Patent Application
20240341378
The present invention relates to modular clothing suitable for use by a wheelchair or bedridden user or a person who suffers from a physical disfigurement.
With accessible workspaces, it is possible for wheelchair users to have office-based jobs. Whilst it is easy for an able-bodied person to change to socialise after work, this is not straightforward for a wheelchair user.
Furthermore, it is impossible for some people who suffer from physical disfigurements to find clothing which fits them properly. This is because the disfigurement may result in an asymmetry in their body shape, such as the size of their back being larger than the size of their front (e.g. for a disfigurement such as a spine scoliosis) or the size of their upper body being larger than their lower body (e.g. for achondroplasia or dwarfism). Not many people can afford to pay tailors or seamstresses to create bespoke clothing or have the skills to create such clothing for themselves.
Furthermore, for play activities where specialised clothing is worn, such clothing is not available which is suitable for wear by a wheelchair user or a person with a physical disfigurement.
A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular clothing system comprising a plurality of clothing parts, wherein the plurality of clothing parts includes:
The modular clothing system enables a user to freely switch front clothing parts and/or rear clothing parts in order to alter the assembled modular clothing. Thus, the interchangeability of a front clothing part with one or more other front clothing parts and/or the interchangeability of a rear clothing part with one or more other rear clothing parts not only provides a wearer with a wide range of clothing that fulfils various aesthetic and functional purposes but also makes it easier for the wearer to change their clothing, which provides the wearer with greater independence and comfort. For example, the invention provides a wearer with the option of switching between different front clothing parts depending on whether they are sitting or standing, which may be for aesthetic or comfort reasons. This is of particular benefit to wheelchair or bedridden users as well as people suffering from physical disfigurement or having body shapes and sizes that do not fit standard clothing ranges sold by shops. This includes people with dwarfism and scoliosis.
It will be appreciated that a given modular clothing may be assembled from one or more front clothing parts in combination with one or more rear clothing parts.
The modular clothing system of the invention may be a kit of modular clothing, examples of which are described throughout the specification.
It will be appreciated that, in some assembled modular clothings, some of the fastener elements of the attached clothing parts may remain unused. This may be due to various reasons, such as different number of fastener elements on the front and rear clothing part or such as different shapes or sizes of the front and rear clothing parts.
In embodiments of the invention, the or each front clothing part may be shaped to cover in use at least part of a front part of a body of a wearer by extending from one side of the front of the body to the other side of the front of the body.
In further embodiments of the invention, the or each rear clothing part may be shaped to cover in use at least part of a rear part of a body of a wearer by extending from one side of the rear of the body to the other side of the rear of the body.
In embodiments of the invention, the or each front clothing part may be shaped to cover in use at least part of a front part of a body of a wearer by extending up to the shoulders of the wearer. In further embodiments of the invention, the or each rear clothing part may be shaped to cover in use at least part of a rear part of a body of a wearer by extending up to the shoulders of the wearer. For any front or rear clothing part extending up to the shoulders of the wearer, the clothing part may have a single shoulder portion or two shoulder portions.
In still further embodiments of the invention, the plurality of clothing parts may further include at least one sleeve clothing part for linking to a front clothing part and/or a rear clothing part. In such embodiments, the or each sleeve clothing part may include a fastener element for linking to a fastener element of a front clothing part and/or a fastener element of a rear clothing part. It will be appreciated that a given modular clothing may include one or two sleeve clothing parts. Examples of sleeve clothing parts are described throughout the specification.
In embodiments of the invention, the plurality of clothing parts may further include at least one shoulder clothing part for linking to a front clothing part and/or a rear clothing part. In such embodiments, the or each shoulder clothing part may include a fastener element for linking to a fastener element of a front clothing part and/or a fastener element of a rear clothing part. It will be appreciated that a given modular clothing may include one or two shoulder clothing parts. Examples of sleeve clothing parts are described throughout the specification.
A body length of each of the front and rear clothing parts may vary. For example, a given clothing part may extend from the shoulders or above the chest to the waist, thighs, knees, shins, ankles or any point in-between.
The front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may have a same body length as the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts. Alternatively the front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may have a different body length from the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts.
At least two of the front clothing parts may have different body lengths. At least two of the rear clothing parts may have different body lengths.
The front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may have a same body width as the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts. Alternatively the front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may have a different body width from the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts.
At least two of the front clothing parts may have different body widths. At least two of the rear clothing parts may have different body widths.
The front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may have a same clothing size as the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts. Alternatively the front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may have a different clothing size from the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts.
At least two of the front clothing parts may have different clothing sizes. At least two of the rear clothing parts may have different clothing sizes.
It will be understood that, although different sizing systems exist, the references to clothing sizes is intended to refer to clothing sizes with reference to the same sizing system.
In embodiments of the invention, the front clothing part or at least one of the front clothing parts may include two fastener elements, the two fastener elements may have different lengths and may extend along a side of the corresponding front clothing part, one of the two fastener elements may be linkable to a first fastener element of one of the rear clothing parts, the other of the two fastener elements may be linkable to a second fastener element of another one of the rear clothing parts, the first and second fastener elements may have different lengths. There may be two sets of the two fastener elements, each set extending along a respective side of the corresponding front clothing part.
In further embodiments of the invention, the rear clothing part or at least one of the rear clothing parts may include two fastener elements, the two fastener elements may have different lengths and may extend along a side of the corresponding rear clothing part, one of the two fastener elements may be linkable to a first fastener element of one of the front clothing parts, the other of the two fastener elements may be linkable to a second fastener element of another one of the front clothing parts, the first and second fastener elements may have different lengths. There may be two sets of the two fastener elements, each set extending along a respective side of the corresponding rear clothing part.
A wide range of modular clothings can be assembled from the plurality of clothing parts of the modular clothing system. For example, the different modular clothings may include at least one of: a shirt; a dress; a top; a cropped top; and a bandeau top. Also, for example, the plurality of clothing parts may include a front clothing part that is a harness or is formed from a piece of rope.
The type and configuration of each fastener element may vary depending on the shape and size of the corresponding clothing part.
Each of the front and rear clothings parts may have a single fastener element, or multiple fastener elements (such as a row of fastener elements), down each of its sides. For any front or rear clothing part extending up to the shoulders of the wearer, the clothing part may have a single fastener element, or multiple fastener elements (such as a row of fastener elements), along its shoulder portion or each of its shoulder portions.
In embodiments of the invention, at least one fastener element may be or may include a quick release fitting.
In further embodiments of the invention, at least one fastener element may be or may include a closure. In such embodiments, at least one closure may be or may include: a magnet, a part of a hook-and-loop system; and/or a press-fit stud closure.
In still further embodiments of the invention, at least one of the fastener elements may include a ring, at least one other of the fastener elements may include a retention element, and the retention element may be receivable by the ring to assemble a modular clothing from the corresponding front and rear clothing parts. The retention element may include a strap. The strap may include a closure for securing the strap when it is received by the ring. The ring may be a D-ring.
Optionally at least one fastener element may include a zip element. At least one of the plurality of clothing parts may include a flap for covering the zip.
Further optionally the fastener elements of each clothing part may be arranged to be spaced apart at equidistant intervals. Alternatively the fastener elements of each clothing part may be arranged to be spaced apart at non-equidistant intervals.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a modular clothing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes the steps of:
According to the invention there is provided a kit of modular clothing wherein the kit comprises:
According to the invention there is also provided a front clothing part for use in the kit according to the invention wherein the front clothing part is shaped to cover at least part of a front part of a body of a wearer by extending from one side of the front of the body to the other side wherein each front clothing part has a quick release fitting on each side for linking to a respective side of a rear clothing part.
According to the invention there is further provided a rear clothing part for use in the kit according to the invention wherein the rear clothing part is shaped to cover a part of a rear part of the body of the wearer by extending from one side of the rear of the body to the other side and by optionally extending up to the shoulders of the wearer wherein each rear clothing part has a quick release fitting on each side and on each shoulder for linking to the front part.
According to the invention there is also provided a pair of sleeve clothing parts suitable for use in the kit according to the invention wherein each sleeve clothing part has a quick release fitting for linking to a front and/or rear clothing part.
According to the invention there is further provided modular clothing which is formed from a front clothing part according to the invention, a rear clothing part according to the invention, and optionally a pair of sleeve clothing parts according to the invention.
Advantages of the modular clothing system, the kit of modular clothing and the clothing parts according to the invention include that the quick release fittings allow a wheelchair user to easily change their clothing so that they can wear a formal front clothing part whilst working and then swap it for a casual clothing part, e.g. to socialise after work. Without the invention, it would be necessary for one or more carers, often assisted by a hoist, to help the wheelchair user out of their chair and to support and assist them while they change clothing which is not practical or indeed possible in some circumstances. A further advantage of the invention is that a person with a physical disfigurement may have front and rear clothing parts where the front clothing part has a different size to the rear clothing part, e.g. such that the front part has a smaller size to the rear clothing part such that the clothing fits and is flattering. An additional advantage is that a wheelchair user or a person with a disfigurement may have an item of clothing formed from a comfortable rear clothing part and a play front clothing part where the rear clothing part is comfortable to wear in a wheelchair or with a disfigurement and where the front clothing part has an appearance to suit a play activity such as a fancy dress front clothing part or a sexy front clothing part (e.g. bondage clothing).
In some embodiments, each quick release fitting may comprise one or more closures. In some embodiments, each closure may be a magnet, a part of a hook and loop system, and/or a press-fit stud closure. In some embodiments, each quick release fitting may comprise two or more closures wherein each adjacent pair of closures is spaced by the same predetermined distance; and wherein the two or more closures are a magnet and/or a press-fit stud closure. Advantages of spacing each adjacent pair of magnets by the same predetermined distance is that front and/or rear clothing parts are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the quick release fittings for front and rear clothing parts may each comprise a part of a hook and loop system in addition to a closure which is a magnet or a press-fit stud closure. The advantages of including an additional hook and loop system include that the security of the link between the front and rear clothing parts is improved.
In some embodiments, the quick release fittings for front and rear clothing parts may each comprise one of a D-ring and a strap with a closure or a clip for securing the strap to the D-ring. In some embodiments, the D-ring may be attached by a releasable clip. In some embodiments, the strap closure may comprise a magnet, a press-fit stud closure, and/or a hook and loop system.
In some embodiments, the quick release fittings may be a zip (e.g. a magnetic zip). In some embodiments, where the quick release fittings are a zip, one of the quick release fittings may comprise a flap for covering the zip. In some embodiments, the flap may be secured by a hook and loop system.
In some embodiments, the kit may comprise front and rear clothing parts which have substantially the same length. In some embodiments, the front and rear clothing parts may have a very long length such that they may be linked to form modular clothing which is a dress. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a very long length, the side fittings of the front and rear clothing parts may have multiple magnets, e.g. from 15 to 30 magnets. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a very long length, the front and rear clothing parts may extend from the shoulders or from above the chest to the thighs, knees, or ankles or to any point in between.
In some embodiments, the front and rear clothing parts may have a long length such that they may be linked to form modular clothing which is a mini-dress or a tunic top. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a long length, the side fittings of the front and rear clothing parts may have multiple magnets, e.g. from 10 to 20 magnets. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a long length, the front and rear clothing parts may extend from the shoulders or from above the chest to below the buttocks.
In some embodiments, the front and rear clothing parts may have a medium length such that they may be linked to form modular clothing which is a top. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a medium length, the side fittings of the front and rear clothing parts may have multiple magnets, e.g. from 6 to 12 magnets. In some embodiments, a front clothing part which has a medium length may be a wrap-style top, a tank top, a gathered neck top, a vest-style top, a round-neck top, or a ruffled neck top. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a medium length, the front and rear clothing parts may extend from the shoulders or from above the chest to the waist.
In some embodiments, the front and rear clothing parts may have a short length such that they may be linked to form modular clothing which is a cropped top. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a short length, the side fittings of the front and rear clothing parts may have multiple magnets, e.g. from 3 to 6 magnets. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a short length, the front and rear clothing parts may extend from the shoulders or from above the chest to below the rib cage or above the belly button.
In some embodiments, the front and rear clothing parts may have a very short length such that they may be linked to form modular clothing which is a bandeau top. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a very short length, the side fittings of the front and rear clothing parts may have multiple magnets, e.g. from 2 to 4 magnets. In some embodiments, where the front and rear clothing parts have a very short length, the front and rear clothing parts may cover the chest.
In some embodiments, the front clothing part may include one or two front shoulder parts such that it is suitable for use with rear clothing part (b). In some embodiments, the one or two front shoulder parts may have a front shoulder fitting for linking to a respective shoulder part of a rear clothing part. In some embodiments, the one or two front shoulder parts may each be in the form of a vest strap, a bandeau, a racerback strap, or a narrow front shoulder strap such as spaghetti strap. In some embodiments, the shoulder fitting may have from 1 to 3 magnets, e.g. 2 magnets. In some embodiments, where the one or two front shoulder straps are narrow shoulder straps, the shoulder fitting may have 1 magnet.
In some embodiments, the kit may comprise three or more clothing parts which may comprise two front clothing parts and one rear clothing part or which may comprise one front clothing part, one rear clothing part, and one pair of sleeves clothing part. In some embodiments, the kit may comprise four or more clothing parts which may comprise two front clothing parts and one rear clothing part, and one pair of sleeves clothing part, or which may comprise two front clothing parts and two rear clothing parts. A skilled person would appreciate that there are many permutations of different numbers of each clothing part which may be used to form a kit having a number of clothing parts which is four or more, five or more, six or more etc. A skilled person would also appreciate that there is no particular maximum number of clothing parts which the kit may comprise as the front and rear clothing parts.
In some embodiments, a kit according to the invention for use by a wheelchair user may comprise at least one long front clothing part and at least one corresponding rear clothing part. In some embodiments, a kit according to the invention for use by a user with a physical disfigurement may comprise at least a front clothing part and a rear clothing part where one of the front clothing part or the rear clothing part has a size which is different to the other of the front clothing part or the rear clothing part in order to accommodate the physical disfigurement. In some embodiments, the physical disfigurement may be scoliosis, achondroplasia, and/or dwarfism.
In some embodiments, the quick release fittings for use in a kit for use by a wheelchair user or by a user with a physical disfigurement may comprise one or more magnets or press-fit closures, optionally with a part of a hook and loop system, or may be a zip.
In some embodiments, the front clothing part may have left and/or right shoulder parts which each have a quick release fitting for linking to a quick release fitting on a corresponding shoulder part of a rear clothing part. In some embodiments, the front clothing part may have left and/or right shoulder parts which each have a quick release sleeve fitting for connection to a corresponding quick release fitting on a sleeve part.
In some embodiments, a kit according to the invention for play use may include one or more harnesses. In some embodiments, a kit according to the invention for play use may include one or more pieces of rope. In some embodiments, the quick release fittings for front and rear clothing parts for use in the kit for play use may each comprise one of a D-ring and a strap with a closure, or a clip for securing the strap to the D-ring. In some embodiments, the D-ring may be attached by a releasable clip to the rear clothing part.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, and the claims and/or the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention:
The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interests of clarity and conciseness.
Non-limiting embodiments of the modular clothing system according to the invention are described as follows. For the purposes of this specification, it is disclosed that each of the plurality of clothing parts of the modular clothing system of the invention may be selected from any one of the clothing parts described in the following embodiments. Each fitting may be replaced by a different type of fastener element, examples of which are described throughout the specification.
A first embodiment of a modular clothing system, in the form of a kit of modular clothing, according to the invention is indicated generally at 10 on
Each front clothing part 20A,20B has an upper edge or neckline 28, a lower edge or hem 29, side fittings 22A,22B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a rear clothing part 30A,30B, and shoulder portions 24A,24B which each have on their outer ends a shoulder fitting 26A,26B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a rear clothing part 30A,30B. The shoulder portions 24A,24B may also have sleeve fittings 27A,27B on their sides for attachment to corresponding fittings on a sleeve 45A,45B. Sleeve fitting 27A is illustrated in
Front clothing part 20A has a long length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable to form the front part of a dress. Front clothing part 20A is a V-necked shift dress front part. Front clothing part 20B has a medium length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable to form the front part of a wrap-style top.
In an alternative embodiment, the kit 10 may also include one or more additional front parts 20C,20D,20E,20G,20H,20I,20J,20K,20L,20M according to a different embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the front parts 20A,20B of kit 10 may be replaced or by one more front parts 20C,20D,20E,20G,20H,20I,20J,20K,20L,20M according to a different embodiment of the invention. Front part 20H may be included in the kit 10 if accompanied by a corresponding shaped rear clothing part 30J. Front parts 20K,20L,20M may be included in the kit 10 if the side and shoulder fittings 32A,32B,36A,36B of the rear clothing parts 30A,30B are replaced by side and shoulder fittings 132A,132B,136A,136B or if the side and shoulder fittings of front parts 20L,20M are replaced by side and shoulder fittings 22A,22B,26A,26B.
Each rear clothing part 30A,30B has an upper edge or neckline 38, a lower edge or hem 39, side fittings 32A,32B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a front clothing part 20A,20B, and shoulder portions 34A,34B which each have on their outer ends a shoulder fitting 36A,36B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a front clothing part 20A,20B. The shoulder portions 34A,34B may also have sleeve fittings 27A,27B on their sides for attachment to corresponding fittings on a sleeve 45A,45B. Sleeve fitting 27A is illustrated in
Rear clothing part 30A has a long length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is a long rear clothing part suitable for forming the rear part of a dress for use with front clothing part 20A. Rear clothing part 30B has a medium length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is a rear clothing part suitable for forming the rear part of a top, e.g. for use with front clothing part 20B.
In an alternative embodiment, the kit 10 may also include one or more additional rear parts 30D,30E according to a different embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the front parts 20A,20B of kit 10 may be replaced by one or more rear parts 30D,30E according to a different embodiment of the invention.
Each pair of sleeves 40A,40B comprises two sleeves 45A,45B which each have a sleeve fitting 42A,42B for attachment to corresponding sleeve fittings 27A,27B on the front clothing part 20A,20B and/or the rear clothing part 30A,30B respectively.
The pair of sleeves 40A are bell-style or draped sleeves. The pair of sleeves 40B are three-quarter length sleeves 40B. In an alternative embodiment, the kit 10 may also include one or more additional pairs of sleeves 40C,40D according to a third and/or fourth embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the pairs of sleeves 40A,40B of kit 10 may be replaced by one or more pairs of sleeves 40C,40D according to a third and/or fourth embodiment of the invention.
Side fittings 228,32B each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and a plurality of evenly spaced magnets as illustrated in detail on
Shoulder fittings 26B,36B each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and two magnets as illustrated in detail on
In use, modular clothing may be formed from a rear clothing part 30A,30B and a front clothing part 20A,20B as follows. A rear clothing part 30A,30B may be placed on a wheelchair before the wheelchair user 60A sits on it. A front clothing part 20A,20B may be draped over a wheelchair user 60A and the corresponding quick release fittings 22A,22B,32A,32B,26A,26B,36A,36B may be linked together to form the modular clothing. Whilst a wheelchair user 60A is seated in their wheelchair, the front part 20B of their top or the front part 20A of their dress may be interchanged to suit a different social or work occasion by releasing the linked quick release fittings 22A,22B,32A,32B,26A,26B,36A,36B so that the existing front part 20A,20B may be swapped for a different front part 20A,20B. The different front part 20A,20B may then be linked to the rear part 30A,30B to form new modular clothing.
A second embodiment of a kit of modular clothing according to the invention is indicated generally at 110 on
Each front clothing part 20C,20D has an upper edge or neckline 28, a lower edge or hem 29, side fittings 22A,22B for attachment to corresponding fittings 32A,32B on a rear clothing part 30C, and shoulder portions 24A,24B which each have on their outer ends a shoulder fitting 26A,26B for attachment to corresponding fittings 36A,36B on the rear clothing part 30C. The shoulder portions 24A,24B may also have sleeve fittings 27A,27B on their sides for attachment to corresponding fittings on a sleeve 45A,45B. Sleeve fitting 27A is illustrated in
Front clothing part 20C has a medium length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable to form a tank top. Front clothing part 20D has a medium length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable to form a gathered neck top. In an alternative embodiment, the kit 110 may also include one or more additional front parts 20A,20B,20E,20G,20H,20I,20J,20K,20L,20M according to a different embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the front parts 20C,20D of kit 110 may be replaced by one or more front parts 20A,20B,20E,20G,20H,20I,20J,20K,20L,20M according to a different embodiment of the invention. Front part 20H may be included in the kit 110 if accompanied by a corresponding shaped rear clothing part 30J. Front parts 20K,20L,20M may be included in the kit 110 if the side and shoulder fittings 32A,32B,36A,36B of the rear clothing parts 30C are replaced by side and shoulder fittings 132A,132B,136A,136B or if the side and shoulder fittings of front parts 20L,20M are replaced by side and shoulder fittings 22A,22B,26A,26B.
Rear clothing part 30C has an upper edge or neckline 38, a lower edge or hem 39, side fittings 32A,32B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a front clothing part 20C,20D, and shoulder portions 34A,34B which each have on their outer ends a shoulder fitting 36A,36B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a front clothing part 20C,20D. The shoulder portions 34A,34B may also have sleeve fittings 27A,27B on their sides for attachment to corresponding fittings on a sleeve 45A,45B. Sleeve fitting 27A is illustrated in
Rear clothing part 30C has a medium length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable for forming the rear part of a top. Rear clothing part 30C has a greater width between side fitting 32A and side fitting 32B, in comparison to the width between the side fittings 32A,32B for the front clothing parts 20C,20D such that rear clothing part 30C has a larger size than the front clothing parts 20C,20D. Larger rear clothing part 30C is sized to accommodate a physical disfigurement such as a scoliosis, hunched back, achondroplasia, or dwarfism. In an alternative embodiment, rear clothing part 30C may also have a greater length between its neckline 38 and hem 39 such that it is sized to accommodate a physical disfigurement such as a scoliosis, hunched back, achondroplasia, or dwarfism.
Side fittings 22B,32B each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and a plurality of evenly spaced magnets as illustrated in detail on
Shoulder fittings 26B,36B each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and two magnets as illustrated in detail on
A fifth embodiment of a front clothing part 20E is shown in
A sixth embodiment of a front clothing part 20G is shown in
A seventh embodiment of a front clothing part 20H is shown in
An eighth embodiment of a front clothing part 20I is shown in
A ninth embodiment of a front clothing part 20J is shown in
Side fittings 22A of front clothing parts 20A,20B,20C,20D,20E,20G,20H,20I,20J each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and a plurality of evenly spaced magnets as illustrated in detail on
Shoulder fitting 26B of front clothing parts 20G,20I,20J each comprises a corresponding hook or loop strip and one or more evenly spaced magnets as illustrated in detail on
The shoulder portions 24A,24B of front clothing parts 20G,20I,20J may also have sleeve fittings 27A,27B on their sides for attachment to corresponding fittings on a sleeve 45A,45B. Sleeve fitting 27A is illustrated in
A fourth embodiment of a rear clothing part 30D is shown in
A fifth embodiment of a rear clothing part 30E is shown in
A sixth embodiment of a rear clothing part 30F is shown in
A seventh embodiment of a rear clothing part 30J is shown in
Side fitting 32A of rear clothing parts 30D,30E,30F,30J each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and a plurality of evenly spaced magnets as illustrated in detail on
Shoulder fittings 36B of rear clothing parts 30D,30E,30F each comprise a corresponding hook or loop strip and one or more evenly spaced magnets as illustrated in detail on
The shoulder portions 34A,34B of rear clothing parts 30D,30E,30F may also have sleeve fittings 27A,27B on their sides for attachment to corresponding fittings on a sleeve 45A,45B. Sleeve fitting 27A is illustrated in
A third embodiment of a pair of sleeves 40C is shown in
A fourth embodiment of a pair of sleeves 40D is shown in
A third embodiment of a kit of modular clothing according to the invention is indicated generally at 210 on
Each front clothing part 20L,20M has a neckline 28, a hem 29, side fittings 122A,122B,222A,222B,322A,322B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a rear clothing part 30G,30H,30I, and shoulder portions 24A,24B which each have on their outer ends a shoulder fitting 226A,226B,326A,326B,426A,426B for attachment to corresponding fittings on a rear clothing part 30G,30H,30I. Front clothing part 20K is formed from rope which is looped and knotted to form the neckline 28, hem 29, side fittings 322A,322B, shoulder portions 24A,24B, and shoulder fittings 426A,426B. Front clothing part 20L has a short length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable to form a bondage harness style top formed from straps which form a geometric pattern. Front clothing part 20M has a short length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable to form the front part of a diamante harness style top formed from loops of chain with a diamante decoration.
Rear clothing parts 30G,30H each have a neckline 38, a hem 39, D-ring side fittings 132A,132B for attachment to corresponding fittings 122A,122B,222A,222B,322A,322B on a front clothing part 20K,20L, and shoulder portions 34A,34B which each have on their outer ends a D-ring shoulder fitting 136A,136B for attachment to corresponding fittings 226A,226B,326A,326B,426A,426B on a front clothing part 20K,20L. Rear clothing part 30G has a long length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable for forming the rear part of a top suitable for use with a front clothing part 20K which is in the form of a rope. Rear clothing part 30H has a short length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable for forming the rear part of a harness top 20L.
Rear clothing part 30I has a neckline 38, a hem 39, side fittings 132A,132B for attachment to corresponding fittings 222A,222B on a front clothing part 20M, and shoulder portions 34A,34B which each have on their outer ends a shoulder fitting 136A,136B for attachment to corresponding fittings 326A,326B on a front clothing part 20M. Rear clothing parts 30I has a short length from neckline 28 to hem 29 such that it is suitable for forming the rear part of a harness top 20M.
Side and shoulder fittings 122B,126B,226B,132B,136B,236B each comprise a D-ring 74 and a releasable clip 76 as illustrated in detail on
The front clothing part 20N is similar to the front clothing part 20G of
The front clothing part 20O is similar to the front clothing part 20I of
This embodiment offers a person the option to switch between a blouse front and a shorter crop top front to suit the weather or a specific fashion style. Also, a wheelchair user may choose to use the shorter crop top front when sitting in a wheel chair to avoid gathering and wrinkling, and use the longer blouse front when standing up.
The shoulder fittings of the rear and front clothing parts 30K,20N,20O may vary in type as long as they are capable of attaching the shoulder portions of the rear and front clothing parts 30K,20N,20O. Non-limiting examples of shoulder fittings are described throughout the specification.
It will be appreciated that each zip may be replaced by a different fastener element, non-limiting examples of which are described throughout the specification. It will also be appreciated that the fastener elements may be of the same type or may be of different types, which further enhances the modularity of the invention. For example, the modular clothing may use a combination of different types of fastener elements, such as a zip and a hook-and-loop system, preferably with different lengths to match the lengths of the different front clothing parts.
It will be appreciated that the above-described principle of switching between front clothing parts of different lengths applies mutatis mutandis to front clothing parts of different widths and front clothing parts of different clothing sizes. It will be appreciated that the above-described principle of switching between front clothing parts of different lengths, widths and/or clothing sizes applies mutatis mutandis to switching between rear clothing parts of different lengths, widths and/or clothing sizes. For example, a front clothing part may have two sets of fastener elements of different lengths, and may be attached to either one of two or more rear clothing parts, each of which has a single set of fastener elements.
The listing or discussion of an apparently prior published document or apparently prior published information in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or information is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.
Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features and parameters of the Invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2111059.8 | Jul 2021 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2021/053004 | 11/19/2021 | WO |
