FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention and its embodiments relate to the field of apparel, and particularly, relate to garments that combine the features of a pair of shorts and a skirt.
BACKGROUND
The American retailer Montgomery Ward, Inc. claims to have invented the garment named the “skort” at least as early as 1959. Montgomery Ward's original skort was a short pleated skirt with an attached “bloomer” underneath the skirt. An historic synonym for the term “skort” is “trouser skirt.” Skorts were developed to provide more freedom than skirts for wearers to engage in activities such as sports, gardening, bicycling, but also to keep the appearance of a skirt.
A modern example of a skort is that of a pair of shorts with a permanently attached skirt covering the shorts. The shorts in a modern skort are typically close fitting to the wearer's legs such as short-legged elastic tights. As a garment, a typical modern skort has drawbacks that are addressed by the present invention.
SUMMARY
The invention is a garment providing the freedom of shorts with the smooth lines of a skirt, and may be referred to as a “skort.” Advantageously, the inventive skort provides a skirt that may be detachable from the shorts so the shorts may be worn alone or with the skirt. In some embodiments, a user may detach or attach the skirt while wearing the shorts. Another advantage is that, in some embodiments, the skirt may be reversible so the user may decide which of the two sides of the skirt to wear as the outside or the inside of the inventive skort. In some embodiments, a user may reverse the skirt while wearing the shorts. Other advantages of the invention may include features such as the skort being made of eco-conscious materials or fabric that may have an adjustable fit, and/or may be anti-microbial, breathable, chafe-free or chafe-minimized, comfortable, compressible, easy care, lightweight, moisture wicking, odor-absorbing, quick-drying, slimming, soft, stylish, and/or sun-blocking (in part or whole). The construction of embodiments of the invention may be carried out to further or fulfill one or more of the stated advantages. An example of such construction may be the use of flat seams to minimize chafing. Another example of such construction may be the use of four-way stretch fabrics or materials.
Further advantages of the invention may include embodiment configurations that may be made suitable to the proposed use of the inventive skort. For example, all or most of the embodiments of the invention may include a pocket(s) for keys and/or a mobile unit such as a cell phone while embodiments designed for specific sports may include, respectively, a pocket(s) and/or other element(s) related to the specific sports in addition to the previously mentioned pocket(s) or in the alternative thereto. As an example, an embodiment of the invention for tennis wear may include one or more pockets for tennis balls. Another embodiment suitable for golf wear may include one or more pockets sized differently from the tennis wear to contain golf balls, which are smaller than tennis balls.
Other features and advantages of the inventions may be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description and by reference to the appended drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2A shows a cutaway front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2B shows a cutaway back view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is a drawing of the front of a pair of shorts as may be used in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3B is a drawing of the back of the pair of shorts shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is a drawing of the left side of the pair of shorts shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4A depicts a front view of an embodiment of the invention as worn by a user.
FIG. 4B depicts a front view of the skirt of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4C depicts a back view of the skirt of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4D depicts a top view of an exemplary spread-out skirt as may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4E depicts a top view of another exemplary spread-out skirt as may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an exemplary skirt as may be used with shorts shown in ghost form according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5B illustrates a back view of an exemplary skirt as may be used with shorts shown in ghost form according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of exemplary shorts as may be used with skirt shown in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A shows the front of an exemplary skort according to the invention.
FIG. 6B shows the back of the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6C shows the front of the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A in a different configuration of the skirt.
FIG. 6D shows the front of an exemplary pair of shorts as may be used with the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6E shows the back of the exemplary pair of shorts that may be used with the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6F shows a pair of poppers as may be used with the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6G shows the left side of the exemplary pair of shorts that may be used with the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6H shows the left side of the exemplary skort shown in FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invention is described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, alternative embodiments, and also with reference to the attached drawings. The invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms and carried out in a variety of ways, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments that are described and shown herein are only examples of the ways to implement the invention. Others will occur to those skilled in the art.
In terms of nomenclature herein, the singular includes the plural, the masculine includes the feminine and/or neutral, “person” includes a corporation, a partnership or the like, and an embodiment, in whole or in part, may be an apparatus, a device, a garment, a kit, a method, a process, a skort, and/or a system, unless otherwise noted. Generally, the terms “and” and “or” may be interchangeable unless otherwise noted or understood from context. Moreover, like numerals indicate like elements throughout the figures.
Exemplary Skorts Including Shorts and Skirts—FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1A shows a skort embodiment 10 with the shorts 12 being slightly longer than the skirt 14, which rides over the shorts 12. FIG. 1B shows another skort embodiment 16 also with the shorts 18 being slightly longer than skirt 20, which rides over the shorts 18. The skort embodiments 10, 16 differ from each other at least with respect to the style of the respective skirts 14, 20. Thus, the invention is not to be limited to a skort with a particular style of skirt or shorts.
The skort embodiments 10, 16 share the feature that the respective shorts 12, 18 of each skort 10, 16 are slightly longer than the skirts 14, 20. Nonetheless, the invention is not to be limited to embodiments wherein the shorts are longer than skirt. The shorts in a skort according to the invention may be of any length with respect to the skirt in the embodiment. Thus, in some embodiments, the shorts may be shorter in length than the length of the skirt.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show, respectively, in cutaway, the front and back of a skort embodiment 22 according to the invention. The shorts 24 are shorter than the skirt 26 in embodiment 22. In this embodiment 22, the front and back of the skort 22 are very similar, but for the inclusion of a key pocket 28 in the waistband 30 of the back of the skort 22. Thus, an embodiment of the invention may be constructed with not much difference between the front and back while another embodiment may differ more between its front and back.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show two additional features that may be included in an embodiment according to the invention. A first feature is an “anti-ride-up” feature 25a, 25b to the shorts of the embodiment 22. The anti-ride-up feature may minimize the movement or “ride” of the legs of the shorts from moving on the legs of the wearer. For example, some prior art athletic shorts have legs that move up the user's legs so the user may be made uncomfortable and may have to (sometimes repeatedly) adjust the legs of the shorts to their original position. In embodiment 22, the anti-ride-up feature 25a, 25a is disposed respectively near the inside bottom of each leg of the shorts 24. For example, a gripping element may constitute the anti-ride-up feature 25a, 25b. The gripping element may be disposed near the inside bottom respectively of each short leg in any appropriate manner according to the particular embodiment. For example, a gripping element may be disposed respectively around the entire periphery of the inside of the legs of the shorts. As another example, a gripping element may be disposed respectively around a portion of the periphery of the inside of the legs of the shorts. As another alternative, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a gripping element may be configured in segments near the inside bottom of the legs of the shorts. A gripping element may be implemented in any appropriate manner. An example of a gripping element is a silicon thread that may be attached as described above. Other variations are possible.
The second feature 27 in the exemplary skort 22 shows in FIGS. 2A and 2B is a gusseted crotch. The entire gusseted crotch is not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but the use of a gusseted crotch in shorts and pants is well known to those skilled in the art. A gusset may be a triangular or rhomboidal piece of fabric inserted into a seam to add breadth or reduce stress from tight—fitting clothing such as by adding breadth at the crotch seam. A gusset may be made of a fabric different from the remainder of the shorts of the skort such as a moisture-wicking breathable fabric to keep the genital area dry and ventilated.
Exemplary Shorts as May Be Used with Embodiments of the Invention—FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C
As noted, the invention provides a skort with shorts and a detachable skirt. This section provides examples of shorts that may be used in exemplary embodiments, but the invention is not to be limited to these examples. Other types or styles of shorts besides those mentioned herein may be used with embodiments of the invention.
Advantageously, the invention may provide an embodiment that includes compression shorts for a relatively close fit about a person's legs and bottom. Compression shorts also may be referred to as spandex shorts or “spandex.” Other types of shorts may be used in other embodiments.
The shorts of an exemplary skort may be made of any appropriate material or fabric suited to the purpose of the skort. For example, if the shorts are compression shorts, they may be made from polyester, nylon and/or spandex and may feature four-way stretch. In other types of shorts used with skorts of the invention, the fabric may be made from eco-conscious materials such as recycled bottles, bamboo, cotton, etc.
The material of the shorts in an exemplary skort may vary from embodiment to embodiment depending on the proposed use of the skort. For example, a heavier weight of fabric may be used in the shorts when the use of the skort is designed for cold weather while a lighter weight of fabric may be used in the shorts designed for use in hot weather. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment may combine the use of heavier weight material for a part(s) of the shorts and a lighter weight material for another part(s) of the shorts. The material of the shorts in an exemplary skort may be moisture wicking to wick sweat from a user's body. The shorts' material (all or part) may be protective against sun exposure. The material of the shorts may have other special aspects for the whole of the shorts or in part such as being of a mesh fabric, more stretchy fabric, less stretchy fabric, etc.
In addition, the material of the shorts in an exemplary skort may vary in composition within the shorts. For example, a thicker material may be used in one or more parts of the shorts. As another example, a mesh material may be used for the pockets, but not used elsewhere in the shorts. Many variables are possible.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict, respectively, the front, back, and a left side panel of a pair of compression shorts 32 as may be used in an exemplary skort according to the invention. The shorts 32 include a relatively wide waistband 34. Other waistbands may be wider or narrower or differ in other aspects. The waistband 34 may be made of fabric the same as the rest of or part of the rest of the shorts, or may be made of a material different from the rest of the shorts 32. Differences between the fabrics of the waistband 34 with respect to the respect of the shorts 32 may on account of the fabric's function as a waistband. For example, the waistband 34 may be made of a stretchy ribbed fabric. As another example, the waistband 34 may be two-ply or more. Further, the waistband 34 may an elastic waistband. In an embodiment, the waistband may include a drawstring disposed within the waistband with adjustable ends near the front center of the waistband to allow for a customized fit of the waistband. The waistband does not necessarily have to be made all of the same material.
According to the invention, the waistband of the shorts also functions as the waistband of the skirt, and thus, the skort. Thus, while the skirt may cover the rest of the shorts of an embodiment, the waistband of the shorts may be seen as the waistband of the skirt, and thus, the skort. Decoration of the waistband may take into account its visibility when the shorts are worn with the skirt to be worn as the skort, and when the shorts are worn without the skirt.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, there is a zippered pocket 36 positioned in the center back of the waistband 34. Advantageously, the zippered pocket 36 may be made to be almost invisible or integral with the remainder of the waistband 34. The zippered pocket 36 may be sized in any appropriate manner such as being just big enough to hold car keys, an identification, etc. Alternative embodiments may not have such a pocket or may have a pocket sized and/or positioned differently, or configured differently other than a zippered pocket. Yet other embodiments may provide for more than one pocket in the waistband.
Importantly, the waistband 34 of the shorts includes a feature that provides for the attachment and removal of a skirt to the shorts to make the combination of a skort. In particular, referring to the shorts 32 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, one half of a zipper 38 is disposed along the outside bottom of the waistband 34 of the shorts 32. The zipper half 38 is used to attach a skirt (not shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C) to the shorts 32 to construct a skort. Preferably, the zipper half 38 is included on the outside bottom of the waistband 34 so the zipper half 38 is not visible or at least minimally visible when the shorts 32 are worn without the skirt. For example, the zipper half 38 may be hidden by another element such as piping.
Even though the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C includes a zipper half 38 at the outside bottom of the waistband 34 of the shorts 32, other embodiments instead may include a half zipper positioned differently, and/or provide respectively different attachment mechanisms for a skirt (as discussed below). Another preference is that the zipper half 38 may stretch with the fabric to which the zipper half 38 is connected so the zipper half 38 may be a stretchable zipper half.
The zipper half 38 used with the shorts 32 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C disposed completely around the shorts 22. Other embodiments may vary depending on the style of the skirt to be attached. For example, an embodiment may feature a skirt that does not completely wrap around all of the shorts. In that case, the half zipper on the shorts may not necessarily wrap around the shorts 22. Generally, the top or first end of a half zipper may be disposed on the front of the shorts with the bottom or second end of the half zipper being disposed also on the front of the shorts, but close to the top end of the half zipper. In some embodiments, the half zipper on the shorts may allow for the zipping of the skirt from either the top or first end of the half zipper or the bottom or second end of the half zipper. Also, an embodiment may feature dual zipper pulls so a user may zip or unzip the skirt from the shorts from either the top end or the bottom end of the half zipper.
Returning to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the remainder of the shorts 32 include front panels 40a, 40b, back panels 42a, 42b, and side panels 44a, 44b. These panels may be integrally constructed in whole with respect to each other or in separate parts in the various embodiments of the invention. The panels may be constructed with flat seams for comfort if the panels are sewn together. Typically, in an embodiment, the front panels 40a, 40b and the back panels 42a, 42b may be made of the same fabric, but that does not necessarily have to be the case. For example, the fabric of the back panels of shorts used in an exemplary skort may be thicker or more opaque than the fabric of front panels of the same shorts.
The side panels 44a, 44b of the shorts 32 may be made of the same fabric as the front panels 40a, 40b and/or back panels 42a, 42b. Preferably, however, the side panels 44a, 44b are constructed differently from the front panels 40a, 40b or back panels 42a, 42b of the shorts 32. For example, the side panels 44a, 44b may have more stretchy and/or lighter fabric than the front panels 40a, 40b and/or back panels 42a, 42b.
In the embodiment 32 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, each side panel 44a, 44b includes, respectively, two pockets 46a, 46b and 48a, 48b. As shown in FIG. 3C, the side panel 44b of the shorts 32 includes a top pocket 46a near the bottom of the waistband 34. The top pockets 46a, 46b may be sized and configured in any appropriate manner. One way to configure top pocket 46a (and/or top pocket 46b) is so it may accommodate a mobile unit such as a cell phone. The other top pocket 46b may be configured the same as its counterpart 46a, may be configured differently, or may be completely lacking in other embodiments.
The outer parts of the top pockets 46a, 46b may be made of stretchy material so the outer parts lie relatively flat when the top pockets 46a, 46b are empty, and may distend only enough from their flat positions to encompass the cell phone or other item(s) inserted therein. To provide for a lighter weight exemplary skort, the stretchy material of one or both of the top pockets 46a, 46b may be made of a mesh fabric. Even though the embodiment in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C shows the use of top pockets 46a, 46b, other embodiments may fail to include one or both of them, and/or to provide another element(s) in their place. Moreover, the construction of one of the top pockets 46a, 46b may differ from that of the other.
FIG. 3C also shows that side panel 44b of the shorts 32 includes a bottom pocket 48a. A bottom pocket 48b is provided on side panel 44a as well. The bottom pockets 48a, 48b may be sized and configured in any appropriate manner, and such configurations do not have to be the same with respect to the pockets 48a, 48b.
One way to configure bottom pocket 48a (and/or bottom pocket 48b) is so it may accommodate something related to the use of the skort. For example, if the user is wearing the skort to play tennis, one or both of the bottom pockets 48a, 48b may be made to accommodate one or more tennis balls. The outer part of the bottom pockets 48a, 48b may be made of stretchy material so the pockets 48a, 48b lie relatively flat when empty and distend only from their flat positions to encompass the item(s) inserted therein. To provide for a lighter weight exemplary skort, the stretchy material of the outside of the bottom pockets 48a, 48b may be made of a mesh fabric. Even though the embodiment in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C shows the use of bottom pockets 48a, 48b, other embodiments may fail to include one or both of them, and/or to provide another element(s) in their place. Moreover, the construction of one of the top pockets 46a, 46b may differ from that of the other.
Also, the shorts of an exemplary skort according to the invention may be configured in different ways to facilitate the use of the skort for a particular purpose. For example, an embodiment may include shorts in a skort with one or more pockets specifically sized to hold one or more tennis balls while another embodiment may include shorts in a skort with one or more pockets particularly sized to hold items relating to golf such as golf balls, tees, a ball towel, etc. As another example, a skort embodiment may include shorts with a gusseted crotch to allow for greater flexibility and movement such as in rock climbing.
Exemplary Skirt as May Be Used with Embodiments of the Invention—FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E
Embodiment 50 as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C shows a skort 50 with only the waistband 52 and skirt 54 visible. The shorts are hidden underneath the skirt 54. FIG. 4D is a top view of only the skirt 54 in a spread out fashion. FIG. 4E shows a top view of an alternative skirt 70 as may be used with embodiments of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 4A, a skort 50 is shown in front view including a relatively wide waistband 52 attached to a skirt 54. As is explained in further detail in this section, the skirt 54 is attached via zipper to the bottom of the waistband to construct the skort 50.
In the embodiment 50 shown in FIG. 4A, the skirt 54 includes eight (8) sections or panels. FIG. 4A shows five (5) of the sections 56, 58a, 58b, 60a, and 60b. Section 56 is the main front panel of the skirt 54. Section 56 is generally shaped like the letter “T” with a thick vertical element compared to the arms of the “T.” The top of the “T” of the skirt 54 includes at least part of a half zipper (not shown in FIG. 4A) to zip with the half zipper (not shown) set into the bottom of the waistband 52 of the shorts. The main front panel 56 of the skirt 54 is shown in FIG. 4A as including a graphic design different from the other panels or sections 58a, 58b, 60a, and 60b of the skirt 54. Besides graphic design, the front panel 56 may be different from other elements of the skirt 54 in one or more ways. For example, the front panel 56 may be made of a “more stiff” fabric than the remainder of the skirt 54, or a thicker fabric than the remainder of the skirt 54, etc. As another example, the front panel 56 may be made of a more opaque material than the remainder of the skirt 54.
Still referring to FIG. 4A, on either side of front panel 56 are two “middle” panels 58a, 58b, which are shaped generally as inverted “commas” with a wider base that diminishes and curves to one side to a less wide top. The wider base of each middle panel 58a, 58b may serve to increase the fullness of the bottom of the skirt 54. The less wide top of each middle panel 58a, 58b may serve to form fit the skirt 54 to the user. The middle panels 58a, 58b may be made integrally with the front panel 56. But as shown in FIG. 4A, the middle panels 58a, 58b may be separate elements in the skirt 54. The respective seams between the middle panels 58a, 58b and the front 56 may be made as flat as possible for the comfort of the user (or otherwise) through the use of flat lock seams and/or otherwise. The middle panels 58a, 58b may be made of the same fabric with respect to each other or not. The middle panels 58a, 58b may be made of the same fabric with respect to the front panel 56 or not. In FIG. 4A, the middle panels 58a, 58b are shown as at least having a different graphic design from the front panel 56. The middle panels 58a, 58b and the front panel 56 may differ in other ways as well in this embodiment as well as others.
Also still referring to FIG. 4A, the skirt 54 may include side panels 60a, 60b. These side panels 60a, 60b may be positioned adjacent, respectively, on the front of the skirt 54 to the middle panels 58a, 58b. The side panels 60a, 60b may be generally “bell” shaped so that one side of each of the side panels 60a, 60b is attached, respectively, to the middle panels 58a, 58b. As is more specifically described below, the other side of each of the bell shaped side panels 60a, 60b is attached, respectively, to the panels 66a, 66b on the back of the skirt 54 as may be seen in FIG. 4C.
As noted, the side panels 60a, 60b are generally bell shaped. The bottom of the bell in both side panels 60a, 60b is wider than its top. Thus, the side panels 60a, 60b may serve to increase the fullness of the bottom of the skirt 54. The less wide top of each panel 60a, 60b may serve to better form fit the skirt 54 to the user. The panels 60a, 60b may be made integrally with the front panel 56 and/or the middle panels 58a, 58b. But as shown in FIG. 4A, the side panels 60a, 60b are separate elements in the skirt 54. The seams between the side panels 60a, 60b and the middle panels 58a, 58b may be made as flat as possible for the comfort of the user (and/or otherwise) through the use of flatlock seams and/or otherwise. The side panels 60a, 60b may be made of the same fabric with respect to each other or not. The side panels 60a, 60b may be made of the same fabric with respect to the middle panels 58a, 58b, or the front panel 56 or not. In FIG. 4A, the side panels 60a, 60b are shown as at least having a different graphic design from the front panel 56 and from middle panels 58a, 58b. Side panels 60a, 60b may differ in other ways from other elements of the skirt 54 and other elements of the skort 50 in this embodiment as well as others.
FIG. 4B illustrates the front of the skirt 54 as may be used with a skort 50. Besides showing the front panel 56, middle panels 58a, 58b, and side panels 60a, 60b, FIG. 4B also shows half zipper 62. The half zipper 62 is used to attach the skirt 54 to the waistband 52, and also to detach the skirt 54 from the waistband 52.
FIG. 4C shows the back of the skirt 54 as may be used with the exemplary skort 50. FIG. 4C shows the back of the skirt 54 includes a main back panel 64. It compares in this embodiment 50 to the main front panel 56. Other embodiments may vary. The back of the skirt 54 includes back middle panels 66a, 66b, which compare to the middle panels 58a, 58b shown in FIG. 4B. Other embodiments may vary.
FIG. 4C further shows that side panels 60a, 60b connect, respectively, on the back of the skirt 54, to middle back middle portions 66b, 66a. Other embodiments may vary.
In addition, FIG. 4C shows that the half zipper 62 is disposed along the top of the back main panel 64 to attach the back of the skirt 54 to the bottom of the waistband 52.
FIG. 4D is a top view of the skirt 54 as may be used with the exemplary embodiment 50. Skirt 54 is shaped generally as a donut with a donut hole center 61. Accordingly, FIG. 4D shows the skirt 54 has a larger circumference at its outer edge than at its inner edge. The inner edge of the skirt 54 includes a half zipper 62 that may be used to attach the skirt 54 to the bottom of the waistband 52 of the skort 50. A user may attach the skirt 54 to the shorts prior to putting the skort 50 on. Alternatively, the user may put on the shorts of the skort 50, and then step into the donut hole center 61 of the skirt 54, pull up the skirt 54, and attach the skirt 54 using the zipper. The donut hole center 61 of the skirt 54 may stretch to allow the user to put on the skirt 54 and to attach it to the shorts to form the skort 50. Accordingly, the zipper halves on the skirt 54 and the shorts may stretch as well.
In alternative embodiments, the skirt 54 may include one or more splits that begin at the outer circumference of the skirt 54 and continue towards the inner circumference of the skirt 54, but without splitting it. The split(s) may allow for greater movement when wearing the skort. The lengths of the splits may vary in a particular skirt embodiment, or if there is more than one split in a skirt, the splits may be the same length. Moreover, a split in a skirt may be narrow in that the skirt would be donut shaped if the split was sewn together, or a split in a skirt may be wider or shaped. For example, a triangle split may have the base of the triangle along the outer circumference of the skirt with the apex of the triangle closer towards the inner circumference of the skirt. Other variations are possible.
The position of where to start and end the zipping of the zipper may in some embodiments be chosen by the user. In other embodiments, the zipping of the zipper may start and end on or near the left side of the skort 50 as is generally conventional in women's skirts, shorts, and pants.
Advantageously, the skirt 54 is reversible. A user may choose whether to have one side or the other of skirt 54 as the side facing the public or the outside. The half zipper 62 cooperates with the zipper on the bottom of the waistband 52 of the skort 50 to allow for the reversibility of the skirt 54.
FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment of a skirt 70 as may be used with alternative embodiments of the invention. The skirt 70 is not shaped as a complete donut. Rather, the skirt 70 is shaped generally as a donut, but there is a split 72 so the skirt 70 is not a continuous donut shape. Advantageously, the split 72 may allow for more freedom of movement of the legs when using the skirt 70 because the split 72 allows for the skirt 70 to distend more than if it were shaped as a donut. In the case of a split donut shape of the skirt 70, the half zipper 74 on the skirt 70 may be attached to the inner circumference of the skirt 70, which is not a complete circumstance, but rather, takes into account the split 72 in the skirt 70. If skirt 70 were to be used with an embodiment of the invention, the half zipper on the shorts would be made to match the half zipper 74 on the skirt 70. As with the donut shaped skirt 54 shown in FIG. 4E, the position of where to start and end the zipping of the zipper may in some embodiments be chosen by the user. In other embodiments, the zipping of the zipper may start and end on or near the left side of the skort 50 as is generally conventional in women's skirts, shorts, and pants. In that case, the split 72 in the skort may be disposed on the left front side of the skort.
As also is the case with the donut shaped skirt 54, the user may attach the split donut shaped skirt 70 on the shorts prior to donning the skort. Alternatively, the user may put on the shorts, and then attach the split donut shaped skirt 70. The stretchy fabric of the skirt 70 and a stretchy zipper may aid in attaching the skirt 70 to the shorts to make the skort.
Exemplary Skort Elements Including Hook and Eye Sets According to the Invention—FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate elements of a skort 80 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B show, respectively, the front and back of a skirt 82 over shorts 84 with the shorts 84 shown in ghost form with dashed lines. FIG. 5C illustrates the shorts 84. In this embodiment 80, the skirt 82 is attached to the shorts 84 by a number of hook and eye sets 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86n. The number of hook and eye sets and placement of them may vary from embodiment to embodiment.
A hooked set 88 is made up of an eye 90a and a hook 90b. In this embodiment 80, three hook and eye sets 6a, 86b, 86c are used to attach the front of the skirt 82 to the front of the shorts 84, and another three hook and eye sets 86d, 86e, 86n are used to attach the back of the skirt 82 to the back of the shorts 84. The hooks of the hook and eye sets 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86n may be attached along the top of the skirt 82 while the eyes of the hook and eye sets 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86n may be attached along the bottom of the waistband of the shorts 84, or vice versa. Alternatively, fewer than all of the hooks of the hook and eye sets 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86n may be attached along the top of the skirt 82, with the remaining hooks being attached to the bottom of the waistband of the shorts 84. In this alternative, the eyes of the hook and eye sets 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86n may be disposed to compare to the disposition of the hooks.
Embodiment 80 includes hook and eye sets 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86n that are identical to each other, but this need not be the case in alternative embodiments. The hook and eye sets in another embodiment may vary in size, composition, and other features. For example, a stronger hook and eye set may be desirable to attach the center front and center back of a skirt to shorts.
As noted, FIGS. 5A and 5B show, respectively, the front and back of skirt 82. Advantageously, a user may reverse the front and back of the skirt to be the reverse of what is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B so that the splits in the skirt 82 are in the back rather than the front of the skirt 82.
Exemplary Skort Elements Including Plastic Popper Sets and Selective Shortening of Parts of a Skirt According to the Invention—FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6H depict, respectively, elements of an exemplary embodiment 100 of the invention that includes plastic popper set(s) 108 as the mechanism for attaching the skirt 102 to the shorts 104, and a feature 110 that allows a user to adjust the length of parts of the skirt 102 of the skort 100. Another feature of this embodiment 100 is that the front and back of the skirt 102 may be reversed as discussed below.
FIG. 6A shows the front of skort 100 as does FIG. 6C. But in FIG. 6A the floral side (side A) of the skirt 102 is worn in the front while in FIG. 6C the solid side (side B) of the skirt 102 is worn in the front of the skort 100. FIG. 6B depicts the back of the skirt 102 of the skort 100, but as shown in FIG. 6B, the floral side of the skirt 102 is worn in the back of the skort 100. Thus, an advantage of this embodiment 100 of the invention is the skirt 102 of the skort 100 may be switched front to back, and vice versa. Other variations may be possible in other embodiments.
All of the FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show the skirt 102 attached to the bottom of the waistband of the shorts 104 to make the skort 100. The front and back of just the shorts 104 are illustrated, respectively, in FIGS. 6D and 6E. The embodiment 100 uses one or more sets of plastic poppers as the mechanism to attach the skirt 102 to the shorts 104 to create the skort 100. A plastic popper set also may be referred to as a plastic popper, plastic press stud, or plastic snaps. Besides plastic, the popper set may be made of any material suitable to the purpose.
Plastic popper sets are explained in the article that may be found as of Jan. 23, 2019 at https://www.ebay.com/gds/HOW-TO-USE-PLASTIC-PRESS-STUDS-SNAPS-POPPERS-/10000000022630325/g.html. Each popper set includes four elements: 2 caps, one stud, and one socket. For brevity herein, reference is only made to the stud and socket of each popper set.
FIG. 6F illustrates a popper set 108 with a stud on the left and a socket on the right. In this embodiment 100, the skirt 102 is attached to the shorts 104 by two popper sets. The number of popper sets and placement of them may vary from embodiment to embodiment. In this embodiment 100, at least two popper sets are used to attach the skirt 102 to the shorts 104. FIG. 6G shows that at least a part of the popper set 108 is positioned just under the waistband on the left side of the shorts 104 of embodiment 100. Even though the right side of the shorts 104 is not illustrated, it may be assumed that a part of a popper set is positioned correspondingly on the right side of the shorts 104. FIG. 6H shows the left side of the embodiment 100 with the skirt 102 and the shorts 104, but the shorts 104 are shown in ghost form with dashed lines. FIG. 6H also shows the exterior of poppet set 108 on the left side of the skort 100 with the exterior of the poppet set 108 being positioned just under the waistband. Even though the right side of the skort 100 is not illustrated, it may be assumed that a popper set is positioned correspondingly on the right side of the skort 100.
The sockets of the poppet sets used with the skort 100 may be attached along the top of the skirt 102 while the studs of the poppet sets may be attached along the bottom of the waistband of the shorts 104, or vice versa. Alternatively, a poppet set on the right side of the skort 100 may be configured opposite to the poppet set 108 on the left side of the skort 100. Only two poppet sets are used with exemplary skort 100. Other embodiments may use only one or more than two. Moreover, in exemplary skort 100, the two poppet sets are presumed to be identical, but this does not need to be the case. The poppet sets in another embodiment may vary in size, composition, and other features. For example, a stronger poppet set may be desirable to attach the center front and center back of a skirt to shorts for a skort. Other embodiments also may position poppet set(s) differently.
In yet another embodiment, an exemplary skort may use a mix of attachment mechanisms. For example, such a skort may include a poppet set on one side of the skort, a zipper for the front of the skort, and hook and eye sets for the back of the skort. Other variations are possible.
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6H illustrate one or both of the selective shortening mechanisms in the form of ruching features 110, 112 of the exemplary embodiment 100 of the invention. A ruching feature allows a user to change the length of the skirt 102. In this embodiment 100, two ruching features 110, 112 are disposed on either side of the skirt 102 of the skort 100. Thus, a user may select to shorten one or both sides of the skirt 102, and this shortening may allow the user more movement when wearing the skort 100. Other embodiments may only have a single ruching feature or may have more than two ruching features. Moreover, the ruching feature is something that may be selectively used by the user. Also, other embodiments may make use of one or more different ways to selectively shorten a part of a skirt used in a skort.
The shortening of the skirt 102 of a skort 100 via a ruching feature may be accomplished in any appropriate manner. In exemplary skort 100, the ruching features 110, 112 are accomplished in part by respective tubes that are provided vertically on either side of the skirt 102 between the front and back of the skirt 102. A cord 114, 116 may be threaded from the bottom of the skirt 102 through the respective tubes of the ruching features 110, 112, and the cord 114, 116 may be fastened within the tubes near the top of the skirt 102. The cords 114, 116 may be individually pulled by the user to gather the respective tubes together so the sides of the skirt 102 shorten. Once pulled, the cords 114, 116 may be fixed respectively by a stopper or other mechanism so the sides of the skirt 102 remain shortened. Optionally, the user may undo the shortening of one or both sides by releasing the stopper or other mechanism of the ruching feature(s) 110, 112 so the tubes ungather and the skirt 102 returns to its original length. As noted, other ways of shortening one or both sides (or other parts) of a skirt in a skort according to the invention may be used. Also as noted, both the left and right sides of the skirt 102 in skort 100 use the same ruching feature 110, 112. Other embodiments may vary the way ruching features are implemented in a single embodiment of a skort according to the invention.
The embodiments of the invention described above refer to three different types of mechanisms (zipper, hook-and-eye, and poppers) that may be used as the attachment means for attaching the skirt to the shorts in the inventive skort. As noted, these three different types may each be used exclusively within an embodiment, or may be mixed within an embodiment. Moreover, more than one zipper may be used as an attachment means. Other mechanisms may be used exclusively as attachment means in an embodiment, or mixed with one or more other mechanisms within an embodiment. For example, magnets may be used to attach a skirt to the waistband of a pair of shorts in generally the same manner as described in connection with the popper embodiments. As another example, snaps may be used. Whatever mechanism(s) is used as the attachment means, the individual elements of the mechanism may be uniform or may vary from each other. By way of example, an embodiment of the inventive skort may implement larger snaps at select points of connection between the skirt and the shorts than at other points of connection. Yet another mechanism for attaching a skirt to the waistband of a pair of shorts in an embodiment of the invention is a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro® brand.
CONCLUSION
The exemplary embodiments of the invention were chosen and described above in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention including the various embodiment and various modification as suited to the particular uses contemplated. The examples provided herein are not intended as limitation of the present invention. Other embodiments will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.
Patent Application
20210235792
