WRAP AROUND GARMENT WITH POCKETS

Abstract

In an embodiment, a garment with pockets may be provided for wearing around the waist when additional carrying space is needed. In some embodiments, the garment may be shaped similar to a long sleeve shirt, sweater, or the like, and may be tied around the waist. In some embodiments, the garment may have one or more layers. Further, the garment may have pockets, which are accessible when wearing the garment. In some embodiments, the pockets may be positioned on the extensions and/or the main portion. The garment may include patch pockets or pockets between the one or more layers. Some embodiments of a garment may be reversible. In addition, the garment may come in different sizes. In an embodiment, the garment may have reflective or iridescent strips, and may display logos, numbers, and/or names.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS/PATENTS & INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims priority to provisional U.S. application Ser. No. 61/099,189 filed Sep. 22, 2008, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Each of the applications and patents cited in this text, as well as each document or reference cited in each of the applications and patents (including during the prosecution of each issued patent; “application cited documents”), and each of the PCT and foreign applications or patents corresponding to and/or claiming priority from any of these applications and patents, and each of the documents cited or referenced in each of the application cited documents, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. More generally, documents or references are cited in this text, either in a Reference List before the claims, or in the text itself; and, each of these documents or references (“herein cited references”), as well as each document or reference cited in each of the herein-cited references (including any manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.), is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of apparel and accessories, specifically those designed to provide storage capabilities as well as desirable aesthetics and versatility.

BACKGROUND

Design of apparel typically includes the addition of functional features such as pockets, straps, etc. for use by the wearer, for example, to provide storage capabilities. However, such functional features can be detrimental to the aesthetics of garments, i.e., by creating lines, bumps, or silhouettes that are undesirable.

Alternatively, the use of handbags, purses, satchels, backpacks, etc., allows the user to carry and/or store personal effects. However, the use of such items is not always practical or desirable, for example, due to the strain placed on the back and shoulders when using such items.

It is a goal of the present invention to provide a wearable, non-bulky garment that provides additional storage items for personal belongings without requiring the wearing of a full additional layer of clothing.

Numerous articles of apparel, including for use as protective garments or athletic sportswear are described in the patent literature.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D557,967 relates to an ornamental design for a body towel wrap having pockets. However, such an accessory is not practical for everyday use in public.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D478,408 pertains to an ornamental design for a coverall cover-up. The coverall coverup is meant to be tied around the user's waist, and functions only to cover the user's buttocks.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D542,007 relates to an ornamental design for a wrap. The wrap consists of a blanket-like structure having pockets, in which the user can be wrapped.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,362 relates to a waist-engaging garment, which combines a protective seat cushion with article-carrying capacity for active users, specifically skiers.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,829 relates to a covering device to be used by skiers for protection against snow and moisture that has accumulated on the seat of a chair lift. The device comprises a waterproof pad that hangs from the rear of a belt secured about the skier's waist. The pad is rolled up to the belt for storage between periods of use and is held in the stored position by elastic loops slipped over the ends of the roll.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,859 pertains to a supplementary clothing article suitable for outdoor use. The supplementary clothing article provides an insulated area between a user and a substrate surface, such as a cold surface. The article is adapted to be worn about a user's torso in a folded condition when not in use, and to be unfolded for use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,634 relates to a belt-like garment containing a foldable seat protector or cover, and combined with an integral pouch for carrying personal items and the like. A pair of straps project from opposite ends of a pouch for use in securing the pouch around a person's waist with an elongate opening in the pouch positioned above the person's seat. The opening is releasably closed by two separate (inner and outer) zippers. An elongate panel or sheet of flexible, waterproof material is secured at one end of one edge of the pouch opening to extend downwardly out of one (the outer) zipper into an operative position beneath one's seat, where it can be secured in place by two other straps, which fasten around one's legs. At such time the other or inner zipper may be closed to retain personal items, (comb, sunblock lotion, etc.) in the pouch.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,386 pertains to a pleated tennis skirt with a hidden pocket. The pocket is hidden within a pleated, partially tacked down portion of the pleat. The skirt therefore provides a hidden pocket, which can hold keys, tennis balls, and other items, without distracting from the continuous pleated look.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,056 relates to a reflective safety garment in the form of an apron to be worn around a person's waist is provided. The apron includes a sheet of mesh material with an upper pocket accommodating a waistband that attached the apron around the waist and a lower pocket that accommodates a strip of brightly colored reflective material.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,562 pertains to a shawl type garment that simulates a sweater worn as a shawl or mantle and includes a main body panel and a pair of ties that simulate sweater arms.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,391 relates to a wrap around article capable of being worn by a user engaged in outdoor pursuits including a main body having top, side and bottom edges defining a substantially square shaped configuration, and which is constructed of a durable and waterproof material such as neoprene with an interior cushioning foam material.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,617 pertains to a non-bunching sweater wrap for wearing by a person over the person's outer clothes that drapes over the upper back and shoulders around the neck of the person to simulate a sweater.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0006360 relates to a sportswear garment, which is wrapped around one's waist after or during an athletic activity and provides comfort to the wearer. The sportswear garment, which is essentially T-shaped, provides at least one safe-keeping pocket on its exterior. The garment has an outer surface made of a protective sitting surface and/or an upper surface if the users wished to lie down.

Thus, it is a problem unaddressed by the prior art that many people engage in activities where extra storage is convenient and desirable, but additional clothing and/or baggage is not. For example, activities such as rollerblading, jogging or walking, pushing a stroller, walking a dog, taking children to a playground, doing laundry, shopping, going to school or college, going to a gym, and going out to restaurants, bars or dance clubs, are instances where storage capabilities are desirable, but having to carry additional storage items or bulky clothing is not. For those who engage in such activities, fashionable, convenient and comfortable attire that could provide easily accessible storage for belongings and personal items, such as keys and sunglasses is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment a garment is provided that can be easily and comfortably wrapped around one's body and has a number of pockets for storage of one's personal items. For example, the garment may, in some embodiments, be wrapped around one's waist. An embodiment of the garment may simulate a sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, wrap, other upper body garment and/or a sarong when tied around a person's waist. The garment may provide a number of pockets convenient for storing personal items. In some embodiments, the garment may be used to display decorative, college or corporate logos. Further, the garment may be worn during daily and/or recreational activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the garment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the garment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the interior of garment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is given by way of illustration only and shall not be taken as being in any way limiting as to the spirit or scope of the invention. Referring to the drawings, like numerals designate corresponding parts where possible throughout the several figures.

Herein described is an embodiment of a garment, which may simulate a sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, wrap, other upper body garment, and/or a sarong when tied around a person's waist. The garment may provide a number of pockets convenient for storing personal items including, but not limited to keys, money, credit cards, electronic devices such as portable media players (e.g., MP3 players, iPods, or the like), portable medical devices (e.g., diabetes pumps, hearing aids and/or accessories, or the like), cameras, phones, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, GPS navigators, sunglasses or any other item placed in pockets traditionally. In some embodiments, the garment may be used to display decorative, college or corporate logos. Further, the garment may be worn during daily and/or recreational activities.

In an embodiment, a garment can create the casual look of a draped or tied sweater, sweatshirt, jacket or the like without being as bulky as these items. Some embodiments include easily accessible storage for personal items. Thus, the garment may be worn as a fashion accessory to complement or complete a wearer's apparel. In some embodiments, wearing the garment may allow the user to avoid having to carry a separate bag or other item in which to store personal items.

The garment may be made of any fabric, including but not limited to woven fabrics, knit fabrics, denim, suede, leather, microfabrics, materials such as cotton, terry cloth, synthetic fabrics, mixtures of cotton with other natural or synthetic fibers, and the like, or combinations of multiple fabrics. Some embodiments may include a single layer of fabric. In an embodiment, the garment may be made from multiple layers of fabric. Some embodiments may include multiple panels of fabric coupled together to create a layer.

In some embodiments, the garment may include decorative elements including decorative patterns, embroidery, embellishments, patches, reflective elements, light emitting elements, or other elements, including indicia designating the brand or manufacturer, or intended to promote or advertise an organization, event, or similar item. In some embodiments, the garment may be reversible. For example, some embodiments may include a first color or design on a first side of a garment and a second color or design on a second side of the garment. Thus, when the garment is reversed a different color or design may be presented.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of garment 10. Garment 10 includes extensions 12 on each side of a rectangular main portion 14. Extensions 12 and main portion 14 create a T shaped article. Extensions 12 may be wrapped around a person's waist. When wrapped around a person's waist the extensions 12 may be tied together, much like the arms of a sweater, sweatshirt, jacket or the like. In some embodiments, the extensions may be constructed such that the extensions resemble arms on a sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, or the like. For example, the extensions may include, but are not limited to elements such as ribbing, cuffs, beading, buttons, designs, trim or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, main portion 14 may cover a person's buttocks and/or thighs. The garment may be made in many different sizes. In another embodiment, extensions 12 may be wrapped around a person's shoulders.

In some embodiments, the extensions may include one or more fastening devices, including, but not limited to hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO™), zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frog closures, hooks and loops, hook and eyes, any other fastening devices known in the art, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment, which is a cross-section of FIG. 1 taken through line A-A′, where garment 10 includes at least two layers, inner layer 16 and outer layer 17. The two layers may be fabricated from a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to fabric, such as woven fabric or knit fabric, denim, suede, leather, microfabric, cotton, terry cloth, synthetic fabrics, mixtures of cotton with other natural or synthetic fibers, other materials known in the art, and/or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the inner layer and/or outer layer may be waterproof. Some embodiments may include a third layer which is waterproof, positioned between the inner and outer layers. An embodiment may include reflective or iridescent strips, logos, numbers, or names positioned on a layer of the garment. For example, an outer layer may include reflective or iridescent strips, logos, numbers, and/or names.

In some embodiments, inner layer and/or outer layer may be constructed from multiple pieces of fabric. For example, FIG. 3 shows pieces 22, 24, 26 sewn together to form inner layer 16. As shown, pieces 22, 24, 26, may be coupled together using seams 28 to form inner layer 16. In some embodiments, pieces of fabric forming an inner and/or outer layer may be joined using any coupling mechanism known in the art including, but not limited to adhesives, glue, sealers, sealants, tape, bands, welds, staples, seams, such as, plain seams, French seams, butt seams, bound seams, flat seams, superimposed seams, lapped seams, any other seams known in the art, and/or any mechanism known in the art. In an embodiment utilizing seams the stitches used in the seams may include any stitches known in the art, for example, hidden stitches, cross-stitches, chain stitches, back-stitched chain stitches, braid stitches, cable chain stitches, knotted chain stitches, open chain stitches, petal chain stitches, rosette chain stitches, singalese chain stitches, twisted chain stitches, wheat-ear stitches, zig-zag chain stitches, backstitches, blanket stitches, embroidery stitches, lockstitches, running stitches, sashiko stitches, tack stitches, overlock stitches, and/or combinations thereof.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of inner layer 16 showing extensions 12, main portion 14, loop 15, pocket 18, and label 30. The loop may be used for hanging up the garment, for example, in a closet or restroom. In some embodiments, the labels may include a logo.

In some embodiments, pockets may be positioned along an edge of the garment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, pocket 18 may be positioned along a seam of the garment where the inner layer and outer layer are coupled. In some embodiments, the pocket may be opened and/or closed using fastening devices, including, but not limited to zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frog closures, hooks and loops (e.g., VELCRO™), hook and eyes, any fastening devices known in the art or combinations thereof. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, pocket 18 may include zipper 32. In some embodiments, a hidden pocket may be positioned on the inner layer of the garment. In an embodiment, one or more hidden pockets may be positioned on an outer layer of the garment.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of outer layer 17 or outer side of garment 10 showing extensions 12, main portion 14, and pockets 18. As shown in FIG. 4, some embodiments of garment 10 may include pockets 18 positioned on main portion 14. In an embodiment, pockets may be positioned on the main portion so as to be accessible by the wearer when the garment is worn. As shown in FIG. 4, openings 34 may include zippers 32.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of outer layer 17 or outer side of garment 10 showing extensions 12, main portion 14, pockets, and loop 15 for hanging up the garment in a closet or restroom. The garment may include at least one pocket 18. In some embodiments, pockets may be located on main portion 14 so as to be accessible by the wearer when garment 10 is worn around the waist. When garment 10 is worn, pockets 18 are located such that the user has access to the pockets while the garment is still being worn. In an embodiment of garment 10, extensions 12 may be tubular and may include pockets 19. The pockets on the extensions may be located where the material comprising the inside layer and outside layer meet.

In some embodiments, openings to the pockets may be positioned on the inner layer and/or outer layer of the garment. Pocket designs may include, but are not limited to patch pockets, flap pockets, welted pockets, jetted pockets, fob pockets, slant side pockets, crescent shaped pockets, side seam pockets, other types of pockets known in the art and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, pockets may be designed for specific uses, for example, to hold personal items including, but not limited to keys, money, credit cards, electronic devices such as portable media players (e.g., MP3 players, iPods, or the like), portable medical devices (e.g., diabetes pumps, hearing aids and/or accessories, or the like), cameras, phones, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, GPS navigators, and sunglasses.

Pockets may be defined by coupled portions 36. In some embodiments, pockets are defined by an opening in the inner layer and/or outer layer and coupled portions where the inner layer is coupled to a portion of the outer layer to form a pocket. For example, as is shown in FIG. 5, seams may be used to define pocket 19. Opening 34 may be positioned along an edge of pocket 19. An embodiment may include openings 34, 34′ along pocket 19. In some embodiments, seams may couple the inner layer to the outer layer of the garment to define the pocket.

In some embodiments, the pockets may be positioned on the inside or the outside of the garment. For example, pockets may have openings on the inner layer, the outer layer or both. In some embodiments, a pocket located on an extension may be useful for holding sunglasses. In an embodiment, pockets on the extensions may be useful in holding electronic devices. Pockets may include one or more fastening devices, including, but not limited to zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frog closures, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™), hook and eyes, any fastening devices known in the art or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, loop 15 may be located in the center of main portion 14 allowing pockets 18, 19 to be accessible when garment 10 is hanging and hidden when garment 10 is worn.

In another embodiment, the garment may include one layer. For example, a garment may be made of a single layer of fabric. In some embodiments, the garment will have an interior side of the garment corresponding to the inner layer 16 and an exterior side of the garment corresponding to the outer layer 17 as shown in FIG. 5. Such a single layer garment can be reversible in some embodiments.

In an embodiment, the garment may be reversible. A reversible garment may include an inner side and an outer side that are functionally the same in some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, some embodiments include pockets 18, 19 accessible from both sides. In some embodiments, the material of both sides of the garment may or may not be the same. The color of each side may be different of the garment. For example, when the garment is reversible a first color may be used on a first side and a second color on a second side. In some embodiments, each side of the garment may include multiple colors, multiple materials, and/or designs. The garment may be made in many different sizes.

FIG. 6 depicts garment 10 of this invention wherein outer main portion 14 can also contain additional pockets 20.

Pockets 18, 19, 20 may be accessed by an opening, which is closed using any fastening device previously disclosed. For example, the interior of pockets may be accessed using a zipper, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™), magnetic closure, other sealing means positioned across the opening.

In some embodiments, the color of the material on the inside of pockets 18, 19, 20 (shown in FIG. 6) may be different than the color of the material of the garment's inside and/or outside, which would indicate, if the pocket is open. For example, in one embodiment the inside of multiple pockets may be a first color, which differs from all other colors used on the garment. Thus, it becomes evident when a pocket is left open. In such embodiments, the pocket color serves as an indicator of an open pocket. In some embodiments, the colors used on the interior of the pockets may vary from pocket to pocket. In some embodiments, pockets 18, 19, 20 may be accessible from both sides of garment 10 through an opening.

In an embodiment, pockets may be water resistant or water proof. For example, a pocket with an opening in the inner layer may be water resistant. Materials used to construct the pocket may be water-resistant or water-proof. In some embodiments, a water-resistant or waterproof pocket may be accessed from the interior surface, the exterior surface or both surfaces. In some embodiments, a pocket may be constructed from layers of material positioned between an inner layer and an outer layer of the garment. Some embodiments including a single layer garment may include a layer of fabric coupled to the garment which defines a pocket.

In some embodiments, when the garment is worn the pockets may be positioned such that they are located proximate a position corresponding to a traditional pocket location on an article of clothing. For example, FIGS. 7-8 depict pockets positioned such that when the garment is worn around a person's waist the pockets will be positioned proximate a traditional pocket location on a pair of pants. In some embodiments, the pocket may be positioned such that it corresponds to a traditional pocket location on the front of the pants, the back of the pants or a combination of both. Alternately, some pockets of the garment may be positioned proximate the traditional pocket location in a jacket when the garment is worn around the waist.

Although various illustrative implementations of the present invention have been described, one of ordinary skill in the art will see that additional implementations are also possible and within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to only those implementations described above.

Claims

1. A garment configured to be worn, comprising:

a main portion including one or more layers;

extensions from the main portion configured to wrap around a person; and

one or more pockets on the main portion configured to be accessible to the person when the garment is around the person;

wherein at least one of the one or more pockets on the main portion is positioned proximate a traditional pocket location when the garment is tied around the person.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the traditional pocket location is on a front of a pair of pants.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the traditional pocket location is on a front of a jacket.

4. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket on one or more of the extensions, wherein the at least one pocket on the extensions is located at an end away from the main portion.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more layers of the main portion comprises an inner and an outer layer, wherein extensions comprise at least an inner layer and an outer layer, and wherein the one or more pockets on the main portion are located on the outer layer of the main portion.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is made of a single layer of fabric.

7. The garment of claim 5, wherein the inner layers and outer layers of the main portion and extensions are made of the same fabric.

8. The garment of claim 5, wherein the inner layers and outer layers of the main portion and extensions are made of different fabrics.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is reversible.

10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a loop for hanging the garment.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more pockets comprise a fastening means.

12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the fastening means comprises hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frog closures, hook and eyes, or a combination thereof.

13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises indicia, logos, or other embellishments visible when worn by the wearer.

14. A t-shaped garment essentially shaped like a sweater, comprising:

a main portion;

extensions configured to wrap around a person's waist; and

at least one pocket on the main portion configured to be accessible to the person when the garment is around the person's waist;

wherein the at least one pocket on the main portion is positioned proximate a traditional pocket location on a pair of pants when the garment is tied around the person's waist.

15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the traditional pocket location proximate the at least one pocket on the main portion is located on the front of the pants.

16. The garment of claim 14, further comprising at least one pocket on one or more of the extensions, wherein the pockets on the extensions are located at an end away from the main portion.

17. The garment of claim 14, wherein the main portion and extensions are made up of at least an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the pockets on the main portion are located on the outer layer.

18. The garment of claim 14, wherein the main portion and extensions are made up of at least an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the pockets on the main portion are located in the outer layer.

19. A garment to be worn, comprising:

a main portion configured to be worn by a person;

extensions from the main portion configured to wrap around a person; and

one or more pockets having an interior color that differs from a color of the garment such that open pockets are readily distinguishable from closed pockets.

20. The garment of claim 19, wherein at least one of the one or more pockets is configured to be accessible to the person when the garment is around the person.

21. The garment of claim 19, wherein the at least one of the one or more pockets is configured to be positioned proximate a traditional pocket location on a pair of pants when the garment is tied around the person's waist.