HANDS FREE SHAWL AND METHOD OF USING

Abstract

A fashion accessory formed of a length of preferably lightweight fabric material configured generally into an elongate shape with a respective hole formed in each longitudinal end portion of the fabric length. The holes are sized to receive the head of a wearer and are formed essentially equidistant from the longitudinal ends of the fabric length. In this way, the wearer may insert her arms into the holes to wear the fabric length in the manner of a shawl; or the length of fabric may be folder on itself to align the holes so they may be fitted over the wearer's head to wear the fabric length in the manner of a poncho.

Description

PRIOR APPLICATION

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 61/358,301 filed Jun. 24, 2010; and the priority of such provisional application is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hands-free shawl that can be converted easily into poncho or scarf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many styles of convertible garments that may be used as a shawl are known, and examples include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,509,296; 3,144,660; 4,316,288 and 7,222,371. These products are, however, often complex to manufacture and do not provide a shawl that can be held in place simply with the wearer's hands able to be free, and can be convertible easily into another garment such as a poncho if needed.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a hands-free garment that may easily be worn as a shawl, scarf or, if desired, a poncho-like garment

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a length of preferably lightweight fabric material configured generally into an elongate shape with a respective hole formed in each longitudinal end portion of the fabric length. The holes are sized to receive the head of a wearer and are formed essentially equidistant from the longitudinal ends of the fabric length. In this way, the wearer may insert her arms into the holes to wear the fabric length in the manner of a shawl; or the length of fabric may be folded on itself to align the holes so they may be fitted over the wearer's head to wear the fabric length in the manner of a poncho.

These and other objects, and advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description given below which is made in conjunction with the following drawing figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached figures illustrate a hands free shawl according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates in plan the layout of an embodiment of the hands free shawl of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates in plan the layout of another embodiment of the hands free shawl of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the hands free shawl of the present invention worn as a shawl;

FIG. 4 illustrates the hands free shawl of the present invention worn as a poncho;

FIG. 5 illustrates in plan the layout of another embodiment of the hands free shawl of the present invention;

As shown in FIG. 1, the hands-free shawl 10 of the present invention is formed of a length 12 of lightweight woven fabric shaped into a rectangle. The preferred fabric can be a pashmina, a polyester and viscose/rayon, or a cashmere or equivalent substitute. The fabric length, however, may be formed into any oblong shape. Decorative fringe 14 may be applied to one or more ends.

Holes 16 are formed in opposing longitudinal end portions of the fabric length 12, and these holes 16 are located to be essentially equally distant from the ends 18 and 19 of the fabric length 12. The holes 16 are sized so as to be able to fit over the wearer's head; as will be described below.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment 10a having a fabric length 12a shaped in a curving manner. As understood, the fabric length could be formed as an oblong oval or other shape presenting an elongate outline.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, buttons 20 and 22 are provided so as to be received in loops 24 and 26. In this way, the holes 16a can if desired be buttoned closed so the device can be worn as a scarf.

As shown in FIG. 3, with the holes unbuttoned, the wearer can insert her arms through the holes to wear the device as a shawl; and her hands need not hold the shawl in place and remain free for other tasks.

In FIG. 4, the device has been folded upon itself with the holes 16 aligned. The aligned holes can then be fitted over the wearer's head and the device can be worn as a poncho.

Decorative trim can be added to the armholes 16, as shown in FIG. 5; or decorative ribbon, lace or decorative objects can be added as fashion highlights. As shown in FIG. 5, the holes 16b can be aligned longitudinally.

In this way, a fashion device can be provided to serve as a Pashmina, a decorative wrap; and can be easily converted to use as a scarf, a shawl or a poncho type accessory as desired.

Claims

1. A length of fabric material configured generally into an elongate shape with a respective hole formed in each longitudinal end portion of the fabric length, said holes being sized to receive the head of a wearer and formed within the fabric length essentially equidistant from the longitudinal ends of the fabric length so that the wearer may insert arms into the holes to wear the fabric length in the manner of a shawl; or the wearer may fold length of fabric onto itself to align the holes so they may be fitted over the wearer's head to wear the fabric length in the manner of a poncho.

2. The method of using a length of fabric material configured generally into an elongate shape with a respective hole formed in each longitudinal end portion of the fabric length, said holes being sized to receive the head of a wearer and formed within the fabric length essentially equidistant from the longitudinal ends of the fabric length, the steps of the wearer either inserting arms into the holes to wear the fabric length in the manner of a shawl; and thereafter able to fold the length of fabric onto itself to align the holes so they may be fitted over the wearer's head to wear the fabric length in the manner of a poncho.