DEVICE USED TO TEMPORARILY ALTER THE FIT OR STYLE OF A GARMENT
A device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment is provided. The device includes a rounded element constructed of a rigid non-metal material. The rounded element has a width, a length, and a rounded perimeter edge. The device also includes a continuous elastic band configured to stretch around the rounded element. During use, the rounded element is configured to be placed against an inner outer portion of a fabric layer of the garment and the elastic band is configured to wrap around an outer inner portion of the fabric layer of the garment such that the inner portion of the fabric layer completely surrounds the rounded element cinching the garment at the location of the device.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/166,137 filed on Mar. 25, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates generally to garment accessories but more particularly to a device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment.
2. Description of Related ArtFinding clothing “off the rack” that fits all your body's proportions can be difficult if not impossible. Altering the fit or style of clothing is often permanent and requires the time and expense of a professional tailor. Tying knots in T-shirts, dresses and skirts is a popular way to temporarily alter the fit or style. Knots can add unwanted bulk and appear sloppy. Knots may only be used when there is sufficient excess fabric to form a knot. Further, knots often do not have the holding power to withstand the movement of the wearer. Consequently, a device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment is provided.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present invention is used to neatly cinch and secure excess fabric creating a slimmer and more tailored fit with a gathered or ruched effect. Versatility is added to the wardrobe as garments may be “tailored” differently with each use. Use of this device does not require puncturing or otherwise damaging the fabric. The device may be conveniently removed and reused.
It is a primary object of the invention to provide a device to alter the style or fit of a garment. It is an object of the invention to keep the excess fabric of the garment flush and eliminate unnecessary bulk under the garment when in use. It is another object of the invention to provide a device that is inconspicuous and hidden during use. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a lightweight device that does not cause fabric to hang or droop when in use. It is another object of the invention to be removable and reusable. It is another object of the invention to be gentle on fabric. It is another object of the invention to provide an exact fit with a secure hold. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device configured to fasten multiple layers of fabric together. It is another object of the invention to be utilized anywhere on a garment, and not restricted to a hemline.
In order to do so, a device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment is provided, comprising a rounded element comprised of a rigid non-metal material, wherein the rounded element has a width, a length, a center portion, and a rounded perimeter edge; an elastic band comprised of a continuous band configured to stretch around the rounded element; and, wherein a first mode of operation, the rounded element is configured to be placed against an inner portion of a fabric layer of the garment and the elastic band is configured to wrap around an outer portion of the fabric layer of the garment such that the inner portion of the fabric layer completely surrounds the rounded element cinching the garment at the location of the device.
In one embodiment, the rounded element has a hollow circular or decorative shape in the center portion. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter edge comprises a rounded smooth edge configured to minimize damage to the garment. In one embodiment, the rounded element has a varying thickness from the outer perimeter edge to the inner perimeter edge, wherein the thickness at the outer perimeter edge is greatest. In one embodiment, the rounded element is a circle, and the length and the width are equal. In one embodiment, the rounded element is an oval or ellipse, and the length is greater than the width. In one embodiment, the rigid non-metal material is lightweight such that drag is minimized on the garment. In one embodiment, the rounded element is one of: transparent, nude, or a color matching the garment such that the device is not visible through the fabric layer of the garment. In one embodiment, the rounded perimeter edge is free of ridges, sharp corners, or rough edges to minimize damage to the garment. In one embodiment, the length and the width are between 1 and 6 inches. In another embodiment, the length and the width are between 0.5 and 12 inches. In one embodiment, the center portion is solid and includes an outer perimeter edge and a central solid portion. In another embodiment, the solid central portion includes insignia, designs, or decoration and dimensions or sizing corresponding to the amount of fabric cinched by the device. In one embodiment, the rounded element includes text, dimensions or sizing corresponding to the length and the width of the rounded element. In one embodiment, the rigid non-metal material does not bend or break during use. In one embodiment, the rigid non-metal material of the rounded element is lightweight such that it does not drag on the garment. In one embodiment, the rounded element is thin such that it minimizes bulk under the garment. In one embodiment, the rounded element is configured to withstand machine washing and drying.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment.
It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as to mean “at least one”. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. As used herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.
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Advantageously, the rounded element acts as a form which the fabric is wrapped around and cinched with the elastic band at the center of the rounded element. The rounded element is configured to keep all the excess fabric taught, flat, and tidy under the garment. Further, the rounded element prevents the fabric from slipping through the elastic band.
In one embodiment, the elastic band 300 is comprised of rubber, silicone, or similar elastic material or combination of materials. It should be large enough to stretch around the rounded element. More than one elastic band may be used during use. As previously mentioned, the rounded element 100 is comprised of a non-metal rigid material. The rigidness of the material should be as such that the rounded element does not bend when wrapped with fabric during use. In some embodiments, the rounded element 100 is comprised of plastic, wood, foam, or similar rigid material. The material used should be safe and comfortable for clothing and the wearer. Further, the material should also be able to withstand machine washing and drying machine use.
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Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
Claims
1. A device used to temporarily alter the fit or style of a garment comprising:
- a rounded element comprised of a rigid non-metal material, wherein the rounded element has a width, a length, a center portion, and a rounded perimeter edge;
- an elastic band comprised of a continuous band configured to stretch around the rounded element; and,
- wherein a first mode of operation, the rounded element is configured to be placed against an inner portion of a fabric layer of the garment and the elastic band is configured to wrap around an outer portion of the fabric layer of the garment such that the inner portion of the fabric layer completely surrounds the rounded element cinching the garment at the location of the device.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element has a hollow circular or decorative shape in the center portion.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter edge comprises a rounded smooth edge configured to minimize damage to the garment.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element has a varying thickness, wherein the thickness at the outer perimeter edge is greatest.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element is a circle, and the length and the width are equal.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element is an oval or ellipse, and the length is greater than the width.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the rigid non-metal material is lightweight such that drag is minimized on the garment.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element is one of: transparent, nude, or a color matching the garment such that the device is not visible through the fabric layer of the garment.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded perimeter edge is free of ridges, sharp corners, or rough edges to minimize damage to the garment.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the length and the width are between 1 and 6 inches.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the length and the width are between 0.5 and 12 inches.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the center portion is solid and includes an outer perimeter edge and a central solid portion.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the solid central portion includes insignia, designs, or decoration and dimensions or sizing corresponding to the amount of fabric cinched by the device.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element includes text, dimensions or sizing corresponding to the length and the width of the rounded element.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the rigid non-metal material does not bend or break during use.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the rigid non-metal material of the rounded element is lightweight such that it does not drag on the garment.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element is thin such that it minimizes bulk under the garment.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the rounded element is configured to withstand machine washing and drying.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2022
Publication Date: Sep 29, 2022
Inventor: Melodie Watts (Rockwall, TX)
Application Number: 17/695,750