US20090158502A1

US20090158502A1 - Garment with removable panel for forming a pocket

Info

Publication number: US20090158502A1
Application number: US12/337,430
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Ronald Medolla; Julie Tate Drochelman
Original assignee: POCKX LLC
Current assignee: POCKX LLC
Priority date: 2007-12-21
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2009-06-25

Abstract

A garment is provided with a removable pocket formed by a removable panel. The removable panel has at least a portion of its outer perimeter folded about itself, and an upper edge and a lower edge extending from the upper edge. A first coupling mechanism extends continuously along the lower edge for removably coupling the panel to the garment, while a second coupling mechanism is positioned adjacent to the upper edge for removably coupling the panel along the upper edge of the garment. A pocket is formed between an outer surface of the garment and the removable panel. An attachment feature secures the removable panel to the garment independent of the first and second coupling mechanisms. An additional pocket is attached to the garment and at least partially encompassed by the removable pocket.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/016,148 filed Dec. 21, 2007 and entitled “Pants With Removable Pocket,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to garments with removable pockets, and, more specifically, to pant garments that include removable pockets and aesthetic features.
A popular trend with pants (e.g., denim jeans) is to decorate the pockets with various embellishments (i.e., aesthetic features). Embellishments may include rhinestones, rivets, patches, stitching, embroidery, sequins, studs, or a seemingly endless number of other options. Individuals often purchase multiple pairs of the same style of pants which differ only in the aesthetic features displayed on the pockets of the pants.
To enable persons to limit the number of pants purchased, at least some known pants include removable pockets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,355 to White, employs hook and loop fasteners coupled to portions of the edges of a panel and to the desired location on the pants, as well as snap fasteners placed at each corner of the panel. The hook and loop fasteners and snap fasteners are positioned along portions of the edges of the panel, and the edges are then folded over and secured to the panel. Accordingly, the accuracy of the placement of the hook or loop fasteners and the snap fasteners on the edges of the pocket and the pants is critical, thus resulting in substantially increased manufacturing costs. Moreover, securing the panels to the garment is a difficult and tedious affair, as each of the snaps positioned at the corners of the panel must be properly aligned with the corresponding portion of the snap positioned on the pants to ensure a proper fit between the panel and the pants.
Furthermore, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,438,062 to Dobell a removable breast pocket for a blazer is provided, however the edges of the pocket are not folded over upon themselves. In addition, FIG. 1 of Dobell appears to depict either a hook or loop fastener being secured to an intermediate panel, which is then in turn secured to the blazer.
Moreover, in such systems, the pocket may inadvertently become detached from the garment, resulting in the possible loss of objects that had been held in the pocket, as well as the pocket itself. Accordingly, a garment is needed that prevents the inadvertent complete separation of a removable pocket from a garment and the loss of the objects contained therein, while reducing the costs associated with manufacturing the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain exemplary aspects of the invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
According to a first aspect, an article of clothing is provided that comprises a pair of pants, a pocket assembly, and an attachment feature. The pair of pants includes an outer surface. The pocket assembly includes a panel, a first coupling mechanism, and a second coupling mechanism. The panel includes an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of said outer and inner surfaces is defined by an outer perimeter. At least one of a portion of the panel along the outer perimeter is folded such that at least a portion of the inner surface is positioned against itself and a portion of the outer surface is positioned against itself. The outer perimeter is defined by at least an upper edge and a lower edge extending from the upper edge. The first coupling mechanism extends continuously adjacent to the lower edge for use in removably coupling the panel to the pants along the lower edge. The second coupling mechanism is positioned adjacent to the panel upper edge for use in removably coupling a portion of the panel along the upper edge to the pants, such that a pocket is defined between the pants outer surface and an inner surface of the panel which is substantially sealed along the panel lower edge.
In another aspect, a garment is provided comprising a first pocket and a pocket assembly. The pocket assembly includes a panel having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of the outer and inner surfaces defined by an outer perimeter. At least a portion of the panel is folded along the outer perimeter such that at least one of a portion of the inner surface is positioned against itself and a portion of the outer surface is positioned against itself. The outer perimeter is defined at least by an upper edge and lower edge extending from the upper edge. A first coupling mechanism extends continuously adjacent to the lower edge for use in removably coupling the panel to the garment along the lower edge. A second coupling mechanism is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the panel for use in removably coupling a portion of the panel along the upper edge to the garment, such that a pocket defined between an outer surface of the garment and an inner surface of the panel is substantially sealed along the lower edge of the panel. The pocket assembly also includes an attachment feature for securing the panel to the garment independently of the first and second coupling mechanisms. The first pocket is at least partially encompassed by the panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an example pair of pants that include removable panels forming pockets.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pair of pants shown in FIG. 1 and with the removable panels partially removed therefrom.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pair of pants shown in FIG. 1 and with the removable panels removed therefrom.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an inner surface of exemplary removable panels that may be used with the pants shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary pair of overalls that include a removable panel.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the removable panels shown in FIG. 4 secured to the pair of pants shown in FIGS. 1-3 and including an exemplary attachment feature.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the panel and attachment feature shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the removable panel shown in FIG. 4 and secured to the pair of pants shown in FIGS. 1-3 with an alternative attachment feature.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a pair of pants including a non-removable pocket and a removable panel.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an alternative removable panel that may be used with the pants shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the removable panel shown in FIG. 4 and secured to the pair of pants shown in FIGS. 1-3 with an alternative attachment feature.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the removable panel shown in FIG. 4 and secured to the pair of pants shown in FIGS. 1-3 with an alternative attachment feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary pair of pants 10 that include removable panel 12 coupled thereto. FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged rear view of an inner surface 30 of panel 12. In each embodiment, panel 12 includes embellishments 14 formed, coupled, or applied thereon. The embodiments are primarily described herein in relation to a pair of pants, such as jeans. However, the embodiments are applicable to a variety of different types of garments including, but not limited to, other pants, coveralls, skirts, shirts, and/or any article that includes a pocket.
In the exemplary embodiment, embellishments 14 can be formed thereon, and/or can be integrated into the removable panel 12. Such embellishments 14 may include, but are not limited to, rhinestones, rivets, patches, stitching, embroidery, ink, paint, sequins, and studs. Moreover, such embellishments 14 may form ornamental designs, and may include logos, names, and/or pictorial representations of various objects. The stitching or embroidery may form ornamental designs.
In the exemplary embodiment, each removable panel 12 is a fabric panel that may be removably coupled or attached to the pair of pants 10 with coupling members 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling members 16 are positioned along the outer perimeter 32 of each of the panels 12. Accordingly, when panels 12 are coupled to pants 10, the panels 12 define a cavity 13 between an outer surface 40 of the pants 10 and an inner surface 30 of the panels 12. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, because of the position of the coupling members 16 relative to the panel 12, when panel 12 is coupled to pants 10, an opening (not shown) is defined along an upper edge 18 of each cavity 13.
Each removable panel 12 is formed with an outer surface 28 and the opposite inner surface 30. Surfaces 28 and 30 are defined by an outer perimeter 32. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of panel 12 along outer perimeter 32 is folded such that within a portion 17, inner surface 30 is positioned against itself. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a portion of the outer perimeter 32 is folded such that a portion of outer surface 28 is positioned against itself. In both embodiments, the surface 28 or 30 is secured against itself via any suitable attachment method (e.g., adhesive bonding, stitching, etc.). Outer perimeter 32 is defined by at least upper edge 18 and a lower edge 34 that is coupled to upper edge 18 at a pair of opposite corners 19 and 21. In the exemplary embodiment, lower edge 34 extends continuously from corner 19 to corner 21.
Because removable panel 12 is folded upon itself in at least portion 17, edges 18 and/or 34 of the panel 12 in portion 17 are significantly reinforced. More specifically, in portion 17 a thickness T (as shown in FIG. 7) of the panel 12 in portion 17 is doubled to facilitate increasing a strength and rigidity of panel 12, edges 18 and/or 34, while also providing a “cleaner” edge that is less likely to fray over time. As used herein, the term “cleaner” edge refers to edges that have a finished, smooth appearance. Moreover, the additional material present in portion 17 also facilitates enhancing a seal found between removable panel 12 and pants 10.
In the exemplary embodiment, coupling members 16 are fastener devices such as, but not limited to, hook and pile fasteners. In an alternative embodiment, a strap flap portion is extended through a slot formed in the panel 12. Moreover, any other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used which facilitates securing panel 12 to pants 10, such as, but not limited to, mechanical fastening devices, such as buckles, interlocking devices, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, lacing system, buttons, zipper, clips, and/or any combination thereof.
In the exemplary embodiment, coupling members 16 include at least a first coupling mechanism 36 and a second coupling mechanism 38. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, second coupling mechanism 38 includes snaps located adjacent to each corner 19 and 21 of panels 12 and the first coupling mechanism 36 positioned along panel lower edge 34. However, any number and combination of first and second coupling mechanisms 36 and 38, respectively, can be used that enables panel 12 to be secured to pants 10.
In the exemplary embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 extends continuously adjacent to pocket lower edge 34, for use in removably coupling panel 12 to pants 10 along lower edge 34. In the exemplary embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 is a hook and pile fastener that includes a pile portion 24 coupled to an outer surface 40 of pants 10, and a corresponding hook portion 26 coupled to panel inner surface 30. In other embodiments, portions 24 and 26 can be reversed such that pile portion 24 is coupled to panel 12 and hook portion 26 is coupled to pants 10. As such, in the example embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 extends along panel lower edge 34 and generally circumscribes a portion of panel 12. In each embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 is secured to either pants 10 or to panel 12 with any suitable fastening mechanism that enables panel 12 to function as described herein, such as via adhesive bonding or stitching. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiments, the panel portion 17 of the panel 12 is folded onto itself and first coupling mechanism 36 may be secured to panel 12 such that panel portion 17 is secured in the folded configuration (i.e., first coupling mechanism 36 may be secured to panel 12 with the same stitching used to fasten panel portion 17 to itself).
In the exemplary embodiments, and as best seen in FIG. 4, first coupling mechanism 36 extends continuously along lower edge 34. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, hook and pile portions 26 and 24, respectively, may be formed from a single piece of material, or individual pieces may be assembled together on panel 12 or pants 10 to form a single continuous piece along edge 34.
Second coupling mechanism 38 is positioned adjacent to panel upper edge 18, for use in removably coupling panel 12 along upper edge 18 to pants 10. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, second coupling mechanism 38 is a snap fastener system that utilizes a pair of snaps adjacent to corners 19 and 21. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, second coupling mechanism 38 includes at least one socket member 20 secured to pants outer surface 40 and a corresponding stud member 22 secured to panel 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, stud member 22 can be secured to panel inner surface 30 such that member 22 is not visible externally from pants 10, or to panel outer surface 28 such that member 22 is visible externally to panel 12. In either case, member 22 is removably coupled to and secured to socket member 20. Although a traditional stud member 22 and corresponding socket member 20 are shown in the Figures, alternative types of fasteners may be used. For example, in one embodiment, magnetic fasteners are used to removably secure panel 12 along upper edge 18 to pants 10.
During use, when panels 12 are coupled to pants outer surface 40, a removable pocket 23 is defined on pants 10. To an observer, pocket 23 appears to have been coupled to pants 10 via stitching (as seen in FIG. 1), as is common in pants not including removable panels 12. To remove or exchange panels 12, a user simply pulls each removable panel 12 until each coupling member 16 is uncoupled from pants 10 (as shown in FIG. 3). The same panel 12 or a different panel 12 may then be removably coupled to pants 10 by recoupling coupling member 16. As such, a wearer of pants 10 can easily replace and/or exchange removable panels 12 with those having different embellishments 14 displayed thereon.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary pair of overalls 50 that includes removable pocket 53 formed in a similar manner as pocket 23 described above. In addition, pocket 53 may be formed on a front side 52, or “bibs” portion, and/or a rear side (not shown) of overalls 50.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of panel 12 secured to pants 10 with an exemplary attachment feature 54 used to secure removable panel 12 to pants 10. In each embodiment, attachment features 54 facilitates securing panel 12 to pants 10 independently of first coupling mechanism 36 (shown in FIG. 2) and/or second coupling mechanism 38 (shown in FIG. 2). Attachment feature 54 substantially prevents panel 12 from being completely separated from pants 10 when first coupling mechanism 36 and/or second coupling mechanism 38 are uncoupled from pants 10. For example, upon inadvertent or accidental separation of first coupling mechanism 36 and/or second coupling mechanism 38, attachment feature 54 still secures panel 12 to pants 10. In addition, attachment feature 54 also facilitates preventing inadvertent separation of first coupling mechanism 36 and/or the second coupling mechanism 38 from pants 10. For example, an object may rub against or otherwise come into contact with pocket upper edge 18. If the object snags a portion of panel 12 near upper edge 18, panel 12 may become inadvertently separated from the pants 10. More specifically, attachment feature 54 facilitates securing panel 12 to pants 10, such edge 18 is secured more tightly against pants outer surface 40. Accordingly, panel 12 is only separable from pants 10 when attachment feature 54 is disengaged from pants 10 or from panel 12 (i.e., attachment feature 54 is in an open configuration).
In the exemplary embodiment, attachment feature 54 includes a stud 56 (as shown in FIG. 7) including a head assembly 58 that is secured to panel 12. Pants 10 include a flap 60 of material that extends outward from pants outer surface 40 a distance above pocket upper edge 18. Flap 60 includes a slit 62 defined therein. Head assembly 58 is sized and shaped for insertion at least partly through slit 62 to secure panel 12 to pants 10. In other embodiments, slit 62 may be oriented vertically, horizontally, or in any angular configuration that enables attachment feature 54 to function as described herein. In another embodiment, panel 12 is formed with slit 62 integrated therein and attachment feature 54 is secured to pants 10.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of removable pocket 23 wherein panel 12 is secured to pants 10 with an attachment feature 55. Attachment feature 55 is substantially similar to coupling buckles commonly used to fasten straps 51 (shown in FIG. 5) of overalls 50 (shown in FIG. 5) to an overall front (i.e., bibs) portion 52 (shown in FIG. 5). In the exemplary embodiment, a stud 56 including head assembly 58 is secured to panel 12. Pants 10 include a pair of flaps of material 60 that each extend outward from pants outer surface 40 a distance above pocket edge 18 and, more specifically, above corners 19 and 21. In the exemplary embodiment a pair of loop fasteners 64 are coupled to pant straps 61. Each loop fastener 64 is sized and shaped to receive stud head assembly 58 therein to secure panel 12 to pants 10 independently of first coupling mechanism 36 and/or second coupling mechanism 38 (both shown in FIG. 2).
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion 65 of pants 10. In pants portion 65, pants 10 include an additional pocket 66, such as a coin pocket. The additional pocket 66 may be sized to permit a wallet, cell phone or other personal effects to be placed therein. In the exemplary embodiment, pocket 66 is at least partially encompassed by panel 12 when pocket 66 is formed on pants 10. Panel 12 is not shown in FIG. 9. Pocket 66 may be adjacent to an inner surface of pants 10 (i.e., the surface against a wearer of pants 10), or they may be adjacent to pants outer surface 40. In embodiments in which pocket 66 is adjacent to pants inner surface, a corresponding slit 68 may be formed in pants 10 to provide access to a top edge 70 of pocket 66 when a user reaches into pocket 66. In such embodiments, pocket 66 may be formed by stitching or otherwise attaching to pants inner surface to form a cavity 67 accessible through slit 68. In embodiments wherein pocket 66 is formed adjacent to pants outer surface 40, pocket 66 may be formed by a piece of material stitched or otherwise attached to pants outer surface 40 such that pocket cavity 67 is accessible through top edge 70 of pocket 66.
Accordingly, when panel 12 is attached to pants 10, pocket 66 is at least partially encapsulated or encompassed by or within removable pocket 23. Thus, in the event that panel 12 is inadvertently or otherwise separated from pants 10, objects contained in pocket 66 will not be separated from pants 10.
FIG. 10 is a rear view of one embodiment of a removable panel 12. The removable panel 12 depicted in FIG. 10 is similar in construction and operation to those described above, except that the first coupling mechanism 36 (i.e., the hook 26 and pile 24 portions) are disposed about the entire outer perimeter 32 of the removable panel 12. Accordingly, the corresponding hook 26 or pile 24 portion of the fastener is similarly configured on the pants 10. This embodiment prevents an object from becoming snagged or hooked by the upper edge 18 of the removable panel 12, and thus reduces the likelihood that the removable panel will become inadvertently separated from the pants 10. Additionally, by configuring the first coupling mechanism 36 to be dispersed along the entire outer perimeter 32 of the removable panel 12, the likelihood of objects stored within the pocket 23 inadvertently exiting therefrom is significantly reduced.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the removable pocket 23 showing one embodiment of the attachment feature 54 securing the removable panel 12 to the pair of pants 10. The attachment feature 54 depicted in FIG. 11 is a toggle mechanism 72 attached to the flap 60 of material. The flap 60 of material is attached at a first end to the pants 10, while the toggle mechanism 72 is attached to a longitudinally spaced-apart end of the flap 60 of material. A slit 62 is formed in the removable panel 12 through which the toggle mechanism 72 may pass therethrough. To pass through the removable panel 12, the toggle mechanism 72 is articulated to a substantially flat configuration parallel to the pants 10 and in the angular direction of the slit 62. For example, the slit 62 depicted in FIG. 11 is substantially vertical. The toggle mechanism 72 is rotated from its detent 90 degrees in order to fit through the slit 62. Once through the slit 62, the toggle mechanism 72 is rotated 90 degrees back to its detent.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the removable pocket 23 showing another embodiment of the attachment feature 54 securing the removable panel 12 to the pair of pants 10. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, one end of the flap 60 of material is attached to the pants 10, while the other longitudinally spaced-apart end is attached to a portion of a snap mechanism 74. A corresponding portion of the snap mechanism 74 is attached to the removable panel 12. The snap mechanism 74 may be a conventional snap mechanism, as described above in relation to FIGS. 1-4. In other embodiments, the snap mechanism 74 may be magnetic, with corresponding magnets being incorporated into the portions of the snap mechanism attached to the end of the flap 60 of material and the removable panel 12.
The above-described removable pockets are cost-effective and provide a highly desirable alternative for individuals who desire to alter the appearance of the pockets of their pants. Instead of purchasing many different garments (e.g., jeans) with corresponding different designs on the pockets, individuals may instead purchase a single garment, and selectively remove and exchange the panels forming the pockets for other panels with different designs. Further, the systems described herein provided additional securing features that secure the removable panel to the pair of pants independent of the other connection mechanisms. The removable panel is thus prevented from inadvertently separating from the garment. An additional pocket is also provided which is at least partially encapsulated by the removable panel. The additional pocket is sized to store small objects, and is not removable from the garment.
Exemplary embodiments of pants and removable panels for forming pockets are described above in detail. The pants and removable panels are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a pair of pants comprising an outer surface;

a pocket assembly configured to removably couple to said pair of pants, said pocket assembly comprising:

a panel comprising an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of said outer and inner surfaces is defined by an outer perimeter, at least a portion of said panel along said outer perimeter is folded such that at least one of a portion of said inner surface is positioned against itself, and a portion of said outer surface is positioned against itself, said outer perimeter defined by at least an upper edge and a lower edge extending from said upper edge;

a first coupling mechanism extending continuously adjacent to said lower edge for use in removably coupling said panel to said pair of pants along said lower edge; and

a second coupling mechanism positioned adjacent to said panel upper edge for use in removably coupling a portion of said panel along said upper edge to said pants, such that a pocket defined between said pants outer surface and an inner surface of said panel is substantially sealed along said panel lower edge; and

an attachment feature coupled to at least one of said pair of pants and said pocket assembly for securing said panel to said pair of pants independently of said first and second coupling mechanisms.

2. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said inner surface is secured against itself via an adhesive.

3. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said inner surface is secured against itself via stitching.

4. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first coupling mechanism comprises a hook and pile fastening assembly.

5. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 4, wherein a first portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said panel inner surface and a second portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said pair of pants.

6. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 4, wherein a hook fastening portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said pair of pants and a pile fastening portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said inner surface of said panel.

7. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said attachment feature has a first end coupled to said pair of pants and a second end coupled to at least a portion of said panel.

8. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature first end is coupled to said pair of pants via stitching.

9. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via a toggle mechanism.

10. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via a snap mechanism.

11. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via a magnetic closure mechanism.

12. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via an expanded head and stud assembly, wherein said expanded head is sized for insertion in a slit formed into said panel and said stud is coupled to at least a portion of said pair of pants.

13. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a secondary pocket defined against said pair of pants, said secondary pocket being at least partially encapsulated by said panel.

14. A garment comprising:

a first pocket;

a pocket assembly configured to removably couple to said garment, said pocket assembly comprising:

a panel comprising an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of said outer and inner surfaces defined by an outer perimeter, at least a portion of said second panel said outer perimeter is folded such that at least one of a portion of said inner surface is positioned against itself, and a portion of said outer surface is positioned against itself, said outer perimeter defined by at least an upper edge and a lower edge extending from said upper edge;

a first coupling mechanism extending continuously adjacent to said lower edge for use in removably coupling said panel to said garment along said lower edge; and

a second coupling mechanism positioned adjacent to said panel upper edge for use in removably coupling a portion of said panel along said upper edge to said garment, such that a pocket defined between an outer surface of said garment and an inner surface of said panel is substantially sealed along said panel lower edge; and

an attachment feature for securing said panel to said garment independently of said first and second coupling mechanisms, said first pocket is at least partially encompassed by said panel.

15. A garment in accordance with claim 14, wherein said garment has an inner surface facing a wearer of the pair of the pants and an opposite outer surface.

16. A garment in accordance with claim 15, wherein said first pocket is disposed on the inner surface of said garment and said garment has an opening formed therein configured for permitting access to said first pocket.

17. A garment in accordance with claim 15, wherein said first pocket is disposed on the outer surface of said garment.

18. A garment in accordance with claim 14, wherein said attachment feature has a first end coupled to said garment and a second end coupled to at least a portion of said panel

19. A garment in accordance with claim 18, wherein said second end of said attachment feature includes a third coupling mechanism and said panel includes a fourth coupling mechanism configured for releasable attachment to the third coupling mechanism.

20. A garment in accordance with claim 18, wherein said panel is configured to receive a fifth coupling mechanism coupled to said second end of said attachment feature.