US20130081194A1

US20130081194A1 - Wrap With Pockets

Info

Publication number: US20130081194A1
Application number: US13/252,220
Authority: US
Inventors: Priscilla Katherine Sowerby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-04
Filing date: 2011-10-04
Publication date: 2013-04-04

Abstract

A wrap with pockets of the present invention comprising an elongated rectangularly shaped strip of pliable material may be made of a variety of natural materials and synthetic fibers, and/or a blend of one or more textile materials. One and/or a plurality of pockets are provided on the external panel of the wrap with pockets at the end(s) along the axis of the longitudinal axis of the elongated strip. The pockets are designed to hold personal items such as credit cards, keys, cash, driver license, cosmetics, face tissue, etc. for top wear or sarong, or shawl. In one embodiment of wrap with pockets used for baby blankets or lap robe, the pockets may be designed to hold bulky items such as diapers, wipes, glasses, etc.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of throws, garments and fashion accessories, and more particularly to a wrap with pockets of fashion which may be used to wrap around one's waist, neck, shoulders, chest, hips, etc. and/or used as a throw, blanket, seat cover, etc. having storage compartments for personal items.
2. Description of Related Art
U.S. PreGrant Pub. No. 20100071110 to Stevens discloses a garment with pockets, shaped similar to a long sleeve shirt, sweater, or the like, to be worn around the waist when additional carrying space is needed. U.S. PreGrant Pub. No. US 20060218690 to James discloses a wrap-around apparel having fastening means for releasably attaching the apparel around a wearer's waist. Suspended from an interior portion of the apparel is at least one fully-concealed storage compartment. The apparel disclosed in US20100071110 or US 20060218690 cannot be worn as an attractive sarong or top wear or shawl.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,469 to Levy discloses a wrap-around garment including an elongated strip of pliable material which has an aperture therein intermediate the ends thereof, with one end portion extending through the aperture and being secured outwardly thereof. The intermediate portion of the strip is adapted to encircle the body of a wearer, and adjustable means is provided adjacent the aperture to vary its effective size. The invention disclosed in '469 patent does not have storage space (e.g. pockets) for personal belongings.
WO2007022148 to Kuhlmann discloses a scarf or shawl comprises a garment with interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surface contains a plurality of pockets with closures for securing contents. A pair of fastening devices is attached to the garment for holding the garment to the wearer's other apparel. The scarf or shawl may be worn in lieu of, or in addition to, a jacket, coat, handbag, or wallet. The garment may also be worn in reverse, with the pocket facing outwards. The garment disclosed in WO2007022148 cannot be worn as a sarong or top wear, etc.
Therefore, there exists a need for a wrap with pockets, which is appealing, simple, comfortable, cost-efficient to manufacture, one size for all, providing storage space (e.g. pockets) for accommodating personal items, and can be worn and/or used as a sarong, a shawl, a top wear, a throw, a blanket, a seat cover and/or a lap robe, etc.
In comparison, the present invention is rectangular in shape and can be worn as shawl, sarong, etc while US20100071110 and US20060218690 cannot. The present invention is distinguished from the '469 patent in that the garment has multiple purpose, it provides pockets for personal belongs while it is worn and/or used as a sarong, shawl, top wear, neck wrap, waist wrap, blanket, seat cover, poncho, etc. The present invention is different from the WO2007022148 in that the present invention has a row (or band) of pockets at one end or both ends along the longitudinal axis of the strip. The present invention's pockets will be in the front with opening pointed upwards or tilted upwards, accessible and appealing once it is tied into a sarong or a top wear or a shawl, etc. Furthermore, one preferred embodiment of the present invention has an opening allowing it to be worn as a poncho with the pockets still being in a position to be easily accessible to the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wrap with pockets which is appealing, comfortable, simple, cost efficient to manufacture, and one size for all.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wrap with pockets for securely and discreetly accommodating personal items.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wrap with pockets that can be used as a scarf, shawl, sarong, poncho, neck wear, waist band, throw, seat cover, baby blanket, etc.
Accordingly, a wrap with pockets of the present invention comprising an elongated strip of pliable material may be made of a variety of natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, silk etc. and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyolefin, etc., or a blend of one or more textile materials. In one embodiment, the strip is substantially rectangularly shaped. In one embodiment, the wrap with pockets may have an interior and an exterior panels with a another layer of material in between.
One and/or a plurality of pockets are provided on one side of the wrap with pockets at the end(s) along the axis of the longitudinal axis of the elongated strip. The pockets are designed to hold personal items such as credit cards, keys, cash, driver license, cosmetics, face tissue, etc. for wrap up or sarong, or shawl. In one embodiment of the wrap with pockets used for baby blankets,the pockets may be designed to hold bulky items such as a diaper, wipes, etc. The wrap with pockets may also be worn and/or used as neck wear, large waist belt, top wear, seat cover, sit on, lap robe, etc. The wrap with pockets is about 25 to 35 inches in width and about 75 to 85 inches in length, preferably 30 inches in width and 80 inches in length.
In one embodiment, the pockets may have closures or flaps to close the openings of the pockets. In one embodiment, the wrap with pockets may also comprise fastening means to secure the pockets such as zipper, button, Velcro loop and hook, etc. In one embodiment, the wrap with pockets contains innovative inner pocket designed to prevent personal items from falling out of the pockets. The inner pocket has side opening inside another pocket, thus the inner pocket does not need closure or flap to secure its opening.
In one embodiment, the pocket may be formed by folding up the end of the strip and stitched back onto the strip. In another embodiment, the pocket may be formed by cutting out from other pieces of fabric and stitched onto the elongated strip to make different patterns.
In another embodiment, the wrap with pockets further comprises an opening near the center of the strip allowing a person to wear the wrap with pockets as a poncho in addition to being worn and/or used for other aforementioned purposes, for example, being worn and/or used as a sarong, shawl, neck wear, large waist belt, top wear, seat cover, sit on, lap robe, throw, etc. The wrap with pockets with a slit opening is about 25 to 35 inches in width and about 58 to 70 inches in length, preferably 30 inches in width and 64 inches in length.
The lap robe may be used by handicapped or immobile users to keep warm. Their personal items may be placed in the pockets of the wrap with pockets of the present invention for easy accessibility.
The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a wrap with pockets according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a wrap with specially designed inner pockets according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wrap with pockets according to one embodiment of the present invention as worn by a user showing that the wrap with pockets may be worn as a top wrap.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wrap with pockets according to one embodiment of the present invention as worn by a user showing that the wrap with pockets may be worn as a sarong.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wrap with pockets according to one embodiment of the present invention as worn by a user showing that the wrap with pockets may be worn as a sash or shawl.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wrap with pockets according to one embodiment of the present invention as worn by a user showing that the wrap with pockets may be worn as a scarf, neck tie.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a poncho-like garment embodying the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a poncho-like garment embodying the present invention as worn by a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is disclosed a first embodiment 10 of the present invention. The wrap with pockets 10 comprises basically an elongated strip of pliable material, generally designated by the numeral 11. The length of the material 11 is about 90 inches long by 30 inches wide (FIG. 1A). At one end 12 along the longitudinal axis of the strip 11, about 8 inches of material is folded up and sewn to form the pockets 13 in FIG. 1B. The final apparel shown in FIG. 1B is about 82 inches long and 30 inches wide. The openings 14 of the pockets 13 will face upward or tilted upward when worn. Although the wrap with pockets 10 in FIG. 1B only has one row of pockets on one end 12, in another embodiment, the wrap with pockets 10 may have rows of pockets 13 on both ends along the longitudinal axis of the wrap with pockets 10. The pockets 13 may be simply opened for easy access or may be secured by fastening means 15 including buttons, snaps, pins, Velcro, etc. In another embodiment, the pocket may not necessary be formed by folding up and sewing the material. Different pocket designs cut out of another piece of material may be sewed onto the elongated strip.
With reference to FIG. 2, the construction of the second embodiment 20 is similar to the first embodiment 10. The wrap with pockets 20 comprises basically an elongated strip of pliable material, generally designated by the numeral 21. However, rather than having four pockets with 7½″ openings on the top like in the first embodiment 10, the second embodiment 20 has 4 pockets having 2 middle pockets with 7½″ openings on the top and the 2 side inner pockets 22 with 3″ openings on the sides facing the inner pockets. (So to put and take out items in the 2 side pockets, the user inserts their hand inside the 7½ inch openings of the inner pocket and then through the 3″ opening of the side pockets to reach the space within). It will be appreciated that the second embodiment 20 contains innovative inner pocket 22 designed to prevent personal items from falling out of the pockets. The inner pocket 22 has side opening 23 inside another pocket, thus the inner pocket does not need closure or flap to secure its opening.
Both of the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 20 may be used to wrap around the upper body and worn as a top wrap as shown in FIG. 3. First, a user centers the apparel behind their back just below their shoulder blades. Wrap the apparel around their body by bringing the two corners forward/below their arms. Crisscross the top ends over their bust and tie the ends together behind their neck. The pockets 13 on the end(s) will be positioned in front of the chest in an easy to access position. They can be worn as a sarong skirt for beach coverup as shown in FIG. 4. First, a user holds the wrap with pockets around themselves at their waist; gather (grabbing) a bunch of fabric along each side (without grabbing any pocket portion) and bring them together on one side, and snugly tie the bunch together above their hip. The wrap with pockets of the present invention may be worn over one shoulder as a sash or worn around shoulders as a shawl. The pockets will be conveniently hung in front of body for easy access (FIG. 5).
There are many more styling ways to wear the wrap with pockets of the present invention. For example, the wrap with pockets 10 and 20 may be worn around the neck as a single neck wrap, scarf loop or tie (FIG. 6A, 6B). The wrap with pockets 10 and 20 may be worn together with a soft ring or loop. A user places a soft ring of loop in the middle of the apparel. Place the wrap with pockets 10 and 20 around their neck; pulling end(s) through loop or soft ring in the middle (FIG. 6C). The apparel may be worn as a large waist belt (FIG. 6D).
In addition to being worn on a body, the the wrap with pockets 10 and 20 may be used as a blanket over a chair, a car seat, a baby carriage or as a beach or picnic throw. It can also be used as a baby blanket where the pockets are suitable for carrying diapers, wipes, baby powders, etc. The present invention may be used as a lap robe simply by placing it over the lap. When its over the lap, the pocket openings will be facing the user providing easy access to the contents inside.
Referring to FIG. 7, there is disclosed a third embodiment 30 of the present invention. The third embodiment comprises 2 pieces of elongated strips. The first piece of strip 31 is about 34 inches long by 30 inches wide. On one end 32 along the longitudinal axis of the first strip there is an opening 33 of about 18 inches wide by 4 inches long. The second piece of strip 34 is about 40 inches long by 30 inches wide. On one end 35 along the longitudinal axis of the first strip there is an opening 36 of about 18 inches wide by 4 inches long. On the opposite end 37, a margin about 10 inches long by 30 inches wide is folded up and stitched back to the strip forming a row of pockets 38. The third embodiment includes 4 pockets having 2 middle pockets with 7½″ openings on the top and the 2 side pockets with 3″ openings on the sides facing the inner pockets. (So to put and take out items in the 2 side pockets, the user inserts their hand inside the 7½ inch openings of the inner pocket and then through the 3″ opening of the side pockets to reach the space within). The two pieces of strips 31, 34 are connected (sewn) together along the margin of the ends having openings to form a poncho-like garment. The total length of the strip is about 64 inches. The width of the strip is about 30 inches. The first piece is the back and the second piece is the front of poncho. The pockets are readily accessible by hands and may be secured by fastening means such as buttons, snaps, zippers and Velcro, etc. In another embodiment, the poncho-like apparel may be made of one piece of elongated strip with openings cut out off the strip around the center of the strip. The third embodiment may be worn as a poncho demonstrated in FIG. 8.
While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application 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 when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wrap with pockets comprising:

an elongated strip of pliable material having two ends along its longitudinal axis; and

a plurality of pockets disposed on at least one end along the longitudinal axis of the strip for holding personal items;

2. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 wherein the elongated strip is wrapped around portions of a torso and secured by tying portions of the two ends of the strip to provide a garment.

3. The wrap with pockets of claim 2 wherein the garment can be a sarong, shawl, top wear, neck wrap, scarf, tie, large waist belt, and sash.

4. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 can be used as a cover/blanket to put over a chair, car seat, baby carriage, used as a beach/picnic throw and lap robe.

5. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 wherein the strip further comprises a slit opening disposed near its center allowing a person to wear as a poncho.

6. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 may be made of a variety of natural materials, a variety of synthetic fibers, and a blend of one or more textile materials.

7. The wrap with pockets of claim 2 wherein the natural materials are selected from a group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, linen, and any combinations thereof.

8. The wrap with pockets of claim 2 wherein the synthetic fibers are selected from a group consisting of nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyolefin, and any combinations thereof.

9. The wrap with pockets of claim 1, wherein the wrap with pockets is substantially rectangular-shaped.

10. The wrap with pockets of claim 1, wherein the pockets are formed by folding up the end of the elongated strip and stitched onto the strip.

11. The wrap with pockets of claim 1, wherein the pockets are formed by cutting out of other pieces of fabric and stitched onto the elongated strip.

12. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 wherein the pockets further have closure and fastening means selected from a group consisting of flaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and any combinations thereof.

13. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 wherein the strip of material is about 75 to 85 inches long and about 25 to 35 inches wide. so as to be adapted to cover the portion of the torso to provide a garment.

14. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 further comprises inner pockets which have opening disposed on its side wall and can only be accessed through a pocket next to it so as to secure the personal items inside without having closure means.

In one embodiment, the wrap with pockets may have an interior and an exterior panels with a another layer of material in between.

15. A wrap with pockets comprising:

an elongated substantially rectangular-shaped strip of pliable material having a slit opening around the center allowing a person to wear as a poncho and a around-shoulders shawl; and

wherein the strip may be made of a variety of natural materials selected from a group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, linen, and any combinations thereof, a variety of synthetic fibers selected from a group consisting of nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyolefin, and any combinations thereof, and a blend of one or more textile materials;

wherein some of the pockets further have closure and fastening means selected from a group consisting of flaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and any combinations thereof.

16. The wrap with pockets of claim 15 wherein the dimension of the strip is about 25 to 35 inches in width and about 58 to 70 inches in length.

17. The wrap with pockets of claim 15 wherein the dimension of the strip is preferably about 30 inches in width and about 64 inches in length.

18. A wrap with pockets comprising:

an elongated substantially rectangular-shaped strip of pliable material having two ends along its longitudinal axis, the strip is wrapped around portions of a torso and secured by tying portions of the two ends of the strip to provide a garment; and

wherein the garment can be a sarong, shawl, top wear, neck wrap, scarf, tie, large waist belt, and sash;

19. The wrap with pockets of claim 18 wherein the strip is about 75 to 85 inches long and about 25 to 35 inches wide, preferably about 80 inches in length and about 30 inches in width.

20. The wrap with pockets of claim 1 wherein the strip having one interior panel and one exterior panel and a layer of material in between.