Patent Application
20230413932
The present invention relates to garments. More specifically garments which are designed to improve the concealment of an object by a user in a plurality of locations on, or about a user's body.
There are numerous reasons why a user would want or need to conceal an object, such as concealing a medical device to prevent embarrassment and protect privacy, concealing valuables while traveling, or concealing a self-defense tool. Further laws governing concealed firearms vary by jurisdiction, but most laws require a concealed firearm to remain fully covered and concealed. Complying with these laws require that you don't show the outline or the shape of this firearm through your garment.
Currently the fabric of most garments has a tendency to conform to the shape and outline of a concealed object. The edges and outline of the concealed object are partially visible to any onlookers. This is referred to as “printing”. Furthermore, the fabric may become entrapped behind or around a concealed object. This is referred to as “tucking”. Printing, tucking, and other means of detection may alert a bystander to the presence of a concealed object.
Prior to this invention, the typical methods for concealing objects were to wear heavy, loose, or baggy garments. Thereby limiting a user's fashion options and downgrading their appearance when trying to conceal an object. Further, even when wearing heavy, loose, or baggy garments the concealed objects are likely to print when a garment was subjected to wind or when the user twists, turns, or bends over.
Current garments do not have the properties needed to provide improved concealment while allowing for a full range of fashion options. Therefore, there is a need for a solution that provides a user with improved concealment abilities while at the same time allowing the user a fashionable natural looking appearance.
The present invention is a concealment garment comprised of at least one blurring layer, at least one flat layer, and at least one panel. The blurring layer provides a flowy motion, texture, highlights, shadows, and visual patterns to the garment. The blurring layers further creates a blurring effect that provides a distraction that helps to hide any printing or tucking of the concealed object.
The flat layer is positioned beneath the blurring layer and provides a flattened surface which hides the outline and shape of the concealed object. Further, the flat layer provides a smooth flat surface to ensure the blurring layer moves and flows naturally. The panels of the present invention provide increased concealment properties in targeted areas. The panels are typically located over top of the concealed object and increase the effectiveness of the flat layer.
Examples of the present invention embody a wide range of garment types. These garment types include but are not limited to garments that cover the upper body including shirts, sweaters, camisoles, and jackets. Further garment types include garments that cover the lower body including dresses, skirts, and pants.
The present invention provides a user with increase concealment abilities while at the same time provide a full range of fashion options.
Drawings are included for the purpose of describing selected embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a concealment garment 100 comprised of at least one blurring layer 1, at least one flat layer 2 and at least one panel 3. The concealment garment of the present invention improves the act of concealment, such as hiding an object within, underneath, or obscured by the concealment garment. The concealment garment thereby aids in preventing the detection and reducing any indications of a concealed object's presence.
When the material of a traditional garment lays over top of a concealed object, the edges and outline of said object can be partially visible through the garment. This is referred to as “printing”. Furthermore, when a traditional garment becomes entrapped behind or around a concealed object. This is referred to as “tucking”. Printing, tucking, and other means of detection may alert an onlooker to the presence of a concealed object.
The at least one blurring layer 1 of the present invention in a preferred embodiment is an exterior layer of material which is most visible to any onlooker, although in further embodiments, the blurring layer 1 may be positioned anywhere in the concealing garment 100. In a preferred embodiment, the blurring layer 1 covers the majority of the other layers of the garment, although some embodiments, the layers of the garment may be exposed or visible to an onlooker. The blurring layer 1 serves a number of functions, a function being to provide color, pattern, texture, and external appearance to the concealment garment 100. A further function being to create a motion and a flow to the concealment garment.
The blurring layer 1 being one or several layers of material that is shaped in a cylindrical shape. This generally cylindrical shape being designed to encompass or cover a user such as any typical garment would. The generally cylindrical shape of the blurring layer 1 being designed to match the appearance and fashion of a typical garment. The cylindrical shape of the blurring layer 1 having an upper opening 11 and a lower opening 12. The blurring layer 1 further having an interior surface 13 and an exterior surface 14. The interior surface 13 being within the generally cylindrical shape of the blurring layer 1 and being the surface, which would typically face the wearer of the garment. The exterior surface 14 being opposite of the interior surface 13.
In some embodiments, the blurring layer 1 is further comprised of a set of straps 17. The set of straps 17 having a first end 171 and a second end 172. The upper opening 11 of the blurring layer 1 having a front side 111 and a back side 112. The first end 171 of the set of straps 17 being connected to the front side of the upper opening 11. The set of straps 17 extending over and above the upper opening 11 and connecting to the back side 112 of the upper opening 11. The set of straps 17 thereby forming three openings, a neck opening 113, a right arm opening 114, and a left arm opening 115. The neck opening 113 being positioned in between each of the straps of the set of straps 17 generally over top of the middle of the upper opening 11. The right arm opening 114 being formed between one of the straps of the set of straps 17 and upper opening 11. The left arm opening 115 being formed between one of the straps of the set of straps 17 and upper opening 11. In some embodiments with these three openings, when a user wears the concealment garment 100, their head and neck would fit through the neck opening 113, their right arm through the right arm opening 114, and their left arm through the left arm opening 115. Thereby, the concealment garment would form a typical upper body garment, such as but not limited to a shirt, sweater, or a dress. Further embodiments may have a single strap that is worn over one shoulder to form a neck opening 113 and one arm opening. Further embodiments may have no set of straps 17 and be worn as a tube top or other strapless type garment.
Some embodiments have the set of straps 17 created using the same piece of material as the blurring layer 1, thereby the set of straps 17 and the blurring layer 1 are created as a single piece. In other embodiments, the set of straps 17 comprised of a separate material from the blurring layer 1, some exemplary examples being spaghetti straps.
In further embodiments, the back side 112 of the upper opening 11 has a center point 116. The center point 116 being position generally in the center or near the middle of the back side 112. The second end 172 of the set of straps 17 connected to the center point 116. The set of straps 17 connected in this center point 116 creates embodiments such as but not limited to a racer back type garment.
Some embodiments have a set of straps 17 which are removably connected to the upper opening 11, such that the set of straps may be removed, adjusted, interchanged, or reattached. Further embodiments may have any number of straps included in the set of straps 17.
In some embodiments, the blurring layer 1 may be further comprised of a right sleeve 18 and a left sleeve 19. In a preferred embodiment, the right sleeve 18 attaching to the right arm opening 114 and the left sleeve 19 attaching to the left arm opening 115. The right sleeve 18 being configured to cover a portion of a user's right arm, and the left sleeve 19 being configured to cover a portion of a user's left arm.
The function of the blurring layer 1 is to create an illusion that distracts the attention of onlookers away from any printing or tucking. While other elements reduce the amount of printing and tucking, the blurring layer 1 provides an illusion that helps to blur any remaining bumps that still exist. This blurring layer 1 further allows for a fashionable or stylish appearance to the garment.
This blurring or illusion can be created through several means. Some embodiments create a natural movement and motion to the blurring layer 1. One exemplary embodiment has the blurring layer 1 being constructed of a lightweight blouse material that flows and glides, such as satin or silk. This wavy or flowy movement helps distract the eye from any outlines or indications of the concealed object.
A further means is to create textures such as ruffles, or weaves. In an exemplary example, the blurring layer 1 is further comprised of a folded texture 10. The folded texture being created by any number of techniques such as but not limited to ruffling, puffing, bubbling, Smocking, or Ruching. These textures create dimension, depth, and add highlights or shadows to the material. These highlights and shadows distract the eye from any outlines or indications of the concealed object. Further, any highlights or shadows created by printing or tucking blend or blur into the plurality of highlights, shadows, textures, and depths.
Further embodiments use visual patterns that help to distract away from printing or tucking. Similar to camouflage, these visual patterns distract the eye from any outlines or indications of the concealed object.
Yet further embodiments use a thick or bulky fabric that can absorb any printing or other indications of a concealed object. Exemplary examples of these materials would be sweater, knit, or materials sewn into folded texture such as a ruffle or other pattern that increases the thickness.
Some embodiments have the blurring layer 1 covering the entire garment but, in further embodiments the blurring layer 1 only covers a portion of the garment. Some further embodiments may have blurring layers 1 where some sections are cut out or removed from the blurring layer 1. These embodiments with partial coverings or cut out sections aid in increasing comfort, reducing weight, temperature control, and providing a more form-fitting design.
Yet other embodiments of the blurring layer 1 could have properties that are not uniform over the whole blurring layer 1. These embodiments could take advantage of advancements in knitting technologies or other materials with nonuniform properties. These materials allow for changes to knits and properties in the same material sheet.
The at least one flat layer 2 of the present invention is at least one layer of material which serves the function of providing a flattened surface or layer within the concealing garment. This flattened surface helps to prevent printing and tucking, at the same time this flattened surface helps to further conceal any objects contained within the garment.
The flat layer 2 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials which helps to create a flattened surface, such as stiff or bulk materials.
The flat layer 2 being one or several layers of material is shaped in a cylindrical shape. This generally cylindrical shape being designed to encompass or cover a user such as any typical garment would. The generally cylindrical shape of the flat layer 2 being designed to match the appearance and fashion of a typical garment. The cylindrical shape of the flat layer 2 having a top opening 21 and a lower opening 22. The flat layer further having an internal surface 23 and an external surface 24. The internal surface 23 being within the generally cylindrical shape of the flat layer 2 and being the surface, which would typically face the wearer of the garment. The external surface 24 being opposite of the internal surface.
The interior surface 13 of the blurring layer 1 further comprises a first seam 15. The first seam 15 being a location or position where materials or fabrics are attached to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the top opening 21 of the flat layer 2 is connected to the interior surface 13 of the blurring layer 1 along the first seam 15. In further embodiments, any portion or section of the flat layer 2 may be attached to any portion or section the blurring layer 1 in order to connect the two elements. In some embodiments, the blurring layer 1 is removably connected to the flat layer 2 along the first seam 15. Thereby allowing the flat layer 2 to be removed, adjusted, interchanged, or reattached to the blurring layer 1. Within the present invention removably connected elements may be removably connected through any suitable means, such as but not limited to hook and loops, zippers, or buttons.
In further embodiments, the interior surface 13 of the blurring layer 1 may be further comprised or further seams such as a second seam 16. The flat layer 2 and the blurring layer 1 being connected along the second seam 16 or these further seams. In further embodiments, the flat layer 2 and the blurring layer 1 may be removably connected along the second seam 16 or further seams.
The flat layer 2 increases the concealing properties of the garment through several means, such as reducing “printing”. In a preferred embodiment, the flat layer 2 prevents printing through several means such as by creating a flattened surface which conceals contours and shapes of a concealed object.
In a first embodiment, the flat layer 2 is constructed of a stiff material. This stiff material having a tendency to resist forming and wrapping around corners and contours of a concealed object. In this sense, the stiff material of the flat layer 2 has a tendency to keep its flat shape, thereby creating the flattened surface of the flat layer 2. If angles are created around the outline of the object, stiffer materials will have a tendency for flatter angles. These flatter angles create a flatter surface that conceals the shape and outline of the concealed object. Although not limited to these materials some exemplary stiff material examples would be satin or canvas.
In a second embodiment, the flat layer 2 is constructed of a bulky, thick, or soft material. This bulky material having a tendency to absorb the corners and contours of a concealed object. In this sense, the bulky material of the flat layer 2 has a tendency to absorb or form over a concealed object on one surface, while the opposite surface remains substantially flat, thereby creating the flattened surface of the flat layer 2. Further, a thick or soft flat layer 2 adds depth that absorbs the outline of a concealed object. Soft or bulky material positioned over top of a concealed object collapses while the adjacent material maintains its thickness. Therefore, the outer surface of the material remains flatter and conceals the outline of the object. Although not limited to these materials some exemplary bulky or soft material examples would be fleece or knit.
In a third embodiment, some flat layer 2 embodiments may create bulkiness or depth not only by material attribute but through construction. Bulky or soft properties can be created through the use of textures, bunching, folding, or ruffling. In this embodiment, the flat layer 2 would increase concealment properties by the same means as a bulky or soft material, although the bulkiness would be created through any suitable means such as creating a quilt, puff, bubble, smock, ruffle, or ruch. With any of these means a number of folds would be created within the flat layer 2, thereby creating effectively a soft and bulky flat layer 2.
In further embodiments, combinations of any suitable means may be utilized to create a flat layer 2. Further, more than one layer may be utilized to create the flat layer 2. The multiple layers or combinations of layers may be applied in any suitable manner and do not need to be uniform or the same across the entire flat layer 2.
The flat layer 2 further increases the concealing properties of the garment by reducing tucking. A first embodiment uses a stiff material as described above. These stiffer materials tend to remain flat and resist folding which reduces the tendency for the material of the flat layer 2 to wrap around, catch on, or get trapped behind a concealed object.
A second embodiment uses a bulky material. These bulky or thick materials have a large volume which doesn't fit into the small gaps behind or around a concealed object. Thereby, reduces the chances of the flat layer 2 getting into and tucked into these gaps.
The flat layer 2 should be designed in a way so that the material and any texture will not catch on the concealed object. Ideally, the flat layer 2 should be designed to glide and freely move over the concealed object.
In most cases, as the material stiffness or bulkiness increases the concealment should increase. At the same time as the stiffness or bulkiness increases the appearance or shape of the garment is increasingly affected, making it appear unnatural. It's important when designing the garment to balance the concealment goals with the fashion goals of the garment.
Some embodiments have the flat layer 2 lining the entire garment but, in further embodiments the flat layer 2 only lines a portion of the garment. Some further embodiments may have flat layers 2 where some sections are cut out or removed from the flat layer 2. These embodiments with partial lining or cut out sections aid in increasing comfort, reducing weight, temperature control, and providing a more form-fitting design. These embodiments with partial lining or cut out sections could also be useful for a flat layer 2 create from a very heavy or very stiff material which provides great concealment properties but is not ideal to line the entire garment or in situations where these flat layer 2 materials are costly.
Yet other embodiments of the flat layer 2 could have properties that are not uniform over the whole flat layer 2. These embodiments could take advantage of advancements in knitting technologies or other materials with nonuniform properties. These materials allow for changes to knits and properties in the same material sheet.
Further embodiments may utilize means and methods of sewing, stitching, and seams can create a number of folds 25 within the flat layer 2. Such that the flat layer 2 would further comprise a number of folds 25 which create softness, bulkiness, or depth. Techniques that may be utilized to create a number of folds 25 include but are not limited to bunching, ruffles, and other techniques for creating textures that create depth, softness, or stiffness in targeted areas of the flat layer 2.
While some embodiments of the invention involve covering of the concealed object. Further embodiments may conceal the object by building up materials around and adjacent to the concealed object and placing the concealed object inside of the void created by said build ups. These embodiments would have a flat layer 2, panels 3 or other layers which are composed of a thick material surrounding the object. These layers would have a void that the object would sit inside. The combination of said layers and the object would create a flat surface. Thereby concealing the object.
The at least one panel 3 of the present invention serves the function of increasing the concealment properties of the at least one flat layer 2 by providing an increase stiffness, bulkiness or other concealing properties. This further improves the flattening function of the flat layer 2.
In some embodiments, the flat layer 2 provides enough concealment properties and therefore the addition of panels 3 is not required. However, the preferred embodiment comprises at least one panel 3. The panel 3 being attached the flat layer 2 of the concealment garment. Some embodiments may have the panel attached to the blurring layer 1, or any other suitable position or location on the concealment garment.
Panels can be attached with any suitable means of attachment such as sewing, iron on, or adhesives. In a preferred embodiment, panels 3 are attached in a way that reduces the tendency of the panel 3 to catch on the concealed object. In one preferred embodiment, the panels 3 are sewn around the perimeter of the panel 3 to limit the edges from catching on a concealed object. In some embodiments, the panels 3 are attached to the internal surface 23 of the flat layer 2. In further embodiments, the panels 3 are attached to the external surface 24 of the flat layer 2.
Further embodiments, have panels which are removably attached. These removable panels 3 may be removed, adjusted, interchanged, or reattached. This allows a user to customize, purchase additional, and interchange panels 3 to fit their garment to their concealment and fashion requirements.
Panels 3 can be created from the same material as the flat layer 2 but typically are created from a material with significant concealment properties. Panels 3 also do not need to be the same material over the entire area of the panel and materials can be different for each panel 3 used.
Panels 3 help to increase the concealment properties of the garment through several means. In one embodiment panels 3 are used to increase the stiffness of the flat layer 2. These panels 3 are constructed of a stiff material, such as a canvas. The combination of the flat layer 2 with the stiff panel 3 leads to superior concealment properties and significantly flattens the surface of the flat layer 2. Since the stiff panel 3 material is limited to a local area, the remainder of the flat layer 2 can remain reasonably flexible, light, breathable and comfortable. Thereby, allowing for targeted increases of stiffness with minimal changes to the overall flat layer 2. An exemplary embodiment would be a comfortable medium weight material flat layer 2. The flat layer 2 having a stiff panel 3 sewn over the area where an object is being concealed.
Further embodiments use panels 3 to add thickness, bulkiness, or softness to the flat layer 2. By adding a panel 3 made of a thick or soft material or sewing a panel in a manner that increases bulkiness, the flat layer 2 will have increased thickness. At the same time, the remainder of the flat layer 2 can remain reasonably thin, light, breathable and comfortable. Thereby, allowing for a targeted increase in thickness, bulkiness, or softness with minimal changes to the overall flat layer 2. An exemplary embodiment would be a lightweight material flat layer lined with a fleece panel over the area of the concealed object.
Further embodiments may utilize sewing, knitting and other techniques to create a panel with a plurality of folds 31. The plurality of folds 31 creating a panel 3 with increased stiffness, such as by sewing ribs or with increased bulk such as by quilting, pleating, ruffling, or bunching. Further techniques may be used to create a plurality of folds 31 such that the concealment properties of the panel 3 is increased.
Further embodiments may include a hard panel such as a hard molded plastic. These hard panels could be molded to follow the shape of the user.
Adding panels 3 to a garment increases the concealing properties of the flat layer 2 in a targeted localized area. Which significantly increases the ability of the garment to conceal. Had these stiff or thick materials been used for the entire flat layer 2, the garment would be uncomfortable, hot, or have an odd appearance. Further, the use of panels 3 as allows for the use of expensive materials only where they are needed which helps to reduce costs.
Some embodiments have a single panel which is positioned over the targeted concealment area. An exemplary example would be a concealment garment design to conceal a medical device of a constant shape and size, carried in a constant location. Another embodiment may have panels encircling the circumference of a user's waistline to conceal a self-defense object carried inside a user's waistband. The large number of panels 3 allows the user a increased flexibility with their concealment location.
Some embodiments do not require the use of panels. If the flat layer 2 has its own inherent built-in stiffness or bulkiness, then panels 3 are not needed to supplement the flat layer 2 properties.
The size, shape, and number of panels 3 are dictated by balancing the need for concealment with the desired overall appearance of the garment. In some embodiments, Panels 3 may change the shape, structure, or flow of the garment and therefore must be carefully sized and shaped to create the desired shape, structure, or flow of the garment. Customizing the panel 3 shape, size, and the number of panels 3 allows for the creation of the correct look of the concealment garment. One skilled in the art of garment design could use the present invention to craft an infinite set of garment designs and appearances.
Typically, embodiments that are designed to have maximum concealment properties would have larger panels 3 that cover larger sections of the garment. Large panels 3 lead to a flatter, more constant surface yet the panels tend to be more obvious to an onlooker. These large panels may restrict the movement and change the shape of the concealment garment. In some embodiments, panels 3 may create a tube or box like appearance. Large panels 3 combined with the act of sitting or standing can also create a billow or mushrooming effect.
Alternately, embodiments may be comprised of a larger number of smaller size panels that cover a similar area. These smaller panels would allow the garment to move more freely and create a more natural appearance to the garment. At the same time the small panels 3 would be more to conform to the shape of a concealed object.
In some embodiments, the at least one panel 3 of the present invention is comprised of exactly four panels 3. The four panels 3 being spaced equidistance around the circumference of the flat layer 2. In further embodiments, the at least one panel 3 of the present invention is comprised of exactly eight panels 3. The eight panels 3 being spaced equidistance around the circumference of the flat layer 2.
The present invention is not limited to being used with one system or method of carrying a concealed object. Further, means of carrying a concealed object may be integrated into the present invention. The flexibility of the present invention allows it to be used with all means, methods, and systems for carrying a concealed object.
Further embodiments may have flat layers 2 comprised of different materials. An exemplary example would be a flat layer 2 with an upper half of the flat layer 2 being comprised of lightweight material and a lower half of the flat layer 2 being made of a stiff or thick concealing material. In this example, the flat layer 2 properties change depending on the position and desired properties. Layers can be attached together by any suitable means, including but not limited to adhesive or sewing, changing the material properties through technologies such as changing knits in a single fabric, or other similar means of changing material properties.
Further embodiments are designed and configured to optimize the interaction between the flat layer 2 and the blurring layer 1. The blurring layer 1 should be optimized to freely move and glide over the flat layer 2 and panels 3. This allows the blurring layer 1 to lay or hang freely according to the intended shape of the concealment garment. Several interactions can occur that restrict the movement of the blurring layer and prevent the blurring layer from laying, hanging, or moving as intended.
One exemplary interaction that reduces concealment, is the buildup of static electricity. Static electricity may cause the blurring layer 1 to stick or cling to the flat layer 2. Example materials that tend to build static would be wool and synthetic fibers. Further embodiments have be designed to ensure the flat layer 2, panels 3, and blurring layer 1 are designed to minimize static.
Another exemplary interaction that reduces concealment, is friction. Friction between the blurring layer 1, flat layer 2, and panels 3 restricts material movement and prevents the material from hanging and moving freely. Materials with lower friction typically allow the layers to slip and glide freely over each other.
A further exemplary interaction would be wrinkling. As a garment is worn, repeated bending, standing, sitting, and other positions will cause the layers to fold, crease, and wrinkle as it interacts with the concealed object. The buildup of these wrinkles will highlight the area of the concealed object and increase printing by adding wrinkles and folds around the outline of the object. Care should be used to select materials that have a resistance to building and holding wrinkles.
Yet another exemplary interaction would be the panels catching on or with the layers. Panels should be positioned and attached with a means that prevents the panels from catching on other layers.
These interactions lead to the layers catching, bunching, clinging, wrinkling, or collecting around the shape or outline of the concealed object. This creates a printing that decreases the concealment of the object. Further, if the layers collect around the outline of the object, it increases the chances of the layers tucking behind the object.
The tightness and size of the garment further affects printing. It is important to ensure the concealment garment is not too tight or else it will increase the visible outline of the object and increase printing. This is due to the fabric being pulled tight over the top of the object. Also, if the garment is too tight, it will limit the movement or gliding of the layers over the concealed object. Because of this, it is important to give some extra diameter to the garment in the section where the object is concealed beneath. This extra diameter can be created by adding a taper or a belling out of the garment at the location of the concealed object.
Some embodiments due to stiffness or bulk may be difficult for a wearer to put on and this could be made more difficult when you add a concealed object. For these embodiments, the additions of zippers, buttons, Velcro, or other closure means can be used to easy dressing. These means allow the circumference of the garment to be temporarily increased during the act of dressing or undressing. Further, slits can be added to garments to eliminate any constriction of the material created by the limitations of the circumference. Slits allow for greater movement, reduce constriction, and improve comfort.
Slits can be created in a seam or any location to “let out” an area. This allows the circumference around the object or areas adjacent to be larger or small. Yet the circumference in other areas of the garment is unchanged.
Some embodiments may be longer garments which extend below the waist. For these and other embodiments, the use of slits may allow access a concealed object located around the waist or other locations. Slit can be used to allow access to the concealed object, without lifting the entire garment. Depending on the design and goals, slits may be moved closer or farther away from the concealed object. Tapers, slits, and closure means should be designed so they do not catch on the concealed object or increase the chances of tucking. Tapers, slits, and closure means maybe added to any, all, or none of the layers of this invention.
In some embodiments, the blurring layer 1 material and flat layer 2 material may not have the proper interaction. This may be caused by high friction, mechanical interaction, or static buildup. In these embodiments, additional intermediate layers may be added between the blurring layer and the flat layer. Said intermediate layers would enable the desired interactions of low friction and limiting static. The use of these intermediate layers would increase the range of materials and combinations of materials/fabrics that could be used to create the flat layer, panels, and blurring layer.
The large number of combinations required to cover all fashions, designs, colors, garment types matched with the large number of concealments goals make manufacturing an embodiment for every situation impossible. Therefore, some embodiments may be designed to be universal and flexible in nature, allowing the user to customize.
Universal or flexible embodiments would have independent layers, such that each layer, in example the flat layer or the blurring layer, are created independent and can be mixed and matched to achieve fashion and concealment goals. An exemplary embodiment would be a flat layer 2 with panels 3. The user would have the flat layer 2 embodiment, then add an independent blurring layer 1 of their choosing over top. Alternately, flat layer 2 embodiments could be worn without the blurring layer 1.
A further exemplary embodiment would be a shirt or camisole that uses panels 3 attached to the flat layer 2. Said panels 3 being positioned as eight equal sized panels that encompass 360 degrees of the circumference of the flat layer 2. Said panels 3 would be positioned on the lower third of the shirt's height. This embodiment would provide concealing properties around the entire circumference of a user's waist.
Another exemplary embodiment would be a garment that uses a very lightweight flat layer 2 such as a mesh. Panels are attached to this lightweight flat layer 2. In this embodiment the flat layer 2 has limited concealing properties, the concealing properties are created mainly by the panels 3. The function of the flat layer 2 is mainly to position the panels 3 in the location of the concealed object. This embodiment allows for increased comfort, reduced weight, temperature control, or allows for a more form fitting design. Further embodiments could have a flat layer 2 where the material is partially composed of a lightweight material to serve a similar function.
Yet another embodiment, could be a garment with a flat layer 2 of thick fabric. Said thick flat layer has cut-outs removed to create a non-continuous flat layer. The flat layer would be present in the targeted concealment areas and removed in other areas for increased comfort, reduced weight, temperature control, or allows for a more form-fitting design. Further, embodiments may use the same principle with any layer to create a non-continuous layer to serve a similar function.
Further embodiments may utilize partial layers, a layer that doesn't encompass the entire garment. As an example, a partial blurring layer may cover only a user's back and shoulders. A further example would be a partial flat layer 2 where the flat layer only encompasses the lower half of a garment's height. In these embodiments a layer, such as the flat layer or blurring layer, may be comprised of multiple partial or whole layers.
Yet other embodiments could have multiple layers. As an example, a dress may have two flat layers 2, the combination of the two flat layers 2 increasing the concealing properties of garment. Alternately, as an example a shirt may have two blurring layers 1.
The two blurring layers 1 creating the fashion or appearance of the garment. This embodiment, further ensures the two blurring layers 1 have much less interaction with the flat layer 2 and panels 3, thereby significantly reducing printing and preventing tucking.
Some embodiments will be universal or non-specific in the sense that they would attempt to conceal a plurality of types of concealed objects in a plurality of locations on a user. An exemplary embodiment being a garment designed to conceal weapons tucked into any location around the waistline of a user. This embodiment would need to have concealment 360 degrees around the user's waist. This embodiment would also have to be designed for the many types of objects in the class of self-protection tool.
Other embodiments will be more specific to a single concealment function. An exemplary embodiment would be for concealing a medical device. In this example the medical device would have a consistent location and a consistent shape. In this embodiment the concealment goals would be specific to concealing a consistent object in a consistent location.
Further embodiments could utilize a hard panel or panels. These hard panels would remain in their preformed shape and not conform to the outline of the concealed object.
Yet further embodiments could utilize stiffening ribs or rods that hold their preformed shape and do not conform to the outline of the concealed object.
The embodiments illustrated in this description are for the understanding of the reader and do not limit the invention. One skilled in the art may take the disclosed elements, features, methods, and concepts and apply them in a plurality of different combinations and arrangements. This includes the absence of some elements, a different order of construction, or number of disclosed elements.
The present invention is not limited to one class, design, or type of garments. The disclosed features, functions, details, and methods could be used by one skilled in the art to apply to a plurality garments class. The presented invention maybe utilized in some embodiments with upper body garments including but not limited to shirts, sweaters, tanks, camisoles, and jackets. Further embodiments may include garments that cover the lower body including but not limited to skirts and pants. Yet further garment classes include garments that cover the full body including but not limited to dresses and pants suits. These embodiments would comprise similar layers with slightly different arrangements, and locations of attachments, connections, and seams.
While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, many other embodiments exist and while the present invention has been described in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that numerous other possible modifications and variations can led to further embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63367214 | Jun 2022 | US |
