US20060075537A1

US20060075537A1 - Jacket or pullover for MP3 player with wireless remote control

Info

Publication number: US20060075537A1
Application number: US10/960,689
Authority: US
Inventors: Nai Tsai
Original assignee: Prolink International Inc
Current assignee: Prolink International Inc
Priority date: 2004-10-08
Filing date: 2004-10-08
Publication date: 2006-04-13

Abstract

The present invention developed the MP3 jackets for carrying MP3 players with wireless remote control. Using the present invention, the MP3 player, wireless remote control, and jacket/pullover can be easily assembled and replaced individually. The present invention generally relates to MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment article of the type having a body, a collar or a hood and two sleeves. In one preferred embodiment, the MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment has a first pocket for carrying a MP3 player, a second pocket for carrying wireless remote control for the MP3 player, and a collar or hood for supporting the earpiece set. In another preferred embodiment, the MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment has a first carrying means for carrying a MP3 player, a second carrying means for carrying wireless remote control for MP3 player, and a collar or hood for supporting the earpiece set.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment article of the type having a body, a collar or a hood and two sleeves. In one preferred embodiment, the MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment has a first pocket for carrying a MP3 player, a second pocket for carrying wireless remote control device for the MP3 player, and a collar or hood for supporting the earpiece. In another preferred embodiment, the MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment has a first carrying means for carrying a MP3 player, a second carrying means for carrying wireless remote control device for MP3 player, and a collar or hood for supporting the earpiece.
2. Description of the Art
Outerwear garment articles such as jackets or pullovers worn on the upper region of the human body generally comprises a body, two sleeves and, a collar or a hood. The outerwear garment articles such as jackets or pullovers are often used when the users are engaging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, hiking, mountain climbing, rollerblading, and so forth. Often in times the users who are engaging in these types of activities would like to listen to music along side of these outdoor activities. MP3 players are often chosen by the users because they are simple and small, easy to use and carry. It would be advantages if the jackets or pullovers can easily secure the MP3 players and provide easy ways to control the players so the users may carry on their activities without interruption for controlling the MP3 players.
Several manufacturers have provided products that integrated the music players with the jackets. For example, Burton Amp by Burton Snowboards and Apple provides a wearable electronic jacket with an integrated iPod control system. The Burton Amp is a durable waterproof GORE-TEX snowboarding jacket made for use with iPod, Apple's portable digital music player. The Burton Amp and Apple's iPod together enabled snowboarders and other active users to control their music from the sleeve of their jackets. The Burton Amp jacket integrates the iPod control system into the jacket using SOFTswitch technology, which consists interface module insider the jacket.
“The Hub” Snowboard Jacket with Bluetooth by O'Neill, features a chip module containing a full-feature MP3 player and a Bluetooth module for controlling a mobile phone, built by Infineon Technologies. Electrically conductive tracks woven into the fabric connect the chip module to a fabric keyboard and built-in speakers in the helmet. The “mp3blue” jacket by Rosner is made of woven electrically conductive fabric connecting to a textile keyboard on the left sleeve, to headphones, and to a microphone built into the collar.
These products have a few disadvantages. Since the music players and the control tracks are built in to the jackets, it is difficult to disassemble the music players and control tracks from the jackets in order to clean the jacket. Since the jackets are specially designed for the music player, it is also difficult to replace the music player with a different model or type. Meanwhile, since the control tracks are built into the jackets, specific materials and made of the jackets are required, which raises the cost of the jackets.
The objective of the present invention is to provide a MP3 jacket that is easy to use, functional, easy to take care of, and affordable. The distinctive features of the preferred embodiment of the current invention include incorporating the wireless remote control for MP3 player, inside patch pocket for MP3 player, see-through pocket on left sleeve for wireless remote control, and specially designed collar for holding the earphone. The present invention presents a convenient way to carry and control the MP3 player for users conducting outdoor sport activities, while providing a product that is easy to assemble and disassemble. In the present invention, it is easy to install and separate the MP3 player, earphone, and wireless remote control to and from the jacket when needed, and easy to take care the jacket and the electronic devices so to extend the life span of the product. By eliminating the electronic tracks inside the jacket, the present invention allows different types of MP3 player to be used with the jacket, which significantly increases the flexibility of the product. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention does not require the jacket or pullover to be made by specific materials such as water-proof materials, and the designs are relatively simple. So the cost of the product will be significantly lower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A main objective of the present invention is to provide a jacket or pullover or the like outerwear garment for carrying a music player wherein the music player is controlled by a wireless remote control.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a jacket or pullover or the like outerwear garment for carrying a music player wherein the music player and associated control devices can be easily dismounted from the garment.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a jacket or pullover or the like outerwear garment for carrying a music player wherein the earpiece of the music player is supported by the collar or hood of the garment.
Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a jacket comprises a jacket body with two front sections and one back section having an inner surface and an outer surface; the back section connected to two front sections which extend forward from the back section to form the jacket of a size appropriate to be worn by an human body; the two front sections having a zipper fastener means which interconnects and releases front edges of the two front sections so said jacket can be opened and closed; two long sleeves to be worn on the upper torso of a user; a first pocket suitable for bearing MP3 player disposed on the inner surface of the jacket body; a fastener means disposed to the inner surface of the jacket body mating with the top opening edge of the outer surface of the first pocket as a member for opening and closing the pocket and securing the weight of the MP3 player in the first pocket. The first pocket for MP3 player is preferably placed vertically. This position is for the purpose of holding the MP3 player in a secured way.
Alternatively, a first carrying means for carrying the MP3 player is disposed on the outer surface of the jacket body. The first carrying means carries the weight of the MP3 player while allow certain degree of movement of the MP3 player.
A second pocket suitable for bearing wireless remote control for the MP3 player is disposed to the outer surface of the jacket sleeve. The cover piece of the second pocket is made of transparent materials, such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the wireless remote control to operate the wireless remote control. A zipper fastener means which interconnects and releases opening edges of between the cover piece and the pocket base so that an opening can be formed and closed and securing the weight of the wireless remote control in the second pocket.
Alternatively, a second carrying means for carrying the wireless remote control for MP3 player comprises a wrist band with a band fastener means for holding two ends of the wrist band together and holding on to the outer surface of the sleeve or the arm. The wrist band has a carrying portion for carrying the wireless remote control for MP3 player.
A collar or a hood having an inner piece and an outer piece is connected to the top edges of the two front sections and the back section. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the inner piece. An earpiece set having two earpiece wires can be secured by the collar by having the first earpiece wire going through the first opening and positioned in between the inner and outer piece and coming out from the second opening.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pullover comprises a body with one front section and one back section; the back section connected to the front section which extend forward from the back section to form the pullover of a size appropriate to be worn by an human body; the front section having an inner surface and an outer surface; two long sleeves to be worn on the upper torso of a user; a first pocket suitable for bearing MP3 player disposed on the inner surface of the front section; a fastener means disposed to the inner surface of the front section mating with the top opening edge of the outer surface of the first pocket as a member for opening and closing the pocket and securing the weight of the MP3 player in the first pocket. The first pocket for MP3 player is preferably placed vertically. This position is for the purpose of holding the MP3 player in a secured way.
Alternatively, a first carrying means for carrying the MP3 player is disposed on the outer surface of the pullover body. The first carrying means carries the weight of the MP3 player while allow certain degree of movement of the MP3 player.
A second pocket suitable for bearing wireless remote control for the MP3 player is disposed to the outer surface of the pullover sleeve. The cover piece of the second pocket is made of transparent materials, such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the wireless remote control to operate the wireless remote control. A zipper fastener means which interconnects and releases opening edges of between the cover piece and the pocket base so that an opening can be formed and closed and securing the weight of the wireless remote control in the second pocket.
Alternatively, a second carrying means for carrying the wireless remote control for MP3 player comprises a wrist band with a band fastener means for holding two ends of the wrist band together and holding on to the outer surface of the sleeve or the arm. The wrist band has a carrying portion for carrying the wireless remote control for MP3 player.
A collar or a hood having an inner piece and an outer piece is connected to the top edges of the front section and the back section. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the inner piece. An earpiece set having two earpiece wires can be secured by the collar by having the first earpiece wire going through the first opening and positioned in between the inner and outer piece and coming out from the second opening.
The present invention provides MP3 jackets or pullovers for carrying MP3 players with wireless remote control. Using the present invention, the MP3 player, wireless remote control, and jacket or pullover can be easily assembled and replaced individually. In addition, the jackets or pullovers can be made of various types of materials, with little limitations. The cost is low, selling price could be low, and the usage of the product is broad and the life span of the product is long. These enable the users to enjoy their outdoor activities without burdens, and limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an inside view of the open MP3 jacket which shows the inner jacket surface and the placement of the first pocket and the second pocket.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of MP3 jacket.
FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of MP3 jacket.
FIG. 4 is a close up view of the first pocket of MP3 jacket.
FIG. 5 is a close up view of the second pocket of MP3 jacket.
FIG. 6 is a close up view of the collar of MP3 jacket.
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of MP3 pullover and placement of the first pocket and second pocket.
FIG. 8 illustrates a back view of MP3 pullover.
FIG. 9 is a close up view of the first pocket of MP3 pullover.
FIG. 10 is a close up view of the second pocket of MP3 pullover.
FIG. 11 is a close up view of the hood of MP3 pullover.
FIG. 12 is a close up view of the first carrying means of MP3 player.
FIG. 13 is a close up view of the second carrying means of wireless remote control of MP3 player.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a preferred MP3 jacket 10 having a body 12. The jacket 10 can be made of poplin, fleece, polar fleece, tricot, plated jersey, French terry, wool, velour, cotton terry, poly mesh, leather, nylon, cashmere, denim, twill, corduroy, and synthetic leather. The MP3 Jackets can use single needle stitch, cover stitch, and overlock stitch. The equivalent material for lining will be pellon, tricot, mesh and Cherokee.
As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the jacket 10 is formed with a left front section 16, a right front section 14 and a back section 18. FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate jacket 10 with right long sleeve 15 and left long sleeve 17. The long sleeves 15 and 17 of jacket 10 have a pair of arm openings 100 and 102 respectively. FIGS. 1, and 2 illustrate a pair of zipper fastener 71 and 72, which joins and releases the front edges of the two front sections 14 and 16 so that the jacket body 12 can be opened and closed.
In general, the jacket has a front and a back defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The back of the jacket 10 is connected to the front to form a garment of a size appropriate to be worn on the torso of a human being.
FIG. 1 illustrates a front inside view of the inner surfaces 32, 34, 36 of the preferred MP3 jacket 10. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, a first pocket 60 suitable for bearing MP3 player P is stitched to the inner surface 36 of the left front section 16 of the jacket body 12. A second pocket 80 suitable for bearing wireless remote control R for the MP3 player is stitched to the outer surface 42 of the left jacket sleeve 17, the cover 82 of the second pocket is made of transparent materials, such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the wireless remote control R to operate the wireless remote control R.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the first pocket 60, is preferably positioned vertical for best holding the MP3 player P.
Referring to FIG. 4, the first pocket stitched on to the inner surface 36 of the left front section 16 of the jacket body 12 comprises a first pocket body 62 and a first pocket cover 64. A first pocket fastener means 66 joins and closes the first pocket opening 68 between the first pocket body 62 and the first pocket cover 64 and secures the weight of the MP3 player P in the first pocket 60. MP3 player P is placed into said first pocket 60 through the first pocket openings 68. MP3 player P can be any digital music player available in different sizes and shapes and can fit into the first pocket.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the second pocket 80 stitched on to the surface 42 of the left sleeve 17 comprises a second pocket cover 82 which is made of transparent materials such as such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the remote control to operate the remote control, a second pocket base 86 to be attached to the second pocket cover 82 and stitched to the outer surface 42 of the left sleeve 17. A second pocket fastener means 84 joins and closes the second pocket opening 88 between the second pocket cover 82 and the second pocket base 86 and secures the weight of the wireless remote control R in the second pocket 80. The wireless remote control R can be any wireless remote control device that can control the respective digital music player P available in different sizes and shapes and can fit into the second pocket.
As seen in FIG. 4 and 5, the first and second pocket fastener means may use zippers or VELCRO hook and loop fastener as a means for opening and closing the first pocket 60 and the second pocket 80.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, a collar 19 having an inner piece 50 and an outer piece 52 is connected to the top edges of the front sections 14,16 and back section 18. A first earpiece opening 58 and a second earpiece opening 59 are formed on the inner piece 50. An earpiece set E having two earpiece wires E1 and E2 can be secured by the collar 19 by having first earpiece wire E1 going through the first earpiece opening 58 and positioned in between the back surface 55 of inner piece 50 and front surface 56 of the outer piece 52 and coming out from the second opening 59.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 7, and 8 illustrate a preferred MP3 pullover 10′ having a body 12′. The pullover 10′ can be made of poplin, fleece, polar fleece, tricot, plated jersey, French terry, wool, velour, cotton terry, poly mesh, leather, nylon, cashmere, denim, twill, corduroy, and synthetic leather. The MP3 pullover 10′ can use single needle stitch, cover stitch, and overlock stitch. The equivalent material for lining will be pellon, tricot, mesh and Cherokee.
As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pullover 10′ is formed with a front section 14′, and a back section 18′. FIGS. 7, and 8 illustrate pullover 10′ with a right long sleeve 15′ and a left long sleeve 17′. The right long sleeve 15′ and left long sleeve 17′ of pullover 10′ have a pair of arm openings 100′ and 102′ respectively. The front section 14′ and the back section 18′ can be integrated joint together or stitch together at the edges. FIG. 7 illustrates a pair of opening fasteners 71′ and 72′ on the front section 14′ which joins and releases an opening cutting through the upper portion of the front section 14′.
In general, the pullover has a front and a back defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The back of the pullover 10′ is connected to the front to form a garment of a size appropriate to be worn on the torso of a human being.
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the MP3 pullover 10′. Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, a first pocket 60′ suitable for bearing MP3 player P′ is stitched to the inner surface 32′ of the front section 14′ of the pullover 10′. A second pocket 80′ suitable for bearing wireless remote control R′ for the MP3 player is stitched to the outer surface 42′ of the left sleeve 17′, the cover 82′ of the second pocket is made of transparent materials, such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the wireless remote control R′ to operate the wireless remote control R′.
Referring to FIGS. 7, and 9, the first pocket 60′, is preferably positioned vertical for best holding the MP3 player P′.
Referring to FIG. 9, the first pocket 60′ stitched on to the inner surface 32′ of the front section 14′ of the pullover 10′ comprises a first pocket body 62′ and a first pocket cover 64′. A first pocket fastener means 66′ joins and closes the first pocket opening 68′ between the first pocket body 62′ and the first pocket cover 64′ and secures the weight of the MP3 player P′ in the first pocket 60′. MP3 player P′ is placed into said first pocket 60′ through the first pocket openings 68′. MP3 player P′ can be any digital music player available in different sizes and shapes and can fit into the first pocket.
Referring to FIGS. 7, and 10, the second pocket 80′ stitched on to the outer surface 42′ of the left sleeve 17′ comprises a second pocket cover 82′ which is made of transparent materials such as such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the remote control to operate the remote control, a second pocket base 86′ to be attached to the second pocket cover 82′ and stitched to the outer surface 42′ of the left sleeve 17′. A second pocket fastener means 84′ joins and closes the second pocket opening 88′ between the second pocket cover 82′ and the second pocket base 86′ and secures the weight of the wireless remote control R′ in the second pocket 80′. The wireless remote control R′ can be any wireless remote control device that can control the respective digital music player P′ available in different sizes and shapes and can fit into the second pocket.
As seen in FIG. 9 and 10, the first and second pocket fastener means 84′may use zippers or VELCRO hook and loop fastener as a means for opening and closing the first pocket 60′ and the second pocket 80′.
Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 11, a hood 19′ having an inner piece 50′ and an outer piece 52′ is connected to the top edges of the front section 14′ and back section 18′. A first earpiece opening 58′ and a second earpiece opening 59′ are formed on the inner piece 50′. An earpiece set E′ having two earpiece wires E1′ and E2′ can be secured by the hood 50′ by having the first earpiece wire E1′ going through the first earpiece opening 58′ and positioned in between the back surface 55′ of inner piece 50′ and front surface 56′ of the outer piece 52′ and coming out from the second opening 59′. In alternative, a jacket may have a hood instead of a collar and a pullover may have a collar instead of a hood.
Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 12, a first carrying means 60″ for carrying the MP3 player P″ is attached to the outer surface 30″ of the jacket 10″ or the outer surface 31′″ of the pullover 10′″. The first carrying means carries the weight of the MP3 player P″ while allowing certain degree of movement of the MP3 player. An earpiece cut 64″ is formed on the front section 16″ of the jacket 10″ or the front section 14″ of the pullover 10′″. The wire of the earpiece set E″ can pass through the earpiece cut 64″ to the inner surface 36″ of the jacket 10″ or the inner surface 32′″ of the pullover 10′″ and then to be supported by the collar or hood as indicated above.
Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 13, a second carrying means 80″ for carrying the wireless remote control R″ for MP3 player comprises a wrist band 81″ with a band fastener means 82″ for holding two ends of the wrist band together and holding on to the outer surface 42″ of the sleeve 17″ of the jacket or pullover. The wrist band 81″ has a carrying portion 83″ for carrying the wireless remote control R″ for MP3 player. Said carrying porting 83″ comprises a carrying cover 86″ made of transparent materials such as vinyl, in order for the user to see the remote control to operate the remote control, a carrying base 84″ which is attached to the wrist band 81″ or an integrated portion of the wrist band 81″, a cover fastener means 85″ joins and closes the cover opening 88″ between the carrying cover 86″ and the carrying base 84″ and secures the weight of the wireless remote control R″ in the wrist band 81″.
This invention can be used for carrying any type of MP3 player with remote control as long as the MP3 player and the remote control can fit into the pockets or carrying means.
The invention has been described by reference to specific examples and embodiments. Variations, modifications, and alterations will naturally suggest themselves to those of the usual level of skill in this art. The appended claims are intended to encompass all such variations, modifications and alterations.

Claims

1. A jacket which carries a MP3 player with a remote control device and an earpiece set comprising:

a left sleeve and a right sleeve;

a left front section and a right front section each having a zipper fastener member for detachably securing the right front section and left section together;

a back section connected to right and left front sections which extend forward from said back section to form said jacket;

wherein each of the left front section, right front section and back section has an inner surface and an outer surface respectively;

a first pocket attached to said inner surface of said left front section of said jacket for holding a MP3 player inserted into said first pocket;

a second pocket attached to said left sleeve of said jacket for holding a remote control device controlling said MP3 player inserted into said second pocket;

a first pocket fastener means for joining and closing a first pocket opening between a first pocket body and a first pocket cover and secures the weight of the MP3 player in the first pocket;

a second pocket fastener means for joining and closing a second pocket opening between a second pocket body and a second pocket cover and secures the weight of the wireless remote control device in the second pocket; and

a collar connected to the top edges of the left front section, the right front section and back section supporting the earpiece set of the MP3 player.

2. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said first pocket is attached to said right front section of said jacket.

3. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said first pocket is attached to said outer surface of said left front section of said jacket.

4. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said first pocket is attached to said outer surface of said right front section of said jacket.

5. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said first pocket on said left front section of said jacket are disposed vertically.

6. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said first pocket is disposed on the upper portion of said inner surface of said jacket.

7. The jacket of claim 1 wherein a first earpiece opening and a second earpiece opening are formed on an inner piece of said collar, whereby a first earpiece wire can go through the first earpiece opening and position in between a back surface of the inner piece and a front surface of an outer piece of the collar and come out from the second earpiece opening on said inner piece of said collar, wherein the earpiece set can be supported by the collar.

8. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said collar is a hood.

9. The jacket of claim 1 wherein said first pocket fastener means and second pocket fastener means are VELCRO hook and loop fasteners.

10. A pullover which carries a MP3 player with a remote control device and an earpiece set comprising:

a left sleeve and a right sleeve;

a front section;

a back section connected to front section which extend forward from said back section to form said pullover;

wherein each of the front section and the back section has an inner surface and an outer surface respectively;

a first pocket attached to said inner surface of said front section of said pullover for holding a MP3 player inserted into said first pocket;

a second pocket attached to said left sleeve of said pullover for holding a remote control device controlling said MP3 player inserted into said second pocket;

a hood connected to the top edges of the front section and back section supporting the earpiece set of the MP3 player.

11. The pullover of claim 10 wherein said first pocket is attached to said outer surface of said front section of said pullover.

12. The pullover of claim 10 wherein said first pocket on said front section of said pullover are disposed vertically.

13. The pullover of claim 10 wherein said first pocket is disposed on the upper portion of said inner surface of said pullover.

14. The pullover of claim 10 wherein a first earpiece opening and a second earpiece opening are formed on an inner piece of said hood, whereby a first earpiece wire can go through the first earpiece opening and position in between a back surface of the inner piece and a front surface of an outer piece of the hood and come out from the second earpiece opening on said inner piece of said hood, wherein the earpiece set can be supported by the hood.

15. The pullover of claim 10 wherein said hood is a collar.

16. The jacket of claim 10 wherein a pair of opening fasteners is attached to the front section which joins and releases an opening cutting through the upper portion of the front section.

17. The pullover of claim 10 wherein said first pocket fastener means and second pocket fastener means are VELCRO hook and loop fasteners.

18. A jacket which carries a MP3 player with a remote control device and an earpiece set comprising:

a left sleeve and a right sleeve;

a first carrying means for carrying a MP3 player;

wherein an earpiece cut is formed on the left front section of the jacket so that the earpiece wires can pass through the earpiece cut to the inner surface of the jacket;

a second carrying means for carrying the wireless remote control device including a wrist band comprising a band fastener means for holding two ends of the wrist band together and holding on to the left sleeve and a carrying portion for carrying the wireless remote control device for MP3 player;

wherein said carrying portion comprises a carrying cover, a carrying base which is attached to the wrist band, a cover fastener means which joins and closes a cover opening between the carrying cover and the carrying base and secures the weight of the wireless remote control device in the wrist band; and

19. The jacket of claim 15 wherein said wrist band is holding on to the left wrist of a user.

20. The jacket of claim 15 wherein said wrist band is holding on to the right wrist of a user.