WO2009121161A1

WO2009121161A1 - Article of clothing with display attachments

Info

Publication number: WO2009121161A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Woloschuk
Original assignee: Gamma Ray Boosters Inc.
Priority date: 2008-04-03
Filing date: 2008-04-03
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Also published as: CA2720291A1; EP2273897A1; EP2273897A4; US20110307994A1

Abstract

An article of clothing is provided comprising a a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion. The front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or a loop fabric. The one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment. The first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches. Theinterior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person. The ratio of the surface area of the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5.

Description

ARTICLE OF CLOTHING WITH DISPLAY ATTACHMENTS

Field of the Invention

[0001] This application relates to clothing configured to releasably connect display attachments.

Background of the Invention

[0002] It is often desirable for clothing to be configured to effect releasable attachment to suitable accessories to personalize the aesthetic appearance of the clothing. Examples of clothing designed with such features in mind are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,484,974 and U.S. Patent No. 5,052, 056. Other clothing appears to have been designed for releasable attachment of objects, but for purposes of conveniently transporting such objects next to a persons body, and this is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,200,871.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface including a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction including a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least 4 inches, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the operative surface fraction projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction area projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

[0004] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least about 4 inches, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the operative surface fraction projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface area projection, and wherein the operative surface area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

[0005] In another aspect, a combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and each one of the plurality of operative surface portions projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5, and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

[0006] In another aspect, a combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising an article of clothing comprising, a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, each one of the plurality of operative surface portions projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction projection, and wherein the operative surface fraction projection has an area of at least 220 square inches; and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

[0007] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least 4 inches, such that the ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5.

[0008] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least about 4 inches, such that the surface area of the operative surface fraction is at least about 220 square inches.

[0009] In another aspect, a combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction, such that the ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5, and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

[0010] In another aspect, a combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the front surface of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction, such that the surface area of the operative surface fraction is at least about 220 square inches, and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

[0011] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface including a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction including a clothing coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the clothing coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the clothing coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a benchmark coupling system which is configured to releasably connect to the clothing coupling system of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines a continuous operative surface portion, and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is 4 inches, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the continuous operative surface portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction area projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

[0012] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a clothing coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the clothing coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the clothing coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a benchmark coupling system which is configured to releasably connect to the clothing coupling system of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines a continuous operative surface portion, and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is 4 inches, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the continuous operative surface portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface area projection, and wherein the operative surface area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

[0013] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a clothing coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the clothing coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the clothing coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a benchmark coupling system which is configured to releasably connect to the clothing coupling system of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines a continuous operative surface portion, and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is 4 inches, such that the ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5.

[0014] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a clothing coupling system, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, wherein the clothing coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the clothing coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a benchmark coupling system which is configured to releasably connect to the clothing coupling system of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines a continuous operative surface portion, and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is 4 inches, such that the surface area of the continuous operative surface portion is at least 220 square inches.

[0015] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or a loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, such that the ratio of the surface area of the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5

[0016] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of the hook or loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding other one of the hook or loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, such that the surface area of the first continuous portion is at least about 220 square inches.

[0017] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about inches, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, and wherein the ratio of the first continuous area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

[0018] In another aspect, an article of clothing comprising a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of the hook or loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding other one of the hook or loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches, and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person, such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the first continuous portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, and wherein the first continuous portion area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] The invention will be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of an article of clothing;

[0021] Figure 1A is identical to Figure 1 , with the exception that stippled lines are provided to particularly outline the front surface of front section of the article of clothing of Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the article of clothing of Figure 1 ;.

[0023] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the article of clothing of Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of various examples of display attachments;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of embodiments of the article of clothing incorporating zipper and button display attachments for releasably securing together two portions of the article of clothing to effect closure of the article of clothing;

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of embodiments of the article of clothing incorporating display attachments that can be used to secure together two front exterior portions of the article of clothing;

[0027] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the article of clothing illustrating how a display attachment that can be used to secure together the front exterior portion to the rear exterior portion of the article of clothing;

[0028] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration showing the sew and cut lines for manufacturing of the article of clothing of Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration depicting three views of the completed manufacturing of the article of clothing of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the article of clothing of Figure 1 , wherein various example display attachments are releasably attached to the article of clothing;

[0031] Figure 11 is a rear elevation view of the article of clothing of Figure 1 , wherein various example display attachments are releasably attached to the article of clothing;

[0032] Figure 12 is a fragmentary detailed view illustrating how the trim is attached to the edges of the article of clothing of Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of an orthogonal projection, in a vertical plane, of the front surface of the front section 300 of another embodiment of the article of clothing;

[0034] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of an example of a benchmark display attachment;

[0035] Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view of a benchmark display attachment releasably coupled to a coupling surface fraction of another embodiment of the article of clothing; [0036] Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of the positioning of the benchmark display attachment 600 relative to the coupling surface fraction of another embodiment of the article of clothing;

[0037] Figure 17 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view of a display attachment releasably coupled to a portion of a continuous surface portion of another embodiment of the article of clothing;

[0038] Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of an orthogonal projection, in a vertical plane, of a continuous portion or an operative surface portion of the exterior surface of the front section of another embodiment of the article of clothing;

Detailed Description

[0039] There is provided an article of clothing, such as a garment 2, configured for releasable attachment to a display attachment 500.

[0040] Figures 1 , 1A, 2, and 3 illustrate one embodiment of the garment 2 in which the garment is a vest that can be worn over other clothing.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 , the garment 2 includes a torso portion 200. The torso portion 200 includes a front section 300 defining the front surface of the torso portion 100, and also includes a rear section 400 defining the rear surface of the torso portion 200. Figure 1A more particularly illustrates the front surface of front section 300 as being that portion of the garment within the perimeter defined by the stippled lines.

[0042] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the front section 300 is that portion of the garment 2 that faces frontward with respect to the body of the user when the garment 2 is worn as intended. The rear section 400 is that portion of the garment 2 that faces rearward with respect to the body of the user when the garment is worn as intended. The garment 2 is intended to be worn in the same manner as another similar piece of clothing (e.g. a vest or jacket without an operative surface portion) would be. For example, the rear section 304 and the front section can meet at the surface of the shoulders of the wearer as depicted by way of example as reference numeral 12 in figure 3.

[0043] For example, the garment 2 can be worn over other clothing, in which case both interior surfaces 306, 406 of the garment will oppose the other clothing. Such garment 2 can be worn while in use while attending an entertainment event, for example, and can then be easily removed at the completion of the entertainment event.

[0044] For example, the garment 2 includes a trim 14 sewn or otherwise attached (using methods known to those skilled in the art) to the edges of garment 2 where each one of the exterior surfaces 304, 404 joins to a respective one of the interior surface 306, 406.

[0045] The front section 300 includes an exterior surface 304 and an interior surface 306. The exterior surface 304 including a coupling surface fraction 302, wherein the coupling surface fraction 302 including a coupling system 303. For example, the coupling surface fraction 302 is one of a hook fabric or a loop fabric, and the coupling system 303 including a respective one of a plurality of hooks of the hook fabric or a plurality of loops of the loop fabric. The interior surface 306 is disposed on an opposite side of the front section 300 relative to the exterior surface 304 and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person. In other words, the interior surface 306 opposes the body of the wearer when worn, or opposes other clothing being worn by the user.

[0046] Similarly, the rear section 400 includes an exterior surface 404 and an interior surface 406. The exterior surface 404 including a coupling surface fraction 402, wherein the coupling surface fraction 402 including a coupling system 403. For example, the coupling surface fraction 402 is one of a hook fabric or a loop fabric, and the coupling system 403 is a respective one of a plurality of hooks of a hook fabric or a plurality of loops of a loop fabric. The interior surface 406 is disposed on an opposite side of the front section 400 relative to the exterior surface 404 and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person. In other words, the interior surface 406 opposes the body of the wearer when worn, or opposes other clothing being worn by the user.

[0047] For example, and referring to the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a plurality of connecting elements 308 extend from the coupling surface 302. Similarly, a plurality of connecting elements 408 extend from the coupling surface 402. For example, each one of the plurality of connecting elements 308 and each one of the plurality of connecting elements 408 is a one of a hook or a loop of a respective one of a hook or a loop fabric, or is a gripping element of a self-gripping fastening system such as is known in the art. Each one of the coupling systems 303, 403 is configured to effecting releasable connection between the display attachment 500 and a respective one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402.

[0048] The display attachment 500 includes a visible surface 508 configured to be visible when the display attachment 500 is connected by a one of the coupling systems 303, 403 to a respective one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402. The display attachment 500 includes a coupling system 550 which is configured to releasably connect to either one of the coupling systems 303, 403.

[0049] For example, every one of the plurality of connecting elements 308, 408 is configured for interacting with corresponding types of connecting elements 502 of the coupling system 550 of the display attachment 500 to effect releasable coupling of the display attachment 500 to a one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402. For example, the connecting elements 502 can be one of a hook or a loop of a respective one of a hook or loop fabric, or gripping elements of a self-gripping fastening system such as is known in the art, so long as the connecting elements 502 correspond with the respective one of the connecting elements 308, 408 so that the connecting elements 502 correspond with the respective one of the connecting elements 308, 408 to effect releasable connection between the display attachment 500 and the respective one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402.

[0050] . For example, where the connecting element 502 is one of a hook or a loop of a respective one of a hook or loop fabric, the coupling system 550 is the respective one of a hook or a loop fabric. In such case, the coupling system 550 is, for example, fused to, glued to, sewn on to, or otherwise attached to a display attachments 500, and such coupling system 550 is configured for releasable connection to the other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a respective one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402.

[0051] For example, either one of the coupling systems 303, 403, or the coupling system 550, or the coupling system for the benchmark display attachment 600, is a hook or loop fabric manufactured by Aplix Fasteners Inc., Velcro Canada Inc., YKK Canada Inc., or E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. By way of further example, the following are suitable hook fabrics and loop fabrics manufactured by Aplix Fasteners Inc. which can be used as a respective one of a hook fabric or a loop fabric of either one of the coupling systems 303, 403 or the coupling system 550:

a. AFI PLUSH loop 58" width;

b. #946 Hook 20" width, with adhesive;

c. #700 Hook 4" width, Heat Activated Adhesive;

d. #800 Hook width, with Adhesive;

e. #800 Loop 4" width, with Adhesive; or

f. #220 Hook.

[0052] Aplix Fasteners Inc. has their head office at 4714 Christie Drive, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada, LOR 1 B4. Their phone number is (905) 653-1244 and their fax number is (905) 563-1266.

[0053] YKK Canada Inc.'s main address in Canada is 3939 Thimens Boulevard, St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada, H4R 1X3. Their phone number is (514) 332-3350 and their fax number is (514) 332-6040.

[0054] Velcro Canada Inc. is located at 114 East Drive, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, L6T 1 C1. Their phone number is (905) 791-1630 and their fax number is (905) 791 - 5329.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates examples of display attachments 500. The display attachment 500 includes a visible article 504 and a coupling system 550, wherein the coupling system 550 includes the connecting elements 502. For example, the visible article 504 can be manufactured out of fabric, as is known and used in the art of textiles, into the shape of a letter 16, a number 18 or a team crest 20. For example, the coupling system 550 includes a one of a hook or loop fabric corresponding to the other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a respective one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402. When the display attachment 500 is removeably attached or connected to the garment 2, the visible surface 508 of the display attachment 500 faces away from the garment 2 and the coupling system 550 is coupled (such as by being sewn, glued or fused) to a surface (such as a rear surface) of the display attachment 500 which is opposite to the visible surface 508 and opposes the garment 2.

[0056] As a further example, the visible article 504 is manufactured from one or a number of materials such as Tyvek™, plastic, metal, wood or fabric. The material, Tyvek™, of the display article, is manufactured by E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company's address is 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19898, U.S.A.

[0057] As a further example, further suitable visible articles are illustrated in Figure 4 and include materials configured into the shapes of a football 26 and a horn 28.

[0058] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the front and rear, respectively, of one embodiment of the garment 2 including example display attachments 500. The garment 2 of this embodiment is a vest and the example display attachments 500 removeably attached to the vest are the following:

a. foam horn 54;

b. spring mounted flame shape 56;

c. individually operated light-emitting diodes 58; d. letters 60;

e. slinky-spring with a picture secured on its end 62;

f. a crest or logo 64 enclosing the garment 2;

g. badges 66;

h. numbers 68;

i. epaulet 70;

j. individually controlled audio speakers 72;

k. a picture of a person 74; and

I. streamers or ribbons 76;

[0059] For example, as illustrated in Figure 6, the garment 2 can be a vest or a jacket with an opening at the front section 300 separating a left side 34 and a right side 36 (as defined from the perspective of the wearer of the vest when worn). The display attachment 500 can include a visible article 504 made of fabric configured into the shape of a crest, logo or other piece of fabric and also including the coupling system 550 for effecting connection of the display attachment 500 to each one of the left side 34 and the right side 36 of the garment, and across the opening, to effect connection between the left and right sides 34, 36 and thereby encircle the torso of a person who is wearing the vest or jacket.

[0060] For example, as depicted in Figure 5, the garment 2 can be a vest or jacket with an opening at the front section 300 separating a left side 34 and a right side 34 (as defined from the perspective of the wearer of the vest when worn), wherein a display attachment 500 can include a zipper or a series of buttons that effects an attachment (as is known to those skilled in the art of zippers or buttons) between the left side 34 and right side 36 of the garment 2.

[0061] For example, the display attachment 500 could be a do-it-yourself kit such that a user could attach the display surface, such as a photograph or artwork, to a fabric using glue or other means of attachment known in the art, wherein the fabric includes a coupling system 550 for effecting releasable connection to a one of the coupling surface fractions 302, 402. The user of such a kit could then use their own photographs as display attachments 500 by releasably attaching the fabric, to which the photograph is attached, to the garment using the coupling system 550.

[0062] For example, other display attachments 500 could include microchips such as for a GPS system, mini computers, thin or mini television screens, and other electronic devices adaptable to be releasably attached to the garment using the connector system 506.

[0063] For example, the display attachment 500 could be any 3-dimensional object printed using 3d printing technology (see, for example, www.2objet.com)

[0064] By way of further example, Figure 7 shows a garment 2 made into a vest with the opening between the front section 300 and the rear exterior surface 400 of the vest. One example of a display attachment 5001 can be such that one portion of the display attachment 5001 removeably attaches to the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 of the front section 300 and another portion of the display attachment 5001 removeably attaches to coupling surface fraction 402 of the exterior surface 404 of the garment 2, thereby effecting a closure between the front section 300 and the rear section 400.

[0065] In at least some embodiments described below, there is described an orthogonal projection, in a vertical plane, of the front surface of the front section 300 of the article of clothing. An example of such a projection 1002, in a vertical plane 1004, is illustrated in Figure 13. The orthogonal projection, in a vertical plane, of the rear surface of the rear section 300 of the article of clothing would be established in a similar, corresponding way.

[0066] In at least some embodiments described below, there is described an orthogonal projection, in a vertical plane, of either a continuous portion or an operative surface portion, in reference to which a corresponding one of a display attachment 500 or a benchmark display attachment 600 (see below) is overlaid. An example of such a projection 1012, in a vertical plane 1014, is illustrated in Figure 18.

[0067] In at least some embodiments described below, an exterior surface 304 or 404 is described as including a continuous portion of a one of a hook or a loop fabric, and that the continuous portion is configured to be releasably connected to a display attachment 500. Figure 17 illustrates the connection of the display attachment to a portion of the continuous portion.

[0068] In some embodiments, the exterior surface 304 is defined, at least in part, by a first continuous portion 350 of a one of a hook or loop fabric. The one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment 500. The first continuous portion 350 includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least 4 inches In one aspect, the ratio of the surface area of the first continuous portion 350 of the one of a hook or a loop fabric to the surface area of the front surface is at least 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75. In another aspect, the surface area of the first continuous portion 350 is at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches. For example, one side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion 350 includes an operative coupling surface configured for releasably connecting to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment 500, and the opposite side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion 350 defines at least a portion of the interior surface 306 of the front section 300. As a further example, the exterior surface 304 is further defined by a second continuous portion 360 of the one of a hook or a loop fabric, wherein the ratio of the surface area of the combination of the first continuous portion 350 and the second continuous portion 360 to the surface area of the front surface is at least 0.65. For example, the second continuous portion 360 includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least 4 inches. As a further example, the torso portion 200 further includes a rear section 400 defining the rear surface of the torso portion 200, the rear section 400 includes an exterior surface 404 and an interior surface 406, the exterior surface 404 is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion 450 of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion 450 includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least 4 inches, and wherein the interior surface 406 is disposed on an opposite side of the rear section 400 relative to the exterior surface 404 and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person. In one aspect, the ratio of the surface area of the first continuous portion 450 of the one of a hook or a loop fabric to the surface area of the rear surface is at least 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75. In another aspect, the surface area of the first continuous portion 450 is at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches.

[0069] In some embodiments, the exterior surface 304 is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion 350 of a one of a hook or loop fabric. The one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment 500. The first continuous portion 350 includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least 4 inches. In one aspect, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section 300 projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection, and the first continuous portion 350 of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, wherein the ratio of the first continuous area projection to the front surface area projection is at least 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75 In another aspect, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the first continuous portion 350 projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, wherein the first continuous portion area projection has an area of at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches. For example, one side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion 350 includes an operative coupling surface configured for releasably connecting to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and the opposite side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion 350 defines at least a portion of the interior surface of the front section. As a further example, the exterior surface 304 is further defined by a second continuous portion 360 of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the second continuous portion 360 of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a second continuous portion area projection, and wherein the ratio of the combination of the first continuous area projection and the second continuous area projection to the front surface area projection is at least 0.65. For example, the second continuous portion 360 includes a portion defined by a square- shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least 4 inches. As a further example, the torso portion 200 further includes a rear section 400 defining the rear surface of the torso portion 200, wherein the rear section 400 includes an exterior 404 surface and an interior surface 406. The exterior surface 404 is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion 450 of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion 450 includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least 4 inches. In one aspect, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the rear surface projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a rear surface area projection; and the first continuous portion 450 of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, wherein the ratio of the first continuous area projection to the rear surface area projection is at least 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75. In another aspect, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the first continuous portion 450 projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, wherein the first continuous portion area projection has an area of at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches.

[007O] At least some of the embodiments described below are described only with respect to the front section 300 of the article of clothing, which defines a front surface, wherein the front section 300 is configured in the various ways to be releasably attached to the display attachment 500. It is understood that, in the alternative, or in combination, the articles of clothing described in those embodiments can, either in the alternative, or in combination with the subject matter described below, be configured such that the rear section of the article of clothing, which defines a rear surface, is configured in ways corresponding to those described above with respect to the front section for releasable attachment to the display attachment 500.

[0071] The benchmark display attachment 600, as the term is used below, is a standardized display attachment, which is referred to for the purpose of providing a reference for establishing the extent to which the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 of the article of clothing is configured to effect coverage (or overlaying) of the exterior surface by a display attachment 500 when the display attachment is releasably connected to the coupling surface fraction 302. An example of a benchmark display attachment 600 is illustrated in Figure 14.

[0072] In at least some of the embodiments described below, the benchmark display attachment 600 is described as being configured to overlay an operative surface portion of the exterior surface 304. An example of this overlaying is illustrated in Figure 15.

[0073] In at least some of the embodiments described below, the benchmark display attachment 600 is described as being positionable in at least one of several positions relative to a coupling surface fraction 302 when the benchmark display attachment is connected to the coupling surface fraction 302. An example of this positioning is illustrated in Figure 16, where a few of the positions of the benchmark display attachment 600 is capable of assuming relative to the coupling surface fraction 302 are illustrated in dotted outline.

[0074] In some embodiments, the coupling system 303 is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment 600 and the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 300. The benchmark display attachment 600 includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment 600 is connected by the coupling system, wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch. The benchmark display attachment 600 is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction 302 such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface 304, wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least 4 inches. When the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section 300 projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection, and the operative surface fraction projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction area projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction area projection to the front surface area projection is at least 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75

[0075] In some embodiments, the coupling system 303 is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment 600 and the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304. The benchmark display attachment 600 includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system 303, wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch. The benchmark display attachment 600 is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction 302 such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface 304. The combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least 4 inches. When the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the operative surface fraction projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface area projection, wherein the operative surface area projection has an area of at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches.

[0076] In some embodiments, the coupling system 303 is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment 600 and the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304. The benchmark display attachment 600 includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system 303, wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch. The benchmark display attachment 600 is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction 302 such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface 304, wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least 4 inches. The ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75.

[0077] In some embodiments, the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment 600 and the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304. The benchmark display attachment 600 includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system 303, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch. The benchmark display attachment 600 is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction 302 such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface 304, wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped area of continuous portion is at least 4 inches. The surface area of the operative surface fraction is at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches.

[0078] In some embodiments, the coupling system 303 of the article of clothing is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment 600 and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface. The benchmark display attachment 600 includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch. The benchmark display attachment 600 includes a benchmark coupling system 602 which is configured to releasably connect to the clothing coupling system 303 of the exterior surface 304 to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction 302 such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines a continuous operative surface portion. At least a portion of the benchmark attachment coupling system 602 is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface 304 in any one of twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction 302, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is 4 inches. For example, at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system 602 is configured to releasable connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction 302 of the exterior surface 304 in any one of fifty (50) different positions relative to the square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square-shaped portion is 4 inches. In one aspect, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section 300projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the continuous operative surface portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction area projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75. In another aspect, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the continuous operative surface portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface area projection, and wherein the operative surface area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches. In another aspect, the ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5. For example, this ratio is at least 0.75. In another aspect, the surface area of the continuous operative surface portion is at least 220 square inches. For example, this area is at least 300 square inches.

[0079] A Method of Manufacturing the Garment

[0080] An exemplary method of manufacturing the garment is illustrated in figures 8, 9 and 12, and is now herein described.

[0081] The following description is an example of a method for manufacturing an embodiment of the garment 2 in the form of a vest. A back panel 46 can be cut from a piece of loop fabric along the fold or outline 48 as shown in figure 8. The two side seams 50 are then sewn together along the dotted lines. The shoulder seams 52 are then sewn together along the dotted lines. A trim 14 can then be sewn along all edges of the vest. Because the material of the garment 2 is substantially loop fabric, the garment is configured to be releasably connected to a display attachment 500, wherein the connector system 506 of the display attachment includes a hook fabric corresponding to that of the loop fabric of the garment 2 and configured to co-operate with the loop fabric of the garment 2 to effect releasable connection of the display attachment 500 to the garment 2.

[0082] For example, where a respective one of the connecting elements 308, 408 of any one of the coupling systems 302, 402 is a one of hooks or loops of a respective one of a hook or a loop fabric, the respective one of a hook or loop fabric can be integrally fused to a surface of a length of fabric. This length of fabric can then be cut, according to designer's drawings as is known in the art, into the elements of the garment.

[0083] Figure 12 is a close-up view of the trim 14 attached by sewing along the edges of a vest 84. For example, the trim 14 can be a fabric of tubular shape sewn along the edges of the vest 84 in a manner as is known in the art.

[0084] Figure 9 depicts the vest version of the garment 2 when manufactured according to the above instructions from the front 78, back 80 and side 82 views.

[0085] Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of headwear. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface,

wherein the exterior surface including a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction including a coupling system;

and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person;

wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch;

and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square- shaped area of continuous portion is at least about 4 inches;

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the operative surface fraction projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction area projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

2. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system;

[0086] such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the operative surface fraction projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface area projection, and wherein the operative surface area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

3. A combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising:

an article of clothing comprising:

and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface;

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and each one of the plurality of operative surface portions projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5;

and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

4. A combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising:

an article of clothing comprising:

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, each one of the plurality of operative surface portions projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction projection, and wherein the operative surface fraction projection has an area of at least 220 square inches; and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

5. An article of clothing comprising:

a torso portion including a front section defining the front surface of the torso portion, wherein the front section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface;

wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a coupling system;

such that the ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5.

6. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1) inch;

and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction including at least a square-shaped area of continuous surface portion wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square- shaped area of continuous portion is at least about 4 inches; such that the surface area of the operative surface fraction is at least about 220 square inches.

7. A combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising:

an article of clothing comprising:

and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction;

such that the ratio of the surface area of the operative surface fraction to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5; and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

8. A combination of an article of clothing and an operative display attachment, comprising:

an article of clothing comprising:

and wherein the benchmark display attachment is configured to releasably connect to the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the front surface of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines an operative surface fraction;

such that the surface area of the operative surface fraction is at least about 220 square inches; and an operative display attachment configured for releasable connection to the coupling system.

9. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface including a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction including a clothing coupling system;

wherein the clothing coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the clothing coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1) inch;

and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a benchmark coupling system which is configured to releasably connect to the clothing coupling system of the exterior surface to assume any one of a plurality of positions relative to the coupling surface fraction such that the visible surface is thereby capable of overlaying any one of a plurality of operative surface portions of the exterior surface, and wherein the combination of each one of the plurality of operative surface portions defines a continuous operative surface portion;

and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is about 4 inches;

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the continuous operative surface portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface fraction area projection, and wherein the ratio of the operative surface fraction area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

10. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a clothing coupling system;

wherein the clothing coupling system is configured to effect releasable connection between a benchmark display attachment and the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface, and wherein the benchmark display attachment includes a visible surface portion configured to be visible when the benchmark display attachment is connected by the clothing coupling system, and wherein the visible surface portion is square-shaped and the length of each one of the sides of the visible surface portion is one (1 ) inch;

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the continuous operative surface portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define an operative surface area projection, and wherein the operative surface area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

11. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface includes a coupling surface fraction, and wherein the coupling surface fraction includes a clothing coupling system;

and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is 4 inches;

12. An article of clothing comprising:

and wherein at least a portion of the benchmark coupling system is configured to releasably connect to any square-shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction of the exterior surface in any one of at least twenty-five (25) different positions relative to the squared shaped area portion of the coupling surface fraction, wherein the length of each one of the sides of the square shaped portion is at least about 4 inches;

such that the surface area of the continuous operative surface portion is at least about 220 square inches.

13. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or a loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches;

such that the ratio of the surface area of the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.5.

14. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 13, wherein one side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion includes an operative coupling surface configured for releasably connecting to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and the opposite side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion defines at least a portion of the interior surface of the front section.

15. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 13, wherein the exterior surface is further defined by a second continuous portion of the one of a hook or a loop fabric, and wherein the ratio of the surface area of the combination of the first continuous portion and the second continuous portion to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.65.

16. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches.

17. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 13,

wherein the torso portion further includes a rear section defining the rear surface of the torso portion, wherein the rear section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface;

wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches;

such that the ratio of the surface area of the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or a loop fabric to the surface area of the rear surface is at least about 0.5.

18. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of the hook or loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding other one of the hook or loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the side of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches; and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the front section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person;

such that the surface area of the first continuous portion is at least about 220 square inches.

19. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 18, wherein one side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion includes an operative coupling surface configured for releasably connecting to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and the opposite side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion defines at least a portion of the interior surface of the front section.

20. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 18, wherein the exterior surface is further defined by a second continuous portion of the one of a hook or a loop fabric, and wherein the ratio of the surface area of the combination of the first continuous portion and the second continuous portion to the surface area of the front surface is at least about 0.65.

21. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches.

22. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 18,

wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches;

23. An article of clothing comprising:

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the front surface of the front section projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a front surface area projection; and the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, and wherein the ratio of the first continuous area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

24. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 23, wherein one side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion includes an operative coupling surface configured for releasably connecting to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and the opposite side of the one of a hook or a loop fabric of the first continuous portion defines at least a portion of the interior surface of the front section.

25. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 23, wherein the exterior surface is further defined by a second continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, and wherein the second continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a second continuous portion area projection, and wherein the ratio of the combination of the first continuous area projection and the second continuous area projection to the front surface area projection is at least about 0.65.

26. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 25, wherein the second continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches.

27. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 23,

wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of a hook or a loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to the corresponding other one of a hook or a loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches; and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the rear section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person;

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the rear surface projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a rear surface area projection; and the first continuous portion of the one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, and wherein the ratio of the first continuous area projection to the rear surface area projection is at least about 0.5.

28. An article of clothing comprising:

wherein the exterior surface is defined at least in part by a first continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, wherein the one of the hook or loop fabric is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding other one of the hook or loop fabric of a display attachment, and wherein the first continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches;

such that, when the article of clothing is being worn by a person, the first continuous portion projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a first continuous portion area projection, and wherein the first continuous portion area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

29. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 28, wherein one side of the hook or loop fabric of the first continuous portion includes an operative coupling surface configured for releasably connecting to a corresponding other one of the hook or loop fabric of a display attachment, and the opposite side of the hook or loop fabric of the first continuous portion defines at least a portion of the interior surface of the front section.

30. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 28, wherein the exterior surface is further defined by a second continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric, and wherein the second continuous portion of a one of a hook or loop fabric projects orthogonally onto a vertical plane to define a second continuous portion area projection, and wherein the second continuous portion area projection has an area of at least about 220 square inches.

31. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 30, wherein the second continuous portion includes a portion defined by a square-shaped perimeter and each one of the sides of the square shaped perimeter has a length of at least about 4 inches.

32. The article of clothing as claimed in claim 28,

and wherein the interior surface is disposed on an opposite side of the rear section relative to the exterior surface and includes a normal axis projecting inwardly towards the body of a person wearing the article of clothing when the article of clothing is being worn by the person;