WO2024231845A1

WO2024231845A1 - Convertible garment

Info

Publication number: WO2024231845A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/054457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Judith OLSON; Erin COLLINS; Maitha ALGHFELI; Sara Alanis SAENZ; Vid MILAKOVIC; Nontaporn SILRUK
Original assignee: New York University in Abu Dhabi Corp
Current assignee: New York University in Abu Dhabi Corp
Priority date: 2023-05-08
Filing date: 2024-05-08
Publication date: 2024-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-08

Abstract

A garment includes a lower body portion configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of a wearer. The lower body portion is reconfigurable between (a) a first configuration in which the lower body portion is configured to receive the first leg and the second leg of the wearer without separating the first leg from the second leg and (b) a second configuration in which the lower body portion is configured to separate the first leg from the second leg.

Description

CONVERTIBLE GARMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/464,833 filed on May 8, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a convertible garment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a convertible abaya.

[0003] The abaya is a loose-fitting, robe like garment that is part of a traditional cultural dress for women. It has significant cultural meaning as an everyday garment in many areas of the world. However, the abaya’ s traditional design prevents the leg mobility needed for cycling, preventing many abaya wearers from adopting cycling as a method of transportation.

SUMMARY

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a garment. The garment includes a lower body portion configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of a wearer. The lower body portion is reconfigurable between (a) a first configuration in which the lower body portion is configured to receive the first leg and the second leg of the wearer without separating the first leg from the second leg and (b) a second configuration in which the lower body portion is configured to separate the first leg from the second leg.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to an abaya. The abaya includes a first panel positioned to extend along a first side of a wearer, a second panel fixedly coupled to the first panel and configured to extend along a second side of the wearer opposite the first side, a third panel fixedly coupled to the first panel and configured to extend along the second side of the wearer, and a series of fasteners configured to selectively retain the first panel and the second panel in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel define a first aperture configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of the wearer therethrough. In the second configuration both (a) the first panel and the second panel define a second aperture configured to receive the first leg of the wearer therethrough and (b) the first panel and the third panel define a third aperture configured to receive the second leg of the wearer therethrough.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a garment reconfigurable between a robe configuration and a jumpsuit configuration. In the robe configuration the garment defines a single leg portion configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of a wearer. In the jumpsuit configuration the garment defines a first leg portion configured to receive the first leg of the wearer and a second leg portion configured to receive the second leg of the wearer. The first leg portion is movable independent of the second leg portion. The garment is reconfigurable between the robe configuration and the jumpsuit configuration without removing any component of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a convertible abaya in a conjoined configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIGS. 2 and 3 are front perspective views of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1 in a separated configuration.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1 in the separated configuration worn by a user operating a bicycle.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a front view of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1 in the conjoined configuration.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1 in the conjoined configuration.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a front view of the convertible abaya of FIG. 2 in the separated configuration.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the convertible abaya of FIG. 2 in the separated configuration. [0015] FIG. 9 is an exploded flat pattern of a pair of front panels of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a flat pattern of a rear panel of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a flat pattern of an interior panel of the convertible abaya of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a convertible garment, fabric assembly, wearable assembly, or piece of clothing is shown as abaya 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the abaya 10 is a garment that is worn by a wearer to cover at least a portion of the wearer’s body. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the abaya 10 covers at least a portion of the wearer’s torso, arms, and legs. In other embodiments, the abaya 10 is a different type of garment (e.g., a jumpsuit, a romper, a robe, a skirt, a pair of pants, a dress, a leg covering, a torso covering, a body covering, etc.). In such embodiments, the garment may cover more, fewer, and/or different parts of the wearer’s body. By way of example, the garment may cover only a wearer’s legs. In one embodiment, the upper half of the garment may be a traditional arrangement of clothing panels and attachment points, such as buttons or snaps, while the lower half of the abaya provides the unique convertibility as described herein.

[0020] The abaya 10 defines a continuous volume, shown as inner volume 12, that receives the wearer and that is partially enclosed by the abaya 10. In some embodiments, the coverage provided by the abaya 10 is selected based on the desired application. By way of example, the abaya 10 may be a religious or cultural garment that covers the wearer, as dictated by the religious or cultural beliefs of the wearer (e.g., to provide modesty for the wearer). In other embodiments, the abaya 10 covers the wearer for protection against from sunlight, to regulate body heat, or for another reason. [0021] The abaya 10 may be formed using one or more flexible materials to facilitate movement of the wearer. The abaya 10 may contain light and medium weight fabrics or a mixture of fabrics (e.g., nylon, cotton, polyester, linen, rayon, viscose, etc.). The fabrics may include one or more colors or patterns. In other embodiments, the abaya 10 is made from another type of flexible material (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) or from a flexible assembly of rigid components (e.g., chain mail). The abaya 10 may be constructed using fabrics of various weaves as used in the garment industries, including to form individual garment panels that are then affixed together, such as by sewing.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the abaya 10 is reconfigurable by the wearer to suit the wearer’s desired application. In a first configuration (e.g., a robe configuration, a dress configuration, a skirt configuration, an inactive configuration, a conjoined configuration, etc.), the abaya 10 defines a single common volume that contains all (e.g., both) of the wearer’s legs. The conjoined configuration may be selected when standing, walking, sitting, or performing another activity that does not require separation between the wearer’s legs. In a second configuration (e.g., an active configuration, a biking configuration, a jumpsuit configuration, a pants configuration, a separated configuration, etc.), the abaya 10 wraps around each leg of the wearer, separating the legs from one another. Accordingly, the material of the abaya 10 extends towards the inguinal area between the legs of the user. In the separated configuration, the abaya 10 facilitates relative movement of the wearer’s legs and opens a space between the wearer’s legs. The separated configuration may facilitate physical activity of the user. By way of example, the separated configuration may facilitate a user mounting a seat of a pedal cycle (e.g., a bicycle, a tricycle, a unicycle, etc.) or motor vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle, etc.) without obstruction from the material of the abaya 10. By way of another example, the separated configuration may facilitate elongated stride of the user relative to the conjoined configuration (e.g., that may be utilized when running).

[0023] The abaya 10 includes a series of interconnected portions or sections, shown as neck portion 20, first arm portion 22, second arm portion 24, torso portion 26, and leg or lower body portion 28, each defining a portion of the inner volume 12. The neck portion 20 receives a neck and/or collar of the wearer. The first arm portion 22 receives a first arm (e.g., a left arm) of the wearer. The second arm portion 24 receives a second arm (e.g., a right arm) of the wearer. The torso portion 26 receives an upper body (e.g., a torso, a waist, a chest, etc.) of the wearer. The lower body portion 28 receives a lower body (e.g., legs, feet, etc.) of the wearer.

[0024] In the conjoined configuration, the lower body portion 28 is formed as a single, continuous section that receives both legs of the wearer in a single continuous volume (e.g., a single leg portion). In the separated configuration, the leg portion is 28 is separated into two distinct sections, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as first leg portion 30 and a second leg portion 32. The first leg portion 30 receives a first leg (e.g., a left leg) of the wearer. The second leg portion 30 receives a second leg (e.g., a right leg) of the wearer. The material of the first leg portion 30 and the second leg portion 30 may collectively form the lower body portion 28 in the conjoined configuration.

[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the neck portion 20 defines a neck aperture 40 that receives the neck of the wearer. The neck aperture 40 may be positioned at a top end of the abaya 10. The neck aperture 40 may facilitate free movement of the wearer’s head and/or neck through the neck aperture 40 when putting on or taking off the abaya 10.

[0026] The first arm portion 22 defines an arm aperture 42 positioned at a distal end of the first arm portion 22. Similarly, the second arm portion 24 defines an arm aperture 42 positioned at a distal end of the second arm portion 24. The arm apertures 42 may each receive a hand, wrist, and/or arm of the wearer there through.

[0027] In some embodiments, each arm portion of the abaya 10 extends up to the user’s wrist to protect the wearer’s arms from sunlight.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, in the conjoined configuration, the lower body portion 28 defines a single, continuous leg aperture, shown as leg aperture 44. The leg aperture 44 is positioned at the bottom end of the abaya 10. The leg aperture 44 receives both legs and/or feet of the wearer there through.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the separated configuration, the lower body portion 28 defines a pair of separate leg apertures, shown as leg apertures 46. The leg apertures 46 are positioned at the bottom end of the abaya 10. The leg apertures 46 each receives a leg and/or a foot of the wearer therethrough. As the first leg portion 30 and the second leg portion 32 are separated from one another in the separated configuration, the leg apertures 46 can move freely relative to one another to facilitate free movement of the wearer’s legs. The point of connection between the various portions or panels may be selected to provide sufficient overlap and bagginess to minimize any visibility of the wearer or the wearer’s clothing, under the abaya even when the wearer is in movement, such as when riding a bike.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary use of the abaya 10 in the separated configuration. In FIG. 4, the wearer is operating (e.g., riding) a pedal cycle, shown as bicycle 50. The bicycle 50 includes a chassis, shown as frame 52, coupled to a support, shown as seat 54. When riding the bicycle 50, the first leg portion 30 is positioned on the left side of the frame 52, and the second leg portion 32 is positioned on the right side of the frame 52. The seat 54 contacts the torso portion 26 between the first leg portion 30 and the second leg portion 32. Accordingly, the frame 52 and the seat 54 separate the first leg portion 30 and the second leg portion 32 from one another. The separated configuration facilitates this activity. In the conjoined configuration, the lower body portion 28 may interfere with the separation of the wearer’s legs and hinder operation of the bicycle 50. It should be appreciated that other activities may also benefit from this abaya 10, providing the ability to position one’s legs on opposite sides of an object, such as a bike, horse, seat, or the like.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 5-11, the abaya 10 is assembled from a series of fabric sheets or panels. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the abaya 10 is shown fully assembled and in the conjoined configuration. In FIGS 7 and 8, the abaya 10 is shown fully assembled in the separated configuration. In FIGS. 9-11, the panels of the abaya 10 are shown disassembled from one another. Although a specific arrangement of panels are shown in FIGS. 5-11, in other embodiments, the abaya 10 includes more or fewer panels. By way of example, the rear panel 170 may be formed from two pieces of fabric sewn together to form the back panel 170.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the abaya 10 includes a first front panel 100 and a second front panel 102 that each extend along the front side of the wearer (e.g., to define a front surface of the abaya 10). The first front panel 100 and the second front panel 102 may each at least partially define the neck portion 20, an arm portion, the torso portion 26, and the lower body portion 28. Specifically, the first front panel 100 at least partially defines the first arm portion 22 and the first leg portion 30. The second front panel 42 at least partially defines the second arm portion 24 and the second leg portion 32.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 6, 10 and 11, the abaya 10 includes a rear panel 170 that extends along the back side of the wearer (e.g., to define a back surface of the abaya 10). The abaya 10 also includes an interior panel 278 that at least extends into the lower body portion 28 and partially define the first leg portion 30 and the second leg portion 32. The rear panel 170 may at least partially define the neck portion 20, the arm portions, the torso portion 26, and the lower body portion 28. Specifically, the rear panel 170 at least partially defines the first arm portion 22, the second arm portion 24, the first leg portion 30, and the second leg portion 32.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 9, a series of edges forming the perimeter of the first front panel 100 and a second front panel 102 are shown. Specifically, the first front panel 100 includes a front neck edge 104, a front shoulder edge 106 that extends laterally on the upper arm of the wearer (e.g. left side of the wearer), and a front arm aperture edge 108 extending vertically downward and a front under arm edge 110 extending beneath the wearer’s arm. The first front panel 100 also includes a front side edge 111 that extends longitudinally downward, a bottom front edge 112 that extends at the bottom of the garment and a flange edge 114 that extend outward from the first front panel 100. The second front panel 102 includes a front neck edge 116, a front shoulder edge 120 that extends laterally on the upper arm of the wearer (e.g. right side of the wearer), a front arm aperture edge 122 extending vertically downward and a front under arm edge 124 extending beneath the wearers arm. The second front panel 102 also includes a front side edge 126 that extends longitudinally downward, a bottom front edge 128 that extends at the bottom of the garment, and a flange edge 130 that extend outward from the second front panel 102.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 10, a series of edges around the perimeter of the rear panel 170 are shown. Specifically, the rear panel 170 includes a neck edge 174, a rear shoulder edge 176 that extends laterally on the upper arm of the wearer (e.g., a left side of the wearer), a rear arm aperture edge 178 extending vertically downward, and a rear under arm edge 180 extending beneath the wearers arm. The rear panel 170 also includes a rear side edge 182 that extends longitudinally downward and a bottom rear edge 184 that extends at the bottom of the garment. A slit 308 extends upward from the bottom rear edge 184, partially along the height of the rear panel 170 toward the neck edge 174, forming an inner edge 188 and an inner edge 204 that terminate at a point 186. The rear panel 170 includes a rear shoulder edge 192 that extends laterally from the neck edge 174 on the upper arm of the wearer (e.g., a right side of the wearer), a rear arm aperture edge 194 extending vertically downward and a rear under arm edge 196 extending beneath the wearers arm. The rear panel 170 also includes a rear side edge 198 that extends longitudinally between the rear under arm edge 196 and the rear bottom edge 184.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 11, a series of edges around the perimeter of the interior panel 278 is shown. Specifically, it includes a top edge 282 that extends laterally, a point 284 that is located on the top edge 282 towards the right side of the wearer and a point 280 laterally opposite to point 284 towards the left side of the wearer. The interior panel 278 also includes a side edge 286 and a side edge 300 that extend longitudinally downward toward a bottom edge 288 extends laterally at the bottom of the interior panel 278.

[0037] The front panels 100 and 102, rear panel 170, and the interior panel 278 may be fixedly coupled to one another by a series of seams. Specifically the seams take two adjacent edges and fixedly couple them to one another to form the abaya 10. By way of example, a seam may be formed by taking a first edge of a first panel and a second edge of a second panel. The seam may be sewn together such that a series of stitches hold the two panels together. A seam may include variations of fabrics and include different types (e.g., plain seams, French seams, flat seams, etc.).

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 6, 10 and 11, the interior panel 278 is fixedly coupled to the rear panel 170 and the second rear panel 172 by a seam 310. The seam 310 at least partially defines the back side of the wearer. Specifically, the seam 310 couples the top edge 282 of the interior panel 278 to the rear panel 170 above the point 186 such that bottom rear edges 184 is directly adjacent to (e.g., in line with) the bottom edge 288.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10, a series of seams around the perimeters of the panels are used to couple the first front panel 100 and the second front panel 102 to the rear panel 170. Specifically, a seam 312 couples front shoulder edge 106 to rear shoulder edge 176 forming a cover for the wearer’s shoulder and arm (e.g., left shoulder and arm). A seam 314 couples front under arm edge 110 to rear under arm edge 180 forming coverage for the wearer’s underarm (e.g. left underarm of the wearer). Both seam 312 and seam 314 form the first arm portion 22. The abaya 10 also includes a seam 316 that couples the front side edge 111 to the rear side edge 182 forming coverage for the first leg portion 30 of the wearer (e.g., a left leg). The second front panel 102 may be coupled to the rear panel 170 in a similar manner. Specifically, a seam 324 couples front shoulder edge 120 to rear shoulder edge 192 forming a cover for the wearer’s shoulder and arm (e.g., right shoulder and arm). A seam 322 couples front under arm edge 124 to rear under arm edge 196 forming coverage for the wearer’s underarm (e.g., right underarm of the wearer). Both seam 324 and seam 322 form the second arm portion 24. The abaya 10 also includes a seam 320 that couples front side edge 126 to rear side edge 198 forming coverage for the second leg portion 32 of the wearer (e.g., a right leg).

[0040] Front arm aperture edge 108 and rear arm aperture edge 178 are separated from one another to form arm aperture 42 of first arm portion 22, which may receive a hand, wrist, and/or arm of the wearer therethrough. Similarly, front arm aperture edge 194 and rear arm aperture edge 122 are separated from one another to define an arm aperture 42 within the second arm potion 24.

[0041] In a similar manner, the bottom front edge 112 and the bottom front edge 128 are separated from the bottom rear edge 184 to form one or more apertures that receive the legs and/or feet of the wearer to be used in the conjoined or separated configuration.

[0042] The reconfigurability between the conjoined and separated configurations may be facilitated by any number of snap fasteners, providing leg mobility for the abaya 10. The snap fasteners may be directly coupled to the abaya 10 in a location along the garment to facilitate the reconfigurability.

[0043] Snap fasteners may be or include interlocking discs, made out of a metal or plastic, used to fasten garments together. In other embodiments, snap fasteners can be any feature that allows for fastenings garments (e.g., zippers, snap buttons, press fasteners, dome fasteners, popper and tich buttons, etc.). [0044] In another embodiment, the panels are secured to each other as described using hook and loop fasteners or other removable fixation components to secure the panels.

[0045] A user may reconfigure the abaya 10 between the conjoined configuration and the separated configuration by repositioning various panels of the abaya 10. In some embodiments, the abaya 10 is reconfigurable between the conjoined configuration and the separated configuration without removing any of the panels (e.g., no component of the abaya 10 is separated from the remainder of the abaya 10 during the reconfiguring process).

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the conjoined configuration the first front panel 100, the second front panel 102, the rear panel 170, and the interior panel 278 together define a single continuous volume that contains both legs of the wearer. The volume is accessible through a single leg aperture 44 that permits both feet of the wearer to exit the abaya 10 and contact the ground. Along the front side of the abaya 10, the first front panel 100 is overlapped by the second front panel 102, such that the second front panel 102 extends outside of the first front panel 100. The overlap of the front panels 100 and 102 obscures the wearer’s legs from view by an observer positioned forward of the wearer. Along the rear or back side of the abaya 10, the rear panel 170 overlaps the interior panel 278. In the conjoined configuration, the slit 308 may permit the abaya 10 to expand to facilitate free movement of the wearer’s legs. The interior panel 278 extends across the slit 308, obscuring the wearer’s legs from view. Accordingly, in the conjoined configuration, the first front panel 100, the second front panel 102, the rear panel 170, and the interior panel 278 together extend around the wearer’s legs and obscure the wearer’s legs from view.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the abaya 10 is shown the separated configuration. In the separated configuration, the first front panel 100 and the rear panel 170 define a first volume that contains a first leg of the wearer. Specifically, a portion of the first front panel 100 is inserted between the legs of the wearer, wrapped around a left leg of the wearer, and secured in place (e.g., by one or more snaps). The first front panel 100 may be wrapped around the rear panel 170 such that the first front panel 100 covers the rear panel 170, or the first front panel 100 may be placed beneath the rear panel 170 such that the rear panel 170 covers a portion of the first front panel 100. The second front panel 102 and the rear panel 170 define a second volume that contains a first leg of the wearer. Specifically, a portion of the second front panel 102 is inserted between the legs of the wearer, wrapped around a right leg of the wearer, and secured in place (e.g., by one or more snaps). The second front panel 102 may be wrapped around the rear panel 170 such that the second front panel 102 covers the rear panel 170, or the second front panel 102 may be placed beneath the rear panel 170 such that the rear panel 170 covers a portion of the second front panel 102. The interior panel 278 may be tucked inside of either the first volume or the second volume.

[0048] In the separated configuration, the front panels 100 and 102 each extend between the wearer’s legs, separating the two volumes that contain the wearer’s legs. Each volume is accessible through a separate leg aperture 46 that permits a foot of the wearer to exit the abaya 10 and contact the ground. The front panels 100 and 102 and the rear panel 170 surround the wearer’s legs, obscuring the wearer’s legs from view. The separation between the first volume and the second volume may facilitate independent movement of the wearer’s legs.

[0049] To convert the abaya 10 from the first, conjoined configuration (e.g., a robe configuration, an inactive configuration, a conjoined configuration, etc.) to the second, separated configuration (e.g., an active configuration, a biking configuration, a separated configuration, etc.), a user may first ensure all of the snap fasteners on the garment are in an un-fastened configuration (e.g., unsnapped, unbuttoned, etc.) to permit relative movement of the panels.

[0050] The user may then pull the flange edge 114 between their legs and wraps the first leg portion 30 around their left thigh. The user then fastens (e.g., snaps, buttons, etc.) the following snap fasteners: stud 401a to socket 401b, creating a connection 401, stud 402a to socket 402b, creating connection 402, and stud 403 a to socket 403 b, creating connection 403. It should be appreciated that although the terms “stud” and “socket” are used to describe the male and female parts, respectively, of the snap fasteners, this is for discussion purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting the type(s) of fastener that may be used.

[0051] To convert the right side of the abaya 10 to the separated configuration, the user follows similar steps as with the left side. The user pulls the flange edge 130 between their legs and wraps the second leg portion 32 around their right thigh. The user then fastens the following snap fasteners: stud 41 la to socket 411b, creating connection 411, stud 412a to socket 412b, creating connection 412, and stud 413a to socket 413b, creating connection 413. This completes the conversion from the conjoined configuration to the separated configuration.

[0052] In some instances, the user may wish to wear the abaya 10 in the separated configuration in a closed position (i.e., in a position with all of the snap fasteners on the torso portion 26 fastened). To do so, the user fastens the following snap fasteners: stud 421a to socket 421b, creating connection 421, stud 422a to socket 422b, creating connection 422, stud 423a to socket 423b, creating connection 423, and stud 424a to socket 424b, creating connection 424.

[0053] To convert the abaya 10 from the separated configuration to the conjoined configuration in an open position (i.e., a position with all of the snap fasteners on the torso portion 26 unfastened), a user unfastens all of the connections 401, 402, 403, 411, 412, 413, .421, 422, 423, and 424. This may be done in any order.

[0054] To convert the abaya 10 from the separated configuration to the conjoined configuration in a closed position, the user unfastens connections 401, 402, 411, 412, and 413. In this embodiment, connections 403, 421, 422, 423, and 424 remain fastened. The user then fastens stud 401a to socket 40 Id, creating connection 401c, and stud 41 la to socket 41 Id, creating connection 411c.

[0055] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. [0056] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0057] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0058] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0059] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

[0060] It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A garment comprising: a lower body portion configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of a wearer, wherein the lower body portion is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the lower body portion is configured to receive the first leg and the second leg of the wearer without separating the first leg from the second leg; and a second configuration in which the lower body portion is configured to separate the first leg from the second leg.

2. The garment of Claim 1 , wherein in the first configuration the lower body portion defines a common volume that is configured to receive both the first leg and the second leg; wherein in the second configuration the lower body portion defines both (a) a first volume that is configured to receive the first leg and (b) a second volume that is configured to receive the second leg; and wherein a portion of the lower body portion extends between the first volume and the second volume to separate the first leg from the second leg.

3. The garment of Claim 1, further comprising: a first arm portion configured to receive a first arm of the wearer; a second arm portion configured to receive a second arm of the wearer; and a torso portion configured to receive a torso of the wearer, the torso portion coupling the first arm portion and the second arm portion to the lower body portion.

4. The garment of Claim 3, wherein the garment is an abaya.

5. The garment of Claim 1, wherein the lower body portion includes a fabric component that extends between the first leg and the second leg of the wearer when the lower body portion is in the second configuration.

6. The garment of Claim 1, wherein the lower body portion includes a rear panel, a first front panel coupled to the rear panel, and a second front panel coupled to the rear panel.

7. The garment of Claim 6, wherein the first front panel, the second front panel, and the rear panel at least partially define a common volume that is configured to receive the first leg and the second leg of the wearer when the lower body portion is in the first configuration.

8. The garment of Claim 7, wherein when the lower body portion is in the first configuration (a) the rear panel is configured to extend along a rear side of the wearer, (b) the first front panel and the second front panel are configured to extend along a front side of the wearer, and (c) the first front panel overlaps the second front panel.

9. The garment of Claim 8, further comprising a fastener configured to selectively couple the first front panel to the second front panel to retain the lower body portion in the first configuration.

10. The garment of Claim 6, wherein the first front panel and the second front panel are configured to extend between the first leg and the second leg of the wearer when the lower body portion is in the second configuration.

11. The garment of Claim 10, wherein the first front panel is configured to wrap at least partially around the first leg of the wearer when the lower body portion is in the second configuration.

12. The garment of Claim 11, further comprising a fastener configured to selectively couple the first front panel to the rear panel to retain the lower body portion in the second configuration.

13. The garment of Claim 10, wherein the second front panel is configured to wrap at least partially around the second leg of the wearer when the lower body portion is in the second configuration.

14. The garment of Claim 13, further comprising: a first fastener coupled to the rear panel and configured to selectively couple to the first front panel; and a second fastener coupled to the rear panel and configured to selectively couple to the second front panel, wherein the rear panel defines a slit extending upward from a bottom edge of the rear panel and between the first fastener and the second fastener.

15. The garment of Claim 14, further comprising an interior panel coupled to the rear panel and extending across the slit.

16. The garment of Claim 6, wherein the first front panel at least partially defines an arm portion configured to receive an arm of the wearer.

17. The garment of Claim 1, wherein the lower body portion is reconfigurable between the first configuration and the second configuration without removing any component of the garment.

18. An abaya comprising: a first panel positioned to extend along a first side of a wearer; a second panel fixedly coupled to the first panel and configured to extend along a second side of the wearer opposite the first side; a third panel fixedly coupled to the first panel and configured to extend along the second side of the wearer; and a plurality of fasteners configured to selectively retain the first panel and the second panel in a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel define a first aperture configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of the wearer therethrough; and wherein in the second configuration both (a) the first panel and the second panel define a second aperture configured to receive the first leg of the wearer therethrough and (b) the first panel and the third panel define a third aperture configured to receive the second leg of the wearer therethrough.

19. The abaya of Claim 18, wherein in the first configuration at least one of the plurality of fasteners directly and selectively couples the second panel to the third panel.

20. A garment reconfigurable between a robe configuration and a jumpsuit configuration, wherein in the robe configuration the garment defines a single leg portion configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of a wearer; wherein in the jumpsuit configuration the garment defines a first leg portion configured to receive the first leg of the wearer and a second leg portion configured to receive the second leg of the wearer, and wherein the first leg portion is movable independent of the second leg portion; and wherein the garment is reconfigurable between the robe configuration and the jumpsuit configuration without removing any component of the garment.