ARTICLE OF CLOTHING FACILITATING ITS OWN STORAGE DURING USE

The invention relates to an article of clothing that includes an article of clothing for at least partially covering a portion of the user's body. The article of clothing includes a band positioned in the extension of a portion of the clothing element and adapted to surround the waist or a limb of the user, the band being demarcated by at least one edge with adjustable perimeter, the band forming a wall of a housing surrounding the waist or a limb of the user, the housing being adapted to contain the folded clothing element and to keep it around the waist or a limb of the user.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 13/01441, filed Jun. 20, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to articles of clothing, especially articles of clothing intended for outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and/or cycling, for example.

2. Background Information

When engaged in outdoor activities, a user may need thermal protection for his or her body or for protection against rain resulting from changing climatic conditions. For example, the user may want to put on a jacket during windy conditions and then remove the jacket as soon as the weather improves. Upon removing the jacket, the user must store the jacket to increase freedom of movement. Typically, the user wishes to make these changes quickly to avoid wasting time.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,476 describes an anorak associated with a belt. The belt comprises a front pouch, closeable by a slide fastener, in which the anorak is stored when not worn. When wishing to don the anorak, the user opens the front pouch to retrieve the anorak, which is attached to the belt only in the interior of the front pouch. The anorak has a wide opening in the back to enable donning. This opening, adjustable by a rear slide fastener, provides passage for the head and the arms. The anorak is also sized to cover a backpack carried by the user. Thus, closing the rear slide fastener also protects the backpack from the weather. The anorak further comprises a fastening mechanism located at the end of the rear slide fastener, in the area of the waist. This fastening mechanism makes it possible to reduce the space between the user's waist and the anorak but does not make it possible to achieve uniform contact on the perimeter of the waist.

In practice, it is relatively difficult to don this anorak without stopping while engaged in an activity, such as running. Indeed, the user must focus in order to properly unfurl and orient the anorak, including correctly positioning the sleeves through which to pass the arms. Furthermore, the rear slide fastener and rear fastening mechanism are not easily accessible and thus not easy to manipulate. This positioning is all the more difficult as the user is moving. In addition, the anorak is not very well insulated in the area of the waist, which can allow air or water penetration. Furthermore, the anorak is not properly held in the area of the waist, and thus generates friction that can hinder the movements of the user. This hindrance is increased when running, as it is preferable to wear closely fitting garments, at least in the area of the waist.

SUMMARY

The invention overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the invention provides garment that is easy to put on, remove, and store, including during the practice of a sport or other activity.

The invention also provides a garment with reinforced insulation.

The invention further provides a garment that is held properly on the body of the user.

Thus, the invention relates to an article of clothing comprising a clothing element designed to at least partially cover a portion of the body of the user, a band positioned in the extension of the clothing element and adapted to surround the waist or a limb of the user, the band being demarcated by at least one adjustable perimeter edge, the band forming a wall of a housing surrounding the waist or a limb of the user, the housing being adapted to contain the folded clothing element and to keep it around the waist or a limb of the user.

The invention thus provides an article of clothing that makes it possible to switch easily from a wearing configuration to a storage configuration without affecting the progress of the activity being performed, ensuring the retention of the article of clothing when switching between the two configurations, and ensuring that the article of clothing is properly held in the storage or wearing configuration.

At least one edge makes it possible to adjust the edge perimeter around the user's waist or limb surrounded by the band. Thus, the edge can exert a slight compression against the user's waist or limb that it surrounds. The band defines a storage zone for the clothing element, which has very good hold on the user. The clothing element can then be stored in a housing formed by the folded band only, or by the band on one side and a wall made by the user's body or a fabric. Moreover, the band ensures good insulation of the clothing item when worn. The adjustment eliminates or greatly reduces air or water penetration. Finally, the storage of the article of clothing is provided by the band, which covers the folded clothing element. Advantageously, the band is limited by two edges with adjustable perimeters, which makes it possible to close the housing formed by the band in which the folded article of clothing is stored. Additionally, these edges enable a stable vertical positioning of the band on the user. Donning and doffing the article of clothing is simple and fast. It is not necessary to open/close a slide fastener or to connect other fastening means to extract the article of clothing from its storage housing.

The article of clothing may be a jacket, a portion of a jacket, pants, shorts, a skirt, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing of FIG. 1, in the area of a storage band;

FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views of the user in successive stages of preparing the storage of the article of clothing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the article of clothing in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing according to another storage mode;

FIG. 9 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing according to still another storage mode;

FIG. 10 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of an article of clothing according to an alternative of the first embodiment, designed to conceal the storage band;

FIG. 11 is a flat expanded view of a portion of an alternative article of clothing;

FIG. 12 is a front view of an article of clothing according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 13 to 16 are perspective views of the user in successive stages of preparing the storage of the article of clothing of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 18 to 19 are perspective views of the user in successive stages of preparing the storage of the article of clothing of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an article of clothing 1. In this first embodiment, the article of clothing 1 comprises a clothing element 2 in the form of a jacket and a band 3 extending in the extension of the clothing element 2, in the area of the waist.

In this example, the clothing element 2 is adapted to cover the torso and the arms of the user. The clothing element 2 comprises a textile having a surface 22 shaped in a known manner to cover the torso and advantageously comprises sleeves. Furthermore, the clothing element 2 comprises an upper opening 24 to allow passage of the head and neck of the user. Advantageously, the clothing element 2 also comprises an opening mechanism 21 for selectively increasing or reducing the size of the opening 24. The opening mechanism 21, for example, includes a slide fastener, such as a zipper, extending vertically between the opening 24 and the lower portion of the clothing element 2, on the front portion of the clothing element. The opening mechanism 21 can be designed to create a long slit extending down at least to below the sternum. As a result, the head and shoulders can pass more easily through the opening 24 thus modified, as will be explained below. Alternatively, the opening mechanism can be designed to increase the size of the opening 24 in the area of the shoulders. The opening mechanism may be comprised of locally deformable portions of the textile surface.

The lower portion of the clothing element 2 comprises a lower opening 25 (shown in FIG. 7) for allowing passage of the waist of the user.

The band 3 is located in the extension of the clothing element 2, in the lower portion thereof. The band 3 also surrounds the waist of the user and, at least in this embodiment, is endless, thus demarcating the opening 25. The band 3 comprises a textile element 30 extending between two edges 31, 32 with adjustable perimeter. Each edge 31 and 32 surrounds a portion of the waist and can exert a slight compression onto the body of the user. The compression is not necessarily uniform around the edge. An edge of the band is said to be “adjustable” when it makes it possible to adapt the perimeter of the edge to the size or perimeter of the user's limb surrounded by the band. The adjustment may or may not be adjustable.

FIG. 2 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1, in the area of the band 3, when the clothing element 2 is being worn. The adjustable upper edge 31 forms the junction between the band 3 and the clothing element 2. The adjustable lower edge 32 is a free edge of the band 3. Due to their adjustment, the adjustable edges 31 and 32 can be pressed against a wall 4 corresponding either to the user's skin or to another garment worn by the user under the article of clothing 1. Between the adjustable edges 31 and 32, the textile element 30 forms a wall demarcating a housing 33. The housing 33 here is formed between the textile element 30 and the wall 4. As described in detail below, the band 3 has a width, between the adjustable edges 31 and 32, which is sufficient to enable the housing 33 formed with the wall 4, in the case the user's waist, to contain the clothing element 2 so as to form storage therefore.

In the example illustrated, the adjustable upper edge 31 is formed by an upper elastic ribbon 34 surrounding the article of clothing 1. This upper elastic ribbon 34 is fixed in a covering between the textile element 30 of the band 3 and the textile surface 22 of the clothing element 2. The upper elastic band 34 is fixed between stitches affixing the band 3 to the clothing element 2.

The adjustable lower edge 32 is formed here by a lower elastic ribbon 35 surrounding the free edge of the band 3. The lower elastic ribbon 35 is fixed in a hem of the textile element 30. The lower elastic ribbon 35 is held in the hem by stitches.

The elastic ribbons 34 and 35 may be elastic strips, for example.

The adjustable edges 31 and 32 may be formed by any other suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as by means of crimped portions of the fabric coupled with at least one elastic yarn. It can also be a cord provided with a blocker. In such a case, the position of the blocker on the cord enables the edge to be adjusted. Alternatively, the band does not include edges having properties that are distinct from those of the median portion of the band. For example, the band has the same extensibility characteristics over its entire width. Therefore, there are no marked edges. In this case, the band 3 becomes deformed in its median portion to form a wall of the housing 30 for the clothing element 2 and the non-deformed lateral portions, arranged on both sides of the deformed median portion, form the adjustable edges 31 and 32.

The adjustable edges 31 and 32 are used to press against the waist of the user to ensure a relatively stable positioning of the band 3 in relation to the user during use. When the clothing element 2 is worn, the band 3 enables proper adjustment in the area of the waist, thereby avoiding any friction at the waist. The adjustable edges 31 and 32 close the housing 33 when the clothing element 2 is stored in the housing 33. Vertical tossing of the article of clothing 1 is thus limited.

The adjustable edges 31 and 32 also promote windproofness in the wearing configuration.

Advantageously, the textile element 30 is extensible, which also makes it possible to reduce the tossing of the clothing element 2 when it is stored. The extensibility of the textile element also facilitates the transition into the wearing configuration. Indeed, the elasticity of the textile element makes it possible to space the clothing element 2 from the body in order to insert the head and shoulders of the user. The clothing element then returns to position due to the extensibility of the band. The extensibility also enables the clothing element to adapt to various user builds.

The textile element 30 may have openings or be in the form of net or a mesh.

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate the transition from a wearing configuration to a storage configuration of the article of clothing 1 according to the first embodiment.

The user actuates the opening mechanism 21, such as a zipper, so as to widen the opening 24 as much as possible. The opening 24 can then have a cross section that is sufficiently large to allow the head and shoulders of the user therethrough.

The user then extracts his arms from the sleeves of the clothing element 2, and then frees his shoulders and torso from the clothing element 2. During this step, illustrated in FIG. 3, the article of clothing 1 is still maintained on the user. The adjustable edges 31 and 32 maintain the band 3 fixed around the waist of the user.

The user then spaces the adjustable upper edge 31 from his waist, as shown in FIG. 4. Then, he gradually slips the clothing element 2 between his waist and the adjustable upper edge 31, so as to house the clothing element 2 within the housing 33. In doing so, he can compress the folding element, such as by folding it to fit within the housing, or he can roll it or simply stuff the clothing element 2 in the housing. In any event, the more extensible the textile element 30, the greater the storage capacity of the housing 33 for a predetermined width of the band 3. The extensibility of the textile element 30 enables the median portion of the band to extend along a direction perpendicular to the waist of the user. In the context of the invention, a textile element is extensible when it can be subject to quite substantial deformations and return to its original configuration with a certain energy. The extensibility results in the elastic deformation of the fabric. In the case of the invention, the extensibility of the band must be sufficient to form a housing in which the folded clothing element is stored.

In the wearing configuration, the extensibility allows for a better aesthetic finish of the article of clothing, for example by avoiding the formation of a bulge.

FIG. 5 shows the stored clothing element 2. The clothing element 2 is housed in the housing 33 positioned in the area of the waist and demarcated by the textile element 30 and the wall 4 formed by a T-shirt worn by the user. FIG. 6 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1 in this storage configuration. FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1 in this same storage configuration.

Thus, throughout the storing process, the article of clothing 1 remains fixed to the user. The clothing element 2 is particularly well-retained by the band 3, while ensuring ease of retrieval of the clothing element 2, due to the front opening mechanism or slide fastener 21.

The housing 33 forms an annular pouch around the waist, inside of which the user stores the clothing element 2. This construction offers a large storage space that makes it possible to distribute the entire folded clothing element 2 around the waist. As a result, the article of clothing 1 in the storage configuration has a substantially continuous extra thickness around the waist, thereby balancing the distribution of the mass of the article of clothing. Thus, the weight of the stored clothing element may be evenly distributed around the waist. This solution eliminates or greatly reduces the tossing or flopping of the article of clothing in relation to the user. This aspect is particularly advantageous in comparison, for example, with the storage of the clothing element 2 in a front pouch, as in the prior art described above. In the latter case, the pouch is locally thicker and the weight of the stored clothing element may be uncomfortable (imbalance, tossing, local contact zone, etc.).

The band 3 and clothing element 2 are connected to one another, such as non-removably connected, along their entire perimeters, which makes it easier to obtain a distributed storage of the clothing element. This connection also provides another advantage, namely, the orientation of the clothing element 2 in the housing 33. This orientation can greatly facilitate the transition into the wearing mode. Indeed, each arm opening and sleeve remains properly positioned in relation to the corresponding arm of the user, i.e., identically in both the storage and the wearing configurations of the clothing element 2. The clothing element is automatically well-indexed to facilitate its positioning. The continuous connection between the clothing element 2 and the band 3 ensures the relative positioning between these two elements, thereby making it easier to guide the clothing element when switching to the wearing configuration.

This is not the case in the example of the cited prior art, in which the clothing element is attached to the belt only in a front zone. The user can easily twist this connection and invert the sleeves. Therefore, the user must be careful not to invert the sleeves when positioning the clothing element. This is more restrictive.

To switch from a storage configuration to a wearing configuration, the user performs the reverse operations from that described above. The user transitions from the storage configuration shown in FIG. 5 to the wearing configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.

This article of clothing makes it particularly easy to switch from a storage configuration to a wearing configuration and vice versa.

Other storage configurations are also within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1 in another storage configuration. To obtain this storage configuration, starting from the wearing configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the user begins the same way. He also actuates the opening mechanism 21 so as to widen the opening 24 as much as possible, and then extracts his arms from the sleeves and then frees his shoulders and torso from the clothing element 2. The user folds the clothing element around his waist. Then, instead of sliding the clothing element 2 under the adjustable upper edge 31, he folds the band 3 on the clothing element 2. The adjustable lower edge 32 is then pressed against the wall 4 and is positioned above the adjustable upper edge 31. The textile element 30 then covers the clothing element 2. The clothing element 2 is stored in the housing 33.

FIG. 9 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1 in a third storage configuration. To obtain this storage configuration, starting from the wearing configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the user actuates the opening mechanism 21 so as to widen the opening 24 as much as possible, and then extracts his arms from the sleeves, and then frees his shoulders and torso from the clothing element 2. The user then brings the clothing element 2 above the textile element 30 and the adjustable lower edge 32 in superposition with the adjustable upper edge 31, such that a housing 33 is demarcated by the folding of the textile element 30 alone. The housing 33 formed is then used to store the clothing element 2 in its entirety. The clothing element is entirely slipped into the housing 33 through the opening provided between the adjustable edges 31 and 32. This configuration makes it possible to maintain the clothing element 2 without contact with the user, particularly when this clothing element is soaked with perspiration, mud, or rain, for example.

FIG. 10 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1 in another wearing configuration. This configuration is adapted to conceal the storage band 3 in the wearing configuration of the article of clothing 1. In this configuration, the band 3 is folded under the clothing element 2. The adjustable upper edge 31 here forms the lower end of the article of clothing 1, the adjustable lower edge 32 being covered by the clothing element 2. To form the housing 33, it suffices to fold the adjustable upper edge 31, as shown by the arrow, up to or beyond the adjustable lower edge 32. The storage of the clothing element 2 is then carried out according to one of the methods described above.

In this example, the band 3 forms a continuous closed loop in the area of the lower opening of the clothing element 2. This band 3 defines the annular housing 33 around the waist of the user. To don the article of clothing 1, the user uses the extensibility of the elastic edges 31 and 32. Thus, it is guaranteed that the article of clothing 1 remains constantly fixed around the waist of the user during use.

In an alternative embodiment, the opening mechanism 2 may be provided to extend to the adjustable lower edge 32 to enable the article of clothing 1 to fully open in the area of the waist.

The textile element 30 is advantageously extensible to make it easier to keep the clothing element 2 pressed against the user. Thus, when the clothing element 2 is positioned in the housing 33, the textile element 30 is elastically deformed and presses the clothing element 2 against the user. Good compactness of the article of clothing 1 is obtained in the storage configuration. Therefore, the article of clothing can be constructed with panels having mechanical properties varying according to their use. For example, the clothing element 2 can be constructed for protection against the wind and/or rain, while the band 3 can be constructed to be deformed in order to create a pouch for storing the clothing item. The band must be able to deform transversely, which implies extension properties along at least one axial direction of the surrounded waist or limb.

To have a good hold and aesthetic appeal, it is desirable for the clothing element not to be overly extensible, which makes it possible to achieve an attractive cut. To this end, the median portion of the band is advantageously more extensible along an axial direction of the surrounded waist or limb than the textile element of the article of clothing adjacent the band.

To combine both a good hold of the article of clothing 1 and ease of insertion of a clothing element 2 in the housing 33, the adjustable edges 31 and 32 advantageously have a mechanical stiffness greater than that of the median portion of the band 3 formed of the textile element 30. The perimeter of the adjustable edges 31 and 32 at rest can be less that the perimeter of the median portion of the band 3, in order to promote the volume of the housing 33 without modifying the support of the article of clothing 1.

Advantageously, the width of the band 3 between the adjustable edge 31 and 32 is equal to at least five centimeters to provide a housing 33 of sufficient size for storage.

The band 3 advantageously forms a housing 33 closed by a simple mechanical structure or expedient that can quickly be opened/closed. The housing 33 does not require a closing mechanism such as a slide fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener, which could alter the clothing element 2 or the adjacent garments during handling and would weigh down the article of clothing 1. The housing 33 can also be used for storing other objects in the wearing configuration.

For the practice of certain activities and sports, the user especially looks for an article of clothing 1 that is lightweight. The clothing element 2 can take the form of a windbreaker and/or a raincoat made with a very lightweight material, such as a “Ripstop” fabric, for example, made of 90% polyamide and 10% elastane, certain portions being membranous. The proposed construction is particularly suitable for this type of clothing element 2. Forming a housing 33 by means of a single wall of the textile element 30 makes it possible to reduce the amount of fabric and stitching. This further lightens the article of clothing, whose weight can be less than one hundred grams.

In the examples described in detail above, the clothing element 2 and the band 3 are demarcated by a continuous peripheral line and are formed of separate textile elements. Alternatively, the adjustable upper edge 31 is not made by a single adjustable element continuous along the entire periphery of the waist. For example, the band 3 can be made integral with the clothing element 2. FIG. 11 is a flat expanded view of an alternative article of clothing 1. The textile element 30 here is an extension of the textile surface 22 of the clothing element 2. The band 3 comprises two elastic elements 36, for example. The elastic elements 36 are elongated and parallel to the adjustable lower edge 32. The elastic elements 36 are aligned. The adjustable upper edge 31 according to the invention is then determined by a periphery joining these elastic members 36 around the waist. The elasticity of the adjustable edge 31 enabling it to be pressed against the waist of the user is therefore concentrated in the area of the elastic elements 36. The elastic elements 36 are advantageously positioned in the area of the sides of the user in the wearing configuration. In this example, the band 3 is demarcated by the adjustable upper edge 31, defined by the two elastic elements 36, on the one hand, and by the adjustable lower edge 32, on the other hand. Alternatively, there may be a single or two or more elastic elements 36 distributed along a periphery parallel to the adjustable lower edge 32.

The textile element 30 may include approximately 60% polyamide and 40% elastane (a fabric stretchable along two axes), for example. The textile surface 22 can be formed in a fabric containing 90% polyamide and 10% elastane. The band 3 can be made integral with the clothing element 2 by using weavings or proportions of various adjustable materials in order to promote the extensibility of the band 3.

The textile surface 22 can advantageously be breathable, form protection against the wind and/or at least locally form protection against the cold and/or be at least locally impervious. The clothing element 2 may comprise a hood.

Thus, there are several embodiments for obtaining a band that has different mechanical properties from that of the clothing element 2, and is particularly more “extensible” in order to deform sufficiently to create the storage housing 33.

A first embodiment involves assembling panels comprised of various materials. In this case, the band-forming panel is comprised of a suitable extensible material.

A second embodiment involves constructing the article of clothing with panels having the same base material for the clothing element 2 and the band 3. In this case, to obtain an extensible band, an elastic film may be added to the base material. The added film may be adhered, glued, printed, obtained by coating, or any other method for locally associating an elastic coating with the base material.

A third embodiment involves making the constituent material of the article of clothing such that the organization of the yarns or they type vary in predetermined zones. These structural modifications make it possible to obtain different mechanical properties from one zone to another. Consequently, an extensible band can be obtained as desired. This technique, referred to as “body mapping”, makes it possible to create a garment in one piece, seamless, which is more comfortable and more durable. These structural modifications may involve changing the weaving or knitting locally. One can also use a non-woven textile and locally modify the internal cohesion of the agglomerated fibers.

Other construction or assembly technologies are within the scope of the invention for defining zones having different mechanical properties.

FIGS. 12 to 16 illustrate a second embodiment of an article of clothing. This embodiment includes elements similar to those of the first embodiment. Each similar element is designated by the same reference numeral as the element of the first embodiment, incremented by 100.

In this second embodiment, the article of clothing 101 also comprises a jacket-shaped article of clothing 102. The article of clothing 101 also comprises a band 103 positioned in the extension of the article of clothing 102, but, in this case, in the extension of a sleeve. This second embodiment allows the article of clothing 102 to be stored in the area of the wrist of the user, in order to free his waist and better facilitate breathing.

The clothing element comprises a textile surface 122 shaped in a known manner to cover the torso and the arms, and thus comprises sleeves 123. The article of clothing 102 includes an upper opening 124 to allow passage of the head and neck of the user. The article of clothing 102 advantageously comprises an opening mechanism 121 for selectively increasing or reducing the size of the opening 124. The opening mechanism 121 here comprises a slide fastener extending vertically between the opening 124 and the lower edge of the article of clothing 102. The article of clothing 102 can thus fully open for easy removal thereof when switching to the storage configuration. This full opening also facilitates the donning and doffing of the article of clothing 101.

In this example, the article of clothing 101 comprises a band 103 in the area of each of the sleeves 123, which makes the article of clothing versatile, suitable for right or left handed users. This band 103 surrounds the hand and wrist of the user. The band 103 is demarcated by two adjustable edges 131 and 132. The band 103 comprises a textile element 130 extending between the adjustable edges 131 and 132. The band 103 advantageously forms a mitt, with openings for the fingers of the user. The band 103 particularly comprises an opening 137 to allow passage of the thumb of the user. The opening 137 ensures retention of the article of clothing 101 by the hand of the user in the wearing configuration.

The adjustable upper edge 131 connects the band 103 and the article of clothing 102 in the area of the wrist of the user. The adjustable lower edge 132 is a free edge of the band 103, positioned at the junction between the hand and fingers of the user. Due to their elasticity, the adjustable edges 131 and 132 are pressed against the user's wrist and the hand, respectively.

The adjustable edges 131 and 132 are pressed against the user's wrist and the hand, respectively, to keep the band 103 attached to the user during use. The adjustable edges 131 and 132 also make it possible to keep the article of clothing 102 stored in the housing.

Each band 103 here is pressed against the hand of the user, thereby ensuring that the sleeves 123 of the article of clothing 101 are watertight or windproof in the wearing configuration.

FIGS. 14 to 16 illustrate the transition from a wearing configuration to a storage configuration of the article of clothing 101.

The user actuates the opening mechanism 121 so as to fully open a front opening of the clothing element.

The user then extracts the arm from a sleeve 123 of the article of clothing 102, and then frees his shoulders and torso out of the article of clothing 102. During this step, illustrated in FIG. 14, the article of clothing 101 is still held by the hand of the user. The adjustable edges 131 and 132 keep the band 103 secured around this hand.

The user then pulls out his thumb from the opening 137 and folds the band 103 beyond his wrist. He spaces the adjustable upper edge 131 from his arm and gradually slides the article of clothing 102 between his arm and the adjustable upper edge 131, so as to insert the article of clothing 102 in the housing. This step is illustrated in FIG. 15. To this end, in an exemplary embodiment, the textile element 130 is extensible so that the housing does not form a bulge in the wearing configuration, while having a sufficient storage volume for the article of clothing 102 in the storage configuration. The band 103 has a width, between the adjustable edges 131 and 132, which is sufficient to enable the housing formed to contain the article of clothing 102 so as to form storage therefore.

FIG. 16 shows the article of clothing 102 as stored. The entire article of clothing 102 is housed in the housing, between the textile element 130 and the arm of the user. Throughout the storing process, the article of clothing 101 remains attached to the user. The band 103 holds the article of clothing 102 particularly well while ensuring ease of retrieval of the article of clothing 102. Moreover, in the storage configuration, the article of clothing 101 frees the arms and torso of the user.

To facilitate the storage by distributing the article of clothing 102 in the housing, the band 103 and the article of clothing 102 are fixed to one another along the entire perimeter of the wrist. The distribution of the mass of the article of clothing 102 can be balanced around the wrist.

In an alternative embodiment, the storage of the article of clothing 102 is positioned on the hand instead of around the wrist. In such a case, the band 103 is not folded back toward the wrist and remains around the hand.

Similarly, the band 103 could be constructed to stop in the area of the wrist in the wearing configuration. In such a case, it does not cover the hand, unlike the previous solutions.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing according to a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes elements similar to those of the first embodiment. Each similar element has the same reference numeral as the element of the first embodiment, incremented by 200.

In this third embodiment, the article of clothing 201 comprises a clothing element 202 in the form of pants and a band 203 located in the extension of the upper portion of the clothing element 202.

The clothing element 202 is adapted to cover the legs and pelvis of the user. The clothing element 202 comprises an upper opening (not shown) to allow passage of the legs and waist of the user. The clothing element 202 further comprises two legs, each provided with a lower opening (not shown) to allow passage of the ankles of the user. The clothing element 202 further comprises an opening mechanism 221 forming a separation of the pants connecting the two lower openings through the crotch. The opening mechanism 221 can be in the form of a slide fastener or hook-and-loop fastener, for example.

The band 203 is located in the extension of the clothing element 202, in the upper portion thereof. The band 203 also surrounds the waist of the user and is demarcated by two adjustable edges 231 and 232. The band 203 comprises a textile element 230 extending between the adjustable edges 231 and 232.

The adjustable lower edge 232 forms the junction between the band 203 and the clothing element 202. The adjustable upper edge 231 is a free edge of the band 203. Due to their elasticity, the adjustable edges 231 and 232 are pressed against either the user's skin, or against another garment of the user located beneath the article of clothing 201. Between the adjustable edges 231 and 232, the textile element 230 forms a wall demarcating a housing. The band 203 has a width, between the adjustable edges 231 and 232, which is sufficient to enable the housing formed with the waist of the user to contain the clothing element 202 so as to form storage therefore.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the transition from a clothing configuration to a storage configuration of the article of clothing 201 according to the third embodiment.

In FIG. 18, the user has actuated the opening mechanism 221 so as to form the separation of the pants. The user can extract his legs out of the legs of the pants. The user then pulls up the pants. During this step, the article of clothing 201 is still maintained on the user, the adjustable edges 231 and 232 maintaining the band 203 attached around the waist of the user.

In FIG. 19, the user spaces the adjustable lower edge 232 from his waist. The user gradually slips the clothing element 202 between his waist and the adjustable lower edge 232, so as to insert the pants in the housing of the band 203. The user must then continue the operation to house the entire pants in the housing of the band 203.

Although pants are described in this third embodiment, the clothing element 202 may also be in the form of shorts, a skirt, or the like.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes elements similar to those of the first embodiment. Each similar element has the same reference numeral as the element of the first embodiment, incremented by 300.

The construction of this article of clothing 301 is very similar to the article of clothing 1 of the first embodiment. The difference is that the band 303 is affixed to a second clothing element 350 at least partially covering the lower limbs of the user. The second clothing element 350 may be shorts, a skirt, Bermuda shorts, Capri pants, short or long pants. The band 303 can therefore serve to maintain the second clothing element 350 in place on the user.

In this example, it is the lower edge 332 of the band 303 that is affixed to the second clothing element 350.

Thus, the band 303 includes a textile element 330 in its median portion, an upper edge 331 affixed to a first clothing element 302 and a lower edge 332 affixed to a second clothing element 350. Like the first embodiment and similarly, the band 303 forms a wall of a housing that is sufficient to contain the first folded clothing element 302.

This fourth embodiment provides better imperviousness because the band 303 forms a continuous connection between the first and second clothing elements. For this alternative embodiment, it is desirable to have an extensible band connecting the upper clothing element to the lower clothing element in order to adapt to the user's build. The first clothing element 302, in this embodiment, is stored permanently in the second clothing element 350.

In an alternative embodiment, the first clothing element 302 can be made to be removably connected to the second clothing element 350, either in the area of the upper edge 331 of the band 303, or in the area of the lower edge 332 of the band 303.

Alternatively, the first 302 and second 350 clothing elements are both connected in the area of the lower edge 332. In this case, the upper edge 331 is free.

The invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. It is possible to combine these embodiments.

For example, the construction for obtaining an extensible band can also be used in the various embodiments illustrated.

Furthermore, the invention also covers an article of clothing, the “first” clothing element of which would partially cover the body.

For example, it may be a plastron covering the torso only, the plastron being provided with a lower band surrounding the waist of the user. The plastron can then be stored in a housing formed by the lower band in a manner analogous to the first embodiment.

The invention also covers an article of clothing having a separable or removable clothing element. In this embodiment, the 201 includes an attachment mechanism for adding the band in the extension of the clothing element. This mechanism cooperates with a complementary mechanism arranged on the band so as to affix the band to the clothing element. Such attachment mechanism may be snap fasteners, strips such as “VELCRO®”, a slide fastener, etc.

In another embodiment, the article of clothing includes a band forming a housing for storing two clothing elements, a first clothing element adapted to cover at least a portion of the upper limbs of the user, and a second clothing element adapted to cover at least a portion of the lower limbs of the user. Therefore, the band is affixed to the two foldable clothing elements. In this alternative embodiment, the two clothing elements can be stored in a housing, at least a portion of which is demarcated by the band, unlike the fourth embodiment.

Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a clothing element for at least partially covering a portion of a user's body;
a band positioned in an extension of a portion of the clothing element and designed to surround a waist or a limb of the user, the band being demarcated by at least one edge having an adjustable perimeter, the band forming a wall of a housing surrounding the waist or the limb of the user, said housing being designed to contain a folded clothing element and to keep the folded clothing element positioned around the waist or the limb of the user.

2. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

a median portion of the band is extensible.

3. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

a median portion of the band is more extensible along an axial direction of the surrounded waist or limb than a portion of the clothing element adjacent the band.

4. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the housing is an annular pouch designed to surround the waist or the limb of the user.

5. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

when the article of clothing is worn, the housing is demarcated by the band and a wall corresponding either to the user's skin or to a garment worn by the user under the article of clothing, or by the folding of the band alone.

6. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one edge by which the band is demarcated comprises two edges, each having an adjustable perimeter.

7. An article of clothing according to claim 6, wherein:

the width between the two edges of the band is greater than five centimeters.

8. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the band forms a unitary closed loop.

9. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one edge comprises an adjusting mechanism designed to press the at least one edge against the waist or the limb of the user surrounded by the band, the adjusting mechanisms comprising an elastic element or a cord provided with a blocker or a particular weaving/knitting of the edge.

10. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the clothing element and the band are formed with separated textile elements.

11. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the band is made integral or unitary with the clothing element.

12. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the clothing element forms a jacket or a jacket portion; and
the band is positioned in continuity with a lower portion of the jacket or jacket portion and has a perimeter designed to surround the waist of the user.

13. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the clothing element forms a jacket provided with sleeves; and
the band is positioned in continuity with at least one sleeve and has a perimeter designed to surround a wrist of the user.

14. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the clothing element forms a pair of pants; and
the band is positioned in continuity with an upper portion of the pants and has a perimeter designed to surround the waist of the user.

15. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the band is affixed to a second clothing element.

16. An article of clothing comprising:

a clothing element having a wearing configuration and a storage configuration;
in the wearing configuration, the clothing element is designed to extend around a torso of a user's body and to extend downwardly from the user's shoulders;
the clothing element having a pair of arm openings designed to receive a respective pair of arms of the user;
an endless band non-removably connected to the clothing element along a perimeter designed to extend around the torso of the user's body;
the band comprising a wall of a housing designed to extend around the torso of the user's body;
in the storage configuration of the clothing element, the clothing element is positioned within the housing.

17. An article of clothing according to claim 16, wherein:

in both the storage configuration of the clothing element and the wearing configuration of the clothing element, each of the pair of arm openings is designed to be identically oriented in a direction around the torso of the user's body.

18. An article of clothing according to claim 16, wherein:

the band is elastically adjustable.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140373246
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 19, 2014
Publication Date: Dec 25, 2014
Inventor: Serge CHAPUIS (Lepin Le Lac)
Application Number: 14/309,294
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Body Garments (2/69)
International Classification: A41D 15/04 (20060101); A41D 1/00 (20060101);