Garment and Pocket for Containing Fringes

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/664,506, filed May 15, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates generally to a pocket for holding strings, fringes or tassels, and a garment including the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pocket for storing and preserving strings, or tzitzis, during the washing of a prayer shawl, or tallit.

Based on verses in Numbers 15:38-39, Orthodox Jews are commanded to wear a four cornered garment (i.e., a tallit) with woolen fringes (i.e., tzitzis) at each corner. The fringes are tied through a hole at each corner of the garment and must remain intact in order for the commandment to be fulfilled. Consequently, it is difficult to wash the garment without damaging the integrity of the fringes. Hand washing and other methods, such as winding the fringes around a “fringe guard,” can be time consuming, and existing pockets on the market leave insufficient space for the fringes and fail to contain the fringes within the pocket during washing.

An aspect of this disclosure provides a single pocket for containing a fringe. The single pocket includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel includes a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The first panel defines a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the first panel is disposed proximal to the bottom end of the first panel. The hole of the first panel is configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The second panel includes a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The second panel defines a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the second panel is configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The back of the second panel is configured to attach to a garment including a hole, such that the hole of the second panel aligns with the hole of the garment. The first panel and the second panel are partially attached such that an aperture is formed between the back of the first panel and the front of the second panel. The aperture is configured to contain a tail of the fringe.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the single pocket may further include a closure for, at least partially, selectively enclosing the aperture.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure.

An aspect of this disclosure provides a double pocket for containing a fringe. The double pocket includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel includes a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The first panel defines a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the first panel is disposed proximal to the bottom end of the first panel. The hole of the first panel is configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The second panel includes a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The second panel defines a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the second panel is disposed proximal to the bottom end of the second panel. The hole of the second panel is configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The third panel includes a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The third panel defines a hole through the front and back. The hole of the third panel is configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The back of the third panel is configured to attach to a garment including a hole, such that the hole of the third panel aligns with the hole of the garment. The first panel and the second panel are partially attached such that a first aperture is formed between the back of the first panel and the front of the second panel. The second panel and the third panel are partially attached such that a second aperture is formed between the back of the second panel and the front of the third panel. At least one of the first aperture or the second aperture is configured to contain a portion of the fringe.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the double pocket may further include a closure for, at least partially, selectively enclosing the first aperture.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure.

In a further aspect of this disclosure, the double pocket may include a closure for, at least partially, selectively enclosing the second aperture.

In another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure.

An aspect of this disclosure provides a garment including a front, a back, a corner, and a first panel. The garment defines a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the garment is disposed proximal to the corner. The hole of the garment is configured to accommodate a fringe therethrough. The first panel is disposed at the corner of the garment. The first panel includes a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The first panel defines a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the first panel is disposed proximal to the bottom end of the first panel and below the hole of the garment. The hole of the first panel is configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The back of the first panel is partially attached to the back of the garment such that a first aperture is formed between the back of the first panel and the back of the garment. The first aperture is configured to contain a portion of the fringe.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a closure for, at least partially, selectively enclosing the first aperture.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure.

In a further aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a second panel disposed at the corner of the garment. The second panel may include a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. The second panel may define a hole through the front and back, and the hole of the second panel may be disposed proximal to the bottom end of the second panel and below the hole of the garment. The hole of the second panel may be configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The back of the second panel may be partially attached to the front of the first panel such that a second aperture is formed between the back of the second panel and the front of the first panel. The second aperture may be configured to contain a portion of the fringe.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a closure for, at least partially, selectively enclosing the second aperture.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure.

In a further aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a plurality of corners and a plurality of first panels. Each first panel of the plurality of first panels may be disposed at a respective corner of the plurality of corners. Proximal to each corner of the plurality of corners, the garment may define a hole through the front and back. Each hole may be configured to accommodate a fringe therethrough. Each first panel of the plurality of panels may include a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. Each first panel may define a hole through the front and back, and the hole of each first panel may be disposed proximal to the bottom end of the respective first panel and below the hole of the garment. The hole of each first panel may be configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The back of each first panel may be partially attached to the back of the garment at the respective corner such that a first aperture is formed between the back of each first panel and the back of the garment. Each first aperture may be configured to contain a portion of the fringe.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a closure disposed proximal to each corner of the plurality of corners. Each closure, at least partially, may selectively enclose the first aperture of the respective corner.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure of each respective corner of the plurality of corners.

In a further aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a plurality of second panels. Each second panel of the plurality of second panels may be disposed at a respective corner of the plurality of corners. Each second panel of the plurality of second panels may include a front, a back, a top end, and a bottom end. Each second panel may define a hole through the front and back, and the hole of each second panel may be disposed proximal to the bottom end of the respective second panel and below the hole of the garment. The hole of each second panel may be configured to accommodate the fringe therethrough. The back of each second panel may be partially attached to the front of a respective first panel of the plurality of first panels such that a second aperture is formed between the back of each second panel and the front of the respective first panel. Each second aperture may be configured to contain a portion of the fringe.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the garment may further include a closure disposed proximal to each corner of the plurality of corners. Each closure, at least partially, may selectively enclose the second aperture of the respective corner.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a width of the fringe may be accommodated adjacent to and outside of the closure of each respective corner of the plurality of corners.

Further details and aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

Although the present disclosure will be described in terms of specific aspects and examples, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to exemplary aspects illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the novel features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to, a garment, such as a tallit, is shown. Garmentgenerally includes hole(s), fringe(s)(i.e., strings, tassels, or tzitzis), and single-panel pocketsor double-panel pockets. Garmentmay have a top endA, a bottom endB, a left sideC, and a right sideD, and may generally be a four-cornered item of clothing. For example, bottom endB and left sideC may make up a first corner, bottom endB and right sideD may make up a second corner, top endA and left sideC may make up a third corner, and top endA and right sideD may make up a fourth corner. Garmentmay also include neck holewhich is centrally located. The four corners of garment, as well as neck hole, are shown more clearly in. A holemay be disposed at each corner of garmentthrough a front sideA of garment. A loopA of fringemay be attached to garmentthrough each of holes, and a tailB of fringemay hang below garment. Single-panel pocketsor double-panel pocketsmay be located on a back sideB of garmentbehind each of holes. During washing of garment, or for other purposes, tailsB of fringesmay be tucked into single-panel pocketsor double-panel pockets, as shown in. While single-panel pocketsand double-panel pocketsare shown as sewn onto garment, it is contemplated that each may be removably attached, such as via snap fasteners, zippers, or the like.

shows garmentlaid flat on a surface, such that front sideA is visible. When worn by a user, garmentis folded in half along a horizontal line approximately level with neck hole. As shown in, each of holesmay be located near equidistant from each respective corner. For example, a first holemay be located at the first corner, that is, by bottom endB and left sideC of garment, and a second holemay be located at the second corner, that is, by bottom endB and right sideD of garment. A distance from left sideC to the first holemay be equal to a distance from bottom endB to first hole. The distance from left sideC to the first holemay then be equal to a distance from right sideD to the second hole, and to a distance from bottom endB to the second hole. As single-panel pocketsor double-panel pocketsmay be attached to each corner of garment, each of holesmay be centered on a respective single-panel pocketor double-panel pocket. While single-panel pocketsor double-panel pocketsare shown as being rectangular in shape, other shapes are contemplated.

show an enlarged view of a configuration in which single-panel pocketis located at the first corner, proximal to bottom endB and left sideC, of garment.shows front sideA of garmentand shows holeof garmentlocated approximately at a center of single-panel pocket.shows single-panel pocketdisposed on back sideB of garment, in particular, a front sideA of a first panelof pocket. First panelmay include a top endA, a bottom endB, a left sideC, and a right sideD. Certain sides of first panelmay align with sides of garment. For example, bottom endB of garmentmay align with bottom endB of first panel. In aspects, pocketmay be sized such that, rather than holebeing disposed approximately at the center of pocket, holeis disposed toward top endA of pocket. Accordingly, pocketmay be approximately a quarter to a third of a size shown in.

First panelmay be sewn onto back sideB of garmentor may be attached in any other suitable manner. One side of first panelmust remain at least partially detached from garment, for example, top endA of first panel, such that an apertureis created between back sideB of garment and a back sideB of first panel. First paneladditionally includes a hole, disposed below holeof garment. That is, rather than being spaced equidistant from top endA and bottom endB of first panel, holeis located closer to bottom endB. When fringeis attached to garment, fringeis fed through holeand hole, creating loopA, and then knotted. For washing or other purposes, tailB of fringemay then be coiled up or otherwise gathered and placed into aperture.

Other garments of this nature, including pockets for containing fringes, often include a hole on the first panel which is in the same location as the hole on the garment. This hole placement causes it to be cumbersome for a user to fit tailB of fringeinto aperture, because a portion of apertureis blocked by loopA occupying a central portion of pocket. The configuration currently described, in which holeis located below hole, routes loopA out of the way, leaving a larger area of apertureto hold tailB of fringe. To further aid in containing tailB within aperture, pocketmay further include a closure (for example, closure, as shown in) disposed across top endA of first panel, connecting first panelto back sideB of garment. The closure may be similar to a closureshown inand closureshown in FIGS.C andD. The closure may be a zipper, a snap fastener, hook and eye, hook and loop, a button, or another suitable means of selectively encapsulating aperture. Similar to configurations shown in, the closure may span a majority of top endA of first panelbut may leave a space to accommodate portions of fringenearest to loopA, which necessarily remain outside of aperture.

A configuration in which double-panel pocketis located at the second corner, proximal to bottom endB and right sideD of garment, is shown in. Similar to the configuration of single-panel pocket,shows front sideA of garmentwith holeof garmentlocated approximately at the center of double-panel pocket.show double-panel pocketdisposed on back sideB of garment, specifically a first paneland a second panel. First paneland second panelrespectively include a top endA,A, a bottom endB,B, a left sideC,C, and a right sideD,D. Much like the configuration of single-panel pocket, sides of first paneland second panelmay align with sides of garment. As shown, bottom endB of garmentmay align with bottom endB of first paneland bottomB of second panel. In aspects, pocketmay be sized such that, rather than holebeing disposed approximately at the center of pocket, holeis disposed toward top endA of pocket. Accordingly, pocketmay be approximately a quarter to a third of a size shown in.

First panelmay have a front sideA and a back sideB, and second panelmay have a front sideA and a back sideB. Back sideB of first panelmay be attached to back sideB of garment, and back sideB of second panelmay be attached to front sideA of first panel. Similar to the configuration for single-panel pocket, a side of first panel(e.g., top endA) and a side of second panel(e.g., top endA) remain at least partially detached such that a first apertureis formed between back sideB of garmentand first panel, and a second apertureis formed between first paneland second panel. First panelincludes a holedisposed below holeof garment, and second panelincludes a holedisposed level to or below holeof first panel. When attaching fringeto garment, fringeis fed through holedown to hole, then to hole, to create loopA. Thus, within first aperture, loopA is routed away from a central portion of first aperture, such that loopA is disposed at a bottom portion of second aperture, and second apertureis therefore entirely open to receive tailB of fringe.

Double-panel pocketmay further include closuredisposed on the partially detached side of both first paneland second panel. As previously noted, closuremay be in the form of a zipper, a snap fastener, hook and loop, or any other suitable means. As shown, closureis represented as a zipper, and connects top endA of first panelto back sideB of garment. Closuremay be used to keep aperturefrom hanging open during washing or wearing of garment. Closuremay entirely enclose aperture, as aperturemainly provides a space for loopA to transition from a height of holedown to hole, and tailB of fringe is not required to be contained within aperture. Alternatively, closuremay remain partially open, as shown. In aspects, another closuremay instead, or additionally, be disposed between first paneland second panelto provide an area to contain fringe. Other closuremay connect top endA of first paneland top endA of second panelto temporarily close aperture. Also as previously noted, other closuremay span a majority of top endA of first paneland top endA of second panelbut may leave a space to accommodate portions of fringenearest to loopA. When preparing garmentfor washing, other closuremay be opened to place tailB of fringeinto aperture. Closuremay then be closed to secure fringein place.

Referring to, a standalone single pocket, for being sewn or otherwise attached to an existing garment, is shown. Single pocketfunctions similarly to single-panel pocketof garmentbut may be removed and attached to any item of clothing. Single pocketincludes a first paneland a second panel. First paneland second panelmay respectively include a top endA,A, a bottom endB,B, a left sideC,C, and a right sideD,D. First panelincludes a hole, disposed proximal to bottom endB. Second panelincludes a hole, centrally located on second panelso as to more easily align with a hole of the existing garment. As noted with reference to pockets,, holemay instead be disposed toward top endA to align with holeof garment. A back sideB of first panelmay partially attach to a front sideA of second panel, creating an apertureto hold fringe. For example, bottom endsB andB, left sidesC andC, and right sidesD andD of first paneland second panelmay connect, while top endsA andA of first paneland second panelmay remain open. Single pocketmay additionally include a closure (for example, closureas shown in) disposed partially or fully across top endA of first paneland top endA of second panel. The closure may be any means of temporarily securing first paneland second paneltogether, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, a hook and eye, hook and loop, a button, or the like.

In use, single pocketis attached to the existing garment by aligning holeof second panelwith the hole of the existing garment, then attaching back sideB of second panelto a back side of the existing garment. Single pocketmay be removably attached, for example, by a snap fastener or buttons, or may be more permanently attached, such as by sewing. Fringeis then routed through the hole of the existing garment, holeof second panel, and holeof first panelto create loopA. With single pocketattached to the existing garment, tailB of fringemay be collected within aperture.

depict a standalone double pocket, for being sewn or otherwise attached to an existing garment. Double pocketfunctions similarly to double-panel pocketof garment, but, like single pocket, may be removed and attached to any item of clothing. Double pocketincludes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. First panelincludes a top endA, a bottom endB, a left sideC, and a right sideD. Second panelincludes a top endA, a bottom endB, a left sideC, and a right sideD. Third panelincludes a top endA, a bottom endB, a left sideC, and a right sideD. Third panelincludes a holedisposed centrally on third panelso as to be placed into alignment with the hole of the existing garment. As noted with reference to pockets,,, holemay instead be disposed toward top endA to align with holeof garment. Second panelincludes a holedisposed below holeof third panel. First panelincludes a holedisposed level to or below holeof second panel.

A front sideA of second panel may partially attach to a back sideB of first panel, creating a first aperturefor holding fringe, and a front sideA of third panelmay partially attach to a back sideB of second panel, creating a second aperturefor directing loopA of fringedownward from hole. It is contemplated that both first apertureand second aperturemay hold fringe. As shown, bottom endsB,B,B, left sidesC,C,C, and right sidesD,D,D of first panel, second panel, and third panelmay connect, while top endsA,A,A of first panel, second panel, and third panelmay remain open. Double pocketmay additionally include a closurefixed partially or fully across top endA of third paneland top endA of second panel, as shown. A closuremay additionally, or instead, be disposed partially or fully across top endA of second paneland top endA of first panel(e.g.,). The closure may be any means of temporarily securing third paneland second panel, or second paneland first panel, together, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, a hook and eye, hook and loop, a button, or the like. Closuremay be open, as shown in, or closed, as shown in.

In practice, double pocketis attached to the existing garment by aligning holeof third panelwith the hole of the existing garment, then attaching back sideB of third panelto a back side of the existing garment. Double pocketmay be removably attached, for example, by a snap fastener or buttons, or may be more permanently attached, such as by sewing. Fringeis then routed through the hole of the existing garment to holeof third panel, down to holeof second panel, and then through holeof first panelto create loopA. With double pocketattached to the existing garment, tailB of fringemay be collected within first apertureor second aperture.

show a configuration of single pocketincluding a closure. As noted earlier, single pocketis configured for being sewn or otherwise attached to an existing garment (e.g., garment), and includes first paneland second panel.shows single pocketin a partially detached position, with single pocketsplayed open. In the partially detached position, bottom endB of first panelis attached, such as by sewing, snap fastener, buttons, or the like, to bottom endB of second panel. As shown, bottom endsB,B are attached with front sideA of second panelfacing back sideB of first panel. In an attached position, shown in, left sidesC,C and right sidesD,D are attached together, such as by sewing, snap fastener, buttons, or the like, thus forming aperture. Apertureis configured to hold tailsB of fringeto contain fringe, for example, while washing single pocketand/or garment. In the attached position, front sideA of first panelfaces outward, and back sideB of second panelattaches, removably or permanently, to garment.

As earlier described, second panelincludes hole, and holeis configured to align with a hole of an existing garment (e.g., holeof garment). Holeis further configured to accommodate fringetherethrough. Holemay be centrally located on second panel. Alternatively, holemay be disposed toward top endA of second panel, as described with reference to. With holedisposed toward top endA of second panel, both a length of left sideC and a length of right sideD is thus shrunk, therefore shrinking an overall size of single pocket. With single pocketbeing smaller, once in the attached position, a volume of aperturedecreases, thus securely capturing tailB of fringetherein.

Single pocketfurther includes holeconfigured to accommodate fringetherethrough. Once fringeis routed through holeand, loopA is formed and tied outside of single pocket. Holemay be disposed through first panel, proximal to bottom endB. Alternately, as shown, holemay be disposed partially through bottom endsB,B of first paneland second panel, respectively. Therefore, once fringeis routed through both holeand holeto form loopA, tailB may be routed directly out of a bottom end of single pocket.

Closure, which at least partially encapsulates aperture, may be a zipper, a snap fastener, hook and eye, hook and loop, a button, or another suitable means of selectively encapsulating aperture. As shown, closuremay be partially disposed on each of first paneland second panel. For example, a first portionA of closuremay be disposed on first panel, while a second portionB may be disposed on second panel, such that when pocketis in the attached position, first portionA detachably and selectively connects to second portionB. For example, as shown, closureis hook and loop. Therefore, first portionA may be a hook portion and second portionB may be a loop portion. First portionA and second portionB are located such that first portionA and second portionB are aligned when pocketis in the attached position. For example, first portionA may be located proximate top endA of first paneland left sideC of first panel. Second portionB may be located proximate top endA of second paneland left sideC of second panel. Closuremay extend most of a way across a top end of single pocket, for example 75% or more across the top end of single pocket.

An entranceis disposed adjacent to an end of closure. Entranceis configured to allow passage of fringetherethrough. For example, in practice, once pocketis in the attached position and tailB of fringeis inserted into aperture, closureis selectively closed, and a portion of tailB which is most nearly connected to loopA occupies entrance. This is shown in greater detail in.

Referring to, a configuration of double pocketincluding closureis shown.shows double pocketin a partially detached position whileshows double pocketin an attached position. As shown in, left sidesC,C and right sidesD,D of third paneland second panel, respectively, are attached, removably or permanently. Further, bottom endsB,B, andB of third panel, second panel, and first panelare attached, such as by sewing, snap fastener, buttons, or the like. In the partially detached position, front sideA of second panelis open, as is back sideB of first panel. When in the attached position, apertureis formed between first paneland second panel.

Closureis configured to selectively, partially enclose aperture. Closuremay extend most of a way across a top end of double pocket, for example 75% or more across the top end of double pocket, and defines an entranceconfigured to permit fringeto hang out of aperture. Closuremay be hook and loop, a zipper, a snap fastener, hook and eye, hook and loop, a button, or another suitable means of selectively encapsulating aperture. As shown, closuremay be partially disposed on each of first paneland second panel. For example, a first portionA of closuremay be disposed on first paneland a second portionB may be disposed on second panel. When double pocketis in the attached position, first portionA detachably and selectively connects to second portionB. For example, as shown, closureis hook and loop, with first portionA being a hook portion and second portionB being a loop portion. First portionA and second portionB are located in a similar manner to that described with reference to closureand single pocket.

Turning to, an alternate configuration of a single pocketis shown.shows single pocketin a partially detached position, whileshows single pocketin an attached position. Single pocketis configured for being sewn or otherwise attached to an existing garment (e.g., garment). Single pocketis configured and functions similarly to pocket, in particular to pocketas shown in, and includes first panel, second panel, and closure. Accordingly, only differences between single pocketand single pocketwill be described.

shows single pocketin a partially detached position, with single pocketopen such that front sideA of second paneland back sideB of first panelare visible. In the partially detached position, bottom endB of first panelis attached, such as by sewing, snap fastener, buttons, or the like, to bottom endB of second panel. As shown, bottom endsB,B are attached with front sideA of second panelfacing back sideB of first panel. In addition to including closure, which defines entranceadjacent to closure, single pocketfurther includes a left closureand a right closure.

Left closureand right closuremay be hook and loop, as described for closurewith regard to. Left closureand right closuremay be a zipper, a snap fastener, hook and eye, a button, or another suitable means of selectively encapsulating aperture. As shown, left closureand right closuremay each be partially disposed on each of first paneland second panel, much like closure. For example, a first portionA of left closureand a first portionA of right closuremay be disposed on first panel, while a second portionB of left closureand a second portionB of right closuremay be disposed on second panel. When pocketis in the attached position, shown in, first portionsA,A,A detachably and selectively connect to second portionsB,B,B, thus enclosing aperture. By having closures,,be selectively openable, single pocketmay be selectively fully opened to insert fringeinto apertureor retrieve fringefrom aperture, increasing ease of use. Further, by having closures,,be selectively openable, fringemay more easily be installed through holes,to form loopA.