Garment waist pocket with pocket holder

Abstract

A garment may include a waistband, a lower extension extending downwardly from the waistband, an upward facing waist pocket along an exterior of the waistband, the upward facing waist pocket having an interior and a bottom, and a pocket holder within the upward facing waist pocket and forming an interior retention space having a retention space mouth.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Clothing, also known as clothes, apparel, etc., sometimes includes one or more pockets, and some pockets extend along and partially around the waist of a person wearing the clothing. During exercise or other activities, the contents of the pockets may sometimes move and may inadvertently fall out of the pockets. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary piece of clothing.

[0003] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clothing taken along line 2-2 Figure 1 of the clothing.

[0004] Figure 3 is a top view of the clothing taken along line 3-3 Figure 1 of the clothing.

[0005] Figure 4 is a side view of a portion of the clothing taken along line 4-4 Figure 2 of the clothing.

[0006] Figure 5 is a side view of a portion of another exemplary piece of clothing similar to Figure 2 the clothing taken along line 4-4.

[0007] Figure 6 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piece of clothing taken along line 2-2 of the clothing.

[0008] Figure 7 is along Figure 1 a top view of the clothing taken along line 3-3 Figure 6 of the clothing.

[0009] Figure 8 is a side view of a portion of the clothing taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 of the clothing.

[0010] Figure 9 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piece of clothing taken along line 2-2 of the clothing.

[0011] Figure 10 is a bottom view of a portion of the clothing taken along line 10-10 Figure 9 of the clothing.

[0012] Figure 11 is a side view of a portion of the clothing taken along line 11-11 Figure 9 of the clothing.

[0013] Figure 12 is along Figure 1Cross-sectional view of a part of an exemplary garment taken along line 2-2.

[0014] Figure 13 is taken along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of an exemplary garment taken along line 2-2.

[0015] Figure 14 is a side view of a part of a garment taken along line 14-14 Figure 13 of the garment.

[0016] Figure 15 is a side view of a part of an exemplary garment similar to Figure 14 taken along line 14-14 of the garment.

[0017] Figure 16 is taken along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of an exemplary garment taken along line 2-2.

[0018] Figure 17 is a side view of a part of a garment taken along line 17-17 Figure 16 of the garment.

[0019] Figure 18 is taken along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of an exemplary garment taken along line 2-2.

[0020] Figure 19 is a side view of a part of a garment taken along line 19-19 Figure 16 of the garment.

[0021] Figure 20 Shows a perspective view of a part of an exemplary garment.

[0022] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a garment taken along line 21-21 Figure 20 of the garment.

[0023] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a garment taken along line 22-22 Figure 20 of the garment.

[0024] Figure 23 is taken along Figure 20 Cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21.

[0025] Figure 24 is taken along Figure 20 Cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21.

[0026] Figure 25 is taken along Figure 20 Cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21.

[0027] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0028] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0029] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0030] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0031] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0032] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0033] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0034] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary garment taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 .

[0035] Figure 34 is a right side view of the exemplary garment.

[0036] Figure 35 is a Figure 34 cross-sectional view of the back of the garment.

[0037] Figure 36 is a Figure 34 cross-sectional view of the front of the garment.

[0038] Figure 37 is a right side view of the exemplary garment.

[0039] Figure 38 is a rear view of the exemplary garment.

[0040] Figure 39 is a front view of the exemplary garment.

[0041] Figure 40 is a Figure 38 cross-sectional view of the back of the garment.

[0042] Figure 41 is a Figure 38Cross-sectional view of the rear portion of a garment.

[0043] Figure 42 shows Figure 38 Cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the rear portion of a garment.

[0044] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals represent similar but not necessarily identical elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be enlarged to more clearly illustrate the examples shown. Additionally, the drawings provide examples and / or embodiments consistent with the specification; however, the description is not limited to the examples and / or embodiments provided in the drawings. Detailed Description

[0045] Disclosed is an exemplary garment that provides enhanced retention of items placed within a waist pocket. The exemplary garment includes an elongate, upward-facing waist pocket that extends along and around the waist circumference of the garment in an oval or circular manner. The waist pocket has an internal floor or bottom and a top opening through which items can be placed within the waist pocket.

[0046] The exemplary garment also includes a pocket retainer disposed within the upward-facing waist pocket. The pocket retainer includes an internal panel that forms an internal retention space within the waist pocket. Through which items can be placed into the internal retention space through the mouth of the retention space. The pocket retainer can be sized or at least partially elastic to grip and engage the received item, thereby helping to retain the item within the waist pocket by preventing such item from rising out and falling out of the waist pocket through the top opening of the waist pocket. The pocket retainer can be particularly useful for providing enhanced grip on smaller items that would otherwise be more likely to fall out of the waist pocket through the top opening. For example, such a pocket retainer can be well-suited to help retain a phone, keys, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, those edge portions of the pocket retainer near the mouth or each mouth of the retention space are elastic to elastically abut or surround any item positioned within the retention space. In some embodiments, the edge portions of the pocket retainer are made of elastic material. In some embodiments, such edge portions are made elastic by adding elastic strips or bands fixed to the pocket retainer along such edges. In some embodiments, the entirety of the pocket retainer is formed of elastic material such that the entirety of the pocket retainer can be elastically stretched and grip the item positioned within the retention space.

[0048] In some embodiments, the retention space extends continuously along the belt without interruption, extending 360 degrees around the waist of the person wearing the garment. In such an embodiment, selected portions of the pocket retainer can be stitched, bonded, or otherwise attached to the belt or to a panel portion forming the exterior of the upward-facing waist pocket at vertically spaced positions such that the retention space includes a continuous, unbroken channel extending 360 degrees around the waist of the person wearing the garment, wherein portions of the channel can extend between the vertically spaced positions. The pocket retainer can be stitched, welded, bonded, or otherwise attached to the belt or to a panel portion forming the exterior of the upward-facing belt pocket by a vertically continuous or unbroken seam such that one or both sides of the retention space are closed. In some embodiments, all edge portions of the pocket retainer can be attached to the belt or to a panel portion forming the exterior of the upward-facing belt pocket by stitching, bonding, or other means. Wherein the pocket retainer includes a slit through its outer surface, the slit forming or providing an opening for inserting an item into the retention space.

[0049] In some embodiments, the pocket retainer can be attached along a plurality of vertical seams to form a plurality of separate, discrete retention spaces along the exterior of the belt. In some embodiments, the garment can include a plurality of separate pocket retainers attached to the belt or to a panel portion forming the exterior of the upward-facing belt pocket to provide a plurality of separate, discrete retention spaces around the belt.

[0050] In some embodiments, the pocket retainer is coupled to the outer side of the belt such that the retention space has an enclosed opposite side while being open along both its upper and lower edges. Thus, an item can be inserted into and removed from the retention space through the top opening or the bottom opening. In some embodiments, the pocket retainer is coupled to the outer side of the belt such that the retention space has an enclosed opposite side and has an enclosed bottom. In some embodiments, the pocket retainer is coupled to the outer side of the belt such that the retention space has an enclosed opposite side and has an enclosed top, wherein the item is captured between the enclosed top and the bottom plate of the upward-facing waist pocket. In some embodiments, the pocket retainer is coupled to the outer side of the belt such that the retention space is enclosed along both its upper and lower edges but is open on one or both of its sides.

[0051] In some embodiments, the pocket holder includes a panel attached to the outside of the waistband along at least two edge portions (top, bottom, left, right) by stitching. In some embodiments, the panel forming the pocket holder may be attached to the outside of the waistband by welding, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, the edge portions attached to the outside of the waistband are flat. In some embodiments, the edge portions attached to the outside of the waistband are curled inwardly against the outside of the waistband. In some embodiments, the pocket holder includes a folded portion of the waistband. For example, the waistband may include a single panel or multiple panels, and at least one of the panels forming the outside of the waistband may be folded outwardly over it to additionally form the pocket holder.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pocket holder is coupled to the inner side of a front pocket panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket such that the holding space has closed opposite sides while being open along both its upper and lower edges. As a result, items can be inserted into and pulled out of the holding space through the top or bottom opening. In some embodiments, the pocket holder is coupled to the inner side of a front pocket panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket such that the holding space has closed opposite sides and a closed bottom. In some embodiments, the pocket holder is coupled to the inner side of a front pocket panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket such that the holding space has closed opposite sides and a closed top, where the item is captured between the closed top and the bottom plate of the face-up waistband pocket. In some embodiments, the pocket holder is coupled to the inner side of a front pocket panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket such that the holding space is closed along both its upper and lower edges but open on one or both of its sides.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pocket holder includes a panel attached along at least two edge portions (top, bottom, left, right) and is coupled to the inner side of a front pocket panel by stitching, the front pocket panel forming the outer front of a face-up waist pocket. In some embodiments, the panel forming the pocket holder is coupled to the inner side of the front panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket by welding, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, the edge portions coupled to the inner side of the front panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket are flat. In some embodiments, the edge portions coupled to the inner side of the front panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket are curled inwardly against the outside of the waistband. In some embodiments, the pocket holder includes a folded portion of the front pocket panel that forms the outer front of a face-up waist pocket. For example, the face-up waist pocket may be formed by an outer pocket panel. The outer pocket panel may have a top edge that is folded inwardly, which forms the mouth or top opening of the face-up waist pocket, where the inwardly folded portion of the outer pocket panel forms the pocket holder.

[0054] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are joined to each other directly or indirectly, such joining being either fixed in nature or movable in nature, and such joining can be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unit with each other, or by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to each other. Such joining can be permanent in nature, or alternatively can be removable or releasable in nature.

[0055] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "configured to" represents the actual configured state that fundamentally associates the function / use with the physical characteristics of the feature preceding the phrase "configured to".

[0056] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms "releasably" or "removably" with respect to the attachment or coupling of two structures mean that the two structures can be repeatedly connected and disconnected from each other without causing substantial damage to either of the two structures or their functions.

[0057] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "inward" refers to the radial direction towards the vertical center of the waistband 24, i.e., the direction towards the coronal plane or sagittal plane of the person wearing the garment 20. The term "outward" refers to the radial direction away from the vertical centerline of the waistband 24. The term "inner" refers to the side towards the vertical centerline, while the term "outer" refers to the side away from the vertical centerline. The term "upward" refers to the direction towards the head of the person wearing the garment 20, and the term "downward" refers to the direction towards the feet of the person wearing the garment 20.

[0058] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "panel" refers to one or more layers of material. The term "panel" can refer to a single layer of material or overlapping multiple layers of material. The material layers themselves can be separate and distinct layers or panels that are laminated to each other, stitched to each other, or welded to each other. The material layers can be joined to each other along their edges or at selected locations. In some embodiments, the panel can be folded to form multiple overlapping layers. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed from fabric. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed from a polymer. In certain embodiments, the panel can be non-porous. In other embodiments, the panel can be perforated or breathable. In some embodiments, the panel can be in the form of a grid or mesh. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed from a flexible material. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed from an elastic material. In some embodiments, selected portions of the panel, such as the edge portions of the panel, can be elastic. In some embodiments, the flexible edge portions of the panel can be made elastic by adding elastic bands joined to the panel.

[0059] Figure 1Shows various parts of an example garment 20 for wearing around a person's waist. The garment 20 includes a piece of clothing or apparel, such as a pair of shorts, a skirt, leggings, a bodysuit, a pair of pants or slacks, trousers, or other apparel worn around a person's waist. As will be described below, the garment 20 helps to more securely hold items (such as a mobile phone, keys, snacks, etc.) in one or more pockets that extend along or at least partially around the waist of a person wearing the garment 20. The garment 20 includes a belt 24, a lower extension 26, an upward-facing waist pocket 30, and an inner pocket holder, examples of which are shown in Figure 2-19 as shown.

[0060] The belt 24 includes one or more panels configured to extend around the waist of a person wearing the garment 20 along or around the person's waist circumference. In some embodiments, the belt 24 can be continuous or unbroken, without ends. In some embodiments, the belt 24 can include opposite ends that are permanently joined to each other by stitching, adhesion, etc. In embodiments where the belt 24 is continuous, a person can step into the belt 24 when wearing the garment 20. In some embodiments, the belt 24 can include ends that are releasably connected to each other by hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, clasps, hooks, or buckles, allowing the belt 24 to be opened and wrapped around a person's waist. In some embodiments, the belt 24 can include ends that are releasably connected to each other by one or more zippers. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the belt 24 can be elastic or elastically stretchable. In some embodiments, the belt 24 can be non-elastic.

[0061] The lower extension 26 includes one or more panels that extend downward from the lower edge portion of the belt 24 and are configured to cover at least the upper portions of the groin and buttocks of a person wearing the garment 20. In some embodiments, the lower extension 26 can extend further downward to also cover portions of a person's thighs or even a greater portion of a person's legs. The lower extension 26 can have various configurations depending on the type of the garment 20. The lower extension 26 itself can include pockets. The lower extension 26 can include a front vertical opening that can be opened and closed with a zipper, buttons, snaps, etc. The lower extension 26 can be pleated. In some embodiments, the lower extension 26 can include a pair of legs in the form of sleeves for extending around or covering at least a portion of a person's two legs.

[0062] The face-up waist pocket 30 includes a pocket coupled to the belt 24 along the exterior of the belt 24, where the pocket has a waist pocket interior having a bottom panel, a rear wall, a front wall, and a top mouth or top opening 32. The top opening 32 facilitates access to the interior of the face-up waist pocket 30 for inserting items therein. In some embodiments, the top opening 32 may include a closure mechanism such as a zipper and a loop fastener or other mechanism. In other embodiments, the top opening 32 may omit any closure mechanism.

[0063] In some embodiments, the face-up waist pocket 30 extends continuously around the waist of a person wearing the garment 20. In some embodiments, the face-up waist pocket 30 includes a single waist pocket having defined circumferential ends. In some embodiments, the face-up waist pocket 30 is one of a plurality of waist pockets spaced around the belt 24.

[0064] Figure 2-4 An example of the face-up waist pocket 30 and an example interior pocket holder 60 within the waist pocket 30 are shown. As Figure 2 shown, the lower extension 26 extends downwardly from the belt 24 (shown schematically). Although the belt 24 is shown as including a single layer, the belt 24 may include multiple layers such as multiple layers of material joined to each other in an overlapping manner or panels folded to form two overlapping layers. In the illustrated example, the lower extension 26 is joined to the belt 24 by stitching 33. In other embodiments, the lower extension 26 may be joined to the belt 24 by welding, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, the lower extension 26 may be provided by a lower extension of one or more panels that also form the belt 24.

[0065] As Figure 2 further shown, the exemplary face-up waist pocket 30 includes a pocket panel 40 coupled to the belt 24 at the lower edge portion 42, which has a free end 44 that forms the top opening 32 of the pocket 30. The pocket panel 40 and the belt 24 form the interior 46 of the pocket 30.

[0066] In the illustrated example, the lower edge portion 42 is flat and joined to the waistband 24 by stitching 48. In other embodiments, the lower edge portion 42 may be flat and joined to the waistband 24 by an adhesive, welding, or other fastening technique. Although the pocket panel 40 is shown as terminating above the lower extension 26, in some embodiments, the pocket panel 40 may extend continuously downward below the waistband 24 to form part of the lower extension 26. In some embodiments, the lower edge portion 42 may be turned or folded inward and joined to the waistband 24 rather than being flat. In some embodiments, the free end portion 44 may be curled or folded (inward or outward) and joined to itself to form a hem along the top opening 32. Although the pocket panel 40 is shown as including a single layer, in some embodiments, the pocket panel 40 may include multiple overlapping layers, whether formed by multiple layers of material joined to each other or by a folded panel providing multiple overlapping layers.

[0067] The pocket holder 60 includes a holding panel that is joined to and directly supported by the waistband 24 along the outer waistband 24 inside the face-up waist pocket 30. The pocket holder 60 forms a holding space 62 between the pocket holder 60 and the waistband 24. The holding space 62 is closed at two opposite ends but is open along its top and bottom edges, thereby forming a top opening 66 and a bottom opening 68 through which items can enter and exit the holding space 62. In the illustrated example, the opposite side edge portions 70 of the pocket holder 60 are joined to the waistband 24 along a vertical seam or line 72. In this example, the line 72 is formed by stitching. In other embodiments, the edge portion 70 may be joined directly to the waistband 24 along the line 72 or indirectly joined to the waistband 24 in other ways, such as by an adhesive, welding, etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 60 and the holding space 62 extend along the front of the waistband 24 above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of the person wearing the garment 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 60 and the holding space 62 extend along the back of the waistband 24 above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of the person wearing the garment 20.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 60 is formed entirely of an elastic material panel. In some embodiments, the top and bottom edge portions of the pocket holder 60 are elastic. In some embodiments, the top and bottom edge portions of the pocket holder 60 are made elastic by adding elastic bands along such opposite edges and securing them to the panel forming the pocket holder 60. In some embodiments, the panel forming the pocket holder 60 is formed of a fabric material. In some embodiments, the panel forming the pocket holder 60 is formed of a polymer. In some embodiments, the panel forming the pocket holder 60 includes a mesh or netting, which itself may be elastic or elastically stretchable, or may include elastic or elastically stretchable edges.

[0070] Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrates the panel 40 and the inner pocket holder 60 being bent or temporarily deformed away from the waistband 24 to insert an item into the pocket 30 and the holding space 62. In some embodiments, the panel 40 and the pocket holder 60 may be inelastic and sized to extend flat against the waistband 24 when worn around the waist. In some embodiments, the panel 40 and / or the pocket holder 60 may be configured to extend flat against the waistband 24 when there is no item in the pocket 30 or the holding space 62. In some embodiments, the panel 40 and / or the pocket holder 60 may alternatively have a default unstretched shape or a state spaced apart from the waistband 24, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown.

[0071] As Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, the holding space 62 may have open sides, but a closed inner top and bottom. As Figure 5 shown, the pocket holder 60 may be joined to or attached to the waistband 24 along horizontal lines 74, 75 such that the holding space 62 can be accessed through side openings 76 that are open or face in the lateral direction. The horizontal lines 74 and 75 may be formed by stitching, welding, adhesive lines, etc.

[0072] Figure 6-8 illustrates a portion of an exemplary garment 120, which is similar to the garment 20 described above, except that the garment 120 includes an exemplary waist pocket 30 facing upward that contains an exemplary inner pocket holder 160. Figure 6-8Illustrated is how a pocket holder can be secured to a waistband to provide a floor for the retention space. Pocket holder 160 is similar to pocket holder 60, except that pocket holder 160 is additionally secured or joined to waistband 24 along lower horizontal line 75 to form a bottom or floor for interior space 62. Horizontal line 75 can be provided by stitching, welding, adhesive, etc. Those components of garment 120 corresponding to components of Figure 1-4 garment 201 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 1-4 FIG.

[0073] In some embodiments, pocket holder 160 and retention space 62 extend along the front of waistband 24, above that portion of lower extension 26 that covers the groin of a person wearing garment 20. In some embodiments, pocket holder 160 and retention space 62 extend along the back of waistband 24, above that portion of lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of a person wearing garment 20. In some embodiments, pocket holder 160 extends continuously around waistband 24. In some embodiments, garment 120 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, pocket holder 160 can include a plurality of vertically spaced straps or be vertically spaced panels.

[0074] Figure 9-11 Illustrated is a portion of an example garment 220. Garment 220 is similar to garment 20 described above, except that garment 220 includes an example waist pocket 30 facing upward, which pocket 30 includes an example interior pocket holder 260. Figure 9-11 Illustrated is how a pocket holder can be secured to a waistband to provide an enclosed top for the retention space to capture an item between the enclosed top and bottom of pocket 30. Pocket holder 260 is similar to pocket holder 60, except that pocket holder 26 is additionally secured or joined to waistband 24 along upper horizontal line 74 to form a top plate or enclosed top for interior space 62. Horizontal line 74 can be provided by stitching, welding, adhesive, etc. Those components of garment 220 corresponding to components of garment 20 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 1-4 FIG.

[0075] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 260 and the holding space 62 extend along the front portion of the belt 24, above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of the person wearing the clothing 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 260 and the holding space 62 extend along the rear portion of the belt 24, above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of the person wearing the clothing 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 260 extends continuously around the belt 24. In some embodiments, the garment 220 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 260 may include a plurality of vertically spaced straps or vertically spaced panels.

[0076] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 320. Figure 12 Shows an example of how a portion of the belt is folded outward to form a pocket holder. The garment 320 is similar to the garment 220 described above, except that the garment 320 includes a pocket holder 360. Those remaining components of the garment 320 that correspond to the components of the garments 20 and 220 are similarly numbered and / or as shown above.

[0077] The pocket holder 360 is partially formed by the outwardly folded portion of the panel of the belt 24. The outwardly folded panel of the belt 24 forms a top folded edge 362 that extends along the perimeter of the top opening 32. The pocket holder 360 extends downward from the upper folded edge 362 toward the bottom or floor of the interior 46 of the pocket 30, forming a holding space 62 having a closed top 363 and an open bottom 68. As Figure 11 shown, in some embodiments, the holding space 62 has closed sides, closed at line 72 (as Figure 4 shown). In other embodiments, one or both of the lines 72 may be omitted, where the holding space 62 extends continuously around the belt 24 without interruption, or extends continuously from one side of a single line 72 to the other side of the single line 72.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 360 and the holding space 62 extend along the front portion of the belt 24, above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of the person wearing the clothing 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 360 and the holding space 62 extend along the rear portion of the belt 24, above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of the person wearing the clothing 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 360 extends continuously around the belt 24, extending around the entire belt (360 degrees of extension). In some embodiments, the garment 320 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 360 may include a plurality of vertically spaced straps and / or vertically spaced panels.

[0079] Because the pocket holder 360 is formed as part of a panel that forms at least a portion of the belt 24, the garment 320 and the pocket holder 360 can be less complex and less costly to manufacture, and further, the pocket holder 360 can be more robust.

[0080] Figure 13-19 An example garment is shown in which a pocket holder is coupled to and supported by a pocket panel 40 within an interior 46 of a pocket 30. Figure 13 and Figure 14 A portion of an example garment 420 is shown. Garment 420 is similar to garment 20 described above, except that garment 420 includes a pocket holder 460 in place of pocket holder 60. Those remaining components of garment 420 corresponding to components of garment 20 are similarly numbered, and / or as Figure 1-4 shown and described above.

[0081] The pocket holder 460 includes a retaining panel that is coupled to and directly supported by the pocket panel 40 along the inner side of the pocket panel 40 within the interior 46 of an upward-facing waist pocket 30. The pocket holder 460 forms a retaining space 462 between the pocket holder 60 and the pocket panel 40. The retaining space 462 is closed at two opposite ends, but is open along its top and bottom edges, thereby forming a top opening 466 and a bottom opening 468 through which articles can be inserted into and removed from the retaining space 462.

[0082] As Figure 14 shown, in the example shown, opposite side edge portions of the pocket holder 460 are joined to the pocket panel 40 along horizontally spaced vertical seams or lines 472. In the example shown, the lines 472 are formed by stitching. In other embodiments, the side edge portions of the holder 460 can be directly or indirectly joined to the pocket panel 40 along such horizontally spaced vertical lines in other ways (e.g., by adhesive, welding, etc.).

[0083] As Figure 15 shown, in some embodiments, the retaining space 462 can have open sides, but a closed inner top and bottom. As Figure 15 shown, the pocket holder 460 can be joined to or attached to the pocket panel 40 along horizontal lines 474, 475 such that the retaining space 62 can be accessed through side openings 476 that open or face in a lateral direction. The horizontal lines 474 and 475 can be formed by stitching, welding, adhesive lines, etc.

[0084] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 460 and the holding space 462 extend along the front portion of the waistband 24, above that portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of the person wearing the garment 420. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 460 and the holding space 462 extend along the rear portion of the waistband 24, above that portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of the person wearing the garment 420. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 460 extends continuously around the waistband 24. In some embodiments, the garment 420 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 460 may include a plurality of vertically spaced bands and / or vertically spaced panels.

[0085] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A portion of an example garment 520 is shown. The garment 520 is similar to the garment 20 described above, except that the garment 520 includes a pocket holder 560 in place of the pocket holder 60. Those remaining components of the garment 520 that correspond to the components of the garment 20 are numbered similarly, and / or as Figure 1-4 shown and described above.

[0086] The garment 520 is similar to the garment 420 described above, except that the garment 520 includes an example waist pocket 30 facing upward, which pocket 30 includes an example internal holder 560. Figure 16 and 17 Shows how a pocket holder can be secured to the waistband to provide a floor for the holding space. The pocket holder 560 is similar to the pocket holder 460, except that the pocket holder 560 is additionally secured or joined along a lower horizontal line 475 to a pocket panel 40 to form the bottom or floor of the internal space 462. The horizontal line 475 can be provided by stitching, welding, adhesives, etc. Those components of the garment 520 that correspond to the components of the garment 420 are numbered similarly and / or are shown in Figure 1-4 and 13.

[0087] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 560 and the holding space 462 extend along the front portion of the waistband 24, above that portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of the person wearing the garment 520. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 560 and the holding space 462 extend along the rear portion of the waistband 24, above that portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of the person wearing the garment 520. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 560 extends continuously around the waistband 24. In some embodiments, the garment 520 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 560 may include a plurality of vertically spaced bands or vertically spaced panels.

[0088] Figure 18 andFigure 19 Shows a portion of an example garment 620. Garment 620 is similar to garment 420 described above, except that garment 620 includes an example waist pocket 30 facing upward, which pocket contains an example inner pocket holder 660. Figure 18 and Figure 19 Shows an example of how a pocket holder can be secured to a pocket panel 40 to provide a closed top for the holding space 462 so as to capture an item between the closed top and the bottom plate of the pocket 30. Pocket holder 660 is similar to pocket holder 460, except that pocket holder 66 is additionally secured or joined to pocket panel 40 along the upper horizontal line 474 to form a top plate or closed top for the inner space 462. The horizontal line 474 can be provided by stitching, welding, adhesives, etc. Those components of garment 620 corresponding to the components of garment 420 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 1-4 and 13.

[0089] In some embodiments, pocket holder 660 and holding space 462 extend along the front of the waistband 24, above that portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of a person wearing garment 620. In some embodiments, pocket holder 660 and holding space 462 extend along the back of the waistband 24, above that portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of a person wearing garment 620. In some embodiments, pocket holder 660 extends continuously around the waistband 24. In some embodiments, garment 620 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, pocket holder 660 may include a plurality of vertically spaced straps or be vertically spaced panels.

[0090] Figure 20 、 21 and 22 show a portion of an example garment 720. Garment 720 is similar to garment 20 described above, except that garment 720 includes a pocket panel 740 that is folded inward along its top edge to form an upward-facing waist pocket 730 and a pocket holder 760. Those remaining components of garment 720 corresponding to the components of garment 20 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 1-4 and

[0091] Similar to pocket panel 40, pocket panel 740 has a lower portion 42 joined to the waistband 24, thereby forming the bottom plate of the upward-facing waist pocket 730. The upward-facing waist pocket 730 also includes an interior 746 and a mouth or top opening 732 defined by the waistband 24 and the top folded edge portion 734 of the pocket panel 740.

[0092] The pocket holder 760 includes a portion of the pocket panel 740 that extends downward from the top folded edge portion 34 into the interior 746 and is located within the interior 746. The pocket holder 760 forms a holding space 762 that is delimited on opposite faces or sides by the pocket holder 760 and the inner side of the pocket panel 740. The holding space 762 has a face-down mouth 768 through which an item can be positioned within the holding space 762. The holding space 768 has a top plate or top provided by the top folded edge 734. As a result, an item positioned within the holding space 762 is vertically captured and retained within the holding space 762 by the mutually facing portions of the top folded edge 734 and the bottom plate of the waist pocket 730. In other words, an item within the holding space 762 cannot vertically rise and leave the holding space 762.

[0093] As Figure 20 shown, in some embodiments, the holding space 762 may have closed lateral sides, closing along a vertical line 772 that includes the portion of the pocket holder 760 where it is attached or joined to the outermost part of the pocket panel 740. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 760 may additionally be attached or joined to the waistband 24 along the line 772. In some embodiments, the line 772 is formed by stitching. In other embodiments, the line 772 is formed by an adhesive, welding, etc. In some embodiments, one or both of the lines 772 may be omitted, where the holding space 762 extends continuously around the waistband 24 by 360° without interruption (without the line 772) or from one side of a single line 772 to the other side of the same single line 772. In embodiments where one or both of the lines 772 are omitted, the holding space may extend around the waistband 24 up to 360 degrees around the waistband 24.

[0094] In some embodiments, the pocket holder 760 and the holding space 762 extend along the front of the waistband 24, above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the groin of the person wearing the garment 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 760 and the holding space 762 extend along the back of the waistband 24, above the portion of the lower extension 26 that covers the buttocks of the person wearing the garment 20. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 760 extends continuously around the waistband 24. In some embodiments, the garment 720 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pocket holders. In some embodiments, the pocket holder 760 may include an additional retaining strap vertically located below the pocket holder 760.

[0095] Since the pocket holder 760 is formed as part of the pocket panel 740, the garment 720 and the pocket holder 760 can be less complex and have a lower manufacturing cost, and furthermore, the pocket holder 760 can be more robust.

[0096] AsFigure 20 and Figure 22 As shown, in the example shown, the selected portion around the belt 24 may include an upward-facing waist pocket 730, but the pocket holder 760 is omitted. For example, in those portions outside the line 772, the inwardly folded portion of the pocket panel 740 may be joined to itself along the horizontal line 780 so as to form a hem 782 along the top opening 732. In such an embodiment, the interior 746 may be larger and wider, as Figure 22 shown. In some embodiments, the line 780 may be formed by stitching. In some embodiments, the line 780 may be formed by welding, adhesives, etc.

[0097] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 820, Figure 23 showing an example of how the pocket panel may alternatively be coupled to the belt 24. The garment 820 includes a pocket panel 840 in place of the pocket panel 740. Those components of the garment 820 corresponding to the components of the garment 720 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-22 FIG.

[0098] The pocket panel 840 is similar to the above-described pocket panel 740, except that the lower edge portion 842 of the pocket panel 840 is folded or curled upward against the belt 24 and fixed to the belt 24 by stitching 848. In other embodiments, the lower edge portion 842 may be fixed to the belt 24 by an adhesive, welding, or other fastening technique. Since the lower edge portion 842 curls upward rather than downward against the belt 24, the bottom plate of the belt pocket 730 may be more rigid.

[0099] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 920, Figure 24 showing an example of how the pocket panel may alternatively be coupled to the belt 24. The garment 920 includes a pocket panel 940 in place of the pocket panel 840. Those components of the garment 920 corresponding to the components of the garment 820 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-23 FIG.

[0100] The pocket panel 940 is similar to the aforementioned pocket panel 840, except that the lower edge portion 942 of the pocket panel 940 is much longer than the lower edge portion 842 so as to overlap and extend in front of at least most of the belt 24. In the illustrated example, the lower edge portion 942 covers substantially the entire belt 24 opposite the face-up waist pocket 730. Accordingly, the interior 746 of the pocket 730 has a uniform interior appearance, and the entire interior of the pocket 730 is formed of the same material as the panel 940. Additionally, since the junction of the lower edge portion 942 and the belt 24 is located at or above the folded edge portion 734, the lower edge portion 942 is spaced away from the bottom panel of the pocket 730, making the pocket 730 more rigid and less likely to separate from the belt 24.

[0101] In the illustrated example, the lower edge portion 942 is joined to the belt 24 along suture lines 948-1 and 948-2 (collectively referred to as line 948). In other embodiments, the lower edge portion 842 may be secured to the belt 24 by adhesive, welding, or other fastening techniques. In some embodiments, the larger surface area provided by the longer lower edge portion 942 may be better laminated, welded, fused, or adhered to the belt 24 than being secured to the belt 24 by the suture lines 948.

[0102] Figure 25-27 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a different configuration of a pocket holder that extends downward from a folded edge portion of a pocket panel into a face-up waist pocket. Figure 25 shows a portion of an example garment 1020 that has a pocket holder 1060 in place of the pocket holder 760. Those remaining components of the garment 1020 corresponding to the components of the garment 720 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-22 shown.

[0103] The pocket holder 1060 is similar to the pocket holder 760, except that the lower end of the pocket holder 1060 is secured to an additional strap 1080 by stitching 1082, and the strap 1080 extends along the lower edge or front end of the holder 1060 along the face-up mouth 768 of the retention space 762. Instead of being joined to the holder 1060 by stitching 1082, the strap 1080 may alternatively be welded, laminated, adhered, or otherwise joined to the pocket holder 1060.

[0104] The strap 1080 extends between the front of the retainer 1060 and the pocket panel 740 so as to narrow or reduce the size of the mouth 768. Thus, the strap 1080 can help hold an item within the retention space 762. In some embodiments, the retainer 1060 is flexible but inelastic, where the strap 1080 is elastic so as to elastically close the mouth 768. In some embodiments, the retainer 1060 is flexible but inelastic, where the strap 1080 is also inelastic, but where the strap 1080 has a greater degree of stiffness compared to the retainer 1060 so as to rigidify the mouth 768. In some embodiments, both the retainer 1060 and the strap 1080 are elastic.

[0105] Figure 26 A portion of an example garment 1120 is shown having a pocket retainer 1160 in place of the pocket retainer 760. Those remaining components of the garment 1120 corresponding to the components of the garment 720 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-22 in.

[0106] The pocket retainer 1160 is similar to the pocket retainer 760, except that the lower end of the pocket retainer 1160 is folded or curled outwardly around an additional strap 1180 by stitching 1182. The strap 1180 extends along the lower edge or front end of the retainer 1060 along the upward-facing mouth 768 of the retention space 762, instead of being joined to the retainer 1160 by stitching 1082. The strap 1180 can alternatively be welded, laminated, adhered, or otherwise joined within the lower folded edge portion 1184 of the retainer 1160 to the pocket retainer 1160.

[0107] The lower folded edge portion 1184 provides a more rigid lower edge for the retainer 1160 and protects the strap 1180. The lower folded edge portion 1184 and the strap 1180 extend between the unfolded portion of the retainer 1160 and the front of the pocket panel 740 so as to narrow or reduce the size of the mouth 768. Thus, the lower folded edge portion 1184 and the strap 1180 can help hold an item within the retention space 762. In some embodiments, the retainer 1160 is flexible but inelastic, where the strap 1180 is elastic so as to elastically close the mouth 768. In some embodiments, the retainer 1160 is flexible but inelastic, where the strap 1180 is also inelastic, but where the strap 1180 has a greater degree of stiffness compared to the retainer 1160 so as to rigidify the mouth 768. In some embodiments, both the retainer 1160 and the strap 1180 are elastic.

[0108] Figure 27Shows a portion of an example garment 1220 having a pocket holder 1260 in place of pocket holder 760. Those remaining components of garment 1220 corresponding to the components of garment 720 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-22 and shown in

[0109] The pocket holder 1260 is similar to the pocket holder 760, except that the lower end of the pocket holder 1160 is an outwardly folded or curled end which is secured to itself by stitching 1282 to form a hem 1286, instead of being joined to itself by stitching 1282. The hem 1286 may alternatively be welded, laminated, adhered or otherwise joined to the pocket holder 1260 to form the lower folded edge portion 1284 of the holder 1260, and the lower folded edge portion 1284 provides a stronger lower edge for the holder 1260.

[0110] Figure 25-27 Garments 1020, 1120 and 1220 in are all shown as having a pocket panel 740 secured to the waistband 24 in the same manner as garment 720. In particular, each such garment is shown as having a lower end portion 42 which extends downwardly and lies flat against the waistband 24 while being secured to the waistband 24 by stitching 48. In other embodiments, each such garment alternatively has a pocket panel joined to the waistband 24 in a manner similar to that Figure 23 and 24 shown, where the lower edge portion of the pocket panel is folded or curled upwardly and secured along the waistband 24.

[0111] Figure 28-30 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an alternative pocket holder attached to a pocket panel. In each of Figure 28-30 , the pocket panel has a top folded edge portion, but where the pocket holder is not formed by a downward extension of the pocket panel. Instead, the pocket holder is attached to the pocket wall at a location within the top folded edge portion.

[0112] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an example garment 1320. Garment 1320 is similar to garment 1020, except that garment 1320 includes a pocket panel 1340 and a pocket holder 1360 in place of pocket panel 740 and pocket holder 1060. Those remaining components of garment 1320 corresponding to the components of garment 1020 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-22 and shown in

[0113] The pocket panel 1340 is similar to the pocket panel 740, except that it includes a top fold edge portion 1334 instead of the top fold edge portion 734. The top fold edge portion 1324 curls or wraps inwardly around the upper part of the pocket holder 1360 and is fixed to the pocket holder 1360 by stitching 1388. In other embodiments, the top fold edge portion 1324 can be fixed to the pocket holder 1360 by welding, adhesives, or other fastening techniques.

[0114] The pocket holder 1360 is similar to the pocket holder 1060 described above with respect to Figure 25 Except that it does not include the overall extension of the pocket panel 1340, the pocket holder 1360 has an upper end portion 1390 that is sandwiched within the top fold edge portion 1334 of the pocket panel 1340 and is fixed within the top fold edge portion 1334 by stitching 1388. In other embodiments, instead of stitching 1388, welding / fusion or adhesives can be used. Those remaining components of the pocket holder 1360 that correspond to the components of the pocket holder 1060 are similarly numbered. Since the pocket holder 1360 is a separate component that is mounted to the pocket panel 1340, the pocket holder 1360 can be formed from a different material than the pocket panel 1340. For example, compared to the pocket panel 1340, the pocket holder 1360 can be elastic to provide enhanced retention of an item within the retention space 762.

[0115] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 1420. The garment 1420 is similar to the garment 1320, except that the garment 1420 includes a pocket holder 1460 instead of the pocket holder 1360. The pocket holder 1460 is similar to the pocket holder 1160 described above with respect to Figure 26 Except that it does not include the overall extension of the pocket panel 1340, the pocket holder 1460 has an upper end portion 1390 that is sandwiched within the top fold edge portion 1334 of the pocket panel 1340 and is fixed within the top fold edge portion 1334 by stitching 1388. In other embodiments, instead of stitching 1388, welding / fusion or adhesives can be used. Those remaining components of the pocket holder 1460 that correspond to the components of the pocket holder 1160 are similarly numbered.

[0116] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 1520. The garment 1520 is similar to the garment 1320, except that the garment 1520 includes a pocket holder 1560 instead of the pocket holder 1360. The pocket holder 1560 is similar to the pocket holder 1160 described above with respect to Figure 27The described pocket holder 1260, differs in that it does not include the overall extension of the pocket panel 1340. The pocket holder 1560 has an upper end portion 1390 that is sandwiched within the top folded edge portion 1334 of the pocket panel 1340 and is fixed within the top folded edge portion 1334 by stitching 1388. In other embodiments, instead of stitching 1388, welding / fusion or an adhesive may be used. Those remaining components of the pocket holder 1560 corresponding to the components of the pocket holder 1260 are similarly numbered.

[0117] Figure 31-33 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an alternative pocket holder attached to a pocket panel. In Figure 31-33 each of them, the pocket panel has a top folded edge portion, and the pocket holder also has a top folded edge portion. The top folded edge portions extend along each other and are fixed to each other by stitching, welding or an adhesive.

[0118] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an example garment 1620. The garment 1620 is similar to the garment 1020, except that the garment 1320 includes a pocket panel 1640 and a pocket holder 1660 in place of the pocket panel 740 and the pocket holder 1060. Those remaining components of the garment 1620 corresponding to the components of the garment 1020 are similarly numbered and / or shown in Figure 20-22 and 25.

[0119] The pocket panel 1640 is similar to the pocket panel 740, except that the pocket panel 1640 includes a top folded edge portion 1634 instead of the top folded edge portion 734. The top folded edge portion 1634 is curled inward and fixed to itself by stitching 1688. In other embodiments, the top folded edge portion 1634 may be fixed to itself by welding, an adhesive or other fastening techniques.

[0120] The pocket holder 1660 is similar to the pocket holder 1060 described above with respect to Figure 25 except that it does not include the overall extension of the pocket panel. The pocket holder 1660 has an upper end portion that curls outward to form a top folded edge portion 1690 and is fixed to itself by stitching 1688. In other embodiments, instead of stitching 1688, welding / fusion or an adhesive may be used. Those remaining components of the pocket holder 1060 corresponding to the components of the pocket holder 1660 are similarly numbered.

[0121] In the example shown, a single set of stitches 1688 joins the folded edge portions 1634 and 1690. In other embodiments, the folded edge portions 1634 and 1690 may each be secured by separate stitches, where a third stitch joins the separately pre-stitched folded edge portions 1634, 1690. As described above, instead of stitches, various joining or connecting may provide a bite sieve or welding / fusion. The inwardly curled folded edge portion 1634 and the outwardly curled folded edge portion 1690 form a rounded, sturdy upper edge or border for the face-up waist pocket 730. The inwardly curled folded edge portion 1634 and the outwardly curled folded edge portion 1690 further cooperate to define an enlarged width for the retention space 762.

[0122] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 1720. Garment 1720 is similar to garment 1620, except that garment 1720 includes a pocket holder 1760 instead of pocket holder 1660. Pocket holder 1760 is similar to the pocket holder 1160 described above with respect to Figure 26 except that it does not include an integral extension of the pocket panel 1340, and pocket holder 1760 has an upper end portion that is folded outwardly and joined to the pocket panel 1640 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figure 31 As described above, the top folded edge portions 1690 and 1634 are joined to each other by stitches 1688. In other embodiments, instead of stitches 1388, welding / fusion or an adhesive may be used. Those remaining components of pocket holder 1760 that correspond to the components of pocket holder 1160 are similarly numbered.

[0123] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 1820. Garment 1820 is similar to garment 1620, except that garment 1820 includes a pocket holder 1860 instead of pocket holder 1660. Pocket holder 1860 is similar to the pocket holder 1260 described above with respect to Figure 27 except that it does not include an integral extension of the pocket panel, and pocket holder 1860 has an upper end portion that is folded outwardly and joined to the pocket panel 1640 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figure 31 As described above, the top folded edge portions 1690 and 1634 are joined to each other by stitches 1688. In other embodiments, instead of stitches 1388, welding / fusion or an adhesive may be used. Those remaining components of pocket holder 1860 that correspond to the components of pocket holder 1160 are similarly numbered.

[0124] Figure 28-33The garments 1320, 1420, 1520, 1620, 1720, and 1820 are each shown as having a pocket panel secured to the waistband 24 in the same manner as the garment 720. In particular, each such garment is shown as having a lower end portion 42 that extends downward and lies flat against the waistband 24 while being secured to the waistband 24 by stitching 48. In other embodiments, each such garment may alternatively have a pocket panel that engages the waistband 24 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 23 and Figure 24 where the lower edge portion of the pocket panel is folded or curled upward and secured along the waistband 24.

[0125] Figure 34-36 and Figure 38-41 show a portion of an exemplary garment 1920. Figure 34 is a right side view of the garment 1920, where the left side of the garment 1920 is a mirror image of the right side image shown in Figure 34 . Figure 38 shows a rear view of the garment 1920. Figure 39 shows the front of the garment 1920. Figure 40 shows a cross-sectional view of the waistband 1924 of the garment 1920, and Figure 41 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the waistband 1924 of the garment.

[0126] Referring to Figure 34-36 and Figure 38-41 , the garment 1920 includes a piece of clothing or apparel, such as a pair of leggings worn around a person's waist. The garment 1920 includes a waistband 1924, a lower extension 1926, a first upward-facing waist pocket 1930, a second upward-facing waist pocket 1936, and a retention space 1962. The garment 1920 facilitates more securely retaining an item, such as a mobile phone 1970, around the waistband 1924 of the garment 1920. In the embodiments of Figure 34-36 and Figure 38-41 , the waistband 1924 includes a pair of vertical seams 1972 that, together with the other components of the waistband 1924, define the first upward-facing waist pocket 1930, the second upward-facing waist pocket 1936, and the retention space 1962. The first upward-facing waist pocket 1930 extends forward around or across the front portion of the waistband 1924 from one of the vertical seams 1972 and along the front side of the waistband 1924 to the other of the vertical seams 1972. The second upward-facing waist pocket 1936 and the retention space 1960 extend between the vertical seams 1972 along the rear portion of the waistband 1924 of the person wearing the garment. The retention space is formed by a pocket panel 1940 and an internal pocket retainer 1960, which also extend between the vertical seams along the rear portion of the waistband 1924.

[0127] The belt 1924 includes a pair of panels, the panels including an inner panel 1927 and an outer panel 1928 that respectively form an inner layer and an outer layer, which are joined to each other by stitching 1929. The belt 1924, like the belt 24, is configured to extend along or around the waist of a person wearing the garment 1920 around the person's waistline. In some embodiments, the belt 1924 can be continuous or unbroken, without ends. In some embodiments, the belt 1924 can include opposite ends that are permanently joined to each other by stitching, bonding, etc. In embodiments where the belt 24 is continuous, when wearing the garment 20, a person can step into the belt 1924. In some embodiments, the belt 1924 can include ends that are releasably connected to each other by hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, clasps, hooks, or buckles, thereby allowing the belt 24 to be opened and wrapped around a person's waist. In some embodiments, for example Figure 34-36 and the embodiments of 38 - 41, the belt 1924 is elastic or elastically stretchable. In some embodiments, the belt 1924 can be inelastic. Each of the belts 24 described above Figure 1-34 can have a belt with a construction similar to that of the belt 1924.

[0128] The lower extension 1926 includes one or more panels that extend downward from the lower edge portion of the belt 1924 and are configured to cover at least the upper portions of the groin and buttocks of a person wearing the garment 1920. In the example shown, the lower extension portion 1926 further continues to cover a person's thigh, knee, calf, and shin, forming a trouser leg. In other embodiments, depending on the type of the garment 1920, the lower extension 1926 can have various configurations. For example, the lower extension 1926 can be shorter, such as when the garment 1920 includes shorts, a skirt, etc.

[0129] In the example shown, the lower extension 1926 additionally includes a pocket 1931 that has an opening below the bottom edge of the belt 1924. In some embodiments, the lower extension 1926 can include one or more openings that can be opened and closed with a zipper, button, snap, etc. The lower extension 1926 can be pleated.

[0130] The first upward-facing waist pocket 1930 includes a pocket that is joined to the belt 1924 along the outside of the belt 1924. In the example shown, without the vertical seam 1972, the first and second upward-facing waist pockets 1930 and 1936 extend continuously along and around the belt 1924. The vertical seam 1972 extends on the left and right rear sides of the garment 1920 and divides the top of the garment 1920 into a rear portion 1990 with the second upward-facing pocket 1936 and a front portion 1992 with the first upward-facing pocket 1930. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the rear portion 1990. Figure 40 is alongFigure 38 Cross-sectional view of the rear portion 1990 taken along line 40-40 and including a mobile phone 1970 as an example of an article. Figure 36 Is a cross-sectional view of the front portion 1992.

[0131] As Figure 35 、 38 As shown in 40, the second-side-up waist pocket 1936 is formed by a pocket panel 1940 which is joined to the lower extension 1926 and the belt 1924 by stitching 1951. The pocket panel 1940 extends or rises upward from the stitching 1951 to form the outermost wall of the pocket 1930. As Figure 35 And 40 Shown in the rear portion 1990, the pocket panel 1940 continues to extend inward into the pocket 1930 from the folded edge portion 1934 to form a pocket holder 1960. The pocket panel 1940 is folded inward to form the top folded edge portion 1934.

[0132] The pocket 1930 has a waist pocket interior 1946 which has a bottom plate 1947, a front or outer wall 1949, a pocket holder 1969 and a top mouth or top opening 1932. The top opening 1932 facilitates access to the interior of the second-side-up waist pocket 1930 for inserting articles into the interior. In some embodiments, the top opening 1932 may include a closure mechanism such as a zipper and a loop fastener or other mechanism. In other embodiments, the top opening 1932 may omit any closure mechanism.

[0133] The pocket holder 1960 is integrally formed as a single unitary part of the pocket panel 1940. The pocket holder 1960 extends from the folded edge portion 1934 towards the bottom plate 1947 to form a holding space 1962. The lower end 1986 of the pocket holder 1960 is curled or folded outward and attached to itself by stitching 1980 to form a bottom hem wall along the face-down mouth 1968 of the holding space 1962. The holding space 1962 includes a volume into which an article can be inserted. In particular, the article is first inserted into the interior 1946 of the pocket 1930 through the top opening 1932. In cases where additional holding is required, such articles can be further positioned into the holding space 1962 through the mouth 1968. Thus, the article positioned within the holding space 1962 is vertically captured between the top folded edge portion 1934 and the bottom plate 1947, thereby inhibiting accidental removal of such articles. Refer to Figure 40, the pocket panel 1940, the pocket holder 1960 (including its lower end 1986), together with the inner panel 1927 and the outer panel 1928 of the belt 1924, firmly fix the mobile phone 1970 or other items, and inhibit excessive movement or bouncing of the mobile phone 1970 when worn by a wearer performing physical activities. This structure and the elastic properties of the materials used to form these components help to keep the mobile phone 1970 fixed when the mobile phone 1970 is positioned within the holding space 1962.

[0134] The vertical seam 1972 includes stitching that extends through and joins the front portion of the pocket panel 1940, the pocket holder 1960, and the belt 1924, closing the sides of the pocket 1930 and the holding space 1962. The vertical seam 1972 helps to maintain the shape and configuration of the pocket 1930 and the holding space 1962 by restricting the extent to which the pocket panel 1940 and the pocket holder 1960 can be pulled away from the belt 1924. Refer to Figure 41 , the stitching of the vertical seam 1972 is shown closing the interior 1946 of the second upward-facing pocket 1936 and the sides of the holding space 1962. Thus, both volumes (the interior 1946 and the holding space 1962) of the belt 1924 are closed at their ends by the vertical seam 1972.

[0135] As Figure 36 and Figure 39 shown, in the front portion 1992, the clothing 1920 omits the pocket holder 1960. Instead, those portions of the pocket panel 1940 that extend below the top folded edge portion 1934 and within the interior 1946 of the pocket 1930 are attached to the outer wall of the pocket panel 1940 by stitching 1980 to form an inner hem 1988 along the mouth 1932 of the pocket 1930 in the front portion 1992. In the example shown, omitting the pocket holder 1960 along the front portion 1992 reduces the weight and thickness of the clothing 1920 around a person's waist. See Figure 39 , the front portion 1992 may include one or more reinforcing seams 1974 at the mouth 1932 of the first upward-facing pocket 1930. When two or more reinforcing seams 1974 are used, they are positioned at spaced intervals along the front portion 1992 of the belt 1924 to separate the respective pocket entry points into the interior 1946.

[0136] In other embodiments, the pocket retainer 1960 may alternatively also extend along the front portion 1992. In some embodiments, the pocket retainer 1960 may be disposed along the front portion 1992, with the rear portion 1990 omitting the pocket retainer 1960. In some embodiments, the garment 1920 may include a plurality of enhanced article retention regions where the pocket retainer 1960 is disposed, and these regions may be separated by regions that omit the pocket retainer. In some embodiments, the garment 1920 may be provided with a pocket retainer that extends continuously around the waistband 1924. In some embodiments, an additional set of vertical seams 1972 may be disposed along the waistband 1924. In some embodiments, instead of the shown stitching, such panels or layers may be attached or joined to each other by welding or an adhesive. In some embodiments, the vertical seams 1972 extend between and connect the outer wall of the pocket panel 1940 and the pocket retainer 1960, independent of the inner wall of the pocket 1930 provided by the waistband 1924.

[0137] Reference Figure 42 , in some embodiments, the vertical seams 1972 may include stitches that extend through and join the pocket panel 1940 and the pocket retainer 1960, but do not also join the pocket panel 1940 and the pocket retainer 1960 to the inner panel 1927 and the outer panel 1928 of the waistband 1924. Instead, only the top and bottom of the inner panel 1927 and the outer panel 1928 may be connected to the top and bottom of the pocket panel 140 and the pocket retainer 1960 of the waistband 1924. Thus, the stitches of the vertical seams 1972 are shown as closing the sides of the retention space 1962, but not the ends of the interior 1946.

[0138] Although the vertical seams 1972 extend continuously from the top to the bottom of the waistband 1924, connecting the pocket panel 1940 and the pocket retainer 1960 and thus closing the ends of the retention space 1962, the vertical seams 1972 may include only thick / strengthened seams that extend along the top and bottom of the waistband 1924 between the shown positions, such that the interior 1946 of the second upward-facing pocket 1934 may be continuous with the first upward-facing pocket, thereby providing an overall continuous pocket that can extend 360 degrees around the waistband 1924.

[0139] Figure 37 is a side view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 2020. The garment 2020 is in the form of shorts. The garment 2020 is similar to the garment 1920 described above, except that the garment 2020 includes a front portion 2092 that extends from the vertical seams 1972. Those remaining portions of the garment 2020 that correspond to the components of the garment 1920 are similarly numbered and / or as shown and described above with respect to Figure 34-36 shown and as described above.

[0140] The front portion 2092 has a cross-sectional configuration similar to Figure 35 the cross-section shown. Accordingly, the garment 2020 includes a plurality of waist pockets facing upward (one at the rear portion 1990 and one at the front portion 2092), and a plurality of corresponding pocket holders (one at the rear portion 1990 and one at the front portion 2092). In the example shown, the front portion 2092 additionally includes vertical thick seams / reinforcement seams 2072 and 2073.

[0141] The vertical thick seam 2072 joins the upper portion of the pocket panel 1940 and the upper portion of the pocket holder 1960 to the waistband 1924. The thick seam 2072 includes stitching that extends through at least one and between the material layers forming each of the panel 1940, the pocket holder 1960, and the material layer forming the waistband 1924. The thick seam 2072 inhibits or restricts the degree to which the mouth 1932 of the pocket 1930 can be opened.

[0142] The vertical thick seam 2073 joins the lower portion of the pocket holder 1960 to the front wall or portion of the panel 1940. The vertical thick seam 2073 does not extend through the waistband 1924 and is not connected to the waistband 1924. The thick seam 2073 inhibits or restricts the opening of the mouth 1968 of the holding space 1962 without restricting the length of the interior 1946 of the pocket 1930. In other embodiments, the thick seams 2072 and 2073 may be omitted or may be replaced by a single vertical seam similar to the seam 1972. In some embodiments, the thick seam 2073 may additionally be connected to the waistband 1924. In some embodiments, the thick seam 2072 may not be connected to the waistband 1924. The configurations shown with respect to the garments 1920 and 2020 may be incorporated into other forms or types of garments.

[0143] In each of the above-described garments, the holding space formed by the pocket holder is configured to receive loose items and prevent those items from accidentally falling out of the generally larger waist pocket facing upward. In each of the above-described garments, the holding space may have an interior height of at least one inch.

[0144] The garment according to claim 1, wherein the waist pocket facing upward has a depth, and wherein the interior holding space has an interior height of at least 70% of the depth, and in some embodiments, at least 2 inches. In each of the above-described garments, the interior holding space may have a length of at least 4 inches (substantially in the horizontal direction). In each of the above-described garments, the waist pocket facing upward may have a depth, and the interior holding space has an interior height of at least 70% of such depth. In some embodiments, the interior holding space provided by the pocket holder may have an interior height substantially equal to the depth of the waist pocket facing upward.

[0145] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including features that provide benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Due to the relatively complex nature of the technology of the present disclosure, not all changes to the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure, as described with reference to example embodiments and set forth in the following claims, is clearly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, a claim reciting a single particular element also includes a plurality of such particular elements. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in the claims merely distinguish different elements and are not specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the present disclosure unless otherwise stated.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: belt; a lower extension extending downwardly from the waistband; an upward facing waist pocket along an exterior of the waistband, the upward facing waist pocket having an interior and a bottom; as well as A pocket holder is within the upward facing waist pocket and forms an interior holding space having a holding space mouth.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein: The holding space opening faces downward.

3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein: The upper end of the interior holding space is closed to form a downward facing interior pocket within the upward facing waist pocket.

4. The garment of claim 3, further comprising: a pocket panel coupled to the exterior of the waistband, the pocket panel including a top folded edge portion forming an upward facing mouth of the upward facing waist pocket, wherein the pocket retainer extends within the interior from the top folded edge portion toward the bottom.

5. The garment according to claim 4, wherein: The interior of the upward facing waist pocket is formed by an outer wall provided by the pocket panel, and an inner wall, and wherein vertical seams connect the sides of the pocket holder to the outer wall independently of the inner wall.

6. The garment of claim 4, wherein: The interior of the upward facing waist pocket is formed by an outer wall provided by the pocket panel, and an inner wall, and wherein vertical seams connect sides of the pocket holder to the outer wall and the inner wall.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein: The inner wall is provided by the outer portion of the waistband.

8. The garment of claim 6, wherein: The pocket panels are folded to form the outer wall and the inner wall.

9. The garment of claim 4, wherein: The pocket panel also includes: an outer wall extending from the top folded edge portion; an inner wall attached to the waistband; and At a bottom folded edge portion between the inner wall and the outer wall, the outer wall, the inner wall and the bottom folded edge portion form the upward facing waist pocket.

10. The garment of claim 4, wherein: The top of the interior of the interior pocket is formed by the top folded edge portion.

11. The garment of claim 4, wherein: The pocket panel includes a back portion including the pocket retainer and a front portion including a hem wall extending from the top folded edge into the upward facing waist pocket, the hem wall being affixed along a top opening of the upward facing waist pocket to form a hem.

12. The garment of claim 4, further comprising a second pocket panel coupled to the exterior of the waistband, the second pocket panel comprising: a second top folded edge portion forming a second upward facing mouth of a second upward facing waist pocket having a second interior and a second bottom; as well as A second pocket retainer extends within the second interior from the second top folded edge portion toward the second bottom portion, the second pocket retainer having a lower edge that forms a second downward facing mouth of a second interior pocket within the second upward facing waist pocket.

13. The garment of claim 4, wherein: The pocket panel includes a second pocket retainer extending within the interior from the top folded edge portion toward the bottom, the second pocket retainer having a second lower edge forming a second downward facing mouth of a second interior pocket within the upward facing waist pocket.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The lower edge of the pocket holder is elastic.

15. The garment according to claim 11, characterized in that Also included is an elastic band attached to the lower edge of the pocket holder along the lower edge of the pocket holder.

16. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The garment includes a front portion and a back portion, wherein the pocket holder extends along the back portion of the garment.

17. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The sides of the pocket holder are attached along vertical seams.

18. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The pocket holder comprises: holding space walls; and Folded wall; and The flap has a folded edge portion between the holding space wall and the flange wall, wherein the flange wall extends along and within the holding space.

19. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The interior of the upward facing waist pocket extends continuously along the waistband without interruption for 360 degrees.

20. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The pocket holder extends less than 360 degrees along the waist belt.

21. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The holding space has an interior height of at least one inch.

22. The garment of claim 1 wherein the upward facing waist pocket has a depth, and wherein the interior retaining space has an interior height that is at least 70% of the depth.

23. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The interior holding space has a length of at least 4 inches.

24. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The holding space opening faces upward.

25. The garment of claim 24, further comprising a second retaining space mouth facing in a downward direction.

26. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The interior retaining space is formed by the outer walls of the upward facing waist pocket.

27. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The interior retaining space is formed by the inner wall of the upward facing waist pocket.

28. The garment of claim 1, wherein the upper edge interior portion and the lower edge interior portion of the interior holding space are closed, and wherein the holding space mouth faces in a lateral direction.

29. The garment of claim 1, wherein: The holding space includes a mouth that is recessed into the upward facing waist pocket.

30. A garment comprising: belt; At least one pocket panel coupled to the exterior of the waistband, the at least one pocket panel including a top folded edge portion forming an upward facing mouth of an upward facing waist pocket having an interior and a bottom, the interior extending continuously and uninterruptedly along the waistband for 360°.

31. The garment of claim 30, wherein: Spaced portions of the top folded edge portion are joined to the waistband.

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