CN117770544A - Garment with integrated device support platform - Google Patents

Abstract

Garments having integrated device support platforms. The disclosed device includes a tuck-back pocket with an integrated platform assembly on an article of apparel such as a jacket or shirt that can be tucked open during active use to support the mobile device in a hands-free manner. The cover may be opened to release the front of the tuck-back pocket and allow the front to be tucked open to a prescribed angle held in place by side supports attached to the back of the tuck-back pocket. The platform assembly is removably or permanently integrated with a tuck-over pocket on which a mobile device of various thickness can be supported and secured with a clamp built into the rigid platform. Various sized clamps are used on the slide in discrete positional adjustments and fine positional adjustments relative to a stationary platform supporting the mobile device.

Description

Garment with integrated device support platform

Cross Reference to Related Applications

Based on 35u.s.c. ≡119 (e), the present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.63/410,224 entitled "article of apparel with integrated physical platform," filed on 9, 27, 2022, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to apparel and mechanical supports for utility devices. More particularly, the present application relates to a mechanical support for a utility device, such as a cell phone, that is integrated with a garment worn by a user of the utility device.

Background

In the digital age, a wide variety of professions and activities rely on the ability to access, view, or have mobile devices such as cell phones, multimeters, measurement equipment, GPS, etc. on a person. Such professions and activities include, but are not limited to, construction, manufacturing, maintenance and repair, sports, law enforcement, emergency medical, security, military, sports, and hiking. Currently, these mobile devices are either secured to the user by special means such as strapping (which makes the mobile device inaccessible for viewing and manipulation) or placed in the user's pocket where repeated hand access is required (which can easily cause the device to fall and break). Thus, there is a need for a widely applicable method for carrying mobile devices of different sizes with them that allows secure, hands-free access and viewing.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly, a system and method are disclosed that include articles of apparel such as jackets, shirts, gowns, coveralls, and the like having tuck pockets that tuck to receive a mobile device. In some embodiments, the tuck pocket may include a mobile device holder that includes various clamp assemblies, transparent bags, retaining straps, and the like. In some embodiments, the mobile device holder receives as an insert a rigid platform assembly for holding a mobile device such as a cell phone, multimeter, other electronic measurement device, or the like. The rigid platform assembly allows the mobile device to be securely held so that a person wearing the article of apparel can comfortably see the screen while carrying the device without the hand. An adjustable lock and clamp integrated into the rigid platform assembly is provided for securing the mobile device from moving around or falling out by holding the mobile device in place with both non-fine adjustment capability and fine adjustment capability. In some embodiments, the folded tuck pockets may be detachable from the article of apparel rather than permanently integrated, which allows the article of apparel to be laundered without damaging the folded tuck pockets. In such embodiments, the attachment of the folded tuck pockets to the article of apparel may be accomplished by velcro, snap fasteners, slide-in locking mechanisms, or the like. In some embodiments, the rigid platform assembly is permanently integrated with the collapsible flip pocket. In some embodiments, the rigid platform assembly may be detachable from the collapsible flip pocket. In such embodiments, the attachment of the rigid platform assembly to the collapsible flip pocket may be accomplished by velcro, snap fasteners, slide-in locking mechanisms, or the like. In other embodiments, the rigid platform assembly may not have any attachment to the folded tuck-flap pocket. The rigid platform assembly comprises two main parts: a main frame and a slider. The slider portion may slide up and down on the main frame while interlocking with the main frame using a rail system, tongue and groove system, or the like. The slider portion includes recesses or teeth that can engage with similar mating or mating recesses or teeth on the main frame to lock the slider portion relative to the main frame. The slider portion may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism that allows a user to remove the slider teeth from the main frame teeth to unlock the slider and slide the slider up and down on the main frame to complete a non-fine adjustment of the slider position. The slider portion may further comprise at least one clamp which is movable up and down relative to the slider within a range substantially equal to the size of the distance between two adjacent slider teeth to accomplish fine adjustment of the clamp relative to the moving means to which it is fixed. In some embodiments, there are multiple clamps of different sizes that can be independently spread apart to secure mobile devices of various thicknesses.

In various embodiments, an article of apparel is disclosed that includes a tuck-back pocket having an open position and a closed position, the tuck-back pocket including a front portion and a back portion, wherein the back portion is coupled to the article of apparel. A pocket angle control is coupled between the front and rear portions to limit the pocket angle between the front and rear portions when the fold-over pocket is in the open position to maintain the mobile device visible and usable in a hands-free manner.

In various embodiments, a flip pocket is disclosed that securely holds a mobile device for non-handheld carrying and viewing. The tuck pocket may include a front portion and a back portion, wherein the back portion is coupled to the article of apparel. At least one adjustable flexible side connects the front portion to the back portion, thereby maintaining the pocket open at a desired pocket angle. The front portion is configured to securely retain the mobile device.

In various embodiments, a flip pocket is disclosed that securely holds a mobile device for non-handheld carrying and viewing. The tuck pocket may include a front portion and a back portion, wherein the back portion is removably coupled to the article of apparel. At least one flexible side connects the front portion to the back portion, thereby maintaining the pocket open at a desired pocket angle. The mobile device holder may be integrated with the front portion.

Drawings

The drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the subject matter to be protected when considered in conjunction with the following description.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary jacket with an exemplary tuck-over pocket coupled thereto;

FIG. 1B illustrates the exemplary tucked pocket of FIG. 1A in more detail in an open or unfolded configuration;

FIG. 1C illustrates the example tuck-back pocket of FIG. 1B in an expanded configuration with the example rigid platform assembly inserted into the tuck-back pocket;

FIG. 1D illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of FIG. 1B in an expanded configuration with the example rigid platform assembly inserted into the tuck-flap pocket;

FIG. 1E illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of FIG. 1B in an unfolded configuration with another example rigid platform assembly inserted into the tuck-flap pocket;

FIG. 1F illustrates the exemplary tuck pocket of FIG. 1B in an unfolded configuration with the exemplary elastic strap integrated with the tuck pocket;

FIG. 1G illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of FIG. 1B in an unfolded configuration with the example transparent shell integrated with the tuck-flap pocket;

FIG. 1H illustrates the exemplary tuck-flap pocket of FIG. 1B in an unfolded configuration with the exemplary zipper case integrated with the tuck-flap pocket;

FIG. 2A illustrates the exemplary rigid platform assembly of FIG. 1C in a fully extended and locked configuration;

FIG. 2B illustrates the example rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates the example rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in a partially extended and unlocked configuration;

FIG. 4A illustrates the exemplary rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in a fully extended and locked configuration with the integrated large clamp open;

FIG. 4B illustrates the exemplary rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in a partially extended and locked configuration with the integrated small clamp open;

FIG. 5A illustrates the example tuck-back pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of FIG. 1C with an example thin mobile device such as a cell phone placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a small clamp;

FIG. 5B illustrates the combination of the exemplary flip pocket, rigid platform assembly of FIG. 1C with an exemplary thick mobile device such as a multimeter placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a large clamp;

fig. 6 illustrates the rigid platform assembly of fig. 4A from another perspective.

Detailed Description

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to several illustrative embodiments and example devices described herein, it should be clear that the present disclosure should not be limited to such embodiments. Accordingly, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed. Furthermore, while the following description refers to a particular configuration of a garment such as a coat or jacket having an integrated device support platform, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may be applicable to other types of garments having an integrated device support platform configuration, such as shirts, suspender pants, coveralls, and the like.

It is noted that direction, orientation and other related terms (such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "downward", "upward", "forward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "oblique", etc.) are described with respect to or relative to distinguishing features of the system or device body itself. For example, if the front portion or surface of the system body or object is determined in the description, the back or face is defined as the portion or surface opposite the front surface, the left is defined as the left side when looking toward the front surface, and so on. How the orientation is defined is not critical as long as the orientation is explicitly determinable based on the description and the drawings.

Fig. 1A illustrates an exemplary jacket with an exemplary tuck pocket coupled thereto. In various embodiments, a jacket configuration 100 with turndown pockets includes a jacket 101 and turndown pockets 102. In various embodiments, the tuck pocket 102 includes a flap 103. In various embodiments, jacket 101 includes a jacket front left side 105, a jacket front right side 106, and a jacket snap fastener 104.

In some embodiments, the turndown pocket 102 may be permanently coupled to the jacket front left side 105 and located in an upper portion of the jacket front left side 105. In other embodiments, the tuck-over pocket 102 may be removably coupled to the jacket front left 105 using Velcro (Velcro), snap fasteners, or the like. In other embodiments, the turndown pocket 102 may be permanently coupled to the jacket front right side 106 and located in an upper portion of the jacket front right side 106. In other embodiments, the turndown pocket 102 may be removably coupled to the jacket front right side 106 using velcro, snap fasteners, or the like. In various embodiments, the jacket snap fasteners 104 may snap together with snap fasteners integrated with the flip flap 103 shown later in fig. 1B to hold the flap open. In other embodiments, the tuck-over pocket 102 may be attached to any portion of the garment, such as the front center or near the waist, the front or side of the leg, on the shirt sleeve, or any other location on the garment that may be most suitable for viewing the mobile device during a particular activity.

Figure 1B illustrates the exemplary tucked pocket of figure 1A in more detail in an open or unfolded configuration. In various embodiments, the unfolded tuck pocket configuration 125 includes a tuck pocket back or side 126, a tuck pocket front or side 127, a deployment angle control 128, a front side snap fastener 129, a cover snap fastener 130, and a flap 103.

In various embodiments, the tucked pocket back side 126 may be permanently integrated with one of the jacket front left side 105 or the jacket front right side 106 by stitching, bonding, or the like. In various embodiments, the tuck-pocket front side 127 may be unfolded away from the tuck-pocket back side 126 by loosening the front side snap fasteners 129 and allowing the tuck-pocket front side 127 to fall away from the tuck-pocket back side 126 under the force of gravity. Thus, the tuck pocket front side 127 is deployed as much as is permitted by the flexible extension deployment angle controls 128 coupled to both the tuck pocket front side 127 and the back side 126, respectively.

In some embodiments, the tuck pocket 102 may be manufactured by molding a hard plastic or a flexible plastic. In other embodiments, the fold-over pocket front side 127 and back side 126, respectively, may be made of one material, while the deployment angle control 128 may be made of another material. For example, the fold-over pocket front side 127 and back side 126 may be made of cloth covered cardboard, plastic or metal, while the deployment angle control 128 may be made of cloth or flexible plastic. In some embodiments, the front side 127 may be flat and rigid enough to maintain its flat shape to support the weight of the held mobile device without significant deformation, deflection, bending, or buckling (e.g., deflection less than 5% from a straight/flat surface). In other embodiments, the front side 127 may be flexible, e.g., like a cloth, that receives or integrates a rigid insert or platform that holds the mobile device, e.g., as further described herein with respect to fig. 1C-1E.

In some embodiments, the angle control 128 may be a motion limiting webbing that limits movement of the front or anterior side 127 relative to the posterior side 126, thus controlling the pocket angle between the anterior side 127 and the posterior or posterior side 126 when the tucked pocket 102 is in the open configuration. The angle control 128 may be detachably coupled with the tuck pocket backside 126 and/or the tuck pocket front side 127 using velcro, snap fasteners, or the like to allow for adjustment of the open pocket angle of the tuck pocket 102 (between the tuck pocket front side 127 and the tuck pocket backside 126). The pocket angle may also be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the length of the upper edge of the angle control member 128 (closest to the cover snap fastener 130). The longer length of the upper edge translates into a wider pocket angle. This configuration allows the pocket angle to be continuously adjusted along a continuous angle.

In various embodiments, the tuck-back pocket 102 may include two general positions or states, namely a closed (or folded) position or state and an open (or unfolded) position or state. In some embodiments, the tuck pocket 102 may include additional intermediate continuous or discrete positions or states between the closed position and the fully or maximally open position. In the closed position, the tuck pocket may be secured by, for example, a zipper, buttons, magnets, such as Velcro ^TM Various types of fasteners of hook and loop fasteners or other types of fasteners suitable for the purpose are held in a closed position. In an open or intermediate position, fig. 1C shows the example tuck-flap pocket of fig. 1B in a deployed configuration with the example rigid platform assembly inserted therein. In various embodiments, the unfolded tuck pocket configuration 150 with rigid platform assembly includes the tuck pocket 102 and the rigid platform assembly 136.

In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 may be placed on an upper portion (facing the lid snap fastener 130) or inner surface of the unfolded, folded-over pocket front side 127. Fig. 1C shows the unfolded, folded-over pocket from a different perspective, such that two unfolded angle controls 128 can be seen. The deployment angle control 128 also secures the rigid platform assembly 136 from both sides to prevent the rigid platform assembly 136 from falling out of the tuck-over pocket. Details of rigid platform assembly 136 will be discussed with respect to the following figures.

In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 includes at least one clamp having an adjustable position along the length of the main frame of the rigid platform assembly 136, as further described below with respect to fig. 2A-3.

In various embodiments, generally, the tuck-over pocket 102 and/or the front 127 can be coupled with various types of mobile device holders designed to securely hold different sized mobile devices. In some embodiments, such mobile device holders may be permanently integrated with the tuck-back pocket 102, while in other embodiments, the device holders may be coupled with the tuck-back pocket 102 as removable or removable inserts. Examples of such mobile device holders and/or inserts are disclosed and described in the present disclosure with respect to fig. 1D-1G.

Fig. 1D illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of fig. 1B in an expanded configuration with the example rigid platform assembly inserted into the tuck-flap pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 145 includes the tuck-over pocket 102, the angle control 128, a clamp assembly 146 having a large clamp 147 and a small clamp 148, an attachment backing 149 attached to the platform assembly 146, and a bottom 150 of the tuck-over pocket 102.

In various embodiments, the clamp assembly 146 includes a large clamp 147 for holding large and/or thick mobile devices, such as multimeters or other devices, and a small clamp 148 for holding small and/or thin mobile devices, such as smartphones, in the tuck-over pocket 102. These clips are single sided top clips and do not have a mating lip or clip on the bottom side. These clamps hold the device by pressing the device against the bottom 150 of the tuck-back pocket 102.

In various embodiments, the attachment backing 149 may provide a hook and loop type attachment, such as Velcro ^TM Having a mating on the bottom surface of the clamp assembly 146, respectivelyWith loops or hooks on the attachment backing 149. In this way, the clamp assembly 146 may be moved up and down in the tuck-over pocket 102 to adjust the position of the clamp assembly 146 for different lengths of the device being held. In some embodiments, an attachment backing 149 is attached to the front side 127.

Fig. 1E illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of fig. 1B in an unfolded configuration with another example rigid platform assembly inserted into the tuck-flap pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 155 includes the tuck-over pocket 102, the angle control 128, the clamp assembly 156 having the large clamp 157 and the small clamp 158, and the adjustment aperture 159 attached to the clamp assembly 156.

In various embodiments, clamp assembly 156 includes a large clamp 157 for holding large and/or thick mobile devices, such as multimeters or other devices, and a small clamp 158 for holding small and/or thin mobile devices, such as smartphones, in tuck-over pocket 102. These clips are single sided top clips and do not have a mating lip or clip on the bottom side. These clamps hold the device by pressing the device against the bottom 150 of the tuck-back pocket 102.

In various embodiments, an adjustment aperture 159 is fabricated into the front side 127 and provides a male receiver that receives a post or protrusion disposed on the bottom side of the clamp assembly 156. In this manner, the platform assembly 156 may be moved up and down in the tuck-over pocket 102 to adjust the position of the clamp assembly 156 for different lengths of the device being held.

Fig. 1F illustrates the example tuck pocket of fig. 1B in an unfolded configuration with the example elastic strap integrated with the tuck pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 165 includes the tuck-back pocket 102, the angle control 128, the movement device 166, the retention straps 167 and 168.

In various embodiments, the mobile device 166 may be held by holding straps 167 and 168 on the front side 127 of the tuck-over pocket 102. The retention straps 167 and 168 may be made of an elastic material, leather, plastic, cloth, or other flexible material suitable for the purpose. In some embodiments, the retention straps 167 and 168 may be less or more than the four segments shown in the figures. In some embodiments, the holding straps 167 and 168 may cover and depress four corners of the mobile device 166, while in other embodiments, the holding straps 167 and 168 may extend longitudinally or transversely parallel to the sides of the mobile device 166 to cover the sides of the mobile device 166 instead of the corners (not shown). In other embodiments, the holding strap may be one or more transparent elastic straps that may span across the screen of the mobile device and hold it securely.

Fig. 1G illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of fig. 1B in an unfolded configuration with the example transparent shell integrated with the tuck-flap pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 175 includes the tuck-back pocket 102, the angle control 128, the movement device 166, and the transparent pocket 176 with the zipper 177.

In various embodiments, the transparent pocket 176 is a pocket within the flip pocket 102 for holding the mobile device 166. In some embodiments, the transparent pocket is made of a transparent or slightly colored plastic, while in other embodiments, the transparent pocket may be made of a thin mesh (like nylon socks). In some embodiments, the transparent pocket 176 is closable (using a zipper or other similar means), while in other embodiments, the transparent pocket 176 may have an open end.

Fig. 1H illustrates the example tuck-flap pocket of fig. 1B in an unfolded configuration with the example zipper case integrated with the tuck-flap pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 185 includes a tuck-back pocket 102 having a back interior surface 186, a front interior surface 188, edge fasteners 187, and angle controls 128.

In various embodiments, the tuck pocket 102 does not have an insert or additional structure integrated therewith as in some other embodiments disclosed herein, but rather has an interior space defined and/or enclosed by edges that may be closed or fastened together using edge fasteners such as zippers or other similar devices. FIG. 2A illustrates the example rigid platform assembly 136 of FIG. 1C in a fully extended and locked configuration. In various embodiments, the fully extended and locked rigid platform assembly 200 includes a main frame 201 and a discrete or non-fine slider 202. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 includes a main frame rail 208 and a number of main frame teeth (or recesses) 205. In various embodiments, the discrete slider 202 includes one or more slider teeth 206, a lock release actuator 207, a large clamp 204, and at least one small clamp 203 (in contrast to being smaller than the large clamp 204).

In various embodiments, the main frame 201 is U-shaped, having a main frame rail 208 and a number of main frame teeth 205 around the inner circumference of the main frame 201. In some embodiments, the U-shaped main frame 201 has a top end that is open and bridged by a discrete slider 202 and a bottom end that is closed, as shown. In alternative embodiments, the main frame rail 208 may be replaced with a tongue and groove system or other suitable sliding arrangement that allows the discrete slider 202 to slide up and down and lock/unlock in the main frame 201. In various embodiments, the discrete slider 202 engages a track or tongue and groove system inside the main frame 201 and can slide up and down in the U-shaped main frame 201. The discrete positions provided by the discrete slider are predetermined based on the size of the teeth 205 and 206. In various embodiments, the slider teeth 206 may fall into the recesses between the main frame teeth (or recesses) 205 to lock the slider in various positions along the interior of the U-shaped main frame 201. In the fully extended configuration, the discrete slide 202 is locked into the uppermost recess of the main frame 201, while in the partially extended configuration, the discrete slide 202 is locked into the other recesses of the main frame 201.

In various embodiments, multiple clamps of different sizes integrated with discrete slides 202 may be deployed to secure the mobile device in place inside the rigid platform assembly 136, as will be further described in the following figures. Examples of such clamps shown in fig. 2A are a small clamp 203 and a large clamp 204.

FIG. 2B illustrates the example rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in an unlocked configuration. In various embodiments, the fully extended and unlocked rigid platform assembly 250 includes a main frame 201 and a discrete slider 202. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 includes main frame teeth 205 and the discrete slider 202 includes slider teeth 206 and lock release actuators 207.

In various embodiments, the lock release actuators 207 on both sides of the discrete slide 202 may be pressed together to move the discrete slide teeth 206 out of the recess or recess spaces between the main frame teeth 205, unlocking the discrete slide 202 and allowing the discrete slide 202 to slide up and down in the main frame 201. Once the discrete slide 202 is located at the desired location along the main frame 201, the lock release actuator 207 may be released to lock the discrete slide 202 in place. This operation completes the discrete placement of the slider-integrated jig because there are only discrete tooth positions and it is not possible to place the slider continuously in this way.

In various embodiments, the main frame teeth 205 and the discrete teeth 206 are designed to mate and mate to securely hold the discrete slider relative to the main frame 201.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in a partially extended and unlocked configuration. In various embodiments, the partially extended and unlocked rigid platform assembly 300 includes a main frame 201 and a discrete slider 202. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 includes main frame teeth 205 and the discrete slider 202 includes slider teeth 206 and lock release actuators 207.

In various embodiments, once unlocked by squeezing the lock release actuator 207 together, the discrete slider 202 may slide down to the lower position of the U-shaped main frame 201 to accommodate smaller or shorter mobile devices. Once the discrete slider 202 is in the desired position and the recesses between the slider teeth 206 and the main frame teeth 205 are aligned, the lock release actuator 207 can be released to lock the slider in the new position.

FIG. 4A illustrates the example rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in a fully extended and locked configuration with the integrated large clamp open. In various embodiments, a fully extended and locked rigid platform assembly with large clamp 400 includes main frame 201, discrete slide 202, and pivot direction 401. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 may include a number of main frame teeth 205. In various embodiments, the discrete slide 202 includes a large clamp 204, at least one small clamp 203, a continuous or fine slide 402, and a lock release actuator 207.

In various embodiments, the large clamp 204 may be received on the discrete slide 202 between the lock release actuators 207 and may pivot out of the plane of the discrete slide 202 in the pivot direction 401 to an angle required to securely hold the large thickness mobile device (relative to the smaller or thinner device) in place. In various embodiments, the large clamp 204 and at least one small clamp 203 are mounted on a fine-type slider 402 and can be continuously moved up and down along the length of the discrete-type slider 202 shown (actually along the length of the U-shaped main frame 201) by an amount equal to the distance between two adjacent main frame teeth 205 and/or the size or width of a single tooth 205 or slider tooth 206. This provides fine positional adjustment of the clamp relative to the mobile device that is fixed in position. The fine-type slider 402, together with the discrete-type slider 202, provides a continuous selection of the position of the grippers 203 and 204 relative to the U-shaped main frame 201. The discrete type slider 202 provides discrete and predetermined positions along the length of the U-shaped main frame 201 (which is defined along the sliding path of the slider 202 on the main frame 201), while the fine type slider 402 provides continuous positions within and/or between such discrete positions provided by the discrete type slider 202.

In various embodiments, the fine slider 402 may be spring loaded to always push down toward the closed end of the U-shaped main frame 201. In this way, when the small 203 or large 204 clamps are opened (opened) to receive the device, the clamps push the device downward to hold the device securely in place. In various embodiments, between the tuck-back pocket side 126 and the tuck-back pocket front side 127, the device held by the rigid platform assembly 136 is surrounded at the top by one of the small clamp 203 or the large clamp 204 and at the bottom by the base of the tuck-back pocket 102. In various embodiments, the small 203 and large 204 clamps hold the top side of the device while the bottom side of the device is held in place by the base or bottom of the tuck-over pocket 102.

FIG. 4B illustrates the example rigid platform assembly of FIG. 2A in a partially extended and locked configuration with the integrated small clamp open. In various embodiments, the partially extended and locked rigid platform assembly 450 includes a main frame 201 and a discrete slider 202. In various embodiments, the discrete slide 202 includes a lock release actuator 207, a large clamp 204, and at least one small clamp 203.

In various embodiments, at least one small clamp 203 may nest inside the large clamp 204 and may pivot out of the plane of the discrete slider 202 in the pivot direction 401 to an angle required to hold the thin (relative to the thicker device and less than or equal to the length of the small clamp 203) mobile device securely in place. At least one small clamp 203 may pivot independently of the large clamp 204. In some embodiments, there may be other smaller clips nested inside the small clip 203, which may be pivoted independently of all other clips to the angle required to secure the thinner mobile device. In other alternative embodiments, the various sized clips 203 and 204 may be housed side-by-side rather than nested within each other.

Fig. 5A illustrates the example tuck-back pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of fig. 1C with an example thin mobile device such as a cell phone placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a small clamp. In various embodiments, a tuck pocket/rigid platform combination 500 that holds a thin device includes a tuck pocket 102, a rigid platform assembly 136, and a thin mobile device 501. In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 includes a small clamp 203.

In various embodiments, the thin mobile device 501 may be placed inside the unfolded flip pocket 102, on top of the rigid platform assembly 136, and secured by the small clamp 203.

FIG. 5B illustrates the example tuck-back pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of FIG. 1C with an example thick mobile device such as a multimeter placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a large clamp. In various embodiments, a tuck pocket/rigid platform combination 550 that maintains a thick (thicker than the length of the small clamp 203 and less than or equal to the length of the large clamp 204) device includes the tuck pocket 102, the rigid platform assembly 136, and the thick moving device 551. In various embodiments, rigid platform assembly 136 includes a large clamp 204.

In various embodiments, thick movers 551 may be placed inside of the unfolded flip pocket 102, atop the rigid platform assembly 136, and secured by the large clamp 204.

Fig. 6 illustrates the rigid platform assembly of fig. 4A from another perspective. The figure shows that the back side of the rigid platform assembly is flat, which helps the rigid platform assembly sit smoothly inside the flip pocket.

It is to be understood that the steps described in the process are not ordered, and may not necessarily be performed or occur in the order described or depicted, unless explicitly described or stated. For example, step a in the same process described before step B in the process may actually be performed after step B. In other words, a series of steps in a process for achieving a final result may occur in any order unless otherwise indicated.

Changes may be made to the claimed invention based on the above detailed description. While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in this document, the claimed invention can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the claimed invention disclosed herein.

The use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. Generally, unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms, the terms used in the claims should not be construed to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification. Therefore, the actual scope of the claimed invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed invention.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that if an introduced claim recitation is intended to record a specific number, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is designed in the sense one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include but not be limited to a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B together alone, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is designed in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include but not be limited to systems having a alone, B alone, C, A and B together alone, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, and both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "a" or "B" or "a and B". It is also understood that any phrase in the form of "a/B" shall mean any of "a", "B", "a or B" or "a and B". Such a construction includes the phrase "and/or" itself.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. It is also to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various configurations included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims (20)

1. An article of apparel, comprising:

a tuck-back pocket having an open position and a closed position, the tuck-back pocket comprising a front portion and a back portion, wherein the back portion is coupled to the article of apparel; and

a pocket angle control coupled between the front and rear portions to limit a pocket angle between the front and rear portions when the flip pocket is in the open position to maintain the mobile device in a hands-free manner visible and usable.

2. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, further comprising a rigid platform assembly coupled with the tuck pocket to retain the mobile device.

3. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the pocket angle control includes a flexible side.

4. The article of apparel of claim 2, wherein the rigid platform assembly includes a main frame and at least one clamp having an adjustable position along the main frame to adjust to a size of the mobile device.

5. The article of apparel of claim 1, further comprising a retaining strap that retains the mobile device.

6. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, further comprising a transparent pocket coupled with the front side to retain the mobile device.

7. A flip pocket securely holding a mobile device for non-handheld carrying and viewing, the flip pocket comprising:

a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion is coupled to an article of apparel; and

at least one flexible side portion adjustably connecting the front portion to the rear portion to maintain the pocket open at a desired pocket angle;

wherein the front portion is configured to securely retain the mobile device.

8. The tuck-back pocket of claim 7, wherein the at least one flexible side portion is adjustable to accommodate a continuous pocket angle.

9. The tuck-back pocket of claim 7, further comprising a rigid platform coupled to the anterior portion, the rigid platform comprising a U-shaped frame and a discrete positioning slider slidably coupled to the U-shaped frame.

10. The tuck-back pocket of claim 7 further comprising a closeable edge enclosing the interior space to receive and retain the mobile device.

11. A tuck-back pocket as defined in claim 7, wherein the anterior portion is sufficiently rigid to retain the mobile device without deformation.

12. The tuck-back pocket of claim 7, further comprising a transparent pocket coupled to the front portion to retain the mobile device.

13. The turndown pocket of claim 9 wherein the positioning slider further comprises one or more clamps of different sizes to secure the mobile device of different thicknesses.

14. A flip pocket securely holding a mobile device for non-handheld carrying and viewing, the flip pocket comprising:

a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion is detachably coupled to the article of apparel;

at least one flexible side connecting the front portion to the back portion to hold the pocket open at a desired pocket angle; and

a mobile device holder integrated with the front portion.

15. The tuck-back pocket of claim 14, wherein the at least one flexible side portion is adjustable to accommodate a continuous pocket angle.

16. The tuck-back pocket of claim 14, wherein the mobile device holder comprises a clamp assembly having a main frame and a slider slidably coupled with the main frame.

17. The tuck-back pocket of claim 15, further comprising a mechanism for locking the position of the slider relative to the main frame.

18. The tuck-back pocket of claim 14, wherein the mobile device holder comprises a clamp assembly coupled to the anterior portion with one of an adjustment aperture and a hook-and-loop fastener disposed at the anterior portion.

19. The turndown pocket of claim 14 wherein the mobile device holder comprises a retaining strap.

20. The turndown pocket of claim 19 wherein the mobile device holder comprises a transparent pocket.