CONVERTIBLE OUTFIT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 63/551,436, filed Feb. 8, 2024, which is incorporated into the present disclosure by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure is directed to a convertible outfit, and, more particularly, to a convertible outfit comprising a convertible top portion and a convertible bottom portion.

BACKGROUND

Outfits comprising a top and a bottom are generally known. Such outfits may generally comprise a known style of top, such as a shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket, or similar such known top. They may generally also comprise a known style of bottom, such as jeans, slacks, a skirt, or similar such known bottom. Such traditional outfits are generally static, in that a shirt is a shirt and a pair of pants are a pair of pants. To change up such outfits, the wearer must remove and replace one or both of the top and the bottom, a time-consuming process that is not possible once the wearer has left her home and thus no longer has access to clothing pieces other than the ones she is wearing.

Traditional outfits and garments may also be burdensome to transport while not in use. For example, to bring a traditional top like a jacket with oneself, the wearer either must fold the top and carry it, carry it wadded up, or have a separate container, such as a bag or a purse, to carry the top in. Traditional garments are also bulky and difficult to pack in luggage, where space is at a premium, particularly as travelers turn to using only carry-on luggage to avoid checked bag fees imposed by most airlines.

Convertible garments exist to permit the wearer to change up the garment while on the go. For instance, convertible pants consisting of an upper shorts-style portion to which lower leg portions are removably connected are known. The wearer may disconnect the lower leg portions from the upper shorts-style portion, thereby converting the pants to shorts, providing the wearer with greater flexibility and more options while on the go. However, such convertible garments are often quite utilitarian in nature and not very fashionable as a result. Further, the removable lower leg portions typically must be fully removed to convert the garment, requiring the wearer to keep track of the disconnected lower leg portions while on the go, a burdensome process that can result in the wearer inadvertently losing the lower leg portions, rendering the garment no longer convertible.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other limitations of present convertible garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are different views of a convertible outfit according to embodiments of the invention, as shown on a wearer.

FIGS. 2A-2B are different views of a convertible top garment according to embodiments of the invention, as shown off of a wearer in a first state.

FIGS. 3A-3C are different views of a convertible top garment according to embodiments of the invention, as shown off of a wearer in a second state.

FIGS. 4A-4C are different views of particular features of a convertible top garment according to embodiments of the invention, as shown off of a wearer.

FIG. 5 is a view of a convertible top garment according to embodiments of the invention when the convertible top garment is received within an inner pocket of the convertible top garment.

FIGS. 6A-6B are different views of a convertible bottom garment according to embodiments of the invention, as shown on a wearer.

FIGS. 7A-7B are different views of a convertible bottom garment according to embodiments of the invention, as shown off of a wearer.

FIGS. 8A-8C are different views of a portion of a convertible bottom garment according to embodiments of the invention, depicting inner features of the convertible bottom garment hidden from view when the garment is worn by a wearer.

FIG. 9 is a backside view of a portion of a convertible bottom garment according embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 10A-10B are different views of an embodiment adjustable cuff of an embodiment convertible garment, in an open status (FIG. 11A) and a closed status (FIG. 11B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments described herein provide a convertible outfit comprising a convertible top garment and a convertible bottom garment, the convertible top garment and the convertible bottom garment each having their own convertible features, as discussed further below.

FIGS. 1A-1D are different views of a convertible outfit 100 according to embodiments of the invention, as shown on a wearer. As shown in these figures, convertible outfit 100 comprises a convertible top garment 101 and a convertible bottom garment 102. The features and functionality of convertible top garment 101 and convertible bottom garment 102 will be better understood with respect to the further disclosures below.

Turning to FIGS. 2A-2B, different views of a convertible top garment 101 according to embodiments of the invention are shown, as shown off of a wearer, the convertible top garment 101 in a first state. Similarly, FIGS. 3A-3C show different views of a convertible top garment 101 according to embodiments of the invention, as shown off of a wearer, the convertible top garment 101 in a second state.

FIG. 3A is a planar view of the inside surface of an embodiment convertible top garment 101 in a first, substantially flat state. FIG. 3B is a planar view of the outside surface of an embodiment top garment 101 in a first, substantially flat state. In both instances, the garment is off of the wearer in the first, substantially flat state, and is ready to be converted as desired by the wearer, as described further below.

Convertible top garment 101 includes a body 103 that is substantially rectangular in shape. In an embodiment, the body 103 of the convertible top garment 101 is approximately 24.75 inches tall by 51.5 inches wide. Other sizes and shapes of body 103 may be used. The body 103 includes one or more connecting features 106 located along the top and bottom edges of the body 103 and along the right and left sides of both edges of the body 103. The one or more connecting features 106 may be, for example, one or more snaps, one or more buttons-and-button-holes, one or more hook-and-eye closures, or one or more other connecting features suitable for a garment. In an embodiment, the connecting features 106 of the top edge of the body 103 are configured to connect with or couple with the connecting features 106 of the bottom edge of the body 103, such that a substantially tubular portion 107 is formed when the connecting features 106 are connected or coupled, such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Tubular portions 107, one on either side of the convertible top garment 101, may be worn as sleeves when the garment 101 is worn by a wearer, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. When the top garment 101 is converted into this second, wearable state, the inside surface of the top garment 101 is facing inward such that it is toward the wearer when the wearer is wearing the top garment 101, while the outside surface of the top garment 101 is facing outward such that it is away from the wearer when the wearer is wearing the top garment 101.

In an embodiment, the body 103 of the convertible top garment 101 includes one or more additional connecting features 106 located along the side edges of the body 103, allowing for further adjustability and customization of convertible top garment 101 to suit the wearer's needs or desires. The wearer can adjust the circumference of the tubular portions 107 at their distal end using these additional connecting features 106. The wearer can also adjust the length of the tubular portions 107 (and, hence, the converted top garment's sleeve length) by utilizing more or less of the connecting features 106 along the top and bottom edges of the body 103. For example, in the embodiment top garment 101 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, there are four connecting features 106 along the top right edge of the body 103, another four connecting features 106 along the top left edge of the body 103, and corresponding sets of connecting features 106 located along the bottom right and left edges of the body, respectively 103. As shown in FIG. 3B, by using only three of the four connecting features 106 on each side, the tubular portions 107 are shorter than if all four connecting features 106 on each side were used. There is also additional fabric available for pulling the top edge of the body 103 upward and the bottom edge of the body 103 downward in the middle portion of the body 103, as shown in FIG. 3B, thereby allowing increased flexibility in the style and fit of the top garment 101.

In an embodiment, convertible top garment 101 further includes a hood portion 105. In an embodiment, hood portion 105 is detachable from the body 103, as discussed further below. In this manner, convertible top garment 101 may be used with or without hood portion 105, increasing the flexibility and customizability of convertible top garment 101. In another embodiment, hood portion 105 is integral with or is permanently connected to the body 103, i.e., is not detachable from body 103. In yet another embodiment, convertible top garment 101 does not include a hood portion 105.

With further reference to FIGS. 2A and 3B, in an embodiment, convertible top garment 101 further includes a pocket 104 formed on the inner surface of the body 103. Pocket 104 may be formed substantially in the middle and along the bottom edge of body 103. In an embodiment, pocket 104 includes a reversible zipper 104a running substantially along the width of the pocket 104 near a top edge of the pocket 104. By including pocket 104 in embodiment top garments 101 having a detachable hood portion 105, pocket 104 may be utilized to hold hood portion 105 when it is detached from body 103, such that the hood portion 105 does not become lost. By including the pocket 104 on the inner surface of body 103, rather than the outer surface of body 103 (see FIG. 2B), the pocket 104 is hidden while the convertible top garment 101 is worn by a wearer, improving the overall appearance of convertible top garment 101. In another embodiment, pocket 104 may instead be formed on the outer surface of body 103. In still another embodiment, convertible top garment 101 may not include a pocket 104.

In FIGS. 3A-3C, an embodiment convertible top garment 101 is shown in its second, converted state, ready to be worn by a wearer (not pictured). The top garment 101 is converted by connecting, on the right and left sides of the body 103, at least one of the one or more connecting features 106 located along the upper edge of the body 103 to its corresponding connecting feature 106 located along the lower edge of the body 103. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 3A-3B, for example, three of four connecting features 106 located along the top edge of the body 103 on each of the right and lefthand sides of body 103 are connected to their corresponding connecting features 106 located along the lower edge of body 103. As a result, tubular portions 107 are formed on each side of the top garment 101, which may be worn as sleeves when the top garment 101 is worn by a wearer (such as in FIGS. 1A-1D).

As best seen in FIG. 3B, because the upper edge of body 103 is connected to the lower edge of body 103 on either side of body 103, but not along the entirety of the upper and lower edges of the body 103, the center portion of body 103 may be pulled downward and upward to expose more of the inner face of body 103, thereby forming a back side to the garment 101 covering some or all of the back of the wearer when the garment 101 is worn, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 1D.

A close-up of the distal end of a tubular portion 107 formed by connecting the one or more connecting features 106 as described is shown in FIG. 3C. The wearer's wrist projects through the opening formed at the distal end of tubular portion 107 when the top garment 101 is worn. In an embodiment, the circumference of the opening may be adjusted by employing one or more of the additional connecting features 106 located along the edges of the body 103, to make the opening smaller or larger as desired by the wearer. In this manner, the convertible top garment 101 may be customized to a particular wearer and worn with whatever fit the particular wearer desires at a given time.

Turning to FIGS. 4A-4C, the details of an embodiment detachable hood portion 105 are shown. FIG. 4A is a planar view of the top garment 101 with the outside of body 103 exposed, and hood portion 105 detached and lying on the body 103. FIG. 4B is a close-up view of the top middle edge of the body 103, the garment 101 in planar view with the inside of the body 103 exposed, and hood portion 105 detached and lying on the body of 103. FIG. 4C is a close-up view of the top middle edge of the body 103, the garment in planar view with the inside of the body 103 exposed, and hood portion 105 attached to the body 103 at a collar portion 109, as further discussed below.

In an embodiment, convertible top garment 101 includes along the top edge of the body 103 a collar portion 109 spanning between the one or more connecting features 106 located on the lefthand and righthand sides of the top edge of the garment 101, i.e., collar portion 109 is substantially in the middle section of the body 103. Collar portion 109 may be selectively openable and closeable through a feature 108, such as a zipper, running at least part of the length of collar portion 109, on the inside surface of the body 103. Within collar portion 109 are one or more connecting features 110, which may be, for example, one or more snaps, one or more buttons-and-button-holes, one or more hook-and-eye closures, or one or more other connecting features suitable for a garment. The one or more connecting features 110 are configured to connect with or couple with one or more connecting features 105a located along a bottom edge of hood portion 105 (see FIG. 4B). When connecting features 110 and 105a are connected or coupled, hood portion 105 is thus connected, detachably, to body 103, as shown in FIG. 4C. In an embodiment, hood portion 105 is sized and shaped to accommodate a wearer with a head covering such as a turban or a hairstyle such as a bun. Hood portion 105 may alternatively have other sizes and shapes.

Turning to FIG. 5, an embodiment convertible top garment 101 is shown in a “packed” state. That is, in an embodiment top garment 101 having a pocket 104 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), pocket 104 may be utilized to substantially receive garment 101 by folding or otherwise working garment 101 into the pocket 104 and using the reversible zipper 104a of the pocket to thereafter close pocket 104. In this manner, convertible top garment 101 may be formed into its own “packing cube” 111, making it easier to pack or otherwise transport top garment 101. Alternatively, pocket 104 may be used to “pack” the hood portion 105 only, such as when the wearer wants to wear the top garment 101 without the hood portion 105, but does not want to lose or misplace hood portion 105.

In an embodiment, convertible top garment 101 is made from material that is quick drying, similar to material used for hiking or exercise clothing. In another embodiment, convertible top garment 101 is made out of any other type of material suitable for clothing.

In an embodiment, convertible top garment 101 is a rectangular shrug/jacket that comes together with strategically placed snaps 106 and a detachable hood 105. Convertible top garment 101 fits just above the wrist on the sleeve to mid-waist. When un-snapped, the garment 101 is a rectangle 103 of approximately 24.75 inches tall×51.5 inches wide. Snaps 106 run in rows alongside each side of the garment 101. When each snap 106 is closed with its pair, the material between creates sleeves 107 and the border material creates a collar 109 on the garment. The sleeve/cuff width is also adjustable with the snaps 106. Within the collar 109 is a small zipper 108 that when unzipped reveals a hidden area where the removable hood 105 attaches. The hood 105 shape is designed to accommodate a wearer with a head covering such as a turban or a hairstyle such as a bun. In the center of the rectangle 103 at the bottom edge is a back pocket 104 with reversible zipper 104a that can act as hood storage if the wearer chooses to remove the hood 105 and for tucking the garment 101 into itself as its own packing cube 111. The back pocket 104 is formed on the inner surface of the rectangle 103, such that the back pocket 104 is substantially inside of the top garment 101 when it is converted to a wearable state.

Turning to FIGS. 6A-6b and 7A-7B, different views of a convertible bottom garment 102 according to embodiments of the invention are shown, both on a wearer (FIGS. 6A-6B) and shown off of a wearer (FIGS. 7A-7B). FIGS. 7A and 7B are front and back views, respectively, of a convertible bottom garment 102 according to embodiments of the invention, as shown off of a wearer.

As shown in these figures, in an embodiment, convertible bottom garment 102 includes a body portion 113 formed of material that tapers from a substantially skirt-shaped garment to a pant by the leg openings. Each leg opening terminates in a cuff 112 configured to form to the ankle or leg of the wearer, depending on where the cuff 112 is positioned by the wearer. As shown in FIG. 6A (as well as FIGS. 1B-1D), when cuffs 112 are pulled down toward the ankles of the wearer, convertible bottom garment 102 has a substantially pants-shaped nature, appearing akin to harem pants having a dropped crotch. However, as shown in FIG. 6B (and FIG. 1A), when cuffs 112 are pushed upward on the wearer's leg, such as toward the wearer's calves or knees, convertible bottom garment 102 has a substantially skirt-shaped nature. In this manner, the wearer can convert bottom garment 102 between a pants-type form and a skirt-type form, depending on the wearer's needs and desires, increasing the flexibility and customizability of bottom garment 102. In an embodiment, cuff 112 is configured to be formed to the ankle or leg of the wearer by being made of a stretchy fabric, such as a knit fabric, that readily adjusts size when stretched or released. In another embodiment, cuff 112 is configured to be formed to the ankle or leg of the wearer by being adjustable between a first and a second position, as described further below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10B.

Turning to FIG. 8A, a front side view of convertible bottom garment 102 according to an embodiment is shown. Bottom garment 102 further includes a waistband 114. In an embodiment, bottom garment 102 is configured to be worn at approximately mid-waist on the wearer, such that waistband 114 is sized to hit the wearer at approximately the mid-waist. In other embodiments, waistband 114 may instead be sized to provide a low-rise, a high-rise, or any other desired rise. Waistband 114 may further include one or more belt loops. Bottom garment 102 further includes closure 115 which, in an embodiment, may be a pair of snap closures. In an embodiment, bottom garment 102 further includes overlay portion 116, a crossover of material which furthers the skirt-like effect of bottom garment 102. In another embodiment, bottom garment 102 does not include overlay portion 116. As shown in FIG. 7B, in an embodiment, the back side of bottom garment 102 further includes a pleated portion 124, furthering the loose fit of the bottom garment 102. In another embodiment, bottom garment 102 does not include pleated portion 124.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in an embodiment, on its front side bottom garment 102 further includes two front pockets 117, one on the right side and one on the left side of the bottom garment 102. Front pockets 117 may be slit-style pockets and may have zipper closures. In another embodiment, bottom garment 102 may only include one front pocket 117, or may include no front pockets 117. Any other pocket configuration and number is possible. As shown in FIG. 7B, in an embodiment, on its back side bottom garment 102 further includes one back pocket 118, located on one side of the garment 102. Back pocket 118 may be an open-top pocket. In another embodiment, bottom garment may include two or more back pockets 118. In still another embodiment, bottom garment 102 may not include any back pockets 118. Any other pocket configuration and number is possible.

Turning to FIGS. 8A-8C, the inner features of convertible bottom garment 102 according to an embodiment are shown. Particularly, in an embodiment, the waistband 114 further includes a tab portion 121 having one half of connecting features 115 which mate with the corresponding other half of connecting features 115 on the waistband 114. Waistband 114 may further include a button 122 and corresponding buttonhole 123. In this manner, waistband 114 can be selectively disengaged to permit opening and selectively reengaged to permit closing of waistband 114.

In an embodiment, convertible bottom garment 102 further includes a fly opening 119 hidden under the overlay portion 116. By hiding the fly opening 119 under overlay portion 116, the bottom garment 102 has more of a skirt-like appearance, and in general may be of a more desirable appearance than a garment in which the fly opening 119 is exposed.

In an embodiment, convertible bottom garment 102 further includes inner pocket 120, which may be formed inside the bottom garment 102 behind the fly opening 119. Inner pocket 120 may further include a zipper 120a, permitting inner pocket 120 to be selectively opened and closed. In an embodiment, inner pocket 120 may be used as a hidden “money pocket,” thin but long and tall enough to fit a passport or other items, such as cash money, comfortably. In this manner, convertible bottom garment 102 may be used as a travel garment, comfortable and convertible, and practical as well.

FIG. 9 shows further details of a back side of convertible bottom garment 102 according to an embodiment. The back side includes back pocket 118, located on one side of the garment 102. Back pocket 118 may be an open-top pocket. In another embodiment, bottom garment may include two or more back pockets 118. In still another embodiment, bottom garment 102 may not include any back pockets 118. The back side further includes a pleated portion 124, furthering the loose fit of the bottom garment 102. In another embodiment, bottom garment 102 does not include pleated portion 124.

Turning to FIGS. 10A-10B, an embodiment adjustable leg cuff 112 is shown. Adjustable leg cuff 112 is configured to be adjusted between at least a first position and a second position. To do so, leg cuff 112 includes a tab 127 formed from a piece of material extending laterally from the cuff 112. One or more connecting features 126 are included on tab 127; as shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 10A-10B, one connecting feature 126 is included on tab 127, but other numbers of connecting features 126 may be used. Cuff 112 further includes one or more corresponding connecting features 125, designed to be selectively engaged or disengaged with the one or more connecting features 126 on the tab 127; in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, three corresponding connecting features 125 are included along the cuff 112, in a line substantially horizontal to the edge of the cuff 112, but other numbers of connecting features 125 may be used. The one or more connecting feature 126 on the tab 127 and the one or more connecting features 125 on the cuff 112 may be any elements capable of being selectively engaged with one another, such as, for example, snaps, buttons-and-button-holes, or hook-and-eye closures. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 10A-10B, connecting feature 126 on the tab 127 is a single female snap connector, whereas connecting features 125 on the cuff 112 are three male snap connectors. Other types of connecting features, configurations, and numbers may be used.

Utilizing the one or more connecting features 126 on tab 127 and the corresponding one or more connecting features 125 on the cuff 112, the circumference of the cuff 112 may be selectively changed, depending on the needs or desires of the wearer. For example, where the wearer wishes to have a larger circumference cuff 112, such as when the wearer wishes to wear the cuff 112 toward her knee (thereby resulting in a substantially skirt-shaped bottom garment 102, such as shown in FIG. 6B), connecting feature 126 on the tab may be connected to the connecting feature 125 on the cuff 112 that is closest to the tab 127 (in FIG. 10A, the connecting feature 125 that is furthest to the left), thereby resulting in a larger circumference cuff 112. Alternatively, in the instance that the wearer wishes to have a smaller circumference cuff 112, such as when the wearer wishes to wear the cuff 112 toward her ankle (thereby resulting in a substantially pants-shaped bottom garment 102, such as shown in FIG. 6A), connecting feature 126 on the tab may be connected to the connecting feature 125 on the cuff 112 that is furthest from the tab 127 (in FIG. 11A, the connecting feature 125 that is furthest to the right), thereby resulting in a smaller circumference cuff 112. Other circumferences may be possible by connecting the connecting feature 126 on the tab 127 to other connecting features 125 along the cuff 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, a midsize circumference cuff 112 is achieved in an embodiment having three connecting features 125 along the cuff 112 by connecting the connecting feature 126 on tab 127 to the middle of the three connecting features 125 along the cuff 112. Yet more circumferences may be achieved by including more connecting features 125 along the cuff 112, or by leaving the tab 127 unconnected to the cuff 112.

In an embodiment, convertible bottom garment 102 is made from material that is quick drying, similar to material used for hiking or exercise clothing. In another embodiment, convertible bottom garment 102 is made out of any other type of material suitable for clothing.

In an embodiment, convertible bottom garment 102 is a drop-crotch “harem pant” that tapers from a skirt to a pant by the leg openings. Bottom garment 102 sits mid-waist with two snap closures 115 stacked on the waistband 114. The leg cuffs 112 sit close to the ankles when down for a loose pant effect. When worn with the leg cuffs 112 up, the outfit appears like a skirt. Inside the front is a zipper fly 119 enclosed under a crossover 116 of the material to further the skirt like effect. Next to the zipper on the inside of the bottom garment 102 is a hidden “money belt,” a pocket 120 thin but long and tall enough to fit a passport comfortably. The bottom garment 102 has two front pockets 117 with zippers and an open back pocket 118. The bottom garment 102 may be made of quick drying nylon for the main material and a stretchy knit for the cuffs and waistband.

In an embodiment, convertible top garment 101 and convertible bottom garment 102 are utilized together to form convertible outfit 100. Alternatively convertible top garment 101 may used by itself; or convertible bottom garment 102 may be used by itself.

The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill familiar with the disclosure herein. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods. All features disclosed in the specification, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects and embodiments.

Also, when reference is made in this specification to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations can be carried out in any order or simultaneously, unless context excludes those possibilities.

Further, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used in this specification to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B, and C along with one or more other components.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the embodiments.