ADJUSTABLE SKIRT

Abstract

A piece of fabric is provided with a band; and a plurality of temporary fastening members disposed on the band. A skirt is formed by helically securing the temporary fastening members to the band so that the skirt can be put on the waist, the buttocks, and the legs of a person. The formed skirt can accommodate the changed shape of a woman, thereby minimizing the chance of discarding unfitted clothes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to garments and more particularly to an adjustable skirt for accommodating the changed shape of a woman, thereby minimizing the chance of discarding unfitted clothes.

2. Description of Related Art

A skirt is a tube-shaped or cone-shaped garment that hangs from the waist and covers all or part of the legs. Modern skirts are usually made of light to mid-weight fabrics such as denim, jersey, worsted, or poplin. Typically, skirts have fixed size. It is known that the shape of a woman may change dramatically due to, for example, obesity. Thus, a woman becoming fat may not able to wear clothes of short size. Typically, those clothes (e.g., skirts) are thrown away. This is waste. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a piece of fabric comprising a band; and a plurality of temporary fastening members disposed on the band; wherein a skirt is formed by helically securing the temporary fastening members to the band so that the skirt can be put on the waist, the buttocks, and the legs of a person.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable skirt according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the extended skirt;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another configuration of the skirt having two temporary fastening members being extended;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how to temporarily securing the temporary fastening member of FIG. 2 to form the skirt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an environmental view showing the skirt of FIG. 1 worn between the waist and the knees of a woman;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable skirt according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the extended skirt of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another configuration of the skirt of FIG. 6 having two temporary fastening members being extended;

FIG. 9 is an environmental view showing the skirt of FIG. 6 worn between the waist and the knees of a woman;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 11 is an environmental view showing the skirt of FIG. 10 worn between the waist and the knees of a woman;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 13 depicts five different configurations of the skirt and parts thereof shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the slider being provided proximate the top edge;

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the slider being provided proximate the bottom edge;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the skirt of FIG. 16 with the temporary fastening member being secured together to form a skirt;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the skirt of FIG. 18 with the temporary fastening member being secured together to form a skirt;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the skirt of FIG. 21 with the temporary fastening member being secured together to form a skirt;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention being extended;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the skirt of FIG. 23 with the temporary fastening member being secured together to form a skirt;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an adjustable skirt according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention being extended; and

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the skirt of FIG. 25 with the temporary fastening member being secured together to form a skirt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an adjustable skirt in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

A band 1 is rectangular in its extended state (see FIG. 2). The band is made of light to mid-weight fabrics such as denim, jersey, worsted, or poplin.

A temporary fastening member (e.g., zipper) 2 is provided along upper and bottom edges of the band 1 in one configuration (see FIG. 2). The zipper 2 can be temporarily secured together by sliding a slider thereof from one end to the other end in order to form a skirt (see FIG. 4).

Alternatively, two parallel temporary fastening members (e.g., zippers) 2 are provided in another configuration (see FIG. 3). Such configuration aims to provide four different waist sizes of the skirt. Still alternatively, three parallel temporary fastening members (e.g., zippers) may be provided in still another configuration in order to provide nine different waist sizes of the skirt. This has the advantages of accommodating the changed shape of a woman, thereby minimizing the chance of discarding unfitted clothes.

While the temporary fastening member 2 is implemented by a zipper, it is envisaged by the invention that the temporary fastening member 2 may be implemented by a hook and loop fabric fastener, buttons and holes, or the like in other embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, an adjustable skirt in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the first preferred embodiment except the following: The band 1 has an inclined side. Further, each zipper 2 is concealed (i.e., on an inner surface of the formed skirt) when the skirt is worn by a woman for aesthetic purposes.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an adjustable skirt in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the third preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the first preferred embodiment except the following: The band 1 is curved and has two inclined sides.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fourth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the third preferred embodiment except the following: A band 41 and a temporary fastening member 42 are provided. The band 41 comprises a top edge 411, a bottom edge 412, one curved side 413, and the other curved side 414. The top edge 411 comprises a first section 411a and a second section 411b having a length less than that of the first section 411a. The bottom edge 412 comprises a first section 412a and a second section 412b having a length greater than that of the first section 412a.

The temporary fastening member 42 comprises a first portion 421 along the first section 411a (i.e., along the top edge), the first portion 421 having both ends 421a, 421b; and a second portion 422 along the second section 412b (i.e., along the bottom edge), the second portion 422 having both ends 422a, 422b. One curved side 413 is at angle θ1 with respect to the top edge 411 at one end 421b. The angle θ1 is at least 3-degree. The other curved side 414 is at angle θ2 with respect to the top edge 411 at the other end 422b. The angle θ2 is at least 3-degree.

The other curved side 414 may be configured as one of the following configurations (see FIG. 13). In configuration A, the other curved side 414 has two curves and the band 41 has a horizontal top edge. The only difference between configuration A and configuration B is that the angle θ2 of configuration B is greater than that of configuration A. In configuration C, the other side 414 is straight and the band 41 has an inclined top edge. In configuration D, one portion of the other side 414 is curved and the other portion thereof is straight. In configuration E, both portions of the other side 414 are straight.

The temporary fastening member 42 is a zipper having a slider 423 extending from one end 421b (i.e., one stop) to the other end 421a (i.e., the other stop).

As shown in FIG. 14, the slider 423 will be slid downward to form a skirt when it is disposed at the other end 421a. As shown in FIG. 15, the slider 423 will be slid upward to form a skirt when it is disposed at one end 421b.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fifth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the fourth preferred embodiment except the following: The first portion 421 of the temporary fastening member 42 is disposed from an intermediate portion of the top edge 411 to on end 421b at a joining point of the top edge 411 and the other curved side 413. The second portion 422 of the temporary fastening member 42 is disposed from an intermediate portion of the bottom edge 412 to the other end 422b at a joining point of the top edge 411 and one curved side 414.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the sixth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the fourth preferred embodiment except the following: The first portion 421 of the temporary fastening member 42 is disposed from an intermediate portion of the top edge 411 to on end 421b at a joining point of the top edge 411 and the other curved side 413. The bottom edge 412 has an extension 412c at the other side. The second section 412b of the bottom edge 412 is disposed between the extension 412c and the first section 412a of the bottom edge 412. On end 422b of the second portion 422 of the temporary fastening member 42 is disposed between the extension 412c and the second section 411b of the top edge 411. As shown in FIG. 19, the top edge of the band 41 is shaped as two intersected lines.

Referring to FIG. 20, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the seventh preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the fourth preferred embodiment except the following: A first tape 43 is provided to form with the first portion 421 of the temporary fastening member 42 and further the first tape 43 is secured to the top edge 411 of the band 41 by stitching. A second tape 44 is provided to form with the second portion 422 of the temporary fastening member 42 and further the second tape 44 is secured to the bottom edge 412 of the band 41 by stitching.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the eighth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the fourth preferred embodiment except the following: A concave section 415 is formed on the top edge 411 of the band 41 and adjacent one side 413 of the band 41. The formed skirt has a flared bottom (see FIG. 22).

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the ninth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the eighth preferred embodiment except the following: A concave section 415 is formed on the top edge 411 of the band 41 and adjacent the other side 414 of the band 41. The formed skirt has a tapered top (see FIG. 24).

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, an adjustable skirt 40 in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the ninth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the eighth preferred embodiment except the following: A concave section 415 is formed on the top edge 411 of the band 41 and adjacent the other side 414 of the band 41. The concave section 415 extends from a point PL to the other side 414 of the band 41 and has a length D2. A convex section 416 is formed on the top edge 411 of the band 41 and adjacent one side 413 of the band 41. The convex section 416 extends from a point PH to one side 413 of the band 41 and has a length D1 not equal to the length D2. The formed skirt has a bulged intermediate portion (see FIG. 26).

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A piece of fabric comprising:

a band; and

a plurality of temporary fastening members disposed on the band;

wherein a skirt is formed by helically securing the temporary fastening members to the band so that the skirt can be put on the waist, the buttocks, and the legs of a person.

2. The piece of fabric of claim 1, wherein the band is curved.

3. The piece of fabric of claim 1, wherein one side of the band is curved

4. The piece of fabric of claim 1, wherein each of the temporary fastening members is a zipper, a hook and loop fabric fastener, or buttons and holes.

5. A piece of fabric comprising:

a band; and

at least one temporary fastening member disposed on the band;

wherein a skirt is formed by helically securing the at least one temporary fastening member to the band so that the skirt can be put on the waist, the buttocks, and the legs of a person.

6. A piece of fabric comprising:

a band including a first edge and a second edge opposing the first edge; and

at least one temporary fastening member disposed on the band, each of the at least one temporary fastening member including a first fastening element disposed along the first edge of the band, and a second fastening element disposed along the second edge of the band;

wherein a skirt is formed by joining the first and second fastening elements of each of the at least one temporary fastening member together in order to helically secure the at least one temporary fastening member to the band so that the skirt can be put on the waist, the buttocks, and the legs of a person.

7. The piece of fabric of claim 6, wherein the first edge of the band includes a first section and a second section, the second edge of the band includes a third section corresponding to the first section of the first edge of the band, and a third section corresponding to the second section of the first edge of the band, the first fastening element of each of the at least one temporary fastening member together is secured to the first section of the first edge of the band, and the second fastening element of each of the at least one temporary fastening member together is secured to the fourth section of the second edge of the band.

8. The piece of fabric of claim 6, wherein length of the first section of the first edge of the band is not equal to that of the second section of the first edge of the band, and length of the third section of the second edge of the band is not equal to that of the fourth section of the second edge of the band.

9. The piece of fabric of claim 7, wherein the first fastening element has a first end and a second end, the second fastening element has a third end and a fourth end opposing the third end, the first end of the first fastening element is adjacent to a joining portion of the first section of the first edge of the band and the second section of the first edge of the band, and the third end of the second fastening element is adjacent to a joining portion of the third section of the second edge of the band and the fourth section of the second edge of the band.

10. The piece of fabric of claim 9, wherein each of the at least one temporary fastening member is a zipper having a slider disposed at one of the first, second, third and fourth ends.

11. The piece of fabric of claim 9, wherein the second edge of the band further comprises a fifth section, the fourth section of the second edge of the band is disposed between the fifth section of the second edge of the band and the third section of the second edge of the band, and the fourth end of the second fastening element is disposed between the fifth section of the second edge of the band and the second section of the first edge of the band.

12. The piece of fabric of claim 6, wherein the band comprises a first side and a second side opposing the first side thereof, the first side of the band has a first angle, the second side of the band has a second angle, and each of the first and second angles is at least 3-degree.

13. The piece of fabric of claim 6, further comprising a first tape formed with the first fastening element, the first tape being secured to the first edge of the band.

14. The piece of fabric of claim 13, further comprising a second tape formed with the second fastening element, the second tape being secured to the second edge of the band.

15. The piece of fabric of claim 6, wherein the band comprises a first side, a second side opposing the first side thereof, and a concave section formed between the first side of the and the second side of the band and adjacent to the first side of the band.

16. The piece of fabric of claim 6, wherein the band comprises a first side, a second side opposing the first side thereof, and a concave section formed between the first side of the band and the second side of the band and adjacent to the second side of the band.

17. The piece of fabric of claim 6, wherein the band comprises a first side, a second side opposing the first side thereof, a concave section, and a convex section, both the concave and convex sections are formed between the first side of the band and the second side of the band, the convex section is adjacent to the first side of the band, and the concave section is adjacent to the second side of the band.

18. The piece of fabric of claim 17, wherein the concave section has a valley, a first horizontal distance exists between the valley and the second side of the band, the convex section has a peak, a second horizontal distance exists between the peak and the first side of the band, and the first horizontal distance is not equal to the second horizontal distance.