WO2021198703A1

WO2021198703A1 - Adjustable dress form

Info

Publication number: WO2021198703A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/050827
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Riddiford; Robert Butterworth
Original assignee: Adjustoform Products Limited
Priority date: 2020-04-03
Filing date: 2021-04-01
Publication date: 2021-10-07
Also published as: GB202004940D0

Abstract

There is provided an adjustable dress form with multiple movable body panels defining a surface of a torso. The adjustable dress form includes multiple dress form size adjustors, each arranged to alter the distance of multiple panels from an internal mounting structure to enable a user to adjust the size of the dress form. Each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the body panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure by a non-uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panels connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometrically accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as the dress form alters in size from a small size to a large size.

Description

ADJUSTABLE DRESS FORM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to an adjustable dress form.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

2. Technical Background

Dress forms are three dimensional models of the human body commonly used in the clothing industry to check the fitting of a piece of clothing being designed. They may be used for example by professionals, hobbyist fashion designers or sewers. They are either complete life-sized human body or partial body models with, for example, no head or limbs. Dress forms are usually mounted on a stand with a supporting pole and come in various sizes. Most professional dress forms conform to particular sizes and shapes to represent an average fit for S, M, L,XL etc. If anyone is serious about making clothes, they will often need multiple dress forms with a varying range of sizes. This can be expensive, especially for hobbyists.

There are a number of adjustable dress forms that are available which allow for altering the size of the dress form to fit a specific body measurement. Adjustable dress forms enable a single form to represent a range of sizes, thus reducing the number of forms needed. Current adjustable dress forms often include a torso divided into 8 panels, with 4 quadrants for the lower torso and 4 quadrants for the upper torso. These can be expanded apart to define larger shapes. Disadvantageously, larger sizes often suffer with growing gaps between the panels. In practice the range of adjustment is also limited, so that several model s are still required to cover the range of sizes in the adult population. Also, the large number of adjustment points, which can include at least up to 14 adjustment points, are laborious to use, without enabling any real shape customisation.

Additionally, current available dress forms often represent idealized body shapes, and are not able to represent real body shapes. Some dress forms are configured in such a way that trousers can be constructed and fitted on the form. This requires the dress form to have a crotch, leaving a pair of cropped off thighs on either side. Typically, the form is mounted on an offset pole which runs down one of the trouser legs to a base on the floor. Disadvantageously, in order to put the trousers onto the form, the torso must be separated from the base. Typically this is by lifting the dress form from a receiving tube in one of the cropped off legs into which the stand pole has been inserted, and threading one of the trouser legs onto the pole. This is awkward, as the torso needs to be carried and put down somewhere, and the subsequent blind re-insertion onto the pole can be challenging too.

In view of the above, there is a need for an adjustable dress form that would fit a larger range of body sizes and shapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an adjustable dress form with multiple movable body panels defining a surface of a torso, the dress form including multiple dress form size adjustors, each arranged to alter the distance of multiple body panels from an internal mounting structure to enable a user to adjust the size of the dress form. Each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the body panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure by a non-uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panels connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometrically accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as the dress form alters in size from a small size to a large size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example(s), with reference to the following Figures, which each show features of an implementation of the invention:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable dress form 10 made up of multiple body panels; the dress form is fully assembled, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the adjustable dress form, in an exploded or disassembled view.

Figure 3A shows the assembled dress form 10 with a small body shape setting 31. Figure 3B shows the assembled dress form 10 with a large body shape setting 32. Figure 4A shows a cross section of a dress form showing the internally located size adjustors 16, 17, 18, 19 for the small body shape setting of Figure 3A.

Figure 4B shows a cross section of the dress form showing the internally located size adjustors 16, 17, 18, 19 for the large body shape setting of Figure 3B.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the size adjustor 19 with a small setting configuration, looking down on the size adjustor 19.

Figure SB shows a perspective view of the size adjustor 19 with a small setting configuration, looking up to the size adjustor.

Figure 6A shows a top view of the size adjustor 19 with a small setting configuration. Figure 6B shows a cross section of the size adjustor 19 with a small setting configuration.

Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the size adjustor 19 with a large setting configuration, looking down on the size adjustor 19.

Figure 7B shows a perspective view of the size adjustor 19 with a large setting configuration, looking up to the size adjustor 19

Figure 8A shows a cross section of the size adjustor 19 with a large setting configuration. Figure 8B shows a top view of the size adjustor 19 with a large setting configuration.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the adjustors 16 and 17 of the upper torso and the inner vertical member 26 Figure 10A shows a side view of the adjustors 16 and 17 of the upper torso and the inner vertical member 26 with the rocking column in a forward position 105.

Figure 10B shows a side view of the adjustors 16 and 17 of the upper torso and the inner vertical member 26 with the rocking column in a backward position 106.

Figure 11 shows the neck adjustor 16 mounted on the rocking column. Figure 12 shows a back view of the dress form. Figure 13 shows a side view of the dress form. Figure 14 shows a cross section view of the dress form. Figure 15A shows a front view of the dress form with the shortest torso height. Figure 15B shows a cross section view of the dress form with the shortest torso height.

Figure 16A shows a front view the dress form with the tallest torso height. Figure 16B shows a cross section view of the dress form with the tallest torso height.

Figure 17A shows a front view of the dress form 10 on a stand 170 Figure 17B shows a cross section view of the dress form 10 on a stand 170. Figure 17C shows a perspective view of the dress form 10 on a stand 170. Figure 18A shows a front view of the stand 170 without the dress form 10. Figure 18B shows a perspective view of the stand 170 without the dress form 10, looking to the front of the stand.

Figure 18C shows a perspective view of the stand 170 without the dress form 10, looking to the back of the stand,

Figure 19 shows a cross section view of the stand. Figure 20A shows the dress form 10 with the stand 170 set the mid-point on the fixed tube 181 and without the telescopic legs extended. Figure 20B shows the dress form 10 with the stand 170 set at the highest point on the fixed tube 181 and with the telescopic legs extended.

Figure 21 shows the dress form 10 resting on only one of the leg of the stand 170. Figure 22 shows cross sections of the lower torso. Figure 23 shows cross sections of the lower torso.

Index Items

Dress Form 10

Upper torso front body panel 11 Upper torso rear body panel R 12

Upper torso rear body panel L 13

Upper torso side body panel R 14

Upper torso side body panel L 15

Lower torso front body panel 21 Lower torso rear body panel R 22

Lower torso rear body panel L 23

Lower torso side body panel R 24

Lower torso side body panel L 25

Vertical internal member 26 Vertical internal member 27

Screwing mechanism 28

Top knob 29

Small size dress form 31

Extra large size dress form 32 Waist reference line 40

Hip reference line 41

Middle axis reference line 42

Plate or disk of the size adjustor 52

Control mechanism of size adjustor (control screw) 53 Link connected to front lower torso body panel 55A

Link connected to side lower torso body panel 55B

Link connected to rear lower torso body panel 55C Link connected to rear lower torso body panel 55D

Link connected to side lower torso body panel 55E

First arm of link 55E 56

Connection point to bottom plate 57

Second arm of link 55E 58

Connection point to top plate 59

Neck/shoulder control device 91

Bust control device 92

Waist control device 93

Hips control device 94

Height adjustor 95

Shoulders control devices 100

Body panel 13 mating portion 101

Body panel 23 mating potion 102

Rocking column 103

Rocking column in forward position 105 Rocking column in backward position 106 Link connected to front upper torso body panel 107

Control screw for shoulder adjustment 111 Control screw for shoulder adjustment 112

Stand 170

Fixed tube of the stand 181 U-shaped tube 182

Clamping fixture of the stand 183 Stand control knob 184 Stand rotation control mechanism 185 Telescopic portion of the first leg 186 Telescopic portion of the second leg 187 First leg of the stand 188 Second leg of the stand 189

Dress form and stand with a first height setting 191 Dress form and stand with a second height setting 192

Crotch support 200

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an implementation of the invention, an adjustable dress form 10 made up of multiple body panels; the dress form is fully assembled. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the adjustable dress form, disassembled. The dress form has multiple body panels, forming an upper torso and a lower torso, which are connected by adjustors or size adjustment mechanisms.

The dress form is configured to be able to represent a broad range of real body shapes, not a small number of idealized shapes. Hence, the dress form is arranged to create a solid, lifelike, anatomically correct, natural shape, even at extreme sizes. More specifically, the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form between the 5^th percentile to 95^th percentile body size, including adult, child, female and male shapes. The dimensions of the dress form are derived from UMTRl statistical anthropometric data.

The upper torso is divided into a front body panel 11, rear body panels 12, 13 and side body panels 14, 15. The 5 upper torso body panels are connected by two adjustors or size adjustment mechanisms 16, 17, which are mounted on a central vertical internal member 26.

The lower torso is divided into a front body panel 21, rear body panels 22, 23 and side body panels 24, 25. The 5 lower torso body panels are connected by two adjustment mechanisms 18, 19, which are mounted on a central vertical internal member 27.

The internal member 26 fits or attaches into the internal member 27 via an attachment mechanism. Preferably, the attachment mechanism includes a screwing member 28 which can be controlled or adjusted via a knob 29 located at the top or near the dress form.

The adjustors or size adjustment mechanisms 16, 17 are configured to alter the distance of the multiple body panels from the vertical internal members 26, 27. Hence the dress form 10 is able to adopt multiple body shapes. Figures 3A and 3B show the same assembled dress form 10 with a small body shape setting 31 (Figure 3 A) and with a large body shape setting 32 (Figure 3B). This illustrates how a single dress form is able to match a wide range of users. Splitting the torso into multiple body panels or segments enables the dress form to remain anatomically correct over a wider range of sizes. However, more segments may add to the complexity and cost of the overall design of the dress form, so it is advantageous to find an optimum number of body panels. Adding more body panels may also increase the number of adjustment links.

Preferably, as seen in Figures 1-3, the dress form is made of a total of ten body panels, five body panels for the upper torso and five body panels for the lower torso. It was found that using ten body panels followed the expanding contours more accurately than an eight body panels system, including four body panels for upper torso and four body panels for lower torso). Using ten body panels, the body not only gets bigger, but maintains its bulk in a much more anatomically correct way. Additionally the shoulders and bust may be positioned better.

Alternatively, twelve body panels may also be used. The overlapping five+five panels system presented behaves very similarly to a six+six panels system, with the central rear overlap taking the place of the sixth panel

Using a single front body panel for the upper torso 11 and lower torso 21 achieves a more naturally sculpted abdomen, achieving also a more lifelike form.

The dress form is also configured so that altering the size or shape of the dress form does not create gaps between the body panels. In particular, the multiple body panels are configured to overlap, so no gaps are exposed as the size of the dress form is increased. Importantly, the arrangement of the panels enables the gaps between them to be filled in by the overlaps. The overlaps may also be arranged so that the splits are facing rearwards, maintaining a precise looking form when viewed from the front. Additionally, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4B, the back body panel 13 of the upper torso and the back body pane! 23 of the lower torso include mating portions (101, 102), ensuring that the back body panels do not have gaps when either the lower torso or upper torso is adjusted in size and shape.

The multiple body panels may be proportionally moved to cover the wide range of sizes while still maintaining an anthropometricaiiy accurate shape. A central internal mechanism including the multiple adjustors 16, 17, 18, 19 is used to proportionally adjust the positions of each panel in order to offer a simple and elegant solution for the end-user.

Figure 4A and 4B show a cross section of the dress form showing the internally located size adjustors 16, 17, 18, 19, which have been set with the small setting configuration 31 (Figure 4A) and with the large setting configuration 32 (Figure 4B).

Each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of one or more body panels connected to that adjustor by a non-uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panel s connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometricaiiy accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as they alter in size from a small size to a large size.

Each adjustor simultaneously adjusts the expansion or contraction position of multiple body panels. Non-uniform adjustment of the position of the multiple body panels leads to a change in the circumference of the panels, and to their non-similarity in geometrical terms.

Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the same size adjustor 19 located on the lower torso portion of the dress form, when the dress form has either been set according to a small setting configuration 31 (Figures 5 -6) and according to a large setting configuration 32 (Figures 7 - 8). Figures 5A, 5B and 7A and 73B show perspective views of the size adjustor 19 comprising a bottom plate or disc 51, a top plate or disc 52, a control mechanism 53 and 5 links or wishbone like connections 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D, 55E. Figures 6A, 6B, 8A and 8B show botom views and cross section views of the size adjustor 19.

Each link of the size adjustor 19 is connected to one of the lower torso body panels. The link 55A is connected to the front lower torso body panel. The Sinks 55B and 55E are connected to the side lower torso body panels 24 and 25. The links 55C and 55D are connected to the rear lower torso body panels 22, 23.

Each link includes two arms that each attaches to a plate or disc, with each arm uniquely shaped and positioned. The precise positions of the attachment axes on the plates determine the vector the links move along, away from the central axis of the size adjustor (i.e. the central axis of the dress form).

Each plate or disc (51, 52) includes a hole or opening into which the vertical inner member 27 of the dress form passes through. Hence both plates are able to rotate around the vertical inner member 27 of the dress form. Each size adjustor also includes a control mechanism such as a control screw 53, which drives or controls the size adjustor When the control screw' is turned, the plates or discs begin rotating in opposite directions from one another. As the plates counter rotate, each arm either pushes or retracts from the central axis of the size adjustor by a predetermined distance and direction, hence altering the distance of multiple body panels from the vertical internal member of the dress form (i.e. the central axis of the dress form).

The tension in each arm is arranged to be reasonably balanced. Note that the arms of the links or wishbones need to flex to cover the range from smallest to largest, and this movement will be locally symmetrical to keep the body panels correctly aligned. As shown, for example, the link 55E (that itself connects to the side left body panel 25) includes a first arm 56 that attaches to the bottom plate via a connection point 57 and a second arm 58 that attaches to the top plate via a connection point 59. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the adjustors 16 and 17 of the upper torso and the inner vertical member 26. Similarly to the adjustors of the lower torso, the adjustors of the upper torso 16, 17 also comprise counter rotating plates or disc and four or five links, which connect to multiple upper torso body panels. The neck/shoulder adjustor 16 connects to four body panels, while the bust adjustor 17 connects to the five upper torso body panels. The link 107 connects the bust adjustor 17 to the front body panel via two connection points.

As shown in Figures 9, 10A and 10B, the adjustors 16 and 17 are also mounted on a rocking column 103, which enables the adjustors 16 and 17 to tilt forward or backward in relation to the vertical inner member 26 at the same time as they rotate around the vertical inner member 26. Figures 10 A and 10B show side views of the adjustors 16 and 17 of the upper torso and the inner vertical member 26, with the rocking column in a forward position 105 (Figure 10A) and in a backward position 106 (Figure 10B).

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the back body panel 13 of the upper torso and the back body panel 23 of the lower torso include mating portions (101, 102). The lower torso and the upper torso are therefore able to self align, due in part to the rocking column 103 and mating portions (101, 102).

Hence if the body panels of the low er torso are pushed in towards the vertical inner member 27, the upper torso tilts forward and self-aligns with the lower torso. The tilting mechanism enables a better alignment from the upper torso portion of the dress form and the lower torso portion of the dress form. Each adjustor is positioned at a specific location relative to the dress form in order to create individual body shapes and each size adjustor is separately controlled via a control device that is positioned on or in relation to the dress form. Figure 11 shows the neck/shoulder adjustor 16 mounted on the rocking column. The neck adjustor also includes two control screws 111,112 for increasing or decreasing the distance between each shoulder and the vertical inner member.

The control screws 111,112 are mounted on the upper torso side body panels 15, 14 and each separately control the distance between the shoulders and the central axis of the dress form.

Preferably, the control devices for the neck/shoulder, bust, waist and hips are positioned on the back of the dress form as shown in Figure 12. Control devices are positioned at the neck/shoulder 91, bust 92, waist 93 and hips 94.

Preferably, the shoulder adjustment control devices for controlling the control screws 111, 112 may be positioned around each shoulder 100 as shown in Figure 13. Each control device positioned on the dress form may include a knob that is operated by a magnetic key that may reside in the torso height adjustor 95 on top of the dress form. A spring clutch release mechanism may also be used into each mechanism to allow the ratchet to jump if overloaded/overstressed. Torso height adjustment

As shown in Figure 14, the central vertical member located internally to the dress form is a telescopic central pole, with the top vertical member 26 fitting inside the bottom vertical member 27 via a screwing member 28. The telescopic pole provides about 100mm of torso height movement between the smallest torso height and tallest torso height of the dress form. Figures 15A and 15B show the dress form with the shortest torso height, and Figures 16A and 16B show the dress form with the tallest torso height. The torso height may be altered via the top knob 29 mounted on the torso height adjustor 95.

Stand

Dress forms generally have floor stands, which are adjustable in height. The dress form is usually detachable so that it can stand on a table too. If using the form for display purposes, then the height needs to be reasonably natural. When working on trousers, this is likely to be much higher. Hence current solutions provide detachable dress forms so that the dress form can be placed on a table too.

The construction of a twin pole stand has some unique challenges: If each pole is separately adjustable, it may become awkward for the user. If the poles are adjusted to their highest position, the height of each pole may make it challenging to control the ends sufficiently for the rocking socket interface with the torso to work well

A twin tube stand with a fixed position bridge between may be used to solve these problems:

* it offers a single point of adjustment for height;

* it keeps the twin tubes strongly aligned

However, the inside leg length is also critical as it needs to be long enough for trouser making for tall people, but low enough so that the form is not too high to look in proportion in its lowest position This means that the bridge needs to be strong, but slim.

Figures 17A, 17B and 17C show the dress form 10 on a stand 170. Figures 18A, 18B and 18C show a number of views of the stand 170 without the dress form 10. Figure 19 shows a cross section view of the stand 170.

The stand includes a base 180, a tube 181 that is fixed on the base 180 and a U-shaped tube 182 that is mounted on the fixed tube 181 The U-shaped tube provides 2 legs 188 189 that each attaches onto each section of the crotch portion of the dress form. The U-shaped tube 182 is mounted on the fixed tube 181 via a clamping fixture 183. A control knob 184 is able to release the clamping on the tube 182 so that the tube 182 can slide up and down on the fixed tube 181 in order to alter the height of the dress form.

The tube 182 can also rotate relative to the fixed tube 181, therefore enabling the dress form to swivel around the fixed tube 181. An additional control mechanism 185 including a screwing member located at the rear of the stand can be controlled to either unlock or lock the rotation of the dress form.

The U-shaped tube may also include telescopic portions on both legs 186, 187. The height of the dress form can therefore be extended further in order to facilitate working on a garment, such as one that includes trousers or shorts. The telescopic legs can easily adjust the height of the dress form, such as using 5 set positions over a range of 200mm .

Figure 20A shows the dress form 10 with the stand 170 set at the mid-point on the fixed tube 181 and without the telescopic legs extended. Figure 20B shows the dress form 10 with the stand 170 set at the highest point on the fixed tube 181 and with the telescopic legs extended.

The end-user is then able to set the position to a comfortable working height. The dress form includes two receiving sockets at the crotch portion for receiving the two legs 188 189 of the stand. The two legs then attach or latch onto each receiving socket of the crotch portion of the dress form 10. A latching mechanism can be released or pressed so that the dress form 10 is able to tilt relative to the central axis of the dress form 10. The dress form 10 is able to rest on only one of the legs so as to leave a gap between the other leg as shown in Figure 21. If the torso is tilted to one side, it rotates around the nearside socket, and lifts off the other socket, leaving a gap. One of the trouser legs can be threaded onto the exposed pole, and the torso returned to its original untilted position. If this is repeated on the other side, the trousers have been threaded over both legs, and can then be easily pulled up over the hips.

Other advantages of a twin pole design over a single pole are, but not limited to: * it is a visual differentiator;

* it looks more stable than the use of an offset pole; * it avoids the visual conflict of a central pole,

* it offers a different way of manipulating trousers for users who don’t want to lift and remove the form;

* it enables the form to be locked to the poles in both upright and tilted configurations,

However, the tilt angle and geometry is critical as the dress form needs to be configured to balance in a tilted position, and to leave enough of a gap to allow trousers to be threaded/unthreaded onto the dress form . The base can be any shape and constructed from a wide selection of materials. For example, the base may be made using a solid welded metal or wood. Optionally, a flat-pack version may also be used.

Alternatively, a three-legged solution may also be used that would have the following merits, but not limited to:

* it is symmetrical;

* it offers the possibility of simple locks for both swivel and height. These locks can be ergonomically positioned (i.e. not at floor level). The locks could also use a magnetic knob if desired;

* any tube can be used - doesn’t need to be telescopic/seamless;

* a centre tube could be fatter for a more balanced look, * outer tubes are welded for ultimate strength (twist, bend etc) and/or jigged for accurate tolerancing;

* can be assembled/disassembled easily;

* friction locks, if used, would take out rattle/play, and enable infinite adjustment.

Crotch and neck movement restriction of the dress form

As shown in Figure 22, the body panels of the lower torso are also placed on a crotch support 200 (also shown in Figure 2). The crotch support 200 helps provide support to the body panels and also controls the restriction of movement of lower body panels (i.e. around the crotch of the dress form). As such, when the hip measurement of the body panels is widened (via adjustor 19) the body panels supported by the crotch support do not slide out too far. As shown in Figure 23, with the hip set at the widest setting, the rear body panel includes a section that engages with a track located on the crotch support 200 that restricts how far the crotch section of the dress form will widen.

A similar mechanism is also provided around the neck of the dress form such that when the neck/shoulder measurement is widened via adjustor 16, the movement of the body panels 11, 12, 13 around the neck is restricted

The thigh and neck movement restriction mechanisms further enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometrically accurate body shapes.

Magnetic universal key for adjustment Each of the control mechanisms of the dress form may be adjusted with a magnetic universal key that can be used to alter each control device of the dress form. A dock for the universal key may be located in the height adjustor control knob.

Reference lines The body panels may also include reference lines positioned along strategic axes, such as along the waistline 40, hip line 41 and/or middle axis line 42 (see Figure 3). The reference lines may for example be recesses or indentation in the body panels, which can be quickly felt by an end-user with the fingers to easily provide a correct positioning through a cover or garment placed over the dress form. The reference lines may am on multiple body panels and are arranged to keep their alignment even when altering the dress form. For example, the middle axis reference line 42 runs on the upper torso body panel as well as the lower torso body panel for both a small setting configuration 31 and a large setting configuration.

Recesses in the panel may also provide the following further feature:

* pinnable location;

* the recesses are robust enough to pin several layers of fabric to them to overcome sagging under the weight of the fabric;

• enables foamed neoprene strips to be positioned along the strategic axes or reference lines. The lower torso may also include ribs that may also be felt through a cover of the dress form.

Visual indicator, such as a scale that provides a user an easily understood metric

The dress form is adjustable via a scale that provides a user with an easily understood metric in order to adjust the dress form.

End-users may be used to measuring their vital statistics with a tape measure, so it would be advantageous to duplicate this methodology on the dress form so that the adjustment metric is displayed during adjustment. One place to show this information is at the rear, and the gap between the two rear panels is a convenient way to gauge the overall size - it is always a fixed proportion of the change in circumference. These reference measures are shown adjacent to the adjustor positions at the neck/shoulders, over bust, waist and hips in inches and/or cm or in other easily understandable metrics. A preferred method of setting the size is to control the distance between the two rear panels, which in theory sets the internal mechanism at the corresponding degree of openness. However, we have found that the springiness of the wishbones mitigates against the required solidity This is important when using stretch garments on the form - they will try to ‘squash’ the form to a smaller shape, which must he resisted by the internal mechanism.

A suitable mechanism would be similar to a bicycle helmet head-band control knob which uses a rack and pinion mechanism to translate the knob rotation into a linear motion to control sizing. In practice this would need a ratchet and locking system to resist the squeezing forces describe previously.

An improvement is a new mechanism which translates the rotation of a knob into a linear motion by means of several pegs arranged in a circle on the knob, running in individual tracks on the linear member. The tracks are designed in a pattern which urges the linear member to continuously move sideways when the knob is turned. This is a novel, simple 2-piece mechanism which can be adapted to run free, or with resistance. An alternative method which is less prone to deflection when squeezing is to control the distance between the central pole and any one of the panels. The preferred position for the connection point is on the right rear panels near the central mechanism - good for right-handed users, and showing the measurement scale naturally increasing to the RHS.

On either side of the adjustor track are moulded-in incremental measurement scales in inches and rotating clockwise increases the size.

Bust customisation A generic bust may not be representative to all users since the size and position of the breasts vary greatly between individuals. Therefore, the dress form may also be configured to represent a small bust with the ability to fit a bra and/or body sock and/or padding onto the dress form to further personalize the bust.

In addition, each body panel is removable, enabling a possible customisation of the dress form. Hence, the dress form may also have a built-in ability to personalise the bust with moveable panels.

Construction

The flexible body panels may be made using injection moulded plastic, such as in low-cost HDPE or polypropylene. HOPE and polypropylene are easily recyclable material s. Body panels can be made from a mix of virgin and recycled materials. Optional features may also include:

• Rear body panels may Exist when stressed - there is a (chamfered) gap at the neck to allow for this.

• The front body panel may be fairly flat and should bend easily.

• Side body panels may terminate inside the arm details to hide the gaps.

• Panels are designed to nest inside each other as closely as possible prior to assembly and ail internal fixings are low relief.

• Body panels may be textured. A number of finish options are available such as soft-touch paint, flocking, in-mould material, even plating.

• The body panels as well as adjustors may also be moulded in coloured sets for differentiation.

The body panels may also include one or more pinnable surface areas at specific locations. For example, a fabric or pinnable material may be directly moulded or encapsulated into the body panels during manufacturing of the body panels. Alternatively, a top layer may also be applied to the body panels post injection moulding. Stretch cover

An optional cover may be used to enable pinning substantially all over the dress form. The cover may be for example made of stretched neoprene. The cover may be configured to provide easy access to the adjustors even with the cover in place on the dress form.

APPENDIX: KEY FEATURES

Key features of the dress form are now generalized in the following categories:

* Key feature A: Anthropomorphic re-sizing

* Key feature B: Data enabled dress form * Key feature C: Sliding body panels * Key feature D: Size adjustor

* Key feature E: Dress form stand with two legs

Note that any feature can be combined with any one or more other features. The invention is however defined in the appended claims.

Key Feature A: Anthropomorphic re-sizing

An adjustable dress form with multiple movable body panels defining a surface of a torso, including multiple dress form size adjustors, each arranged to alter the distance of multiple panels from an internal mounting structure to enable a user to adjust the size of the dress form; and in which each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the body panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure by a non- uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panels connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometrically accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as the dress form alters in size from a small size to a large size.

Key optional features:

* each adjustor simultaneously adjusts the expansion or contraction position of at least four or five body panels.

* each adjustor is mounted to a pole or member that passes centrally through the interior of the dress form.

* each adjustor is controlled via an individual control device positioned on or in relati on to the dress form . * the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form from size S up to size L (e.g. UK size 8 up to size 20).

* the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form from size S up to size XL.

* the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form from 5^th percentile to 95^ih percentile body size.

• non-uniform adjustment of the position of the multiple body panels matches a typical change in shape for bodies as they alter in size from a small size to a large size. · non-uniform adjustment of the position of the multiple body panels leads to a change in the circumference of the panels, and to their non-similarity in geometrical terms.

* there is one adjustor at one vertical position of the internal mounting structure and additional adjustors higher up the internal mounting structure. * the body panels are configured so that adjusting the size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel.

* the or each adjustor is manually adjustable. * the or each adjustor is motorised.

* the or each adjustor is motorised and is controlled by a remote device.

* the dress form also includes a torso length or height adjustment.

* the dress form is adjustable via a scale that provides a user an easily understood metric in order to adjust the dress form.

* scale represents a BMI scale that reflects BMI derived from the user’s measurement.

* scale represents conventional clothing sizes such as S, M, L or XL sizes.

* scale represents standard body measurements such as waist, hips and bust measurements in cm or inches. * scale represents 5^th percentile to 95^th percentile body size, scale represents a unique metric corresponding to the adjustable dress form settings. * the torso panels can be fitted with vari ous different sizes and shapes of breast pad.

* the different sizes and shapes of breast pad can each be placed in multiple different locations.

* the breast pads include a separate tapered cup or cone.

* the cup or cone can be compressed or enlarged. * the cup or cone flattens as it is pushed down.

* the dress form includes a shoulder adjustment for each shoulder that independently alters the distance between each shoulder and the internal mounting structure of the dress form.

Key Feature B: Bata enabled dress form

An adjustable dress form with multiple movable panels defining a surface of a torso, including multiple dress form size adjustors, each arranged to alter the distance of multiple, panels from an internal mounting structure to enable a user to adjust the size of the dress form; and in which each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure, and to record data defining or relating to that distance or the related circumference of the panels, and to transmit or share that data.

Key optional features:

* dress form transmits or shares that data over a wireless or wired link.

* dress form transmits or shares that data over a wireless or wired link to a remote server.

* data defines a body model for a user and the dress form transmits or shares that data defining a body model over a wireless or wired link.

* the or each adjustor is manually adjustable.

* the or each adjustor is motorised.

* the or each adjustor is motorised and is controlled by a remote device. * end-user has a body model that defines the distance or the related circumference of at least some of the panels.

* end-user can input that body model directly or indirectly to the dress form and the dress form then automatically alters shape to match that body model.

* the or each adjustor is controlled by an application that includes an interface module configured to allow the user to automatically adjust the size or shape of the dress form.

* interface module displays to a user on-screen controls allowing the user to automatically adjust the size or shape of the dress form.

* interface module enables the user to select or enter body measurements.

* interface module enables the user to select a specific dress size ranging from size S to size L (e g. UK size 8 up to size 20).

* interface module enables the user to input an image of their body which is then processed to automatically adjust the size or shape of the dress form.

* each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure by a non-uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panels connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometrically accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as they alter in size.

* dress form communicates with connected application running on a mobile phone or other portable computing device.

* application includes interface module that allows a user to select or enter body measurement or body shape, such as height and weight.

* application includes interface module that allows a user to enter the dress form settings.

* interface module displays optimal settings for the user corresponding to their selected body measurements.

* dress form is located in a retail store and is configured to be controllable by customers' connected applications to enable those customers to adjust the size and/or shape of the dress form. Further use cases:

Application displays instructions on how to modify or alter a garment.

* Dress form system comprising an adjustable dress form and an application running on a mobile phone or other computing device, in which the application includes an interlace module configured to allow the user to (a) select or enter the adjustable dress form settings and (b) select a garment; and in which the application displays instructions on how to make modify or alter the garment such that the modified garment would fit the entered settings.

Application displays instructions on how to create a garment.

* Dress form system comprising an adjustable dress form and an application running on a mobile phone or other computing device, in which the application includes an interface module configured to allow the user to (a) select or enter the adjustable dress form settings and (b) select a garment; in which the application displays instructions on how to create or manufacture the garment customised to the entered settings.

Key Feature C. Sliding body panels

Adjustable dress form comprising multiple body panels and multiple size adjustment mechanisms, each connected or attached to multiple body panels, in which at least some of the body panels are configured so that adjusting the size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel.

Generally applicable optional features: * increasing only the lateral and not the vertical size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel

* increasing only the vertical and not the lateral size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel

* increasing both the lateral and the vertical size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel

* dress form comprises at least ten body panels.

* dress form comprises at least twelve body panels, dress form comprises four adjustors or size adjustment mechanisms.

* dress form further comprises a torso length or height adjustment mechanism.

* dress form is made up of a set of multiple body panels forming an upper torso and another set of multiple body panels forming a lower torso.

* upper torso is divided into at least five body panels.

* lower torso is divided into at least five body panels.

* upper torso is configured to self-align with the lower torso.

* front panel of the upper/lower torso is made of only one body panel.

* each body panel is removable (e.g. for customisation).

* adjacent body panels overlap.

* overlapping panels are arranged to maintain a substantially uniform external contour.

* size adjustment mechanism includes a centrally positioned internal mechanism.

* a size adjustment mechanism is connected or atached to at least four body panels.

* a size adjustment mechanism is connected or attached to at least five body panels.

* each body panel is connected or attached to multiple size adjustment mechanisms, such as two.

* size adjustment mechanism is mounted on a central vertical internal pole of the dress form.

* control device is positioned outside the dress form. * control device is any of: a knob, a slide, a dial, a lever or a buton.

* altering the control device changes the size or shape of the dress form in a nonsimilar way.

* size adjustment mechanisms are controlled via one or more control devices

* control devices are positioned on or in relation to the dress form.

* control devices are not positioned on the sides of the dress form.

* control devices are not positioned on the front of the dress form.

* size adjustment mechanisms are positioned at specific locations relative to the dress form such as neck/shoulder, bust, waist and hips in order to create individual body shapes.

Key Feature D, Size adjustor

A size adjustor for a dress form with multiple movable panels defining a surface of a torso, in which the size adjustor is arranged to alter the distance of multiple panels from an internal mounting structure to enable a user to adjust the size of the dress form; and the adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure, by a non-uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panels connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometricaily accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as they alter in size from a small size to a large size.

Key optional features: · the size adjustor comprises:

(i) multiple flexible sections in which each flexible section is attached to a body panel,

(ii) a rotatable section attached to the multiple flexible sections, in which the rotation of the rotatable section causes the non-uniform size adjustment of the multiple flexible sections and of the multiple body panels attached to the flexible sections. • a rotatable section is attached to the multiple flexible sections, and in which the rotation of the rotatable section causes a proportional size adjustment of the multiple flexible sections and of the multiple body panels attached to the flexible sections. · the rotation of the rotatable section is controlled via a control device positioned on or in relation to the dress form.

• rotatable section is made of two stacked rotatable plates.

* flexible section comprises two arms, each arm being attached to a different rotatable plate. * each arm may have a different length,

* rotatable section is mounted on a central vertical internal pole of the dress form.

• attachment positions on the rotatable plates determine the maximum displacement of the flexible sections.

* size adjustment mechanism comprises five flexible sections.

* size adjustment mechanism proportionally and simultaneously adjusts the position of at least four or five body panels.

* control device is any of: a knob, a slide, a dial, a lever or a button. * control device is associated with a scale that provides a user an easily understood metric in order to adjust the dress form.

Key Feature E: Dress form stand with two legs

A stand for a dress form including a torso section with a crotch detail, the stand comprising two legs, and the torso section is configured to be tilted relative to the central axis of the dress form, so that the torso section rests on only one of the legs, a 'first' leg, to leave a gap between the other leg and the torso to allow a trouser leg to be threaded on the other leg, and the torso section is further configured to be tilted to rest on the other leg to allow the other trouser leg to be threaded on the first leg, hence enabling the trousers to be pulled up on to the torso section when the torso section is returned to a position of resting on both legs.

Key optional features: * the two legs are configured to latch onto the crotch detail of the dress form.

* the two legs are mounted on a base via a fixed vertical tube.

* the two legs are configured to slide up and down the fixed vertical tube.

* each leg includes a telescopic portion. * the dress form is configured to rotate around the fixed vertical tube.

Note that all key features/novel concepts above can be combined with any other key features/novel concepts. All Optional’ features can be combined with any key feature/ novel concepts and any other Optional’ feature. Each Optional’ feature may also be an independently novel concept.

Note

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

1. An adjustable dress form with multiple movable body panels defining a surface of a torso, including multiple dress form size adjustors, each arranged to alter the distance of multiple panels from an internal mounting structure to enable a user to adjust the size of the dress form; and in which each adjustor is configured to alter the distance of at least some of the body panels connected to that adjustor from the internal mounting structure by a non-uniform or different amount compared to the distance of some of the other panels connected to that adjustor, in order to enable the dress form to adopt multiple, substantially anthropometrically accurate body shapes that match a typical change in shape for bodies as the dress form alters in size from a small size to a large size.

2. The adjustable dress form of Claim 1, in which each adjustor simultaneously adjusts the expansion or contraction position of at least four or five body panels.

3. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each adjustor is mounted to a pole or member that passes centrally through the interior of the dress form.

4. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each adjustor is controlled via an individual control device positioned on or in relation to the dress form.

5. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form from size S up to size L (e.g.

UK size 8 up to size 20).

6. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form from size S up to size XL.

7. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the adjustors enable a non-uniform size adjustment of the dress form from 5^th percentile to 95^th percentile body size.

8. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the non-uniform adjustment of the position of the multiple body panels matches a typical change in shape for bodies as they alter in size from a small size to a large size.

9. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the non-uniform adjustment of the position of the multiple body panels leads to a change in the circumference of the panels, and to their non-similarity in geometrical terms.

10. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the there is one adjustor at one vertical position of the internal mounting structure and additional adjustors higher up the internal mounting structure.

11. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which at least some of the body panels are configured, so that adjusting the size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel.

12. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the or each adjustor is manually adjustable.

13. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the or each adjustor is motorised.

14. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the or each adjustor is motorised and is controlled by a remote device.

15. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form also includes a torso length or height adjustment.

16. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form is adjustable via a scale that provides a user an easily understood metric in order to adjust the dress form.

17. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the scale represents a BMI scale that reflects BMI derived from the user’s measurement.

18. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the scale represents conventional clothing sizes such as S, M, L or XL sizes.

19. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the scale represents standard body measurements such as waist, hips and bust measurements in cm or inches.

20. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the scale represents 5^th percentile to 95^th percentile body size.

21. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the scale represents a unique metric corresponding to the adjustable dress form settings.

22. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the torso panels can be fitted with various different sizes and shapes of breast pad.

23. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the different sizes and shapes of breast pad can each be placed in multiple different locations.

24. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the breast pads include a separate tapered cup or cone.

25. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the cup or cone can be compressed or enlarged.

26. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the cup or cone flattens as it is pushed down.

27. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form includes a shoulder adjustment for each shoulder that independently alters the distance between each shoulder and the internal mounting structure of the dress form.

28. The adjustable dress form of any of Claim 11-27, in which increasing only the lateral and not the vertical size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel.

29. The adjustable dress form of any of Claim 11-28, in which increasing only the vertical and not the lateral size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel,

30. The adjustable dress form of any of Claim 11-29, in which increasing both the lateral and the vertical size or shape of the dress form causes these panels to slide across an underlying body panel without creating a gap to the underlying body panel.

31. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form comprises at least ten body panels.

32. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form comprises at least twelve body panels.

33. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form comprises four adjustors or size adjustment mechanisms.

34. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form further comprises a torso length or height adjustment mechanism.

35. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form further comprises a separate shoulder distance adjustment mechanism for each shoulder.

36. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form is made up of a set of multiple body panels forming an upper torso and another set of multiple body panels forming a lower torso.

37. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the upper torso is divided into at least five body panels.

38. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the lower torso is divided into at least five body panels.

39. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the upper torso is configured to self-align with the lower torso.

40. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the front panel of the upper/lower torso is made of only one body panel.

41. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each body panel is removable.

42. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which adjacent body panels overlap.

43. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which overlapping panels are arranged to maintain a substantially uniform external contour.

44. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanism includes a centrally positioned internal mechanism.

45. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanism is connected or attached to at least four or five body panels.

46. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each body panel is connected or attached to multiple size adjustment mechanisms, such as two.

47. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanism is mounted relative to a central vertical internal pole of the dress form.

48. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which control devices are positioned outside the dress form.

49. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the control device is any of: a knob, a slide, a dial, a lever or a button.

50. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which altering the control device changes the size or shape of the dress form in a non-similar way.

51. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanisms are controlled via one or more control devices.

52. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the control devices are positioned on or in relation to the dress form

53. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which control devices are not positioned on the sides of the dress form.

54. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the control devices are not positioned on the front of the dress form.

55. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanisms are positioned at specific locations relative to the dress form such as neck/ shoulder, bust, waist and hips in order to create individual body shapes.

56. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each size adjustor comprises:

(ii) a rotatable section attached to the multiple flexible sections, in which the rotation of the rotatable section causes the non-uniform size adjustment of the multiple flexible sections and of the multiple body panels attached to the flexible sections.

57. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which a rotatable section is attached to the multiple flexible sections, and in which the rotation of the rotatable section causes a proportional size adjustment of the multiple flexible sections and of the multiple body panels attached to the flexible sections.

58. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the rotation of the rotatable section is controlled via a control device positioned on or in relation to the dress form.

59. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which rotatable section is made of two stacked rotatable plates.

60. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each flexible section comprises two arms, each arm being attached to a different rotatable plate.

61. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each arm may have a different length.

62. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each rotatable section is mounted relative to a central verti cal internal pole of the dress form.

63. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which attachment positions on the rotatable plates determine the maximum displacement of the flexible sections.

64. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanism comprises four or five flexible sections.

65. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the size adjustment mechanism proportionally and simultaneously adjusts the position of at least four or five body panels.

66. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the control device is associated with a scale that provides a user an easily understood metric in order to adjust the dress form.

67. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form further includes a stand, the stand comprising two legs, and the torso section of the dress form is configured to be tilted relative to the central axis of the dress form, so that the torso section rests on only one of the legs, a 'first' leg, to leave a gap between the other leg and the torso to allow a trouser leg to be threaded on the other leg, and the torso section is further configured to be tilted to rest on the other leg to allow_" the other trouser leg to be threaded on the first leg, hence enabling the trousers to be pulled up on to the torso section when the torso section is returned to a position of resting on both legs.

68. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the two legs are configured to latch onto the crotch detail of the dress form.

69. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the two legs are mounted on a base via a fixed vertical tube.

70. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the two legs are configured to slide up and down the fixed vertical tube.

71. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which each leg includes a telescopic portion.

72. The adjustable dress form of any preceding Claim, in which the dress form is configured to rotate around the fixed vertical tube.