TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to and involves a playful, masquerade and disguise costume to be worn by children and adults having the structure and thus the capability of visually presenting or changing from a first view to another. More specifically, the present invention involves a masquerade, disguise, Halloween or other piece of wearing apparel which serves as a costume or costume component having one or more limbs, pieces, and/or elements which, when physically modified by the wearer, i.e., by uncovering or revealing an otherwise hidden feature, reveals an alternate look(s) for the costume. The various looks which are available add to the playfulness and enjoyment obtained by the viewer and the wearer of the costume.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While disguise and masquerade costumes have been around for a very long time, and articles of wearing apparel which depict commercially known characters (Spiderman®, Batman®, Harry Potter®, Shrek®, etc.) and/or themes (American Native Indian, Minister, Policeperson, Inmate, Fireman, etc.) have been made and sold in large quantities for Halloween and disguise and masquerade parties, there is always a desire to be new and different, especially for the wearer of the costumes. To present a new and unique “look” and/or to be able to present multiple “looks” is highly desirable. A manufacturer who can provide a simple and cost effective costume which can transform into multiple looks for the wearer will likely be commercially successful. And, the wearer of a costume which can transform into multiple “looks” is often admired and feels good about his/her look(s)/costume. More recent variations of children and adult disguise costumes have started to incorporate foam sewn-on pieces in combination with color printing to create the visual appearance of muscles and armor, particularly in the case of superhero and robot and mechanical/transformer costumes. However, with the inclusion of these aspects, the costumes possess only one look to a viewer and are not really capable of change or transformation into a different nor even a related, similar but visually distinct second costume or look. Therefore, there is a need in costuming, both for the maker and seller of large quantities, and the end consumer, i.e., the wearer, for presenting a new and unique look, to provide a costume incorporating foam (light weight) elements which when manipulated are capable of transformation to present different looks to others. Providing the structure and thus the ability to a costume to present more than one visual appearance is highly desirable and would be a boon to a manufacturer if capable of being done in an inexpensive and, yet, simple manner—something that allows even a child to change his/her look to others quickly and easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a transformable disguise or masquerade costume to be worn by a child or adult (or even a pet) basically including a body or upper torso portion and at least one appendage, preferably an arm sleeve or leg wrap portion, where the sleeve or wrap portion includes a first outer display surface and a second inner display surface, where the first display surface is initially seen by a viewer but the inner display surface can be easily and quickly revealed. The first or outer surface is generally held in a rolled-up position of the sleeve or wrap (hereinafter for convenience referred to as the sleeve) portion and displays a first look, and while the second display surface is initially hidden in a rolled-down position of the sleeve portion, it can be easily and quickly unrolled to reveal a second look. Clearly, the look initially presented by the first “look” is visually distinct or different from the second look and, yet the first and second look or display can be mere variations of one another. For example, a first display could show the red blood circulating veins of the forearm of an arm and, the second display, when unrolled or extended to reveal the same, can show the same blood circulating veins on the foreagm but showing the blood as blue in color. Clearly, two “views” are thus provided to the same upper torso component, which can be its own complete costume or integrated into a costume with other components for wear. Other and many variations can be presented where the first and second “looks” are associated or coordinated with one another or, of course, where the first and second “looks” are completely visually unrelated, e.g., a first look of a set of veins of the forearm with red blood coursing therethrough and a second and distinct “look” where the forearm is provided with a set of distinct tattoos.
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. When the second surface is opened for display in the rolled-down position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previously covered by the first surface of the sleeve will be viewable and may be displayed, and the look of the now-uncovered part may correspond with the second look. When the second surface is displayed with the sleeve in the rolled-down position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previously covered by the first surface will be displayed. Preferably, a sleeve accessory may be affixed to the sleeve which allows the accessory to be rolled and unrolled to reveal and conceal a “look” otherwise hidden by the accessory.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a transformable preferably playful masquerade article of wearing apparel or a costume or costume component including a body or upper torso portion and at least one arm sleeve portion, where a foldable and unfoldable flap or garment appendage is disposed on the sleeve portion, the flap including a first outward visual display surface and a second, initially covered, display surface, where the first surface is outwardly displayed while the flap is in a closed flap position and thus displays a first look, and where the second, originally concealed and visual display surface is displayed when the flap is in an open flap or extended flap position and displays a second and distinct look, and where the first look is different but can be associated or totally distinct from the second look.
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. When the second surface is revealed or displayed in the open flap or flap extended position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previously covered by the first surface may be displayed, and where a look of the uncovered sleeve part may correspond with the first look. When the second surface is displayed in the open flap or flap extended position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previously covered by the covered flap of the sleeve may be displayed. The sleeve accessory, an associate toy or device, for example, a “bat-erang” in a Batman® costume may be affixed to an elastic cord that may be affixed to the uncovered part. A compartment or a pocket may be disposed on the second, originally hidden surface. A sleeve accessory, a play gun, grenade, webbing, etc. may be capable of removal from the compartment and may be disposed in the compartment or the pocket. An attachment mechanism may be disposed on the second surface and an additional part of the sleeve portion, such that when the attachment mechanism is brought together, the flap is maintained in the open flap position. An attachment mechanism may be disposed on the second surface and a part of the sleeve portion covered by the first surface, such that when the attachment mechanism is brought together, the flap is maintained in the closed flap position.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a transformable costume or masquerading article of apparel including a body and/or upper torso portion and at least one sleeve or leg wrap portion, where at least one flap is disposed on or in connection with the body portion, each flap including a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface can be displayed in a closed flap position and displays a first look, where the second surface can be extended and displayed in an open flap position and displays a second look which might coordinate with the previously hidden under sleeve component which is revealed when the sleeve or flap is desirably extended, and where the first look is different from the second look, although the two looks can be related to one another or totally distinct.
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features.
When the second surface is displayed in the open flap position, an uncovered part of the body portion previously covered by the first surface may be displayed, and where a look of the uncovered part may correspond with the second look. An attachment mechanism (an elastic cord, for example) may be disposed on the second surface and an additional part of the body portion, such that when the attachment mechanism is brought together, the flap is maintained in the open flap position. An attachment mechanism may be disposed on the second surface and a part of the body portion covered by the first surface, such that when the attachment mechanism is brought together, the flap is bent in a manner that displays the first look and provides a desired visual three-dimensional effect. A first flap may be disposed on a chest portion or an abdomen portion of the body portion. A first flap and a second flap may be disposed on a chest portion of the body portion, one on each side of the central chest bone. Or a first flap may be disposed on an upper chest portion of the body portion and a second flap may be disposed on an abdomen portion of the body portion. And, of course, symmetry across the central bone of the bone cage can be provided. A first flap and a second flap may be disposed on a chest portion of the body portion and a third flap and a fourth flap may be disposed on an abdomen portion of the body portion. Many visual variations can thus be provided with minimal components, generally by using the flaps in their covering or uncovering positions. Clearly, a highly entertaining disguise costume can be provided, consistent with the principles of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A illustrates a first look of a cloth costume with silk screened and colorful features printed thereon, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here the sleeves' arm flaps are in their first or non-extended positon. This presents a first visual look extending from elbow to wrist;
FIG. 1B illustrates a second look provided by the costume of FIG. 1A, with the arm flaps folded or extended down to expose the inside of the flaps extended away from the wearer's wrists and also exposing the originally covered lower arm sections, extending from elbow to wrist, originally hidden in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A illustrates a first look of the same costume component shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising an upper torso component, with the shoulders having padded sections, hinged to the top edge of the shoulders, and having a screen print of a first look, presented by the outside of the padded, shoulder flaps;
FIG. 2B illustrates the transformation from the first look of the costume of FIG. 2A to a second look of the costume—now, the shoulder flaps have been pivoted about the upper edge of the shoulders to expose the visual and design aspects of the costume beneath the flaps (originally hidden from view) and to also display for viewing the inside surface of the flaps themselves, the now exposed upper torso shoulder portions and the inside of the flaps present a unified new look, i.e., there is a visual image continuity running from the top of the originally concealed shoulder extending to the inside of the shoulder flap, now pivoted above the top edge of the shoulder, as seen in FIG. 2B;
FIG. 2C illustrates yet another “look” of the costume of FIG. 2A, a consequence of the shoulder flaps being pivoted about the top edge of the wearer's shoulders and those flaps then being secured to the upper portion of the rear shoulders. Another visual image is thus presented;
FIG. 3 illustrates a first look and a second look (in the inset drawing) of a costume and its sleeve portion according to one embodiment of the present invention and displaying a first hidden and then exposed sleeve section and a holding pocket with a device which can be selectively withdrawn and replaced—a toy batwing for a Batman® costume. This sleeve component hinges about an axis extending along the length of the forearm, from wrist towards elbow, and thus presents a first look, with the sleeve covering the forearm, a second or open flap look with the flap rotated about the axis, and exposing a batwing for play and replacement;
FIG. 4 illustrates a first look and a second look (in the inset of the drawing) of a costume component, a sleeve section, according to one embodiment of the present invention—with the flap first forming a cuff of the sleeve, then unfolded or extended to show another look (exposing the portion of the costume beneath the flap of the sleeve and also exposing the inside surface of the cuff, as desired. This embodiment, too, shows a costume accessory (a Batman® batwing on a cord or string being exposed) when the flap is extended; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a first look and a second look (in the inset of the drawing) of a costume component (an upper torso section) according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a first folded over flap extending over the underlying sleeve to present a first look, then the flap unfurled laterally, to reveal a second look of the reverse side of the flap and also revealing the sleeve beneath the flap. Here, too, the exposing or extending of the flap reveals a costume accessory, on an elastic string, in this case a playful and artificial spider web for a Spiderman® costume component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is directed to a costume component, preferably an upper torso covering element of a costume presenting multiple “looks” due to one or more elements or flaps which, when moved to extend or rotate about an axis securing the flap to the costume component, results in a costume or disguise which is modified from that originally displayed to reveal alternate looks for the same costume.
In the embodiment reflected in FIGS. 1A-1B, a costume component 10 has a certain design printed or silk-screened and illustrated preferably covering its central upper and torso body and arm portions. Preferably, the “look” of the costume is done by colorful silk screen printing onto fabric and then the fabric elements are cut and sewn together in a typical apparel making manner. Often, the component is sectionally stuffed with material, foam, cotton, etc. and then sewn as desired to create the image of a well-toned superhero, i.e., seaming allows the costume to present as a very muscular individual, with well-defined pectoral muscles and abdominal muscles, too. Of course, preferably, the arms and upper torso are coordinated in look and designed to present a visually pleasing design, a costume for disguise and/or masquerade purposes. In this embodiment, as can be seen, costume component 10 or upper torso 10 has a pair of arm-covering sleeves. In a first look of costume 10, illustrated in FIG. 1A, costume 10 has a rolled-up, two fabric layers thick, lower sleeve surface 21. In this embodiment it extends form the wrist to the elbow of the costume's arm sleeves. Rolled-up sleeve surface 21 has an illustrated design thereon which is viewable by an observer when the rolled up sleeve surface is in its first position. Preferably, the design on the outer surface of the rolled-up sleeve surface 21 coordinates with the rest of the arm of the costume component 10. Costume 10 has the ability to quickly and easily change into a second visual look, as reflected by the visual and slight physical differences between FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, rolled-up sleeve surface 21 may be rolled or pulled down to extend the end 23 of the sleeve to thereby expose a rolled-down sleeve surface 22. End 23 was originally at or about (or slightly above) the elbow, but when the sleeve surface is unrolled, it extends beyond the wrist of the wearer, generally beyond the wearer's hand. In a preferred embodiment, rolled-down and reverse of the sleeve surface 22 has a different illustrated design from rolled-up sleeve surface 21. Additionally, not only preferably will rolled-down sleeve surface 22 have a different illustrated, visual design from rolled-up sleeve surface 21, but also the portion of the sleeve previously covered up by rolled-up sleeve surface 21, underlying sleeve surface 24, will present a different visual “look” for the costumes' sleeves. This portion 24 may have an illustrated design corresponding with the design of rolled-down sleeve surface 22 to present an elongated and continuous visual image, as desired.
In the embodiment reflected in FIGS. 2A-2C, a costume 10 has a certain design illustrated on its upper torso body component and integrated arm portions. Additionally, costume 10 may have additional elements disposed on the body portion. These additional elements may include a transforming flap element, which may be made of a piece or pieces of foam cut to a desired shape and covered or laminated with fabric. Transforming flap elements 31 may be sewn onto costume 10 via a seam, in this case, a horizontal seam is depicted. In a first look of costume 10, illustrated in FIG. 2A, costume 10 has a transforming flap with an outer surface presenting a first visual image. The flaps are generally formed with a piece of stuffing between two layers of colorful/printed upon fabric. The flaps are hingedly connected to the upper torso, preferably by being sewn thereto, as on the top edges of the shoulders. Transforming flap outer surface 31 has an illustrated design thereon. The underside of the flap also has a design illustrated or printed thereon. And, of course, beneath the flap, on the costume's upper torso component, is an originally hidden visual image. It can be seen, however, when the flap 31 is rotated about its seam to thereby reveal the underside of the flap and the portion of the costume otherwise hidden by the flap. Costume 10 has the ability to change into a second look, as reflected by the differences between FIGS. 2A-2C. Specifically, transforming flap outer surface 31 may be lifted up to expose a transforming flap reverse or inner surface 32. In a preferred embodiment, transforming flap inner surface 32 has a different illustrated design from transforming flap outer surface 31. Additionally, not only may transforming flap inner surface 32 have a different illustrated design from transforming flap outer surface 31, but also the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by transforming flap outer surface 31, section 33, may have an illustrated design corresponding with or distinct from the design of transforming flap inner surface 32. The components can be visual continuations of one another or can be distinct visual images. Furthermore, a simple attachment mechanism may be disposed on transforming flap inner surface 32, the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by transforming flap outer surface 31, and other portions of costume 10. For example, a Velcro® connecting system may be disposed on transforming flap inner surface 32 and the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by transforming flap outer surface 31, such that when transforming flap outer surface 31 is lifted and bent, the Velcro® hooks and loops of an integrated system may be brought into contact and a three-dimensional effect may be provided to costume 10, displaying the creative design of transforming flap outer surface 31. In another example, a Velcro® system may be disposed on transforming flap inner surface 32 and a shoulder or back portion of costume 10, such that when transforming flap outer surface 31 is lifted and flipped over, the Velcro® system may be brought into contact and a three-dimensional effect may be provided to costume 10, displaying the design of transforming flap inner surface 32. This example is shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. The transforming flap element may be disposed on the chest portion of costume 10, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. In another embodiment, the transforming flap element may be disposed on one or more of the abdomen sections, the upper arm portion, the lower arm portion, the shoulder portion, the back portion, and the like of costume 10. In another embodiment, the transforming flap element may be disposed on a leg portion, a thigh portion, or a buttock portion of a costume.
In the embodiment reflected in FIG. 3, a costume's upper torso component 10 has a certain design illustrated on its body and extending down the arm portions. Additionally, costume component 10 has sleeves and may have additional elements disposed on the sleeve portions. These additional elements may include a sleeve flap element, which may be made of a piece or pieces of foam cut to a desired shape and covered, printed with or laminated with fabric. Sleeve flap element may be sewn onto costume 10 via a seam or edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the seam extends along the length of one side of the flap along the forearm, say from below the elbow to near the wrist. In a first look of costume 10, costume 10 has a sleeve flap outer surface 23. Sleeve flap outer surface 23 has a first illustrated design thereon. Costume 10 has the ability to change into a second look. Specifically, sleeve flap outer surface 23 may be lifted, rotating the same about the seam 27 to expose a sleeve flap inner surface 24. In a preferred embodiment, sleeve flap inner surface 24 includes a sleeve flap inner surface compartment 25. As mentioned with respect to the other embodiments, the sleeve flap inner surface may be complementary or distinct from the visual image presented by the outer surface. A compartment or inner small pocket 25 may be sewn onto sleeve flap inner surface 24. Compartment 25 may house a sleeve flap inner surface compartment accessory 26. In this embodiment, the upper torso component simulates a Superhero, like Batman® and thus the accessory to be carried within the pocket can be a batwing, a weapon to be used by the Superhero. It can be removed from the pocket and thrown to stun an enemy (in the costume world of Superheroes). Additionally, an element similar to that of the sleeve flap element may be disposed on a leg portion of a costume, specifically at the bottom leg portion of the costume, thereby acting as a boottop. Finally, a simple attachment mechanisms may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24, the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outer surface 23, and other portions of the sleeves of costume 10. For example, a Velcro® system may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24 and a portion of the sleeve of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outer surface 23, such that the Velcro® hooks and loops of the system may be brought into contact and the sleeve flap remains in a closed position, until uncoupled, displaying the design of sleeve flap outer surface 23. In another example, a Velcro® system may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24 and a back or side sleeve portion of costume 10, such that when sleeve flap outer surface 23 is lifted and flipped over, the Velcro system may be brought into contact and the sleeve flap remains in an open position, displaying the design and associated aspects of sleeve flap inner surface 24, including, for example, sleeve flap inner surface compartment 25. This will provide access to the accessory. In this illustrated embodiment, the bat wing toy accessory is shown separate from the costume but it can be tethered, too, by an elastic cord.
In the embodiment reflected in FIG. 4, a costume upper torso component 10 has a certain design illustrated on its body and arm portions. These likely are coordinated visually to present a unified “look.” Additionally, costume component 10 has sleeves and may have additional elements disposed within the sleeve portions. In a first look of costume 10, costume 10 has a rolled-up sleeve surface 21. Rolled-up sleeve surface 21 has an illustrated design thereon. Costume 10 has the ability to change into a second look. Specifically, rolled-up sleeve surface 21 may be rolled down or extended beyond the wrist section of the sleeve to expose a rolled-down sleeve surface 22. That presentation is really just the reverse side of the rolled up sleeve surface. In a preferred embodiment, rolled-down sleeve surface 22 has a different illustrated design from rolled-up sleeve surface 21. Additionally, not only may rolled-down sleeve surface 22 have a different illustrated design from rolled-up sleeve surface 21, but also the portion of the sleeve previously covered up by rolled-up sleeve surface 21 can be visually distinct, and this portion may have an illustrated design corresponding with or different from the design of rolled-down sleeve surface 22. Finally, rolled-down sleeve surface 22 may also include a hidden sleeve pocket and/or a toy or disguise accessory 27 that is revealed upon rolling down rolled-up sleeve surface 21 and exposing rolled-down sleeve surface 22. Hidden sleeve accessory 27 may be sewn or affixed by conventional methods to rolled-down sleeve surface 22 or the portion of the sleeve previously covered up by rolled-up sleeve surface 21.
In the embodiment reflected in FIG. 5, an upper torso costume component 10 has a certain design illustrated and printed on its body and arm portions. Additionally, costume 10 has sleeves and may have additional cuff-like elements disposed on the sleeve portions. These additional elements may include a sleeve flap element 24, which may be made of a piece or pieces of foam cut to a desired shape and covered or laminated with fabric. Sleeve flap element 24 may be sewn onto costume 10 via a seam or edge 35. In a first look of costume 10, costume 10 has a sleeve flap outer surface 23. Sleeve flap outer surface 23 has an illustrated design thereon. Costume 10 has the ability to change into a second “look.” Specifically, sleeve flap outer surface 23 may be lifted and rotated about edge or seam 35 to expose a sleeve flap inner surface 24. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve portion disposed beneath sleeve flap outer surface 23 may also include a hidden sleeve accessory 27 (held between the fabric sections or in a dedicated pocket) that is revealed upon lifting and rotating sleeve flap outer surface 23 about the seam. Hidden sleeve accessory 27 may be sewn or affixed by conventional methods to the sleeve. Finally, attachment mechanisms of the Velcro® type may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24, the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outer surface 23, and other portions of the sleeves of costume 10. For example, a Velcro® system may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24 and a portion of the sleeve of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outer surface 23, such that the Velcro® system may be brought into contact and the sleeve flap remains in a closed position unless physically pulled apart, displaying the design of sleeve flap outer surface 23. In another example, a Velcro® system may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24 and a back or side sleeve portion of costume 10, such that when sleeve flap outer surface 23 is lifted and flipped over, the Velcro® system may be brought into contact and the sleeve flap remains in an open position, displaying the design and associated aspects of sleeve flap inner surface 24 and the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outer surface 23, including, for example, hidden sleeve accessory 27.
The embodiments and examples above are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced to them without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the invention. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other and/or substituted with each other within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Patent Application
20190246711
