Convertible Garment

Abstract

A convertible garment that may be configured and worn in multiple styles. In one embodiment, the garment includes configurable openings through which arms may be extended, permitting the garment to be worn in an over the shoulder style when the configurable openings are in the open position. When the configurable openings are in the closed position, however, the garment may be generally worn in below the shoulder configurations.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/356008, filed Jun. 17, 2010, entitled “CONVERTIBLE GARMENT”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a convertible garment.

BACKGROUND

When it comes to fashion, preferences vary from one individual to the next, and any one individual may have many styles he or she prefers. Additionally, fashion styles change quickly and styles may be repeated. These circumstances pose challenges both for designers and the individuals purchasing the clothes for wear. With respect to designers, they must produce multiple items to satisfy all of the varied demand. For example, because of the many styles of dresses and tops, a designer must separately design and make items for each style, such as an elegant evening dress, an informal off the shoulder dress, a sleeveless top, and a formal business wear top, just to name a few. With respect to the individuals themselves, they are constrained by what the designers themselves design. Moreover, an individual having a varied preference for outfits must make costly purchases involving multiple separate outfits, and also store all of the outfits. With the extra costs and other burdens associated with designing, making, and storing separate outfits, what is needed is one single garment that can be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a garment that includes at least one configurable opening that allows the garment to be configured and worn in multiple varied styles. In one embodiment, with the configurable opening in the open position, an arm can be extended through the opening and the garment can be configured and worn in a number of “over the shoulder” styles. With the configurable opening in the closed position however, the garment can be configured and worn in a number of “below the shoulder” styles.

The above simplified summary of the embodiment of the invention serves to provide a basic understanding of the embodiment. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects of the invention, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as to the more detailed description that follows. The following description and the drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the appended claims, the following detailed description of one or more example embodiments, and the corresponding figures, in which :

FIG. 1A is a front view of a garment, with the configurable openings shown in the open position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 1A, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a back view of the garment of FIG. 1A, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 1C, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a garment, with the configurable openings in the closed position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a back view of the garment of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 2C, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3G are various garment configurations with the configurable openings in the open position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4J are various garment configurations with the configurable openings in the closed position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5E are various garment configurations with one configurable opening in the open position, and one configurable opening in the closed position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrates configurations of garment 1 shown in a “backwards” configuration, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7X are photographs of a various configurations of a garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a garment, with interchangeable parts, that can be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a garment 18, that includes sleeves interchangeable with straps, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the separate pieces that are used to make one embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a photograph showing straps 3(a) and 3(b) unfolded;

FIGS. 12-23 are photographs showing the assembly of one embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a photograph of a front view of one embodiment of an assembled garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a photograph of a back view of one embodiment of an assembled garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a photograph showing an embodiment of garment in accordance with the present invention worn in a backward configuration; and

FIGS. 27-29 are photographs showing an embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention having separate pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “example embodiment”, “various embodiments” and the like indicate the embodiment(s) so described may include particular features, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular features, or characteristics. Further, some embodiments may have some, all, or none of the features described for other embodiments. Also, as used herein “first”, “second”, “third” describe a common object and indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to. Such adjectives are not intended to imply the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

FIG. 1A is a front view of garment 1, an embodiment of a garment that can be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles in accordance with the present invention. While a garment in accordance with the present invention may be a dress, shirt, top, blouse, or other similar style, garment 1 is described as a dress.

Garment 1 includes a front panel 2 and straps 3(a) and 3(b) that are attached to each side of front panel 2 at attachment points 4. An inner lining (not shown) is included on the inside of front panel 2. In the presently described embodiment, the corners of straps 3 are sewn to the front panel 2 at the attachment points 4. However, for other embodiments, straps 3 may be removably attached to front panel 2 using zippers, buttons, hook and loop, or other similar type fasteners. In the presently described embodiment, front panel 2 and straps 3 are made from a stretchable and lightweight fabric. In other embodiments, front panel 2 may be made from any form fitting light weight fabric.

In the presently described embodiment, front panel 2 is of a length that spans a distance approximately from the neck area to approximately the knee area for a given size individual. Front panel 2 includes openings 5 on each side through which an arm may be extended. Each opening 5 may be of a varied length, either small enough to accommodate the size of a hand or arm to fit through, or a longer length that spans the shoulder area to the waist area.

FIG. 1B is a more detailed view of strap 3(a) and front panel 2 (and resembles a similar detailed view for strap 3(b), not shown). As shown in FIG. 1B, a section 6(a) of strap 3(a) is joined with a section 6(b) of front panel 2 with a fastener 7. In the presently described embodiment, fastener 7 is a 14 inch invisible zipper, however in other embodiments, fastener 7 may be a hook and loop mechanism, buttons or other fastener and may span other lengths, for example to accommodate small users, larger size users, or users that wish to display a more revealing opening. As shown in FIG. 1B, fastener 7 is shown in the open position.

FIG. 1C is a back view of garment 1, and includes a back view of straps 3(a), 3(b) and a view of inner lining 8 of front panel 2. Garment 1 also includes back panel 9 and elastic band 10. In the presently described embodiment, back panel 9 is made of a stretchable and lightweight fabric. When back panel 9 is joined with front panel 2, garment 1 is a form fitting garment that is able to remain on the individual wearing garment 1 without the need for belts or other supports. In the presently described embodiment, front panel 2 is joined with back panel 9 by sewing the pieces together.

FIG. 1D is a more detailed view of strap 3(b), front panel 2, and elastic band 10 (and resembles a similar detailed back view for strap 3(a), not shown). As shown in FIG. 1D, a section 6(c) of strap 3(b) is joined with a section 6(d) of front panel 2 with a fastener 7. In the presently described embodiment, fastener 7 is a zipper, however in other embodiments, fastener 7 may be a hook and loop mechanism, buttons or other fastener. As shown in FIG. 1D, fastener 7 is shown in the open position.

FIG. 2A is a front view of garment 1 showing fastener 7 in the closed position. In one embodiment, when in the closed position, fastener 7 is not visible as straps 3 join front panel 2 to cover fastener 7. FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of fastener 7 in the closed position. FIG. 2C is a back view of garment 1 showing fastener 7 in the closed position, and FIG. 2D is a more detailed view of the back portion of garment 1 showing fastener 7 in the closed position.

The design and placement of fastener 7 contribute to garment 1 being uniquely configured into multiple varied styles. The styles are expanded upon and further enhanced with the use of straps 3. In the presently described embodiment, the supporting structure that securely holds garment 1 in place is provided by straps 3 in combination with elastic band 10. In other embodiments, supporting structure may be provided by the selection of the fabric used for garment 1. And, in yet other embodiments, fastener 7 may be used to control the tightness of garment 1 around the user in relation to the location for fastener 7. For example, opening fastener 7 (either fully or partially) may allow the fabric of garment 1 to relax more, creating a looser look and feel, while closing fastener 7 (either fully or partially) may tighten the fabric of garment 1, creating a tighter, more form fining look and feel.

With fastener 7 in the open position, garment 1 takes on styles having over the shoulder characteristics, with attachment points 4(a) and 4(b) located above the shoulder. Turning now to FIG. 3, configurations of garment 1 in over the shoulder configurations are shown. FIG. 3A shows a cowl neck configuration, while FIG. 3B shows a boatneck configuration. FIG. 3C shows a high neck capsleeve configuration, and FIG. 3D shows a tanktop configuration. Other over the shoulder configurations include the turtleneck configuration of FIG. 3E, a turtleneck capsleeve configuration of FIG. 3F, and an asymmetrical wrap of FIG. 3G.

In embodiments of the present invention, the opening and closing of fastener 7 also helps adjust garment 1 for different bust and arm measurements of different users. Furthermore, with the configuration options, a user is not limited solely by a single design chosen by one designer, but rather the user may be creative in how garment 1 may be worn, and achieve the most comfortable fit.

With fastener 7 in the closed position, and because of the fabric selection for front panel 2 and back panel 9, garment 1 takes on different styles, with attachment points 4(a) and 4(b) located below the shoulder, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4A illustrates a tube top strapless configuration and FIG. 4B shows a wide capsleeve configuration. FIG. 4C illustrates a skinny cap sleeve configuration, while FIG. 4D illustrates a sleeveless configuration with a scarf. FIGS. 4E-4J illustrate further configurations, with the use of straps 3 to provide accents, such as a scarf, strap, and halter-top or other style accents.

In addition to the multiple varied styles described above, even more styles may be achieved with the fastener 7 on one side of garment 1 in the open position and the fastener 7 on the other side of garment 1 in the closed position. These configurations are shown in FIGS. 5A-5E. FIG. 5A shows a one shoulder configuration. FIG. 5B illustrates a one shoulder cap sleeve configuration. FIG. 5C illustrates a skinny strap opposite configuration, while FIG. 5D illustrates a wide strap opposite configuration. FIG. 5E illustrates an asymmetrical cap sleeve configuration.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate configurations of garment 1 shown in a “backwards” configuration. It can be seen how garment 1 can be reshaped into essentially multiple garment styles. Straps 3 may be used to be tightened about a small frame, or allow for a user having a larger frame. Elastic band 10 may also be used to alter the shape and ride, where the garment rests on the user of garment 1. For example, elastic band 10 may keep garment 1 secure on the waist of the person wearing garment 1.

Elastic band 10 can be worn under or over the bust, creating different lengths for garment 1. When elastic band 10 is worn over the bust, the garment will be a shorter style as compared to under the bust. Straps 3 can be crossed in the front or the back as many times as the person wearing it desires. After wrapping straps 3 around the body the straps may be tied in a basic knot or bow, and may serve to secure the shape of garment 1. The tightness of straps 3 may be used to create a loose, or tight fitting style. In addition, having fastener 7 in an open position provides an added component of zipper height and arm hole diameter which further secures the desired look. For example, fastener 7 height can be lower towards the base of the fastener, creating a larger arm hole diameter, and straps 3 are crossed tighter in the back pulling the arm holes towards a center of the body which creates a tank top shape showing the full shoulder and a deeper draped neckline.

In contrast, the height of fastener 7 can be pulled higher towards the arm hole creating a smaller arm hole diameter, which then pulls the neckline tighter across the chest plate creating a boat neck neckline. Thus, in one embodiment, the higher the zipper height, the tighter the garment will be across the chest. A lower zipper height will create a looser and draped neckline. How tight the straps are then crossed and wrapped will determine the stability of the look. FIGS. 7A-7X shows photographs of a various configurations of a garment 1 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a garment with interchangeable parts that can be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles, in accordance with the present invention. Garment 12 includes front panel 13(a), straps 14(a) and 14(b), and skirt 15(a). Each strap 14 includes zippers 17 that create openings in garment 12 through which arms may extend. Front panel 13(a) includes fasteners 16 that allow front panel 13(a) to be joined with straps 14 and skirt 15. In so doing, strap 14(a) is interchangeable with strap 14(c), strap 14(b) is interchangeable with strap 14(d), and skirt 15(a) is interchangeable with skirt 15(b). With interchangeable pieces, the style of garment may be additionally modified by style, fabric and color types.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a garment 18 that includes sleeves interchangeable with straps, in accordance with the present invention. Short sleeves 19 can be attached to the front panel of garment 18 with zippers 16. Similarly, longer sleeves 20 can be attached to the front panel of garment 18 with zippers 16.

FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the separate pieces that are used to make a garment in accordance with the present invention, including front panel 2, straps 3(a) and 3(b), invisible zippers 7, inner lining 8, back panel 9 and elastic band 10. FIG. 11 is a photograph showing straps 3(a) and 3(b) generally unfolded.

FIGS. 12-24 are photographs showing the assembly of a garment 35 in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 12, invisible zippers 7 are attached to straps 3(a) and 3(b) and to a smaller end of the front panel 2.

Next, in FIG. 13, inner lining 8 is attached to the top of front panel 2. The inside of garment 35 shows this attachment in FIG. 13, while FIG. 14 shows the right-side-out of the attachment.

In FIG. 15, a close up of the top of front panel 2, strap 3(b) and the top of zipper 7 is shown as a photograph from the perspective of the inside of garment 35. The right-side-out version of FIG. 15 is shown in FIG. 16.

In FIG. 17, inner lining 8 is folded so the inside side of inner lining 8 is against an inside side of front panel 2, and inner lining 8 is attached to the front panel side of zippers 7. FIG. 18 is a close up photograph of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 elastic band 10 is threaded through an opening created by scam 32. FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a fully seamed elastic band 10.

Next, in FIG. 21, back panel 9 and front panel 2 are attached such that the insides are facing each other and both right sides are facing outward. In FIG. 22, back panel 9 is attached to the strap side of both zippers 7.

FIG. 23 is a photograph showing elastic band 10 attached to strap-side zippers 7. FIGS. 24 and 25 are photographs of the front and back of complete garment 1, respectively. FIG. 26 is a view showing garment 35 worn in a backwards configuration.

FIG. 27 is a photograph showing an embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention that includes separate pieces, including torso 25, skirt 26 and straps 27. FIG. 28 is a close up photograph showing how the separate pieces are assembled with zippers 28, 29 and 30. FIG. 29 is a photograph showing that configurable openings 31(a) and 31(b) are located in straps 27.

While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this present invention.

Claims

1. A garment, comprising:

a garment body; and

a first fastener attached to one side of said garment body, wherein said first fastener is configured to provide a first configurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment is configured to be worn in a first style with the first fastener in a closed position, and said garment is configured to be worn in a second style allowing an arm to be extended through said first configurable opening with the first fastener in an open position.

2. The garment of claim I, further comprising:

a second fastener attached to one side of said garment body opposite the side of said first fastener, wherein said second fastener is configured to provide a second configurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment is configured to be worn in a first style with the second fastener in a closed position, and said garment is configured to be worn in a second style allowing an arm to be extended through said second configurable opening with the second fastener in an open position.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein:

said first fastener is a zipper; and

said second fastener is a zipper.

4. The garment of claim 2, wherein said garment body comprises a single tubular piece of stretchable and lightweight material and that is of a length that spans a distance from an individual's shoulder area to their knee area.

5. The garment of claim 2, where said garment body comprises:

a front panel, wherein said first fastener is sewn to a first side of said front panel, and said second fastener is sewn to a second side opposite said first side of said front panel; and

a back panel attached to said front panel.

6. The garment of claim 5, further comprising:

a first strap attached to a first side of said front panel; and

a second strap attached to a second side opposite said first side of said front panel.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein:

the length of said first strap is approximately equal to the length of said garment; and

the length of said second strap is approximately equal to the length of said garment.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein:

the size of the first configurable opening allows an arm to be extended through said first configurable opening when said first fastener is in the open position; and

the size of the second configurable opening allows an arm to be extended through said second configurable opening when said second fastener is in the open position.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein

the first zipper is not visible when in the closed position; and

the second zipper is not visible when in the closed position.

10. The garment of claim 8, further comprising:

An elastic band attached to the top of said back panel, wherein the length of said elastic band is shorter than the width of said front panel.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein:

said front panel, said back panel, and said straps are made from a stretchable lightweight fabric.

12. A garment, comprising:

a front panel;

a back panel attached to said front panel;

a first fastener attached to one side of said front panel, wherein said first fastener is configured to provide a first configurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment is configured to be worn in a first style with the first fastener in a closed position, and said garment is configured to be worn in a second style allowing an arm to be extended through said first configurable opening with the first fastener in an open position;

a second fastener attached to one side of said front panel opposite the side of said first fastener, wherein said second fastener is configured to provide a second configurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment is configured to be worn in a first style with the second fastener in a closed position, and said garment is configured to be worn in a second style allowing an arm to be extended through said second configurable opening with the second fastener in an open position;

a first strap attached to said first panel in the approximate location as said first fastener; and

a second strap attached to said first panel in the approximate location as said second fastener.

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein:

said front panel, said back panel, and said straps are made from a stretchable lightweight fabric.

14. The garment of claim 13 further comprising:

an elastic band attached to the top of said back panel, wherein the length of said elastic band is shorter than the width of said front panel.

15. The garment of claim 14 wherein:

said garment is of a length that spans a distance from an individual's shoulder area to their knee area.

16. The garment of claim 15 wherein:

the length of said first strap and said second strap is approximately equal to the length of said garment.

17. The garment of claim 16 wherein:

said elastic band is configured to provide support for holding said garment up when said first and said second fasteners are in the closed position.

18. The garment of claim 16 wherein:

said first strap and said second strap are detachable from said front panel.