WO2014204818A1

WO2014204818A1 - Garment

Info

Publication number: WO2014204818A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/042443
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abbie Marie BOUDREAU
Original assignee: Boudreau Abbie Marie
Priority date: 2013-06-17
Filing date: 2014-06-15
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Also published as: US20160309800A1; US20140366237A1

Abstract

A garment presently disclosed contains an open toe portion containing an upper edge and a lower edge, a heel portion coupled with the open toe portion by a tubular body portion, and a movable cover portion containing a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge, a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge, wherein the second edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the lower or upper edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion.

Description

GARMENT

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to adjustable garments configured to expose and cover human toes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, a typical garment 10 comprises a toe portion 12, a heel portion 16, an ankle portion 18 and an elastic cuff portion 19 formed integrally with the upper end of the ankle portion 18. The heel portion 16 is joined to the toe portion 12 by a generally tubular body portion 15. The typical garment 10 is a closed toe garment that encloses wearer's toes.

[0003] Although a wide variety of garments are available for allowing adult toes to be uncovered from time to time, for different reasons, none of them are specifically- designed for babies. As babies grow, they love exploring their environment and play with their surroundings. As part of their exploration, babies love to discover and play with their toes. Unfortunately, the traditional socks (as shown in FIG. 1) require parents to remove the socks from the babies feet before the baby can play with their toes. This causes the babies feet to get cold and socks to get lost.

[0004] In view of the limitation in prior art, a need exists for improved adjustable garments configured to expose and cover human toes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a sock as known in the prior art.

[0006] FIG. 2A depicts a garment according to the present disclosure. [0007] FIG. 2B depicts a movable cover according to the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2C depicts another garment according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 3-6 depict another garment according to the present disclosure. [0010] FIGS. 7A-E and 8A-C depict another garment according to the present disclosure. [0011] FIG. 9-10 depict another garment according to the present disclosure. [0012] FIG. 11-12 depict another garment according to the present disclosure. [0013] FIG. 13-14 depict another garment according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 15-16 depict another garment according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 17 depicts a manufacturing process according to the present disclosure. [0016] In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

[0018] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0019] According to one aspect, a garment is presently disclosed. The garment comprising an open toe portion comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge define an opening configured to accommodate human toes; a heel portion coupled with the open toe portion by a tubular body- portion; and a movable cover portion comprising a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially paraliel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the lower edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body- portion.

[0020] According to a second aspect, another garment is presently disclosed. The garment comprising an open toe portion comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge define an opening configured to accommodate human toes; a heel portion coupled with the open toe portion by a tubular body portion; and a movable cover portion comprising a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the upper edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion.

[0021] According to the third aspect, a method is presently disclosed. The method comprising providing a substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the substantially tubular shaped material comprises an upper edge and a lower edge; coupling a movable cover with the substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the movable cover comprises a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover is coupled with at least a portion of the lower edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover is coupled with at least a portion of the substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the substantially tubular shaped material.

[0022] According to the third aspect, a method is presently disclosed. The method comprising providing a substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the substantially tubular shaped material comprises an upper edge and a lower edge; coupling a movable cover with the substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the movable cover comprises a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover is coupled with at least a portion of the upper edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover is coupled with at least a portion of the substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the substantially tubular shaped material.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2a, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, a garment 20 comprises an open toe portion 25 and an ankle portion 35. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 further comprises an elastic cuff portion 40 formed integrally with the upper end of the ankle portion 35 so that the garment 20 stays in position against the skin of the wearer. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 comprises a heel portion 30. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the heel portion 30 is joined to the open toe portion 25 by a generally tubular body portion 45.

[0024] In some embodiments, the open toe portion 25 is needle stitched to provide clean finish without raw edges. [0025] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 comprises one or more non-skid grippers (not shown) coupled with a lower portion of the tubular body portion 45. In some embodiments, the non-skid grippers comprise silicone material, rubber material and/or any other type of material configured to prevent wearer of the garment 20 from slipping on the floor while walking/running.

[0026] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the open toe portion 25 comprises an upper edge 90, disposed above wearer's toes 60. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the open toe portion 25 further comprises a lower edge 95, disposed under wearer's toes 60. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper edge 90 and the lower edge 95 define an opening 50 to accommodate the wearer' s toes 60. [0027] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 comprises an elastic cuff portion 130 (shown in FIG. 2C) formed integrally with the tubular body portion 45 adjacent to the toe portion 25 so that the garment 20 stays in position against the skin of the wearer. Although FIG. 2C shows the elastic cuff portion 130 completely surrounding the opening 50, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the elastic cuff portion 130 surrounds only a portion of the opening 50.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2b, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 further comprises a movable cover portion 55. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 comprises a first surface 100; a second surface 105 (shown in FIG. 3) disposed opposite the first surface 100; a first edge 65; a second edge 70 disposed substantially parallel the first edge 65; a third edge 75 disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge 65 and the second edge 70; and a fourth edge 80 disposed substantially parallel the third edge 75.

[0029] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 comprises one or more non-skid grippers (not shown) coupled with a first surface 100. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 comprises one or more non-skid grippers (not shown) coupled with a second surface 105. In some embodiments, the non-skid grippers comprise silicone material, rubber material and/or any other type of material configured to prevent wearer of the garment 20 from slipping on the floor while walking/running.

[0030] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with the tubular body portion 45 as shown in FIGS. 3-6. The movable cover portion 55 is configured to move from a closed position where wearer's toes 60 are covered (as shown in FIG. 3) to an open position where wearer's toes 60 are uncovered (as shown in FIGS. 4-5) and vice-versa.

[0031] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with the tubular body portion 45 as follows: the second edge 70 of the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with at least a portion of the lower edge 95. The second edge 70 may be coupled with at least a portion of the lower edge 95 using, for example, stitching 115 (shown in FIGS. 3-5), heat sealing (not shown), adhesive material, ultrasonic sealing (not shown) or the like. The third edge 75 of the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45. The third edge 75 may be coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45 using, for example, stitching 110 (shown in FIGS. 3-6), heat sealing (not shown), adhesive material, ultrasonic sealing (not shown) or the like. The fourth edge 80 of the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45. The fourth edge 80 may be coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45 using, for example, stitching 120 (shown in FIGS. 5-6), heat sealing (not shown), adhesive material, ultrasonic sealing (not shown) or the like. In some embodiments, the movable cover portion 55 covers the entire front width of the tubular body portion 45. In some embodiments, the movable cover portion 55 is sewn onto the tubular body portion 45 using a single needle edge stitch to provide clean finish without any exposed seam.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the stitching 110 and 120 are substantially perpendicular to the opening 50. Ref erri ng to FIGS. 3-5, according to some embodiments, the stitching 110 and 120 are substantially parallel to each other. [0033] Referring to FIGS. 3, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 is positioned in the closed position where wearer's toes 60 are covered. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the surface 100 of the movable cover portion 55 is in contact with an upper portion of the tubular body portion 45 while the movable cover portion 55 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 3. To expose the wearer's toes 60, the first edge 65 is pulled in a direction away from the ankle portion 35 towards the toes 60. Once the toes 60 are exposed, the movable cover portion 55 is placed in the open position shown in FIGS. 4-5. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the second surface 105 of the movable cover portion 55 is in contact with a lower portion of the tubular body portion 45 while the movable cover portion 55 is in the open position as shown in FIGS. 4-5. To cover the toes 60, the first edge 65 is pulled in a direction away from the heel portion 30 towards the toes 60. Once the toes 60 are covered, the movable cover portion 55 is placed in the closed position shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with the tubular body portion 45 as shown in FIGS. 7A-E arad 8A-C. In some embodiments, the movable cover portion 55 is configured to move from a closed position where wearer's toes 60 are covered (as shown in FIGs. 8A-C) to an open position where wearer's toes 60 are uncovered (as shown in FIGs. 7A-E) and vice-versa.

[0035] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with the tubular body portion 45 as follows: the second edge 70 of the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with at least a portion of the upper edge 90 (FIGS. 7 A and 7C). The second edge 70 may be coupled with at least a portion of the upper edge 90 using, for example, stitching 180 (shown in FIG. 7A), heat sealing (not shown), adhesive material, ultrasonic sealing (not shown) or the like. The third edge 75 of the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45. The third edge 75 may be coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45 using, for example, stitching (not shown), heat sealing (not shown), adhesive material, ultrasonic sealing (not shown) or the like. The fourth edge 80 of the movable cover portion 55 is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45 (FIG. 7A). The fourth edge 80 may be coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45 using, for example, stitching 170 (shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C), heat sealing (not shown), adhesive material, ultrasonic sealing (not. shown) or the like.

[0036] Referring to FIGs. 7A-E, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the stitching 170 and/or stitching coupling the third edge 75 with at least a portion of the tubular body portion 45 (not shown) are substantially perpendicular to the opening 50.

[0037] Referring to FIGS, 8A-C, the movable cover portion 55 is positioned in the closed position where wearer's toes 60 are covered. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the surface 100 of the movable cover portion 55 is in contact with the lower portion of the tubular body portion 45 while the movable cover portion 55 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. SB, To expose the wearer's toes 60, the first edge 65 is pulled in a direction away from the heel portion 30 towards the toes 60. Once the toes 60 are exposed, the movable cover portion 55 is placed in the open position shown in FIGs. 7A-E. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the second surface 105 of the movable cover portion 55 is in contact with the upper portion of the tubular body portion 45 while the movable cover portion 55 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 7B. To cover the toes 60, the first edge 65 is pulled in a direction away from the ankle portion 35 towards the toes 60. Once the toes 60 are covered, the movable cover portion 55 is placed in the closed position shown in FIG. 8.

[0038] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 show in FIGS. 7A-E and 8A-C further comprises the elastic cuff portion 130 shown in FIG. 2c. [0039] Although garment 20 shown in FIGS. 2-8 is represented as a sock, it is to be understood that according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 may be implemented as part of pants 220 shown in FIGS. 13-14. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 may be implemented as part of pants 230 shown in FIGS. 15-16. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 may be implemented as part of baby sleeper/footsies 200 shown in FIGS. 9-10. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the garment 20 may be implemented as part of baby sleeper/footsies 210 shown in FIGS. 11-12.

[0040] According to some embodiments presently disclosed, an exemplary manufacturing process 300 for the garment 20 is shown in FIG. 17. At 310, a substantially tubular shaped material is provided. In some embodiments, the substantially tubular material comprises an open toe portion 25 and an ankle portion 35 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2A). In some embodiments, the substantially tubular shaped material optionally comprises an elastic cuff portion 40 formed integrally with the upper end of the ankle portion 35 so that the substantially tubular shaped material stays in position against the skin of the wearer (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2A). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the substantially tubular shaped material further comprises a heel portion 30 joined to the open toe portion 25 by a generally tubular body portion 45 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2A). In some embodiments, the substantially tubular shaped material is manufactured using, for example, a knitting machine. In some embodiments, a knitting machine knits in a circular spiral to form the substantially tubular shaped material. In some embodiments, a knitting machine forms the elastic cuff portion 40 by knitting in a circular spiral and feeding in rubber yarn. When the elastic cuff portion 40 is completed, in some embodiments, the knitting machine forms the ankle portion 35 by knitting in a circular spiral. When the ankle portion 35 is completed, in some embodiments, the knitting machine forms the heel portion 30 by alternating knitting directions and making ½ rotations of the knitting cylinders associated with the knitting machine. When the heel portion 30 is completed, in some embodiments, the knitting machine forms the body portion 45 by knitting in the circular spiral until it forms the toe portion 25. In some embodiments, the knitting machine forms the elastic cuff portion 130 after it forms the body portion 45.

[0041] In some embodiments, the knitting machine is a Single Cylinder knitting machine known in the art. [0042] In some embodiments, one or more non-skid grippers are coupled with the substantially tubular shaped material. In some embodiments, the one or more non-skid grippers comprise silicone material, rubber material and/or any other type of material configured to prevent wearer of the substantially tubular shaped material from slipping on the floor while walking/running. In some embodiments, the one or more non-skid grippers are screen printed onto the substantially tubular shaped material. In some embodiments, the one or more non-skid grippers are adhesively coupled with the substantially tubular shaped material. [0043] At 320, a movable cover 55 is coupled with the substantially tubular shaped material. In some embodiments, the movable cover 55 is a piece of fabric. In some embodiments, the movable cover 55 is a piece of fabric that is folded over before being coupled with the substantially tubular shaped material to provide a clean finished edge 65. In some embodiments, the movable cover 55 is sewn to the substantially tubular shaped material.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more non-skid grippers are coupled with the movable cover 55. In some embodiments, the one or more non-skid grippers comprise silicone material, rubber material and/or any other type of material configured to prevent wearer of the substantially tubular shaped material from slipping on the floor while walking/running. In some embodiments, the one or more non-skid grippers are screen printed onto the movable cover 55. In some embodiments, the one or more non-skid grippers are adhesively coupled with the movable cover 55. [0045] In some embodiments presently disclosed, the substantially tubular shaped material and/or portions of the substantially tubular shaped material comprise cotton, cotton poly blend, acrylic, and/or polyester material. In some embodiments, the movable cover comprises cotton, poly, spandex, and/or acrylic. [0046] Contrary to the prior art, the garments presently described offer babies freedom to explore their toes - while still wearing socks. Contrary to the prior art, the garments presently described also allow the toddlers to crawl, stand and take their first steps. Using the presently described garments, toddlers are able to use the natural traction of their toes to help them crawl, stand, and take their first steps without slipping - like they do all the time in their traditional socks.

[0047] While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0048] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "plurality" includes two or more referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0049] The foregoing detailed description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for. . ." and no method or process step herein is to be construed under those provisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using the phrase "step(s) for. . .."

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A garment comprising:

an open toe portion comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge define an opening configured to accommodate human toes;

a heel portion coupled with the open toe portion by a tubular body portion; and a movable cover portion comprising a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the lower edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion.

2. The garment of Claim 1 , wherein the garment is a sock.

3. The garment of Claim 1 , wherein the garment is pants.

4. The garment of Claim 1 , wherein the garment is baby sleeper.

5. A garment comprising:

a heel portion coupled with the open toe portion by a tubular body portion; and a movable cover portion comprising a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the upper edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the tubular body portion.

6. The garment of Claim 5, wherein the garment is a sock.

7. The garment of Claim 5, wherein the garment is pants.

8. The garment of Claim 5, wherein the garment is baby sleeper.

9. A method comprising:

providing a substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the substantially tabular shaped material comprises an upper edge and a lower edge;

coupling a movable cover with the substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the movable cover comprises a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first edge, a second edge disposed substantially parallel the first edge; a third edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge disposed substantially parallel the third edge; wherein the second edge of the movable cover is coupled with at least a portion of the upper edge, wherein the third edge of the movable cover is coupled with at least a portion of the substantially tubular shaped material, wherein the fourth edge of the movable cover portion is coupled with at least a portion of the substantially tubular shaped material.

10. The method of Claim 9, wherein the substantially tubular shaped material is formed using circular spiral knitting.

11. The method of Claim 9 further comprising:

forming a first elastic cuff portion adjacent to the upper edge.

12. The method of Claim 9 further comprising coupling one or more non-skid grippers with the substantially tubular shaped material.

13. The method of Claim 12 further comprising coupling one or more non-skid grippers with the movable cover.