CONVERTIBLE GARMENT, METHOD OF MAKING CONVERTIBLE GARMENT, KIT FOR MAKING CONVERTIBLE GARMENT, AND BANDS FOR USE THEREWITH

Abstract

A wearable garment includes a tube of material to cover a torso of the wearer, and a band in the shape of a loop. When unshaped, the tube has a substantially uniform diameter along a length thereof. To shape the garment, the band is removably connected to the tube at first and second points, which are spaced apart on same edge of the tube. The first and second points are gathered handfuls of the material along the same edge of the tube, and are directly and releasably connected to each other and secured by the band in the shaped position to define an opening along the edge of the tube. The tube returns to the unshaped position when the band is removed and the first and second points are disconnected from each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the following provisional application: 61/524,077 filed 16 Aug. 2011, all of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates in general to garments, and more specifically to convertible garments and garment connections for use in connection therewith.

BACKGROUND

The inventor's background is in fashion. She believes in dressing simply but fashionably, without spending a lot of money. She doesn't believe in over packing or checking luggage when traveling.

Many women share these beliefs. Despite the wide variety of available clothing, there still exists a need for a garment which is simple but allows the user to be fashionable or even elegant.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one or more embodiments provide a wearable garment to be worn by a wearer. The wearable garment includes a band and a tube a tube of material to cover a torso of the wearer, the tube in an unshaped position having a substantially uniform diameter along a length thereof, the tube having a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge. The band can be removably connected to the tube in a shaped position at first and second points of the tube of material, the first and second points being spaced apart on same edge of the tube in the unshaped position, the first and second points being gathered handfuls of the material along the same edge of the tube in the shaped positions. The first and second points can be directly and releasably connected to each other and secured by being wrapped together by the band, when the garment is shaped, to define at least one opening along the edge of the tube. The tube returns to the unshaped position when the first and second points are disconnected from each other.

According to another embodiment, the edge of the tube is straight when the garment is in an unshaped position (the unshaped position is when the tube is laid flat). The points are gathered handfuls of the material of the tube along the straight edge, of the tube in the shaped position (the shaped position is when a shape of the tube is adapted to a body of a wearer).

According to still another embodiment, an adjustable connection point is formed when the band secures the first and second points that are directly and releasably connected that adjusts a length of a short portion of the edge of the tube between the adjustable connection point, and the short portion of the edge of the tube between the adjustable connection point forms the at least one opening that accommodates a neck, torso, shoulder or limb of the wearer.

According to yet another embodiment, an adjustable connection point is formed by the band that secures the first and second points that are directly and releasably connected, that adjusts a length of a long portion of the edge of the tube between the adjustable connection point, and the long portion of the top edge of the tube between the first and second points, together form the at least one opening that accommodates a torso or hip of the wearer.

In a variation, cut ends of at least one of the edges of the tube are unfinished.

In another variation, the band is formed of silicon material.

In still another variation, the band has a flat length of between 2 and 3 inches, and a width of between 0.1 and 0.2 inches.

According to other variations, the garment is a sleeveless top, a sleeveless dress, or a skirt.

According to yet another embodiment, there is a kit for a convertible garment. The kit includes the tube, a plurality of the bands, and instructions for converting the tube to different wearable garments as outlined above.

In another embodiment, the instructions include a code to download further instructions for converting the wearable garment to additional styles.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various exemplary embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the embodiments.

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1G illustrate a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F illustrate a details in relation to a convertible garment.

FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F illustrate a second embodiment.

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F illustrate a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C illustrate a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7A to FIG. 7G illustrate a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E illustrate a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F illustrate an eighth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In overview, the present disclosure concerns the creation of garments, sometimes referred to as clothing, for individuals. Such garments as envisioned herein can be adjusted by the wearer to create a desired shape and fit, and readily can be converted by the wearer to a garment with a different appearance by changing the shape and fit. More particularly, various inventive concepts and principles are embodied in devices, systems, and methods for converting a garment, a kit for making the convertible garment, and a device for enabling a wearer to adjustably create different versions of the convertible garment.

The instant disclosure is provided to further explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention.

As further discussed herein below, various inventive principles and combinations thereof are advantageously employed to provide a simple garment which can be converted into various elegant garments.

By sewing up fabric on one side to create a tube of fabric, in a variety of lengths, the tube can be manipulated by a wearer into different styles. Bands are provided which facilitate the process of manipulating the fabric tube. By using different fabrics and different places for the bands, a completely different lifestyle of dressing is created. No longer would a person need to decide what to wear, try it on, and see whether it fits right that day. Instead, a person can take the fabric tube of the desired fabric, style it to fit that day, to be loose, long, short, tight, loose, strapless, one shoulder, a halter, with a scarf and so on.

There can be one piece which can be worn, e.g., forty different ways, and nobody would know that it was all the same piece of fabric.

(1) Because the convertible garment is simply sized in length (e.g., short, medium, long), it can fit anyone. People don't feel uncomfortable in buying sizes.

(2) The convertible garment can appeal across the world. Clothes are sized differently in Europe, Italy, the United States, France, etc. Moreover, a size two (2) in Michael Kors is not a size two (2) in Ralph Lauren. Because this convertible garment is sized by length, there is no need to worry about sizing.

(3) Accessories can be added to the wrapped clothing.

Some examples of styles are discussed below, to illustrate by way of example the use of the fabric tube and bands to shape and drape in a garment from an otherwise flat piece of fabric, and to create a releasable and adjustable connection in the garment instead of using conventional seams. However, a number of other styles are possible by applying the principles herein. In comparison to traditional clothing, patterns are used to place the connection as seams, darts or similar. A first embodiment is discussed in connection with FIG. 1A to FIG. 1G to demonstrate basic principles, the convertible garment is further described in connection with FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F, and then various other embodiments are discussed in connection with other figures.

EMBODIMENT 1

Halter Cowl Neck

Referring now to FIG. 1A to FIG. 1G, a first embodiment will be discussed and described. A convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 1A-1G is a halter cowl neck 101. The convertible garment 1 generally has first and second openings 15, 17 which are shaped as discussed herein from the tube. The wearer's torso 19 is to be covered by the garment 1 and extend from a second opening 17 of the garment, and a part of the body such as a neck, limb, shoulder or other part of torso 21 which is to extend from a first opening 15 of the convertible garment 1. The wearer steps into the tube 3 and pulls from the front obliquely upward and away from the body so that the fabric is pulled close to the back of the torso 19, as in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B and 1C, the drape for the neckline between left and right pulled points 7, 9 (11, 13) at the top edge of the fabric is being determined while the user is standing in the tube with the fabric pulled against the user's back. The location of the finger tips at points 7, 9 along the edge of the fabric determines not only the amount of drape in the cowl neck but also how low or high the neckline is. Fingers closer together result in a high neckline (because the length of fabric between the fingers is shorter), whereas fingers further apart result in a deeper neckline (because the length of fabric between the fingers is longer). The finger tips which are still holding the pulled points 7 (11) of the fabric are brought together behind the neck, as in FIG. 1D, to be secured together using a band 5. In FIG. 1E, the pulled fabric points 7(11), 9(13) are overlapped or intertwined, about an inch on each end, and a flexible plastic band 5 in the shape of a loop is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around tighter to form an adjustable connection point 23, much like a band around a pony tail. In FIG. 1F, the fabric which sticks out from the adjustable connection point shapes the points 7(11), 9(13) into ears. The points/ears can be pulled away from each other, which is more attractive. FIG. 1G illustrates the finally shaped garment 1, i.e., the halter cowl neck 101.

Accordingly, there can be provided a garment 1 to be worn by a wearer. The garment 1 can include a tube 3 of material such as a drapeable, possibly stretchable fabric to cover a torso 19 of the wearer, and a band 5 in the shape of a loop. When unshaped, the tube 3 has a substantially tubular shape with a uniform diameter along a length thereof, from top opening to bottom opening. To shape the unshaped tube 3 into the garment 1, the band 5 is removably connected to the tube at first and second points 7, 9, which are spaced apart on same edge of the tube, here, the top edge of the tube. The first and second points 7, 9 are gathered handfuls 11, 13 of the material along the same edge of the tube, and are directly and releasably connected to each other and secured by the band (collectively, an adjustable connection point), to create the shaped of the convertible garment (a “shaped position”), and to define two openings along the edge of the tube. Also, when the wearer's body is inside the tube, the wearer's body extends from inside the bottom opening of the tube. The wearer's body extends from one or both of the two openings along the edge of the tube, for example, the neck 21 extends from a small 15 one of the two openings, and the torso and shoulders 19 extend from a large 17 one of the two openings. The tube 3 returns to the unshaped position when the band is removed and the first and second points 7, 9 are disconnected from each other. The tube 3 and the band 5 can then be used to the same or a different style of the wearable garment 1.

The different embodiments illustrated herein serve to suggest the wide range of styles that can be created from the same tubular piece of fabric (e.g., tube 3) which has at most the seam to create the tube and one or more bands 5, without resorting to permanent construction details such as stitches, darts, facings, buttons, snaps, zippers and the like. Consequently, the same garment 1 can be shaped into different styles and can be adjusted to fit different body types and shapes of different wearers, or the same body as it may change from time-to-time.

It should be noted that portions of this discussion which are duplicative amongst the different embodiments are sometimes not repeated, to avoid obscuring the concepts.

The Tube

Referring now to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F, details in relation to a convertible garment will be discussed and described. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C provide details in connection with providing parts of a convertible garment, FIG. 2D to FIG. 2F provides details on connection with making a convertible garment.

The fabric tube can be created from a flat piece of fabric, such as conventionally sold on a bolt. For example, fabric which is approximately 60″ wide (or other conventional width as sold on a bolt such as 45″, 50″ or 54″) is cut to a desired length. FIG. 2A is a plan view of a fabric piece 203 cut to a predetermined width W and a predetermined length L. The fabric piece can be woven or cut to the predetermined width W and/or length L. Lengths can be, for example, 30″ (short), 44″ (medium) or 60″ (long), or other lengths. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the fabric tube 205 prepared according to the above description. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, a seam 213 can sewn along the 30″, 44″ or 60″ long edge to create the fabric tube 205 which has a diameter of, e.g., 60″. Techniques are known for creating a seam in fabric. Alternatively, the fabric can be woven into a tube and cut to the desired length. The diameter of the fabric tube 206 is substantially the same along the length L of the fabric tube.

To create a nice drape and to shape the fabric, the material which is used as the fabric can have stretch or give, such as a knit fabric, a fabric with Lycra content, a knit jersey, a knit rayon, a knit cotton, a knit wool, combinations of such materials, a stretchy pleather, or similar.

The fabric tube 206 has top end 215 and a bottom end 217 which have been cut as described above. The cut ends of the fabric can be left unfinished. If the cut ends are finished, they should be finished appropriately so that the fabric can stretch to allow for the draping and tying. Alternatively, a stretchy decorative finish can be applied to one or both cut ends, and/or the cut end can be cut into a decorative finish. For example, a stretch stitch or stretch lace can be applied to the top and/or bottom ends 215, 217.

The diameter of 60″ permits wearers of various sizes to stand inside the fabric tube. Other sizes with a smaller or larger diameter can be used, provided a wearer can be inserted inside the tube 205.

Whether any of the embodiments is a top, a short dress, or a long dress depends on the length of the tube. For example, if Embodiment 1 is created with a 30″ (short) fabric tube, it can be worn as a blouse. As another example, if Embodiment 1 is created with a 60″ (long) fabric tube, it can be worn as a mid-length dress.

The Band

Reference is now made to FIG. 2C, which provides additional details in connection with a band that secures a tube 207 to provide the convertible garment, and/or a kit 211 for a convertible garment. The band is used to secure pulled points of the tube 207, to shape the tube into a convertible garment. The use of the band also avoids the use of seams to shape the garment. Thus, the combination of the band and the tube 207 (as further described) create draping in the tube which follows a natural contour of a wearer's body within the tube 207.

A kit 211 for making a convertible garment can include the tube 207 and one or more bands. Optionally, instructions for making the convertible garment can be included with the kit.

Referring now to FIG. 2D, the tube 207 (not illustrated to scale) is a tube with the same diameter throughout. Usually, to create the garment the wearer is standing inside the tube 207. A right point (R-POINT) and a left point (L-POINT) are hypothetically positioned on the tube 207 and are areas where handfuls of fabric are gathered together, pulled upward (referred to as “pulled points”), and then the pulled points are connected together so as to a single fashion strap for the garment which is draped around part of the wearer's body. (The term “handful” is used to indicate an amount of fabric that can be conveniently grasped in one hand, though it may be a small part of fabric.) A first part A of the edge of the fabric between the right and left points will create draping, and a second part B-R, B-L of the edge of the fabric create right and left straps. The short distance (A plus B-R plus B-L) between the right and left points determines the amount of drape on the short distance between the right and left points. The long distance between the right and left points (for example, behind the wearer) determines how tight or loose the strap is on the user's body. The right and left points may be disposed closer together, or further apart. As used herein, the “short portion” of the edge of the tube and the “long portion” of the edge of the tube refer to the edge of the tube, which is hypothetically divided by the two points (or divided by the single “connection point” when the two points are connected) which are unevenly spaced apart into the “long portion” and the “short portion,” a length of the short portion of the edge of the tube between the adjustable connection point forms an opening that accommodates a neck, torso, shoulder or limb of the wearer; a length of a long portion of the edge of the tube between the adjustable connection point, forms an opening that accommodates a torso or hip of the wearer.

As illustrated in FIG. 2E, the material of the tube 219 at the right and left points is bunched together with the second part of the edge of the fabric to create, in effect, right and left straps. Because a wearer is inside the garment, the tube 219 can be adjusted to achieve the desired amount of snugness by pulling the right and left points higher. Because the tube 219 is bunched together along a portion of the top of the tube, the effect is to not only increase the length of the straps but also to reducing the diameter of the top end of the tube and thus the long distance 239 between the straps. Meanwhile, the diameter of the bottom end 225 of the tube remains essentially the same.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 2F, the right and left points 233, 235 are pulled together at a connection point and can be securely connected, for example with the band. The connection point can be adjusted to be positioned higher or lower along the straps as desired, to adjust the tightness of the straps and the amount of drape 237 between the straps. The band can be removed from the tube 231 when the wearer undresses. The right and left points, amount of drape 237 between the straps, distance between the straps around the wearer's back, and/or the band can be repositioned as desired to create a variety of different garments.

The bands provided for the convertible garment should avoid breakage. The bands should avoid knotting. Also, the bands are used in close proximity to a wearer's hair and consequently should avoid getting caught in the hair. The bands can be easily re-used. Plastic materials which have these properties can be used for the bands. For example, silicon is an appropriate material. In comparison, ordinary office supply rubber bands tend to break, tend to develop knots, and tend to snag hair. They may be used, but they do not have these desirable properties.

An appropriate dimension for the band is a flat length of 2.34″, and a width of 0.157″, or similar. A smaller or larger dimension may be used. Generally, a flat length of between 2 to 3 inches and a width of between 0.1 to 0.2 inches is useful. The band can have a flat cross section with a depth less than the width, or it can have a round cross section. The band can be elastic so that it can be manipulated to wrap around the fabric.

The bands are commercially available from Aero Rubber, in Chicago. The bands can have a clear translucent or transparent finish, so that they can be blend into different colors of fabric when they are not concealed. Hence, the bands can be used with different fabric tubes. Other colors can be provided. Ordinary office supply rubber bands tend to break, tend to develop knots, and tend to snag hair.

EMBODIMENT 2

One Shoulder

Referring now to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F, a second embodiment will be discussed and described. The convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F is a one shoulder 301. The wearer steps into the fabric tube 3. As shown in FIG. 3A, the wearer places the fabric under whichever shoulder 21 is desired for the one-shoulder. The wearer pulls handfuls of an edge of the fabric at pulled points 7, 9 just in front of and just behind the shoulder, while the user is standing in the tube 3 with the fabric pulled against the user's under arm to the desired degree of tightness, and pulled against the opposite side of the body 19 for the desired tightness and drape. The location of the finger tips along the edge of the fabric determines not only the amount of drape across the body but also how tight the one-shoulder is. The finger tips which are still holding the pulled fabric points 7, 9 are brought together over the shoulder and one hand grasps the fabric points, as in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3C, the pulled fabric points 7, 9 are overlapped or intertwined, about an inch on each end, and a flexible plastic band 5 is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around tighter, much like a pony tail, the combination of which is an adjustable connection point 23. FIG. 3D and FIG. 3A illustrate the creation of an optional “flower knot” from the banded fabric points. In FIG. 3D, the two flaps of excess fabric 7, 9 are pulled away from each other and from the band 5, and in FIG. 3E, a loop of the wrapped flexible band 5 is pulled out and the flaps of fabric 7, 9 are tucked in underneath the loop of the flexible band 5, so as to create a fabric “flower knot”. The “flower knot” tends to cover more of the flexible band. Alternatively, the knot finish as in FIG. 1F can be used. FIG. 3F illustrates the final convertible garment, i.e., the halter cowl neck 301, here with the “flower knot”.

EMBODIMENT 3

Knot Front halter

Referring now to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F, a third embodiment will be discussed and described. The convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 4A-4F 401 is a knot front halter. An additional knot is used here in the front to create drape and shape, in comparison to the halter neck illustrated in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1F. The wearer steps into the tube 3 and pulls points 7, 9 from the front obliquely upward and away from the body so that the fabric is pulled close to the back (as in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1F). The wearer grasps the top edge of the fabric to create pulled points 11, 13 while the user is standing in the tube 3 with the fabric pulled against the user's back. The pulled points of the fabric are tied in a simple over-under knot, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, with the hands still grasping the fabric. In FIG. 4B, the knot is pulled tight. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, a second knot is created by tying the pulled points 7, 9 of the fabric a second time in a simple over-under knot. The double-knot is pulled tight. The finger tips which are still holding the pulled points 7, 9 of the fabric are pulled up as in FIG. 4D, and then brought together behind the neck, as in FIG. 4E. As previously discussed in connection with Embodiment 1, the pulled fabric points 7, 9 are overlapped or intertwined and a flexible plastic band 5 is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around to create the adjustable connection point 23, and then the fabric points or ears are pulled away from each other. FIG. 4F illustrates the garment shaped into a final product, i.e., the halter cowl neck 401.

As a first alternative, the ends of the double knot as illustrated in FIG. 4F can be left loose instead of being pulled back into the halter, which creates a strapless top or dress with the double-knot finish.

EMBODIMENT 4

Side Knot Skirt

Referring now to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C and FIG. 5, a fourth embodiment will be discussed and described. The convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 5 is a side knot skirt 501. The steps of Embodiment 3 are followed from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C, and will not be repeated in this discussion. However, when the double-knot is created, the garment 1 is dropped to the waist part of the torso 19 or below the waist as illustrated in FIG. 5.

EMBODIMENT 5

Cross Front Halter

Referring now to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, a fifth embodiment will be discussed and described. The convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 6A-6C is a cross front halter 601. As shown in FIG. 6A, the wearer steps into the tube 3 and uses her fingers to grasp the top edge of the fabric in front of the under arms to create pulled points 7, 9 while the user is standing in the tube 3 with the fabric pulled against the user's back. The pulled points 7, 9 of the fabric are crossed in front of the body over to the opposite side. That is, the pulled point 7 on the right is crossed to the left side, and the pulled point 9 on the left is crossed to the right side. The fingers which are still holding the pulled points of the fabric are pulled up and then brought together behind the neck, as in FIG. 6B. As previously discussed in connection with Embodiment 1, the pulled fabric points 7, 9 are overlapped or intertwined and a flexible plastic band is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around, and then the fabric points or ears are pulled away from each other. FIG. 6C illustrates the final product, i.e., the cross front halter 601.

EMBODIMENT 6

Strapless with a Dart Detail

Referring now to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7G, a sixth embodiment will be discussed and described. The convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7G is a strapless dress or top 701. Strapless dresses can be created in several ways. The fabric can be pulled back as illustrated here. The wearer can fold over a top part of the fabric to cover the bust or to cover to the waist. As shown in FIG. 7A, the wearer steps into the tube 3 and uses her fingers to grasp the top edge of the fabric at the sides to create pulled points 7, 11 while the user is standing in the tube with the fabric pulled tight around the user's bust. The fingers which are still holding the pulled points 7, 9 of the fabric are pulled backwards and up between the shoulder blades, as in FIG. 7B. As previously discussed in connection with Embodiment 1, the pulled fabric points 7, 9 are overlapped or intertwined and a flexible plastic band 5 is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around, and then the fabric points or ears are pulled away from each other. This creates a strapless top. In FIG. 7C to FIG. 7F, a dart detail 25 is created by knotting inside the fabric. Such dart details can be placed as desired anywhere on the dress. In FIG. 7C, the finger is placed at a predetermined location 29 on the outside of the fabric where the dart detail is desired. In FIG. 7D, while holding the finger on the predetermined location 29 on the outside of the fabric, the tube 3 (which has top and bottom halves 31, 33) is pulled up to reveal the point 27 inside of the fabric at the dart location under the finger. In FIG. 7E, the bottom half 33 of the tub is still pulled up, and the wearer pulls a small point 27 of the fabric at the dart location, which is under the finger and removes the finger. In FIG. 7F, the wearer securely wraps the point 27 of the fabric with the band 5, so as to make a knot inside the tube. FIG. 7G illustrates the final product, the strapless garment with dart detail. The knot created by the point 27 wrapped in the band 5 is removable (in that it can be completely removed) and adjustable (in that more or less fabric can be included as desired, and/or the knot can be repositioned).

The dart detail 25 can be used in connection with a number of different embodiments or other styles.

For example, by using a dart detail 25, a longer dress can be shortened due to the fabric gathered into the dart detail. As another example, the dart detail can be added to a convertible garment created according to the first embodiment.

As another example, the dart detail can be readily used along the sides, for example, to further shape a garment by gathering in excess fabric.

EMBODIMENT 7

Fold Over Strapless with Bustle Knot Back

Referring now to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D, a seventh embodiment will be discussed and described. The convertible garment 1 created as illustrated in FIG. 8A to 8D is a fold over strapless garment with a bustle knot back 801. As shown in FIG. 8A, the user can stepped inside the tube, which is comprised of top part 31 and bottom part 33. The wearer folded over the top part 31 of the fabric tube to the outside to cover the bust. As shown in FIG. 8B, the wearer standing inside the tube 3 uses her fingers to grasp the top edge of the fabric at the sides to create pulled points 7, 9 with the fabric pulled tight around the user's bust. The fingers which are still holding the pulled points 7, 9 of the fabric are pulled together and up between the shoulder blades, as in FIG. 8C. The pulled fabric points 7, 9 are tied together as illustrated in FIG. 8D, and a flexible plastic band 5 is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around to create an adjustable connection point 23. The fabric points 7, 9 can be used to create a flower knot is created as previously discussed. This creates a strapless garment with a bustle knot back 801 as illustrated in FIG. 8E.

EMBODIMENT 8

Cross Front Top

This embodiment is discussed in connection with FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F. As shown in FIG. 9A, instead of stepping into the fabric tube, the tube 3 is draped around the wearer's neck with the bottom of the fabric hanging in front of the wearer's body. The wearer uses her fingers to grasp the opposite edges of the fabric and to extend the arms down and outward to create a flat bottom edge of the garment between pulled points 7, 9, illustrated in FIG. 9B. As shown in FIG. 9C, the wearer takes the pulled points of the fabric backwards against the waist (behind the wearer). FIG. 9D illustrates that the pulled points 9, 7 of the fabric are brought together behind the lower waist. As shown in FIG. 9D, the pulled fabric points 7, 9 are overlapped or intertwined and the band is placed over the pulled fabric points and wrapped around to create an adjustable connection point. FIG. 9E illustrates an optional additional step, of creating pulled fabric points behind the underarms, which can also be pulled together to create a second adjustable connection point 23 if desired to create a wrap halter top. FIG. 9F illustrates the final product, i.e., the cross front top 901. The knots can be concealed as discussed above, and the extra pieces can be folded under if desired.

Miscellaneous

The garment can be made in various length and different colors. Conveniently, a kit can be provided with a ready-to-use fabric tube and with a selection of one or more bands (for example, five bands). Optionally, the kit can include instructions, such as indicating an internet location that provides on-line how-to instructions such as an on-line video. By providing on-line how-to-instructions, the instructions can be downloaded to an iPhone. Moreover, the instructions can be updated to provide instructions for alternative garments to which the fabric tube can be converted.

In one or more embodiments, a special code can be provided to a wearer to allow the wearer to access or download additional methodologies for creating another look from the fabric tube.

Furthermore, an on-line website can be provided for wearers to share information regarding how to convert the garment to various styles.

This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the invention rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, as they may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A method of providing a wearable garment to be worn by a wearer, comprising:

(a) providing a tube of material adapted to cover a torso of the wearer, the tube in an unshaped position having a substantially uniform diameter along a length thereof, the tube having a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge, the top edge of the tube in the unshaped position is straight;

(b) inserting the torso of the wearer into the tube of material;

(c) at each of first and second points spaced apart from each other along the top edge of the tube, gathering the material in the tube, to form first and second straps at the first and second points, the first and second straps are spaced apart from each other;

(d) removably connecting a band to the tube at the first and second straps of the tube of material, the first and second straps being directly connected to each other and releasably secured to each other by the at least one band, to define an opening along the edge of the tube between the first and second straps, wherein an adjustable connection point is formed by the band where it directly connects the first and second straps to each other, wherein the opening is adapted to accommodate a neck, torso, shoulder, limb, or hip of the wearer; and

(e) moving the band on at least one of the first strap and the second strap so that a location of the adjustable connection point on the first and second straps is moved, and the band remains directly connected to both of the first and second straps while moving the band, to adjust a length of a short portion of the edge of the tube at the at least one opening.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising removing the band from the first and second straps to return the tube to the unshaped position.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein at least one of the top and bottom edges of the tube are unfinished.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein at least one of the top and bottom edges of the tube are finished.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the band is formed of silicon material.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the band has a flat length of between 2 and 3 inches, and a width of between 0.1 and 0.2 inches.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the garment is a sleeveless top, and the opening forms an armhole or neckhole.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the garment is a sleeveless dress, and the first opening forms an armhole or neckhole.

28. The method of claim 20, wherein the garment is a skirt, and the first opening forms a waistband.

29. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing, as a kit, the wearable garment and at least one band, and instructions for converting the tube to different wearable garments.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the instructions include a code to download further instructions for converting the wearable garment to additional styles, further comprising providing downloadable instructions responsive to receipt of the code.

31. The method of claim 20, further comprising inserting a finger at a location on the tube to form a point of the fabric of the tube, and temporarily knotting the fabric of the tube at the point to form a temporary dart detail in the garment.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising forming a plurality of the temporary dart details in the garment.

33. The method of claim 20, further comprising inserting a finger at a location on the tube to form a point of the fabric of the tube, and temporarily wrapping at least one other band around the point of the fabric to form a temporary dart detail in the garment.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising forming a plurality of the temporary dart details in the garment.