Patent Application
20210085000
The present invention relates to apparel and, more specifically, to a garment that can be fashioned into a variety of styles without alteration or tailoring.
Overnight travel requires a traveler to bring sufficient clothing and supplies for the length of the trip. When traveling for longer periods of time, the amount of clothing can become unwieldy. Additionally, airlines and other common carriers are increasingly charging fees for excess bags, and sometimes even a first bag, making a reduction in luggage desirable.
To reduce the amount of luggage, the traveler may simply carry less clothing with the intention of re-wearing certain outfits. However, this can be undesirable, as clothing becomes soiled through use.
Separately, a person wearing a garment in a casual environment may want to change when transitioning to a more conservative or upscale environment. For example, a person sitting on the beach wearing a sarong may not feel comfortable entering the resort without additional coverage. In that instance, many will carry multiple beach coverups that provide appropriate coverage for the desired environment.
Accordingly, there is a need for a garment that is lightweight, versatile, and compact, and also resistant to soiling. There is a further need for a garment that requires minimal space to store in a suitcase and can be readily converted to various configurations.
The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:
In embodiments a convertible garment is disclosed comprising a substantially rectangular center panel, first and second wing panels, a first wing seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said first wing panel, a second wing seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said second wing panel, a first shoulder seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said first wing panel, a second shoulder seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said second wing panel, and a center seam joining a portion of said first and second wing panels. In embodiments, first and second wing panels are attached to said center panel at an angle such that a slit is formed between said center panels and said wing panel. In further embodiments, armholes are provided.
In embodiments, the first and second wing panels have at least one edge that is arcuate, and the first and second wing panels have at least one edge that is cut to accommodate the shape of the adjacent area of said center panel. Slits may be provided at the base of the center panel and formed at an angle with respect to the wing panels.
In embodiments, a method of use is disclosed for wearing the garment and forming myriad styles.
In embodiments, the invention comprises a multi-functional garment that can be worn from day to night, summer to winter, in over numerous ways, without tailoring or alteration.
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Center panel 110 may generally take the shape of a rectangle and be sized similarly to the torso of the intended wearer, and may extend to provide additional coverage over the area below the torso (e.g., buttocks). A cut-out 129 may also be provided to form a portion of the armhole apertures A that receives the arms of the wearer.
In embodiments, first and second wing panels comprise panels that may be irregular in shape, but symmetrical with respect to the other wing panel. Wing panels may be generally rectangular in shape with accommodation made for joining to center panel 110.
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In embodiments, first wing panel 120 can attach to center panel 110 at various points. In embodiments, and as shown in
A first shoulder seam 130 may be formed to join the area between center seam 136 and armhole A to center panel 110.
A cutout 129 to form a portion of the armhole aperture may also be provided in first wing panel 120.
In embodiments, second wing panel 140 is a mirror image of first wing panel 120 and is otherwise the same in size, shape, and functionality. The various features of first wing panel 120 (e.g., cutout 129, arcuate top 126, bottom 122, etc.) each have an analogue in second wing panel 140 (i.e., cutout 129, arcuate top 126, bottom 122, etc.). In alternate embodiments, first and second wing panels 120, 140 may deviate from one another to form different styles or perform alternate functionality.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the position, size, shape, and configuration of the first 120 and second 140 wing panels may vary depending on the intended application of the garment. By altering these parameters, different and additional styles for wearing the garment may be enabled.
In embodiments, first wing panel, second wing panel, and center panel 110 may be formed from a light-weight reversible sheer fabric. In the preferred embodiment, lightweight fabric allows it to be airy enough for summer, as well as a great piece on which to layer other garments during winter. Similarly, the sheerness of the fabric allows you to wear a garment underneath (such as a bathing suit), as well as double or triple up the garment in order to wear as a thick scarf. In further embodiments, the fabric also will not wrinkle, making it easy to care for and pack in a suitcase, and may be machine washable.
Suitable fabrics include mesh or ITY jersey fabric, both of which are made from a polyester-spandex or polyester-nylon-spandex blend. Alternatively, a rayon-spandex blend could be used, as could any other fabric that is lightweight and sheer.
In embodiments, fabric may be pretreated with a stain and odor resistant compound to maintain the cleanliness of the garment.
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In embodiments, armholes A and A′ may be sized to facilitate wearing the garment in certain styles. For example, armholes A and A′ are cut slightly larger than normal, including any styles where the fabric is pulled thorough the armhole, or styles where the center panel is aligned with the front.
A variety of stitching may be used to join the various components. In preferred embodiment, center seam 136 may be formed by joining the proximal edges of first wing panel 120 and second wing panel 140 using what is known as a French seam. The French seam is particularly appropriate for sheer or thin fabrics and encloses the unfinished, raw edges of the fabric from view. The clean edge of this particular type of seam enhances the appearance of the garment when it is reversed for certain styles.
In a preferred embodiment, the first wing seam 128 and second wing seam 128′ may be formed by a simple overlock stitch.
Numerous stitches may be used and will depend on the fabric used, styles available from the garment, etc. Besides the French and overlock seams, other possible seams include a bias bound seam, Hong Kong seam, or even a flat-felled seam. A simple turn back and topstitching could also be utilized.
Similarly, areas of the garment fabric—particularly those that have been cut—may require a hem to prevent fraying and to enhance the appearance of the product. For example, a baby hem may be provided around the outer edges of first wing panel 120 and second wing panel 140. A baby hem is a small rolled hem that is formed by rolling the fabric onto itself before stitching. Such a delicate and thin hem provides the benefits of a regular hem while enhancing the appearance of the product.
While the forgoing description discloses separate elements—first and second wing panels 120, 140 and center panel 110—in alternate embodiments those elements may be integrated into a single piece of fabric that is cut to size. Whether the garment of the present invention is fashioned from a single piece or multiple pieces will depend on manufacturing and supply considerations and does not impact the functioning of the garment.
The shape of the garment defines slits 150 and 160 that are formed between the wing panels 120, 140 and center panel 110. Unique specifically designed slits on the sides enable the wearer to tie the garment in various ways around the body (the slits are a certain height as well as length, the back being longer than the front).
The garment also has a longer length in the back that allows a woman to feel comfortable that her bottom is sufficiently covered if she chooses to wear a bathing suit or leggings.
In embodiments, a belt may be provided to allow for additional style options. In embodiments, belt 190 comprises a length of fabric similar to the fabric used in center panel 110, or first and second wing panels 120, 140. In embodiments, belt 190 comprises an elongated section of fabric that has been hemmed along the edges to prevent fraying and to enhance the appearance. In embodiments, belt 190 may comprise a length of fabric that has been folded over itself along a horizontal axis before stitching and hemming. In this variation, a single clean edge may be provided, with the remaining edges being hemmed. In further embodiments, the horizontal ends of belt 190 may be biased to enhance the appearance of the belt. In still further embodiments, belt 190 may incorporate a loop for receiving an end of the belt and to secure the belt in a more elegant manner.
Referring to the table below, the dimensions of exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. It has been found that a garment with a specific range of dimensions is particularly suitable for maximizing the number of available styles that can be generated using the product. While many different sizes and proportions are contemplated as coming within the scope of the invention, the below table summarizes the optimal size range of the garment to accommodate persons of different sizes.
As shown in the above table, a person wearing a size 0/2/4/6 would be comfortable in a version of the present invention with armholes 22″ in circumference, a chest width of 38″, and a hip width of 40″. The “sweep from bottom edge” refers to the length of the bottom of the garment from the opening around the back to the other side of the opening. The width of the slits on either side are not included in this measurement. “Length from center back” refers to the length of the central panel from beneath the label downward to the hem.
The foregoing sizes are in no way meant to be limiting and only disclose an arrangement that provides for a wide range of available styles. Other sizes could also be utilized, which may result in fewer or more available styles. In addition, other sizes are also contemplated, ranging from children through extra large and beyond.
A method of use of the invention of the present invention will now be described. In use, the wearer dons the garment by placing their arms through the armholes. Whether the wearer orients center panel 110 across the chest or back will depend on the desired style. The wearer then makes various adjustments to the garment, whether by folding, cinching, tucking, knotting, etc., or by using the belt portion, to fashion the garment into the desired style.
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It will be understood that there are numerous modifications of the illustrated embodiments described above which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, including any other combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein, explicitly including additional combinations of such features. These modifications and/or combinations fall within the art to which this invention relates and are intended to be within the scope of the claims, which follow. It is noted, as is conventional, the use of a singular element in a claim is intended to cover one or more of such an element.
