ACTIVE POCKET

Abstract

In one or more exemplary arrangements, a clothing system for accessing a hidden compressible pocket is presented. In one or more arrangements, the clothing system includes a liner having an interior surface and an exterior surface with a compressible pocket connected to the exterior surface. In one or more arrangements, the clothing system includes an exterior layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. In one or more arrangements, an access point connects the compressible pocket to the exterior surface of the exterior layer to facilitate access to the compressible pocket. In one or more arrangements, the access point allows a user to access the compressible pocket through the exterior layer without lifting the exterior layer up.

Claims

1. A clothing system, comprising: a liner; the liner having an interior surface and an exterior surface; the exterior surface of the liner comprising a compressible pocket; the compressible pocket having an opening; wherein the compressible pocket is accessible from the opening; an exterior layer; the exterior layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface; wherein the exterior layer is coupled to the liner by a connection member; and an access point; the access point extending from the exterior surface of the exterior layer to the interior surface of the exterior layer; wherein the access point of the exterior layer facilitates access to the compressible pocket of the liner through the exterior layer of the clothing system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the clothing system comprises a pair of shorts.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the clothing system comprises a skort.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a material of the liner comprises a shape forming material.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the access point of the exterior layer has a closure mechanism.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the access point of the exterior layer has a closure mechanism comprising a zipper.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the access point of the exterior layer further comprises a seam connecting the opening of the compressible pocket to the access point of the exterior layer.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein a material of the exterior layer is breathable.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the exterior layer comprises a first material and the liner comprises a second material.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the exterior layer has a pocket.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the liner has a second compressible pocket.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the compressible pocket has a top end opposing a bottom end and a first side opposing a second side.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the compressible pocket has a top end opposing a bottom end and a first side opposing a second side; the top end having the opening to facilitate access to the compressible pocket.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the compressible pocket has a top end opposing a bottom end and a first side opposing a second side; the top end having the opening to facilitate access to the compressible pocket; wherein the opening comprises a seam connecting the opening of the top end of the compressible pocket to the access point of the exterior layer.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection member is a removable connection member.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection member connecting the liner to the exterior layer is located along the compressible pocket.

17. A clothing system, comprising: a liner; the liner having an interior surface and an exterior surface; the exterior surface of the liner comprising a compressible pocket; the compressible pocket comprising: an interior opposing an exterior; an opening to facilitate storage of an object in the interior of the compressible pocket; the liner comprising a shape-forming material; and an exterior layer; the exterior layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface; the exterior layer comprising an access point to facilitate access to the opening of the compressible pocket through the exterior layer.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the clothing system comprises a pair of shorts.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the clothing system comprises a skort.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the opening of the compressible pocket has a closure mechanism.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein the access point of the exterior layer has a closure mechanism.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the access point of the exterior layer has a closure mechanism comprising a zipper.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein a material of the exterior layer is breathable.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the exterior layer comprises a first material and the liner comprises a second material.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the exterior layer has a pocket.

26. The system of claim 17, wherein the liner has a second compressible pocket.

27. The system of claim 17, wherein the compressible pocket of the liner has a top end opposing a bottom end and a first side opposing a second side.

28. The system of claim 17, wherein the compressible pocket of the liner has a top end opposing a bottom end and a first side opposing a second side; wherein the opening of the compressible pocket is at the top end of the compressible pocket.

29. The system of claim 17, wherein the opening of the compressible pocket and the access point of the exterior layer are connected by a seam.

30. The system of claim 17, further comprising a connection member connecting the liner to the exterior layer; wherein the connection member is located along the compressible pocket.

31. An exterior layer of a clothing system, comprising: an interior surface opposing an exterior surface; a connection member configured attach the exterior layer to a liner of the clothing system; an access point to facilitate the connection of a compressible pocket of the liner to the exterior surface of the exterior layer; wherein the access point facilitates access to the compressible pocket.

32. A clothing system, comprising: a liner; the liner having an interior surface opposing an exterior surface; the exterior surface of the liner having at least one compressible pocket; the at least one compressible pocket having an opening; a connection member configured to operably connect the liner to an exterior layer of the clothing system; and at least one access point configured to operably connect the at least one compressible pocket to the exterior layer of the clothing system to facilitate access to the at least one compressible pocket.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0036] In one or more exemplary arrangements, a clothing system for accessing a hidden compressible pocket is presented. In one or more arrangements, the clothing system includes a liner having an interior surface and an exterior surface with a compressible pocket connected to the exterior surface. In one or more arrangements, the clothing system includes an exterior layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. In one or more arrangements, an access point connects the compressible pocket to the exterior surface of the exterior layer to facilitate access to the compressible pocket. In one or more arrangements, the access point allows a user to access the compressible pocket through the exterior layer without lifting the exterior layer up.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0037] In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in or described with reference to certain figures or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

[0038] It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

[0039] It is to be understood that the terms such as left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.

[0040] As used herein, the term or includes one or more of the associated listed items, such that A or B means either A or B. As used herein, the term and includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that A and B means A as well as B. The use of and/or includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that A and/or B includes A but not B, B but not A, and A as well as B, unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of etc. is defined as et cetera and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any and/or combination(s).

[0041] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like a and an introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like the refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that a or an modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes, and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described as comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of articles.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected, coupled, mated, attached, fixed, etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected, directly coupled, directly engaged etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, engaged versus directly engaged, etc.). Similarly, a term such as operatively, such as when used as operatively connected or operatively engaged is to be interpreted as connected or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected or connected by any other manner, method or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as communicatively connected includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, connected or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components.

[0043] It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are second or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For 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 or methods.

[0044] Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually or sequentially, to provide looping or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.

[0045] As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily described in the context of clothing systems having innerwear and outerwear. However, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in various other applications, which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown and described as being used in the context of shorts arrangements for ease of description and as one of countless examples.

System 10

[0046] With reference to the figures, a clothing system 10 (or simply system 10) is presented. System 10 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate access to a liner 14 with a compressible pocket 16 through an exterior layer 12 of clothing. In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes an exterior layer 12, a liner 14, and a compressible pocket 16, among other components. While system 10 has been described according to the arrangements shown, as one example, any combination or arrangement may be used and is hereby contemplated for use.

Exterior Layer 12

[0047] In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes exterior layer 12. Exterior layer 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to accommodate a human body and facilitate accessing at least one pocket 16 located on liner 14. In the arrangement shown, as one example, exterior layer 12 includes an exterior surface 20 and an interior surface 22. Exterior layer 12 has a top 24 opposing a bottom 26, a front 52 opposing a back 54, and opposing sides 56. In the arrangement shown, as one example, seams 50 may hold various parts of the exterior layer 12 together. For example, seams 50 may connect the front 52 of exterior layer 12 to the back 54 of exterior layer 12 at one of the opposing sides 56 of the exterior layer 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the shape 114 of the exterior layer 12 may be designed to be shaped as a pair of shorts. In other arrangements, the shape 114 of exterior layer 12 may be a skirt, pants, joggers, sweatpants, swimsuit, board shorts, romper, or any other type of clothing. However, the shape is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the exterior layer 12 may be any shape that a user may wear on their body.

Top 24

[0048] In the arrangement shown, as one example, exterior layer 12 is generally sized and shaped to receive a human body through top 24. Top 24 of exterior layer 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design to receive a human body. In other words, exterior layer 12 extends from a top 24 to a bottom 26 in an elongated human body shape. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the top 24 comes to a generally round opening 58 shaped like a human waist. Top 24 of exterior layer 12 may be tightly fitted to the user. In other arrangements, for example, top 24 may be shaped like a human torso or human shoulders. However, the shape of top 24 of exterior layer 12 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the top 24 of exterior layer 12 may be any shape that a user may wear on their body and may have multiple openings such as for a neck, each arm of a user, a hood, or no openings.

Bottom 26

[0049] In the arrangement shown, as one example, the bottom 26 of exterior layer 12 has one or more generally circular openings 44 sized or shaped to receive one or more legs or a human torso. Bottom 26 of exterior layer 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to receive a human body. In the arrangement shown, as one example, bottom 26 is shaped generally like an ellipse when viewed from a bottom elevation. Once again, in the arrangement shown, as one example, the shape of bottom 26 is similar to a human leg. The bottom 26 may include a left leg opening 44 and a right leg opening 44. In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, bottom 26 may be loosely fitted around the user. However, the shape of bottom 26 of exterior layer 12 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the bottom 26 of exterior layer 12 may be any shape that a user may wear on their body and may have one opening 44, multiple openings 44, or no openings 44.

Pocket 30

[0050] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, the exterior layer 12 may have one or more pockets 30. Pocket 30 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to store one or more items 18 in exterior layer 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, pocket 30 has one or more access points 28 (e.g., provided by one or more openings) and an exterior surface 32 opposing an interior region 38. Pocket 30 has an internal exterior surface 32 of pocket 30. The internal exterior surface 32 of pocket 30 is within the interior surface 22 of exterior layer 12. Pocket 30 is utilized to store one or more items 18 of the user, such as a phone, wallet or keys in the pocket 30. The pocket may have a closure mechanism (not shown) such as a hook and loop fastener; a zipper; at least one button; at least one snap; lace; elastic; magnets; aluminum clasps; or at least one buckle. In other arrangements, for example, the pocket may not have a closure mechanism at the access point 28 of pocket 30. Certain items 18 may be heavy when stored in pocket 30 and the weight of these items 18 may pull system 10 down while a user is wearing system 10. In other circumstances, the weight of the items 18 may cause the exterior layer 12 to shift or move while the user is moving or a portion of the system 10 may become bulky. In the arrangement shown, as one example, seams 50 may define the shape of the pocket 30 and the access point 28 of the pocket 30. However, the pocket 30 of exterior layer 12 may have more than one pocket 30, pocket 30 may have a different closure mechanism, or pocket 30 may securely store items 18.

Tightening Section 42

[0051] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, the exterior layer 12 may have tightening section 42. Tightening section 42 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to secure system 10, or the exterior layer 12 to the user. In the arrangement shown, as one example, exterior layer 12 has a tightening section 42 having an adjustable tightening mechanism 34 configured to allow a user to tighten or loosen all or a portion of the exterior layer 12 to fit the exterior layer 12 to their body. The tightening section 42 may be designed as a waistband having a tubular band enclosing adjustable mechanism 34. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the tightening section 42 may have one or more openings 40 to facilitate access to adjustable mechanism 34. Openings 40 may be on the exterior surface 20 of exterior layer 12, the interior surface 22 of exterior layer 12, or both. The openings 40 may be slits, grommets 36, or any other type of opening that allows a user to access adjustable mechanism 34. Adjustable mechanism 34 may be a rope, a lace, a belt, or any other mechanism that can tighten or loosen the tightening section 42, allowing the user to fit the exterior layer 12 to their body. In other arrangements, for example, the adjustable mechanism 34 may be loops and a belt, hook and loop fasteners, tri-glides, webbings, snaps, clips, loops and laces or ropes, or any other mechanism that allows the user to tighten or loosen all or a portion of the exterior layer 12 to fit the exterior layer 12 to their body. In the arrangement shown, as one example, tightening section 42 may be at the top 24 of the exterior layer 12. However, tightening section 42 may be located elsewhere on system 10, such as in the middle, or at the bottom 26. However, the tightening section 42 of exterior layer 12 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements tightening section 42 may have various shapes, one or more adjustable mechanisms 34, and/or exterior layer 12 may have a plurality of tightening sections 42.

Access Point 28

[0052] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, the exterior layer 12 may have access point 28. Access point 28 of exterior layer 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate access to one or more pockets 16 of liner 14. In an alternate arrangement, as one example, there may be two, three, four, five, or any number of access points 28 of exterior layer 12 corresponding to any number of pockets 16 of liner 14.

[0053] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, exterior layer 12 has an access point 28 that facilitates access to a pocket 16 of liner 14 through connection member 46. In the arrangement shown, as one example, access point 28 runs a length from opposing ends of the access point 28. The length may be the same length as opening 98 of pocket 16. In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection member 46 may be seams 50 connecting an opening 98 of pocket 16 to access point 28 of exterior layer 12. The connection member 46 may run along an edge or exterior of access point 28, so that there is no gap between access point 28 of exterior layer 12 and opening 98 of pocket 16. In other arrangements, connection member 46 may be a hook and loop fastener; a zipper; at least one button; at least one snap; lace; elastic; magnets; aluminum clasps; or at least one buckle to connect access point 28 with pocket 16. In one or more arrangements, for example, connection member 46 may not fully surround access point 28. Access point 28 may have a closure mechanism such as a hook and loop fastener; a zipper; at least one button; at least one snap; lace; elastic; magnets; aluminum clasps; or at least one buckle. However, access point 28 of exterior layer 12 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, access point 28 may have various shapes, various closure mechanisms (not shown), and/or exterior layer 12 may have a plurality of access points 28.

[0054] While exterior layer 12 and its components have been described according to the arrangement shown, as one example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any other configuration of exterior layer 12 and its components may be used in order to accommodate a human body and facilitate accessing at least one pocket 16 located on liner 14.

[0055] Once the exterior layer 12 has been configured, then liner 14 may be operably connected to exterior layer 12 as mentioned herein.

Liner 14

[0056] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, system 10 includes a liner 14. Liner 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to adhere to user in one or more areas of their body and hold one or more items 18. Liner 14 may be designed to apply different levels of compression to one or more areas of the body. In the arrangement shown, as one example, liner 14 includes an exterior surface 60 and an interior surface 62. Liner 14 has a top 64 opposing a bottom 66, a front 84 opposing a back 86 and opposing sides 88. In the arrangement shown, as one example, seams 80 may connect one or more components of liner 14 together or with the exterior layer 12 or compressible pocket 16. For example, seams 80 may connect the front side 84 of the liner 14 to the back side 86 of the liner 14 at one or both of the opposing sides 88. In another example, seams 80 may connect the liner 14 to the exterior layer 12 at the one or more compressible pockets 16, so that the top 64 of liner 14 is disconnected from the top 24 of exterior layer 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the seams 80 may also define the shape 78 of the liner 14, edges of a pocket 16 of the liner 14, or the opening 98 of the pocket 16.

[0057] In the arrangement shown, as one example, shape 78 of the liner 14 may be the same as shape 114 of exterior layer 12. Alternatively, liner 14 may have a different shape 78. For example, liner 14 may be shaped as a pair of shorts while exterior layer 12 may be shaped as a pair of joggers. In other arrangements, the shape 78 of liner 14 may be a skirt, pants, joggers, sweatpants, swimsuit, board shorts, or rompers. However, shape 78 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the liner 14 may be any shape 78 that a user may wear on their body.

Top 64

[0058] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, liner 14 includes top 64. Top 64 of liner 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to adhere to user in one or more areas of their body. In the arrangement shown, as one example, liner 14 is generally sized and shaped to receive a human body and is shaped as a pair of shorts. In other words, liner 14 extends from top 64 to bottom 66 in an elongated human body shape. In the arrangement shown, as one example, top 64 comes to an opening 118 shaped like a human waist. In other arrangements, for example, top 64 may be shaped like a human torso or human shoulders and have an opening 118 configured to receive the user. However, the shape of top 64 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, top 64 of liner 14 may be any shape that a user may wear on their body and may have multiple openings 118 such as for a neck and each arm of a user, a hood, or no openings.

[0059] In the arrangement shown, as one example, top 64 is adjacent to tightening section 42 of exterior layer 12. Connection member 82 facilitates the connection of top 64 of liner 14 to exterior layer 12. In one or more arrangements, connection member 82 connects top 64 of liner 14 to top 24 of exterior layer 12 using seams 50/80. However, connection member 82 may be any design or mechanism including a hook and loop fastener; a zipper; at least one button; at least one snap; lace; magnets; aluminum clasps; or at least one buckle that facilitates the connection of liner 14 to exterior layer 12. In one or more arrangements, connection member 82 may be a removeable connection member 82 to facilitate the separation or attachment of exterior layer 12 from liner 14, such as magnets, snaps, clasps, a hook and loop fastener, or any other connection member 82 that facilitates a removeable connection between the exterior layer 12 and liner 14. This alternate arrangement allows a user to mix and match different materials 48/68, colors, or replace either or both of the exterior layer 12 and liner 14 if one becomes dirty, wet, damaged, or for any other reason the exterior layer 12 or liner 14 needs to be removed or replaced. In another alternate arrangement, as one example, liner 14 may be connected to exterior layer 12 only along the edges of the one or more compressible pockets 16. However, connection member 82 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, liner 14 may be attached or connected to exterior layer 12 at the bottom 26, or at a point between the top 24/64 and the bottom 26/66 of liner 14 or of the exterior layer 12.

Bottom 66

[0060] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, liner 14 includes bottom 66. Bottom 66 of liner 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to adhere to user in one or more areas of their body. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the bottom 66 has generally one or more circular openings 112 sized or shaped to receive one or more legs or a human torso. In the arrangement shown, as one example, bottom 66 is shaped in a generally ellipse like shape when viewed from a bottom elevation. Once again, the shape of bottom 66 is similar to a human leg. However, the shape of bottom 66 of liner 14 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements the bottom 66 of liner 14 may be any shape that a user may wear on their body have one opening 112, multiple openings 112, or no openings 112.

[0061] While liner 14 and its components have been described according to the arrangement shown, as one example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any other configuration of liner 14 and its components may be used in order to apply different levels of compression to the one or more areas of the body. Additionally, liner 14 may have any other arrangement of pockets or other components included therein.

[0062] Once the liner 14 has been configured, then a compressible pocket 16 may be operably connected to liner 14 as mentioned herein.

Compressible Pocket 16

[0063] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, system 10 includes a compressible pocket 16. Compressible pocket 16 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to store one or more items 18 that can be easily accessed by a user through exterior layer 12. In an alternate arrangement, as one example, system 10 may contain one, two, three, four, five, or any number of compressible pockets 16. In the arrangement shown, as one example, compressible pocket 16 includes an interior 90 and an exterior 92. In the arrangement shown, as one example, compressible pocket 16 includes a top 94, a bottom 96, and one or more sides 106. In the arrangement shown, as one example, compressible pocket 16 has a rectangular shape. However, the shape of compressible pocket 16 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the compressible pocket 16 may be any shape that allows a user to store one or more items 18.

[0064] In the arrangement shown, as one example, compressible pocket 16 is located on the exterior side 60 of liner 14. In an alternate arrangement, one or more compressible pockets 16 may be located on the front 84, back 86, either opposing side 88, top side 64, bottom side 66, exterior surface 60, interior surface 62, or any other portion of liner 14. In one or more arrangements, as shown, for example, compressible pocket 16 has an opening 98. Opening 98 may be at the top 94 of compressible pocket 16, allowing a user to easily access and place items 18 in compressible pocket 16 through the exterior layer 12. In other arrangements, opening 98 may be at the bottom 96 of compressible pocket 16, on one or more sides 106 of compressible pocket 16, or in between top 94 and bottom 96 of compressible pocket 16. Opening 98 runs a length from opposing ends. The length of opening 98 may be the same length as access point 28 of exterior layer 12. However, opening 98 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the compressible pocket 16 may have multiple openings 98 that allows a user to store items 18.

Connection Member 46

[0065] In one or more arrangements, as shown, for example, compressible pocket 16 includes connection member 46. Connection member 46 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to connect the opening 98 of compressible pocket 16 to access point 28 of exterior layer 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection member 46 may be seams connecting an opening 98 of pocket 16 to access point 28 of exterior layer 12. In an alternate arrangement, as one example, one or more connection members 46 may be seams connecting one or more openings 98 of one or more compressible pockets 16 to one or more access points 28 of exterior layer 12. In another alternate arrangement, as one example, connection member 46 may be the only point holding liner 14 in connection with exterior layer 12. The connection member 46 may run along an edge of access point 28, so that there is no gap between access point 28 of exterior layer 12 and opening 98 of pocket 16. In other arrangements, connection member 46 may be a hook and loop fastener; a zipper; at least one button; at least one snap; lace; elastic; magnets; aluminum clasps; or at least one buckle to connect access point 28 with pocket 16. In one or more arrangements, for example, connection member 46 may not fully surround access point 28. Access point 28 may have a closure mechanism such as a hook and loop fastener; a zipper; at least one button; at least one snap; lace; elastic; magnets; aluminum clasps; or at least one buckle. In other arrangements, compressible pocket 16 is not secured to access point 28 or exterior layer 12. However, in the arrangement shown, as one example, access point 28 may be aligned with opening 98 allowing a user to access compressible pocket 16 through the exterior layer 12 without lifting the exterior layer 12 into an open position 110. However, the connection member 46 is not so limited. Rather, it is understood that in some various arrangements, the compressible pocket 16 may have multiple openings 98 that allows a user to store items 18.

[0066] While compressible pocket 16 and its components have been described according the arrangement shown, as one example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any other configuration of compressible pocket 16 and its components may be used in order to store one or more items 18 that can be easily accessed by a user through exterior layer 12.

Material

[0067] In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, system 10 includes components having one or more materials. Material 48 of exterior layer 12, material 68 of liner 14, and material 104 of compressible pocket 16 can be made of a variety of materials. Exterior layer 12 is generally composed of a material 48 selected from a group including linen, wool, velvet, silk, leather, chiffon, cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, cashmere, denim, fur, fleece, satin, suede, twill, mixtures thereof, or any type of fabric that covers a portion of the user's body. In one or more arrangements, as one example, material 48 may be flexible or breathable. Liner 14 is generally comprised of a stretchable compression material 68 such as a fabric including elastane, spandex, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof, or other stretch fabrics (which may also be referred to herein as elastic materials or fabrics). However, any material 68 with some degree of elasticity may be used for liner 14. Alternatively, any material 68 which does not include any elasticity may also be used for liner 14. In one or more arrangements, as one example, material 68 may be flexible or breathable. In the arrangement shown, as one example, compressible pocket 16 is generally comprised of a stretchable compression material 104 such as a fabric including elastane, spandex, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof, or other stretch fabrics (which may also be referred to herein as elastic materials or fabrics). However, any fabric with some degree of elasticity may be used for compressible pocket 16 to secure items 18 in compressible pocket 16. Alternatively, any material 104 which does not include any elasticity may also be used for compressible pocket 16. In one or more arrangements, for example, material 104 may be flexible or breathable. In some arrangements, as one example, material 68 of liner 14 may be different from material 48 of exterior layer 12 and/or material 104 of compressible pocket 16.

[0068] In other arrangements, as one example, material 68 and/or material 104 may be waterproof. Material 68/104 may be a waterproof nylon cloth material 68/104 or a waterproof nylon cloth material 68/104 that is flexible and breathable. In other arrangements, as one example, material 68/104 may be covered with polyurethane coating. In other arrangements, as one example, one or more of the materials 48/68/104 may be watertight. In one or more arrangements, the material of connection members 46/82 of exterior layer 12 and liner 14 and closure mechanism may provide a water tight seal such as through heat sealed seams and/or water proof zippers allowing a user to wear system 10 in the water or around the water.

[0069] However, the materials 48/68/104 used in system 10 are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, liner 14 and exterior layer 12 are made from the same material 48/68 and/or liner 14 and compressible pocket 16 are made from different materials 68/104.

In Operation

[0070] In various arrangements, system 10 may be used by a user to secure and/or conceal items 18 against a user's body and easily and efficiently access such items 18 using system 10. In the arrangement shown, as one example, a user wears system 10. In the arrangement shown, as one example, a user places system 10 on their legs and up over their waist by inserting their legs through the top 64 of liner 14 and top 24 of exterior layer 12. When placed on a user's body, liner 14 compresses against a user's body. Exterior layer 12 is loosely shaped around the user's body over and covering liner 14. When wearing the garment of system 10, a user may want to store one or more items 18 securely inside a compressible pocket 16.

[0071] The process to store one or more items 18 in compressible pocket 16 can be seen in FIGS. 12-15. To store one of the one or more items 18, a user begins by opening an access point 28 of exterior layer 12, as seen in FIG. 13. Once access point 28 has been opened, a user can use a body part or item 18 itself to begin moving item 18 through exterior layer 12 via the access point 28 and into the opening 98 of compressible pocket 16, as seen in FIGS. 14-15. In the arrangement shown, as one example, compressible pocket 16 is located along the exterior side 60 of liner 14. Using system 10, a user can place an item 18 into a compressible pocket 16 without lifting the exterior layer 12 to the open position 110 or revealing liner 14. The compressible pocket 16 is compressed against the user's body allowing compressible pocket 16 to secure items 18 placed in the compressible pocket 16. To subsequently remove items 18 from compressible pocket 16, a user reaches through access point 28 of the exterior layer 12 and through the opening 98 of the compressible pocket 16 and pulls the item 18 back through the opening 98 of compressible pocket 16 and through access point 28 of exterior layer 12. This process to store one or more items 18 can be repeated to store one or more items 18 in one or more compressible pockets 16 of system 10.

[0072] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to system 10 without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.

[0073] From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the system 10 presented herein improves upon the state of the art. Specifically, in one or more arrangements, a system 10 is presented which: improves upon the state of the art; provides improved functionality over prior art systems; provides improved features over prior art systems; is relatively easy to manufacture; is aesthetically appealing; has a long useful life; is relatively inexpensive; is easy to use; is strong and robust; can be used in many applications; improves efficiency; provides unique functionality; is compact in size; is of high quality.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0074] 10System [0075] 12Exterior layer [0076] 14Liner [0077] 16Compressible pocket [0078] 18Item [0079] 20Exterior side (Exterior Layer 12) [0080] 22Interior side (exterior layer 12) [0081] 24Top (exterior layer 12) [0082] 26Bottom (exterior layer 12) [0083] 28opening for pocket (Exterior layer 12) [0084] 30Pocket (exterior layer 12) [0085] 32Exterior of pocket (Exterior Layer 12) [0086] 34Tightening mechanism (Exterior Layer 12) [0087] 36Grommets (Exterior Layer 12) [0088] 38Interior of pocket (Exterior Layer 12) [0089] 40Opening for tightening mechanism (Interior of Exterior Layer 12) [0090] 42Tightening section (exterior layer 12) [0091] 44opening (bottom 26 of Exterior layer 12) [0092] 46Connection member (Exterior layer 12 to liner 14) [0093] 48Material (Exterior Layer 12) [0094] 50Seams (Exterior Layer 12) [0095] 52front (Exterior Layer 12) [0096] 54back (Exterior Layer 12) [0097] 56opposing sides (Exterior Layer 12) [0098] 58opening (Exterior Layer 12) [0099] 60Exterior surface (liner 14) [0100] 62Interior surface (liner 14) [0101] 64Top side (liner 14) [0102] 66bottom side (liner 14) [0103] 68Material (Liner 14) [0104] 78shape (liner 14) [0105] 80seams (liner 14) [0106] 82connection member (liner 14) [0107] 84front (liner 14) [0108] 86back (liner 14) [0109] 88opposing sides (liner 14) [0110] 90Interior of compressible pocket [0111] 92Exterior of compressible pocket [0112] 94Top of compressible pocket [0113] 96Bottom of compressible pocket [0114] 98opening of compressible pocket [0115] 100opening mechanism of compressible pocket [0116] 102connection mechanism of compressible pocket to exterior layer [0117] 104Material of compressible pocket [0118] 106sides of compressible pocket [0119] 110open position (exterior layer 12) [0120] 112opening (bottom of liner 14) [0121] 114shape (exterior layer 12) [0122] 116closed position (exterior layer 12) [0123] 118opening (liner 14)