides) when the beverage pocket 48 is not in use by holding a container or other object that distends the beverage pocket 48 from its empty position. The bottom section 56 folds in half so that the resulting folded edge of the bottom section 56 lies between the front section 52 and the back section 54; in other words, inside the beverage pocket 48. The positioning of the folded bottom section 56 with respect to the other sections 52, 54 may be seen in FIG. 5C. It is a slightly exploded side view of the beverage pocket 48. The positioning of the folded bottom section 56 also may be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5C shows the bottom section 56 as an inverted “V” shape between the front section 52 and back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48. The “apex” or point where the “arms” of the “V” come together represents the folded edge of the bottom section 56. The folded edge lies between the front and back sections 52, 54, and thus, inside the beverage pocket 48. For ease of reference, the “V” shape in the embodiments herein is simply referred to as a “V” shape rather than upside down or inverted “V” shape. Other embodiments may include a bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 positioned or folded in other ways such as into a “W” shape, etc. Yet other embodiments may include a bottom section that does not have a folded edge(s). Other embodiments may vary.

Referring again to the “V” shape of the bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 seen in FIG. 5C, the ends of the arms of the “V” opposite to its apex or point represent the respective long sides of the bottom section 56. The long sides of the bottom section 56 are respectively connected (as explained above) to the bottom short sides of the front and back sections 52, 54.

The “V” positioning of the bottom section 56 results in the folded edge of the bottom section 56 being generally parallel to the unfolded long sides of the bottom section 56. As noted, the “V” positioning of the bottom section 56 positions the bottom section 56 to lie between the front section 52 and bottom 54, and thus, inside the beverage pocket 48.

The “V” positioning of the bottom section 56 may be held in place in the exemplary embodiment by stitching 60a, 60b shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. The inverted “V” shape of the bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 may be held in place by stitching 60a on the left side and stitching 60b on the right side of the beverage pocket 48. The term “stitching” refers herein to sewing or stitches. Other embodiments may vary in securing the elements of the beverage pocket 48. “Stitching” should be interpreted to include all manners of securing the elements of the beverage pocket 48 in the configuration(s) mentioned herein in embodiment 40 and/or in alternative embodiments.

The stitching 60a, 60b in the exemplary embodiment 40 connects the respective right and left long sides of the front and back sections 52, 54, thereby connecting the front and back sections to each other to make the front and back walls of the beverage pocket 48. As noted, the “V” positioning of the bottom section 56 results in the bottom section 56 being positioned between the front section 52 and back section 54. The stitching 60a, 60b of the right and left long sides of the front and back sections 52, 54 captures the respective short sides of the bottom section 56 in their “V” configuration and holds the bottom section 56 in its “V” shape at least along the long sides of the front and bottom sections 52, 54.

As may be seen in FIG. 5B, the long sides of the bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 are not substantially captured by the stitching 60a, 60b along the right and left long sides of the front and back sections 52, 54. Advantageously, the result is that the bottom section 56 may “open” out of its “V” along that part of the bottom section that is not stitched between the right and left long sides of the front and back sections 52, 54. For example, the bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 may open out of its “V” positioning when an object such as a can or bottle is inserted into the beverage pocket 48. By opening up, the part of the bottom section 56 making up the “V” that is not stitched may provide an area of support for the bottom of an item such as a water bottle inserted into the beverage pocket 48.

When the object or item is removed from the beverage pocket, the stitching of the “V” along the short sides of bottom section 56 may “pull” the expanded or distended part of the bottom section 56 of the beverage pocket 48 back into its “V” shape. In other words, when the item is removed (in whole or partially) from the beverage pocket 48 so the bottom section 56 is no longer extended or distended, the part of the bottom section 56 that had unfolded may “re-fold” (entirely or in part) into its empty “V” position. The “re-folding” may occur as a result of the draw or pull of the stitchings 60a, 60b on the right and left sides of the beverage pocket 48.

Thus, the beverage pocket 48 in embodiment 40 is “closed” on three sides, but open at its top 62. Particularly, the front section 52 and back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48 are connected to each other along their left and right respective sides by stitchings 60a, 60b, but are not connected to each other along their respective top sides. The lack of connection between the front and back sections 52, 54 at their respective top sides makes the opening at the top 62 of the beverage pocket 48. In this embodiment 40, the opening at the top 62 extends the substantially the entire width or short sides of the front and back sections 52, 54. Other embodiments may vary. For example, another embodiment may have a top opening of the beverage pocket that does not extend the width of the front and back sections.

Advantageously, the top 62 of the beverage pocket 48 may be closed by a closing feature such as the hook and loop (Velcro™) tabs 64a, 64b shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B. The tabs 64a, 64b may be disposed respectively on the front section 52 and the back section 54 of the beverage pocket 48 near their respective top sides so the top 62 of the beverage pocket 48 may be releasably closed and/or opened. Other embodiments may vary. The closing feature in embodiment 40 includes Velcro™ tabs 64a, 64b that are smaller than the top opening 62 of the beverage pocket 48. The result of the closing feature being smaller than the top opening 62 is that the top opening 62 may fail to be completely closed along the entire width of the top opening 62. An alternative embodiment may include a closing feature that completely closes the top opening 62. Other embodiments may vary. For example, a zipper, button, snap, and/or magnet may be used instead of hook and loop tabs 64a, 64b.

Advantageously, the embodiment 40 may include an aid 69 for the user in opening the beverage pocket 48. To aid a user in opening the beverage pocket 48 from its closed position (whether the beverage includes a closing feature or not), embodiment 40 includes a tab 69 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4. The tab 69 may be conveniently positioned so that a user or wearer may pull the tab 69 away from the front of the garment 41 to open (or more fully open) the beverage pocket 48. Specifically, the tab 69 may be positioned on or near the top side center front or outer part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. By being centered along the top side of the outer part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42, the tab 69 may be centered along the center top of the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48. As noted previously, the top side of the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48 is connected to a part of the top side or top side edge of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. With the tab 69 connected to the center top side of the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42, pulling the tab 69 away from the wearer may result in pulling the top side of the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48 away from the top side of the back section 54 of the beverage pocket, thereby opening or more fully opening the beverage pocket 48 at its top.

Other embodiments may include one or more other aids to the user in opening and/or closing the top of the beverage pocket 48. In this embodiment 40, the tab 69 may be made of a loop of twill fabric that may be small enough to be unobtrusive with respect to the ornamentation of the garment 41, but may be large enough to be grasped between two fingers of a user to pull the beverage pocket open. In an embodiment, a tab such as tab 69 may be sewn into position between the front section 52 of the beverage pocket 48 and the front panel 50 of the kangaroo pocket 42. Other embodiments may vary.

The KP/BP embodiment 40 is described above as having a kangaroo pouch 42 with beverage pocket 48 disposed on the front of the garment 41. An alternative embodiment may have a kangaroo pouch and beverage pocket similarly configured, but disposed on the back of a garment, and/or other location(s) on the garment. For example, a similar configuration of a kangaroo pouch and beverage pocket may be placed just below the front opening of a hood of a poncho.

In sum, an embodiment 40 of the invention as shown in FIG. 3A provides a beverage pocket 48 that may be substantially hidden from view behind the front part 50 of the kangaroo pouch 42. In other words, even with the inclusion of a beverage pocket 48, the KP/BP embodiment 40 may look like any other ordinary garment of the same type, but include the hidden beverage pocket 48.

Embodiment 80 with Kangaroo Pouch, Security Pocket, and Beverage Pocket—KP/SP/BP Embodiment—FIGS. 6 and 7

Another exemplary embodiment 80 of the invention relates to a garment 81 having a large pocket 82 such as the kangaroo pouches 12, 42 described above in connection with embodiments 10, 40, but that may, in addition, substantially “hide” two or more pockets such as a security pocket 84 and a beverage pocket 88. The security pocket 84 of this embodiment 80 may compare to the security pocket 14 described above in connection with embodiment 10 and FIGS. 1-2, or the security pocket 84 may differ in one or more aspects from security pocket 14. The beverage pocket 88 of this embodiment 80 may compare to the beverage pocket 48 described above in connection with embodiment 40 and FIGS. 3A-3I, 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C, or the beverage pocket 88 may differ in one or more aspects from beverage pocket 48.

The embodiment 80 is referred to herein as the “KP/SP/BP embodiment 80.” The interpretation of this embodiment 80, however, should not be limited by its title or name. Again, the term “substantially” is to be included in any reference to a “hidden” pocket or pockets.

As noted the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 may include a garment 81, such as the hooded pullover sweatshirt shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A. Garment 81 may be the same type of sweatshirt as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, but with the addition of the security pocket 84 and the beverage pocket 88 as described below. As with the KP/SP embodiment 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, and the KP/BP embodiment 40 described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3I, 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C, the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 described in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7 may include a garment other than a hooded pullover sweatshirt.

FIG. 6 shows the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 having a relatively large pocket 82 (such as the kangaroo pouch 12 described above in connection with FIG. 1 or the kangaroo pouch 42 described above in connection with FIG. 3A) positioned over the lower part of a front panel 86 of the garment 81. The large pocket 82 in the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 may substantially hide two (or more) pockets. The inclusion of these two pockets may provide for additional pockets based on the configuration of the large pocket 82 and/or the two pockets.

In the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80, a kangaroo pouch 82 may be provided as the large pocket and configured as described above in connection with the kangaroo pouch 12 of the KP/SP embodiment 10, the kangaroo pouch 42 of the KP/BP embodiment 40, and/or alternative pockets.

As one of the other two pockets in the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80, a security pocket 84 may be provided. The security pocket 84 may be substantially the same as the security pocket 14 described above in connection with embodiment 10. Other embodiments may vary.

As a third pocket in the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80, a beverage pocket 88 may be provided. The beverage pocket 88 may be substantially the same as the beverage pocket 88 described above in connection with embodiment 40. Other embodiments may vary.

More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment 80, the garment 81 includes a front panel 86 as noted, part of which may serve as the “back” of the kangaroo pouch 82. The security pocket 84 may be positioned in front of at least part of that part of the front panel 86 of the garment 81 that serves as the back of the kangaroo pouch 82.

The beverage pocket 88 of the embodiment 80 may be positioned in front of at least part of the security pocket 84 and underneath or behind the front or outer part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82. The positioning of the respective pockets is described below with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross section side view of the respective positions of some elements of the embodiment 80 taken from the side and along the line marked 91-91′ shown in FIG. 7. These elements, as shown left to right in FIG. 7, include:

- A part of the front panel 86 of the garment 81 (which serves as the back of the kangaroo pouch 82 in this embodiment 80);
- The security pocket 84; The beverage pocket 88 in a substantially closed position; and

The front or outer part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82.

In particular, FIG. 7 shows a side view of these elements with the cross section taken along the line 91-91′ marked in FIG. 6 from about the center top of the kangaroo pouch 82 to about its center bottom.

Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates that security pocket 84 is positioned between the front panel 86 of the garment 81 and the beverage pocket 88. Beverage pocket 88 is positioned between the security pocket 84 and the front or outer part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82 of the garment 81. Other embodiments may vary. For example, the security pocket 84 and beverage pocket 88 may be reversed in position in another embodiment.

In exemplary embodiment 80, the kangaroo pouch 82 may substantially hide both the security pocket 84 and the beverage pocket 88. The security pocket 84 and the beverage pocket 88 may be substantially hidden because at least the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82 is larger in area (width and height) than the other pockets 84, 88, and because the other pockets 84, 88 are positioned substantially entirely behind the front or outer part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 42. Other embodiments may vary. For example, one or another of the pockets 84, 88 may be hidden substantially behind the kangaroo pouch 82 and not the other.

FIG. 6 shows beverage pocket 88 in ghost form beneath the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82 of the garment 81. Pocket 88 may compare to beverage pocket 48 of embodiment 40. The beverage pocket 88 may be generally rectangular in shape and may be longer than it is wide. In embodiment 80, the size of the beverage pocket 88 may be sized big enough to accommodate a 12-ounce bottle or can of soda or other beverage. Other embodiments may vary.

FIG. 6 also shows security pocket 84 in ghost form beneath or behind the beverage pocket 88, which is beneath or behind the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82 of the garment 81. Pocket 84 may compare to security pocket 48 of embodiment 40. The security pocket 84 may be generally rectangular in shape and may be longer than it is wide. In embodiment 80, the size of the security pocket 84 is larger than the beverage pocket 88. Other embodiments may vary.

As may be seen in FIG. 7, the security pocket 84, the beverage pocket 88, and the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82 have generally horizontally aligned top sides or top side edges. Other embodiments may vary.

In embodiment 80, the top side of the security pocket 84 is approximately centered along the top edge of the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82. The top side of the beverage pocket 88 also is approximately centered along the top edge of the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 81. Thus, the beverage pocket 88 is approximately centered along the top side of the security pocket 44 as well. Other embodiments may vary such as in placement of these elements.

In embodiment 80, the positioning of the beverage pocket 88 with respect to the security pocket 84 and the kangaroo pouch 82 may provide an advantage. This advantage may be that the beverage pocket 88 is not pulled down substantially from its original position towards the bottom of the garment 81 when a relatively heavy item such as a full bottle of soda is inserted into the beverage pocket 88. The advantage may be provided by the alignment of the top sides of the kangaroo pouch 82, the security pocket 84, and the beverage pocket 88, the alignment of the top sides of the security pocket 4 and beverage pocket 88 may provide the advantage, or the alignment of the top sides of the beverage pocket 88 and the kangaroo pouch 82.

Like the previous beverage pocket 48 described above, the beverage pocket 88 of embodiment 80 is “closed” on three of its sides, but open at its top 102. Particularly, the front section 92 and back section 94 of the beverage pocket 88 may be connected to each other along their left and right respective sides by stitchings (not shown in FIG. 6 or 7). The front section 92 and back section 94 of the beverage pocket 88 are not connected to each other along their respective tops.

Advantageously, the top 102 of the beverage pocket 48 may be closed by a closing feature as described above in connection with embodiment 40. Other embodiments may vary.

To aid a user in opening the beverage pocket 88 from its closed position (whether the beverage includes a closing feature or not), embodiment 80 includes a tab 109 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The tab 109 of embodiment 80 compares to the tab 69 of embodiment 40. Other embodiments may vary.

FIG. 6 shows that the beverage pocket 88, when its top 102 is closed or when nothing distends the beverage pocket 88 from its closed position, may be substantially hidden from view behind the front part 90 of the kangaroo pouch 82. The security pocket 84 of the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 also is hidden from view in its position behind the beverage pocket 88. In other words, even with the inclusion of a security pocket 84 and a beverage pocket 88, the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 may look like any other ordinary garment of the same type but with hidden pockets.

As noted, the beverage pocket 88 shown in association with KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 may accommodate or store an item of a size such as a 12-ounce can or bottle of soda, etc. Among the reasons that the beverage pocket 88 may store such a three dimensional object is the inverted “V” shape of the bottom section 96 of the beverage pocket 88. Embodiment 80 includes the same inverted “V” shape for the bottom section 96 of its beverage pocket 88 as that of the beverage pocket 48 of embodiment 40.

In particular, the bottom section 96 of the beverage pocket 88 of embodiment 80 may be folded in half and positioned in an inverted “V” configuration between the front section 92 and the back section 94 of the beverage pocket 88. The respective long bottom sides of the bottom section 96 are attached to the respective bottom short sides of the front section 92 and the back section 94. The long sides of the front section 92 and back section 94 may be connected to each other such as with stitchings as described above in connection with embodiment 40 so that the inverted “V” fold of the bottom section 96 is included between the front section 92 and the back section 94.

When an item such as a soda bottle is inserted into the beverage pocket 88, the unstitched part of the bottom section 96 may expand from its folded position 96 to an unfolded position. The “accommodating” unfolded position may be a position between a folded position to a completely unfolded or flat position, which may depend on the size of the inserted item.

Upon removal of the inserted item, the bottom section 96 may return to its folded position 96. The bottom section 96 may return to its folded position because there is no item to distend or “unfold” the folded bottom section 96. The stitchings may pull the bottom section 96 into its inverted “V” position when nothing distends the bottom section 96. The inverted “V” stitched sides of the bottom section 96 may remain in their respective inverted “V” position whether an item is inserted into the beverage pocket 88 or not.

Like beverage pocket 48 in embodiment 40, the beverage pocket 88 of embodiment 80 may be made of any appropriate material. It may be advantageous to have one or more of the sections 92, 94, 96 of the beverage pocket 98 be made of a material with some “stretch” so as to accommodate at least in part the insertion and removal of an item(s) from the beverage pocket 88.

The positioning of the beverage pocket 88 of embodiment 80 with respect to some of the other elements of the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 is now further described. As noted, in the exemplary embodiment 80, the top side 102 of the beverage pocket 88 may be centered along and aligned with the top sides of the security pocket 84 and the kangaroo pouch 82. A user may open the top 102 of the beverage pocket 88 from the top of the kangaroo pouch 82 to insert an item or to remove an item from the beverage pocket 88. A user may access the security pocket 84 of embodiment 80 by entering the opening of the kangaroo pouch 82 nearest the opening of the security pocket 84. If the opening of the security pocket 84 is secured, the user may open the secured opening (such as by unzipping the zipper that may be used to secure the security pocket 84). Once the security pocket 84 is open, the user may access the interior of the security pocket 84.

With respect to the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80, the top side of the kangaroo pouch 82 may be attached to the security pocket 84 and the front panel 86 of the garment 81 but for an exception. The exception has to do with that part of the kangaroo pouch 82 that is attached to the top side of the front section 92 of the beverage pocket 88. The part of the top side of the kangaroo pouch 82 that is attached to the front section 92 of the beverage pocket is not attached to the front panel 86 of the garment 81.

With the security pocket 84 positioned (as described above and shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) between the front panel 86 of the garment 81 and the beverage pocket 88, and with the security pocket 84, beverage pocket 88, and kangaroo pouch 82 all having their respective tops generally aligned and approximately centered with respect to each other, the attachment of the kangaroo pouch 82 to the front panel 86 (with the exception noted) includes attachment to the security pouch 84. More particularly, rather than being attached completely to the front panel 86 of the garment 81, the part of the top side of the kangaroo pouch 82 corresponding to the opening 102 of the beverage pocket 88 may be attached to the top of the front section 92 of the beverage pocket 88 rather than to the front panel 86 of the garment 81. The back section 94 of the beverage pocket 88 may be attached to the garment 81 by being attached to the top side of the security pouch 84 and/or to the front panel 96 of the garment 81. Other embodiments may vary.

As noted, the positioning and attachment of the beverage pocket 88 at its top side between the security pocket 84 and the front of the kangaroo pouch 82 may result in the advantage that the beverage pocket 88 may resist at least somewhat the downwards pull exerted on it when an item of some weight such as a full beverage container is inserted into the beverage pocket 88. The result of the resistance may be that beverage pocket 88 is hidden (substantially or in part) even with the inserted object. Other results of the resistance may be a more comfortable fit for the user, less wear and tear on the garment 81, as well as other advantages.

Thus, a user may wear the KP/SP/BP embodiment 80 and be able to store an item(s) respectively in the kangaroo pouch 82, the security pocket 84, and/or the beverage pocket 88. The user may access the interior of the kangaroo pouch 82, in this embodiment 80, respectively from its left and right sides. The user, however, may access the interior of the beverage pocket 88 in the embodiment 80 only from the top of the beverage pocket 88. Other embodiments may vary.

An Alternative KP/SP/BP Embodiment—FIG. 8

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment of the invention. It shares many of the same features as embodiment 40. FIG. 8 is an exploded cross section side view of the respective positions of some elements of the alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment taken from the side and along the line marked 91-91′ shown in FIG. 6 (except with the respect to the re-positioned security pocket 104 in the alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment). These elements, as shown left to right in FIG. 8, include:

- A part of the front panel 106 of the garment 101 (which serves as the back of the kangaroo pouch 103 in this alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment);
- The security pocket 104;
- The beverage pocket 108 in a substantially open position containing a bottle of water 105; and
- The front or outer part 110 of the kangaroo pouch 103.

Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates that the beverage pocket 108 is located behind the front or outer part 110 of the kangaroo pouch 103 of the garment 101. The top sides of the beverage pocket 108 and the top side of the front part 110 of the kangaroo pouch 103 are substantially aligned with each other like in embodiment 40.

Generally, the beverage pocket 108 may be compared to the beverage pocket 48 of embodiment 40. The beverage pocket 108 includes a front section 112, back section 114, and bottom section 116. The bottle of water 105 is supported inside the beverage pocket 108 at least in part by the bottom section 116. As seen in FIG. 8, the weight of the bottle of water 105 has distended the bottom section 116 of the beverage pocket 108 from its substantially folded undistended position. An intermediate distended position of the bottom section 116 is shown in ghost form by the dotted line 116′.

As in the beverage pocket 48, the front and back sections 112, 114 of beverage pocket 108 are connected to each other on their left and right sides (connections not shown in FIG. 8) to leave the top of the beverage pocket 108 as an opening into the beverage pocket 108. The connections of the left and right sides of the front and back sections 112, 114 of the beverage pocket 108 include connections respectively of the short sides of the bottom section 116 in a folded position as explained above in connection with embodiment 40. Thus, the distended beverage pocket 108 shown in FIG. 8 folds back to its empty position when the water bottle 105 is removed.

The water bottle 105, in this example, is longer than the beverage pocket 108. Thus, the top of the water bottle 105 protrudes from the top of the beverage pocket 108. Because the top of the water bottle 105 protrudes from the top of the beverage pocket 108, the kangaroo pouch 80 does not hide the top of the water bottle 105.

In this alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment, the security pocket 104 is positioned between the beverage pocket 108 and the front panel 106 of the garment 91. However, in this alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment, the top side of the security pocket 104 is not aligned with the top sides of the beverage pocket 108 and the kangaroo pouch 103. The top side of the security pocket 104 is positioned below the top sides of the beverage pocket 108 and the kangaroo pouch 103. The security pocket 104 is hidden from view by the kangaroo pouch 103, but the security pocket is not aligned at its top with the top of the front part 110 of the kangaroo pouch 103. Thus, in this alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment, there is no direct connection between the security pocket 84 and the beverage pocket 88.

Like in embodiments 10 and 30, in this alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment, the security pocket 104 has a back piece 118 and a front piece 120, but in this alternative embodiment, the front and back pieces 120, 118 are connected only along their top sides and their bottom sides. Thus, the security pocket 104 may be entered from the opening 122 on its right side or an opening on its left side (not shown in FIG. 8). Other embodiments may vary.

Embodiment 40 and this alternative KP/SP/BP embodiment have in common the positioning of a beverage pocket between a security pocket and the front part of the kangaroo pocket of the garments. Other embodiments may provide for different positioning such as the positioning of the security pocket in front of a beverage pocket. Other embodiments may vary.

The KP/SP/BP embodiments are described above as each having a kangaroo pouch with security pocket and beverage pocket disposed on the front of their respective garments. An alternative embodiment may have a kangaroo pouch and security pocket disposed on the back of a garment, and/or other location(s) on the garment.

In sum, the KP/SP/BP embodiments may provide a garment with a kangaroo pouch, which may hide a security pocket and a beverage pocket.

CONCLUSION

The exemplary embodiments of the invention were chosen and described above in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions including various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated. The examples provided herein are not intended as limitations of the present invention. Uses with other types of apparatus, devices, items, methods, and/or systems may be appropriate. Other embodiments will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

Garment with One or More Hidden Pockets

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