(12) United States Patent
`Knutson
`
`USOO6626733B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,626,733 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 30, 2003
`
`( c: ) Notice:
`
`(54) SPORTS TOP WITH BUILT-IN BOTTLE
`HOLDER
`(76) Inventor: David Knutson, 6615 Kilberry La.,
`Charlotte, NC (US) 28277
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/389,524
`(22) Filed:
`Mar 14, 2003
`(51) Int. Cl." .................................................. A41C 3700
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................
`450/89; 2/247; 224/148.1
`(58) Field of Search .............................. 450.1. 89, 7, 8,
`450/9, 10, 11, 65, 66, 67, 74–76; 2/105,
`106, 69. 108. 102, 85, 93-95, 247-253:
`224,1481, 1482, 1484, 1485, 14s6, 148.7
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,564,957 A
`1/1986 Scharf ............................. 2/75
`5,815,834 A * 10/1998 Bronson ........................ 2/102
`
`(56)
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`
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`2Y- - - 2
`
`:
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`OS C a
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`5,909,802 A * 6/1999 Puco et al.
`5,913,409 A * 6/1999 Test ...........
`5.940,883 A * 8/1999 Daoust ....
`E. A : 'g its,
`6,241,575 B1 * 6/2001 Shailer ........
`6,343,727 B1
`2/2002 Leach ........................ 224/158
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Gloria M. Hale
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schwartz Law Firm, P.C.
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A Sports top is adapted for releasably holding a fluid
`container. The Sports top includes a body fabric for being
`worn on an upper torso of a wearer. The body fabric has a
`front and back joined together and defining a pair of arm
`holes and a neckhole. Apocket panel is formed with the back
`of the body fabric, and cooperates with the body fabric to
`form a pocket. The pocket has an open mouth, closed Sides,
`and a bottom. A shape-retaining insert opens the mouth of
`the pocket Such that the fluid container is readily inserted by
`the wearer into the pocket of the Sports top during wear.
`
`20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`NIKE-1031
`p. 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`1
`SPORTS TOP WITH BUILT-IN BOTTLE
`HOLDER
`
`US 6,626,733 B1
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`TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF
`INVENTION
`This application relates to a Sports top with a built-in
`bottle holder. The invention is especially applicable for wear
`when running, playing Sports, bicycling, rollerblading,
`hiking, or during other aerobic activity where breaking for
`water is generally inconvenient and causes premature low
`ering of the heart rate below a target exercise level. The
`invention resembles a conventional woman's Sports top, is
`comfortable, and provides ready access to a water bottle
`carried in the built-in holder. The built-in holder locates the
`water bottle at the back of the wearer in an area between the
`shoulder blades to avoid interfering with moving arms and
`legs. The water bottle is quickly and easily removed from
`and reinserted into the pocket with little effort and incon
`Venience. In an alternative embodiment, the invention may
`be constructed in the form of a body shirt or tank top for
`C.
`Garment tops with pockets for carrying articles are well
`known in the prior art. One Such garment described in
`pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/054,172
`includes a pocket formed with a back of the top, and located
`above and between the shoulder blades of the wearer. The
`pocket has a mouth through which an article, Such as a
`portable music device, is received and Stored. The mouth of
`the pocket may be closed using a cover flap, button, hook
`and loop fastener, or other closure means. According to this
`prior art, for garments made of an elastic material, no closure
`is generally required as the fabric contours to the item
`causing the Stowed item to fit Snugly against the body. While
`this garment provides generally Safe and Secure Storage of
`items in the pocket, it would be impractical, if not
`impossible, to readily access, remove, and reenter these
`items in the pocket while performing an aerobic activity.
`The present invention addresses this and other limitations
`of the prior art by providing a Sports top adapted for carrying
`a water bottle for ready and convenient access, and allowing
`quick and easy reinsertion of the bottle into a built-in pocket
`formed with a back of the sports top.
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
`Sports top which includes a built-in pocket for holding a
`water bottle.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a Sports top
`which allows ready access to a water bottle while exercising.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a Sports top
`which is applicable for wear by both men and women.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a Sports top
`which releasably holds a water bottle against the body in a
`location for optimal comfort and access.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a Sports top
`which securely retains the water bottle in a stable condition
`when exercising.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a Sports top
`which is comfortable to wear.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a Sports top
`which allows quick and easy reinsertion of the water bottle
`into the built-in pocket Simultaneously while exercising.
`These and other objects of the present invention are
`achieved in the embodiments disclosed below by providing
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`a Sports top adapted for releasably holding a fluid container.
`The Sports top includes a body fabric for being worn on an
`upper torso of a wearer. The body fabric has a front and back
`joined together and defining a pair of armholes and a
`neckhole. Apocket panel is formed with the back of the body
`fabric, and cooperates with the body fabric to form a pocket.
`The pocket has an open mouth, closed sides, and a bottom.
`Means are provided for opening the mouth of the pocket
`such that the fluid container is readily inserted by the wearer
`into the pocket of the Sports top during wear.
`The term “sports top” is used broadly herein to mean any
`garment applicable for partially or entirely covering the
`torso of a wearer.
`The term “container” refers to any structure capable of
`holding a fluid.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, an insulating layer is located between the body
`fabric and the pocket panel.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the insulating layer includes polyester fibers.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the back of the body fabric has a generally
`V-shaped neckline.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the pocket panel is Sewn to the back of the body
`fabric and extends above a bottom point of the V-shaped
`neckline.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the means for opening the mouth of the pocket is
`a curved, shape-retaining insert located adjacent the bottom
`point of the V-shaped neckline.
`Alternatively, the “means for opening may include any
`other Suitable Structure creating Slight Separation of fabric at
`the mouth of the pocket such that a base of the fluid
`container is readily inserted into the pocket. The Structure
`may be a similarly formed Semi-rigid or rigid insert, or a
`Stitch pattern forming a puckering of fabric or pleat.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, an insert liner is Sewn to an inside of the back of
`the body fabric, and is adapted for containing and position
`ing the insert at the mouth of the pocket.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, an insulating layer is located between the insert
`liner and the pocket panel. The insulating layer is Sewn to the
`pocket panel Such that the fluid container resides between
`the insert liner and the insulating layer when positioned in
`the pocket of the Sports top during wear.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the body fabric includes elastic fibers.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the body fabric includes first and second shoulder
`Straps for Supporting the front and back in position on the
`WCC.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the pocket panel is Sewn to an inside of the back
`of the body fabric, and has first and second shoulder
`extensions Sewn to respective shoulder Straps of the body
`fabric.
`In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a
`garment adapted for releasably holding a fluid container. The
`garment includes a body fabric for being worn by a wearer.
`A pocket panel formed with the body fabric. The pocket
`panel cooperates with the body fabric to form a pocket. The
`pocket includes a container-receiving mouth and attached
`Sides. Means are provided for opening the mouth of the
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`p. 8
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`US 6,626,733 B1
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`pocket Such that the fluid container is readily inserted by the
`wearer into the pocket of the garment during wear.
`In another embodiment, the invention is a method for
`carrying a beverage while jogging. The method includes the
`Steps of wearing a Sports top and inserting a fluid container
`in a pocket formed with the Sports top. The pocket has a
`mouth and means for opening the mouth to allow ready
`insertion of the fluid container in the pocket while jogging.
`The fluid container is removed from the pocket for drinking.
`After drinking and while jogging, the fluid container is
`reinserted in the pocket through the open mouth of the
`pocket.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
`above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will
`appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunc
`tion with the following drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Sports top according to
`one preferred embodiment of the invention, and showing the
`water bottle in phantom removed from the pocket;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the Sports top showing the
`water bottle carried in the pocket;
`FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the Sports top
`showing elements of the back pocket exploded away;
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken Substan
`tially along line 4 in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 5 is a back view of the sports top with the water
`bottle shown in phantom, and
`FIG. 6 is a front view of the sports top with the water
`bottle shown in phantom.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
`Referring now specifically to the drawings, a Sports top
`according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1,
`and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The Sports top
`10 is constructed of an elastic body fabric 11, such as
`SpandeX or Lycraf), and includes an integrally formed front
`12 and back 13 defining a pair of arm holes 14 and 15 and
`a neckhole 16. Shoulder straps 17 and 18 extend between the
`front and back 12 and 13, and Serve to Support and position
`the body fabric 11 on the upper torso of the wearer. An
`elastic pocket 20 is located at the back 13 of the sports top
`45
`10 and is uniquely designed for holding a fluid container,
`such as the plastic water bottle 21 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
`In the embodiment shown, the sports top 10 has a standard
`rounded front neckline 22, a generally V-shaped back neck
`line 23, and otherwise closely resembles a conventional
`woman's Sports bra. The Sports top 10 is especially appli
`cable for wear while running, bicycling, playing Sports, and
`other aerobic activity.
`As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pocket 20 is formed
`of an assembly of elastic fabric layers including a generally
`Y-shaped pocket panel 25, a relatively thin insulating layer
`26, and an insert liner 27. The pocket panel 25 is sewn to the
`inside of the body fabric 11 along its opposing Side edges 28,
`29 and bottom edge 30, and includes first and second
`integrally formed extensions 31 and 32 Sewn to respective
`shoulder straps 17 and 18 for adding Support strength to the
`pocket 20. The pocket panel 25 cooperates with the body
`fabric 11 to form attached sides and a bottom of the pocket
`20. The square top 34 of the pocket panel 25 extends above
`a point 36 of the v-shaped back neckline 23, as shown in
`FIGS. 5 and 6, to create a comfort barrier between the plastic
`water bottle 21 and the skin of the wearer.
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`The insulating layer 26 is Sewn directly to the pocket
`panel 25 and extends from the square top 34 downwardly to
`the bottom of the pocket 20 and outwardly to the pocket
`sides to further shield the water bottle 21 from the wearer.
`According to one embodiment, the insulating layer 26
`comprises polyester fiberS Such as those used in ThinSu
`late TM Flex insulation manufactured by 3M of St. Paul,
`Minn. Thinsulate TM Flex stretches 40% in all directions and
`recovers, and is especially designed for lamination to Stretch
`fabrics. Thinsulate TM Flex is breathable, moisture-resistant,
`and machine washable.
`The insert liner 27 is Sewn along its entire perimeter edge
`to an inside of the body fabric 11, and cooperates with the
`body fabric 11 to contain and position a curved shape
`retaining plastic insert 40 at a mouth 41 of the pocket 20. See
`FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. The plastic insert 40 opens the mouth
`41 of the pocket 20 when the sports top 10 is stretched
`around the upper torSo, Such that the water bottle 21 is
`readily inserted into the pocket 20 while running without
`Slowing or disrupting the pace of the wearer. Preferably, the
`plastic insert 40 is located at the point 36 of the V-shaped
`back neckline 23, and floats between the body fabric 11 and
`the insert liner 27.
`The water bottle 21 is carried by the wearer in the pocket
`20 of the Sports top 10, and is designed for convenient acceSS
`and use when running. Without breaking Stride, the user
`Simply reaches over her shoulder, grabs the top of the water
`bottle 21, and removes it from the pocket 20 of the sports top
`10. After drinking, the user replaces the bottle 21 by reach
`ing back over her shoulder, and Sliding the tapered base of
`the bottle 21 downwardly against the insulating layer 26 at
`the top of the pocket panel 25. The bottle 21 reenters the
`pocket through the mouth opening created by the shape
`retaining insert. The curved shape and rigidity of the insert
`facilitate reentry of the bottle into the pocket.
`A sports top is described above. Various details of the
`invention may be changed without departing from its Scope.
`Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred
`embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing
`the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration
`only and not for the purpose of limitation-the invention
`being defined by the claims.
`I claim:
`1. A Sports top adapted for releasably holding a fluid
`container, comprising:
`(a) a body fabric for being worn on an upper torso of a
`wearer, and comprising a front and back joined together
`and defining a pair of armholes and a neckhole;
`(b) a pocket panel formed with the back of said body
`fabric, and cooperating with Said body fabric to form a
`pocket, Said pocket comprising a container-receiving
`mouth and attached sides, and
`(c) means for opening the mouth of Said pocket Such that
`the fluid container is readily inserted by the wearer into
`Said pocket of Said Sports top during wear.
`2. A Sports top according to claim 1, and comprising an
`insulating layer located between Said body fabric and Said
`pocket panel.
`3. A Sports top according to claim 2, wherein Said insu
`lating layer comprises polyester fibers.
`4. A Sports top according to claim 1, wherein the back of
`Said body fabric comprises a generally V-shaped neckline.
`5. A Sports top according to claim 4, wherein Said pocket
`panel is Sewn to the back of Said body fabric and extends
`above a bottom point of Said V-shaped neckline.
`6. A Sports top according to claim 5, wherein Said means
`for opening the mouth of Said pocket comprises a curved,
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`US 6,626,733 B1
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`shape-retaining insert located adjacent the bottom point of
`Said V-shaped neckline.
`7. A Sports top according to claim 6, and comprising an
`insert liner sewn to an inside of the back of said body fabric,
`and adapted for containing and positioning Said insert at the
`mouth of Said pocket.
`8. A Sports top according to claim 7, and comprising an
`insulating layer located between Said insert liner and Said
`pocket panel, Said insulating layer being Sewn to Said pocket
`panel Such that the fluid container resides between Said
`insert liner and Said insulating layer when positioned in the
`pocket of the Sports top during wear.
`9. A Sports top according to claim 1, wherein Said body
`fabric comprises elastic fibers.
`10. A Sports top according to claim 1, wherein Said body
`fabric comprises first and Second shoulder Straps for Sup
`porting the front and back in position on the wearer.
`11. A Sports top according to claim 10, wherein Said
`pocket panel is Sewn to an inside of the back of Said body
`fabric, and comprises first and Second shoulder extensions
`sewn to respective shoulder straps of the body fabric.
`12. In combination with a fluid container, a Sports top
`adapted for releasably holding Said fluid container, Said
`Sports top comprising:
`(a) a body fabric for being worn on an upper torso of a
`wearer, and comprising a front and back joined together
`and defining a pair of armholes and a neckhole;
`(b) a pocket panel formed with the back of said body
`fabric, and cooperating with Said body fabric to form a
`pocket, Said pocket comprising a container-receiving
`mouth and attached Sides, and
`(c) means for opening the mouth of Said pocket Such that
`the fluid container is readily inserted by the wearer into
`Said pocket of Said Sports top during wear.
`13. A combination according to claim 12, and comprising
`an insulating layer located between said body fabric and Said
`pocket panel.
`14. A combination according to claim 13, wherein Said
`insulating layer comprises polyester fibers.
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`15. A combination according to claim 12, wherein Said
`body fabric comprises elastic fibers.
`16. A combination according to claim 12, wherein Said
`body fabric comprises first and Second shoulder Straps for
`Supporting the front and back in position on the wearer.
`17. A combination according to claim 16, wherein Said
`pocket panel is Sewn to an inside of the back of Said body
`fabric, and comprises first and Second shoulder extensions
`sewn to respective shoulder straps of the body fabric.
`18. A garment adapted for releasably holding a fluid
`container, comprising:
`(a) a body fabric for being worn by a wearer;
`(b) a pocket panel formed with said body fabric, and
`cooperating with Said body fabric to form a pocket, Said
`pocket comprising a container-receiving mouth and
`attached sides, and
`(c) means for opening the mouth of Said pocket Such that
`the fluid container is readily inserted by the wearer into
`Said pocket of Said garment during wear.
`19. A garment according to claim 18, wherein Said means
`for opening the mouth of Said pocket comprises a curved,
`shape-retaining insert.
`20. A method for carrying a beverage while jogging,
`comprising the Steps of:
`(a) wearing a sports top;
`(b) inserting a fluid container in a pocket formed with the
`Sports top, the pocket having a container-receiving
`mouth and means for opening the mouth to allow ready
`insertion of the fluid container in the pocket while
`jogging;
`(c) removing the fluid container from the pocket for
`drinking, and
`(d) after drinking, reinserting the fluid container in the
`pocket through the open mouth of the pocket.
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