CLOTHING WITH INTEGRATED DEVICE SUPPORT PLATFORM

Abstract

 A device is disclosed including a foldout pocket with an integrated platform assembly on a clothing article, such as a jacket or a shirt that can support a mobile device when folded out during active use to free user's hands. A flap may be opened to release the front of the foldout pocket and allow it to fold out to a prescribed angle held in place by side supports connected to back of the foldout pocket. The platform assembly is detachably or permanently integrated with the folded-out pocket, on which mobile devices of various thickness can be supported and secured with clamps built into the rigid platform. Clamps of various sizes are used on a slider with discrete and fine position adjustments relative to the fixed platform supporting the mobile device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of the US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/410,224, entitled "ARTICLE OF CLOTHING WITH INTEGRATED PHYSICAL PLATFORM," filed on 27-September-2022, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety, under 35 U.S.C. § 119e.

Technical Field

[0002] This application relates generally to clothing and mechanical support for utility devices. More specifically, this application relates to a mechanical support for utility devices, such as cell phones, integrated with clothing worn by the user of the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

FIGURE 1A shows an example jacket coupled with an example foldout pocket;

FIGURE 1B shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1A in more detail in an open or unfolded configuration;

FIGURE 1C shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example rigid platform assembly inserted in the foldout pocket;

FIGURE 1D shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example rigid platform assembly inserted in the foldout pocket;

FIGURE 1E shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with another example rigid platform assembly inserted in the foldout pocket;

FIGURE 1F shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with example elastic bands integrated with the foldout pocket;

FIGURE 1G shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example clear enclosure integrated with the foldout pocket;

FIGURE 1H shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example zipped enclosure integrated with the foldout pocket;

FIGURE 2A shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 1C in fully extended and locked configuration;

FIGURE 2B shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in unlocked configuration;

FIGURE 3 shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in partially extended and unlocked configuration;

FIGURE 4A shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in fully extended and locked configuration with its integrated large clamp deployed;

FIGURE 4B shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in partially extended and locked configuration with its integrated small clamp deployed;

FIGURE 5A shows the example foldout pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of FIGURE 1C with an example thin mobile device, such as a cell phone, placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a small clamp;

FIGURE 5B shows the example foldout pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of FIGURE 1C with an example thick mobile device, such as a multimeter, placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a large clamp;

FIGURE 6 shows the rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 4A from a different perspective.

Detailed Description

[0004] While the present disclosure is described with reference to several illustrative embodiments and example devices described herein, it should be clear that the present disclosure should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed. In addition, while following description references particular configurations of clothing, such as an overcoat or jacket, with integrated device support platform, it will be appreciated that the disclosure may be applicable with other types of clothing with integrated device support platform configurations, such as a shirt, a bib overall, coverall work clothes, and the like.

[0005] Briefly described, a system and a method are disclosed including an article of clothing such as a jacket, a shirt, an overcoat, an overall, or the like, having a foldout pocket that folds out to receive a mobile device. In some embodiments, the foldout pocket may include a mobile device holder including various clamp assemblies, a transparent bag, retaining bands, and the like. In some embodiments the mobile device holder receives, as an insert, a rigid platform assembly for holding a mobile device such as a cell phone, a multi-meter, other electronic measurement device or the like. The rigid platform assembly allows for securely holding the mobile device such that the person wearing the article of clothing can comfortably see the screen while carrying the device around without the use of hands. Adjustable locks and clamps integrated into the rigid platform assembly provide for securing the mobile device from moving around or falling out by holding it in place with both coarse and fine adjustment ability. In some embodiments, the folding foldout pocket is detachable from the article of clothing, instead of being permanently integrated, which allows the article of clothing to be washed without damaging the folding foldout pocket. In such embodiments the attachment of the folding foldout pocket to the article of clothing may be accomplished by Velcro, snap fasteners, slide-in locking mechanisms, or the like. In some embodiments, the rigid platform assembly is permanently integrated with the foldable foldout pocket. In some embodiments, the rigid platform assembly is detachable from the foldable foldout pocket. In such embodiments, the attachment of the rigid platform assembly to the foldable foldout pocket may be accomplished by Velcro, snap fasteners, slide-in locking mechanisms, or the like. In still other embodiments, the rigid platform assembly may not have any attachments to the folding foldout pocket. The rigid platform assembly includes two main parts: a main frame and a slider. The slider part may be slid up and down the main frame while interlocked with the main frame using a rail system, a tongue and groove system, or the like. The slider part includes indentations or teeth that may be engaged with similar matching or mating indentations or teeth on the main frame to lock the slider part with respect to the main frame. The slider part may include a spring-loaded lock mechanism that allows the user to move the slider teeth away from the main frame teeth to unlock the slider and slide it up and down the main frame to accomplish a coarse adjustment of the slider position. The slider part may further include at least one clamp that may be moved up and down with respect to the slider within a range substantially equal to the size of the distance between two adjacent slider teeth to accomplish a fine adjustment of the clamp with respect to the mobile device it is securing. In some embodiments, there are more than one clamp of different sizes that may be deployed independently to secure mobile devices of various thicknesses.

[0006] In various embodiments, an article of clothing is disclosed including a foldout pocket having an open position and a closed position, the foldout pocket including a front section and a back section, in which the back section is coupled to the article of clothing. A pocket angle controller coupled between the front section and the back section to limit a pocket angle between the front section and the back section when the foldout pocket is in the open position to hold a mobile device that is visible and usable in a hands-free manner.

[0007] In various embodiments, a foldout pocket that securely holds a mobile device for hands free carrying and viewing is disclosed. The foldout pocket may include a front section and a back section, in which the back section is coupled to an article of clothing. At least one adjustable flexible side section connects the front section to the back section to hold the pocket open at a desired pocket angle. The front section is configured to securely hold the mobile device.

[0008] In various embodiments, a foldout pocket that securely holds a mobile device for hands free carrying and viewing is disclosed. The foldout pocket may include a front section and a back section, in which the back section is detachably coupled to an article of clothing. At least one flexible side section connects the front section to the back section to hold the pocket open at a desired pocket angle. A mobile device holder may be integrated with the front section.

[0009] A wide variety of professions and activities in the digital age rely on the ability to access, view or have on one's person a mobile device such as a cell phone, multimeter, measurement equipment, GPS or the like. These professions and activities include, but are not limited to, construction, manufacturing, maintenance and repair, sports, law enforcement, emergency medical, security, military, sports, and hiking. Presently these mobile devices are either secured to the user's body by ad hoc methods such as strapping which makes them inaccessible for viewing and manipulation, or placed in the user's pocket which requires hands to repeatedly access which is prone to dropping and damaging the device. Therefore, there is a need for a broadly applicable method for carrying mobile devices of varying sizes on one's person that allows secure, hands-free access and viewing.

[0010] It is to be noted that directions, orientations, and other relative terms such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "interior", "exterior", "downward", "upward", "front-facing", "down-facing", "vertical", "horizontal", "diagonal", and the like are described with respect or relative to a distinguishing feature of the system or device body itself. For example, if the front part or surface of a system body or an object is identified in the description, then rear or back is defined as the part or surface opposite the front surface, left is defined as the left side when looking into the front surface, and so on. As long as directions are unambiguously identifiable based on the descriptions and figures, how the orientations are defined is immaterial.

[0011] FIGURE 1A shows an example jacket coupled with an example foldout pocket. In various embodiments, the jacket configuration 100 with foldout pocket includes a jacket 101 and a foldout pocket 102. In various embodiments the foldout pocket 102 includes a pocket flap 103. In various embodiments, the jacket 101 includes a jacket front left side 105, a jacket front right side 106 and jacket snap fasteners 104.

[0012] In some embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may be permanently coupled with and sit on top of the jacket front left side 105. In other embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may be detachably coupled with the jacket front left side 105 using Velcro's, Snap fasteners or the like. In still other embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may be permanently coupled with and sit on top of the jacket front right side 106. In still other embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may be detachably coupled with the jacket front right side 106 using Velcro's, Snap fasteners or the like. In various embodiments, the jacket snap fasteners 104 may be snapped together with snap fasteners integrated with the foldout pocket flap 103, later shown with respect to FIGURE 1B, to hold the flap open. In still other embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may be attached to any portion of clothing such as front center on or near the waist, on the front or side of pants legs, on a shirt sleeve, or any other location on clothing that may be best suited for viewing the mobile device during particular activities.

[0013] FIGURE 1B shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1A in more detail in an open or unfolded configuration. In various embodiments, the unfolded foldout pocket configuration125 includes a foldout pocket back section or side 126, a foldout pocket front section or side 127, unfold angle controllers 128, front side snap fasteners 129, flap snap fasteners 130, and pocket flap 103.

[0014] In various embodiments, the foldout pocket back side 126 may be permanently integrated with one of the jacket front left side 105 or the jacket front right side 106 by sewing, gluing or the like. In various embodiments, the foldout pocket front side 127 can be unfolded away from the foldout pocket back side 126 by un-fastening the front side snap fasteners 129 and allowing the foldout pocket front side 127 to drop away from the foldout pocket back side 126 under the force of gravity. The foldout pocket front side 127 then unfolds as far as allowed by the flexibly extending unfold angle controllers 128 that are coupled to both the foldout pocket front and back sides 127 and 126 respectively.

[0015] In some embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may be manufactured by molding hard or flexible plastic. In still other embodiments, the foldout pocket front and back sides 127 and 126, respectively, may be manufactured from one material while the unfold angle controllers 128 may be manufactured from another material. For example, the foldout pocket front and back sides 127 and 126 may be manufactured from cloth-covered cardboard, plastic or metal while the unfold angle controllers 128 may be manufactured from cloth or flexible plastic. In some embodiments, the front side 127 may be flat and sufficiently rigid to maintain its flat shape to support the weight of the mobile device being held, without significant deformation, deflection, bending or bowing (for example, 5% or less deflection from straight/flat surface). In other embodiments, the front side 127 may be flexible, for example, like cloth, that receives or is integrated with a rigid insert or platform that holds the mobile device, as further described herein, for example, with respect to FIGURES 1C-1E.

[0016] In some embodiments, the angle controllers 128 may be motion limiting webbings that limit the motion of the front section or side 127 with respect to the back side 126, and hence, control the pocket angle between the front side 127 and back section or side 126 when the foldout pocket 102 is in open configuration. The angle controllers 128 may be detachably coupled with the foldout pocket back side 126 and/or the foldout pocket front side 127 using Velcro, snap fasteners or the like to allow adjustability of the opening pocket angle (between the foldout pocket front side 127 and foldout pocket back side 126) of the foldout pocket 102. For example, by adjusting a length of the top edge (closest to the flap snap fasteners 130) of angle controllers 128, the pocket angle may also be adjusted. A longer length of the top edge translates to a wider pocket angle. This arrangement allows the pocket angle to be continuously adjusted along a continuum of angles.

[0017] In various embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may include two general positions or states, a closed (or folded) position or state and an open (or unfolded) position or state. In some embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 may include additional intermediate continuous or discrete positions or states between a closed position and a fully or maximally open position. In the closed position, the foldout pocket may be held in the closed position by various types of fasteners, such as zippers, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners like Velcro ^™, or other types of fasteners suitable for this purpose. In the open position or intermediate positions, the

[0018] FIGURE 1C shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example rigid platform assembly inserted in the foldout pocket. In various embodiments, the unfolded foldout pocket configuration 150 with rigid platform assembly includes the foldout pocket 102 and a rigid platform assembly 136.

[0019] In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 may be placed on top of (facing towards the flap snap fasteners 130) or inside surface of the unfolded foldout pocket front side 127. FIGURE 1C shows the unfolded foldout pocket from a different perspective making it possible to see both unfolded angle controllers 128. The unfolded angle controllers 128 also secure the rigid platform assembly 136 from the sides to prevent it from falling out of the foldout pocket 136. Details of the rigid platform assembly 136 will be discussed with respect to the following figures.

[0020] In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 includes at least one clamp that has an adjustable position along a length of a main frame of the rigid platform assembly 136, as further described below with respect to FIGURES 2A-3.

[0021] In various embodiments, in general, the foldout pocket 102 and/or the front section 127 may be coupled with various types of mobile device holders that are designed to securely hold mobile devices of different sizes. In some embodiments, such mobile device holders may be integrated permanently with the foldout pocket 102, while in other embodiments, the device holders may be coupled with the foldout pocket 102 as a detachable or removable insert. Examples of such mobile device holders and/or inserts are disclosed and described in this disclosure with respect to FIGURES 1D-1G.

[0022] FIGURE 1D shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example rigid platform assembly inserted in the foldout pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 145 includes the foldout pocket 102, the angle controllers 128, a clamp assembly 146 having a large clamp 147 and a small clamp 148, a attachment backing 149 to attach to the platform assembly 146, and a bottom 150 of the foldout pocket 102.

[0023] In various embodiments, the clamp assembly 146 includes the large clamp 147 for holding large and/or thick mobile devices, such as a multimeter or other devices, and the small clamp 148 for holding small and/or thin mobile devices, such as smartphones in the foldout pocket 102. These clamps are one-sided top clamps and do not have a matching lip or clamp at the bottom side. These clamps hold the device by pressing the device against the bottom 150 of the foldout pocket 102.

[0024] In various embodiments, the attachment backing 149 may provide a hook-and-loop type of attachment, like Velcro ^™, that has the matching hooks or loops on the bottom surface of the clamp assembly 146, and the loops or hooks on the attachment backing 149, respectively. This way the clamp assembly 146 may be moved up and down the foldout pocket 102 to adjust its position for different lengths of the devices being held. In some embodiments, the attachment backing 149 is attached to the front side 127.

[0025] FIGURE 1E shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with another example rigid platform assembly inserted in the foldout pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 155 includes the foldout pocket 102, the angle controllers 128, a clamp assembly 156 having a large clamp 157 and a small clamp 158, and adjustment holes 159 to attach to the clamp assembly 156.

[0026] In various embodiments, the clamp assembly 156 includes the large clamp 157 for holding large and/or thick mobile devices, such as a multimeter or other devices, and the small clamp 158 for holding small and/or thin mobile devices, such as smartphones in the foldout pocket 102. These clamps are one-sided top clamps and do not have a matching lip or clamp at the bottom side. These clamps hold the device by pressing the device against the bottom 150 of the foldout pocket 102.

[0027] In various embodiments, the adjustment holes 159 are made within the front side 127 and provide plug-in receptacles that receive studs or protrusions deployed on the bottom side of the clamp assembly 156. This way the platform assembly 156 may be moved up and down the foldout pocket 102 to adjust its position for different lengths of the devices being held.

[0028] FIGURE 1F shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with example elastic bands integrated with the foldout pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 165 includes the foldout pocket 102, the angle controllers 128, a mobile device 166, and retaining bands 167 and 168.

[0029] In various embodiments, the mobile device 166 may be retained by the retaining bands 167 and 168 on the front side 127 of the foldout pocket 102. The retaining bands 167 and 168 may be made of elastic material, leather, plastic, cloth, or other pliable material suitable for this purpose. In some embodiments, the retaining bands 167 and 168 may be fewer or more than four segments shown in this figure. In some embodiments, the retaining bands 167 and 168 may cover and press down the four corners of the mobile device 166, while in other embodiments, they may run parallel to the edges of the mobile device 166, either length-wise or width-wise, covering the edges, rather than the corners, of the mobile device 166 (not shown in the figure). In other embodiments, the retaining bands may be one or more transparent elastic bands that can go across the screen of the mobile device and hold it down securely.

[0030] FIGURE 1G shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example clear enclosure integrated with the foldout pocket. In various embodiments, the configuration 175 includes the foldout pocket 102, the angle controllers 128, the mobile device 166, and a transparent pocket 176 with a zipper 177.

[0031] In various embodiments, the transparent pocket 176 is a pocket within the foldout pocket 102, used to hold the mobile device 166. In some embodiments, the transparent pocket is made of clear or slightly tinted plastic, while in other embodiments, it may be made of thin net (like nylon stockings). In some embodiments, the transparent pocket 176 is closable using a zipper or other similar instrument, while in other embodiments, it may have an open end.

[0032] FIGURE 1H shows the example foldout pocket of FIGURE 1B in the unfolded configuration with an example zipped enclosure integrated with the foldout pocket. In various embodiments, configuration 185 includes the foldout pocket 102 with a back inner surface 186, a front inner surface 188, an edge fastener 187, and the angle controllers 128.

[0033] In various embodiments, the foldout pocket 102 does not have an insert or additional structure that is integrated with it like some other embodiments disclosed herein, but rather has an internal space defined and/or surrounded by edges that may be closed or fastened together using edge fasteners such as zippers or other similar devices. FIGURE 2A shows the example rigid platform assembly 136 of FIGURE 1C in fully extended and locked configuration. In various embodiments, the fully extended and locked rigid platform assembly 200 includes a main frame 201, and a discrete or coarse slider 202. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 includes a main frame rail 208 and several main frame teeth (or recess) 205. In various embodiments, the discrete slider 202 includes one or more slider teeth 206, lock release actuators 207, a large clamp 204, and at least one small (smaller than the large clamp 204 by comparison) clamp 203.

[0034] In various embodiments, the main frame 201 is U-shaped having the main frame rail 208 and several main frame teeth 205 around the interior perimeter of the main frame 201. In some embodiments, the U-shaped main frame 201 has a top end that is open and bridged by the discrete slider 202, and a bottom end that is closed, as shown in the figure. In alternative embodiments, the main frame rail 208 may be replaced with a tongue and groove system or other suitable sliding arrangements that allow the discrete slider 202 to slide and lock/unlock up and down the main frame 201. In various embodiments, the discrete slider 202 engages the railing or tongue and groove system on the inside of the main frame 201 and may be slid up and down the U-shaped main frame 201. The discrete positions provided by the discrete slider are predetermined based on the size of the teeth 205 and 206. In various embodiments, the slider teeth 206 may fall into the indentations between the main frame teeth (or recesses) 205 to lock the slider in various positions along the inside of the U-shaped main frame 201. In fully extended configuration the discrete slider 202 is locked into the upper most indentations of the main frame 201, while in a partially extended configuration the discrete slider 202 is locked into other indentations of the main frame 201.

[0035] In various embodiments, multiple clamps of different sizes, integrated with the discrete slider 202, may be deployed to secure a mobile device in place inside the rigid platform assembly 136 as will be further described in the following figures. Examples of such clamps shown in FIGURE 2A are the small clamp 203 and the large clamp 204.

[0036] FIGURE 2B shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in unlocked configuration. In various embodiments, the fully extended and unlocked rigid platform assembly 250 includes the main frame 201 and the discrete slider 202. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 includes the main frame teeth 205, and the discrete slider 202 includes the slider teeth 206 and the lock release actuators 207.

[0037] In various embodiments, the lock release actuators 207 on the sides of the discrete slider 202 may be squeezed together to move the discrete slider teeth 206 out of the indentations or recess space between the main frame teeth 205 thereby unlocking the discrete slider 202 and allowing it to slide up and down the main frame 201. Once the discrete slider 202 is in the desired place along the main frame 201, the lock release actuators 207 may be released to lock the discrete slider 202 in place. This operation accomplishes a discrete placement of the clamps that are integrated with the slider since there are only discrete teeth locations and continuous placement of the slider in this manner is not possible.

[0038] In various embodiments, the main frame teeth 205 and the discrete teeth 206 are designed to match and mate to securely hold the discrete slider with respect to the main frame 201.

[0039] FIGURE 3 shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in partially extended and unlocked configuration. In various embodiments, the partially extended and unlocked rigid platform assembly 300 includes the main frame 201 and the discrete slider 202. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 includes the main frame teeth 205, and the discrete slider 202 includes the slider teeth 206 and the lock release actuators 207.

[0040] In various embodiments, once unlocked by squeezing the lock release actuators 207 together, the discrete slider 202 can be slid down to a lower position on the U-shape main frame 201 to accommodate a smaller or shorter mobile device. Once the discrete slider 202 is in the desired position and the slider teeth 206 are lined up with indentations between the main frame teeth 205, the lock release actuators 207 may be released to lock the slider in the new position.

[0041] FIGURE 4A shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in fully extended and locked configuration with its integrated large clamp deployed. In various embodiments, the fully extended and locked rigid platform assembly with large clamp 400 includes the main frame 201, the discrete or discrete slider 202 and the pivot direction 401. In various embodiments, the main frame 201 may include several main frame teeth 205. In various embodiments, the discrete slider 202 includes the large clamp 204, at least one small clamp 203, a continuous or fine slider 402, and lock release actuators 207.

[0042] In various embodiments, the large clamp 204 may be housed on the discrete slider 202 between the lock release actuators 207 and may be pivoted in the pivot direction 401 out of the plane of the discrete slider 202 to the angle needed for holding a large thickness mobile device (relative to smaller or thinner devices) securely in place. In various embodiments, large clamp 204 and the at least one small clamp 203 are mounted on the fine slider 402 and may be moved continuously up and down the length of the discrete slider 202 as shown, and in effect, along the length of the U-shaped main frame 201, by an amount equal to the distance between two adjacent main frame teeth 205, and/or the size or width of a single tooth 205 or slider tooth 206. This provides the fine location adjustment for the clamps relative to a mobile device being secured in place. The fine slider 402, in conjunction with the discrete slider 202 provides a continuous selection of positions of the clamps 203 and 204 with respect to the U-shaped main frame 201. The discrete slider 202 provides discrete and predetermined positions along the length (defined along the sliding path of the slider 202 on the main frame 201) of the U-shaped main frame 201, while the fine slider 402 provides a continuous position within and/or between such discrete positions provided by the discrete slider 202.

[0043] In various embodiments, the fine slider 402 may be spring-loaded to always push downward towards the closed end of the U-shaped main frame 201. This way, when the small clamp 203 or large clamp 204 are deployed (opened) to receive a device, the clamp push down on the device to hold it securely in place. In various embodiments, the device being held by the rigid platform assembly 136, is surrounded on top by one of the small clamp 203 or large clamp 204, and on the bottom by the base of the foldout pocket 102, between the foldout pocket back side 126 and foldout pocket front side 127. In various embodiments, the small clamp 203 and the large clamp 204 hold the top side of the device, while the bottom side of the device is held in position by the base or bottom of the foldout pocket 102.

[0044] FIGURE 4B shows the example rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 2A in partially extended and locked configuration with its integrated small clamp deployed. In various embodiments, the partially extended and locked rigid platform assembly 450 includes the main frame 201 and the discrete slider 202. In various embodiments, the discrete slider 202 includes the lock release actuators 207, the large clamp 204 and the at least one small clamp 203.

[0045] In various embodiments, the at least one small clamp 203 may be nested inside the large clamp 204 and may be pivoted in the pivot direction 401 out of the plane of the discrete slider 202 to the angle needed for holding a thin (relative to thicker devices and thinner or equal to length of small clamp 203) mobile device securely in place. The at least one small clamp 203 may be pivoted independently from the large clamp 204. In some embodiments, there may be other smaller clamps nested inside the small clamp 203 which may be individually pivoted independently of all other clamps to the angle needed for securing thinner mobile devices. In other alternative embodiments, the various size clamps 203 and 204 may be housed side by side instead of being nested inside one another.

[0046] FIGURE 5A shows the example foldout pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of FIGURE 1C with an example thin mobile device, such as a cell phone, placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a small clamp. In various embodiments, the foldout pocket/rigid platform combination holding thin device 500 includes the foldout pocket 102, the rigid platform assembly 136, and a thin mobile device 501. In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 includes a small clamp 203.

[0047] In various embodiments, the thin mobile device 501 may be placed inside the unfolded foldout pocket 102, on top of the rigid platform assembly136, and secured by the small clamp 203.

[0048] FIGURE 5B shows the example foldout pocket, rigid platform assembly combination of FIGURE 1C with an example thick mobile device, such as a multimeter, placed inside the rigid platform assembly and secured with a large clamp. In various embodiments, the foldout pocket/rigid platform combination holding thick (thicker than length of small clamp 203 and thinner or equal to length of large clamp 204) device 550 includes the foldout pocket 102, the rigid platform assembly 136, and a thick mobile device 551. In various embodiments, the rigid platform assembly 136 includes a large clamp 204.

[0049] In various embodiments, the thick mobile device 551 may be placed inside the unfolded foldout pocket 102, on top of the rigid platform assembly136, and secured by the large clamp 204.

[0050] FIGURE 6 shows the rigid platform assembly of FIGURE 4A from a different perspective. This figure shows that the back side of the rigid platform assembly is flat which helps it sit evenly inside the foldout pocket.

[0051] It will be understood that unless explicitly stated or specified, the steps described in a process are not ordered and may not necessarily be performed or occur in the order described or depicted. For example, a step A in a process described prior to a step B in the same process, may actually be performed after step B. In other words, a collection of steps in a process for achieving an end-result may occur in any order unless otherwise stated.

[0052] Changes can be made to the claimed invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the claimed invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the claimed invention disclosed herein.

[0053] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimed invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed invention.

[0054] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." It is further understood that any phrase of the form "A/B" shall mean any one of "A", "B", "A or B", or "A and B". This construct includes the phrase "and/or" itself.

[0055] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the claimed invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. It is further understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a foldout pocket having an open position and a closed position, the foldout pocket including a front section and a back section, wherein the back section is coupled to the article of clothing; and

a pocket angle controller coupled between the front section and the back section to limit a pocket angle between the front section and the back section when the foldout pocket is in the open position to hold a mobile device that is visible and usable in a hands-free manner.

2. The clothing article of claim 1, further comprising a rigid platform assembly coupled with the foldout pocket to hold the mobile device.

3. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pocket angle controller comprises a flexible side section.

4. The article of clothing of claim 2, wherein the rigid platform assembly comprises a main frame and at least one clamp that has adjustable position along the main frame to adjust to a size of the mobile device.

5. The article of clothing of claim 1, further comprising retaining bands that hold the mobile device.

6. The article of clothing of claim 1, further comprising a transparent pocket coupled with the front side to hold the mobile device.

7. A foldout pocket that securely holds a mobile device for hands free carrying and viewing, the foldout pocket comprising:

a front section and a back section, wherein the back section is coupled to an article of clothing; and

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

wherein the front section is configured to securely hold the mobile device.

8. The foldout pocket of claim 7, wherein the at least one flexible side section is adjustable to accommodate a continuum of pocket angles.

9. The foldout pocket of claim 7, further comprising a rigid platform coupled with the front section that includes a U-shaped frame, and a discrete positioning slider slidably coupled to the U-shaped frame; and/or
wherein the foldout pocket further includes a closeable edge enclosing an internal space to receive and hold the mobile device.

10. The foldout pocket of claim 7, wherein the front section is sufficiently rigid to hold the mobile device without deformation.

11. The foldout pocket of claim 7, further comprising a transparent pocket coupled with the front section to hold the mobile device.

12. The foldout pocket of claim 9, wherein the positioning slider further includes one or more clamps of different sizes to secure mobile devices of different thicknesses.

13. A foldout pocket that securely holds a mobile device for hands free carrying and viewing, the foldout pocket comprising:

a front section and a back section, wherein the back section is detachably coupled to an article of clothing;

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

a mobile device holder integrated with the front section.

14. The foldout pocket of claim 13, wherein

the at least one flexible side section is adjustable to accommodate a continuum of pocket angles; and/or

wherein the mobile device holder comprises a clamp assembly having a main frame and a slider slidably coupled with the main frame; and/or

wherein the mobile device holder comprises a clamp assembly coupled with the front section with one of a hook-and-loop fastener and adjustment holes deployed on the front section; and/or

wherein the mobile device holder comprises retaining bands; and/or

wherein the mobile device holder comprises a transparent pocket.

15. The foldout pocket of claim 14, further including a mechanism for locking a position of the slider with respect to the main frame.

Drawing