US20180153229A1

US20180153229A1 - Garment system

Info

Publication number: US20180153229A1
Application number: US15/821,562
Authority: US
Inventors: Maria Elizabeth Virgilio; Janet Jo Anderson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-21
Filing date: 2017-11-22
Publication date: 2018-06-07

Abstract

A garment system has a body portion in communication with at least two arm portions, wherein the body portion has an anterior and posterior segment, and wherein the body portion is configured to engage the torso of a user. A pouch, having a circular opening into a hollow interior, wherein the circular opening has a circumference, wherein the circumference is affixed to the body portion, wherein the body portion and the at least two arm portions are stored within the pouch in a stored position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/718,372, filed on May 21, 2015. The content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of garments and more particularly to garments with self-containing structures incorporated therein.

2. Description of Related Art

Garments are generally work to compensate for various environmental conditions. In colder weather or climates, garments are selected based on their ability to keep the user warm. Other garments may be comprised of certain materials configured to repel or resist water during rain. However, such conditions are subject to change and garments, specifically exterior garments, may need to be repeatedly worn and removed from the user.
Exterior garments such as jackets are an example of adaptability in regulation of body temperature and resistance to rain. When a jacket is initially deployed, the users wears it over their clothing until the ambient temperature or weather is conducive to removing it. The removal of the jacket then creates an issue concerning an additional object the user is required to hold on to. Often, the user is required to dedicate a hand or arm to holding the jacket while it is removed.
Having the jacket disconnected from the user increases opportunity of loss or misplacement of the jacket. This scenario is further compounded for people with children. Children require the same utility provided by the jacket and are more likely to have an increased rate of removal of the jacket based on the changing environment or subjective lack of desire to wear the garment. When a child removes the jacket, the parent is then responsible to account for it along with the myriad of other objects and activities the child becomes involved in. With the parent's attention divided across such a large number of factors, the risk of loss is even further increased.
Although exterior garments, such as jackets, often have one or more dedicated loops or straps designed to engage a hanger, this does not solve the issue of adaptability for jacket storage while away from a static hanger structure.
Evidence of such need for a dynamic garment storage system can be seen with U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,154 entitled “Outerwear and bag in one” by Toru Itoi. Disclosed therein is a garment that is foldable into a knapsack which is shouldered or worn on the user's back. Although the example provides for a dynamic garment storage system, the engagement with the user is substantially cumbersome and requires that the user dedicate portions of their body for carrying the garment. Further, the pocket section on the back of the garment limits the storage size of the garment to a larger object to be carried. This example fails to allow for a storage system that can be deployed in an unlimited number of locations.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a garment system allowing for a dynamic storage of garments within themselves and the structural ability to reduce the stored garment to a minimal size and simultaneously allowing for the garment to be dynamically stored in or on any location without encumbering the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A garment system has a body portion in communication with at least two arm portions, wherein the body portion has an anterior and posterior segment, and wherein the body portion is configured to engage the torso of a user. A pouch, having a circular opening into a hollow interior, wherein the circular opening has a circumference, wherein the circumference is affixed to the body portion, wherein the body portion and the at least two arm portions are stored within the pouch in a stored position.
In an embodiment, an elastic cord is disposed within the circumference of the pouch, wherein the elastic cord reduces the circumference of the circular opening.
In an embodiment, the circular opening is sealable after the body portion and the at least two arm portions are stored within the hollow interior.
In an embodiment, the pouch further comprises a sound producing device, wherein the sound producing device is configured to play one or more audio files through a speaker, wherein the sound producing device is in communication with a power source and storage media.
In an embodiment, the garment is selectively positioned within the pouch in a stored position, wherein a user inserts the body portion and the at least two arm portions into the hollow interior, wherein the hollow interior has a volume sufficient to accept one or more materials of the body portion and the at least two arm portions.
In an embodiment, the pouch further comprises a strap attached to the circular opening, wherein a distal end of the strap is attached to a clip.
In an embodiment, the clip is configured to engage a substrate.
In an embodiment, the body portion, the at least two arm portions and the pouch are comprised of a waterproof material.
In an embodiment, an exterior surface of the pouch has one or more visual elements affixed to the exterior surface of the pouch, wherein the one or more visual elements are visible when the garment is stored therein.
In an embodiment, the pouch is disposed within an interior of the body portion,
The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the garment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the garment system inside-out, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-17, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
A garment system has a body portion configured to engage a torso of a user, when in use. The body portion is generally defined an anterior section, posterior section, and two lateral sections separating the anterior and posterior sections. The anterior section has a first side and second separated substantially near a sagittal plane. A first arm portion and a second arm portion extend out from the body portion on opposite lateral sections. The first and second arm portions are generally identical in dimensions and configured to engage the arm of the user. At least one pouch is affixed to the garment. The pouch is generally defined by a circular opening into a hollow interior. The circular opening is affixed to the garment and is configured to receive the garment in a stored position.
In an embodiment, an elastic cord is disposed around the circular opening of the pouch. The elastic cord biases the circular opening to a closed position whereby the circumference of the circular opening is substantially less than when the user applies force against the elastic cord to open the pouch for storage of the garment therein.
In an embodiment, the elastic cord engages a pull-stop or locking mechanism whereby the circumference of the circular opening is selectively controlled by pulling and releasing the elastic cord from the pull-stop or locking mechanism.
In an embodiment, the circular opening has a zipper affixed to the circumference of the opening such that the circular opening can be closed by zipping the circular opening closed along a diameter of the opening. In such an embodiment, the corresponding portions of the zipper are generally disposed in a semi-circular configuration about the circumference to promote a sealing engagement between the two halves of the circular opening.
In an embodiment, a strap extends outward from the circular opening of the pouch. A distal end of the strap is attached to a clip. The clip is configured to releasably engage one or more substrates. For example, when the garment is packed and stored within the pouch, the clip can be used to attach the stored garment to a user's belt loop; a stroller; or another garment the user is wearing.
In an embodiment, the clip is a carabiner style clip having a spring biased opening of the clip's perimeter. The spring biased opening provides for a locked engagement when the substrate is positioned within the perimeter of the clip. For example, where the substrate is a user's belt loop, the belt loop passes the spring biased opening and the spring biased opening closes after the belt loop passes through, thereby locking the belt loop within the clip.
In an embodiment, the strap is a looped piece of material wherein both ends of the strap contact the circular opening of the pouch substantially near one another. In such an embodiment, the clip engages the loop of material.
In an embodiment, the first side and second side releasably engage one another to transition the body portion from an open to a closed position. The releasable engagement may be facilitated by one or more clasps, clips, zippers, hook-and-loop fastener, or other fastener capable of facilitating a releasably attachment between the first side and the second side.
In an embodiment, the garment has one or more pockets extending inward into the body portion. The pockets may be positioned about the body portion based on an intended utility for retaining objects. For example, a pocket may be positioned near the first side at an opposite end relative to the arm portion.
In an alternative embodiment, the pocket is the pouch. In such an embodiment, the pocket has a hollow interior configured to receive the remaining portions and sections of the garment in a stored position.
In an embodiment, the garment further comprises one or more decorative features such as animal characteristics. For example, the pouch may have one or more ears and a snout visible on an exterior surface of the pouch, when the garment is stored therein.
In an embodiment, the pouch is positioned at an interior of the body portion. In such an embodiment, the pouch is not visible while the garment is in use and on the user. The circular opening is affixed to an interior surface of the body portion.
In an embodiment, the hollow interior of the pouch has a volume sufficient to contain all material of portions and segments of the garment.
In an embodiment, the pouch has a power source and a sound producing device with a power source, memory, and a speaker. The sound producing device can contain audio files to be played by at the user's discretion. A switch, such as a pressure switch or button may be used to activate the sound producing device to initiate playback of the stored sounds.
In another embodiment, the pouch may have one or more light sources visible from an outside of the pouch, when the garment is stored therein. The light sources are connected to the power source and operable by one or more switches.
In an embodiment, the pouch is a flexible material having a geometric shape. In a particular embodiment, the pouch is generally cylindrical having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end. In such an embodiment, the circular opening is disposed along the elongated body between the first end and the second end. For example, the cylindrical shape resembles a baseball bat or a fish where the circular opening would be on the barrel portion of the bat shape or near a head of the fish body shape.
The shape of the pouch is configured to promote efficient storage and additional function as an interactive object when the garment is stored therein. For example, a child may have the garment stored within the pouch, where the pouch is shaped like a baseball bat. The child will then be able to use the plush pouch filled with the stored garment.
In another embodiment, the pouch is comprised of a resilient material or material having insulating properties.

In Use

The garment is initially deployed such that the user positions each of their arms into a corresponding arm portion whereby the first side and the second side are positioned in front of the user's anterior torso. The first side and second side may engage one another depending on the environmental conditions and need for additional coverage by the garment to the user.
When the user decides to remove the garment, the user first locates the pouch and the circular opening of the pouch. Starting with portions and segments of the garment most distal to the circular opening, the user begins to store the garment by rolling or folding these portions into the hollow interior of the pouch. As the distal portions enter the pouch, the hollow interior fills with the material of the garment. The user continues to roll, fold, and insert the garment into the pouch until the entire garment is contained within the pouch.
In an embodiment, there the circular opening of the pouch has a zipper, the circular opening is then closed by zipping the circumference of the circular opening closed. In an alternative embodiment, there the circular opening has an elastic cord, the user has to initially apply force in opposition to the cord when inserting the garment into the pouch. When the garment is entirely contained within the garment, the cord reduces the circumference of the opening thereby retaining the garment within the hollow interior of the pouch. Likewise, where the elastic cord engages a pull-stop or locking mechanism, the user selectively reduces the circumference of the circular opening by pulling the elastic cord through the pull stop or locking mechanism.
In an embodiment, the user then clips the pouch to a substrate using the clip attached to the circumference of the circular opening. In such an embodiment, the garment is stored within the pouch and allows for dynamic storage without the required use of hands or arms to retain the garment, as the garment is removeably attached to a substrate.
In an alternative embodiment, the pouch is a toy for a child to engage. Where the pouch has one or more animal attributes, such as a nose, snout, ears, eyes, etc, the pouch, containing the garment, can be given to a child to play with as a toy or stuffed plush object.
In an embodiment, when the pouch, containing the garment, is a plush toy, the child can engage the sound producing device contained within the pouch for further enjoyment. For example, where the animal attributes resembles a cow, the sound producing device contains a pre-recorded sound made by a cow that can be initiated through the pressure switch.
The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A garment system comprises:

a. a body portion in communication with at least two arm portions, wherein the body portion has an anterior and posterior segment, wherein the body portion is configured to engage the torso of a user; and

b. a pouch having a circular opening into a hollow interior, wherein the circular opening has a circumference, wherein the circumference is affixed to the body portion, wherein the body portion and the at least two arm portions are stored within the pouch in a stored position.

1. The system of claim 1, wherein an elastic cord is disposed within the circumference of the pouch, wherein the elastic cord reduces the circumference of the circular opening.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the circular opening is sealable after the body portion and the at least two arm portions are stored within the hollow interior.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pouch further comprises a sound producing device, wherein the sound producing device is configured to play one or more audio files through a speaker, wherein the sound producing device is in communication with a power source and storage media.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the garment is selectively positioned within the pouch in a stored position, wherein a user inserts the body portion and the at least two arm portions into the hollow interior, wherein the hollow interior has a volume sufficient to accept one or more materials of the body portion and the at least two arm portions.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the pouch further comprises a strap attached to the circular opening, wherein a distal end of the strap is attached to a clip.

6. The system of claim 8, wherein the clip is configured to engage a substrate.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the body portion, the at least two arm portions and the pouch are comprised of a waterproof material.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the pouch has one or more visual elements affixed to the exterior surface of the pouch, wherein the one or more visual elements are visible when the garment is stored therein.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the pouch is disposed within an interior of the body portion.