US20180116311A1

US20180116311A1 - Odor-Absorbing Pocket Liner

Info

Publication number: US20180116311A1
Application number: US15/796,501
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeff Callison
Original assignee: Jeff Callison
Current assignee: High Desert Research And Development Inc
Priority date: 2016-10-27
Filing date: 2017-10-27
Publication date: 2018-05-03

Abstract

An odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items capable of storing and neutralizing odors emanating from pungent materials includes an elongated pouch, an odor-absorbing layer, and a sealing mechanism. The odor-absorbing pocket liner can be integrated or retrofitted to wearable items to provide a pocket for storing and isolating pungent materials. The elongated pouch encloses a storage compartment for storing and isolating the pungent materials. A rim terminally positioned on the elongated pouch perimetrically delineates an opening whereby the pungent materials are inserted into the storage compartment. The odor-absorbing layer is superimposed onto the inner surface of the storage compartment. As such, the odor-absorbing layer completely encloses the pungent materials and prevents odors from escaping the storage compartment. The sealing mechanism is connected around the rim to help seal the opening once the pungent materials are securely inserted into the storage compartment.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/413,805 filed on Oct. 27, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a pocket with odor-absorbing layer superimposed onto the interior surface of the pocket. More specifically, the pocket may be an elongated pouch sewn, stitched, adhered, or heat treated onto the exterior surface or interior surface of an existing garment or a wearable apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millions of people suffer from debilitating illnesses and seek relief through the use of medicinal herbs. These herbal products, and the apparatuses used for consumption, can emit pungent odors when carried in a person's pocket. At times, these odors are undesirable to the carrier and to those people surrounding the person emitting the odors. Further exacerbating the problem is the fact that users usually carry these pungent materials on their person, in pockets and pouches of their clothing or bags. These clothing items and bags are usually made of air-permeable breathable items that not only allow undesirable odors to escape out of pockets, but in many cases, trap the odors within the clothing itself, which gives users an undesirable odor. Thus, a device for trapping the a portable, compact, storage compartment configured to trap undesirable odors is required.
Conventional garments are fashioned with a variety of pockets, pouches, and other storage compartments that allow users to carry small items while going about their errands. These pockets are usually disposed on easily accessible areas on the garment which makes them ideal for temporarily carrying small items such as cell phones, wallets, keys, cosmetics, and other personal belongings. Conventional pockets are usually constructed out of a flap of fabric perimetrically stitched onto the base garment or a pouch mounted onto a slit made into the garment. In most cases, the flap or the pouch is usually made of the same air permeable and breathable materials material as the base garment, such as cotton, polyester, in rare cases silk. These materials are desirable since they are soft to the touch and don't cause irritation when in contact with the skin of the user. However, the very same air-permeable and soft properties that make these materials suitable for use as a garment, makes them undesirable for use in construction of pockets. More specifically, these pockets are unable to prevent undesirable odors form permeating the garment giving the garment and thus the user an undesirable odor.
The present invention solves this problem by providing a pocket liner for absorbing undesirable odors emitted by the herbal materials being stored in the pocket. As such, this absorbs odors emitted by the herbal products and prevents the user from smelling undesirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the elongated pouch.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the elongated pouch attached to the exterior surface of a piece of fabric belonging to a sweatshirt.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the elongated pouch attached to the interior surface of a piece of fabric belonging to a sweatshirt.

FIG. 4 is a detail view taken about circle 4 in FIG. 2 illustrating the elongated pouch being mounted on the exterior surface of the piece of fabric.

FIG. 5 is a detail view taken about circle 5 in FIG. 3 illustrating the elongated pouch being mounted on the interior surface of the piece of fabric.

FIG. 6 is a side cross section view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the elongated pouch with the sealing mechanism in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the elongated pouch with the sealing mechanism in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.
The present invention is an odor-absorbing pocket liner for storing pungent items and sealing odorous aromas within the pocket. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pocket for storing pungent herbal medicines with an odor-absorbing liner material that absorbs odors emitted by herbal products and the apparatuses used to consume them, integrated or retrofitted onto an existing garment, carrying case, or any wearable item. Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated pouch 1, an odor-absorbing layer 2, and a sealing mechanism 3. The elongated pouch 1 stores highly pungent materials and seals odorous aromas within the odor-absorbing layer 2. The elongated pouch 1 is designed to attach to the exterior of an existing garment. As such, the elongated pouch 1 acts as a pocket with an odor-absorbing compartment. Similarly, the elongated pouch 1 may also be mounted into the interior surface of a garment. An opening 14 in the garment, may be used to access the inside the elongated pouch 1.
In reference to FIG. 7, the elongated pouch 1 comprises an outer surface 11, an inner surface 12, and a rim 13. The inner surface 12 delineates a storage compartment for storing the pungent materials. The storage compartment may be a single storage compartment or may be divided into a plurality of sections separated by fabric partitions. The inner surface 12 and the outer surface 11 join along the rim 13 of the elongated pouch 1. As such, the rim 13 is terminally positioned on the elongated pouch 1. An opening 14 of the elongated pouch 1 is perimetrically delineated by the rim 13. The opening 14 of the elongated pouch allows access into the storage compartment, whereby the user can retrieve the pungent materials being stored therein. The odor-absorbing layer 2 is superimposed onto the inner surface 12 of the elongated pouch 1. As such, the storage compartment is completely covered with the odor-absorbing layer 2. If the storage compartment is divided into a plurality of sections, the fabric partition separating each section may also be covered with the odor-absorbing layer 2. This causes almost all the odorous aromas to be absorbed directly into the odor-absorbing layer 2. To prevent the remaining odorous aromas from escaping, the sealing mechanism 3 is connected around the rim 13. The sealing mechanism 3 seals the opening 14, thereby trapping the odors inside the storage compartment. This prevents odorous aromas from seeping out of the opening 14 once the opening 14 is closed.
As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of the elongated pouch 1 is made of a sewing-permissible material. More specifically, the sewing-permissible material may be a flexible fabric material that prevents irritation when in contact with human skin. The flexible fabric material permits the elongated pouch 1 to easily attach to an existing garment. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible fabric material is stitched onto the exterior of the fabric using a thread and needle. The flexible fabric material may be attached onto either the exterior surface of the garment or the interior surface, in contact with the user's skin. Thus, the flexible fabric material must also be made of a soft and air permeable material which does not cause irritation when in contact with the user's skin. However, if the elongated pouch is to be mounted to the exterior of the garment not in contact with the user's skin, a rough durable material may be utilized.
Referring now to FIG. 6, since the odor-absorbing layer 2 is completely encased within the elongated pouch 1, the odor-absorbing layer 2 does not need to be made of a soft and comfortable material. In the preferred embodiment, the odor-absorbing layer 2 is laminated, quilted, stitched, adhered, or similarly fastened onto the inner surface 12 of the elongated pouch 1. The preferred odor-absorbing layer 2 is made of a microporous Activated Carbon (Charcoal) cloth with very low area density in the order of 1000-2000 m²/g. This combined with the strong electrostatic forces developed within the cloth enables the cloth to be highly efficient at absorbing vapors and solvents. The preferred properties of the activated carbon cloth are herein disclosed:


Nominal properties of preferred ACC	Version	1	Version 2

Surface density g/m²	110	130
Carbon Tetrachloride activity, % ww	55-70	55-70
Air permeability cm³/cm²/sec at 10 mm w. g.	75	75
Thickness (mm)	0.4	0.5

In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the odor-absorbing layer 2 may be integrated into the elongated pouch 1 during the fabrication process. In this embodiment, the elongated pouch 1 may be a light weight polyester fabric and the odor-absorbing layer 2 comprises activated carbon fibers. The activated carbon fabrics are laminated onto the polyester fabric using a polyamide coating. The preferred properties of the alternate embodiment of the activated carbon cloth are herein disclosed:


Nominal properties of alternate ACC	Version	1	Version 2

Surface Density g/m²	90	180
Ethyl Acetate vapor uptake, % ww	55-70	55-70
Thickness (mm)	0.5	1.5

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the odor-absorbing layer 2 may be plasticized fabric bonded onto the interior surface of the elongated pouch 1.
As can be seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the reinforcement binding 4 structurally reinforces the elongated pouch 1, allowing the elongated pouch 1 to retain a generally polygonal shape. As such, the reinforcement binding 4 is perimetrically connected around the elongated pouch 1. More specifically, the reinforcement binding 4 may be stitched on or heat transferred onto the lateral edges of the elongated pouch 1. The preferred embodiment of sealing mechanism 3 is a zipper 31. The zipper 31 comprises a slider 32, a first row of teeth 33, and a second row of teeth 34. The zipper 31 is mounted onto the rim 13 to selective seal the opening 14 of the elongated pouch 1. In particular, the first row of teeth 33 is connected along the rim 13. Similarly, the second row of teeth 34 is connected along the rim 13 as well. The first row of teeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34 are positioned opposite to each other about the rim 13. The slider 32 is operative coupled in between the first row of teeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34, wherein the slider 32 is used to attach and detach the first row of teeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34 from each other. More specifically, moving the slider 32 in a certain direction causes the first row of teeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34 to interdigitate. Moving the slider 32 in the opposite direction, causes the first row of teeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34 to separate. Alternately, the sealing mechanism 3 may comprise any components that hermetically seals the opening 14. For example, the sealing mechanism 3 may comprise a plurality of buttons mounted along the rim 13 and a flap mounted on the opposite side of the rim 13. The flap may be fashioned with opening 14 s, each of which accept a button. The flap may thus be used to effectively seal the opening 14. In yet another embodiment, the rim 13 may be fashioned with a watertight zipper that closes and seals the storage compartment.
In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated pouch 1 may be mounted onto a piece of fabric 5. The piece of fabric 5 may belong to a garment worn on the upper body, such as sweatshirt, jacket, shirt, vest, and the like, or garment worn on the lower body such as pant, trouser, short, skirt, and the like. The piece of fabric 5 may also belong to hats, shoes, scarves, or any garment that is worn on the body. Further, the piece of fabric 5 may also belong to other wearable items such as backpacks, handbags, purses, carrying cases, and the like.
Referring specifically to FIG. 2, an attachment mechanism 6 is used to affix the elongated pouch 1 onto the piece of fabric 5. The preferred attachment mechanism 6 may utilize stitches made with a needle and a thread. Alternate attachment mechanisms 6 may utilize adhesives, heat transfers, or any other fabric bonding mechanisms employed in the relevant arts. The elongated pouch 1 is mounted onto the piece of fabric 5 by the attachment mechanism 6. This allows the attachment mechanism 6 to be peripherally positioned around the elongated pouch 1. More specifically, the elongated pouch 1 may be placed on top of the exterior surface of the piece of fabric 5. The edges of the elongated pouch 1 contacting the piece of fabric 5 may then be stitched together with a needle and thread. The elongated pouch 1 can thus be used as a pocket for the piece of fabric 5.
Referring specifically to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the piece of fabric 5 may include a slit 7 that traverses through the piece of fabric 5. The slit 7 allows the user to access the interior of the piece of fabric 5 from the exterior. Preferably, the slit 7 may be an existing pocket-hole of a garment or may be fashioned into the piece of fabric 5. For example, a slit 7 may be fashioned by removing the interior fabric pouch of an existing pocket, leaving just the hole of the pocket. Similarly, the slit 7 may be fashioned by cutting a hole in the piece of fabric 5. For example, a slit 7 may be cut onto the front surface of a sweatshirt or a jacket. Once the slit 7 is created, the opening 14 of the elongated pouch 1 is aligned along the slit 7. This allows the elongated pouch 1 to be mounted onto the base fabric by the attachment mechanism 6. More specifically, the attachment mechanism 6 is peripherally positioned around the rim 13. Thus, the rim 13 of the slit 7 is stitched to the rim 13 of the elongated pouch 1. This also positions the sealing mechanism 3 in close reach of the user to easily seal the storage compartment. In this case, the slit 7 is cut into the garment, acts as a pocket whereby the user can access the storage compartment.
As can be seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the preferred elongated pouch 1 is a rectangular shape. The rectangular shape reduces the number of seams while maximizing the internal volume of the storage compartment. Further, the ratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch 1 is 2:1. This reduces the depth of the storage compartment making it easy for the user to retrieve items being stored therein. This also dimensions the storage compartment to be easily fitted onto the piece of fabric 5 belonging to a garment. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the elongated pouch 1 may be any shape or size that suits the desired application. For example, the elongated pouch 1 may be cuboid, circular, elliptical, cylindrical or any shape in between.
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 as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items comprises:

an elongated pouch;

an odor-absorbing layer;

a sealing mechanism;

the elongated pouch comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and a rim;

the rim being terminally positioned on the elongated pouch;

an opening of the elongated pouch being perimetrically delineated by the rim;

the odor-absorbing layer being superimposed onto the inner surface; and

the sealing mechanism being connected around the rim.

2. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a reinforcement binding; and

the reinforcement binding being perimetric ally connected around the elongated pouch.

3. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the sealing mechanism is a zipper;

the zipper comprises a slider, a first row of teeth, and a second row of teeth;

the first row of teeth being connected along the rim;

the second row of teeth being connected along the rim;

the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth being positioned opposite to each other about the rim; and

the slider being operative coupled in between the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth, wherein the slider is used to attach and detach the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth from each other.

4. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated pouch is made of a sewing-permissible material.

5. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1, wherein the odor-absorbing layer is made of an activated carbon cloth.

6. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1, wherein the odor-absorbing layer is made of a plasticized fabric.

7. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a piece of fabric;

the attachment mechanism;

the elongated pouch being mounted onto the piece of fabric by the attachment mechanism; and

the attachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the elongated pouch.

8. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a piece of fabric;

a slit;

the attachment mechanism;

the slit traversing through the piece of fabric;

the opening being aligned along the slit;

the attachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the rim.

9. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated pouch is a rectangular shape.

10. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch is 2:1.

11. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items comprises:

an elongated pouch;

an odor-absorbing layer;

a sealing mechanism;

a reinforcement binding;

a piece of fabric;

the attachment mechanism;

the elongated pouch comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and a rim;

the rim being terminally positioned on the elongated pouch;

an opening of the elongated pouch being perimetrically delineated by the rim;

the odor-absorbing layer being superimposed onto the inner surface;

the sealing mechanism being connected around the rim;

the reinforcement binding being perimetric ally connected around the elongated pouch;

12. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 11, wherein the elongated pouch is made of a sewing-permissible material, and wherein the odor-absorbing layer is made of an activated carbon cloth.

13. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 11, wherein the elongated pouch is a rectangular shape.

14. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 11, wherein a ratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch is 2:1.

15. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items comprises:

an elongated pouch;

an odor-absorbing layer;

a sealing mechanism;

a reinforcement binding;

a piece of fabric;

a slit;

the attachment mechanism;

the elongated pouch comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and a rim;

the rim being terminally positioned on the elongated pouch;

an opening of the elongated pouch being perimetrically delineated by the rim;

the odor-absorbing layer being superimposed onto the inner surface;

the sealing mechanism being connected around the rim;

the slit traversing through the piece of fabric;

the opening being aligned along the slit;

the attachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the rim.

16. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 15, wherein the elongated pouch is made of a sewing-permissible material, and wherein the odor-absorbing layer is made of a plasticized fabric.

17. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 15, wherein the elongated pouch is a rectangular shape.

18. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 15, wherein a ratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch is 2:1.