U.S. patent application number 11/561292 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for garment bag for kilt and accessories.
Invention is credited to Joseph E. Austin.
Application Number | 20080116090 11/561292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37872816 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Austin; Joseph E. |
May 22, 2008 |
GARMENT BAG FOR KILT AND ACCESSORIES
Abstract
A kilt garment bag is disclosed. The kilt garment bag includes
one or more belt loops, sporran pouches and a pair of shoe pouches
for accommodating one or more kilt ensembles. An opening in a top
of the garment bag allows one or more hanger hooks to pass
therethrough. Hangers maintaining kilts, along with belts, sporrans
and shoes, can be stored and carried in the kilt garment bag
disclosed herein. Securing straps provide means for securing the
one or more kilts and corresponding accessories during travel. Clan
crests may adorn outer surfaces of the kilt garment bag to
personalize and identify the same.
Inventors: |
Austin; Joseph E.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY, SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89169
US
|
Family ID: |
37872816 |
Appl. No.: |
11/561292 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/279 ;
206/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/18 20130101;
A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 13/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/279 ;
206/278 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/18 20060101
B65D085/18 |
Claims
1. A garment bag for storing one or more kilt ensembles comprising:
a garment member defining an interior space; means for accessing
the interior space; an opening near a top of said garment member
for permitting one or more hanger hooks to pass therethrough; one
or more sporran pouches, shoe pouches and belt loops integrated
within said interior space and accessible when said interior space
is accessed; and wherein the one or more sporran pouches, pair of
shoe pouches and one or more belt loops are operable to maintain
sporrans, shoes and belts, respectively, within the interior
space.
2. The garment bag of claim 1 further comprising one or more straps
for securing one or more sporrans in the one or more sporran
pouches and/or one or more belts within the interior space.
3. The garment bag of claim 1 wherein the one or more sporran
pouches, pair of shoe pouches and one or more belt loops are
integrated on a rear inner surface of the garment member.
4. The garment bag of claim 1 further comprising three sporran
pouches integrated in a triangular configuration.
5. The garment bag of claim 4 further comprising three belt loops
integrated in a generally horizontal line above the three sporran
pouches.
6. The garment bag of claim 1 wherein the pair of shoe pouches are
integrated at a bottom of the garment member.
7. The garment bag of claim 1 further comprising integrated straps
for retaining shoes in the shoe pouches.
8. The garment bag of claim 1 further comprising one or more loops
near a top of the garment bag, said loops operable to receive
hanger hooks such that the hangers are concealed within the garment
bag.
9. A garment bag for storing one or more kilt ensembles comprising:
a material member defining an interior space; means for opening and
closing the material member to access the interior space; an
opening near a top of said material member for permitting one or
more hanger hooks to pass therethrough; three sporran pouches
arranged in a triangular configuration, three belt loops arranged
in a generally horizontal pattern above said sporran pouches and a
pair of shoe pouches, said three sporran pouches, three belt loops
and pair of shoe pouches integrated within said interior space and
accessible when said means for opening and closing the material
member is open; and wherein the three sporran pouches, pair of shoe
pouches and three belt loops are operable to store three sporrans,
a pair of shoes and three belts, respectively, within the interior
space.
10. The garment bag of claim 9 further comprising one or more
straps for securing one or more sporrans in the one or more sporran
pouches and/or one or more belts within the interior space.
11. The garment bag of claim 9 wherein the three sporran pouches,
pair of shoe pouches and three belt loops are integrated on a rear
interior surface of the material member.
12. The garment bag of claim 9 further comprising integrated straps
for retaining shoes in the shoe pouches.
13. The garment bag of claim 9 further comprising one or more loops
near a top of the garment bag, said loops operable to receive
hanger hooks such that the hangers are concealed within the garment
bag.
14. A garment bag for storing one or more kilts and related
accessories comprising: an interior space defined by a protective
member having at least a front and rear section, said protective
member including an opening to accommodate hanger hooks; one or
more belt loops integrated on an inner surface of said rear
section, each said belt loop having an associated strap for
securing belts in place within the garment bag; one or more sporran
pouches integrated on an inner surface of said rear section, said
sporran pouches having securing means for maintaining the sporrans
in place with the garment bag; and one or more shoe pouches
integrated near a bottom of the interior space, said shoe pouches
each having a strap for securing said shoes in place within said
garment bag.
15. The garment bag of claim 14 further comprising three sporran
pouches integrated in a triangular configuration.
16. The garment bag of claim 14 further comprising three belt loops
integrated in a generally horizontal line above the three sporran
pouches.
17. The garment bag of claim 14 further comprising one or more
loops near a top of the garment bag, said loops operable to receive
hanger hooks such that the hangers are concealed within the garment
bag.
18. The garment bag of claim 14 further comprising a pocket for
containing moth repellant materials.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a garment
bag designed to accommodate a kilt and related accessories.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Kilts have been in fashion for centuries and their origins
have many tales. Regardless of the history, kilts continue to be
worn at special occasions, including highland type games. For many
of the occasions the kilts and associated accessories (e.g., belts,
sporrans and shoes) must be stored for travel. Consequently, kilts
and accessories, like other articles of clothing, are usually
stored for travel in suitcases.
[0003] Unfortunately, suitcases are not ideal for kilts or the
accessories because the kilts and accessories become badly wrinkled
and otherwise disheveled. Therefore, in many cases, if time
permits, they must be pressed before being worn. If time does not
permit, they must be worn in the unappealing condition. As the
kilts are worn primarily at special occasions, it is not suitable
that they be wrinkled or otherwise disheveled.
[0004] Thus, there exists a need for an article of baggage (e.g., a
garment bag) tailored to accommodate one or more kilt and
corresponding accessories.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is a
kilt garment bag comprising: a garment member defining an interior
space; means for accessing the interior space; an opening near a
top of said garment member for permitting one or more hanger hooks
to pass therethrough; one or more sporran pouches, shoe pouches and
belt loops integrated within said interior space and accessible
when said interior space is accessed; and wherein the one or more
sporran pouches, shoe pouches and belt loops are operable to
maintain sporrans, shoes and belts, respectively, within the
interior space.
[0006] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a Prince Charlie type kilt ensemble which
can be stored for travel with the embodiments of the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an interior space of one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The
presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all
respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
[0013] On Jun. 19, 2006, applicant filed co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 11/425,039 directed to a unique kilt hanger.
Applicant incorporates the entire disclosure of the co-pending
application herein.
[0014] Initial reference is made to FIG. 1 illustrating a Prince
Charlie kilt ensemble 100 and accessories being worn by a user. The
Prince Charlie kilt ensemble includes a kilt 105, jacket 110 and is
accessorized with shoes 115 (e.g., Ghillie Brogue), belts 120 and a
sporran 130. Such outfits are normally worn several times a year to
special events such as highland type games thereby requiring the
kilts and accessories to be packaged or stored for travel.
Moreover, there are typically two or three such kilt ensembles
necessary for a given event. Unfortunately, there is no suitable
baggage for accommodating one or more kilts and the associated
accessories.
[0015] The embodiments of the present invention provide a garment
bag allowing for the convenient and rugged storage of one or more
kilts and corresponding accessories. The garment bag of the present
invention includes features, as described below, which maintain one
or more kilts and accessories in a wearable condition for immediate
use upon unpacking.
[0016] Now referring to FIGS. 2-4 showing a front view, rear view
and side, respectively, a garment bag 150 includes means 152 for
accessing an interior space of the garment bag 150. Means include a
zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners and similar mechanisms. In
one embodiment, the zipper substantially traverses the
circumference of the garment bag 150 rather than extending
vertically. An opening 153 at a top of the garment bag 150 permits
multiple hanger hooks to exit therethrough so that the garment bag
150 and its contents can be hanged. The garment bag 150 is ideally
fabricated of a heavyweight rip-stop fabric or similar durable
material to protect the one or more kilts and their accessories.
However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of
materials may be used to manufacture the garment bag 150.
Manufacturing of the garment bag 150 may be accomplished utilizing
a single piece of material or multiple joined pieces of material.
In either case, the material or garment member forming the garment
bag 150 defines an interior space for maintaining one or more kilt
ensembles. The side view shown in FIG. 4 illustrates a depth, from
front to back, associated with the garment bag 150. The depth
allows the one or more kilt ensembles to be packed without undue
pressure or stress on the individual ensemble pieces thereby
preventing wrinkling.
[0017] FIG. 5 generally shows an interior space of the garment bag
150. More particularly, one inner surface 155 of the garment bag
150 is shown. The inner surface 155, ideally a rear inner surface,
includes a series of belt loops 160-1 through 160-3, sporran
pouches 165-1 through 165-3 and a pair of shoe pouches 170-1 and
170-2. As shown, the belt loops 160-1 through 160-3 are evenly
spaced and positioned near a top portion of the garment bag 150,
the sporran pouches 165-1 through 165-3 are positioned near a
center portion of the garment bag 150 and the shoe pouches 170-1
and 170-2 are positioned near a bottom of the garment bag 150.
Also, as shown, the garment bag 150 accommodates three belts and
sporrans corresponding to three kilt ensembles, but, based on the
configuration of the interior space, the number may be more or
less.
[0018] The belt loops 160-1 through 160-3 are sewn or otherwise
connected, joined and/or integrated with the rear inner surface 155
of the garment bag 150 and resemble belt loops found on men's
pants. During use, belts from a kilt ensemble are hanged by their
buckles from the belt loops 160-1 through 160-3 such that they hang
over the sporran pouches 165-1 through 165-3 and may extend to the
shoe pouches 170-1 and 170-2. Each belt may be secured by a
horizontal belt strap 175. In one embodiment, the belt strap 175
has one end secured to the garment bag 100 and one free end 176
with means, including Velcro.RTM., buttons, snaps or other means
for removably attaching it to the garment bag 100 (shown as a
Velcro.RTM. member 177) when placed over a belt.
[0019] The sporran pouches 165-1 through 165-3 are shown with a
U-shape but other shapes may be utilized. Like the belt loops 160-1
through 160-3, the sporran pouches 165-1 through 165-3 are sewn or
otherwise connected, joined and/or integrated with the rear inner
surface 155 of the garment bag 150. Also, the sporran pouches 165-1
through 165-3 are shown in a configuration whereby two of the
pouches are positioned above the third pouch. However, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the pouches 165-1 through
165-3 may number more or less than three and may be positioned in
any number of configurations. Each sporran pouch 165-1 through
165-3 may include a vertical security strap 167, Velcro.RTM.,
buttons, snaps or other security and/or closure means. In one
embodiment, an elongated Velcro( member 168 is affixed to an
outside surface of each sporran pouch 165-1 through 165-3 while the
security strap 167 includes a fixed end and a Velcro.RTM. member at
a free end 168 thereof allowing the straps 167 to be removably
attached to any portion of the elongated member 168 providing for
containment of various sized sporrans.
[0020] The shoe pouches 170-1 and 170-2 are adapted to receive a
shoe of the type (e.g., Ghillie Brogue) customarily worn with kilt
ensembles. Straps 180-1 and 180-2 provide means for maintaining
shoes in the shoe pouches 170-1 and 170-2 during travel. During
use, the straps 180-1 and 180-2 extend from a first permanent
connection on one side (ideally, the rear inner surface 155) of
each shoe pouch 170-1 and 170-2 around a heel portion of a subject
shoe and removably connect to an opposite side of each shoe pouch
170-1 and 170-2. The removable connection may be facilitated by
buttons, snaps, Velcro.RTM. or other suitable connection means
185.
[0021] While many configurations are possible, the configuration of
the belt loops 160-1 through 160-3, sporran pouches 165-1 through
165-3 and shoe pouches 170-1 and 170-2 as shown in FIG. 5 is
symmetric about a vertical center line thereby offering a balanced
garment bag 150 regardless of whether one, two or three kilt
ensembles are stored therein. More specifically, with one kilt
ensemble, the center belt loop 160-2 and lower sporran pouch 165-3
are used, with two kilt ensembles, the outer two belt loops 160-1
and 160-3 and upper two sporran pouches 165-1 and 165-2 are used
and with three kilt ensembles all three belt loops 160-1 through
160-3 and sporran pouches 165-1 through 165-3 are used.
[0022] Once the belts, sporrans and shoes have been positioned
within the garment bag 150, one or more kilt hangers in accordance
with the co-pending application hereto may then, along with the
maintained kilts, be placed in the garment bag 150 such that a hook
portion of the kilt hanger(s) extend through the opening at the top
of the garment bag 150. Regular, non-kilt hangers may also be used
in conjunction with the garment bag 150. Thereafter, the garment
bag 150 is closed using the closure means 152. In another
embodiment, the hanger hooks are held internally by loops 154 near
a top portion of the garment bag 100. Such loops 154 maintain the
hangers such that no hanger hooks extend from within the bag 100.
New security measures at many airports require that hanger hooks be
completely recessed within garment bags. A shoulder strap (not
shown) may be attached to garment bag 100 to provide a method of
carrying the garment bag 100 since the hanger hooks are within the
garment bag 100.
[0023] The unique design of the garment bag 150 permits one or more
kilt ensembles to be securely stored for travel. Advantageously,
the one or more kilt ensembles are in one location for easy
retrieval.
[0024] In some embodiments, the garment bag 150 can be decorated
with clan crests signifying the clan to which the garment bag owner
belongs. Such clan crests can be on either a front or back of the
garment bag 150. Other decorations may adorn the garment bag 150 as
well. In addition, a small internal pocket 190 is used to conceal
cedar chips or similar materials to prevent moths from attacking
and ruining the contained kilts.
[0025] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *