Privacy pocket

Abstract

A privacy pocket designed to retain at least one mobile computing device to isolate the mobile computing device from all corresponding communication networks. The privacy pocket can be integrated into any clothing garment for use as a normal pocket and to fully isolate the mobile computing device. Alternatively, the privacy pocket can take the form of a separate structure to be carried by the user and / or attach to an external object. The privacy pocket comprises a pocket body, a protection flap, and a pocket fastener. The pocket body comprises a plurality of layers. The internal layers include a conductive fabric layer and a sound-dampening layer to block electromagnetic radiation and sound waves, thereby completely isolating the mobile computing device within the pocket body. The protection flap covers the sealable opening of the pocket body, and the sealable opening is sealed using the pocket fastener.

Description

[0001] Privacy Pocket

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to wearable devices and privacy systems. More specifically, the present invention discloses a storage space in the form of a privacy pocket that prevents the wireless transmission of data from a mobile computing device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Nowadays, most mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, include software applications (apps) that implement digital assistants, Artificial Intelligence (Al), and / or machine learning that collect user data while the device is on. The data collected ranges from required data that allows the apps to work to personal data that is collected for marketing purposes. While some apps allow the user to control what data is collected and shared, most apps collect data that the users would not like to be collected nor shared. Different solutions have been implemented to help the user control data collection of installed apps on a mobile computing device. Hardware-wise, several accessories have also been made available that block the transmission of data to / from the mobile computing device. These devices, such as Faraday cages, block electromagnetic radiation around the mobile computing device, such as radio waves, which effectively prevents data from being transmitted to / from the mobile computing device. While effective, these devices are often separate devices that the user must carry with them whenever necessary. In addition, these devices are often single-use items (i.e., only used to block electromagnetic radiation) which limits the overall functionality of the devices. Thus, there is a need for a novel device that blocks electromagnetic radiation that can be implemented on clothing garments and that can be utilized for other purposes to increase the functionality of the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention discloses a privacy pocket. The privacy pocket of the present invention serves as wearable Faraday cage that can be implemented into a clothing garment. For example, the present invention can be provided in the form of a jacket pocket, a shirt pocket, a pants pocket, etc. While the present invention is preferably designed to be incorporated onto the desired clothing garment, the present invention can also be provided as a separate item that could be detachably connected to the desired clothing garment or external object. Further, the present invention is designed to retain at least one mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, to block electromagnetic radiation and sound waves to completely isolate the mobile computing device. By blocking electromagnetic radiation and sound waves, the transmission of data via radio waves is disrupted, which isolates the mobile computing device from the corresponding communication networks.

[0007] Further, the privacy pocket of the present invention includes a sealable opening that can be selectively opened and closed by the user. The sealable opening is designed to fully enclose the mobile computing device to prevent any electromagnetic radiation to leak through the present invention. Further, the privacy pocket of the present invention can be designed to match the overall design of the clothing garment. For example, external layers of the privacy pocket of the present invention can match the fabric and ornamental design of the corresponding clothing garment. Furthermore, the privacy pocket of the present invention can be designed to accommodate other items so that the present invention can also be utilized as normal garment pockets.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the present invention, showing the sealable opening. FIG. 3 is a magnified top plan view of the present invention, showing the interior surfaces of the pocket body.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the plurality of layers of the present invention, in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the plurality of layers of the present invention, in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the present invention, showing the privacy pocket implemented as a jacket pocket.

[0014] DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0016] In reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, the present invention discloses a privacy pocket 1. The privacy pocket is designed to retain at least one mobile computing device to isolate the mobile computing device from the corresponding communication networks. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, in the preferred embodiment, the privacy pocket 1 comprises a pocket body 2 and a protection flap 3. The pocket body 2 corresponds to the main structure of the privacy pocket 1 that securely retains the desired mobile computing device. The protection flap 3 serves to fully enclose the mobile computing device retained within the pocket body 2 to ensure all electromagnetic radiation is blocked by the privacy pocket 1.

[0017] The general configuration of the aforementioned components ensures that no undesired data is collected and transmitted by the mobile computing device. As best seen in FIG. 1, the pocket body 2 is preferably an overall thin and hollow structure with a shape and size large enough to accommodate the desired computing device. For example, the pocket body 2 can be provided as a rectangular pocket large enough to accommodate a smartphone. However, different shapes and sizes can be implemented to accommodate different computing devices as well as to match the ornamental design of the garment. Further, the pocket body 2 is preferably manufactured using Faraday fabric such as conductive material including, but not limited to, fabric with integrated metals.

[0018] In general, the pocket body 2 can be formed using two panels connected to each other to form a single pocket structure. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pocket body 2 preferably comprises a front panel 4 and a rear panel 5 corresponding to the two opposing panels that form the pocket body 1. The front panel 4 and the rear panel 5 each comprise a fixed widthwise edge 41, 51, a free widthwise edge 42, 52, a first lengthwise edge 43, 53, and a second lengthwise edge 44, 54. The fixed widthwise edge, the free widthwise edge, the first lengthwise edge, and the second lengthwise edge correspond to the lateral edges of each panel. To form the pocket body 2, the fixed widthwise edge 41 of the front panel 4 is connected along the fixed widthwise edge 51 of the rear panel 5. The first lengthwise edge 43 of the front panel 4 is also connected along the first lengthwise edge 53 of the rear panel 5. Further, the second lengthwise edge 44 of the front panel 4 is connected along the second lengthwise edge 54 of the rear panel 5. As a result, a closed structure is formed where the front panel 4 and the rear panel 5 are connected to each other except along the corresponding free widthwise edges 42, 52. The loose free widthwise edges form the opening 45 of the pocket body 2. Each of the remaining closed edges are terminally connected together by way of stitching or adhesive. However, in other embodiments, each of the remaining closed edges can be detachably connected together using any known method in the art including but not limited to press-fit connectors.

[0019] As previously mentioned, the pocket body 2 is made from Faraday material in order to block the electromagnetic radiation surrounding the retained mobile computing device to completely disconnect the mobile computing device from the corresponding communication networks. As best seen in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the front panel 4 and the rear panel 5 comprises a plurality of layers 6 coextensive with each other to form a single panel structure. In the preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of layers 6 comprises an outer layer 61, a conductive fabric layer 62, a sound-dampening layer 63, and an insulation layer 64. The conductive fabric layer 62 and the sounddampening layer 63 are preferably the internal layers of each panel that block electromagnetic radiation and sound waves, respectively, to completely isolate the mobile computing device retained within the pocket body 2. The insulation layer 64 and the outer layer 61 are the external layers that protect the mobile computing device and match the design of the clothing garment, respectively.

[0020] In another embodiment seen in FIG. 5, the sound-dampening layer 63 is excluded from the plurality of layers 6, such that the plurality of layers comprises an outer layer 61, a conductive fabric layer 62, and an insulation layer 64. Thus, whichever embodiment is selected by the user, at least one layer of the plurality of layers 6 is a conductive fabric layer 62. This arrangement ensures that all embodiments of the privacy pocket 1 are at least capable of blocking electromagnetic radiation. In alternative embodiments, the front panel 4 and the rear panel 5 can include different layers of material that block electromagnetic radiation, sound waves, and other types of waves that allow data to be collected and / or transmitted by the retained mobile computing device.

[0021] In reference to FIG. 2, the opening 45 of the pocket body is preferably a sealable opening to ensure that the mobile computing device remains within the pocket body 2 and to ensure that all electromagnetic radiation is blocked. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a pocket fastener 7 that is integrated into the pocket body 2 to selectively seal the sealable opening 45. The pocket fastener 7 can be any type of flexible fastener that can be manually engaged and disengaged by the user. More specifically, the type of pocket fastener 7 can include but is not limited to a hook- and-loop fastener, a zipper fastener, and a button snap fastener.

[0022] The pocket fastener 7 comprises a first connector 71 and a second connector 72 corresponding to the interlocking portions of the pocket fastener. The first connector 71 is laterally integrated along the free widthwise edge 42 of the front panel 4, while the second connector 72 is laterally integrated along the free widthwise edge 52 of the rear panel 5. For example, the first connector 71 can be the hook portion of the hook-and-loop fastener, while the second connector 72 can be the loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener. In this arrangement, the user can selectively seal the sealable opening 45 of the pocket body by engaging the first connector 71 with the second connector 72. In alternative embodiments, different fasteners may be implemented into the sealable opening 45 of the pocket body 2. The protection flap 3 is designed to fully envelop the sealable opening 45 of the pocket body 2 to block all the electromagnetic radiation surrounding the retained mobile computing device. As can be seen in FIG. 1 through 3, the protection flap 3 can be a flap with a shape and size matching the front panel 4 and / or the rear panel 5. The protection flap 3 is preferably aligned with the rear panel 5 so that the protection flap 3 matches the orientation of the rear panel 5. In addition, a lateral edge 31 of the protection flap is terminally connected along the free widthwise edge 52 of the rear panel 5 to secure the protection flap 3 to the rear panel 5. In this arrangement, the protection flap 3 can cover and / or wrap about the sealable opening 45 of the pocket body 2 once the mobile computing device is inserted into the pocket body 2 and the sealable opening 45 is sealed using the pocket fastener 7.

[0023] Similar to the front and rear panels, the protective flap 3 can also comprise a plurality of layers 6 coextensive with each other to form a single flap structure. Preferably, as seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of layers 6 of the flap comprises an outer layer 61, a conductive fabric layer 62, a sound-dampening layer 63, and an insulation layer 64. In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the sound-dampening layer 63 is excluded from the plurality of layers 6, such that the plurality of layers comprises an outer layer 61, a conductive fabric layer 62, and an insulation layer 64. In alternative embodiments, the protective flap 3 may include different protective layers.

[0024] In reference to FIG. 6, the privacy pocket 1 can be laterally integrated onto any clothing garment 9 such that the present invention can be used as a normal pocket or to fully isolate the mobile computing device from the corresponding communication networks. Regarding the type of clothing, the privacy pocket 1 can take the form of but is not limited to a jacket pocket, a pants pocket, and a shirt pocket. In other embodiments, the privacy pocket 1 can be provided as a separate structure that can be carried by the user. In addition, the individual privacy pocket 1 can be designed to be detachably mounted onto an external object. For example, the pocket body 2 may include a ring grommet or similar mechanism that allows the privacy pocket 1 to be hanged from a bag or other external object. In alternative embodiments, the privacy pocket 1 may be implemented in different devices that are accessible to the user whenever the user wants to isolate the mobile computing device from the corresponding communication networks. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pocket for blocking electromagnetic radiation, the pocket comprising: a pocket body; the pocket body comprising a front panel and a rear panel; a fixed widthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a fixed widthwise edge of the rear panel; a first lengthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a first lengthwise edge of the rear panel; a second lengthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a second lengthwise edge of the rear panel; the front panel and the rear panel each comprising a plurality of layers; and at least one layer of the plurality of layers being a conductive fabric layer.

2. The pocket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises an outer layer, a sound-dampening layer, and an insulation layer.

3. The pocket as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a pocket fastener; the pocket fastener comprising a first connector and a second connector; the first connector being laterally integrated along a free widthwise edge of the front panel; the second connector being laterally integrated along a free widthwise edge of the rear panel; and the pocket fastener forming a sealable opening of the pocket body.

4. The pocket as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pocket fastener is selected from the group consisting of: a hook and loop fastener, a zipper fastener, and a button snap fastener.

5. The pocket as claimed in claim 3 comprising:a flap; the flap comprising a plurality of layers; and the flap being configured to cover the sealable opening.

6. The pocket as claimed in claim 5, wherein a lateral edge of the flap is terminally connected along the free widthwise edge of the rear panel.

7. The pocket as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises an outer layer, a sound-dampening layer, and an insulation layer.

8. The pocket as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pocket is laterally integrated onto a clothing garment.

9. The pocket as claimed in claim 8, wherein the clothing garment is selected from the group consisting of: a jacket pocket, a pants pocket, and a shirt pocket.

10. The pocket as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pocket is configured to detachably connect to an external object.

11. A pocket for blocking electromagnetic radiation, the pocket comprising: a pocket body; a pocket fastener; a flap; the pocket body comprising a front panel and a rear panel; a fixed widthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a fixed widthwise edge of the rear panel; a first lengthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a first lengthwise edge of the rear panel; a second lengthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a second lengthwise edge of the rear panel;the pocket fastener comprising a first connector and a second connector; the first connector being laterally integrated along a free widthwise edge of the front panel; the second connector being laterally integrated along a free widthwise edge of the rear panel; the pocket fastener forming a sealable opening of the pocket body; the flap being configured to cover the sealable opening; the front panel, the rear panel, and the flap each comprising a plurality of layers; and at least one layer of the plurality of layers being a conductive fabric layer.

12. The pocket as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pocket fastener is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener, a zipper fastener, and a button snap fastener.

13. The pocket as claimed in claim 11, wherein a lateral edge of the flap is terminally connected along the free widthwise edge of the rear panel.

14. The pocket as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises an outer layer, a sound-dampening layer, and an insulation layer.

15. The pocket as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pocket is laterally integrated onto a clothing garment.

16. The pocket as claimed in claim 15, wherein the clothing garment is selected from the group consisting of a jacket pocket, a pants pocket, and a shirt pocket.

17. The pocket as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pocket is configured to detachably connect to an external object.

18. A pocket for blocking electromagnetic radiation, the pocket comprising: a pocket body; a pocket fastener; a flap; the pocket body comprising a front panel and a rear panel; a fixed widthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a fixed widthwise edge of the rear panel; a first lengthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a first lengthwise edge of the rear panel; a second lengthwise edge of the front panel being connected along a second lengthwise edge of the rear panel; the pocket fastener comprising a first connector and a second connector; the first connector being laterally integrated along a free widthwise edge of the front panel; the second connector being laterally integrated along a free widthwise edge of the rear panel; the pocket fastener forming a sealable opening of the pocket body; the flap being configured to cover the sealable opening; a lateral edge of the flap being terminally connected along the free widthwise edge of the rear panel; the front panel, the rear panel, and the flap each comprising a plurality of layers; the plurality of layers comprising an outer layer, a conductive fabric layer, a sound-dampening layer, and an insulation layer; and the pocket being laterally integrated onto a clothing garment.

19. The pocket as claimed in claim 18, wherein the pocket fastener is selected from the group consisting of: a hook and loop fastener, a zipper fastener, and a button snap fastener.

20. The pocket as claimed in claim 18, wherein the clothing garment is selected fromthe group consisting of: a jacket pocket, a pants pocket, and a shirt pocket.

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