ABSORBENT GARMENT WITH GAPPED SIDES FOR INCREASED AIRFLOW

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to outdoor hot weather garments and, more particularly, to an absorbent garment with gapped sides for increased airflow.

Working outside in high heat and humidity causes a worker to perspire. Perspiration soaks through the worker's shirt, creating an uncomfortable, unattractive, wet, sticky fabric that is difficult to remove. The worker must spend time and money to wash the shirt, then clean and cool their body. No currently available shirt fabrics effectively absorb abundant perspiration.

As can be seen, there is a need for a garment that remains dry even in high heat and humidity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a loose-fitting garment with open sides comprises a rounded rectangular absorbent fabric having a central aperture and two longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge having a spaced apart pair of mated fasteners, each pair of mated fasteners coupled to form arm gaps.

The shirt may be worn for any indoor or outdoor activity that may create perspiration, such as yard work, gardening, the pool, the beach, or exercise. The inventive garment may be used as a staffing uniform for companies that work outdoors in fields such as landscaping, roadwork, and construction.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof; and

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof, shown in a flat condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a loose-fitting shirt or poncho with open sides to maximize air flow. The inventive shirt easily absorbs large amounts of excess perspiration, keeping the body dry, cool, clean, and comfortable while working outdoors in high heat and humidity.

To manufacture the garment, the manufacturer may cut highly absorbent fabric, such as cotton terry cloth fabric, to a predetermined size in a substantially rectangular shape. The manufacturer may punch out or cut a central hole in the fabric for a wearer's head and neck and sew the neckline with ribbing to create a collar for a comfortable fit. A hemline may be sewn on the bottom of the shirt and 4 fabric ties may be sewn on in selected locations. The dimensions of the garment are not particularly limited.

A user may wear the shirt to stay dry and cool and to absorb perspiration during any activity. The wearer may slip their head through the opening. The fabric exposes the left and right sides of the individual's torso for maximum air flow to ensure cooling. The side ties may be fastened together for a tighter fit around the torso, reducing flapping or excess movement of the shirt. When an individual wearing the shirt perspires, the shirt easily absorbs the sweat. The fabric of the shirt stays dry and does not stick to the individual's torso.

In some embodiments, fasteners including Velcro® hook-and-loop straps, snaps, or buttons may replace the fabric ties to fasten and tighten the shirt sides.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, FIG. 1 illustrates a garment 10, comprising an absorbent fabric, according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use on a user 20, with the user's arms 22 extending from arm gaps 18 on each side and the user's head 20 extending through a hole 16 at the top. Sides of the garment are fastened together with mated fasteners 12, 14 (see FIG. 3), the male fasteners 12 being shown in this view. Ties (not shown) may alternatively be used. FIG. 2 shows the garment 10 without the wearer 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the garment 10 has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. A hole 16 is centered within the garment 10 fabric, with male fasteners 12 and female fasteners 14 midway down each side of the garment 10. When coupled together, fasteners 12, 14 form the arm gap 18.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.