Buna Pad Autolock System

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to protective clothing comprising one or more pockets operable to hold cushioning pads in strategic places on the clothing, such as knees, elbows, and shoulders, for example. Applicants propose an improved pocket opening design, comprising a first opening layer and a second opening layer offset from the first opening layer. The opening would not comprise any other fastening elements, such as Velcro, hooks, closures, zippers, etc. which may be easily damaged. The offset or distance between the two opening layers would allow for easy insertion of the cushioning pad, while also preventing a cushioning pad from accidentally coming out of the pocket. Additionally, the two layers would prevent dust from entering the pocket, when the opening is located on the exterior of the protective clothing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective clothing comprising:
 an outer surface formed of a protective fabric;   at least one pocket operable to hold a cushioning pad;   an opening allowing access to the at least one pocket, wherein the opening comprises:
 a first opening layer; and 
 a second opening layer located at least four centimeters offset from the first opening layer, wherein the opening is located on the outer surface of the protective clothing. 
   
     
     
         2 . The protective clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the protective clothing comprises protective pants. 
     
     
         3 . The protective clothing of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one pocket is located at one or more of the knees, the seat, and the thigh of the pants. 
     
     
         4 . The protective clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the protective clothing comprises a protective jacket. 
     
     
         5 . The protective clothing of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one pocket is located at one or more of the elbows, the shoulders, and the back of the jacket. 
     
     
         6 . The protective clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the protective clothing comprises one of: protective pants, protective jacket, protective suit, overalls, and coveralls. 
     
     
         7 . The protective clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the first opening layer and the second opening layer are formed of a fabric that is folded and stitched in place. 
     
     
         8 . The protective clothing of  claim 7 , wherein the fabric forming the first opening layer and second opening layer is the same fabric that forms the outer surface of the protective clothing. 
     
     
         9 . The protective clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the first opening layer is formed by an upper fold and a lower fold meeting at their edges to form the first opening, and wherein the second opening layer is formed by an upper fold and a lower fold meeting at their edges to form the second opening. 
     
     
         10 . A pocket operable to hold a cushioned pad and for use on protective clothing, the pocket comprising:
 a first opening layer; and   a second opening layer located at least four centimeters offset from the first opening layer, wherein:   the opening layers are located on an outer surface of the pocket; and   the opening layers allow access to the pocket for inserting and removing the cushioned pad.   
     
     
         11 . The pocket of  claim 10 , wherein the first opening layer and the second opening layer are formed of a fabric that is folded and stitched in place. 
     
     
         12 . The pocket of  claim 11 , wherein the outer surface of the pocket is formed of a protective fabric, and wherein the fabric forming the first opening layer and second opening layer is the same fabric that forms the outer surface of the pocket. 
     
     
         13 . The pocket of  claim 10 , wherein the pocket comprises one or more of: a knee pocket, a thigh pocket, a seat pocket, an elbow pocket, a shoulder pocket, and a bark pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The pocket of  claim 10 , wherein the first opening layer is formed by a first upper fold and a first lower fold meeting at their edges to form the first opening. 
     
     
         15 . The pocket of  claim 10 , wherein the second opening layer is formed by a second upper fold and a second lower fold meeting at their edges to form the second opening. 
     
     
         16 . A method of forming an opening for a pocket for use on protective clothing, wherein the pocket is operable to hold a cushioned pad, the method comprising:
 forming a first opening with a fabric, wherein the fabric forms an outer surface of the protective clothing;   forming a second opening with the fabric, wherein the second opening is at least four centimeters offset from the first opening; and   forming the pocket behind the outer surface of the outer surface, wherein the first opening layer and second opening layer allow access to the pocket.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein forming the first opening comprises folding and stitching the fabric to form a first upper fold and a first lower fold, wherein the first upper fold and first lower fold meet at their edges to form the first opening. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein forming the second opening comprises folding and stitching the fabric to form a second upper fold and a second lower fold, wherein the second upper fold and second lower fold meet at their edges to form the second opening. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the second opening is underneath the outer surface of the protective clothing. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the pocket comprises one or more of: a knee pocket, a thigh pocket, a seat pocket, an elbow pocket, a shoulder pocket, and a back pocket.