POCKET FOR STRETCHABLE LEGGINGS

Abstract

A pocketdf for a stretchable garment such as leggings may permit a smart phone to be used while within the pocket. A non-stretchable textile panel may permit a screen to be viewed while within the pocket and may permit touch inputs to be registered on the touchscreen. A stretchable frame may be affixed to the non-stretchable panel, and the stretchable frame may be affixed to a backing layer or directly to the stretchable garment. If provided, a backing layer may be affixed to the underlying stretchable garment.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to pockets for garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to pockets stretchable, form fitting garments that permit the use of a touch screen computing device, such as a smart phone, while the device is inside the pocket.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

While various types of form fitting garments have become popular for both athletic and leisure wear, one of the obstacles to the use of such garments is the difficulty of providing pockets within the garment to carry personal items. One personal item of particular importance in modern life is the smart phone and similar computing devices. These devices often enable a user to interact with the device via a touch sensitive screen. While many stretchable garments may be able to provide a small pocket to retain personal items such as a key, photo identification, or the like, the provision of a pocket large enough to retain a smart phone or similar device has proven challenging. Even more challenging has been providing a secure pocket that may permit a wearer of a stretchable garment to view an activated device screen and interact with the device via touch while the device is within the pocket.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides stretchable garments with pockets to retain a smart phone or similar device. In other examples, the present invention comprises a pocket that may be affixed to a stretchable garment that permits a wearer to insert a smart phone or similar device into the pocket and interact with the smart phone without removing it from the pocket. In yet further examples, the present invention comprises methods for constructing a pocket and/or affixing a pocket to a stretchable garment.

One example of a stretchable garment that may be used in conjunction with pockets in accordance with the present invention are “leggings” that may be used as lower body wear. Leggings and other stretchable garments may be formed from a stretchable textile, typically a textile containing a percentage of spandex, and the stretchable nature of the fabric permits the garment to conform to the body of the wearer. Many individuals find stretchable garments in general and leggings in particular to be extremely comfortable. By providing pockets that may be integrated into leggings, the practical use of leggings may be further expanded. The present invention may also be used to provide pockets on other types of stretchable garments, such as compression garments used for athletic training or competition, form fitting shorts, form fitting shirts, and the like.

In one example, the present invention may comprise a pocket affixed to a panel of a stretchable garment. The garment may be constructed of at least one stretchable fabric panel assembled to form a garment and donnable by a wearer. The pocket affixed to the garment may comprise a non-stretchable panel. The non-stretchable panel may be constructed of a textile or other material resistant to stretching, such as a chiffon woven polyester lacking spandex content that will resist stretching, particularly in comparison to a spandex-containing stretchable textile. The non-stretchable fabric panel may have a thickness small enough to permit touches by the fingers of a wearer to register as inputs upon a touch screen device, such as a smart phone, retained within the pocket with the screen facing the non-stretchable fabric panel. The non-stretchable fabric panel may have a length and a width extending substantially parallel to the stretchable garment to which the pocket is affixed. The length and width of the non-stretchable fabric panel may correspond to an anticipated screen size for a smart phone or similar device. The pocket may further comprise a stretchable frame affixed to the non-stretchable fabric panel on at least one side of the non-stretchable fabric panel. In some examples, the frame may be affixed around the entire perimeter of the non-stretchable fabric panel. Prior to affixing the frame to the non-stretchable fabric panel, one or more edge of the non-stretchable fabric panel may be treated to avoid tearing or fraying of the non-stretchable fabric panel due to being affixed to the frame. Examples of treatments that may be applied to one or more edge of a non-stretchable fabric panel are stitching, heat application to melt and at least partially fuse the yarns of the non-stretchable fabric panel along at least a portion of the perimeter of the panel, the application of adhesives, and/or the application of tapes or films. Optionally, a backing may be affixed to the frame. The backing may serve as an interior panel of the pocket and may be used to affix the pocket to the stretchable garment. In some examples, the backing may be used to form a secondary pocket between the backing and the fabric of the stretchable garment. Both the frame and the backing may be constructed of a stretchable fabric. For example, the frame and optional backing may be constructed of an omnidirectional stretchable fabric, such as a textile containing spandex, rubber, or other elastic fibers or yarns. In some examples, the backing and frame may be constructed of the same type of textile as the stretchable garment is constructed. A portion of at least one edge of the frame may be left open by not affixing that portion of the frame to the backing and/or the underlying garment to form a pocket opening, while the other edges of the frame may be affixed to at least one of the backing (if provided) and the stretchable textile of the underlying stretchable garment.

In other examples, the present invention may comprise a garment having a plurality of stretchable panels assembled to form a garment that conforms to the body of an individual wearing the garment when the garment is donned. The garment may have an interior surface that faces the skin of the individual wearing the garment when the garment is donned and an exterior surface facing away from the skin of the individual wearing the garment when the garment is donned. At least one pocket may be affixed to the exterior of the garment. The at least one pocket may have four sides, such as a bottom side, a top side, and two lateral sides. The dimensions between these sides may be selected to permit the insertion of a smart phone having a given size into the pocket. The pocket may further comprise a fabric panel that permits the registration of touch inputs by the screen of a touch sensitive device within the pocket. A frame may be secured to at least two sides of the fabric panel. The fabric panel may be constructed of a non-stretchable textile that permits touch inputs to be registered by the device through the panel. The frame may be constructed of a stretchable textile that is affixed to at least two sides of the fabric panel and further affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels forming the garment. The frame may be affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels forming the garment either directly or indirectly. One example of indirectly affixing the frame to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels forming the garment is through the use of a backing layer. A backing layer may be formed of the same type of stretchable textile material as the frame. In some examples, the backing and the frame may be formed from a single textile piece that is folded to form a pocket. In the case of using an optional backing panel, the backing panel may be affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels forming the garment while the frame is affixed to the backing panel, thereby indirectly affixing the frame and the non-stretchable fabric panel to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels.

In further examples, the present invention may comprise a method for forming a pocket on a stretchable garment. A stretchable garment may be constructed of a plurality of stretchable textile panels. For example, stretchable fabric panels may comprise a plurality of cut textile pieces containing a percentage of spandex fibers. Often, such textile panels may be knit. A pocket may be affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable panels either during the construction process of the garment or after the garment to which the pocket is to be affixed has been assembled. A pocket may be affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels by forming a backing panel and a frame from a stretchable fabric. In some examples the frame and the backing may be formed from discrete textile pieces, but in other examples the stretchable fabric used to form the backing panel and frame may comprise a single textile piece. In some examples the backing panel and frame may be formed of the same type of stretchable textile used two form the plurality of stretchable textile panels used to construct the stretchable garment. The backing panel may comprise a solid piece of stretchable fabric and the frame may comprise a portion of stretchable fabric having an opening corresponding to an anticipated screen of a smart phone or other touch sensitive computing device. A fabric panel may be formed from a non-stretchable fabric that permits touches made by a wearer of the stretchable garment to register on a touch screen device retained beneath the fabric panel when the pocket is assembled and the touch screen device is inserted into the pocket. One example of a suitable non-stretchable fabric panel may comprise a chiffon woven polyester textile. The edges of the non-stretchable fabric panel may be treated to increase their resilience and resistance to fraying. For example, an adhesive, a heat treatment, stitching, a film, and/or a tape may be applied to at least one edge of the non-stretchable fabric panel to prevent unraveling or tearing. The non-stretchable fabric panel may be affixed to the frame such that the fabric panel extends across the entirety of the opening provided within the frame. The fabric panel may be affixed to the frame using stitching, an adhesive, sonic welding, heat welding, adhesive films, or any other affixment mechanism. If a single piece of stretchable fabric is used to form both the backing panel and frame, the single piece of fabric may be formed and folded to create a layered arrangement for the pocket with the backing panel contacting the garment panels. The backing panel may be affixed to at least one of the garment panels prior to folding the frame portion over to form a pocket shape. In some examples the frame may be affixed to at least a portion of an underlying backing, for example using a stitch, such that the frame may be effectively affixed to the backing panel while the backing panel is simultaneously affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable panels making up the garment. At least a portion of at least one edge of the frame may be left unaffixed to the backing in order to provide an opening through which a smart phone may be inserted into the pocket that has been formed. In some examples, at least a portion of one edge of a backing panel may be left unaffixed to the underlying garment, thereby providing an additional pocket that may be used to retain keys, photo identification, cash, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are described in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a second example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention that may be affixed to a garment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention affixed to a fabric panel of a garment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a garment having a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a garment having a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention affixed to a garment and in use to retain a smart phone;

FIG. 8 illustrates a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates yet a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates yet a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates yet a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention integrating a zipper closure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention integrating a closure mechanism;

FIG. 14 illustrates a further example of a pocket in accordance with the present invention integrating a zipper closure;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary method in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a further exemplary method in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Pockets in accordance with the present invention may be affixed to a variety of stretchable garments, such as may be used for both activewear and leisurewear. Garments in accordance with the present invention may provide any number of pockets that permit a user to carry personal items and, in many examples, to carry and interact with a touchscreen device such as a smart phone retained within the pocket. The pockets in accordance with the present invention may be located at various positions upon the exterior of a stretchable garment. In many examples, a stretchable garment may comprise leggings, in which case a pocket in accordance with the present invention may be advantageously positioned on one or both thighs of the leggings such that a wearer may operate a smart phone retained within the pocket while in a seated position. However, pockets may be located at other positions upon leggings in accordance with the present invention, and pockets in accordance with the present invention may be affixed at various locations to stretchable garments other than leggings.

Generally speaking, a stretchable textile may comprise a percentage of spandex fibers, although other elastic materials, such as rubber or latex free elastics, may be used. Further, at least some stretchable textiles may be constructed a knit of various types, thereby permitting a mechanical stretching capacity in addition to the stretchability provided inherently by spandex fibers. A non-stretchable textile may contain no spandex and may often be woven. While a variety of fibers may be used in a stretchable or non-stretchable textile in accordance with the present invention, with some percentage of spandex being used in a stretchable textile, one exemplary fiber that may be used is polyester. However, nylon, cotton, blends of fibers, and other types of fibers may be used in textiles in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of one example of a pocket 100 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. A backing panel 110 may be formed from a stretchable textile. Backing panel 110 may be formed from the same type of textile used to form a stretchable garment to which pocket 100 will be affixed, but need not be. A non-stretchable panel 120 may permit a user to register touch inputs to a touchscreen device in contact with panel 120 within the fully assembled pocket 100. The perimeter edge 125 of non-stretchable panel 120 may be treated to strengthen the perimeter of panel 120 and to prevent fraying or wear. One example of a treatment to the perimeter 125 of panel 120 that may be used is to use heat, for example applied using a heated wire, to at least partially melt and fuse the yarns forming panel 120 around the perimeter 125. Other examples of treatments that may be applied to the perimeter o 125 of panel 120 are applying tape(s) or film(s) and stitching such as embroidery or cover stitching. If the non-stretchable panel 120 comprises a textile such as a chiffon woven polyester, the panel 120 may be orientated such that the weave is oriented substantially in alignment with the frame 130, i.e., such that the warp and weft yarns of the weave are substantially parallel to the sides of the frame 130.

Still referring to the example of FIG. 1, a frame 130 may provide an opening 132 smaller than the panel 120 in length and width such that when frame 130 is affixed to non-stretchable panel 120 as indicated by arrow 123 the frame 130 will expose a substantial portion, such as more than half, of the underlying non-stretchable panel. As further indicated by arrows 112, the non-stretchable panel 120 and frame 130 may be engaged with the backing panel 110. Frame 130 may be constructed of a stretchable textile material, such as the type of stretchable textile material used to construct the backing panel 110 and/or the type of stretchable textile material used to construct the stretchable garment itself.

Still referring to the example of FIG. 1, a band 135 may be applied at what will be a top opening of pocket 100. Band 135 may comprise an elastic material and may be sewn into a seam formed in frame 130. Optional band 135 may provide enough tension to retain a smart phone placed within pocket 100 while being sufficiently stretchable to permit a smart phone to be inserted past an opening framed in part by band 135. In some examples, however, band 135 may be omitted and a different type of retention mechanism may be used. In other examples, no retention mechanism may be used at all. Examples of different retention mechanisms are zippers, buttons, snaps, clasps, and the like. In some examples, the stretchable nature of the textile forming frame 130 may serve to permit frame 130 itself to comprise a retention mechanism. In other examples, by folding a portion of frame 130 the functionality of band 135 may be replicated by the folded textile without including additional material.

In constructing pocket 100 as indicated by arrows 112 and arrows 123, the perimeter of non-stretchable panel 120 may be affixed to frame 130 using any adhesive, stitching, welding (sonic and/or heat), films, tapes, or other affixment mechanism. In some examples, backing 110 may be omitted and frame 130 may be directly affixed to an underlying garment, but in other examples frame 130 may be affixed to packing panel 110 and a backing panel 110 may be affixed to the underlying garment. In some examples, packing panel 110 may be affixed first to the underlying garment and then to frame 130, while in other examples backing panel 110 may be first affixed to frame 130 and later affixed to an underlying garment. In a affixing frame 130 to backing panel 110 (or directly to an underlined garment), at least one side of frame 130 may be left at least partially unaffixed in order to provide an opening to pocket 100. For example, the portion of frame 130 occupied by band 135 may be left unaffixed to backing panel 110 to permit a smart phone or other object to be inserted into pocket 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a further example of a pocket 200 constructed using a backing panel 210 and a frame 230 formed from a single textile piece 202 is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 2, a frame 230 may comprise a portion of a larger textile 202 also containing backing 210. A fold 213 may be used to layer the frame 230 above backing panel 210 with a non-stretchable panel 230 interposed between backing panel 210 and frame 230. Backing panel 210 may be affixed to an underlying garment either before or after non-stretchable panel 225 is affixed to frame 230. The perimeter 225 of a non-stretchable panel 220 may be treated, for example as described above, to avoid fraying or other damage. When folded as indicated by arrow 223, non-stretchable panel 220 may be moved to lie parallel to backing panel 210 as indicated by arrows 212. By affixing frame 230 to backing panel 210 along opposing lateral edges a pocket may be formed with an opening corresponding to edge 235 of frame 230. Edge 235 may contain an elastic band as described in the example of FIG. 1, or may be folded over to provide a retention mechanism, or may use any other retention mechanism, or may use no retention mechanism. Panel 210 and frame 230 may be constructed of a stretchable textile, such as the same type of textile material used to form the underlying garment.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of a pocket that may be applied to a stretchable garment is illustrated. A stretchable textile panel 350 may be used as a part of a stretchable garment. A pocket having a non-stretchable panel 320 through which touch inputs may be registered may be exterior facing while a backing panel 310 constructed of a stretchable fabric may contact the stretchable textile panel 350 in the interior of the pocket 300. A frame 330 may comprise a stretchable textile and may be affixed to both the non-stretchable panel 320 and the backing panel 310. The backing panel 310 and the frame 330 may comprise two discrete pieces of textile, such as shown in the example of FIG. 1, or may comprise a single piece of textile as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 4, a pocket 400 is shown affixed to a stretchable textile panel 450 prior to assembling the panel 450 into a stretchable garment. As can be seen in the example of FIG. 4, a non-stretchable panel 420 may permit interaction with a touch screen device retained within a pocket 400. An opening 490 where a frame 430 is not affixed to an underlying backing 410 may permit the insertion of a smart phone or other touch sensitive device into pocket 400.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the assembly of stretchable textile panel 450 and pocket 400 into a stretchable garment is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 5, additional textile panels 550, 560, 570, and 580 may be assembled together to form a resulting garment. In the example of FIG. 5, the example garment is a pair of leggings, but any other type of stretchable garment may be provided with pockets in accordance with the present invention.

The assembled garment from the example of FIG. 5 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 6. A pocket 400 is positioned on the thigh of a wearer when the garment 600 is donned. An opening 490 provided in pocket 400 permits the insertion of a smart phone or other touch sensitive device with the screen of the device oriented toward the non-stretchable panel 420. The non-stretchable panel 420 permits the wearer to interact via a touch screen with a device retained within pocket 400. The non-stretchable panel may permit the screen to be viewed by the wearer while also permitting the wearer to enter touch inputs into the device via the screen. The device may be inserted through opening 490 where frame 430 has not been affixed to backing 410. It should be noted that while the example of FIG. 6 depicts ankle-length leggings 600, garments in accordance with the present invention may comprise cropped leggings, shorts, shirts, or other stretchable garments. Further, while the example of FIG. 6 depicts a pocket in accordance with the present invention on the right thigh of a wearer when the garment is donned, pockets in accordance with the present invention may be located at other positions, such as the left thigh, or other portions of the garment.

Referring now to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a further example of a pocket 700 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the example of a garment comprising leggings or shorts, a wearer's thigh 780 may be contained within at least one stretchable textile piece 750 when the garment is donned. A pocket 700 may provide an opening 790 through which a device 705 may be inserted into pocket 700. A non-stretchable panel 720 may permit a user to view the screen and register touch inputs into device 705 when the screen of device 705 is oriented toward non-stretchable panel 720. Non-stretchable panel 720 may be affixed to a frame 730. Frame 730 may be affixed to a backing layer 710, and backing layer 710 may be affixed to at least one of the plurality of stretchable textile panels 750 forming garment. An additional opening 792 may be provided between backing panel 710 and textile 750, permitting an item 795, such as a photo ID, credit card, coin or bill, or the like to be retained within the secondary pocket in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a further example of a pocket 800 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. A pocket 800 may provide a non-stretchable panel 820 through which a screen may be seen and touch inputs may be registered on an enclosed screen of a touch sensitive device. The frame 830 may be affixed to non-stretchable panel 820 on the treated perimeter 823 of the panel 820. The frame 830 may be affixed to an underlying backing panel along at least a portion of the perimeter 831 of frame 830. Reinforcement stitches 851, 852, 853, 854 may be provided at some or all corners of frame 830 to affix the frame 830 to a backing panel or an underlying garment. The size of the frame 830 and the non-stretchable panel 820 may be determined based upon an anticipated size of a smartphone or similar device to be retained within the pocket. In some examples in accordance with the present invention, pockets in accordance with the present invention or garments having pockets in accordance with the present invention may be sized to correspond to particular devices. In one example, a frame may external dimensions of approximately 3.75 inches by 6.50 inches and internal dimensions (corresponding to the exposed non-stretchable panel) of approximately 3.00 inches by 5.50 inches. In another example, a frame may external dimensions of approximately 3.25 inches by 6.50 inches and internal dimensions (corresponding to the exposed non-stretchable panel) of approximately 2.75 inches by 5.00 inches. The width of the textile forming the frame may vary and need not be uniform within a given pocket. For example, a frame may be wider at the sides of a pocket than the bottom of a pocket, etc. In examples, the frame may have a width of approximately 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 9, an example of a pocket 900 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 9, a frame 930 may extend around all four sides of a non-stretchable fabric panel 920. In particular, a topside 931, a bottom side 932, a left side 933, and a right side 934 of frame 930 may be provided and affixed to non-stretch fabric panel 920.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a pocket 1000 in accordance the present invention wherein a non-stretchable fabric panel 1020 is a affixed to a frame 1030 at only a bottom side 1032, a left side 1033, and a right side 1034.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 11, a pocket 100 is illustrated wherein a non-stretchable textile panel 1120 is affixed to a frame 1130 at only a top side 1131, a left side 1133, and a right side 1134.

Referring now to FIG. 12, another example of a pocket 1200 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. A frame 1230 may retain a non-stretchable textile panel 1220. At least one side, such as a top, of the pocket may be openable to insert a smart phone or other item into the pocket. As shown in the example of FIG. 12, a zipper 1240 may be provided to permit a user to open or close the opening provided at the top of the pocket illustrated in the example of FIG. 12.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 13, a further example of a pocket 1300 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Pocket 1300 may comprise a non-stretchable panel 1320 affixed to a frame 1330. A side of the pocket may be openable using a retention mechanism 1340 such as a button or clasp to open or close an opening provided at the corresponding side of the pocket to retain a smart phone or other item within the pocket or to insert or remove a smart phone or other item from the pocket.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a further example of a pocket 1400 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 14, a non-stretchable panel 1420 is affixed to a stretchable frame 1430. A zipper 1440 is provided to permit the pocket 1400 to be opened and closed on a lateral side of the pocket. While zipper 1440 is illustrated on a lateral side of pocket in the example of FIG. 14, a zipper or other closure mechanism may be provided at any side of a pocket, such as the bottom or top.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 15, a method 1500 for forming a pocket on a stretchable garment is illustrated. In step 1510 a frame may be formed from a stretchable material. A frame may provide an opening corresponding to an anticipated screen size for a smartphone or similar device, such as described in examples herein. For example, an anticipated screen size may range from as small as approximately 2.25 inches by 3.50 inches to as large as approximately 3.50 inches by 6.50 inches. In step 1520 a non-stretchable panel may be formed from a material that will transmit touches through the panel to an underlying touch-sensitive screen. The panel formed in step 1520 may correspond to an anticipated screen size for a smart for or similar device and may be large enough to extend beyond the opening of the frame created in step 1510 on all sides of the opening without extending beyond the border of the frame. The non-stretch panel formed in step 1520 may comprise, for example, a 100% polyester chiffon woven textile having a weight of between 10 and 100 grams per square meter. In step 1530 the frame may be affixed to the perimeter of the non-stretchable panel. Step 1530 may use stitching, adhesives, welding (sonic and/or heat), or any other affixment mechanism. In step 1540 the frame may be affixed to at least one panel of a stretchable garment. Step 1540 may be performed prior to the assembly of the stretchable garment, during the assembly of the stretchable garment, or after the assembly of the stretchable garment. Step 1540 may use stitching, adhesives, welding (sonic and/or heat), or any other affixment mechanism. Step 1540 may directly affix the frame to the panel(s) of the stretchable garment or may affix the frame to one or more backing panel that is or will be affixed to the panel(s) of the stretchable garment.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 16, a further example of a method for forming a pocket on a stretchable garment constructed from a plurality of stretchable panels is illustrated. In step 1610 a backing panel and a frame may be formed from a single piece of stretchable fabric. The backing panel formed in step 1610 may comprise a solid portion of the single piece of stretchable fabric and the frame may comprise a portion of the single piece of stretchable fabric having an opening. The opening may have a size corresponding to an anticipated screen size for a smart phone or similar device with a touch-sensitive screen.

Still referring to the example of FIG. 16, in step 1620 a fabric panel may be formed from a non-stretchable fabric permitting touches made by a wearer of the garment on the fabric panel to register through the panel on a touch-screen device retained within the pocket. Step 1620 may comprise cutting the non-stretchable panel to a desired size corresponding to the anticipated size of the screen of an electronic device, such size may be larger than the opening of the frame but smaller than the perimeter of the frame. In step 1630 the perimeter of the panel formed from a non-stretchable fabric may be treated to prevent tearing and fraying. Step 1630 may comprise applying a heat treatment to the edge(s) of the perimeter of the panel, stitching around the perimeter of the panel (such as cover stitching or embroidery), the application of an adhesive, the application of a tape, and/or the application of a film.

Method 1600 may continue to step 1640 of affixing the fabric panel to the frame such that the fabric panel extends across the entirety of the opening. Step 1640 may use stitching, adhesives, welding, or any other method of affixment. In step 1650 the backing panel may be affixed to at least one panel of stretchable fabric used to form the stretchable garment. Step 1650 may occur prior to, during, or after the assembly of the stretchable garment. Step 1650 may, optionally, leave an opening to form a secondary pocket between the backing panel and the at least one panel of stretchable fabric used to form the stretchable garment. Step 1650 may use stitching, adhesives, welding, or any other method of affixment. In step 1660 the single piece of stretchable fabric may be folded to create a layered configuration wherein the backing panel is adjacent to the panel of stretchable fabric used to form the stretchable garment, the non-stretchable fabric panel is adjacent to the backing panel, and the frame is adjacent to the fabric panel. In step 1670 the frame may be affixed to at least the backing panel, and optionally one or more panel of the stretchable garment, along a portion of the frame while leaving an opening where the frame is not affixed to the backing panel. Optionally, one or more closure mechanism, such as a zipper, button, snap, clasp, hook and loop closure, or other mechanism may be installed to permit the pocket constructed by method 1600 (or a secondary pocket formed) to be opened and closed. Additionally/alternatively, an elastic retention mechanism, such as an elastic band or folds of the stretchable frame material, may optionally be used to permit a smart phone or similar device to be inserted into and removably retained within the pocket.

Method 1600, as well as method 1500, may be used to form any number of pockets of any size on the exterior of a stretchable garment. A pocket opening may be located on the top, side, or even bottom of a pocket formed in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention has been described primarily in conjunction with the example of leggings, but pockets in accordance with the present invention may be used for other types of stretchable garments such as shorts and shirts. The stretchable fabric used for garments in accordance with the present invention may be formed from a textile containing spandex, rubber, or other elastic fibers or yarns. The non-stretchable material used for non-stretchable panels may comprise a material lacking elastic fibers/yarns such as spandex. Various types of affixment may be used to assemble pockets in accordance with the invention and/or to affix pockets in accordance with the present invention to stretchable garments. For example, stitching, adhesives, and/or welding may be used to affix components of pockets together and/or to affix pockets to garments.

Claims

1. A pocket affixed to a panel of a stretchable garment, the pocket comprising: a non-stretchable fabric panel, the non-stretchable fabric panel having a length and a width extending substantially parallel to the panel of the stretchable garment to which the pocket is affixed;a stretchable frame affixed to the non-stretchable fabric panel on a side opposing the stretchable backing, the stretchable frame affixed around the perimeter of the non-stretchable fabric panel and revealing a majority of the length and the width of the non-stretchable fabric panel when the stretchable garment is worn; anda stretchable backing affixed to the stretchable frame while providing at least one opening between the stretchable backing and the stretchable frame, the stretchable backing further affixed to the panel of the stretchable garment to which the pocket is affixed, the stretchable backing positioned between the non-stretchable fabric panel and the panel of the stretchable garment.

2. The pocket of claim 1, wherein the stretchable backing and the stretchable frame comprise a single piece of stretchable fabric folded at a bottom of the pocket to form the stretchable backing and the stretchable frame.

3. The pocket of claim 2, further comprising an opening in the perimeter of the pocket opposite from the stretchable fabric folded at the bottom of the pocket.

4. The pocket of claim 3, further comprising at least one stitch affixing the stretchable frame to the stretchable backing.

5. The pocket of claim 4, wherein the at least one stitch comprises a pair of stitches extending from the bottom of the pocket to the opening on opposing sides of the non-stretchable panel.

6. The pocket of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of stitches affixing the stretchable backing to the panel of the stretchable garment, the plurality of stitches providing at least one opening between the panel of the stretchable garment and the stretchable backing to form a secondary packet between the stretchable backing and the panel of the stretchable garment.

7. The pocket of claim 5, further comprising a reinforced top of the pocket formed in the stretchable frame at the opening.

8. The pocket of claim 7, wherein the reinforced top comprises an elastic material retained within folds of the stretchable frame.

9. The pocket of claim 7, wherein the reinforced top comprises a plurality of folds of the stretchable frame.

10. A garment comprising: a plurality of stretchable panels that conform to the body of an individual wearing the garment when the garment is donned, the garment having an interior facing the skin of the individual wearing the garment when donned and an exterior facing away from the skin of the individual wearing the garment when donned; andat least one pocket affixed to the exterior of garment, the at least one pocket having four sides, the four sides comprising a bottom side, a top side, and two lateral sides, at least one of the four sides providing an opening to receive a touch-screen device and the at least one pocket further comprising: a fabric panel on the exterior of the garment and extending between the two lateral sides of the pocket and between the top side and the bottom side pocket, the fabric panel permitting touches made by a wearer of the garment on the fabric panel to register on a touch-screen device retained within the pocket, anda frame secured to at least two sides of the fabric panel, the frame further secured to at least one of the plurality of stretchable panels at the bottom side and the lateral sides while not being affixed along at least a portion of the top side in order to form an opening to the pocket.

11. The garment of claim 10, further comprising a backing panel secured to at least one of the stretchable panels forming the garment, and wherein the backing panel is secured to at least the lateral and bottom sides of the fabric panel, and wherein the backing panel and the frame are formed from a stretchable fabric.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the backing panel and the frame are formed from the same type of stretchable fabric as the plurality of stretchable panels forming the garment.

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the fabric panel comprises a non-stretchable fabric panel.

14. The garment of claim 13, further comprising a cover stitch extending around a perimeter of the non-stretchable fabric panel without the cover stitch being affixed to either of the backing panel and the frame.

15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the backing panel and the frame comprise a single piece of fabric folded at the bottom side of the pocket.

16. The garment of claim 15, wherein the backing panel is secured to at least one of the stretchable panels forming the garment using at least one stitch.

17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the frame is secured to the lateral sides of the fabric panel and the top and bottom sides of the fabric panel using at least one stitch and wherein the frame is secured to the backing panel at the bottom side and the lateral sides using at least one stitch.

18. The garment of claim 17, further comprising an elastic section of the frame formed at the top side by folding the fabric of the frame at least once.

19. The garment of claim 17, further comprising an elastic section of the frame formed at the top side by securing an elastic tape within a seam extending between the lateral sides at the top side.

20. A method for forming a pocket on a stretchable garment, the method comprising: forming a backing panel and a frame from a single piece of stretchable fabric, the backing panel comprising a solid portion of the single piece of stretchable fabric and the frame comprising a portion of the single piece of stretchable fabric having an opening;forming a fabric panel from a non-stretchable fabric permitting touches made by a wearer of the garment on the fabric panel to register on a touch-screen device retained within the pocket, forming the fabric panel comprising cutting the non-stretchable panel to a desired size corresponding to the anticipated size of the screen of an electronic device;treating the perimeter of the panel to prevent tearing and fraying;affixing the fabric panel to the frame such that the fabric panel extends across the entirety of the opening;affixing the backing panel to a panel of stretchable fabric used to form the stretchable garment;folding the single piece of stretchable fabric to create a layered configuration wherein the backing panel is adjacent to the panel of stretchable fabric used to form the stretchable garment, the fabric panel is adjacent to the backing panel, and the frame is adjacent to the fabric panel; andaffixing the frame to at least the backing panel along a portion of the frame while leaving an opening where the frame is not affixed to the backing panel.