Apparel with removable insert

Abstract

An apparel system having a removable insert therein that can selectively transport a protect layer. The removable insert may be selectively inserted within a pocket on an apparel item. The removable insert may include an activated carbon layer to help absorb and/or neutralize odorous air in the pocket or in another location on the apparel item.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparel system, comprising:
 an apparel article including a pocket ( 18 ) having first and second pocket sides, the apparel article including a pocket opening ( 20 ) that is closable by a first fastening mechanism situated at the pocket opening ( 20 ); and   a removable pocket insert ( 12 ) including first and second ends situated in the pocket ( 18 ), the first end of the pocket insert ( 12 ) including first and second lip portions that define an insert opening ( 34 ) therebetween, the first lip portion including a first lip fastening mechanism ( 36 ) that is attachable to a first mating fastener on an inside of the first pocket side, the second lip portion including a second lip fastening mechanism ( 36 ) that is attachable to a second mating fastener on an inside of the second pocket side.   
     
     
         2 . The apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert opening ( 34 ) extends along a length of first end ( 28 ) of pocket ( 18 ). 
     
     
         3 . The apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lip fastening mechanism ( 36 ) selectively attaches to the first mating fastener on the inside of the first pocket side. 
     
     
         4 . The apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the second lip fastening mechanism ( 36 ) selectively attaches to the second mating fastener on the inside of the second pocket side. 
     
     
         5 . The apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket insert ( 12 ) includes a first fabric layer ( 38 ) that is configured to prevent liquids from entering the pocket insert ( 12 ). 
     
     
         6 . The apparel system of  claim 5 , wherein the pocket insert ( 12 ) includes a layer of activated carbon ( 40 ) that is configured to adsorb odorous air. 
     
     
         7 . The apparel system of  claim 5 , wherein the pocket insert ( 12 ) includes a layer of activated carbon ( 40 ) that is configured to prevent contamination of items stored therein. 
     
     
         8 . The apparel system of  claim 6 , wherein the layer of activated carbon ( 40 ) is situated on a first side of the first fabric layer. 
     
     
         9 . The apparel system of  claim 8 , further comprising a second layer of fabric ( 42 ) situated on a second side of the layer of activated carbon. 
     
     
         10 . The apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the first fastening mechanism comprises a zipper.