US20140157478A1

US20140157478A1 - Convertible garment

Info

Publication number: US20140157478A1
Application number: US14/069,893
Authority: US
Inventors: Leona Van De Velde
Original assignee: Twin Envisions LLC
Current assignee: Twin Envisions LLC
Priority date: 2012-11-02
Filing date: 2013-11-01
Publication date: 2014-06-12

Abstract

The instant invention is uniquely shaped garment that can be placed into numerous configurations wherein the front becomes the back, the back becomes the front, the top becomes the bottom and the bottom becomes the top. The garment can be configured to fit around a wearer's upper torso as a top, or dimensionally sized to fit both the upper and lower torso as a dress with a means for positioning defined by illustration.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/721,735, entitled “CONVERTIBLE GARMENT”, filed Nov. 2, 2012. The contents of which the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is convertible garments and, in particular, a garment with a casing in a hem with elastic and adjustable lingerie buckle that allows use of the garment in numerous configurations. It also has 2 buttons per end, one end also has a button loop which also is need to configure styles

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Convertible garments are known in the prior art. For instance: U.S. Pat. No. 533,994 discloses a combination outer garment and inner garment. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,556,039 and 4,343,046 disclose an outer vest portion which extends over a shirt or blouse. U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,791 discloses a woman's sport shirt that normally functions as a waist-length, short-sleeved T-shirt. When worn, the shirt is readily convertible into a halter-like garment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,592 discloses a garment that converts from long sleeves to short sleeves. U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,932 discloses adjustable length pants having adjustment tabs and adjustment arrays located in the pants leg interior. U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,920 discloses an adjustable system for garments wherein the garment is adjusted by pulling a cord until the hem is turned up to the desired length. U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,944 discloses a method for altering pants so they can be used as either shorts or as long pants. U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,613 discloses convertible trousers which have lower portions detachably connected to the upper portions using of a pair of pile fastening material strips. U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,435 discloses a convertible trouser having a plurality of interchangeable leg portions that may be arranged in various configurations to produce a garment of variable length and appearance.
There have been various attempts to design swimwear which is interchangeable from a one piece to a two piece style bathing suit which combine fashion and function. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,545 discloses an adjustable swimsuit comprising an upper piece and a lower piece, the upper piece including a pair of cups and an intermediate connector section between the cups, with the connector including a first connector component. U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,669 discloses a two-piece bathing suit having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section includes a pouch having materials to attach underneath the upper section effectively converting the two-piece appearance into a one-piece look. U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,145 includes a top portion having securing means disposed along at least a portion of the lower edge thereof and a bottom portion having securing means secured along at least a portion of the upper edge thereof; and a midriff portion having securing means disposed along at least a portion of its upper and lower edges corresponding to the securing means of said top portion and bottom portion. U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,741 provides convertible swimsuit that can be changed from a one piece swimsuit into either a two piece tank-top style swimsuit or two piece bikini style swimsuit.
While these prior arts may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, these prior arts would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. Alleviating the existing problems of having to maintain multiple pieces of clothing to obtain a fashionable array of clothing configurations. No known convertible garment can be used in alternative configurations on the upper torso, or when sized larger can be used as a dress having numerous configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is directed to a convertible garment having a particular shape that is configured to fit around a wearer's torso. The shape of the garment is defined by a lower section that forms a tubular base, an unsecured middle section, and an upper section that is releasably secured. For construction purposes, the lower section has a dimensional width between about 29¾ inches for an extra small XS configuration to about 47¾ inches for a large L configuration. The middle section has a radius extending from about 27¼ inches to 45 inches for an XS configuration and 40 inches to 56½ inches for a large L configuration. Similarly, the garment has a height ranging from about 28 inches to about 60 inches.
The garment is constructed by a process comprising the selecting of a fabric having a height defined by a top edge and a bottom edge, trimming a left side to form the lower section having a lower side edge formed substantially perpendicular to a bottom edge, a middle section formed by trimming a middle side edge initially inward from the lower side edge following a radius to a position outward from the lower side edge, and an upper section formed between said middle section and the top edge. A right side is further trimmed to form a mirror image of the left side. The lower side edge of the left side is permanently attached to a lower side edge of the right side, and a first fastener is installed to a left side end of the upper section and a first reciprocal fastener to a right side end of the upper section. The convertible garment is then configured over a human body within a means for positioning that is illustrated by FIGS. 1-42 b in this specification. The convertible garment can be placed on the human body within any configuration of the means for positioning.
Thus, an objective of the invention is to teach the use of a garment having a particular shape that allows an individual to wear the garment in numerous configurations.
It is objective of the present invention to provide a convertible garment that is fashionable and functional.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a garment wherein the front becomes the back, the back becomes the front, the top becomes the bottom and the bottom becomes the top.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a convertible garment which allows a wearer to effectively have a one piece style top for sport activities that can be converted to a trend setting fashion top. You can also convert from a top to a dress to a skirt without taking it off.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide convertible garment where an attachment mechanism can be by any number of attachment or fastening devices such as snaps, buttons, Velcro® (hook and loop component), or any other appropriate fastening device.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a pictorial front view of the instant invention in a strapless configuration;

FIG. 1 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a strapless configuration;

FIG. 2 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a reverse halter configuration;

FIG. 2 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a reverse halter configuration;

FIG. 3 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a criss cross configuration;

FIG. 3 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a criss cross configuration;

FIG. 4 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a tube right shoulder configuration;

FIG. 4 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a tube right shoulder configuration;

FIG. 5 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a tube left shoulder configuration;

FIG. 5 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a tube left shoulder configuration;

FIG. 6 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a halter configuration;

FIG. 6 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a halter configuration;

FIG. 7 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a halter hipster configuration;

FIG. 7 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a halter hipster configuration;

FIG. 8 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a tube halter configuration;

FIG. 8 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a tube halter configuration;

FIG. 9 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a tube cape configuration;

FIG. 9 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a tube cape configuration;

FIG. 10 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a tube shrug configuration;

FIG. 10 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a tube shrug configuration;

FIG. 11 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a tube shawl configuration;

FIG. 11 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a tube shawl configuration;

FIG. 12 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a strapless long-back buttoned configuration;

FIG. 12 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a strapless long-back buttoned configuration;

FIG. 13 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a strapless long-side buttoned configuration;

FIG. 13 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a strapless long-side buttoned configuration;

FIG. 14 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a strapless long-front configuration;

FIG. 14 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a strapless long-front configuration;

FIG. 15 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a halter dress configuration;

FIG. 15 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a halter dress configuration;

FIG. 16 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a criss cross dress configuration;

FIG. 16 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a criss cross dress configuration;

FIG. 17 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a twisted dress configuration;

FIG. 17 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a twisted dress configuration;

FIG. 18 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a strapless empire dress configuration;

FIG. 18 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a strapless empire dress configuration;

FIG. 19 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a chocker dress configuration;

FIG. 19 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a chocker dress configuration;

FIG. 20 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a twisted side shoulder dress configuration;

FIG. 20 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a twisted side shoulder dress configuration;

FIG. 21 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a halter configuration;

FIG. 21 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a halter configuration;

FIG. 22 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a right shoulder hipster configuration;

FIG. 22 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a right shoulder hipster configuration;

FIG. 23 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a right shoulder configuration;

FIG. 23 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a right shoulder configuration;

FIG. 24 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a right shoulder long configuration;

FIG. 24 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a right shoulder long configuration;

FIG. 25 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a twisted halter configuration;

FIG. 25 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a twisted halter configuration;

FIG. 26 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a left shoulder configuration;

FIG. 26 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a left shoulder configuration;

FIG. 27 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a left shoulder hipster configuration;

FIG. 27 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a left shoulder hipster configuration;

FIG. 28 a is plane view of an extension tab;

FIG. 28 b is side view of the extension tab;

FIG. 29 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a chocker configuration;

FIG. 29 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a chocker configuration;

FIG. 30 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a chocker long configuration;

FIG. 30 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a chocker long configuration;

FIG. 31 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a cape configuration;

FIG. 31 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a cape configuration;

FIG. 32 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a vest configuration;

FIG. 32 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a vest configuration;

FIG. 33 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a shrug vest configuration;

FIG. 33 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a shrug vest configuration;

FIG. 34 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a halter dress configuration;

FIG. 34 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a halter dress configuration;

FIG. 35 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a halter twist dress configuration;

FIG. 35 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a halter twist dress configuration;

FIG. 36 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a right shoulder configuration;

FIG. 36 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a right shoulder configuration;

FIG. 37 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a left shoulder configuration;

FIG. 37 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a left shoulder configuration;

FIG. 38 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a jumper configuration;

FIG. 38 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a jumper configuration;

FIG. 39 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a right shoulder twisted strap configuration;

FIG. 39 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a right shoulder twisted strap configuration;

FIG. 40 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a left shoulder twisted strap configuration;

FIG. 40 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a left shoulder twisted strap configuration;

FIG. 41 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a long skirt configuration;

FIG. 41 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a long skirt configuration;

FIG. 42 a is a pictorial front view thereof in a Sash configuration;

FIG. 42 b is a pictorial rear view thereof in a Sash configuration;

FIG. 43 is a plane view of the garment when constructed from a single main piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the figures in general, the convertible garment of the instant invention requires approximately 2½ yards of material depending upon the length for use with a size from XS to XL. FIGS. 1-42 b set forth pictorial illustrations of the means for positioning the convertible garment on a human body. As will be described later in this specification, upon construction of the convertible garment, the garment can be adapted to any means for positioning as illustrated by the Figures. In particular, FIGS. 1 a & 1 b set forth a pictorial view of the instant invention in a strapless configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop, bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up over chest, wrap splits ends around the back and tie.
Referring to FIGS. 2 a & 2 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a reverse halter configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop and add extension, pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends over back of shoulders around the neck and button.
Referring to FIGS. 3 a & 3 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a criss cross configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop and add extension, pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up over chest, criss cross at front of neck, button back of neck.
Referring to FIGS. 4 a & 4 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a tube right shoulder configuration. In this configuration: pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up over chest, button at right shoulder.
Referring to FIGS. 5 a & 5 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a tube left shoulder configuration. In this configuration: pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, pull split ends up over chest, button on left shoulder.
Referring to FIGS. 6 a & 6 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a halter configuration. In this configuration: pull top up over chest, bring split ends up over chest, button back of neck, gather the bottom just below the waist.
Referring to FIGS. 7 a & 7 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a halter hipster configuration. In this configuration: pull top up over chest, bring split ends up over chest, button back of neck, gather over hips.
Referring to FIGS. 8 a & 8 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a tube halter configuration. In this configuration: pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up over chest, button back of neck.
Referring to FIGS. 9 a & 9 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a tube cape configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop and add extension, pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up around back of shoulders, button across top of chest.
Referring to FIGS. 10 a & 10 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a tube shrug configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop and add extension, pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up over chest in front of shoulders, button back of neck.
Referring to FIGS. 11 a & 11 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a tube shawl configuration. In this configuration: pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top, bring split ends up over chest in front of shoulders, drape around shoulders, tie back of neck.
Referring to FIGS. 12 a & 12 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a strapless long-back buttoned configuration. In this configuration: pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top/top becomes the bottom, pull straight down over hips, bring split ends to back of legs and button.
Referring to FIGS. 13 a & 13 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a strapless long-side buttoned configuration. In this configuration: turn top so opening is to the side, pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top/top becomes the bottom, pull straight down over hips, and bring split ends to side of leg and button.
Referring to FIGS. 14 a & 14 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a strapless long-front configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop, turn top so opening is in the front, pull bottom up over chest—bottom becomes the top/top becomes the bottom, pull straight down over hips.
Referring to FIGS. 15 a & 15 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a halter dress configuration. In this configuration: pull top to chest, bring split ends around back of neck and button.
Referring to FIGS. 16 a & 16 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a criss cross dress configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop and add extension, pull top up over chest, bring split ends up over front and criss cross, bring split ends around back of neck and button.
Referring to FIGS. 17 a & 17 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a twisted dress configuration. In this configuration: pull top up over chest, twist split ends, bring split ends around back of neck, tie once and button.
Referring to FIGS. 18 a & 18 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a strapless empire dress configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop, pull top up over chest, fold over chest, bring split ends around back and tie twice.
Referring to FIGS. 19 a & 19 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a chocker dress configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop and add extension, pull top up over chest, bring split ends around back, criss cross split ends behind the neck, button front of neck.
Referring to FIGS. 20 a & 20 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a twisted side shoulder dress configuration. In this configuration: turn dress so opening is to the side, pull top up over chest, bring split ends up and twist, single tie and button at shoulder.
Referring to FIGS. 21 a & 21 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a halter configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, follow halter top directions.
Referring to FIGS. 22 a & 22 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a right shoulder hipster configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up and button at right shoulder, gather below hips.
Referring to FIGS. 23 a & 23 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a right shoulder configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, pull top to waist, bring split ends up and button at right shoulder, gather above the hips.
Referring to FIGS. 24 a & 24 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a right shoulder long configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, pull top to waist, bring split ends up and button at right shoulder, pull straight down over hips.
Referring to FIGS. 25 a & 25 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a twisted halter configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, bring split ends up and twist, follow halter top directions.
Referring to FIGS. 26 a & 26 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a left shoulder configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up and button at left shoulder, gather above the hips.
Referring to FIGS. 27 a & 27 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a left shoulder hipster configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up and button at left shoulder, gather around hips.
Referring to FIGS. 29 a & 29 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a chocker configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, hide button loop and add extension, pull top up to chest, bring split ends up and over back of shoulders, button at front of neck, gather at hips.
Referring to FIGS. 30 a & 30 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a chocker long configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, hide button loop and add extension, pull top up to chest, bring split ends up and over back of shoulders, button at front of neck, pull straight down over hips.
Referring to FIGS. 31 a & 31 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a cape configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, pull top up to chest, bring split ends up and over back of shoulders, button at front of neck, gather at hips.
Referring to FIGS. 32 a & 32 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a vest configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, bring split ends up and button back of neck, gather at hips.
Referring to FIGS. 33 a & 33 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a shrug vest configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up in front of shoulders, button back of shoulders.
Referring to FIGS. 34 a & 34 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a halter dress configuration. In this configuration: put on a tube top/other, follow halter dress directions.
Referring to FIGS. 35 a & 35 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a halter twist dress configuration. In this configuration: bring ends up front and twist, follow halter top directions.
Referring to FIGS. 36 a & 36 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a right shoulder configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, turn dress so opening is to the left, follow right shoulder top directions.
Referring to FIGS. 37 a & 37 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a left shoulder configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, turn dress so opening is to the right, follow left shoulder top directions.
Referring to FIGS. 38 a & 38 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a jumper configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up and button back of neck, pull straight down over hips.
Referring to FIGS. 39 a & 39 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a right shoulder twisted strap configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, turn dress so opening is to the left, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up and twist, tie once and button at right shoulder, pull down around hips.
Referring to FIGS. 40 a & 40 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a left shoulder twisted strap configuration. In this configuration: put on tube top/other, turn dress so opening is to the right, pull top up to waist, bring split ends up and twist, tie once and button at left shoulder, pull down around hips.
Referring to FIGS. 41 a & 41 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a long skirt configuration. In this configuration: turn skirt so opening is to the side, pull bottom to just below the waist—bottom becomes top/top becomes the bottom, pull straight down over hips with opening at side, and button.
Referring to FIGS. 42 a & 42 b, set forth is a pictorial view of the instant invention in a Sash configuration. In this configuration: hide button loop, turn skirt so opening is to the side, pull bottom to just below the waist—bottom becomes top, fold up and wrap splits ends around to the side and tie.
Referring to FIG. 43, set forth is a convertible garment pattern (10) having a base (12) of about 45-56″ for longer versions which varies along a length (L). The length (L) is about 39-49″ along a front seam and a radius (R) along a back seam defined by various lengths. Along length (L1) which is about 13″ a curvature is formed by having a length 14″ expanding to about 45″. Along length (L2) which is about 17″ the curvature is formed by reducing the width to 13½″ then expanding in a curvature to 15″ then 18″ and then 21″. Along length (L3) which is about 1½″ the width is about 45-56″ wide. As previously shown, along length (L3) the garment can be attached by buttons, snaps, hook & loop (Velcro) or sewn together. Further, the length (L) can be enlarged to cover both the upper and lower torso in the form of a dress, wherein the width dimensions along (L2) stay about the same but the width dimensions along (L1) are expanded.
In order of assembly, interface tabs and button area are created first, the buttonhole on first layer only in bottom hem area as marked on the pattern. Button loop (3½″ long) in sewn in one side only of the button area as marked on the pattern, centered on one end of seam. The top and right sides are sewn together to notch as marked on the pattern. The bottom of CB is sewn together, from notch to bottom hem, leaving open between notches on the buttonhole side only. The bottom hem is sewn together leaving opening to turn garment, wherein the garment is turned and topstitch bottom hem, 1/16″ and ⅝″ to form casing. A ¼″ elastic is placed in the casing. The ring comes out of the opening in the CB seam and a buckle is attached to the elastic so it is just visible at the buttonhole. The buckle is assembled by first sliding the buckle onto the elastic and then taking the end of the elastic through the ring, and underneath back to center of the buckle to sew back to standing part. Tack ring through both layers at the seam. Buttons are sewn back to back, but not tight together. The buttons, totaling four, are preferably 1⅛″. Extension tabs are interfaced with button loops centered on both short ends using 1/16″ topstitching.
Regarding the cutting of material, the fold can be anywhere on the garment. Further, the garment can consist of two or more pieces of fabric sewn together. The bottom hem can be elastic, ribbon, string, hook & loop (Velcro) or the like type of drawing attachment. The opening can be together by a slide or slide like device, buttons, snaps, hook and loop, buckle or the like. The interfacing is a whisper weft or similar.
The ends, either both sides of the ends, or one side of end and be coupled together by buttons, hook & loop, snaps, buckles or the like. Button loops found on the end and extension tabs can be made of cord, band or hook & loop. Cording is preferably ⅛″ and for sewing purposes five 3½″ pieces of cord are used per garment. Extension tabs can be of any size or shape, and incorporate jewelry, chains, cord, or elastic. The button area of the garment receives the interfacing before sewing. A first preferred extension tab is 5¼″ and the second tab is preferably 2¼″.
The method of making the convertible garment 10 is a product by a process of first selecting a fabric having a height H of about 37-60 inches defined by a top edge 12 and a bottom edge 14. In the preferred embodiment the fabric formed from a single sheet of material, however, multiple pieces attached together will serve the same function. The convertible garment 10 is formed by trimming a left side 16 to form a lower section A having a lower side edge 18 formed substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge 14, a middle section formed by trimming a middle side edge 20 initially inward from the lower side edge 18 following a radius R to a position outward from the lower side edge 18, and an upper section C formed between the middle section B and the top edge 12. The lower section A may include a form fitting elastic material such as a bottom hem placed along lower side edge 18 constructed from elastic, ribbon, string, or hook & loop, or the like attachment. The garment 10 can be illustrated by three sections for placement on a small woman, a lower section A having a length L1 of about 17-45 inches, a middle section B having length L2 of about 18 inches, and an upper section C having a length of about 2 inches L3. In the preferred embodiment, the side edges of lower section A are attached together, the side edges of middle section B are not attached, and the side edges of upper section C are temporarily attached by a fastener such as snap, button, hook and loop or the like releasable fastener.
The lower section A of the woman's small size “S” is further defined by a lower section width W6 defined as about 31½ inches and approximately 19 inches L8 from the upper edge 12. The lower section width W7 is about 33¾ inches and approximately 22 inches L9 from the upper edge 12. The lower section width W8 is about 33½ inches and approximately 27 inches L10 from the upper edge 12, and the bottom edge 14 has a width W10 of about 32⅜ inches about 37 inches from the top edge 12. It should be noted that the section width is sized to fit that of a small woman's body and is detailed to illustrate a preferred embodiment. However, it is to be understood that the measurements can be scaled up or down to meet the size of medium and large frame women without leaving the scope of the invention. For instance Extra Small “XS” would have a width W6 of about 31½ A inches, W7 of about 31 inches, W8 of about 31 inches, W9 of about 29¼ inches, and W10 of about 29¾ inches. Medium “M would have a width W6 of about 37% inches, W7 of about 37 inches, W8 of about 37 inches, W9 of about 36 inches, and W10 of about 36 inches. Large “L” would have a width W6 of about 39¼ inches, W7 of about 41½ inches, W8 of about 41½ inches, W9 of about 40 inches, and W10 of about 40 inches. Extra large “L” would have a width W6 of about 47 inches, W7 of about 48 inches, W8 of about 48 inches, W9 of about 47¾ inches, and W10 of about 47¾ inches. Further is noted that the right side 22 is trimmed to form a mirror image of the left side 16. The left side edge 16 of the lower section A is permanently secured to the mirror formed right side edge 22 preferably by thread, although buttons, snaps or the like attachment may be used.
A middle section B of the woman's small size is formed by a width W2 of about 46 inches approximately 2 inches L4 from the upper edge 12. The middle section width W3 is about 33 inches approximately 4½ inches L5 from the upper edge 12. Middle section width W4 is about 29¼ inches approximately 8½ inches L6 from the upper edge 12. Middle section width W5 is about 28¼ inches approximately 12½ inches L7 from the upper edge 12, middle section width W6 is about 31½ inches approximately 19 inches L8 from the upper edge 12. Again it should be noted that the middle section width is sized to fit that of a small woman's body and is detailed to illustrate a preferred embodiment. It is understood that the measurements can be scaled to meet the size of medium and large frame women without leaving the scope of the invention. For instance Extra Small “XS” would have a width W2 of about 45 inches, W3 of about 31½ inches, W4 of about 27¼ inches, W5 of about 28 inches, and W6 of about 31½ inches. Medium “M” would have a width W2 of about 47 inches, W3 of about 32½ inches, W4 of about 29 inches, W5 of about 34 inches, and W6 of about 37¼ inches. Large “L” would have a width W2 of about 52½ inches, W3 of about 39 inches, W4 of about 36¾ inches, W5 of about 36 inches, and W6 of about 39¾ inches. Extra large “L” would have a width W2 of about 56½ inches, W3 of about 43 inches, W4 of about 40 inches, W5 of about 43 inches, and W6 of about 47 inches.
The upper section C has width W1 and W2 of about 46 inches for the woman's small size, W1 formed along the upper edge 12 and W2 spaced a length L4 of about 2 inches from the upper edge 12. A first fastener 28 is placed along the upper section and a first reciprocal fastener 40 is placed along the opposite end of the upper section. As previously described the fasteners may include a button and a button hole, a male snap and a female snap receptacle, a hook material and a reciprocal fastener being a loop material, a slide fastener and a reciprocal fastener as a slide receptacle. The fasteners are well known in the art and not drawn on the figure as it would not add to the description for they are known in the industry and would only confuse the illustration. The upper section width W1 and W2 is about 45 inches for XS, about 47 inches for M, about 52½ inches for L and about 56½ inches for XL.
The convertible garment can then be placed over a human body within a means for positioning as illustrated in the FIGS. 1-42 b and the first fastener is secured to the second reciprocal fastener to maintain the garment in position. Alternatively, the first fastener can be secured to the second reciprocal fastener and the garment configured in any of the means for positioning shown and described.
The extension tab 30 is about 5 inches long L5 and about 2 inches wide W11. The extension tab 30 is securable to the first fastener and second reciprocal fastener to allow additional means for positioning. In one embodiment, the extension tab 30 has a button 32 and a button aperture 34.
Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of making a convertible garment comprising:

selecting a fabric having a height defined by a top edge and a bottom edge;

trimming a left side to form a lower section having a lower side edge formed substantially perpendicular to said bottom edge, a middle section formed by trimming a middle side edge initially inward from said lower side edge following a radius to a position outward from said lower side edge, and an upper section formed between said middle section and said top edge;

trimming a right side to form a mirror image of said left side;

attaching said lower side edge of said left side to a lower side edge of said right side;

installing a first fastener to a left side end of said upper section and a first reciprocal fastener to a right side end of said upper section;

configuring the convertible garment over a human body within a means for positioning and fastening said first fastener to said reciprocal fastener;

wherein the convertible garment can be reset on the human body within any configuration of said means for positioning.

2. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said height is about 37-60 inches.

3. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said lower section includes a faun fitting elastic material.

4. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said lower section is further defined by a lower section width and a lower section length, said lower section width variable along said lower section length.

5. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 4 wherein said lower section width is about 31½ inches approximately 19 inches from said upper edge, said lower section width is about 33¾ inches approximately 22 inches from said upper edge, said lower section width is about 31½ inches approximately 27 inches from said upper edge; and said bottom edge width is about 37 inches.

6. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 5 wherein said lower section widths are increased for larger human frames.

7. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said middle section is further defined by a middle section width and a middle section length, said middle section width variable along said middle section length.

8. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 7 wherein said middle section width is about 46 inches approximately 2 inches from said upper edge, said middle section width is about 33 inches approximately 4½ inches from said upper edge, said middle section width is about 29¼ inches approximately 8½ inches from said upper edge, said middle section width is about 28¼ inches approximately 12½ inches from said upper edge, said middle section width is about 31½ inches approximately 19 inches from said upper edge.

9. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 8 wherein said middle section widths are increased for larger human frames.

10. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said upper section is about 45-56 inches wide and has a uniform length of about 2 inches from said upper edge.

11. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 10 wherein said upper section width is increased for larger human frames.

12. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said fastener is a button and said reciprocal fastener is a button hole.

13. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said fastener is a male snap and said reciprocal fastener is a female snap receptacle.

14. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said fastener is a hook material and said reciprocal fastener is a loop material.

15. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said fastener is a slide and said reciprocal fastener is a slide receptacle.

16. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said fastener is a buckle.

17. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 including an upper section extension tab having a second fastener securable to said first reciprocal fastener and a second reciprocal fastener securable to said first fastener.

18. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said extension tab is about 5 inches long and about 2 inches wide.

19. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 wherein said right end of said upper section is permanently secured to said left end of said upper section.

20. The method of forming a convertible garment according to claim 1 including a bottom hem constructed from the group of elastic, ribbon, string, or hook & loop for attachment.