DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR HOLDING AND/OR SECURING PERSONAL ITEMS

Description

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to articles of manufacture (e.g., devices, products, etc.) for holding and/or securing personal items. In particular, the disclosure relates to a tension-based device, such as a tension-based band, strip, and/or grip, for holding and/or securing personal items in one or more pockets of one or more garments or articles of clothing.

BACKGROUND

Although many garments or clothing items have pockets, these pockets often do not adequately hold or secure a user's personal items, such as keys, a wallet, personal technological devices such as smartphones, earbuds, and the like.

Specifically, a user's personal items can easily move around and/or fall out of a pocket of a garment or article of clothing while the user or wearer of the garment is moving (e.g., performing daily activities or movements (such as sitting, bending, driving, lying down, moving from a standing/sitting/lying position to any other such position), walking, jogging, running, performing any kind of exercise, performing any kind of sport, etc.). This issue is especially pronounced when the user engages in increased physical activity and/or movement, such as during exercise. As a result, a user is at risk of losing their personal items, including valuable items such as a smartphone, wallet, etc., when they place such items in a pocket.

Moreover, the proliferation of personal technological devices (e.g., smartphones, earbuds, earphones, tablets, and the like) means that individuals often need or want to carry an increasing number of personal items in their pockets, which exacerbates the risk of one or more such items falling out of these pockets.

Currently available devices or methods for holding or securing personal items suffer from various drawbacks, including being overly complex to use, requiring custom fittings or attachments to specific items of clothing, being unreliable, inadequately holding and/or securing personal items, having poor construction, and the like.

Given the foregoing, there exists a significant need for novel articles of manufacture (e.g., devices, products, etc.) for holding and/or securing one or more personal items in a garment or article of clothing, including, for instance, one or more pockets of such garment or article of clothing.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following summary and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Neither the summary nor the description that follows is intended to define or limit the scope of the invention to the particular features mentioned in the summary or in the description.

In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may include one or more of the features described herein.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to novel devices, systems, and/or methods for holding and/or securing personal items in an article of clothing.

In at least one embodiment, a tension-based device holds and/or secures personal items in a pocket of an article of clothing. The device may, in some examples or embodiments, stretch/be stretched and be in tension, causing the device, when items are inserted between the device and a side of the pocket, to exert a compressive force on the personal item. This compressive force increases the friction force between the personal item and both the device and the pocket.

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device comprises a band or strip having a top side, a bottom side disposed on an opposite side of the top side, a left side, and a right side. The top side may be considered whichever side is farthest from the ground, on average, when the pocket is in use by a wearer, while the bottom side may be considered whichever side is closest to the ground, on average, and the left and right sides may be considered the left-most and right-most sides, respectively, from the orientation of a person facing the exterior of the pocket. Alternatively, the top side may be considered whichever edge is closest to an opening of the pocket, on average, while the bottom side may be considered whichever edge is farthest from the opening of the pocket, and the left and right sides may be considered the left-most and right-most edges, respectively, from the orientation of a person facing the exterior of the pocket.

One or more sides (e.g., a left side and/or a right side) may be attached and/or affixed to one or more areas of a garment (e.g., one or more sides of a pocket). In at least one example, the top side of the device is closer to a top opening of the pocket than the bottom side of the device; however the device may be positioned anywhere within the pocket, including middle or lower regions, depending on garment type, pocket depth, pocket size, pocket shape, user activity, or user preference. The device may also be positioned with any orientation. A preferred orientation of the device is, for a longitudinally-shaped device, parallel to an opening of the pocket, for ease of insertion of objects, and another preferred orientation of such a longitudinally-shaped device is parallel to the ground when in a garment in use, for retention. A preferred orientation of the device is such that a gap between attachment points of the device runs parallel to an opening of the pocket, for ease of insertion of objects, and another preferred orientation of a device is such that a gap between attachment points of the device runs parallel to the ground when in a garment in use, for retention.

For instance, in at least one example, the device is positioned in a top portion of the pocket (e.g., at or near one or more of the pocket openings). In at least another example, the device is positioned in a middle portion of the pocket (e.g., at or near a center of the pocket). In at least another example, the device is positioned in a bottom portion of the pocket (e.g., at or near a bottom of the pocket). As described further below herein, different placement(s) of the device in these different portions, areas, or regions of the pocket may provide different functional and/or practical advantages. The device may also be placed so that it is partially in one portion, area, or region (e.g. top, middle, bottom) and partially in one or more other portions, areas, or regions (e.g. top, middle, bottom) of the pocket. For example, the device may be oriented at an angle so that it runs between a bottom portion and a middle portion, or between a bottom portion and a top portion. The top of the pocket may be defined as the farthest point of the pocket from the ground when the garment the pocket is a part of is being worn in an ordinary manner, while the bottom may be defined as the closest point of the pocket to the ground, and the middle as the midpoint between the top and the bottom. Alternatively, the top of the pocket may be defined as an opening of the pocket, while the bottom may be defined as the farthest point of the pocket from the opening, and the middle as the midpoint between the top and the bottom. A top portion of a pocket may be defined as the top one third of the pocket, a middle portion may be defined as the middle one third of the pocket, and the bottom portion of the pocket may be defined as the bottom one third of the pocket.

Note that while embodiments of the device are depicted as longitudinal (longer than they are wide) and rectangular, in other embodiments the device may have any shape. For example, the device may be wider than it is long and may be any polygon or irregular shape. By way of example, the device may be circular, trapezoidal, crescent-shaped, animal-shaped, etc. Not every possible shape will have even edges, however any shape has top, bottom, left and right sides, relative to the ground and/or an opening of the pocket. As long as the device has attachment points to the pocket and areas between attachment points where objects can be inserted between a side of the pocket and the device to stretch the device, the device performs its function of retaining inserted objects.

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device is temporarily attached and/or affixed to a garment or one or more pockets thereof. For instance, attachments may be disposed on, or physically connected to, a left side and/or a right side of the device. Such attachments may therefore attach a left side of the device to a left side or edge of a pocket. Similarly, one or more attachments on a right side of the device may attach that side of the device to a right side or edge of a pocket. Alternatively or additionally, attachments may be disposed on, and/or physically attached to, a top side of the device so that they may be attached to a top side or edge of the pocket.

In at least one example, such attachments include one or more of the following: one or more clips (e.g., suspender-style clips), one or more adhesives, one or more fasteners, one or more loops, one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more zippers, and or any other one or more types of attachments for garments or articles of clothing that are known in the art. Such attachments enable the tension-based device to be repositioned and/or moved within the pocket by the user, and also to be removed from the pocket and attached and/or affixed to another pocket (e.g., a pocket of another garment).

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device is permanently attached and/or affixed to a garment or one or more pockets thereof. In other words, such permanent attachment may be achieved by sewing in, or stitching in, one or more portions of the device to the garment or one or more pockets thereof.

In at least one embodiment, a top side of the tension-based device may be disposed such that it is arranged parallel to a top side or top edge of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be disposed such that the top side of the device is arranged at an angle relative to the top side or top edge of the pocket.

In at least one embodiment, a tension-based device is attached and/or physically connected (e.g., at a bottom side of the device) to an accompanying pouch that is separate from any one or more pockets of the garment. In at least one example, the pouch may be on one or more external surfaces of the garment. The pouch may have one or more openings into an interior thereof, for additional storage of one or more personal items.

At least one embodiment of the invention may be used with, and disposed within, any one or more different types and/or shapes of pocket. Further, the at least one embodiment may be used with, and disposed within, any one or more pockets on any different type of garment.

In at least one embodiment, a garment comprising an article of manufacture for holding and/or securing one or more personal items is disclosed herein, the garment comprising a pocket, and a strip of elastic material having a plurality of sides, the plurality of sides comprising a top side, a bottom side disposed opposite to the top side, a left side, and a right side, wherein at least two points on the strip are permanently attached to one or more areas of the pocket, and wherein, in use, at least one surface of the strip physically contacts the one or more personal items, the one or more personal items being disposed between the at least one surface of the strip and at least one interior surface of the pocket and between at least two of the at least two points on the strip that are permanently attached to the one or more areas of the pocket, further stretching the strip, whereby the strip exerts a compressive force on the one or more personal items.

In at least an additional embodiment, the strip between the at least two points is permanently attached to the one or more areas of the pocket is stretched and under tension.

In at least an additional embodiment, the at least two points on the strip are permanently attached to the one or more areas of the pocket by sewing.

In at least an additional embodiment, the material comprises silicone.

In at least an additional embodiment, the at least two points comprise the left side and the right side.

In at least an additional embodiment, the one or more areas comprises a left edge of the pocket and a right edge of the pocket, and the left side is configured to be sewn into the left edge and the right side is configured to be sewn into the right edge.

In at least an additional embodiment, the top side is disposed closer to an opening of the pocket than the bottom side, although the device may, in the at least an additional embodiment or any other embodiment(s), be positioned elsewhere within the pocket depending on use case or garment type

In at least an additional embodiment, the strip spans an entire width of the pocket.

In at least one embodiment, an article of manufacture for holding and/or securing one or more personal items comprises a strip having a plurality of sides, the plurality of sides comprising a top side, a bottom side disposed opposite to the top side, a left side, and a right side, and a pouch physically connected to the strip, the pouch comprising an interior and one or more openings connecting the interior with an exterior of the pouch, wherein at least two points on the strip are configured to be attached to one or more areas of a pocket of a garment, wherein, when the at least two points are attached to the one or more areas of the pocket, at least one surface of the strip physically contacts at least one interior surface of the pocket, and wherein, in use, the at least one surface of the strip physically contacts the one or more personal items, the one or more personal items being disposed between the at least one surface of the strip and the at least one interior surface of the pocket, stretching the strip, whereby the strip exerts a compressive force on the one or more personal items.

In at least an additional embodiment, the pouch is physically connected to the bottom side of the strip.

In at least an additional embodiment, when the at least two points are attached to the one or more areas of the pocket, the pouch is disposed within an interior of the pocket.

In at least an additional embodiment, the at least two points are configured to be attached to the one or more areas of the pocket by one or more attachments physically connected to the at least two points.

In at least an additional embodiment, the at least two points comprise points on the top side, one or more attachments attach the points on the top side to the one or more areas of the pocket, and the one or more attachments comprises one or more clips.

In at least an additional embodiment, the at least two points are configured to be attached to the one or more areas of the pocket by sewing in the at least two points to the one or more areas of the pocket.

In at least one embodiment, an article of manufacture for holding and/or securing one or more personal items comprises a strip of elastic material having a plurality of sides, the plurality of sides comprising a top side, a bottom side disposed opposite to the top side, a left side, and a right side, and one or more attachments, wherein the one or more attachments are configured to removably attach the strip to one or more areas of a pocket of a garment, wherein, when the strip is removably attached to the one or more areas of the pocket, at least one surface of the strip physically contacts at least one interior surface of the pocket, and wherein, in use, the at least one surface of the strip physically contacts the one or more personal items, the one or more personal items being disposed between the at least one surface of the strip and the at least one interior surface of the pocket, stretching the strip, whereby the strip exerts a compressive force on the one or more personal items.

In at least an additional embodiment, a first attachment in the one or more attachments is physically connected to the left side, and a second attachment in the one or more attachments is physically connected to the right side.

In at least an additional embodiment, the one or more areas comprises a left edge of the pocket and a right edge of the pocket, and the first attachment is configured to removably attach to the left edge and the second attachment is configured to removably attach to the right edge.

In at least an additional embodiment, the top side is disposed closer to an opening of the pocket than the bottom side.

In at least an additional embodiment, the one or more attachments are attached to the top side, and the one or more attachments comprises one or more clips configured to removably attach to a top edge of the pocket.

In at least an additional embodiment, when the strip is removably attached to the one or more areas of the pocket, the strip is stretched and under tension.

These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, as well as the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use these embodiments and others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention will be more particularly described in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1H show a tension-based device for holding and/or securing one or more personal items, with different attachments and/or attachment mechanisms for securing the device to a garment or one or more pockets thereof, each according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2E show a tension-based device for holding and/or securing one or more personal items, the device being disposed within a pocket of different types of garments, including a pair of jeans (FIG. 2A), a pair of shorts (FIG. 2B), and a sweatshirt (FIG. 2C), as well as different attachments and/or attachment mechanisms for securing the device to the pocket (FIGS. 2D-2E), each according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3G show non-limiting examples of different sizes and/or shapes of pockets, each with a tension-based device disposed within the pocket interior, each according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a tension-based device physically connected and/or attached to an additional storage pouch, according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is more fully described below with reference to the accompanying figures. The following description is exemplary in that several embodiments are described (e.g., by use of the terms “preferably,” “for example,” or “in one embodiment”); however, such should not be viewed as limiting or as setting forth the only embodiments of the present invention, as the invention encompasses other embodiments not specifically recited in this description, including alternatives, modifications, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the use of the terms “invention,” “present invention,” “embodiment,” and similar terms throughout the description are used broadly and not intended to mean that the invention requires, or is limited to, any particular aspect being described or that such description is the only manner in which the invention may be made or used. Additionally, the invention may be described in the context of specific applications; however, the invention may be used in a variety of applications not specifically described.

The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. When a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, persons skilled in the art may effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

In the several figures, like reference numerals may be used for like elements having like functions even in different drawings. The embodiments described, and their detailed construction and elements, are merely provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out in a variety of ways, and does not require any of the specific features described herein. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail. Any signal arrows in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Further, the description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Purely as a non-limiting example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, “at least one of A, B, and C” indicates A or B or C or any combination thereof. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions and/or acts noted may occur out of the order as represented in at least one of the several figures. Purely as a non-limiting example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and/or acts described or depicted.

As used herein, ranges are used herein in shorthand, so as to avoid having to list and describe each and every value within the range. Any appropriate value within the range can be selected, where appropriate, as the upper value, lower value, or the terminus of the range.

“About” means a referenced numeric indication plus or minus 10% of that referenced numeric indication. For example, the term “about 4” would include a range of 3.6 to 4.4. All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of any claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

The words “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms “include,” “including,” and “or” should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. The terms “comprising” or “including” are intended to include embodiments encompassed by the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Similarly, the term “consisting essentially of” is intended to include embodiments encompassed by the term “consisting of.” Although having distinct meanings, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with one another throughout the description of the invention.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise.

“Typically” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Generally, the present disclosure is directed towards novel devices, systems, and/or methods for holding and/or securing one or more items in a garment or article of clothing (e.g., one or more personal items being carried by a user wearing such a garment or article of clothing).

The term “garment,” at least as used herein, refers to an article of clothing or an item of clothing that is worn, or configured to be worn, by a user. Depending on the type of garment, individual items of clothing may be worn next to a user's skin and/or on top of, or covering, another item of clothing. Non-limiting examples of garments include (1) any item of clothing worn, or configured to be worn, on a user's upper body (e.g., shirt, undershirt, jacket, coat, sweater, sweatshirt, long-sleeved shirt, collared shirt, polo shirt, etc.), (2) any item of clothing worn, or configured to be worn, on a user's lower body (e.g., underwear, short pants or short trousers (commonly simply referred to as “shorts”), long pants or trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings, leisure pants, workout pants, etc.), and (3) any item of clothing covering, or configured to cover, at least a portion of a user's upper body and at least a portion of a user's lower body (e.g., dresses, robes, long jackets or coats, overalls, etc.). Garments also include, without limitation, any type of exercise attire or items of clothing worn, or configured to be worn, while performing any type of exercise (e.g., moisture-wicking clothing, breathable items of clothing, jogging shorts, running shorts, biking shorts, running shorts, etc.). Garments further include, without limitation, any type of professional attire (e.g., blazers, suit jackets, etc.), as well as specialized attire such as medical scrubs, dental scrubs, and the like.

Additionally, the term “personal item” or “personal items,” at least as used herein, refers to any article of manufacture that is carried on, or with, an individual (e.g., while the individual is away from a permanent or temporary place of residence). Such personal items include, for instance, any item that is sufficiently small that the item can be placed, either partially or wholly, within one or more pockets of a garment. Non-limiting examples of personal items include any portable electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.), any portable acoustic device (e.g., headphones, earphones, earbuds, etc.), any type of wallet, any type of document holder (e.g., passport holder or other holder for personal identification cards and/or documents), any type of medication or medication receptacle (e.g., pill bottle), any type of key or keys (e.g., keys to a motor vehicle, keys to a residence, etc., including automated key fobs, key cards, and the like), any type of food item or snack, whether solid or liquid, legal tender (whether in the form of bills or coins), credit cards, debit cards, any type of skincare item (including sunscreen, insect repellent, and the like), etc.

The term “tension-based device,” at least as used herein, refers to an article of manufacture that provides a tension-based retention function. For example, an article of manufacture such as a strip of material exhibiting elasticity, when a tension force is exerted on it, will stretch. The greater the tension force, the greater the stretch. Thus, such a strip of material when positioned and secured appropriately (e.g. as described herein) can accommodate insertion of a wide range of differently sized and shaped objects, the insertion of which generates a tension force on the strip that causes it to expand and accommodate the object(s), which by Newton's third law generates an equal and opposite compressive/retentive reaction force on the inserted object(s).

Thus, a “tension-based device” may be comprised in whole or in part of any one or more materials that are elastic (that is, any one or more materials that provide any amount of stretch such as, for instance, when one or more forces are applied to the one or more materials). The “tension-based device” therefore may also, in whole or in part, be stretched in any one or more portions and then revert to and/or retain an unstretched shape and/or size, at least until subsequently stretched. Non-limiting examples of such elastic materials used in at least one embodiment of the invention include spandex and/or elastane, woven elastic (used in this context as a noun to refer to any cord, tape, or fabric that returns to its original size and/or shape after being stretched), braided elastic, rubber-based elastics, whether natural and/or synthetic, clear and/or colorless elastic, any material with polyurethane (including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), any material with silicone, etc.

In at least one embodiment, a tension-based device or product is disclosed, such device being an article of manufacture that is affixed or attached to one or more areas or aspects of the garment (e.g., one or more pockets of the garment). Any embodiment of such a tension-based device herein may be referred to as “GripBand”.

The term “pocket,” at least as used herein, refers to an enclosure attached to (e.g., sewn into or on) a garment so as to form a part of that garment and so that the enclosure is open at the top or on one or more sides, thereby providing an enclosed interior space to carry one or more items (e.g., one or more personal items) within the enclosure.

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device comprises one or more bands, strips, and/or grips that are disposed within an interior of a pocket (e.g., affixed and/or attached to one or more areas of the interior of the pocket). One or more personal items may then be placed between at least one surface of the tension-based device and at least one surface of an interior of the pocket. The one or more personal items are larger than a space between the tension-based device and the at least one surface of the interior of the pocket when the tension-based device is relaxed, thus this placement of the one or more personal items causes the tension-based device to stretch. The stretched tension-based device then holds and/or secures the personal item in place via tension exerted on the device. In other words, the stretched band, strip, and/or grip exerts a force on the personal item as it contracts in the direction of its original relaxed state. This is similar to the force exerted by a stretched rubber band around an object it is looped around, e.g., a rolled-up poster.

At least one embodiment of the invention therefore holds and/or secures the one or more personal items in the garment or pocket thereof, minimizing and/or preventing movement of the one or more personal items while the user or wearer of the garment is moving (e.g., performing daily activities or movements (such as sitting, bending, driving, lying down, moving from a standing/sitting/lying position to any other such position), walking, jogging, running, performing any kind of exercise, performing any kind of sport, etc.).

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device comprises one or more strips of flexible and/or stretchable material, such as, for instance, any type of elastic, any type of elastic attached and/or affixed to one or more types of backing (e.g., silicone backing), any type of rubber, etc.

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device may be permanently attached or affixed to the garment (e.g., one or more pockets of the garment). Such permanent attachment may be, for instance, by being sewn into, or stitched into, the garment or one or more pockets thereof. In at least one example, this attachment is performed after the garment has been fully manufactured and produced, but before the garment is sold, marketed for sale, or shipped to a sales point or consumer. Thus, the tension-based device may be permanently attached or affixed to the garment or one or more pockets thereof, at a factory or other site at which the garment is manufactured.

In at least an alternative embodiment, the tension-based device may be temporarily attached or affixed to the garment (e.g., one or more pockets of the garment). Such temporary attachment may be, for instance, by one or more attachment mechanisms described below herein (e.g., hooks, snap closures, button enclosures, loop enclosures, etc.). In at least one example, this temporary attachment is performed by a user of the garment. Accordingly, the same tension-based device may be used for multiple garments, and a user may attach and remove the tension-based device to and from one individual garment and move it to another individual garment, as desired.

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device may collapse or be configured to collapse the pocket of the garment when not in use. For example, the tension-based device may be an elastic band attached at its side edges to the side seams of a pocket. The elastic band in some such embodiments may be of a length such that it is in a relaxed state normally, without pulling the sides of the pocket towards each other. However, in that case the elastic band will have some limitations in that only a larger personal item will significantly stretch the elastic band, and therefore the elastic band may not exert substantial tension forces on smaller personal items in the pocket. In other embodiments therefore the elastic band may be of a shorter length in its relaxed state than a width of the pocket, such that when attached at its edges to the side seams of the pocket, the elastic band is already stretched, and exerts an inward force on the side seams of the pocket even when a personal item is not inserted, causing the interior of the pocket to collapse. When a personal item of sufficient size is inserted, the sides of the pocket will be pushed apart again as the elastic band is expanded.

The tension-based device may, in at least one example, lay flat or substantially flat against one or more interior surfaces of the pocket, such that at least one surface of the tension-based device is immediately adjacent to, and physically contacting, the one or more interior surfaces of the pocket. For instance, the tension-based device, when not in use, may conform to the shape of the pocket and/or garment, thereby making the device discreet and/or unnoticeable.

In at least one embodiment, the tension-based device may be positioned or placed at any point, area, or location on a garment or one or more pockets thereof, including, for instance, at or near a top portion of the pocket (e.g., near an opening of the pocket), at or on an upper half of the pocket (that is, between a middle of the pocket and a top of the pocket), at or on a middle portion of the pocket, at or on a lower half of the pocket, etc. Non-limiting examples of placement and/or positioning of the tension-based device are described below herein. A skilled artisan will recognize that the specific placement and/or positioning of the tension-based device may, in some instances, depend on the shape and/or depth of the pocket and/or the shape and/or size of the tension-based device, as well as the positioning and/or size of the pocket opening(s) and the type and/or style of the garment, user activity, user preference, etc. Different placement(s) of the device in these different portions, areas, or regions of the pocket may provide different functional and/or practical advantages.

For instance, the device in one or more embodiments described herein may be positioned in a top portion of the pocket (e.g., at or near one or more of the pocket openings). Such a placement may provide at least the following benefits: (1) allowing convenient access to personal items that the user commonly uses or needs to remove and/or insert into their pocket(s) (e.g., keys, wallet, credit cards, identification cards, etc.), (2) keeping the personal items within easier reach and preventing personal items from settling deeper within the pocket/being harder to retrieve, and (3) preventing personal items from falling out, especially in pockets that are relatively shallow, have larger openings, are angled (e.g., have an angled opening such that the personal items more easily fall or slip out when a user is moving or sitting), etc.

The device in one or more embodiments described herein may also be positioned in a middle portion of the pocket (e.g., at or near a center of the pocket). Such a placement may provide at least the following benefits: (1) providing a balance between accessibility of one or more personal items and security (that is, preventing the personal items from falling or slipping out), (2) stabilizing the personal items at or near the center of the pocket, reducing lateral or vertical shifting during movement, and (3) improving user comfort when sitting or bending, especially in mid-sized or wide pockets.

The device in one or more embodiments described herein may also be positioned in a lower portion of the pocket (e.g., at or near a bottom of the pocket). Such a placement may provide at least the following benefits: (1) providing a discreet and more secure location for holding personal items, especially those that the user does not use frequently or need to access frequently (e.g., medication), (2) preventing personal items from bunching or congregating near a top or opening of the pocket (which may result in an increased risk of personal items falling out), which may be an especially important consideration in narrow pockets), and (3) provides more even weight distribution of personal items within the pocket, which may be preferred in garments like cargo pants or outerwear, where weight distribution may be important for the user (e.g., preventing weight imbalance while performing outdoor work).

Thus, in embodiments, the device can be positioned at various heights and/or at various regions within the pocket, thereby allowing users and/or manufacturers to optimize placement based on, for instance, individual geometry/geometries of the pocket, user preference, use case, etc. Such optimization further increases the utility and versatility of the device, including a wide range of garment types and applications, as described further below herein (e.g., casualwear, activewear, uniforms, outerwear, specialty apparel, etc.). For example, in athletic contexts such as gym use or exercise applications, placement of the device in a middle portion or lower portion of the pocket may result in better stabilization and/or securing of the personal items during movement, while in coats or work clothes, placement of the device in a lower portion can improve comfort and balance when carrying heavier and/or less frequently accessed/used personal items.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, a tension-based device 100 for holding and/or securing one or more personal items is shown. The device 100 is disposed within an interior of pocket 101, and comprises a band or strip having a top side 102, a bottom side 104 disposed opposite the top side, a left side 106, and a right side 108. Here, the pocket is formed by two pieces of fabric attached to form sides of an enclosure, but one side of the pocket (e.g. the inside, or the outside) is cut away in this view and only the remaining side 105 of the pocket can be seen, as well as the tension-based device 100 which is attached to that side of the pocket. FIGS. 1B-1C, 1E-1F, 2D-2E, and 3A-3G also show such cutaway views showing only one side of the pocket to which the tension-based device is attached. As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the device 100 is disposed within the pocket 101 such that the top side 102 is closer to the top 118 of the pocket than the bottom side 104. Although tension-based devices according to embodiments of the present invention may be used with a variety of different types of pockets (including, for instance, different shapes and/or sizes of pockets), the pocket 101 shown in FIG. 1A has one opening at the top 118. Thus, the top side 102 is closer to this pocket opening than the bottom side 104.

The pocket itself is defined by the top 118, the bottom 120 (which is shown having a curved or arcuate-shaped edge, but may have any other shapes as described further below herein), the left side 114, and the right side 116. In at least one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the tension-based device 100 is temporarily attachable to the pocket 101 by using attachments 110 and 112. Specifically, the left side 106 of the device may have one or more attachments 110, only one of which is shown for the sake of convenience, disposed on, and/or physically connected to, the left side 106. Such attachments 110 may attach or affix to the left side 114 of the pocket 101 (including, for instance, the lining and/or stitching of this left side 114). Similarly, the right side 108 of the device may have one or more attachments 112, only one of which is shown for the sake of convenience, disposed on, and/or physically connected to, the right side 108. Such attachments 112 may attach or affix to the right side 116 of the pocket 101 (including, for instance, the lining and/or stitching of this right side 116). The device 100 may also be removed from the pocket 101 and attached and/or affixed, via attachments 110 and/or 112, to a pocket of another garment.

In at least one example, the attachments 110 are the same type of attachments, and/or contain the same kind of attachment mechanisms, as attachments 112. In at least another example, attachments 110 are different types of attachments than attachments 112.

Attachments 110 and/or 112 may, in at least one embodiment comprise one or more of the following: one or more clips, one or more adhesives, one or more fasteners, one or more loops, one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more zippers, and or any other one or more types of attachments for garments or articles of clothing that are known in the art. Although in the figures, two attachment points are shown, one on either side of the illustrated device 100, in other embodiments there may be any number of attachment points on a single device (e.g. strip/band) 100. For example, there may be a third attachment point in the middle of the device, as shown in FIG. 1H. Generally, there may be any number of attachment points along the length of the device. This is true both for removable attachments and permanent attachment mechanisms such as stitching. Additional attachment points may enhance the ability of the device to hold and retain multiple objects and particularly smaller objects.

For instance, in at least one embodiment, attachments 110 and/or 112, or any other attachments described below herein, may include one or more snaps and/or one or more buttons. The one or more snaps may be disposed on one side (e.g., a left side and/or a right side) of the device and physically contact, and attach to, one or more corresponding snaps disposed on an interior surface, side, or edge of the pocket. Similarly, one or more buttons may be disposed on one side (e.g., a left side and/or a right side) of the device and physically contact, and attach to, one or more corresponding slits, grooves, or holes disposed on an interior surface, side, or edge of the pocket.

In FIG. 1A and the remaining figures disclosed and described herein, the width of the tension-based device is shown as uniform; however, such representation is not to be taken in a limiting sense. In other words, the tension-based device may, in different embodiments, have different widths. That is, a given embodiment or example of a tension-based device as described herein may have a wider or narrower width than another given embodiment or example, depending on the garment and/or pocket with which the device is used.

FIG. 1B shows another non-limiting example of tension-based device 100 using an alternative arrangement and/or type of attachments to temporarily attach and/or affix the device to pocket 101. Specifically, instead of attachments 110 and 112 at the left side 106 of the device and the right side 108 of the device, respectively, attachments 122 are disposed on, and/or physically attached to, the top side 102 of the device 100. These attachments 122 may, in at least one example, be clips (e.g., suspender-style clips) that attach to the top 118 of the pocket 101 (including, for instance, the lining and/or stitching of top 118). For example, the attachments 122 may grip the top edge of the pocket 101 and be repositioned and/or moved within the pocket by the user. Further, although two such attachments 122 are shown in FIG. 1B, there may be any number of attachment points on a single device (e.g. strip/band) 100, such as, for instance a third attachment 122 at or near the middle of the device, as shown in FIG. 1H. The device 100 may also be removed from the pocket 101 and attached and/or affixed, via attachments 122, to a pocket of another garment.

As stated above herein, the tension-based device in at least one embodiment is permanently attached and/or affixed to a garment or one or more pockets thereof. In at least one example, such permanent attachment is achieved by sewing in, or stitching in, one or more portions of the device to the garment or one or more pockets thereof.

FIG. 1C shows the tension-based device 100 disposed within the pocket 101 using attachments 122, as shown in FIG. 1B. Personal item 130, which may be any personal item described herein (e.g., smartphone, portable electronic device, etc.), is also shown disposed underneath the band of device 100; that is, personal item 130 is held and/or secured between the device 100 and the pocket 101. A top-down view of FIG. 1C is shown in FIG. 1D. Specifically, FIG. 1D shows a view from the top of the pocket 101 down towards the bottom 120 of the pocket. The top of personal item 130 is seen held by the device 100 against the surface 119 of the pocket. Personal item 130 is held by the device 100 using tension that exists along one or more areas of the band or along an entirety of the band, including side areas 132 and 134 and central area 133, causing the band to stretch around the personal item 130, generating a compressive force on the personal item 130 to minimize or decrease movement of the item 130 within the pocket 101. As in FIGS. 1B-1C, the device 100 shown in FIG. 1D is attached and/or affixed to the pocket 101 using attachments 122.

Friction is calculated as the coefficient of friction times the normal force exerted by the surfaces in contact, so the force exerted by the surface of the tension-based device 100 (or any other similar device described and/or shown herein) against the surface of the personal item 130 (or any other similar personal item described and/or shown herein) greatly increases the frictional force between them, which resists relative motion. The use of tension-generated compressive force to restrain objects is preferable to the use of areas of materials with relatively high coefficient of friction, for example because the force between an object in a pocket and a side of the pocket, regardless of material, can easily be zero or nearly zero in many situations, thus causing the friction force to drop to zero or near zero regardless of the material. Furthermore, a tension-based device such as an elastic band positioned as described herein can be much more flexible in terms of the range of items that can be effectively restrained. A tension-based device such as an elastic band can also offer a mechanical restraint on the sides, which further reduces lateral motion (in embodiments where the band is anchored on the sides and unattached at the top/bottom edges) of objects/personal items inserted between the pocket and the tension-based device, as the attachment of the side edges of the tension-based device (e.g., via stitching or removable attachments, such as attachments 110 and/or 112, or any other similar attachments described and/or shown herein) will prevent lateral movement of the object beyond that edge until the attachment point mechanically fails.

FIG. 1E shows such a tension-based device 150 that is permanently attached and/or affixed to pocket 101. As with device 100, device 150 is disposed within an interior of pocket 101, which is described above herein. The device 150 comprises a band or strip having a top side 152, a bottom side 154 disposed on an opposite side of the top side, a left side 156, and a right side 158. As can be seen, the device 150 is disposed within the pocket 101 such that the top side 102 is closer to the top 118 of the pocket than the bottom side 154. Additionally, the left side 156 of the device 150 is permanently attached and/or affixed to left side 114 of the pocket 101 (e.g., by having the left side 156 of the device being sewn into, or stitched into, the left side 114 of the pocket). Similarly, the right side 158 of the device 150 is permanently attached and/or affixed to right side 116 of the pocket 101 (e.g., by having the right side 158 of the device being sewn into, or stitched into, the right side 116 of the pocket).

Additionally, in at least one example, the device 150 (e.g., the left side 156 and/or the right side 158) may be stitched from seam to seam within the pocket (e.g., across a width of the pocket from the left side 114 to the right side 116). As described above herein, the device 150 may be sewn into, or stitched into, the pocket 101 after the garment is fully manufactured but before the garment is sold or offered for sale to a consumer, or else during the original process of manufacturing.

One or more personal items can be held and/or secured by the device 150 and any other tension-based device described herein, such as device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D. Similarly, FIG. 1F shows tension-based device 150 disposed within the pocket 101 by being permanently attached and/or affixed to the pocket, as described above with respect to FIG. 1E. Personal item 160, which may be any personal item described herein (e.g., smartphone, portable electronic device, etc.), is also shown disposed underneath the band of device 100; that is, personal item 160 is held and/or secured between the device 150 and the pocket 101. A top-down view of FIG. 1F is shown in FIG. 1G. Specifically, FIG. 1G shows a view from the top of the pocket 101 down towards the bottom 120 of the pocket. The top of personal item 160 is seen held by the device 150 against the surface 119 of the pocket. Personal item 160 is held by the device 150 using tension that exists along one or more areas of the band or along an entirety of the band, including side areas 162 and 164 and central area 163, causing the band to stretch around the personal item 160, generating a compressive force on the personal item 160 to minimize or decrease movement of the item 160 within the pocket 101. As in FIGS. 1E-1F, the device 150 shown in FIG. 1G is permanently attached and/or affixed to the pocket 101 by being sewn in or stitched in, as described above with respect to FIG. 1E.

As stated above herein, at least one embodiment of the present invention can be used with any type of garment or article of clothing, including, for instance, a pair of pants, such as the pair of jeans 210 shown in FIG. 2A. As viewed from the rear of the garment, jeans 210 contain two rear pockets 212 and 226. Tension-based device 200 is disposed inside pocket 212, and is therefore only shown as visible from an exterior view of jeans 210 for the sake of illustration, in other words the outer layer of the pocket 212 is transparent in this figure. The device 200, in use, is not typically visible from an exterior of jeans 210 as pocket material is typically opaque.

The device 200 comprises a band or strip having a top side 202, a bottom side 204, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 214 of the pocket and the right side 216 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 218 of the left side 214 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 220 of the right side 216 of the pocket.

The pocket 212 is further defined by a top 222 (which contains the sole opening to access the pocket) and a bottom 224. As can be seen, the top side 202 of the device is closer to the top 222 of the pocket than the bottom side 204. Further, the device is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal; such angle may, in at least one example, be the same angle as the positioning of the pocket. In other words, the angle of the device relative to the horizontal may be the same as the angle of top 222 (and therefore the opening of the pocket) relative to the horizontal.

Further, pocket 226 is shown as not having a tension-based device disposed within the pocket for the sake of comparison with pocket 212. However, in at least one embodiment, a tension-based device may be disposed in each of rear pockets 212 and 226.

At least one embodiment of the present invention can be used with any type of garment or article of clothing, including, for instance, a pair of shorts, such as shorts 240 shown in FIG. 2B. Such shorts may be, in at least one example, exercise shorts, such as jogging shorts or running shorts. As viewed from the front of the garment, shorts 240 contain two side pockets 242 and 256. Tension-based device 230 is disposed inside side pocket 242, and comprises a band or strip having a top side 232, a bottom side 234 disposed on an opposite side of the top side, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right side are affixed and/or attached to the left inside edge 244 of the pocket and the right inside edge 246 of the pocket, respectively. Thus, such attachments (which may be either temporary or permanent, as described herein) are hidden from the front external view shown in FIG. 2B, although again the outer layer of the pocket 242 is illustrated as transparent.

As can be seen, the top side 232 of the device is closer to a top portion of the shorts 240 (e.g., the waistband of the shorts) than the bottom side 234. Further, the device is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal; such angle may, in at least one example, be the same angle as the positioning of the pocket relative to the shorts 240, thereby enabling increased ease of use and insertion and/or removal of one or more personal items.

Further, pocket 256 is shown as not having a tension-based device disposed within the pocket for the sake of comparison with pocket 242. However, in at least one embodiment, a tension-based device may be disposed in each of side pockets 242 and 256.

At least one embodiment of the present invention can be used with any type of garment or article of clothing, including, for instance, a piece of outerwear, such as a jacket, coat, sweater, or sweatshirt 270, as shown in FIG. 2C. As viewed from the front of the garment, sweatshirt 270 has a so-called “kangaroo” pouch or pocket 272. The term “kangaroo pocket” is known in the art and refers to a pocket, such as pocket 272, that has an opening on either side of the garment (that is, an opening on both the left side 274 and the right side 276), with no interior divider within the pocket. Thus, a user may, when wearing a garment with a “kangaroo pocket,” insert both their hands into the pocket, one entering from either side.

Tension-based device 260 is disposed inside pocket 272, and is therefore only shown as visible from an exterior view of sweatshirt 270 for the sake of illustration. In other words, the device 260, in use, is not visible from an exterior of sweatshirt 270.

The device 260 comprises a band or strip having a top side 262, a bottom side 264, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 274 of the pocket and the right side 276 of the pocket, respectively. Thus, such attachments (which may be either temporary or permanent, as described herein) are hidden from the front external view shown in FIG. 2C.

The pocket 272 is further defined by a top 278 and a bottom 280. As can be seen, the device 260 is disposed within the pocket 272 such that the top side 262 is closer to the top 278 of the pocket than the bottom side 264. Further, the device 260 may, in at least one embodiment, extend across an entire width of the pocket 272 (that is, from the opening on the left side 274 to the opening on the right side 276, to provide an increased area to hold and/or secure personal items, and to provide increased ease of use and insertion and/or removal of one or more personal items from either side's opening.

In at least one example, the device 260 may be permanently attached and/or affixed to one or more interior surfaces or edges of the pocket 272, as shown in the interior view of FIG. 2D. Specifically, the left side of the device 260 may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 282 of the left side 274 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 284 of the right side 276 of the pocket. As described above herein, the device 260 may be sewn into, or stitched into, the pocket 272 after the garment is fully manufactured but before the garment is sold or offered for sale to a consumer, or during the initial manufacturing process.

Alternatively, and as shown in the interior view of FIG. 2E, the device 260 may be temporarily attached and/or affixed to one or more interior surfaces or edges of the pocket 272, such as by attachments 286 and 288. Specifically, attachment 286 may be disposed on, and/or physically attached to, the left side 266 of the device 260. Attachment 286 may therefore attach or affix to the left side 274 of the pocket (including, for instance, the lining and/or stitching of this left side 274). Additionally, attachment 288 may be disposed on, and or physically attached to, the right side 268 of the device 260. Attachment 288 may therefore attach or affix to the right side 276 of the pocket (including, for instance, the lining and/or stitching of this right side 276). In at least this embodiment, the device 260 may also be removed from the pocket 272 and attached and/or affixed, via attachments 286 and/or 288, to a pocket of another garment.

In at least one example, the attachments 286 are the same type of attachments, and/or contain the same kind of attachment mechanisms, as attachments 288. In at least another example, attachments 286 are different types of attachments than attachments 288.

Attachments 286 and/or 288 may be any type of attachment described herein, including, for instance, any type of attachment described above with reference to attachments 110 and/or 112.

At least one embodiment of the invention may be used with a variety of different pockets having different sizes and/or shapes. FIGS. 3A-3G show non-limiting examples of different sizes and/or shapes of pockets, each with a tension-based device disposed within the pocket interior.

FIG. 3A is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of a rounded pocket 301, with tension-based device 300 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 300 comprises a band or strip having a top side 302, a bottom side 304, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 307 of the pocket and the right side 309 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 306 of the left side 307 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 308 of the right side 309 of the pocket.

The pocket 301 is further defined by a top 303 (which contains the sole opening to access the pocket) and a rounded bottom 305. As can be seen, the top side 302 of the device is closer to the top 303 of the pocket than the bottom side 304. Further, the device 300 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal and to the top 303 of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 302 is parallel to the top 303 of the pocket.

FIG. 3B is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of a rectangular pocket 311, with tension-based device 310 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 310 comprises a band or strip having a top side 312, a bottom side 314, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 317 of the pocket and the right side 319 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 316 of the left side 317 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 318 of the right side 319 of the pocket.

The pocket 311 is further defined by a top 313 (which contains the sole opening to access the pocket) and a bottom 315. As can be seen, the top, bottom, and sides of the pocket form a rectangle. The top side 312 of the device is closer to the top 313 of the pocket than the bottom side 314. Further, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 312 is parallel to the top 313 of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 302 is at an angle relative to the top 303 of the pocket.

FIG. 3C is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of an angled pocket 321, with tension-based device 320 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 320 comprises a band or strip having a top side 322, a bottom side 324, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 331 of the pocket and the angled top 323 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 326 of the left side 331 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 328 of the angled top 323 of the pocket.

The pocket 321 is further defined by a right side 333 that is parallel to the left side 331, and a bottom comprising two angled sides 325 and 327, which meet at point 329. The angled top 323 contains the sole opening to access the pocket. As can be seen, the device is arranged at an angle relative to the angle of the angled top 323. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 322 runs horizontally across, and perpendicular to, the left side 331 and the right side 333.

FIG. 3D is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of a pocket 341, with tension-based device 340 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 340 comprises band or strip having a top side 342, a bottom side 344, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 351 of the pocket and the right side 353 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 346 of the left side 351 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 348 of the right side 353 of the pocket.

The pocket 341 is further defined by a top 343 (which contains the sole opening to access the pocket) and a bottom comprising angled sides 345 and 349, each of which are connected to flat side 347. As can be seen, the top side 342 of the device is closer to the top 343 of the pocket than the bottom side 344. Further, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 342 is parallel to the top 343 of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 342 is at an angle relative to the top 343 of the pocket.

FIG. 3E is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of a pocket 361, with tension-based device 360 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 360 comprises band or strip having a top side 362, a bottom side 364, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 367 of the pocket and the right side 369 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 366 of the left side 367 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 368 of the right side 369 of the pocket.

The pocket 361 is further defined by a top 363 (which contains the sole opening to access the pocket) and a bottom point 365 connected to left side 367 and right side 369, each of which are curved or arcuate shaped. As can be seen, the top side 362 of the device is closer to the top 363 of the pocket than the bottom side 364. Further, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 362 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal and to the top 363 of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 362 is parallel to the top 363 of the pocket.

FIG. 3F is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of a side pocket 371, such as might be found in a pair of pants, shorts, jeans, etc., with tension-based device 370 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 370 comprises a band or strip having a top side 372, a bottom side 374, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 377 of the pocket and the right side 379 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 376 of the left side 377 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 378 of the right side 379 of the pocket

The pocket 371 is further defined by a top 373 (which contains the sole opening to access the pocket) and an angled bottom 375. As can be seen, the top side 372 of the device is closer to the top 373 of the pocket than the bottom side 374. Further, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 372 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal and to the top 373 of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 372 is parallel to the top 373 of the pocket.

FIG. 3G is an interior view (outer pocket side removed for illustration) of a pocket 381 with a side opening or lateral opening, and with a tension-based device 380 disposed within the interior of such a pocket. The device 380 comprises a band or strip having a top side 382, a bottom side 384, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 387 of the pocket and the right side 389 of the pocket, respectively. For instance, the left side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 386 of the left side 387 of the pocket. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching 388 of the right side 389 of the pocket.

The pocket 381 is further defined by a top 383 and a curved or arcuate-shaped bottom 385, with the sole opening to access the pocket at the left side 387. As can be seen, the top side 382 of the device is closer to the top 383 of the pocket than the bottom side 384. Further, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 382 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal and to the top 383 of the pocket. In alternative embodiments, the device may be arranged in the pocket such that the top side 382 is parallel to the top 383 of the pocket.

Although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-3G are ones in which the tension-based device is sewn into, or stitched into, one or more areas or portions of the various pockets, the device in alternative embodiments may be temporarily attached and/or affixed to any of the different types and/or shapes of pockets shown in FIGS. 3A-3G (e.g., using any of the attachments and/or attachment mechanisms described above herein).

Further, any one or more of the pockets shown in FIGS. 3A-3G may be part of any one or more different types of garments, including, for instance, jogging pants or jogging shorts (e.g., as side and/or back pockets), leggings (e.g., as thigh pockets), basketball shorts (e.g., as side pockets), “skorts” (that is, a garment that has the external and/or exterior appearance of a skirt but with internal/hidden shorts underneath the skirt layer) (e.g., as side pockets within the hidden, inner short layer), dress pants (e.g., as front, side, and/or back pockets), overalls or work clothes (e.g., as front, chest, and/or side pockets), outerwear such as jackets, coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, and the like (e.g., as front, side, inner/hidden, and/or zippered pockets), professional garments (e.g., medical scrubs (e.g., as front, side, and/or back pockets), robes (e.g., as front and/or side pockets), etc.

Turning now to FIG. 4, at least one embodiment of the invention comprises a tension-based device and an accompanying pouch that is separate from any one or more pockets of the garment. FIG. 4 shows sweatshirt 410, which may be similar to, or the same as, any other sweatshirt described herein (e.g., sweatshirt 270). As with sweatshirt 270, sweatshirt 410 contains a “kangaroo pocket.” Tension-based device 400 is disposed inside pocket 412, and is therefore only shown as visible from an exterior view of sweatshirt 410 for the sake of illustration. In other words, the device 400, in use, is not visible from an exterior of sweatshirt 410, but is shown here as visible through the outside of the pocket as if the pocket were transparent.

The device 400 comprises a band or strip having a top side 402, a bottom side 404, and left and right sides, which are not shown due to the fact that such left and right sides are affixed and/or attached to the left side 414 of the pocket and the right side 416 of the pocket, respectively. Thus, such attachments (which may be either temporary or permanent, as described herein) are hidden from the front external view shown in FIG. 4.

The pocket 412 is further defined by a top 418 and a bottom 420. As can be seen, the device 400 is disposed within the pocket 412 such that the top side 402 is closer to the top 418 of the pocket than the bottom side 404. Further, the device 400 may, in at least one embodiment, extend across an entire width of the pocket 412 (that is, from the opening on the left side 414 to the opening on the right side 416, to provide an increased area to hold and/or secure personal items, and to provide increased ease of use and insertion and/or removal of one or more personal items from either side's opening.

In at least one example, the device 400 may be permanently attached and/or affixed to one or more interior surfaces or edges of the pocket 412. For instance, the left side of the device 400 may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching of the left side 414 of the pocket, as described above herein. Similarly, the right side of the device may be sewn into, or stitched into, the lining and/or stitching of the right side 416 of the pocket. As described above herein, the device 260 may be sewn into, or stitched into, the pocket 412 after the garment is fully manufactured but before the garment is sold or offered for sale to a consumer.

Alternatively, the device 400 may be temporarily attached and/or affixed to one or more interior surfaces of edges of the pocket 412, such as by any one or more attachments and/or attachment mechanisms described above herein.

Additionally, pouch 430 is disposed immediately below device 400. That is, bottom side 404 of the device physically contacts, and/or is attached to, a top side or surface of the pouch 430. The pouch 430 has one or more openings into an interior thereof, for instance at left side 432 and/or at right side 434, or at the top side (adjacent to bottom side 404 of device 400). Pouch 430 therefore provides additional storage for one or more personal items.

In at least another embodiment, any of the tension-based devices described herein may further comprise a D-ring or similar ring to allow size adjustment (e.g., to adjust the device and/or band to fit a specific pocket size and/or pocket shape, and/or to fit certain personal items between the device and the pocket, as a shorter band will more securely hold small items while a longer band will more easily fit larger items). D-rings are known in the art and refer to rings shaped like a capital letter “D” that can be used as an attachment point (e.g., by inserting or threading one or more bands or straps through and/or around the ring) for adjusting the operational length of a strap or other strip of material (e.g., a backpack strap). Such a D-ring may be comprised in tension-based devices that are temporarily attached and/or affixed to a garment or one or more pockets thereof (e.g., using any attachments described herein), as well as tension-based devices that are permanently attached and/or affixed to a garment or one or more pockets thereof (e.g., by being sewn in or stitched in to a pocket).

Accordingly, at least one embodiment of the invention enables holding and/or securing one or more personal items in one or more areas of a garment, including, for instance, one or more pockets thereof. The at least one embodiment therefore provides for a safe and/or convenient place to store one or more personal items and to minimize the risk of such items falling out during movement (e.g., during exercise, daily activities, and the like). The at least one embodiment further minimizes the risk of one or more personal items moving, slipping, or shifting in an unwanted manner.

These and other objectives and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described above in detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements could be devised. For example, multiple tension-based devices, such as elastic bands, may be placed in a single pocket and arranged in various ways, for example parallel to each other, laterally adjacent to each other, criss-crossed diagonally, etc., in any combination of positions and of removable/non-removable bands. The invention encompasses every possible combination of the various features of each embodiment disclosed. One or more of the elements described herein with respect to various embodiments can be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner than explicitly described, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. While the invention has been described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.