Patent Grant
11771154
This Application is a 35 USC § 371 US National Stage filing of International Application No. PCT/FR2016/053548 filed on Dec. 19, 2016, and claims priority under the Paris Convention to French Patent Application No. 15 62624 filed on Dec. 17, 2015.
The present invention is about apparel, specifically convertible or modular garment, which may be worn by an individual in several configurations of wearing.
Some have already tried submitting convertible clothing.
Most rely on removable or collapsible components such as the items featured in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,227,264 or 7,823,220.
Others have put forward a piece of clothing in the form of multi-usage fabric as U.S. Pat. No. 8,214,923 for a known example; however, the setting up of such a piece on the user in the desired configuration turned out to be difficult.
The demand for continued improvement on convertible apparel remains.
To this end, it is proposed here a convertible garment, intended to be worn in several configurations of wearing by an individual/user relative to which are defined a symmetric longitudinal plane (P1) and the terms front, back, left and right, the garment comprising:
and front panel (1) and a back panel (2) bound together at an intermediary area (P2) by a left junction (80) and a right junction (8D) located on both sides of a central aperture, with an indentation (4) extending from a front side of the central aperture,
a lash (5) comprising a central section (50) fixed on the edge of the central aperture but not on the edge of the indentation, and free sections (51, 52) extending from both sides of the central section,
the garment being deprived of a stitching connection joining the lateral borders (12, 14, 22, 24) of the front and back panels,
at least two seam connections, a right-hand (71,71′) and a left-hand (72,72′) seam connection, joining the front and back panels, the aforementioned seam connections being arranged symmetrical on both sides of the longitudinal plane of symmetry (P1), away from the lateral borders (12, 14, 22, 24),
wherein the developed length of the edge of the central aperture, excluding the indentation, denoted LD, is comprised between 60 and 100 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 95 cm, and more preferably between 78 cm and 86 cm, and the developed length of the indentation denoted LF is comprised between 10 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 14 cm and 25 cm, and more preferably between 15 cm and 20 cm.
Whereby the garment can be worn either in a tunic configuration, a poncho configuration, a backless dress configuration, a skirt configuration, an asymmetric configuration, or in a sarouel configuration.
Those different configurations are achieved by positioning the central aperture either at neck/shoulder level, high torso level, or waist (i.e. hips) level, then by pulling tight or loose the free sections of the lash and knotting them in place. The seam connections allow for cohesion and a nice fit.
The opening/enlarging or closing/tightening of the indentation allows to match cleverly the peripheral length of the aperture with the local circumference of the wearer's body.
Note that the garment is intended for women, but it is not excluded that it may be one day worn by men.
In several mode of embodiment of the invention, the following configurations may be used:
The garment may include at least two passages (6G, 6D), respectively right and left, each passage comprising a first slit (61) in the front panel, a second slit (62) in the back panel, each passage being arranged near the corresponding respective seam connection. These passages allow for the passing of a belt.
The garment may include a belt (9) meant to be threaded through the passages. The belt may be used in the tunic configuration, or poncho configuration or belt configuration (wide or fitted mode).
The length (K) separating the two seam connections (71, 72) may be comprised between 50 cm and 85 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 85 cm, and more preferably between 72 cm and 75 cm; this give a geometric configuration optimised for the garment to perfectly fit whatever the configuration.
There may be provided a right-side attachment piece (71, 71′) forming the right-hand seam connection and a left-side attachment piece (72, 72′) forming the left-hand seam connection, each attachment piece being sewn to the back panel and to the front panel. Around this area, this allows for some freedom of movement of the front and back panels.
Furthermore, each attachment piece is formed by a double buttonholes eyelet piece, folded back onto itself, thus doubling the back panel and the front panel, the two buttonholes and the two slits being aligned to form together passages to allow for the threading of a belt; this forms a strong seam connection which avoids tears or local rupture of a simple seam.
Each free section (51, 52) of the lash measures over 30 cm, preferably over 40 cm, and more preferably over 50 cm, this allows to tie the knot on the opposite side of the indentation by wrapping around the wearer's body even for large/extra large sizes.
Advantageously, the garment may be deprived of any detachable component and any linking components such as snap fasteners, zippers, scratches, etc . . . .
Advantageously the garment may be made out of no-extensible or little extensible material. The front panel (1) and the back panel (2) may have substantially the same size, with the height A being comprised between 55 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 100 cm, and more preferably between 70 cm and 85 cm, and the width B being comprised between 70 cm and 115 cm, preferably between 95 cm and 115 cm and more preferably between 100 cm and 110 cm.
The left and right junctions (8G, 8D) are formed by the seams; and slant/inclined junction may be formed (slope C); this offset in height, preferably between 5 and 8 cm, allows for an adequate shoulder fit.
The seam connections are located away from a top and of the garment, at a distance (E) preferably comprised between 35 cm and 45 cm; this is an appropriate compromise so that the garment may be put on and ensure a sufficient cohesion between the front and the back panels.
In a variation, the front and back panels may come integrally from a single piece of cloth. In this case, the shoulder slope denoted C is null. Continuous patterns without seam/join connection on the shoulder area may be proposed. A placed pattern fabric may be used more easily.
Other characteristics and advantages provided by the invention will be revealed along the following description of its embodiments, featured as nonlimited examples with regards to the figures enclosed for which:
On the different figures, the same references point to the similar or identical elements.
First two rectangular pieces of cloth are cut, they will form the front panel 1 and the back panel 2 of the final garment.
For a garment a longitudinal plane of symmetry P1 is defined; when the garment is worn, this plane should coincide with the midsagittal plane of the wearer.
The first piece of cloth 1 that will become the front panel has a slant/inclined border 11 aimed to be attached to the second piece of cloth 2, a second straight border 12, a third straight border 13 on the opposite side of the first border 11, and a fourth straight border 14 on the opposite side of the border 12.
The second piece of cloth 2 that will become the back panel has a slant/inclined border 21 aimed to be attached to the first piece of cloth 1, a second straight border 22, a third straight border 23 on the opposite side of the first border 21, and a fourth straight border 24 on the opposite side of the border 22.
The second and fourth borders 12, 14, 22, 24 will form the side edge of the garment to build. The third borders 13, 23 will form the lower edges of the garment to build.
The first border 11 includes in its central area a concave edge 3a, 3c with a centred indentation 4. From both part of the central concave area, the border 11 extends with a left bevelled edge 11g and a right bevelled edge 11d.
The first border 21 includes in its central area a concave edge 3b and from both side a left bevelled edge 21g and a right bevelled edge 21d.
On the front panel 1 a first slit 61D (buttonhole like) is formed, and a second slit 61G (buttonhole like) is formed and they are placed symmetrically across P1 at a distance denoted K from one another and they are both positioned at a distance denoted E from the end 16, 17 of the bevelled area.
Notice that the length E is taken at half the height of the slits 61G, 61D and spans up to the upper corner 16, 17 of the front panel 1.
Similarly, on the back panel 2 a first slit 62D (buttonhole like) is formed and a second slit 62G (buttonhole like) is formed and they are placed symmetrically across P1 at a distance denoted K from one to another and they are positioned at a distance denoted E from the extremity 25, 26 of the bevelled area.
The first borders 11, 21 are then attached together by a seam in a median area denoted P2, at the level of two attachment areas respectively right and left denoted 8D and 8G. The concave edges 3a, 3b, 3c form together a central aperture denoted 3. In the central front area of the aperture, the latter is extended by an indentation 4 (likewise ‘notched neckline’) whose utility will be explained further.
A lash 5 is then assembled, the lash may be likewise called lace or string or thin cord.
As show in the
The attachment of the central area 50 of the lash on the edge 3a, 3b, 3c of the central aperture may be continuous or discontinuous, either with a hem, or with another solution.
As will be shown further, the central aperture 3 with the indentation 4 features a total dimension which is more or less long given the more or less pronounced opening or closing of the indentation 4 by means of knotting of the lash 5.
Then comes the assembly of a first eyelet piece 71 with double buttonhole with one of its buttonholes 75 on the first panel, on the inside, in a position in correspondence with the first slit 61D of the first panel 1, and a second eyelet piece 72 with double buttonhole with one of its buttonholes in correspondence with the second slit 61G.
The assembly is done by sewing, even though gluing, snap fastening, zipping or loops & hooks (Velcro™) may not be excluded.
Finally we proceed to the final assembly, the cloth is folded in two over the median line P2 which contains the junctions 8D, 8G aforesaid. If the cloth has an inner face and an outer face, the two inner faces are brought toward each other. Then the first eyelet piece 71 with the double buttonhole (eyelet which may be called ‘passant’ for a belt) is assembled, after having it folded onto itself, to the back panel 2 near the second slit 62D so that the two buttonholes 75, 76 of the eyelet pieces and the two slits 61D, 62D are aligned to allow the easy threading of a belt 9. This alignment is illustrated specifically on
The same is done to assemble the second eyelet piece 72 with the double buttonhole, after having it folded onto itself, to the back panel 2 near the second slit 62G. The garment 10 is now ready to be worn.
We notice that the eyelet pieces with double buttonholes are sewed to the front panel with a simple seam 77 are sewed to the back panel with a simple seam 78.
The height A of the garment will be comprised between 55 cm and 100 cm with a centring at about 80 cm, following a gradation presented further.
The width B of the garment will be comprised between 70 cm and 115 cm with a centring at about 100 cm, following a gradation presented further.
Preferably, the height A of the front panel and the back panel is the same. Also, preferably, the width B of the front panel and the back panel is the same.
The dimension C corresponds to the shoulder fit (the difference between the points of maximum height 16, 17 and the height of the lateral border 14, 12); the reference value for C is 6 cm.
As shown in the
The distance K separating the two passages 6G, 6D is comprised between 70 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 72 cm and 75 cm.
The distance K is lesser than the width A of the garment; the seam connections are away from the lateral borders 12, 22, 14, 24.
The passages are at a distance E from the top end of the garment between 30 cm and 50 cm and specifically between 35 cm and 45 cm.
The length H of the free sections of the lash is between 30 cm and 60 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 50 cm. However, lengthier sizes are also considered.
The belt 9 has a height from 2 to 7 cm, a little lower than the height of the slits 61D, 62D and the height of the buttonholes 75, 76.
The cloth used here is essentially non-extensible. This may be a light fabric, preferably smooth or thick, threaded or non-threaded, leather, natural fibber, or synthetic.
The fabric may also be extensible, such as elastane, Lycra™ or else. Some rate of extensibility allows for better adaptation of the garment with the different morphologies of the wearers.
As shown in
In the second embodiment shown in
In a third embodiment shown in the
In the shown example, the seamed connection 71′ which is made out of a small piece of cloth 79 a few centimetres long (dimension G), and a few centimetres wide (dimension M2), this piece being sewed from one side to the front panel and from the other side to the back panel without buttonhole nor slit. It is the same for the left seam connection 72′ which is similarly assembled symmetrically to the sagittal plane P1. The distance K separating the two seamed connections may be slightly different from the configuration with the belt passages.
In another version even more simplified, not shown, the seamed connections are simply made out of seams between the front panel and the back panel without intermediary part.
In other possibilities not shown, in the case where the belt passages are shown, the position of the seamed connections 71′, 72′ may be distinct and slightly offset by a few centimetres from the position of the slits forming the belt passages.
Thus, for example the seamed connections 71′, 72′ may be arranged on the inside more towards the centre of the garment from the position of threading 6D, 6G. Conversely, seamed connections 71′, 72′ are arranged on the outside more towards the centre of the garment from the position of threading 6D, 6G.
The dimension K is taken in the direction of the width starting from the innermost seam 71, 71′, 72, 72. And in the direction of height, the dimension E is taken from the median height of the seamed connection, said otherwise is the reference point is at half the height of the buttonholes.
Gradation
The applicant has conducted anatomical and anthropometric studies to establish the following gradation table which defines the preferred intervals/ranges for the most important dimensions of the convertible garment.
Obviously, the different intervals of dimension are meant so that the presented solution fits well both a thin and a broader individual.
Examples of Wearing Configurations
It will now be illustrated several wearing configurations of the garment 10 on a user noted mannequin M.
In the tunic wear configuration (
The more or less wide opening of the indentation 4 allows to adapt to the stature of the wearer. Typically, as shown on the drawing a knot 15 closes the indentation;
The knot 15 is located below the base of the throat; in variation, it is also possible to make the free sections 51, 52 of the lash cross and to tie them with a knot 15 at the back of the neck (no shown).
In the shown example, the lower border 13 of the front panel 1 falls at mid-thigh, same goes for the inferior border 23 of the back panel 2.
Obviously, in this tunic configuration, a belt 9 may be used to achieve a baggy effect. The tunic may be centered more or less by attaching the belt 9 either before or behind the body.
In the poncho wear configuration (
The junctions 8D, 8G aforementioned are located above the arms, but at a lower place. As in the former example, both passages 6D, 6G (or respectively the seamed connections 71′, 72′) provide structure and cohesion on the lateral part of the garment, consequently even though there are no lateral seams, the front and back panels come together properly to cover in the majority of cases the thorax/torso and abdomen of the mannequin.
As in the former example, the more or less wide opening of the indentation 4 allows to adapt to the stature of the wearer. Typically, the free sections of the lash 51, 52 would cross and a knot 15 would be tied at the back of the neck (
In another variant (
Obviously, in this poncho configuration too, a belt 9 may be used to achieve a baggy effect. The cloth may be centred more or less by attaching the belt 9 either before or behind the body.
Note on
Depending on the height A chosen, the inferior border 23 may land above or at the level of the knee.
In the backless dress wear configuration (
In another variant
In a variant shown
The free sections of the lash may be shortened in any case, to adjust to the desired height and cover more or less the back of the mannequin (see
Under the arms, the junctions 8D, 8C provide a lateral closing for the thorax.
The two eyelets/passages 6D/6G (or respectively the seamed connections 71′, 72′) provide cohesive structure on the lateral part of the garment, consequently even though there are no lateral seams, the front and back panels come together properly to cover in the majority of cases the abdomen, hips, and thighs of the mannequin. In the event of long A, the legs are substantially covered by the lower part of the front panel, typically the lower border 23 falls below the knee. Depending on the morphology of the wearer and the dimensions A and B, in some examples, the lower border may reach the ankles.
Wearing a swimsuit (shown in dotted line) is of course compatible with the backless dress configuration.
In the skirt wear configuration (
In the asymmetric wear configuration (
In the example shown, the right shoulder is bare and the left arm is pulled through the front and back panel under the junction 8G. The opposite is obviously possible.
For the lash 5, the knot 15 is tied behind the neck either behind the neck or by crossing in the front of neck (as shown) or without crossing.
In the sarouel (
In the sarouel configuration, the exterior side of the legs and the thigh are bare even though the cloth falls lower, before and behind, hence its calling asymmetric.
In a peculiar configuration, the free ends of the lash are pulled to the back through the slits; after tying a knot behind the back, this creates a back “half belt”.
Note that the borders/edges may be non-straight, with waves, windows, pearls etc.
In a variant not shown here, the shoulder junctions 8G 8D are detachable such as snap fasteners, zippers or loops & hooks (Velcro™).
In addition, with the aforementioned eyelets with detachable double buttonholes, this allows to have the front and/or the back of the garment interchangeable, thus the front and back panels can be exchanged/updated.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 62624 | Dec 2015 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2016/053548 | 12/19/2016 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017/103549 | 6/22/2017 | WO | A |
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| 20180368496 A1 | Dec 2018 | US |
