GARMENT SYSTEM WITH INTERLOCKING PANELS

Abstract

A garment and/or garment kit is disclosed that includes a first panel having a first interior portion, a first outer edge that extends about the first interior portion, and a plurality of first interlocking members movably connected to the first panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the first interior portion toward the first outer edge of the first panel. The garment and/or garment kit includes a second panel having a second interior portion, a second outer edge that extends about the second interior portion, and a plurality of second interlocking members movably connected to the second panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the second interior portion toward the second outer edge of the second panel. One of the plurality of first interlocking members is interlocked with one of the plurality of second interlocking members to connect the first and second panels to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a garment system with garment panels that can be interlocked together to create a garment or a portion of a garment.

BACKGROUND

Consumers want customized garments designed according to their specific preferences for style, color, and fit. Consumer preferences vary widely from one person to the next and can change over time, complicating customization efforts of garment manufacturers. Hand-tailored garments are highly customized for the individual. Hand-tailored garments require specialized skill to make and command a price premium. In stark contrast to tailored garments, minimally customized garments, such as ready-to-wear, serve a large proportion of the market. Most garments on the market today have complex supply chains making it difficult for manufacturers to react quickly to changing consumer preferences. The challenge of customization directly related to the state of garment technology, the essentials of which have not changed significantly since people have been wearing tailored garments. Whether hand-tailored or mass-produced, the fundamentals of garment production are the same: panels of fabric are cut and sewn or otherwise joined together and other components, such as zippers, hems, buttons, etc., attached to the sewn fabric panels. Garment production is still complex and labor intensive. Although garment production technologies have improved efficiencies in recent years, new techniques to manufacture garments are needed in order to provide better customization options to the consumer.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a garment and/or garment kit that includes a first panel having a first interior portion, a first outer edge that extends about the first interior portion, and a plurality of first interlocking members movably connected to the first panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the first interior portion toward the first outer edge of the first panel. The garment and/or garment kit includes a second panel having a second interior portion, a second outer edge that extends about the second interior portion, and a plurality of second interlocking members movably connected to the second panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the second interior portion toward the second outer edge of the second panel. One of the plurality of first interlocking members is interlocked with one of the plurality of second interlocking members to connect the first and second panels to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a garment system including a plurality of the garment panels used to form a garment or a portion of a garment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates the plurality of garment panels shown in FIG. 1 interlocked together to form a portion of a garment;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a garment panel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the garment panel taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates multiple sets of garment panels coupled together to form a portion of a garment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a variation of how the sets of interlocked garments panels may be coupled together to form a portion of a garment;

FIG. 6 is a garment panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrates different garments formed with interlocking panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments of the present disclosure include a garment system 2 for assembling a garment from a plurality of garment panels 10 that may be coupled to each other to form a garment and/or a portion of a garment. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in a garment production system where garments are manufactured using multiple sets of the garment panels 10. In addition and/or alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure include a kit having sets of garment panels 10 and/or other garment accessories, for example a zipper, hems, plackets, etc. (not shown) for a person to construct their own customized garment.

The garment system 2 and the garment panels 10 (and 110 in FIG. 6) may be used to construct a wide variety of garments. Exemplary garments are illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D and include upper body garments, such as a t-shirt 210 (FIG. 7A), a long-sleeve t-shirt 310 (FIG. 7B), and a hoodie 410 (FIG. 7C). Alternatively and/or additionally, exemplary garments may include lower body garments, such as pants 510 (FIG. 7D) formed using the garment panels 10, 110. Other types of garments can be constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts described in this patent application and are described further below.

Continuing with FIGS. 1-3B, the garment system 2 is based on the use of garment panels 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d that are adapted to be coupled together other to form a portion 4 of garment (FIG. 2). Each garment panel 10a-10d includes a plurality of interlocking members 30, 40, 50 that extend radially outward from an interior portion 18 of the panel 10a-10b and that are used to couple adjacent garment panels together. Reference number 10 and reference numbers 10a-10d are used interchangeably to refer to a garment panel in the present application unless noted otherwise.

The garment system 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate four garment panels 10a-10d coupled. More than four garment panels 10a-10d may be used to form a garment. In certain examples, garment kits may include much more than four garment panels 10a-10d depending on the size of the garment panels 10a-10b and intended garment. For example, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, multiple sets of garment panels 10a-10d may be used to form a portion of a garment.

Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a garment panel 10 is shown that may be used to assemble a garment (not shown). The garment panel 10 includes f121w3a panel body 12 having a first surface 14, a second surface 16 opposite the first surface 14 along a central axis CA, an interior portion 18 that the central axis CA extends through, and an outer edge 20 that extends about the interior portion 18.

The garment panel 10 may have substantially polyhedral shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the outer edge 20 includes six (6) side portions. The side portions include three longer side portions 22a, 22b, and 22c and three shorter side portions 24a, 24b, and 24c. The longer side portions 22a-22c are arranged with respect to other to define a generally triangular shape with the three short side portions 24a-24c defining a blunt corners of the generally triangular shape. The interlocking members 30-50 are oriented outwardly toward and aligned with the generally blunt corner portions of the triangular type-shape illustrated. The general radial orientation of the interlocking members 30-50 facilitates interconnectivity between multiple sets of the garment panels 10a-10d because connection points are spread out around the outer edge 20 of the panel 10.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the garment panel 10 includes a plurality of interlocking members. In the drawings, the garment panel 10 includes a first interlocking member 30, a second interlocking member 40, and a third interlocking member 50, each of which are moveably coupled to the garment panel 10.

The first interlocking member 30 is movably connected to the panel body 12 and extends along a first axis A1 relative to the interior portion 18 toward the outer edge 20 of the garment panel 10. As shown the first axis A1 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis CA (in the direction into the drawing sheet). The first interlocking member 30 has a first leg 32 that is connected to the panel body 12, a first tab 34 coupled to the first leg 32, and a first slit 36 within the first tab 34. The first tab 34 is disposed between the interior portion 18 and the outer edge 20 of the garment panel 10. Positioned this way, the first tab 34 may be guided through a slit of an interlocking member of another adjacent garment panel to couple two adjacent panels together, as will be explained further below.

The first interlocking member 30 is movable with respect to the garment panel 10. The first interlocking member 30 is defined within the garment panel 10 by cutout portion 38 that extends around the first leg 32 and first tab 34. A base (not numbered) of the first leg 32 is coupled to, for example monolithic with, the panel body 12. As explained below, the panel body 12 and/or the interlocking member 30 is formed from a flexible material. The flexible material permits the interlocking member 30 to move in and out of a plane P (FIG. 3B) along which a substantial majority of the garment panel 10 extends. Movement of the first interlocking member 30 into and out of the plane P facilitates coupling the first interlocking member 30 to an interlocking member of another panel.

The second interlocking member 40 is movably connected to the panel body 12 and extends along a second axis A2 relative to the interior portion 18 toward the outer edge 20 of the garment panel 10. As shown the second axis A2 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis CA and is angularly offset with respect to first axis A1. The angular offset between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2, and thus the first and second interlocking members 30 and 40 is typically about 120°. However, the angular offset between axis A1 and A2 may be less than 120° or greater than 120°. For instance, it may between 60° and 120°.

Referring still to FIG. 3A, the second interlocking member 40 has a second leg 42 that is connected to the panel body 12, a second tab 44 coupled to the second leg 42, and a second slit 46 within the second tab 44. The second tab 44 is disposed between the interior portion 18 and the outer edge 20 of the garment panel 10. Positioned this way, the second tab 44 may be guided through a slit of an interlocking member of another adjacent garment panel to couple adjacent panels together.

The second interlocking member 40 is also movable with respect to the garment panel 10. The second interlocking member 40 is defined within the garment panel 10 by cutout portion 48 that extends around the second leg 42 and second tab 44. A base (not numbered) of the second leg 42 is coupled to, for example monolithic with, the panel body 12. As explained above, the panel body 12 is formed from a flexible material such that the interlocking member 40 can move in and out of the plane P (FIG. 3B). Movement of the second interlocking member 40 into and out of the plane P facilitates coupling the second interlocking member 40 to an interlocking member of another panel.

The third interlocking member 50 is movably connected to the panel body 12 and extends along a third axis A3 relative to the interior portion 18 toward the outer edge 20 of the garment panel 10. As shown, the third axis A3 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis CA and is angularly offset with respect to first axis A1 and second axis A2 by about 120°. The angular offset between the first axis A1 and the third axis A3, and thus the first and third interlocking members 30 and 50 is typically about 120°. However, the angular offset between axis A1 and A3 may be less than 120° or greater than 120°. For instance, it may between 60° and 120°.

Referring still to FIG. 3A, the third interlocking member 50 has a third leg 52 that is connected to the panel body 12, a third tab 54 coupled to the third leg 52, and a third slit 56 within the third tab 54. The third tab 54 is disposed between the interior portion 18 and the outer edge 20 of the garment panel 10. The third tab 54 may be guided through a slit of an interlocking member of another adjacent garment panel to couple the adjacent panels together.

The third interlocking member 50 is also movable with respect to the garment panel 10. The third interlocking member 50 is defined within the garment panel 10 by cutout portion 58 that extends around the third leg 52 and third tab 54. A base (not numbered) of the third leg 52 is coupled to the panel body 12. As explained above, the panel body 12 is formed from a flexible material such that the third interlocking member 50 can move in and out of the plane P (FIG. 3B). Movement of the third interlocking member 50 into and out of the plane P facilitates coupling the third interlocking member 50 to an interlocking member of another panel.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the interlocking members are designed to maintain connectivity between coupled garment panels 10. As illustrated, each leg 32-52 of the interlocking member 30-50 defines a) a leg width W1 (see leg 32a) that is perpendicular to the respective axis A1, A2, and A2A, b) a tab width W2 (see tab 34a) that is substantially parallel to the leg width W2, and c) a slit length W3 (see slit 36a). The slit length W3 is equal to or greater than the leg width W1 but is less than tab width W2. When a tab of one interlocking member is inserted through a slit of different interlocking member, the tab is trapped in place due to size of the slit relative to the size of the tab. The flexibility of panels allows the tab to be bent or folded for insertion through the slit. Once in positions, the tab recovers to its original dimension and the locked in place. The tab can be re-bent or folded to remove the tab from the slit as needed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and FIG. 3A, coupling the garment panel 10a to garment panels 10b and 10c will be explained. As shown, the first garment panel 10a includes first interlocking members 30a, 40a, and 50a, the second garment panel 10b includes second interlocking members 30b, 40b and 50b, the third garment panel 10c includes interlocking members 30c, 40c, 50c, and a fourth garment panel 10d includes fourth interlocking members 30d, 40d, and 50d. Reference numbers 30a-30d, 40a-40d, and 50a-50d are used interchangeably with reference numbers 30, 40, and 50, respectively, to refer to interlocking members of garment panel 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first interlocking member 30a of garment panel 10a is coupled to the interlocking member 30b of garment panel 10b. In particular, the slit 36b of garment panel 10b is sized to permit a tab 34a of garment panel 10a to pass therethrough. Once the tab 34a extends through the slit 36b, the size the tab 34a relative to the slit 36b inhibits the tab 34a from backing out of the slit 36b. This couples the garment panel 10a to garment panel 10b. Likewise, the interlocking member 40a of the garment panel 10a is coupled to the interlocking member 40c of garment panel 10c. In particular, the tab 44a from garment panel 10a passes through the slit 46c of garment panel 10c. The size the tab 44a relative to the slit 46c inhibits the tab 44a from backing out of the slit 46c. The interlocking of tab 44a with tab 44c via the slit 46c couples garment panel 10a to garment panel 10c. Additional panels, such as a garment panel 10d, can be coupled to the garment panel 10a in a similar manner to what is described above.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the garment system 2 includes multiple sets of garment panels 10 coupled together to define a garment port. As shown, additional garment panels 10 have been coupled to the respective interlocking members of interlocked garment panels 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3B. The additional garment panels 10 increase the overall dimension to the desired size for the intended garment. Thus, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 is similar to how the garment panels 10b-10d are coupled to the garment panel 10a as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3B and described above. Coupling the additional garment panels 10b, 10c, 10d to the interlocking members 30a, 40a, and 50a, respectively, of the garment panel 10a, create small openings 60 through the garment portion 4.

FIG. 5 is illustrates a variation in how the garment panels 10 can be coupled to together to define a garment portion 4′. As shown in FIG. 5, the garment panels 10a-10e are coupled to define a repeat unit U (shown in dashed lines). The repeat unit U arranges the garment panel 10a-10d in a manner similar to what is shown in in FIGS. 3B and 4. However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the repeat unit U includes garment panel 10e that coupled to both garment panel 10c and the garment panel 10d via interlocking member 30e and 50e, respectively. Because garment panel 10e is coupled to garment panel 10c and 10d, the garment panels rotates so that garment panels 10a, 10c, 10d to overlap in region 0 of the repeat unit U. The result is a generally square shaped coverage area that contains garment panels 10a, 10c, 10d, and 10e and additional openings 62. Addition garment panels may be coupled to other interlocking members of the garment panels 10a-10e to create additional coverage in the garment portion 4′ and additional openings 62.

It should be appreciated that that the garment panels 10 can be coupled together in an number of different ways to create a garment portion and/or a garment. For instance, select use of interlocking members can form neck openings, arm openings and the like in the intended garment. Furthermore, different shaped garment panels can be used to form intended openings in the garment. FIG. 6 illustrates on alternative garment panel shape that can be used to create different opening shape and coverage areas in a finished garment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an interlocking garment panel 110. The garment panel 110 includes a panel body 112. The panel body 112 has a first elongate arm 121a that extends outward from the interior portion 118 to a first terminal end 121e along a first axis A1, and a first interlocking member 130 disposed proximate the first terminal end 121e. The panel body 112 also has a second elongate arm 122a that extends outward from the interior portion 118 to a second terminal end 122e along a second axis A2, and a second interlocking member 140 disposed proximate the first terminal end 121e. The panel body 112 also has a third elongate arm 123a that extends outward from the interior portion 118 to a third terminal end 123e along a third axis A3, and a third interlocking member 150 disposed proximate the first terminal end 123e. The first interlocking member 130, the second interlocking member 140, and the third interlocking member 150 is substantially similar to the first, second, and third interlocking members 30, 40, 50, respectively, shown in FIG. 3A and described above, for instance, each includes a leg, a tab, and a slit in the tab, and functions similarly.

As can be seen the FIG. 6, the first interlocking member 130, the second interlocking member 140, and the third interlocking member 150 are generally oriented radially outward with respect to the interior portion 118. The third axis A3 is intersects and is angularly offset with respect to first axis A1 and second axis A2 by about between 60° and 120°. As shown, the angular offset between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2, and thus the first and second interlocking members 130 and 140 is about 120°. The angular offset between the first axis A1 and the third axis A3, and thus the first and third interlocking members 130 and 150 is about 120°. The angular offset between the second axis A2 and the third axis A3, and thus the second and third interlocking members 140 and 150 is about 120°. However, the angular offset between axis A1 and A3 may be less than 120° or greater than 120°.

The garment panels 10, 110 as described herein can be mechanically cut using knife systems, lasers cut, or other cutting mechanisms. In other embodiments, the garment panels 10, 110 can be integrally formed panels, such as flat knitted panels that include welted and/or clean, uncut edges.

Turning to FIG. 7A, the garment system 2 can used the garment panels 10, 110 to form an upper body garment 210, such as a t-shirt. As illustrated the upper body garment 210 comprises an upper body portion 212 configured for an upper torso of a wearer, a neck opening 214, two arm portions or sleeves 216a, 216b, and a lower opening defined along a lower hem 218. The upper body garment 210 is at least partially defined by multiple sets of connected garment panels 10, 110.

Turning to FIG. 7B, the garment system 2 can used the garment panels 10, 110 to form an upper body garment 310, such as a long-sleeve t-shirt. As illustrated the upper body garment 310 comprises an upper body portion 312 configured for an upper torso of a wearer, a neck opening 314, two elongated arm portions (or long sleeves) 316a, 316b, and a lower opening defined along a lower hem 318. The upper body garment 310 is at least partially defined by multiple sets of connected garment panels 10, 110.

Turning to FIG. 7C, the garment system 2 can be used the garment panels 10, 110 to form a hooded upper body garment 410. As illustrated the hooded upper body garment 410 comprises an upper body portion 412 configured for an upper torso of a wearer, a neck opening 414, a hood 415 proximate the neck opening, two a two sleeves 416a, 416b, and a lower opening defined along a lower hem 3418. The upper body garment 410 is at least partially defined by multiple sets of connected garment panels 10, 110.The hooded upper body garment 410 is at least partially defined by multiple sets of garment panels 10, 110.

Turning to FIG. 7D, the garment system 2 can be used the garment panels 10, 110 to form a lower body garment 510. As illustrated, the lower body garment 510 is configured for the lower anatomy of a person. The lower body garment 510 includes a waist portion 512, a lower torso panel 514 adjacent to the waist portion 512, and two leg portions 516, 518 that extend downward from the lower torso panel 514. The lower body garment 510 is at least partially defined by multiple sets of connected garments panels 10, 110.

It should be appreciated that other types of garments than those illustrated may be constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts described in this patent application and. For example, garment panels 10, 110 may be assembled into one or more of a skirt, a dress, an outerwear garment, and/or an undergarment. Furthermore, the garment panels 10, 110 may be used to construct garment accessories, such as scarves, a shawl, a toboggan, and/or a headwear item.

Each garment panel 10, 110 described herein may be used form garments may include a flexible material 201 with sufficient flexibility so that the garment panel can be bent and or deformed to permit interlocking members to couple to each other as described herein. Furthermore, the garment panel should sufficiently rigid to maintain dimensional stability. As each garment panel has an exposed outer edge, the garment panel should display sufficient edge stability. For instance, the outer edge should not fray, unravel, or cause snags.

The flexible material 201 may include at least one textile fabric that defines the first surface 12 (FIG. 2) and at least one optional layer disposed adjacent to the at least one textile fabric. The optional layer may define the second surface 16 (FIG. 2). When the flexible material does not include the optional layer, the textile fabric defines the first surface 14 and the second surface 16.

The textile fabric can any type of textile fabric suitable for garments and that either alone or when combined with the layer provides the request flexibility and edge stability. Accordingly, the textile fabric can be a woven fabric, knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a laminate, and/or any combination thereof. In one example, the textile fabric is a woven fabric having a plurality of warp yarns and a plurality of weft yarns interwoven with the plurality of warp yarns to define the woven fabric. Any type woven construction could be used, such as a plain weave, satin/sateen, twill, basket weave, oxford, basket weave, rib weave, or any other suitable woven construction. Woven fabrics forming the textile later may include synthetic yarns, natural yarns or blended yarns, singled end yarns, or plied yarns. The yarns for a woven fabric can use yarns with a range of yarn counts suitable for garments, for example, between about 6 Ne to about 120 Ne. If continuous multifilament yarns form the garment panel, the count range from 10 denier up to about 250 denier

In another example, the textile fabric is a knit fabric. Knit fabrics may be a weft knits, such as single jersey knit fabric, a double knit, rib knit, or any other type of weft knitted fabric. The knit fabrics may have a combination of knit constructions to improve edge stability and maintain flexibility. The knit fabric may alternatively be a warp knit, such as a tricot or Rachel warp knitted fabric. Yarns used in the knit fabric, whether weft knit or warp knits, can have a range of yarn counts. For instance, knit yarns can have a count in a range between about 6 Ne to about 120 Ne or the equivalent denier if continuous filaments are used.

The textile fabric when woven or knit can be formed from any number of yarn types, such a spun yarns or continuous filament yarns. Spun yarns may include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends of natural and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include cotton, wool, bamboo, flax, hemp, or others. Synthetic fibers may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, viscose rayon, acrylic, or other fiber types, such a flame resistant fibers as needed. Suitable thermoplastic synthetic staple fibers may be mono-component or bi-component type fibers. A variety of yarn spinning types can be used, such as ring spun, open end, air-jet, compact spinning, and the like. Continuous filaments yarns may include either or both mono-component or bicomponent filaments types. Continuous filament yarns can be polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefin, and/or polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6, polylactic acid filaments.

In another example, the textile fabric may also be a nonwoven fabric. Suitable nonwoven fabrics include melt-spun nonwovens, such as spunbond and meltblown materials or other structures. A meltspun nonwoven can include a single spunbond layer, multiple spunbond layers, a single meltblown layer, multiple meltblown layers, or multiple layers of spunbond and meltblown materials. Meltspun nonwovens can from with polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefin, and/or polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6, or polylactic acid polymers. Alternatively, the nonwoven fabrics can be carded or airlaid materials that are bonded thermally, chemically, and/or mechanically, e.g. via needles or stitch bonding. Suitable fibers for carded or airlaid materials include PET, cotton, and/or viscose fibers.

The textile fabric could also be laminate of a woven and nonwoven fabric, a knit and nonwoven fabric, or even a woven and knit fabric. The textile fabric may also include a number of functional finishes, coatings, or other treatments that enhance functionality. For instance, the textile fabric can include anti-bacterial agents, coatings, flame retardant coatings, and the like.

The optional layer can be a finish, coating, fabric, film, or membrane disposed on one side of the textile fabric and/or textile laminate when present.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible material may be one or more layers of a film or other preformed panel structure. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the flexible material can be any material or structure that is substantially flexible, such as materials that can be easily bent by a person in use.

Aspects

The present disclosure includes at least the following aspects:

Aspect 1: A garment, comprising: a first panel having a first interior portion, a first outer edge that extends about the first interior portion, and a plurality of first interlocking members movably connected to the first panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the first interior portion toward the first outer edge of the first panel; and a second panel having a second interior portion, a second outer edge that extends about the second interior portion, and a plurality of second interlocking members movably connected to the second panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the second interior portion toward the second outer edge of the second panel; wherein one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel is interlocked with one of the plurality of second interlocking members of the second panel to couple the first panel to the second panel thereby defining a portion of the garment.

Aspect 2. The garment of aspect 1, wherein each first interlocking member of the first panel includes a first leg that is connected to the first panel, a first tab coupled to the first leg, and a first slit within the first tab, wherein each second interlocking member of the second panel includes a second leg that is connected to the second panel, a second tab coupled to the second leg, and a second slit within the second tab, wherein the first tab of one of the plurality of first interlocking members extends through the second slit of one of the plurality of second interlocking members to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Aspect 3. The garment of aspect 2, further comprising a third panel having a plurality of third interlocking members movably connected to the third panel, wherein one of the plurality of third interlocking is interlocked to one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel so as to couple the first panel to the third panel.

Aspect 4. The garment of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members extends along a respective plurality of axes that intersect and are angularly offset with respect to each other.

Aspect 5. The garment of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein each interlocking member is elongated along an axis, and has having a leg width that is perpendicular to the axis, a tab width that is substantially parallel to the leg width, and a slit length that is equal to or greater than the leg width.

Aspect 6. The garment of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members is at least three interlocking members.

Aspect 7. The garment of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the plurality of second interlocking members is at least three interlocking members.

Aspect 8. The garment of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein each panel is a flexible material.

Aspect 9. The garment of aspect 8, wherein the flexible material includes at least one textile layer.

Aspect 10. The garment of aspect 8, wherein the flexible material includes one or more films.

Aspect 11. The garment of any one of aspects 1-10, wherein the first outer edge and the second outer edge each define a substantially polyhedral shape.

Aspect 12. The garment of any one of aspects 1-11, further comprising an upper body portion configured for an upper torso of a wearer, the upper body portion including a neck opening, two sleeves, and a lower opening, wherein the upper body portion is at least partially defined by multiple sets of the first panel and the second panel coupled to each other.

Aspect 13. The garment of any one of aspects 1-12, further comprising a upper body portion configured for an upper torso of a wearer, the upper body portion including a neck opening, a hood proximate the neck opening, two sleeves, and a lower opening, wherein the upper body portion is at least partially defined by multiple sets of the first panel and the second panel coupled to each other.

Aspect 14. The garment of any one of aspects 1-13, further comprising a lower body portion configured for a lower portion of a wearer, the lower body portion including a waist portion, a lower torso panel adjacent to the waist portion, and two leg portions that extend downward from the lower torso panel, wherein the lower body portion is at least partially defined by multiple sets of first and second panels coupled to each other.

Aspect 15. A garment kit, comprising: a first panel having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first interior portion, a first outer edge that extends about the first interior portion, and a plurality of first interlocking members movably connected to the first panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the first interior portion toward the first outer edge of the first panel; and a second panel having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface of the second panel, a second interior portion, a second outer edge that extends about the second interior portion, and a plurality of second interlocking members movably connected to the second panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the second interior portion toward the second outer edge of the second panel; wherein one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel is configured to be interlocked to one of the plurality of second interlocking members of the second panel to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Aspect 16. The garment kit of aspect 15, wherein each first interlocking member of the first panel includes a first leg that is connected to the first panel, a first tab coupled to the first leg, and a first slit within the first tab, wherein each second interlocking member of the second panel includes a second leg that is connected to the second panel, a second tab coupled to the second leg, and a second slit within the second tab, wherein the first tab of one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel extends through the second slit of one of the plurality of second interlocking members to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Aspect 17. The garment kit of aspect 15, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members extends along a respective plurality of axes that intersect and are angularly offset with respect to each other.

Aspect 18. The garment kit of aspect 15, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members is at least three interlocking members.

Aspect 19. The garment kit of aspect 15, wherein the plurality of second interlocking members is at least three interlocking members.

Aspect 20. The garment kit of aspect 15, wherein each panel is a flexible material.

Aspect 21. The garment kit of aspect 15, wherein the first outer edge and the second outer edge each define a substantially polyhedral shape.

Aspect 22. A garment panel, comprising: a panel body having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface along a central axis, an interior portion that the central axis extends through, and an outer edge that extends about the interior portion; a first interlocking member movably connected to the panel body and extending along a first axis relative to the interior portion toward the outer edge of the panel body, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the central axis, the first interlocking member having a first leg that is connected to the panel body, a first tab coupled to the first leg, and a first slit within the first tab, wherein the first tab is disposed between the interior portion and the outer edge; and a second interlocking member movably connected to the panel body and extending along a second axis relative to the interior portion toward the outer edge of the panel body, wherein the second axis is angularly offset with respect to the first axis, the second interlocking member having a second leg that is connected to the panel body, a second tab coupled to the second leg, and a second slit within the second tab, wherein the second tab is disposed between the interior portion and the outer edge.

Aspect 23. The garment panel of aspect 22, wherein each leg defines a leg width that is perpendicular to the respective axis, a tab width that is substantially parallel to the leg width, and a slit length that is equal to or greater than the leg width.

Aspect 24. The garment panel of aspect 22, wherein the outer edge defines a substantially polyhedral shape.

Aspect 25. The garment panel of aspect 22, wherein at least two of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are angularly offset with respect to each other between 60° and 150°.

Aspect 26. The garment panel of aspect 22, wherein the panel body is a flexible material.

Aspect 27. The garment panel of aspect 26, wherein the flexible material includes at least one textile layer.

Aspect 28. The garment panel of aspect 27, wherein the flexible material includes one or more films.

Aspect 29. The garment panel of aspect 22, further comprising a third interlocking member movably connected to the panel body and extending along a third axis relative to the interior portion toward the outer edge of the panel body, wherein the third axis is angularly offset with respect to the first axis and the second axis, the third interlocking member having a third leg that is connected to the panel body, a third tab coupled to the third leg, and a third slit within the third tab, wherein the third tab is disposed between the interior portion and the outer edge.

Aspect 30. The garment panel of aspect 29, wherein the panel body includes: a first elongate arm that extends outward from the interior portion to a first terminal end, wherein the first interlocking member is disposed proximate the first terminal end; a second elongate arm that extends outward from the interior portion to a second terminal end, wherein the second interlocking member is disposed proximate the second terminal end; and a third elongate arm that extends outward from the interior portion to a third terminal end, wherein the third interlocking member is disposed proximate the third terminal end.

The present disclosure describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize, in light of the teachings herein, that there may be a range of equivalents to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Most notably, other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and there may be equivalents to the components, parts, or steps that make up the described embodiments. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A garment, comprising:

a first panel having a first interior portion, a first outer edge that extends about the first interior portion, and a plurality of first interlocking members movably connected to the first panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the first interior portion toward the first outer edge of the first panel; and

a second panel having a second interior portion, a second outer edge that extends about the second interior portion, and a plurality of second interlocking members movably connected to the second panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the second interior portion toward the second outer edge of the second panel;

wherein one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel is interlocked with one of the plurality of second interlocking members of the second panel to couple the first panel to the second panel thereby defining a portion of the garment.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein each first interlocking member of the first panel includes a first leg that is connected to the first panel, a first tab coupled to the first leg, and a first slit within the first tab,

wherein each second interlocking member of the second panel includes a second leg that is connected to the second panel, a second tab coupled to the second leg, and a second slit within the second tab,

wherein the first tab of one of the plurality of first interlocking members extends through the second slit of one of the plurality of second interlocking members to couple the first panel to the second panel.

3. The garment of claim 2, further comprising a third panel having a plurality of third interlocking members movably connected to the third panel, wherein one of the plurality of third interlocking is interlocked to one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel so as to couple the first panel to the third panel.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members extends along a respective plurality of axes that intersect and are angularly offset with respect to each other.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein each interlocking member is elongated along an axis, and has having a leg width that is perpendicular to the axis, a tab width that is substantially parallel to the leg width, and a slit length that is equal to or greater than the leg width.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members or the plurality of second interlocking members is at least three interlocking members.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first outer edge and the second outer edge each define a substantially polyhedral shape.

8. The garment of claim 1, further comprising an upper body portion configured for an upper torso of a wearer, the upper body portion including a neck opening, two sleeves, and a lower opening, wherein the upper body portion is at least partially defined by multiple sets of the first panel and the second panel coupled to each other.

9. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a upper body portion configured for an upper torso of a wearer, the upper body portion including a neck opening, a hood proximate the neck opening, two sleeves, and a lower opening, wherein the upper body portion is at least partially defined by multiple sets of the first panel and the second panel coupled to each other.

10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a lower body portion configured for a lower portion of a wearer, the lower body portion including a waist portion, a lower torso panel adjacent to the waist portion, and two leg portions that extend downward from the lower torso panel, wherein the lower body portion is at least partially defined by multiple sets of first and second panels coupled to each other.

11. A garment kit, comprising:

a first panel having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first interior portion, a first outer edge that extends about the first interior portion, and a plurality of first interlocking members movably connected to the first panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the first interior portion toward the first outer edge of the first panel; and

a second panel having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface of the second panel, a second interior portion, a second outer edge that extends about the second interior portion, and a plurality of second interlocking members movably connected to the second panel and extending radially outwardly relative to the second interior portion toward the second outer edge of the second panel;

wherein one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel is configured to be interlocked to one of the plurality of second interlocking members of the second panel to couple the first panel to the second panel.

12. The garment kit of claim 11, wherein each first interlocking member of the first panel includes a first leg that is connected to the first panel, a first tab coupled to the first leg, and a first slit within the first tab,

wherein each second interlocking member of the second panel includes a second leg that is connected to the second panel, a second tab coupled to the second leg, and a second slit within the second tab,

wherein the first tab of one of the plurality of first interlocking members of the first panel extends through the second slit of one of the plurality of second interlocking members to couple the first panel to the second panel.

13. The garment kit of claim 11, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members extends along a respective plurality of axes that intersect and are angularly offset with respect to each other.

14. The garment kit of claim 11, wherein the plurality of first interlocking members or the plurality of second interlocking members is at least three interlocking members.

15. The garment kit of claim 11, wherein the first outer edge and the second outer edge each define a substantially polyhedral shape.

16. A garment panel, comprising:

a panel body having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface along a central axis, an interior portion that the central axis extends through, and an outer edge that extends about the interior portion;

a first interlocking member movably connected to the panel body and extending along a first axis relative to the interior portion toward the outer edge of the panel body, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the central axis, the first interlocking member having a first leg that is connected to the panel body, a first tab coupled to the first leg, and a first slit within the first tab, wherein the first tab is disposed between the interior portion and the outer edge; and

a second interlocking member movably connected to the panel body and extending along a second axis relative to the interior portion toward the outer edge of the panel body, wherein the second axis is angularly offset with respect to the first axis, the second interlocking member having a second leg that is connected to the panel body, a second tab coupled to the second leg, and a second slit within the second tab, wherein the second tab is disposed between the interior portion and the outer edge.

17. The garment panel of claim 16, wherein each leg defines a leg width that is perpendicular to the respective axis, a tab width that is substantially parallel to the leg width, and a slit length that is equal to or greater than the leg width.

18. The garment panel of claim 16, further comprising a third interlocking member movably connected to the panel body and extending along a third axis relative to the interior portion toward the outer edge of the panel body, wherein the third axis is angularly offset with respect to the first axis and the second axis, the third interlocking member having a third leg that is connected to the panel body, a third tab coupled to the third leg, and a third slit within the third tab, wherein the third tab is disposed between the interior portion and the outer edge.

19. The garment panel of claim 18, wherein at least two of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are angularly offset with respect to each other between 60° and 150°.

20. The garment panel of claim 19, wherein the panel body includes:

a first elongate arm that extends outward from the interior portion to a first terminal end, wherein the first interlocking member is disposed proximate the first terminal end;

a second elongate arm that extends outward from the interior portion to a second terminal end, wherein the second interlocking member is disposed proximate the second terminal end; and

a third elongate arm that extends outward from the interior portion to a third terminal end, wherein the third interlocking member is disposed proximate the third terminal end.