Storage Garment
A storage garment capable of carrying items in a discreet manner. The storage garment includes and inner tubular layer and an outer tubular layer disposed about the inner tubular layer. The layers are circumferentially attached to each other on one of their respective ends. The inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer form a pocket having an opening at an end opposing the circumferential attachment. The storage garment can be worn on a body part by inserting the body part through a lumen defined by the inner tubular layer, and items can be stored in the pocket.
The present invention is directed to storage garments, particularly those capable of being worn under clothing on an appendage or trunk of the body for storing items in a discreet manner.
BACKGROUNDIndividuals often have a need for carrying items in a discreet manner. As just one of many examples, a woman during her menstruation cycle may need to carry a feminine hygiene article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, or a tampon. If the woman is without a purse or hag, the woman would generally prefer not to carry the feminine hygiene article in the open.
Various devices for carrying items such as feminine hygiene articles or other personal items have been described. See U.S. Pat. No. 577,057 to Myers; U.S. Pat. No. 1,495,068 to Murguiondo; U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,748 to Sherman; U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,853 to Adams; U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,331 to McDougall; U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,141 to Leone; U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,769 to Tomlinson et al.; U.S. Design Pat. 29,490 to Varni-Gardinier; U.S. Publication 2010/0230459 to Barhier et al.; and U.S. Publication 2012/0035570 to Washington, Many of these devices are configured to carry the items on the body under clothing. However, these devices are bulky and have parts that would cause a noticeable bulge under clothing, In addition, these devices have a limited carrying capacity or are limited to carrying only particular types of items.
A storage device or garment capable of being discreetly worn under clothing and storing a variety items in a discreet manner is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to storage garments and methods of using same. A preferred storage garment of the present invention includes an inner tubular layer having a first end and a second end and defining a first opening at the first end, a second opening at the second end, and a lumen between the first opening and the second opening. The storage garment also includes an outer tubular layer having a first end and a second end. The outer tubular layer is disposed about the inner tubular layer with the first end of the outer tubular layer oriented toward the first end of the inner tubular layer and the second end of the outer tubular layer oriented toward the second end of the inner tubular layer. The outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layers are circumferentially attached at a determinate position at the respective second ends, thereby forming a circumferential pocket between the outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layer. The pocket has a pocket opening defined by a terminal interface between the outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layer at the respective first ends. The storage garment can be worn by inserting a body part through the lumen defined by the inner tubular layer, and an item can be carried by placing the item in the pocket of the storage garment.
The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Exemplary versions of storage garments 1 of the present invention are depicted in
In accordance with the exemplary versions shown in the drawings, a preferred storage garment 1 includes at least two tubular layers, an inner tubular layer 10 and an outer tubular layer 20. Each tubular layer 10,20 includes a first end 12,22 and a second end 14,24. The inner tubular layer 10 defines a first opening at the first end 12, a second opening at the second end 14, and a lumen between the first opening and the second opening. This configuration permits a user to wear the storage garment 1 on a body part such as an appendage (e.g., a leg 50) or the trunk by inserting the body part in one of the openings, through the lumen, and out an opposing opening.
The outer tubular layer 20 in an unassembled state also defines a first opening at the first end 22, a second opening at the second end 24, and a lumen between the first opening and the second opening. When assembled with the inner tubular layer 10, the outer tubular layer 20 is disposed about the inner tubular layer 10 with the respective first ends 12,22, first openings, second ends 14,24, and second openings each co-oriented. In addition, the outer tubular layer 20 is circumferentially attached 32 to the inner tubular layer 10 at a determinate position on each of the respective second ends 14,24. In versions shown in FIGS, 1A-2B, the outer tubular layer 20 is circumferentially attached 32 to the inner tubular layer 10 at the termini of each of the second ends 14,24. In other versions, the layers may be attached at the terminus of the second end 14,24 of only one of the layers 10,20. For example, the terminus of the second end 14 of the inner tubular layer 10 may extend beyond the terminus of the second end 24 of the outer tubular layer 20, or, alternatively, the terminus of the second end 24 of the outer tubular layer 20 may extend beyond the terminus of the second end 14 of the inner tubular layer 10.
The attachment between the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 at the second ends 14,24 is preferably configured such that there are no substantial openings between the outer tubular layer 20 and the inner tubular layer 10 at their second ends 14,24. To obtain such an attachment, the outer tubular layer 20 is preferably stitched to the inner tubular layer 10, as shown in
In one version of the invention, the storage garment 1 may be comprised of a single tubular piece of fabric folded upon itself near the middle of the fabric, thereby forming the outer tubular layer 20 and the inner tubular layer 10. In such a version, however, the fold between the outer tubular layer 20 and the inner tubular layer 10 typically does not constitute an attachment 32 of the outer tubular layer 20 to the inner tubular layer 10 at a determinate position, as the fold is prone to shifting. Therefore, a second attachment 32, such as stitching, etc., is typically required to form an attachment at a determinate position in such a version. In other versions of the invention, the storage garment 1 is comprised of two separate tubular pieces of material that independently form the outer tubular layer 20 and the inner tubular layer 10.
The combination of disposing the outer tubular layer 20 about the inner tubular layer 10 and circumferentially attaching 32 the layers at their second ends 14,24 forms a circumferential pocket between the layers. The pocket is defined by an inner portion of the outer tubular layer 20 and an outer portion of the inner tubular layer 10.
A pocket opening is defined by a terminal interface 30 between the outer tubular layer 20 and the inner tubular layer 10 near the respective first ends 12,22. In some versions, including those shown in
The circumferential pocket comprises a depth and a circumference. The depth is the distance spanning the circumferential attachment 32 between the layers at the second ends 14,24 and the terminal interface 30 between the layers 10,20 at the first ends 12,22. The depth of the pocket preferably has a dimension of from about 5 cm to about 60 cm, and such as from about 5 cm to about 30 cm, about 10 cm to about 30 cm, or about 10 cm to about 25 cm.
The depth of the pocket may vary around the circumference of the pocket. This variation in dimension can be obtained by varying the distance spanning the circumferential attachment 32 between the layers 10,20 at the second ends 14,24 and the terminal interface 30 between the layers 10,20 at the first end 12,14. The depth may vary by at least about 0.5 cm, at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 4 cm, or more. Such variance in pocket depth is advantageous for carrying a variety of items 40.
The circumference of the pocket is understood herein as the shortest circumferential distance from and to a given point between the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20. The circumference of the pocket changes depending on whether the layers 10,20 are in an unstretched or stretched state, as described in further detail below. In the unstretched state, the circumference of the pocket may be constant or may change along the depth of the pocket in accordance with the circumferences of the inner tubular layer 10 and outer tubular layer 20 in the unstretched state, as also described in further detail below.
The pocket may be continuous or may be subdivided. A continuous pocket does not have any connections between the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 between the circumferential attachment 32 and the terminal interface 30. A subdivided pocket may have one or more points or lines of attachment between the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 between the circumferential attachment 32 and the terminal interface 30. It is preferred that any lines of attachment are substantially perpendicular to either or both of the circumferential attachment 32 and the terminal interface 30. These lines of attachment may span the entire depth of the pocket or may span only a portion thereof. One version of the invention comprises two or more lines of attachment substantially perpendicular to the circumferential attachment 32 or the terminal interface 30 to generate one or more long, narrow sub-pockets within the circumferential pocket. Such a version is suited to carrying tampons, for example, with a tampon fitting securely in each sub-pocket.
Each of the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 independently defines a length between the termini of the respective first and second ends 12,22. The length of the outer tubular layer 20 may be the same as, greater than, or less than the length of the inner tubular layer 10. Similarly, either layer may extend from the other at the first ends 12,22, the second ends 14,24 or both.
In the exemplary versions of the invention shown in FIGS, 1A-2B, the length of the outer tubular layer 20 is less than the length of the inner tubular layer 10. The outer tubular layer 20 spans only a portion of the length of the inner tubular layer 10, and the inner tubular layer 10 extends beyond the outer tubular layer 20 at least at the first end 22. Extending the inner tubular layer 10 beyond the outer tubular 20 layer helps to stabilize the storage garment 1 on the user, to minimize sliding, and to prevent bunching of the outer tubular layer 20. Extending the inner tubular layer 10 beyond the outer tubular layer 20 specifically at the first end 22, helps to maintain access to the pocket opening to insert or access items 40. The outer tubular layer 20 preferably spans a dimension of from about 0.1× to about 0.99× the length of the inner tubular layer 10, such as about 0.2×, about 0.3×, about 0.4×, about 0.5×, about 0.6×, about 0.7×, about 0.8×, about 0.9×, or about 0.95× the length of the inner tubular layer 10.
In general, the length of the inner tubular layer 10 and the length of the outer tubular layer 20 are each independently of from about 5 cm to about 60 cm, and preferably of from about 5 cm to about 30 cm, More specific length ranges can be used for particular potential uses. For example, various versions may be configured to be worn on the ankle, calf (see
In some versions of the invention, the inner tubular layer 10 and/or the outer tubular layer 20 may comprise a length that varies about the circumference of each layer. The length may vary by at least about 0.5 cm, at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 4 cm, or more. Such variance in length is advantageous for obtaining a comfortable fit on certain body parts. For example, a storage garment 1 configured to be worn on the forearm may comprise an inner tubular layer 10 having a longer length on one portion than another and may be worn with the longer portion extending toward the elbow to help stabilize the garment 1 on the arm.
The inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 may be made from any type of fabric or flexible material, including spandex or elastane, polyesters, nylons, cottons, wools, blends thereof, etc. The inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 are preferably comprised of a stretchable, resilient fabric. Various stretchable, resilient fabrics are well known in the art and typically comprise spandex or elastane fibers. Each of the layers may be comprised of a unitary, tubular piece of material or, alternatively, a flat piece of material joined at opposed ends at a seam. The material comprising the various portions of the storage garment 1 may comprise a mesh material or a substantially continuous material.
The inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 are each preferably capable of being in an unstretched state and a stretched state. The inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 each independently define a particular circumference in the unstretched state such that they stretch and expand when worn to exhibit a form-tight fit. The preferred circumference in the unstretched state is a function of the expandability of the material comprising the layers as well as the size of the body part on which the storage garment 1 will be worn. In general, the circumferences of the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 in the unstretched state are each independently between about 2 cm and 150 cm. Circumferences of the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 in the unstretched state for garments 1 that may be worn on such appendages as the forearm, upper arm, ankle, or calf may range from about 5 cm to about 50 cm and, more preferably, from about 10 cm to about 40 cm. Circumferences for garments 1 that may be worn on such appendages as the thigh may range from about 20 cm to about 70 cm and, more preferably, from about 30 cm to about 50 cm. Circumferences for garments I that may be worn around the trunk by range from about 50 cm to about 150 cm.
The circumferences of the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 in the unstretched state may vary along the respective lengths of the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20. Such variation facilitates fit on the various bodily parts. In one version, the circumferences of each of the layers 10,20 increase along the length from the respective second ends 14,24 to the respective first ends 12,22. Such a version facilitates fit, for example, on the ankle, the lower portion of the calf, or the thigh. In another version, the circumferences of each of the layers 10,20 first increase along the length from the respective second ends 14,24 to the respective first ends 12,22 and subsequently decrease. Such a version facilitates fit on the upper portion of the calf.
To facilitate establishing a form-tight fit, the inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 are each capable of stretching from a first circumference in the unstretched state to a second circumference in a stretched state, wherein the second circumference is at least about 1.1× to about 3× the first circumference.
The inner tubular layer 10 and the outer tubular layer 20 may be comprised of the same or different materials and may have the same degree or a different degree of elasticity. In a preferred version, the outer tubular layer 20 possesses a greater elasticity than the inner tubular layer 10. This permits a secure fit of the inner tubular layer 10 against the body while also permitting objects of various sizes to be stored in the pocket. For the present purposes, having a greater elasticity means having a lower elastic modulus (Young's modulus or modulus of elasticity). An elastic modulus is the mathematical description of an object or substance's tendency to be deformed elastically (i.e., non-permanently) when a force is applied to it. The elastic modulus of a material is defined as the slope of its stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region. A stiffer material has a higher elastic modulus, and a more elastic material has a lower elastic modulus. Various protocols for testing the elastic modulus of a material are provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as ASTM D6614, ASTM D2594, and ASTM D3107.
Some versions of the storage garment 1 further include a pocket closure configured to reversibly occlude the pocket opening. The pocket closure may occlude the pocket opening only at certain portions of the terminal interface 30, or may do so along the entire circumference of the pocket opening. Some versions of the pocket closure directly join the outer tubular layer 20 to the inner tubular layer 10 at the terminal interface 30. Other versions of the pocket closure include a flap extending from the terminus of the first end 12,22 of either the outer tubular layer 20 or the inner tubular layer 10 that is capable of reversibly connecting to the opposing layer. The pocket closure may comprise any device or mechanism known in the art for reversibly joining two pieces of fabric, including buttons, a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, snaps, hook-and-eye fasteners, etc.
In some versions, the storage garment 1 may comprise, one or more grippers for stabilizing the inner tubular layer 10 against the body of the user. The gripper is preferably comprised of a material distinct from the material comprising the tubular fabric layer. In some versions, the gripper comprises a narrow (e.g., about 1-2 cm) elastic band disposed over, in, or under the inner tubular layer 10 and, preferably, spanning the circumference of the inner tubular layer 10 to add additional compression against the body at certain points along the length of the inner tubular layer 10. In other versions, the gripper comprises a band of material disposed on the inner surface of the inner tubular layer 10 to increase friction against the skin. The band of material is preferably circumferentially arranged in a narrow (e.g., about 1-2 cm) band of material about the inner surface of the inner tubular layer 10. Examples of such material include an elastic band, fine elastic threads woven into inner tubular layer 10, a silicone band, silicone dots arranged in a circumferential band-like pattern, and silicone tape. The gripper may be disposed at the first end 12, the second end 14, or both the first 12 and second 14 ends of the inner tubular layer 10.
Some versions of the invention comprise two or more outer tubular layers 20 attached at their second ends 24, either directly or indirectly, to an inner tubular layer 10. Each of the two or more outer tubular layers 20 is disposed with respect to the inner tubular layer 10 with the respective second ends 24 and the respective first ends 22 co-oriented. The two or more outer tubular layers 20 can be arranged in a sandwich configuration about the inner tubular layer 10 to generate two or more circumferential layers of circumferential pockets. Alternatively, the two or more outer tubular layers 20 can be sequentially attached along the length of the inner tubular layer 10 to form two or more series of circumferential pockets.
An object of the invention is to provide a storage garment 1 capable of being worn and carrying items 40 in a discreet manner. While the storage garment 1 may include such elements as buttons, zippers, snaps, hook-and-eye fasteners, etc., preferred versions do not include such elements as they may cause a bulge to be visible through clothing worn over the storage garment 1. Accordingly, some versions of the invention consist in one or more outer tubular layers 20 circumferentially attached to an inner tubular layer 10. Other versions consist in one or more outer tubular layers 20 circumferentially attached to an inner tubular layer 10 along with a gripper and/or a substantially flat pocket closure, such as hook-and-loop fastener, disposed between the one or more outer tubular layers 20 and the inner tubular layer 10.
In use, the storage garments 1 described herein can be worn on an appendage (see
The elements described herein can be used in any combination whether explicitly described or not.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5 to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.
All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e., “references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual reference were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and the incorporated references, the present disclosure controls.
It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A storage garment comprising:
- an inner tubular layer having a first end and a second end and defining a first opening at the first end, a second opening at the second end, and a lumen between the first opening and the second opening; and
- an outer tubular layer having a first end and a second end,
- wherein the outer tubular layer is disposed about the inner tubular layer with the first end of the outer tubular layer oriented toward the first end of the inner tubular layer and the second end of the outer tubular layer oriented toward the second end of the inner tubular layer, and
- wherein the outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layers are circumferentially attached at a determinate position at the respective second ends, thereby forming a circumferential pocket between the outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layer with a pocket opening being defined by a terminal interface between the outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layer at the respective first ends.
2. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the inner tubular layer defines a length between a terminus of the first end and a terminus of the second end and the outer tubular layer spans only a portion of the length.
3. The storage garment of claim 2 wherein the outer tubular layer spans of from about 0.1× to about 0.99× the length of the inner tubular layer.
4. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer each independently define a length between termini of their respective first ends and second ends, and wherein the length of the inner tubular layer and the length of the outer tubular layer are each independently between about 5 and 60 cm.
5. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer each independently define a length between termini of their respective first ends and second ends, and wherein the length of the inner tubular layer, the length of the outer tubular layer, or the length of the length of the inner tubular layer and the length of the outer tubular layer varies about a circumference of each layer.
6. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer are each capable of being in an unstretched state and a stretched state, wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer each independently define a circumference in the unstretched state, and wherein the circumference of the inner tubular layer in the unstretched state and the circumference of the outer tubular layer in the unstretched state are each independently between about 2 cm and 150 cm.
7. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer are each capable of being in an unstretched state and a stretched state, wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer each independently define a circumference in the unstretched state, wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer each independently define a length between their respective first ends and second ends, and wherein the circumference of the inner tubular layer in the unstretched state and the circumference of the outer tubular layer in the unstretched state each vary along the respective lengths of the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer.
8. The storage garment of claim 7 wherein the circumference of the inner tubular layer in the unstretched state and the circumference of the outer tubular layer in the unstretched state each increase along the length from the respective second ends to the respective first ends.
9. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer are each capable of being in an unstretched state and a stretched state, wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer each independently define a first circumference in the unstretched state, and wherein the inner tubular layer and the outer tubular layer are each capable of stretching to a second circumference in the stretched state that is at least about 1.1× to 3× the respective first circumferences.
10. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the outer tubular layer possesses a greater elasticity than the inner tubular layer.
11. The storage garment of claim 1 further comprising a pocket closure configured to reversibly occlude the pocket opening.
12. The storage garment of claim 11 wherein the pocket closure reversibly joins the first end of the outer tubular layer and the first end of the inner tubular layer about the entire circumference of the pocket opening.
13. The storage garment of claim 11 wherein the pocket closure comprises a fastener is selected from the group consisting of buttons, a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, snaps, and hook-and-eye fasteners.
14. The storage garment of claim 1 further comprising a gripper configured to stabilize the inner tubular layer against a body of a user.
15. The storage garment of claim 14 wherein the gripper is comprised of a material distinct from a material comprising the inner tubular layer.
16. The storage garment of claim 14 wherein the gripper comprises a band of material circumferentially arranged about a portion of the inner tubular layer selected from the group consisting of the first end and the second end.
17. The storage garment of claim 1 wherein the circumferential pocket is a continuous, circumferential pocket.
18. A method of carrying an item with a storage garment as recited in claim 1 comprising inserting a body part through the lumen defined by the inner tubular layer and placing the item in the pocket of the storage garment.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 22, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2014
Inventor: Dontia Warren (Ypsilanti, MI)
Application Number: 13/591,619
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);