CONVERTIBLE SCARF GARMENT

Abstract

In some implementations, a scarf includes a left sleeve, a right sleeve, one or more buttons, and one or more buttonholes, In an example, a wearer may don the scarf by slidably engaging the left and right arms into the left and right sleeves, respectively. In another embodiment, the sleeves of the scarf detachably couple together to cover, for example, substantially the chest and abdomen regions of the wearer. In some implementations, the scarf includes a neck warmer, a left piece, and a right piece, in some implementations, the scarf includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a neck warmer. In some implementations, the front and rear panels substantially cover the chest and back regions of the wearer, respectively, in another example, the scarf includes a hood that may be worn over the head of the wearer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/390,069, filed on Oct. 5, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Employees that work in office buildings are often exposed to cool drafts from air conditioning units during work hours. Similarly travelers may experience rapid temperature changes as they travel from one place to another. Many people wear clothing such as shawls, shrugs, and capes for protection from the elements. Sometimes it is advantageous to carry lighter clothes (small enough that can be carried in a handbag/pouch) instead of larger and heavier outfits (e.g. trench coats and winter coats).

Clothing can be worn as accessories for aesthetic reasons. For example, a woman may don a babushka to accent her face. In another example, a man may wear a bandanna with athletic wears, The babushka and bandanna can be color-coordinated and/or style-coordinated with the overall attire of the wearers, In some circumstances, people may wear kerchiefs to cover blemishes, scars, or other imperfections they may want to conceal from the general public.

The size of a piece of clothing may vary accordingly to complement the physical height and weight of the wearer. For example, jackets worn by adults may be longer or wider than jackets worn by children. The materials of the clothing may vary depending on the geographic location of the wearer and the intent purpose.

SUMMARY

In some implementations, a scarf includes a left sleeve, a right sleeve, one or more buttons, and one or more buttonholes. In an example, a wearer may don the scarf by slidably engaging the left and right arms into the left and right sleeves, respectively, In another embodiment, the sleeves of the scarf detachably couple together to cover, for example, substantially the chest and abdomen regions of the wearer. In some implementations, the scarf includes an extended neck warmer, a left piece, and a right piece. In some implementations, the scarf includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a neck warmer. The user engages the scarf by slidably coupling the neck warmer over the head down toward the neck of the wearer, for example. In some implementations, the front and rear panels substantially cover the chest and back regions of the wearer, respectively. In another example, the scarf includes a hood that may be worn over the head of the wearer.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawing and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example scarf.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the scarf shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the scarf shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of some implementations of the scarf shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of an example scarf.

FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the example scarf of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of the example scarf of FIG. 5A with an extended neck warmer worn over a head.

FIG. 5D is a rear perspective view of the example scarf of FIG. 5C with the extended neck warmer worn over a head.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of an example scarf.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of an example scarf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE IMPLEMENTATIONS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example scarf 100. In some implementations, the scarf 100 includes a left sleeve 102 and a right sleeve 104. One or more buttons 106 may be used to detachably form the left and right sleeves 102, 104. Example numbers of buttons 106 on a sleeve range from 1-10 buttons 106. In another example, the number of buttons 106 is between about 3 buttons and about 7 buttons 106, e.g. 5 buttons 106. The number of buttons 106 on the left sleeve 102 may be similar or dissimilar to the number of buttons 106 on the right sleeve 104. Optionally, the scarf 100 includes one or more buttonholes 108 along the left and right sleeves 102, 104. Each side has between about 1. buttonhole 108 and about 10 buttonholes 108. In one example, the number of buttonholes 108 on each side is between about 3 buttonholes 108 and about 7 buttonholes 103, e.g. 5 buttonholes 108. In alternative implementations, other connection means, such as zippers, snaps, hook and eye fasteners, or toggles, may be connected along the edges of the left and right sleeves 102, 104.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the scarf 100 shown in FIG. 1, In some implementations, the scarf 100 may be worn approximately around the upper back, and extending down both arms of the wearer. The buttons and buttonholes provide means for reversibly fixing the left and right sleeves, 104 and 106, in cylindrical configurations. Other means, such as hook and loop materials (e.g. Velcro® fastener by Velcro USA Inc. of Manchester N.H.) and zipper, may be collectively or alternatively used. The wearer may slidably engage both arms into the respective sleeves. Such method of donning the scarf provides coverage to some part of the shoulders, the upper back, and the arms of the wearer. In some implementations, the length of the scarf 100, measured from the end of the left sleeve 104 to the end of the right sleeve 106, is about 24-48 inches, about 36-60 inches, about 48-72 inches, or about 60-84 inches, In selected embodiments, the length of the scarf 100 is between about 50 inches and about 80 inches, e.g. 63 inches.

FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate a convertible scarf. In selected embodiments, a left side 102 includes first buttons and first button holes and a right side 104 includes second buttons and second button holes. The convertible scarf also includes an upper portion that connects a portion of the left side 102 to an upper portion of the right side. In a first configuration of the convertible scarf, the first buttons are fastened to the first button holes to form a left sleeve, the second buttons are fastened to the second button holes to form a right sleeve, and the upper portion covers a back of a user. In a second configuration of the convertible scarf, the first buttons are capable of being fastened to the second button holes, the second buttons are capable of being fastened to the first button holes, and the left side and the right side cover a front check area the user.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the scarf 100 shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the scarf 100 extends approximately from the neckline to the mid back of the wearer, In other embodiments, the scarf may include a hood may be connected to the scarf 100. Example mechanisms of connection for the hood include sewn thread, hook and loop fastener, adhesive, buttons, and zipper. The hood, for example, may be worn over the head of the wearer, Alternatively, the hood may be allowed to suspend from the back of the scarf 100. An optional back panel (not shown) may extend from the back edge 110 of the scarf 100, The back panel, for example, can allow the wearer to don the scarf as a short sweater or bolero jacket, in some examples, In alternative implementations, the scarf 100 may include an optional collar region such as a cowl, shawl collar, or turtleneck. In some implementations, the cowl not only covers and protects the neck area, but may also be pulled to cover the face and thus protect the face from weather elements such as rain, snow and wind. The cowl may also be used to cover from the hairline to the back of the head, and thus protect the head and the hair from the weather elements.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the scarf 100 shown in FIG. 1. In the example shown, the left sleeve 102 and the right sleeve 104 of the scarf 100 are connected with one or more buttons 106 and buttonholes 108. In some implementations, the buttons 106 on the left sleeve 102 are detachably coupled to the buttonholes 108 on the right sleeve 104, and the buttons 106 on the right sleeve 104 are detachably coupled to the buttonholes 108 on the left sleeve 102. The two coupled sleeves 102, 104 form an “elongated piece” that covers, for example, substantially the chest and abdomen regions of the wearer. Alternatively, the “elongated piece” may cover substantially the back region of the wearer in such way that resembles a cropped jacket, for example. In alternative implementations, one or more pockets (not shown) may be connected to the sleeves 102, 104. In some implementations, the widths of the sleeves 102, 104 are between about 5 inches and about 40 inches. In one example, the widths of the sleeves 102, 104 are about 10 inches and about 20 inches, e.g. 12 inches. The left and right sleeves 102, 104 may have similar or dissimilar widths.

In some implementations, the scarf 100 may be designed to be small enough to fit into a small container such as a handbag or purse, for example.

The scarf 100 can be fashioned from one or more materials such as, in some examples, knits, woven, wool, cotton, silk, fur, velvet, and leather. Other fabrics, textiles, or materials are possible. In some implementations, the weight of the material is between about 1 ounce per square foot and about 30 ounces per square foot. In one example, the weight of the material is between about 3 ounces per square foot and about 10 ounces per square foot, e.g. 5 ounces per square foot. In one example, the thread diameter for a material is between about 20 gauge to about 7 gauge, e.g. 7 gauge. Example means of producing the scarf 100 include weaving, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and plaiting.

One or more embellishment may be optionally attached to the scarf 100. In some implementations, graphic designs may be printed onto the scarf 100. In other implementations, details such as jewels, sequins, rhinestones, or metal decorations may be attached to the scarf 100, for example by gluing, snapping, or otherwise fixing the details to the materials of the scarf 100. Examples of embellishments include embroidery, sequins, and tie-dyes decorations.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of an example scarf 500. In the example shown, the scarf 500 includes a neck warmer 502, a left piece 504, and a right piece 506. The neck warmer 502 may be an extended neck warmer. The neck warmer 502 of the scarf 500, for example, may be worn around a neck of the wearer. FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the example scarf of FIG. 5A. In an implementation, the extended neck warmer 502 forms a tubular shape and includes a first opening and a second opening. The extended neck warmer connects an upper edge of the left piece 504 with an upper edge of the left piece of the scarf. The first opening of the extended neck warmer 502 may rest on a collarbone area of the user and the second opening of the extended neck warmer may rest on a chin area of the user. A portion of the second opening of the extended neck warmer may also rest on the back of the neck of the wearer. In other implementations, a portion of the neck warmer 502 may be pulled onto the head of the wearer (e.g. in the manner of a hood). In an example, the wearer engages the scarf 500 by slidably coupling the neck warmer, 502 over the head down toward the neck of the wearer, Both of the left and right pieces 504, 506 may hang freely down the sides of the user. In other situations the left and right pieces 504 506 may be placed about the shoulders, chin or neck of the user. In other situations, the left and right pieces may be placed and cover a portion of the face and head of the wearer.

FIGS. 5C and 5D are front and rear perspective views of the example scarf of FIG. 5A with the extended neck warmer 502 worn over a head. In this configuration, the first opening of the extended neck warmer rests on a hairline (or alternatively, a forehead,) of the user and a body of the extended neck warmer covers from the hairline of the user to a shoulder area of the user. In some implementations, hair of the user may be placed in the body of the extended neck warmer and the hair may also exit out of the second opening of the extended neck warmer. In some implementations, a width of the extended neck warmer 502 is double the width of either of the left piece 504 or right piece 506. The increased width allows for the extended neck warmer to be utilized as a convertible clothing article that can cover the neck or cover the head area. In some implementations, the extended neck warmer 502 and the left and right pieces 504 506 may be formed together. In some implementations, the circumference of the tubular opening of the extended neck warmer 502 is 20 inches and the length of the extender neck warmer is 26 inches. In some implementations, the lengths of the left and right pieces 504, 506 are between about 10 inches and about 50 inches. For example, the lengths of the left and right pieces 504, 506 are between about 20 inches and about 40 inches, e.g. 36 inches. Other lengths are possible. In some implementations, the widths of the pieces 504, 506 are between about 5 inches and about 40 inches. In one example, the widths of the pieces 504, 506 are about 10 inches and about 20 inches, e.g. 12 inches. In selected embodiments, one or more pockets (not shown) may be connected to the left and right pieces 504, 506. In some implementations, the scarf 500 may include an optional collar region such as a cowl, shawl collar, or turtleneck.

In some implementations, the scarf 500 may be designed to be small enough to fit into a small container such as a handbag or purse, for example.

The scarf 500 can be fashioned from one or more materials such as, in some examples, knits, woven, wool, cotton, silk, fur, velvet, and leather. Other fabrics, textiles, or materials are possible. In some implementations, the weight of the material is between about 1 ounce per square foot and about 30 ounces per square foot. In one example, the weight of the material is between about 3 ounces per square foot and about 10 ounces per square foot, e.g. 5 ounces per square foot. In one example, the thread diameter for a material is between about 20 gauge to about 7 gauge, e.g. 7 gauge. Example means of producing the scarf 500 include weaving, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and plaiting.

One or more embellishment may be optionally attached to the scarf 500. In some implementations, graphic designs may be printed onto the scarf 500. In other implementations, details such as jewels, sequins, rhinestones, or metal decorations may be attached to the scarf 500, for example by gluing, snapping, or otherwise fixing the details to the materials of the scarf 500. Examples of embellishments include embroidery, sequins, and tie-dyes decorations.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of an example scarf 600. In some implementations, the scarf 600 includes a neck warmer 602, a front panel 604, and a rear panel 606. In an example, the wearer engages the scarf 600 by slidably coupling the neck warmer 602 over the head down toward the neck of the wearer. The front and rear panels 604, 606 can cover substantially the chest and back regions of the wearer, respectively, The neck warmer 602, in one example, may be seamlessly sewn onto the scarf 600. In some implementations, the lengths of the front and rear panels are between about 10 inches and about 60 inches, or between about 20 inches and about 50 inches, e.g. 36 inches. The front and rear panels 604, 606 may have similar or dissimilar lengths. For example, a scarf may have a front panel with a length of 20 inches, and a rear panel of 50 inches. Other combinations for the lengths of the front and rear panels are possible. In implementations with different lengths, the length may provide coverage for different parts of a wearer's body. Illustratively, a 20 inch length may protect the upper part of the body such as the chest or upper back. A 30 to 40 inch length may provide coverage similar to coverage that a long coat would provide.

In some implementations, the widths of the front and rear panels 604, 606 are between about 3 inches and about 40 inches, in a given example, the widths may be between about 10 inches and about 25 inches, e.g. 15 inches. The front and rear panels 604, 606 may have similar or dissimilar widths.

Examples of alternative designs for the neck warmer 602 include a round-neck, a V-neck, a slit in the front panel, a slit in the back panel, and a collar. In another example, the front and rear panels 604, 606 may be connected by one or more straps, Other designs are possible.

In selective embodiments, the front and rear panels 604, 606 may be connected at one or more locations along the panels. For example, a belt (not shown) may be detachably coupled to the rear panel 606, and provide means to fasten the panels to the wearer. In another example, one or more ties are used to couple the front panel 604 to the rear panel 606. One or more optional pockets may be connected to the front or rear panels 604, 606. Illustratively, the pockets may be used to hold an electronic device such as an Pod or cell phone.

In some implementations, the scarf 600 may be designed to be small enough to fit into a small container such as a handbag or purse, for example.

The scarf 600 can be fashioned from one or more materials such as, in some examples, knits, woven, wool, cotton, silk, fur, velvet, and leather. Other fabrics, textiles, or materials are possible. In some implementations, the weight of the material is between about 1 ounce per square foot and about 30 ounces per square foot. In one example, the weight of the material is between about 3 ounces per square foot and about 10 ounces per square foot, e.g. 5 ounces per square foot. In one example, the thread diameter for a material is between about 20 gauge to about 7 gauge, e.g. 7 gauge. Example means of producing the scarf 600 include weaving, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and plaiting.

One or more embellishment may be optionally attached to the scarf 600. In some implementations, graphic designs may be printed onto the scarf 600. In other implementations, details such as jewels, sequins, rhinestones, or metal decorations may be attached to the scarf 600, for example by gluing, snapping, or otherwise fixing the details to the materials of the scarf 600. Examples of embellishments include embroidery, sequins, and tie-dyes decorations.

FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of an example scarf 700 that includes a hood 702 connected to front and rear panels 704, 706. In an example, the wearer engages the scarf 700 by slidably coupling the hood 702 over the head down toward the neck of the wearer. The front and rear panels 704, 706 can substantially cover the chest and back regions of the wearer, respectively. In some implementations, the lengths of the front and rear panels are between about 10 inches and about 60 inches, or between about 20 inches and about 50 inches, e.g. 36 inches. The front and rear panels 704, 706 may have similar or dissimilar lengths. For example, a scarf may have a front panel with a length of 20 inches, and a rear panel of 50 inches. Other combinations for the lengths of the front and rear panels are possible.

In some implementations, the widths of the front and rear panels 704, 706 are between about 3 inches and about 40 inches. In a given example, the widths may be between about 10 inches and about 30 inches, e.g. 15 inches. The front and rear panels 704, 706 may have similar or dissimilar widths.

Examples of alternative designs for the hood 702 include a round-neck, a V-neck, a slit in the front panel, a slit in the back panel, and a collar. Other designs are possible.

In selective embodiments, the front and rear panels 704, 706 may be connected at one or more locations along the panels. For example, a belt (not shown) may be detachably coupled to the rear panel 706, and provide means to fasten the panels to the wearer. In another example, one or more ties are used to couple the front panel 704 to the rear panel 706. One or more optional pockets may be connected to the front or rear panels 704, 706.

In some implementations, the scarf 700 may be designed to be small enough to fit into a small container such as a handbag or purse, for example.

The scarf 700 can be fashioned from one or more materials such as, in some examples, knits, woven, wool, cotton, silk, fur, velvet, and leather. Other fabrics, textiles, or materials are possible. In some implementations, the weight of the material is between about 1 ounce per square foot and about 30 ounces per square foot. In one example, the weight of the material is between about 3 ounces per square foot and about 10 ounces per square foot, e.g. 5 ounces per square foot. In one example, the thread diameter for a material is between about 20 gauge to about 7 gauge, e.g. 7 gauge. Example means of producing the scarf 700 include weaving, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and plaiting.

One or more embellishment may be optionally attached to the scarf 700. In some implementations, graphic designs may be printed onto the scarf 700. In other implementations, details such as jewels, sequins, rhinestones, or metal decorations may be attached to the scarf 700, for example by gluing, snapping, or otherwise fixing the details to the materials of the scarf 700. Examples of embellishments include embroidery, sequins, and tie-dyes decorations.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications are optionally made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A convertible scarf, comprising:

a left side formed of a material;

a right side formed of a material; and

an upper portion made of a material, the upper portion connecting an upper section of the left side with an upper section of the right portion, wherein

the left side includes fasteners, which when closed, form a left sleeve and when unfastened, form a rectangular shape;

the right side includes fasteners, which when closed, form a right sleeve, and when unfastened, form a rectangular shape; and

the upper portion, when the right sleeve and left sleeve are formed, cover both shoulders and an upper back area, and

when the fasteners of the left side and the right side are open, cover a neck area of a back of a person and a chest area of a person.

2. The convertible scarf of claim 1, the upper portion further including a neck portion to entirely cover the neck area up to the chin and bottom of the ears.

3. The convertible scarf of claim 1, the upper portion further including a hood to cover sides, back and top of a head.

4. The convertible scarf of claim 1, further including pockets that are connected to one or both of the right side and the left side.

5. The convertible scarf of claim 1, wherein a width of the right side is a different width than a width of the left side.

6. The convertible scarf of claim 1, further including a collar region to cover a portion of the neck of a wearer.

7. The convertible scarf of claim 6, wherein the collar region is one of a turtleneck or a cowl.

8. A convertible scarf, comprising:

a left side formed of a material and including first buttons and first button holes; a right side formed of a material and including second buttons and second button holes; and

an upper portion formed of a material, the upper portion connecting an upper portion of the left side to an upper portion of the right side, wherein

in a first configuration, the first buttons are fastened to the first button holes to form a left sleeve, the second buttons are fastened to the second button holes to form a right sleeve, and the upper portion covers a back of a user; and

in a second configuration, the first buttons are capable of being fastened to the second button holes, the second buttons are capable of being fastened to the first button holes, and the left side and the right side cover a front check area of the user,

9. A multiple use scarf, comprising:

a front panel made of a material;

a back panel made of a material;

a neck piece made of a material, an upper portion of the neck piece connected to an upper portion of the front panel and an upper portion of the back panel.

10. The multiple use scarf of claim 9, wherein the front panel has a different length as compared to the back panel.

11. The multiple use scarf of claim 9, wherein at least one part of an outside edge of the front panel is connected to at least one part of an outside edge of the back panel.

12. The multiple use scarf of claim 9, the neck piece further including a hood to cover sides, back and top of a head.

13. A convertible clothing article, comprising:

a right side formed of a material;

a left side formed of a material; and

an extended neck warmer formed of a material, the extended neck warmer connecting an upper edge of the right side with an upper edge of the left side,

and the extended neck warmer forming a tubular shape and including a first opening and a second opening, wherein in a first configuration the first opening rests on a collarbone area of a user and the second opening rests on a chin area of the user.

14. The convertible clothing article of claim 13, wherein in a second configuration, the first opening of the extended neck warmer rests on a hairline of the user and a body of the extended neck warmer covers from the hairline of the user to a shoulder area of the user.

15. The convertible clothing article of claim 13, wherein the extended neck warmer has a width that is approximately equal to a width of the left side added to the width of the right side.

16. The convertible clothing article of claim 13, wherein the extended neck warmer, the right side and the left side are formed together.