US20180168250A1

US20180168250A1 - Convertible Pants

Info

Publication number: US20180168250A1
Application number: US15/381,965
Authority: US
Inventors: John Ly
Original assignee: North Face Apparel Corp
Current assignee: North Face Apparel Corp
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2018-06-21
Also published as: WO2018112151A1

Abstract

Convertible pants include a waist portion and legs. Each leg includes an upper leg segment attached to the waist portion, a storage compartment disposed on the upper leg segment, and a lower leg segment undetachably connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point. The lower leg segment includes a panel and a coupling mechanism detachably connecting a first longitudinal edge of the panel to a second longitudinal edge of the panel. In a shorts mode, the lower leg segment is disposed within the storage compartment such that the leg has a first length. In a pants mode, an exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least partially overlaps and engages with an interior surface of the upper leg segment, and the lower leg segment extends below the upper leg segment such that the leg has a second length that is greater than the first length.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to pants, and, more specifically, to pants that may be converted between a shorts mode and a pants mode.

BACKGROUND

Pants and shorts are a common staple of clothing. It may be desirable to change between shorts and pants during use, such as to accommodate a change in activities or conditions. However, existing forms of convertible pants may suffer from one or more problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,484 describes that lower pant leg portions are completely detached from a shorts portion to convert the long pants into shorts. However, the detached leg portions of the '484 Patent may be lost or the coupling mechanism for re-attaching the detached leg portions to the shorts may be compromised, eliminating the convertible nature of the pants. Accordingly, improvements in convertible pants and the use of such pants to convert between a shorts mode and a pants mode are needed.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are articles of clothing (e.g., pants) that are convertible between a pants mode and a shorts mode and methods for converting the articles of clothing between the two modes.
Convertible pants may comprise a waist portion and a plurality of legs. Each leg may comprise an upper leg segment attached to the waist portion, a storage compartment disposed on the upper leg segment, and a lower leg segment undetachably connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point. The lower leg segment may comprise a panel having a first longitudinal edge opposite a second longitudinal edge. The lower leg segment may also comprise a coupling mechanism detachably connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge. In a shorts mode, the lower leg segment may be disposed within the storage compartment such that the leg has a first length. In a pants mode, an exterior surface of the lower leg segment may at least partially overlap and engage with an interior surface of the upper leg segment, and the lower leg segment may extend below the upper leg segment such that the leg has a second length that may be greater than the first length.
In another aspect, pants may comprise a waist portion and a leg. The leg may comprise an upper leg segment having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper leg segment may be attached to the waist portion. The leg may include a lower leg segment connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point. The leg may include a storage compartment comprising an opening on an interior surface of the upper leg segment to receive and store the lower leg segment. In a pants mode, a portion of an exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least partially overlaps and engages with the interior side of the upper leg segment.
In an aspect, a method may include wearing convertible pants having a pant leg. The pant leg may comprise an upper leg portion undetachably connected to a lower leg segment. The upper leg segment may encompass an upper portion of a wearer's leg. The lower leg segment may encompass a lower portion of the wearer's leg. The method may include detaching a first longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment from a second longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment. The method may include causing the lower leg segment to no longer encompass the lower portion of the wearer's leg. The method may include disposing the lower leg segment in a storage compartment disposed on an interior surface of the upper leg segment.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings provide examples only, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific example pants and methods disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of convertible pants according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1, wherein the longitudinal edges of a lower leg segment are partially uncoupled.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1, wherein the longitudinal edges of the lower leg segment are fully uncoupled.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1, wherein the lower leg segment is partially stored in a storage compartment in the upper leg segment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1, wherein the lower leg segment is completely stored in the storage compartment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an example of convertible pants having a pocket that provides access to the storage compartment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an example of convertible pants having a tab affixed to a bottom edge of the lower leg segment, wherein a lower leg segment partially stored in the storage compartment in an upper leg segment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example of convertible pants having a cord attached to an upper leg segment and a lower leg segment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example method.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
The term “apparel” may be defined as one or more articles of clothing and may include outerwear, underwear, upper body wear, lower body wear, headgear, gloves, scarves, belts, suspenders, footwear, and the like. The term “clothing” may be used to reference apparel and is not limiting to particular garments, headgear, gloves, footwear, or the like. The term “pants” may be defined as an article of clothing intended to be worn on at least a lower body of a wearer such as clothing configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's legs. As used herein, the term “pants” is not intended to be limited to a particular length relative to the leg of the wearer. The term “shorts” may be defined as an article of clothing intended to be worn on a lower body of a wearer such as clothing configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's legs. However, to distinguish between “pants mode” and “shorts mode,” as used herein, the term shorts mode may reference a relative length that is a shorter length than the length of a “pants mode” associated with the same article of clothing.
FIG. 1 shows convertible pants 100 in pants mode. The convertible pants 100 may include a waist portion 102 coupled to one or more legs 104. Although the waist portion 102 is shown in FIG. 1 to represent a portion of the convertible pants 100 extending from an end of the convertible pants 100 to an area at or near a crouch of the pants 100, the waist portion 102 may represent other portions or lengths of material adjacent an end of the convertible pants 100.
The waist portion 102 may include one or more pieces of fabric shaped to be worn around the waist, hips, or lower torso of a wearer. The waist portion 102 may include one or more pieces or types of material, such as woven material, nonwoven material, elastic material, or the like. The waist portion 102 may include one or more features for a wearer to fit the convertible pants 100 to their person. For example, the waist portion 102 may include belt loops 126 adapted to receive and hold a belt. The waist portion 102 may include one or more enclosures to facilitate putting on or taking off the convertible pants 100, such as a button enclosure 128 or a zipper enclosure 130.
The convertible pants 100 may include other features or aspects, such as a pocket 132. The waist portion 102 may be a shaped fabric that may include at least two openings: a waist opening 122 and at least one leg opening 124. The waist opening 122 and the at least one leg opening 124 may be disposed opposite each other relative to the waist portion 102. The waist opening 122 and the at least one leg opening 124 may generally be circular or oval shaped. The diameters of the waist opening 122 and the at least one leg opening 124 may vary depending on size, fit, and style. The diameter of the waist opening 122 may vary depending on the size of the convertible pants 100. The diameter of the waist opening 122 may correspond with the size of the wearer's waist, hips, or seat. For example, when worn, the waist portion 102 may be disposed adjacent the wearer's waist, hips, or lower torso. The diameter of the at least one leg opening 124 may be large enough to encircle the upper legs of the wearer, for example.
The convertible pants 100 may include one or more legs 104. Each leg 104 may extend from a portion of the waist portion 102 defining a respective one of the leg openings 122. Each leg 104 may include one or more pieces fabric shaped to be worn around at least a portion of the wearer's leg. The leg 104 may comprise one or more pieces or types of material, such as woven material, nonwoven material, elastic material, or the like. The size and shape of the leg 104 may vary depending on the size, style, and fit of the convertible pants 100. For example, when worn, the at least one leg may encircle at least a portion of the wearer's leg, such as the wearer's thigh, knee, lower leg, calf, or ankle.
The leg 104 may include an upper leg segment 106. The upper leg segment 106 may include a top end 103 a and a bottom end 103 b. Referring to the top end 103 a, “top” may mean the upper end of the upper leg segment 106 when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position. Referring to the bottom end 103 b, “bottom” may be the lower end of the upper leg segment 106 when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position. The top end 103 a of the upper leg segment 106 may extend from the waist portion 102 at the leg opening 124. The waist portion 102 and the upper leg segment 106 may be separate components that are sewn or otherwise coupled together. Additionally or alternatively, the waist portion 102 and the upper leg segment 106 may be an integrated piece. The upper leg segment 106 may be generally made of the same material as the waist portion 102.
The upper leg segment 106 may include an interior surface 107 a and an exterior surface 107 b. When worn, the interior surface 107 a may be the portion of the upper leg segment 106 that faces the wearer's person. When worn, the exterior surface 107 b may be the portion of the upper leg segment 106 that may be visible by another person when viewing the wearer. The interior surface 107 a and the exterior surface 107 b may include two surfaces of the same material. Additionally or alternatively, the interior surface 107 a and the exterior surface 107 b may include surfaces of different pieces of material. For example, the interior surface 107 a may include a lining.
The leg 104 may include a lower leg segment 108.The lower leg segment 108 may be connected to the upper leg segment 106 at an attachment point 118. In an aspect, the lower leg segment 108 may be detachably connected to the upper leg segment 106 at the attachment point 118. For example, the attachment point 118 may include one or more buttons, hooks, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. In another aspect, the lower leg segment 108 may be undetachably connected to the upper leg segment 106 at the attachment point 118. For example, the upper leg segment 106 and the lower leg segment 108 may be sewn together at the attachment point 118. Additionally or alternatively, the upper leg segment 106 and the lower leg segment 108 may be adhered together at the attachment point 118. The waist portion 102, the upper leg segment 106, and the lower leg segment 108, when in pants mode, may combine to form a general pants shape.
The attachment point 118 may be a point, a segment, a region, or the like. An example of a region may be a rectangle, triangle, or another other two-dimensional area. The attachment point 118 may extend less than the circumference of the interior surface 107 a. Alternatively, the attachment point 118 may extend around the entire circumference of the interior surface 107 a. For example, the attachment point 118 may be spaced from (e.g., 1-2 inches) the bottom end 103 b of the upper leg segment 106. For example, the attachment point 118 may comprise a cuff or hem of the upper leg segment 106 comprising hook and loop fasteners or a plurality of buttons or snaps arranged around the cuff or hem. Additionally or alternatively, the convertible pants 100 may include multiple attachment points 118. For example, the multiple attachment points 118 may be multiple points, segments, or regions at different locations of the convertible pants 100.
The attachment point 118 may be disposed on different parts of the leg 104 relative to the wearer. For example, when the convertible pants 100 are being worn, the attachment point 118 may be located at the back of the wearer's leg on a backside of the convertible pants 100. For example, the attachment point 118 may be located adjacent the back of the wearer's knee. The attachment point 118 may be located in front the wearer's leg at the front side of the convertible pants 100. For example, the attachment point 118 may be located above the wearer's kneecap. The attachment point 118 may be located by the inner edge of the wearer's leg at the inner side of the convertible pants 100. For example, the attachment point 118 may be located along the wearer's inner thigh. The attachment point 118 may be located near the outer side of the wearer's leg at the outer side of the convertible pants 100. For example, the attachment point 118 may be located along the wearer's outer thigh. The attachment point 118 may also be located inside a storage compartment 116 that may be included in the upper leg segment 106.
The storage compartment 116 may be a pocket or pouch configured to store the lower leg segment 108. The shape of the storage compartment 116 may vary. For example, the width of the storage compartment 116 may be substantially equal to the circumference of the leg opening 124 created by the interior surface 107 a of the upper leg segment 106. The size and shape of the storage compartment 116 may vary based on the placement of the storage compartment 116.
The storage compartment 116 may be disposed on the interior surface 107 a of the upper leg segment 106. There are various locations on the interior surface 107 a of the upper leg segment 106 at which the storage compartment 116 may be located. For example, when oriented in an upright position, such as when a wearer is wearing the convertible pants 100 and is in a standing position, the storage compartment 116 may be located near the bottom, the middle, the front, the back, or the side of the upper leg segment 106, or any possible combination thereof.
The storage compartment 116 may be disposed between the interior surface 107 a and the exterior surface 107 b. The storage compartment 116 may include an opening 117 to receive the lower leg segment 108. The size of the opening 117 may vary. For example, the size of the opening 117 may be large enough for the wearer to reach their hand or their fingers into to retrieve the lower leg segment 108. The opening 117 may face various directions relative to the upper leg segment 106. For example, when the convertible pants 100 are in the same orientation as the previous example, the opening 117 may face inward toward the leg of the wearer. The opening 117 may face upward toward the waist portion 102. The opening 117 may face downward toward the wearer's feet. In an example, the storage compartment 116 may be located in between the interior surface 107 a and the exterior surface 107 b near the bottom of the upper leg segment 106, and the opening 117 may face downward toward the feet of the wearer.
The storage compartment 116 may include a coupling mechanism 120. The coupling mechanism 120 may be affixed at or adjacent the opening 117. Examples of the coupling mechanism 120 may include a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, magnetic material, or the like. In aspects where the opening 117 faces downward, the coupling mechanism 120 may prevent contents of the storage compartment 116, such as the lower leg segment 108, from falling out of the storage compartment 116. When the lower leg segment 108 is disposed in the storage compartment 116 the coupling mechanism 120 may be coupled, securing the lower leg segment 108 inside storage compartment. For example, when the convertible pants 100 are in shorts mode, the lower leg segment 108 may be disposed and stored in the storage compartment 116.
The lower leg segment 108 may include a coupling mechanism 110. The coupling mechanism 110 may keep the lower leg segment 108 encircled around the wearer's leg when the convertible pants 100 are in pants mode. Examples of the coupling mechanism 110 may include a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, buttons, magnetic material, or the like.
When in pants mode, at least a portion of the interior surface 107 a of the upper leg segment 106 may overlap and engage with a portion of an exterior surface 109 of the lower leg segment 108. Such an overlap may prevent any gaps between the upper leg segment 106 and the lower leg segment 108 when the convertible pants 100 are in pants mode. Additionally or alternatively, even if the attachment point 118 does not encircle the entirety of the interior surface 107 a of the upper leg segment 106, friction between the upper leg segment 106 and the lower leg segment 108 induced by the overlap that may keep any portion of the lower leg segment 108 from falling below the bottom end 103 b of the upper leg segment 106. Such an overlapping configuration may allow less than a full attachment about a circumference of the upper leg segment 106.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG. 1, shown with the coupling mechanism 110 partially uncoupled. When the coupling mechanism 110 is partially decoupled, the lower leg segment 108 may be partially separated, as shown. When partially separated, the lower leg segment 108 may include longitudinal edges 112 and 114. The longitudinal edges 112 and 114 may be generally longitudinal in that they may be substantially vertically oriented when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position. For example, the coupling mechanism 110 may comprise two coupling mechanisms 110 a and 110 b, which may be affixed to the longitudinal edges 112 and 114, respectively. The coupling mechanisms 110 a, 110 b may be configured to cooperate to releasably and selectively couple the longitudinal edges 112, 114.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG. 1, shown with the coupling mechanism 110 completely decoupled. When the coupling mechanism 110 is decoupled, the lower leg segment 108 may generally take the form of a panel 115. The panel 115 may include a plurality of edges. For example, the panel 115 may include a top latitudinal edge 111, a bottom latitudinal edge 113, and the longitudinal edges 112 and 114. Referring to the top latitudinal edge 111, “top” may mean the upper end of the lower leg segment 108 when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position. For example, in pants mode, the upper leg segment 106 may at least partially overlap or engage with the top latitudinal edge 111. Referring to the bottom latitudinal edge 113, “bottom” may be the lower end of the lower leg segment 108 when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position. The bottom latitudinal edge 113 may be opposite of the top longitudinal edge 111. As shown, the lower leg segments 108 are undetachably coupled to respective upper leg segments 106. As such, when the coupling mechanism 110 is completely decoupled, the panel 115 may still be coupled to the respective upper leg segment 106. As an example, the panel 115 may be coupled at the attachment point 118. As a further example, the attachment point 118 may be disposed adjacent the storage compartment 116. However, other configurations may be used.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG. 1, shown with the lower leg segment 108 partially stored in the storage compartment 116. As an example, the lower leg segment 108 may be inserted into or removed from the storage compartment 116 via the opening 117.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG. 1, shown with the lower leg segment 108 completely stored in the storage compartment 116, as in shorts mode. The coupling mechanism 120 may be coupled so that the lower leg segment 108 may be secured inside the storage compartment 116. As an example, the coupling mechanism 120 may be a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fastener, and the like. Other couplers may be used. The lower leg segment 108 may be stored completely inside the storage compartment 116. The coupling mechanism 120 may be configured to at least partially enclose the storage compartment 116, securing the lower leg segment 108 inside the storage compartment 116.
The length of the upper leg segment 106 may vary. For example, the upper leg segment 106 may extend to the upper thigh region above the knee of the wearer. In another example, the upper leg segment 106 may extend to the knee region of the wearer. In another example, the upper leg segment 106 may extend to the shin region below the knee of the wearer. As such, the size and shape of the storage compartment 116 may be adapted.
The length of the lower leg segment 108 may vary. The length of the lower leg segment 108 may depend on the length of the upper leg segment 106. For example, if the lower leg segment 108 extends to the ankle region of the wearer, then the length of the lower leg segment 108 may be longer if the upper leg segment 106 extends to the thigh region of the wearer than if the upper leg segment 106 extends to the shin region of the wearer. The lower leg segment 108 may extend to different regions of the wearer's leg. For example, the lower leg segment 108 may extend to the knee region of the wearer. In another example, the lower leg segment 108 may extend to the knee region of the wearer. In another example, the lower leg segment 108 may extend to the shin region below the knee of the wearer. As such, the size and shape of the storage compartment 116 may be configured to receive the varied lower leg segments 108.
In shorts mode, the leg 104 may be a first length L1. The first length L1 may extend from a point of the waist portion 102 or the upper leg segment 106, such as the waist opening 122, to the bottom end 103 b of the upper leg segment 106. For example, when in short mode, the leg 104 may extend from the waist region of the wearer to the knee region of the wearer. In pants mode, the leg 104 may be a second length L2 (FIG. 1) that may be greater than the first length L1. The second length L2 may extend from the point of the waist portion 102 or the upper leg segment 106, such as the waist opening 122, to the bottom latitudinal edge 113 of the lower leg segment 108. For example, when in pants mode, the convertible pants 100 may extend from the waist region of the wearer to the ankle region of the wearer.
In an example, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants 100 in pants mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling mechanism 110, resulting in the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 no longer being attached and the lower leg segment 108 not encircling the leg of the wearer. The wearer may grab the lower leg segment 108 and insert the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116 through the opening 117. The wearer may couple the coupling mechanism 120 of the storage compartment 116, resulting in the lower leg segment 108 being securely stored in the storage compartment 116. The convertible pants 100 may then be in shorts mode.
In another example, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants 100 in shorts mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling mechanism 120, opening the storage compartment 116. The wearer may pull the lower leg segment 108 out of the storage compartment 116 so that the lower leg segment 108 hangs next to the lower leg of the wearer. The wearer may wrap the lower leg segment 108 around the leg of the wearer. The wearer may couple the coupling mechanism 110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 are attached and the lower leg segment 108 wraps around the leg of the wearer. The convertible pants 100 may be in pants mode.
FIG. 6 shows convertible pants 600 that may include the lower leg segment 108, the upper leg segment 106, the storage compartment 116, the opening 117 of the storage compartment 116, the coupling mechanism 120 of the storage compartment 116, and the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 of the lower leg segment 108 of FIG. 1. The convertible pants 600 may include a pocket 602. The pocket 602 may be located in the thigh region of the convertible pants 600. The pocket 602 may include an exterior opening 608. The exterior opening 608 may provide access to the pocket 602 from the exterior of the convertible pants 600, such as with a traditional pants pocket. The pocket 602 may be, for example, a cargo shorts pocket, a traditional interior pants pocket that extends at least partially down the thigh, an interior pants pocket similar to a traditional pants pocket except located in the thigh region of the wearer, or the like.
The pocket 602 may connect to and provide access to the storage compartment 116 through an interior opening 604. The interior opening 604 may be disposed between the storage compartment 116 and the pocket 602. The interior opening 604 may be located at the bottom of the pocket 602. “Bottom” may mean the lower end of the pocket 602 opposite the exterior opening 608 when the convertible pants 600 are worn by a wearer in standing position.
The convertible pants 600 may include a coupling mechanism 606. The coupling mechanism 606 may be disposed at the interior opening 604. When coupled, the coupling mechanism 606 may close the interior opening 604. When the interior opening 604 is closed, the storage compartment 116 may not be accessible through the pocket 602. Examples of the coupling mechanism 606 may include a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, magnetic material, or the like.
The convertible pants 600 may provide wearers with selectable capabilities of changing the convertible pants 600 between pants mode and shorts mode. As an example, the convertible pants 600 may be in pants mode. The user may detach the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 so that the lower leg segment 108 does not encircle the wearer's leg. The wearer may unfasten the coupling mechanism 606. The wearer may reach through the pocket 602 and the storage compartment 116 to grab. The wearer may pull the lower leg segment 108 through the opening 117 into the storage compartment 116. The wearer may couple the coupling mechanism 120 to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116. The wearer may fasten the coupling mechanism 606 to close the interior opening 604.
FIG. 7 shows convertible pants 700 that may include the upper leg segment 106, the lower leg segment 108, the storage compartment 116, the coupling mechanism 110, the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 of the lower leg segment 108, the bottom latitudinal edge 113 of the lower leg segment 108, and the bottom end 103 b of the upper leg segment 106, such as shown in FIG. 1. The convertible pants 700 may include a tab 702. The tab 702 may be affixed to the bottom latitudinal edge 113. The convertible pants 700 may include coupling components 706 and 708. The coupling component 706 may be attached to the tab 702. The coupling component 708 may be attached to the upper leg segment 106. The coupling component 708 may be attached to the storage compartment 116. The coupling components 706 and 708 may be configured to attach the lower leg segment 108 to the upper leg segment 106, such as when the lower leg segment 108 is stored in the storage compartment 116. An example of the coupling component 706 may be a button hole and an example of the coupling component 708 may be a button. As another example, the coupling components 706 and 708 may include a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, magnetic material, or the like.
The convertible pants 700 may provide wearers with selectable capabilities of changing the convertible pants 700 between pants mode and shorts mode. As an example, the convertible pants 700 may be in pants mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling mechanism 110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 are detached and the lower leg segment 108 does not encircle the wearer's leg. The wearer may grab the tab 702 and pull the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The wearer may couple the coupling components 706 and 708 to secure the lower leg segment 108 to the storage compartment 116. In another example, the wearer may reach through the pocket 602 from FIG. 6 and pull the tab 702 into the storage compartment 116. This may prevent the wearer from having to reach around the bottom end 103 b of the upper leg segment 106.
FIG. 8 shows convertible pants 800 that may include the upper leg segment 106, the lower leg segment 108, the storage compartment 116, the bottom latitudinal edge 113, the coupling mechanism 110, and the coupling mechanism 120 of FIG. 1. The convertible pants 800 may include a cord 802. A first end 804 of the cord 802 may be affixed to the lower leg segment 108. For example, the first end 804 may be affixed to the bottom latitudinal edge 113. A second end 806 of the cord 802 may be affixed to the upper leg segment 106. For example, the second end 806 may be affixed inside the storage compartment 116.
In an example, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants 800 in pants mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling mechanism 110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 are detached and the lower leg segment 108 does not encircle the wearer's leg. The wearer may pull the cord 802 to draw the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The wearer may close the coupling mechanism 120 to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116. The convertible pants 800 may then be in shorts mode.
In another example, the convertible pants 800 may include the pocket 602 and the coupling mechanism 606, such as shown in FIG. 6. The wearer may uncouple the coupling mechanism 606. The wearer may reach through the pocket 602 to grab the cord 802. The wearer may pull the cord 802 until the lower leg segment is inside the storage compartment 116. The wearer may close the coupling mechanism 120 to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116. The convertible pants 800 may then be in shorts mode.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a method 900 for converting the convertible pants 100 from shorts mode to pants mode. In a block 902, the method 900 may include the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 being worn by a wearer in shorts mode. In shorts mode, the waist portion 102 may encompass the waist area of the wearer, the upper leg segment 106 may encompass an upper portion of the wearer's leg, and the lower leg segment 108 may be stored in the storage compartment 116. The coupling mechanism 120 may be coupled, securing the lower leg segment 108 inside the storage compartment 116.
In a block 904, the method 900 may include removing the lower leg segment 108 from the storage compartment 116. Removing the lower leg segment 108 may include opening the storage compartment 116, such as by decoupling the coupling mechanism 120.
In a block 906, the method 900 may include extending the lower leg segment 108 down from the upper leg segment 106. The lower leg segment 108 may be extended down such that the lower leg segment 108 is disposed adjacent the lower portion of the leg of the wearer. The lower leg segment 108 may extend naturally by gravity if the convertible pants 100 are in an upright position. The lower leg segment 108 may also be extended by the wearer pulling the lower leg segment 108 down toward the feet of the wearer.
In a block 908, the method 900 may include encompassing the lower portion of the wearer's leg with the lower leg segment 108. This may include wrapping the lower leg segment 108 around the lower portion of the wearer's leg.
In a block 910, the method 900 may include attaching the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 to each other. The longitudinal edges 112 and 114 may be attached to each other by the coupling components 110 a and 110 b of the coupling mechanism 110.
In example of the method 900, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 in shorts mode. The coupling mechanism 120 and the coupling mechanism 110 may both be zippers. In shorts mode, the coupling mechanism 120 may be zipped. The wearer may unzip the coupling mechanism 120 and pull the lower leg segment 108 down toward the feet of the wearer so that the lower leg segment 108 hangs adjacent the lower part of the leg of the wearer. The wearer may wrap the lower leg segment 108 around the wearer's leg and zip up the coupling mechanism 110. Once zipped, the convertible pants 100 may be in pants mode. In pants mode, the lower portion of the upper leg segment 106 may overlap and engage with the upper portion of the lower leg segment 108.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method 1000 for converting the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 from pants mode to shorts mode. In a block 1002, the method 1000 may include a wearer wearing the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 in pants mode. In pants mode, the waist portion 102 may encompass the waist area of the wearer the upper leg segment 106 may encompass an upper portion of the wearer's leg. The lower leg segment 108 may be connected to the upper leg segment 106 and encompass a lower portion of the wearer's leg.
In a block 1004, the method 1000 may include detaching the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 from each other. The longitudinal edges 112 and 114 may be detached by decoupling the coupling components 110 a and 110 b of the coupling mechanism 110.
In a block 1006, the method 1000 may include causing the lower leg segment 108 to no longer encompass the lower portion of the wearer's leg. This may be done by simply disposing the lower leg segment 108 adjacent the wearer's leg so that the lower leg segment 108 dangles from the upper leg segment 106.
In a block 1008, the method 1000 may include disposing the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116 of the upper leg segment 106. Disposing the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116 may include the wearer grabbing the lower leg segment 108 and inserting the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. Disposing the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116 may include the wearer reaching through the pocket 602, grabbing the lower leg segment 108, and inserting the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The block 1008 may include the wearer grabbing the tab 702 and pulling the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The block 1008 may include the wearer pulling on the cord 802 to pull the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116.
In an example of the method 1000, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 in pants mode. The coupling mechanism 110 may be a zipper. In pants mode, the coupling mechanism 110 may be zipped. The wearer may unzip the coupling mechanism 110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 of the lower leg segment 108 may be detached and the lower leg segment 108 may hang adjacent the lower part of the leg of the wearer. The wearer may pull the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The wearer may zip the coupling mechanism 120 to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116.
Aspects
The present disclosure may be described by the following aspects.
Aspect 1: Pants comprising a pants waist and a plurality of legs, wherein each leg comprises an upper leg segment attached to the pants waist and a lower leg segment undetachably connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point, wherein in a pants mode, an exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least partially overlaps and engages with an interior surface of the upper leg segment.
Aspect 2: The pants of aspect 1, wherein each leg further comprises a storage compartment disposed on the interior surface of the upper leg segment.
Aspect 3: The pants of aspect 1 or 2: wherein, in a shorts mode, the lower leg segment is disposed within the storage compartment.
Aspect 4: The pants of aspect 1, 2, or 3, wherein the lower leg segment comprises a panel having a first longitudinal edge opposite a second longitudinal edge.
Aspect 5: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the lower leg segment comprises a zipper detachably connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.
Aspect 6: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the lower leg segment comprises a hook-and-loop mechanism detachably connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.
Aspect 7: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the lower leg segment comprises magnetic material detachably connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.
Aspect 8: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 wherein the upper leg segment comprises a cuff on the lower portion of the upper leg segment.
Aspect 8: The pants of aspect 8 wherein the attachment point is above the cuff
Aspect 9: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the storage compartment comprises an attaching mechanism.
Aspect 10: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 wherein the attaching mechanism comprises a zipper, wherein a lower leg segment of the pants may be secured in the storage compartment by zipping the zipper.
Aspect 11: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 wherein the attaching mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop mechanism, wherein a lower leg segment of the pants may be secured in the storage compartment by the hook-and-loop mechanism.
Aspect 12: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 wherein the attaching mechanism comprises magnetic material, wherein a lower leg segment of the pants may be secured in the storage compartment by attaching the magnetic material.
Aspect 10: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the upper leg segment comprising a knit material.
Aspect 11: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the lower leg segment comprising a non-woven material.
Aspect 12: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the attachment point is less than the circumference of the interior surface of the upper leg segment.
Aspect 13: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the attachment point is the circumference of the interior surface of the upper leg segment.
Aspect 14: A method, comprising wearing convertible pants, detaching a first longitudinal edge from a second longitudinal edge of a lower leg segment, causing the lower leg segment to not encompass the leg of the wearer, and disposing the lower leg segment in a storage compartment of an upper leg segment.
Aspect 15: The method of aspect 14, wherein detaching the first longitudinal edge from the second longitudinal edge comprises uncoupling a coupling mechanism affixed to each of the first and second longitudinal edges.
Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a zipper, and decoupling the coupling mechanism comprises unzipping the zipper.
Aspect 17: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener, and decoupling the coupling mechanism comprises unfastening to hook.
Aspect 18: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a button, and decoupling the coupling mechanism comprises unbuttoning the button.
Aspect 19: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a magnetic material, and decoupling the coupling mechanism comprises separating the magnetic material.
Aspect 20: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, the disposing comprising the wearer grabbing the lower leg segment and inserting the lower leg segment into the storage compartment.
Aspect 21: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, the disposing comprising the wearer pulling a cord attached to the lower leg segment until the lower leg segment is disposed in the storage compartment.
Aspect 22: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, the disposing comprising the wearer grabbing the lower leg segment through a pocket and pulling the lower leg segment into the storage compartment.
Aspect 23: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 22, the disposing comprising the wearer grabbing a tab on the lower latitudinal edge of the lower leg segment and pulling the lower leg segment into the storage compartment.
Aspect 24: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, or 23, the disposing comprising the wearer inserting a button attached to the storage compartment through a slit in the tab, securing the lower leg segment to the storage compartment.
Aspect 25: A method, comprising removing a lower leg segment of convertible pants from a storage compartment affixed to an upper leg segment of the convertible pants, causing the lower leg segment to extend down from the upper leg segment, encompassing the lower leg segment around the leg of the wearer, and attaching a first longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment to a second longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment.
Aspect 26: The method of aspect 26, the storage compartment comprising a first attachment mechanism at an opening of the storage compartment.
Aspect 27: The method of aspect 26, the removing comprising opening the storage compartment.
Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching mechanism comprising a zipper and the opening comprising unzipping the zipper.
Aspect 29: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching mechanism comprising a hook and loop fastener and the opening comprising detaching the hook from the loop.
Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching mechanism comprising a button and the opening comprising unbuttoning the button.
Aspect 29: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching mechanism comprising magnetic material and the opening comprising separating the magnetic material.
Aspect 30: The method of aspect 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge comprising complimenting ends of a second attaching mechanism, and the attaching comprising attaching the complimenting ends of the second attaching mechanism.
Aspect 31: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching mechanism comprising a zipper and the attaching comprising zipping the zipper.
Aspect 32: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching mechanism comprising a hook and loop fastener and the attaching comprising fastening the loop around the hook.
Aspect 33: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching mechanism comprising a button and the attaching comprising buttoning the button.
Aspect 34: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching mechanism comprising magnetic material and the attaching comprising connecting the magnetic material.
Aspect 35: The method of any of aspects 14-34, wherein the convertible pants comprise the pants of any of aspects of 1-13.
The written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. Convertible pants, comprising:

a waist portion; and

a plurality of legs, wherein each leg comprises:

an upper leg segment attached to the waist portion;

a storage compartment disposed on an interior surface of the upper leg segment; and

a lower leg segment undetachably connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point, the lower leg segment comprising:

a panel having a first longitudinal edge opposite a second longitudinal edge; and

a coupling mechanism detachably connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge,

wherein in a shorts mode, the lower leg segment is disposed within the storage compartment such that the leg has a first length, and

wherein in a pants mode, an exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least partially overlaps and engages with the interior surface of the upper leg segment, and the lower leg segment extends below the upper leg segment such that the leg has a second length that is greater than the first length.

2. The convertible pants of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises a first opening on the interior surface of the upper leg segment and a second opening on an exterior surface of the upper leg segment.

3. The convertible pants of claim 2, wherein each leg further comprises a pocket disposed in the upper leg segment, the pocket having a pocket opening, wherein the pocket opening comprises the second opening.

4. Pants, comprising:

a waist portion; and

a leg comprising:

an upper leg segment having a first end and a second end, the first end of the upper leg segment attached to the waist portion;

a lower leg segment connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point; and

a storage compartment comprising an opening on an interior surface of the upper leg segment to receive and store the lower leg segment,

wherein, in a pants mode, a portion of the interior surface of the upper leg segment at least partially overlaps and engages with an exterior surface of the lower leg segment.

5. The pants of claim 4, wherein the storage compartment is disposed between an exterior surface of the upper leg segment and the interior surface of the upper leg segment and the opening is disposed at a bottom latitudinal edge of the upper leg segment.

6. The pants of claim 4, wherein

in the pants mode, the leg has a first length, and

in a shorts mode, the lower leg segment is disposed within the storage compartment such that the leg has a second length that is shorter than the first length.

7. The pants of claim 6, the lower leg segment comprising:

a coupling mechanism detachably connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.

8. The pants of claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, or magnetic material.

9. The pants of claim 6, wherein the lower leg segment further comprising:

a top latitudinal edge, the top latitudinal edge connected to the upper leg segment at the attachment point;

a bottom latitudinal edge opposite the top latitudinal edge; and

a tab attached to the bottom latitudinal edge.

10. The pants of claim 6, wherein the attachment point is disposed inside the storage compartment.

11. The pants of claim 6, the storage compartment further comprising a coupling mechanism, wherein, in the shorts mode, the lower leg segment is secured within the storage compartment by the coupling mechanism.

12. The pants of claim 6, wherein the lower leg segment is detachably connected to the upper leg segment.

13. The pants of claim 6, wherein the lower leg segment is undetachably connected to the upper leg segment.

14. The pants of claim 12, wherein the lower leg segment and the upper leg segment are sewn together at the attachment point.

15. The pants of claim 5, wherein the upper leg segment comprises:

a pocket comprising an exterior opening; and

an access opening disposed between the pocket and the storage compartment.

16. The pants of claim 15, further comprising a cord attached to the storage compartment at a first end of the cord and attached to the lower leg segment at a second end of the cord.

17. A method comprising:

wearing convertible pants having a pant leg, the pant leg comprising an upper leg portion undetachably connected to a lower leg segment, wherein the upper leg segment encompasses an upper portion of a wearer's leg and the lower leg segment encompasses a lower portion of the wearer's leg;

detaching a first longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment from a second longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment;

causing the lower leg segment to no longer encompass the lower portion of the wearer's leg; and

disposing the lower leg segment in a storage compartment disposed on an interior surface of the upper leg segment.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein disposing the lower leg segment in the storage compartment comprises:

reaching for a tab attached to a bottom edge of the lower leg segment; and

pulling the tab into the storage compartment.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

removing the lower leg segment from the storage compartment;

causing the lower leg segment to extend down from the upper leg segment such that the lower leg segment is disposed adjacent the lower portion of the wearer's leg;

encompassing the lower portion of the wearer's leg with the lower leg segment; and

attaching the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising arranging the lower leg segment to cause an exterior surface of the lower leg segment to at least partially overlap and engage with an interior surface of the upper leg segment.