U.S. patent application number 12/371475 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for integrated and convertible garment and portable storage system.
Invention is credited to Robert M. Seemann.
Application Number | 20090205096 12/371475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40953711 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090205096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seemann; Robert M. |
August 20, 2009 |
Integrated And Convertible Garment And Portable Storage System
Abstract
An integrated garment and storage unit system can include a
storage unit, one or more carrying straps attached to the storage
unit, a garment body configured to be worn on a user's torso, a
first fastener attached to the garment body proximate to the waist
opening, and a second fastener attached on the exterior surface of
the garment body on the back side. the first and second fasteners
can be positioned such that when the garment body is folded or
rolled two or more times onto itself the second fastener is
positioned proximate to the first fastener such that the first and
the second fasteners can be joined to secure the garment body for
storage on the first side of the storage unit so that the folder or
rolled garment body fits at least approximately within the first
area. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also
described.
Inventors: |
Seemann; Robert M.;
(Edwards, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS, GLOVSKY AND POPEO, P.C
ONE FINANCIAL CENTER
BOSTON
MA
02111
US
|
Family ID: |
40953711 |
Appl. No.: |
12/371475 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61028361 |
Feb 13, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/4 ; 2/84; 2/85;
2/96; 224/577 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/04 20130101;
A41D 2400/424 20130101; A45F 4/12 20130101; A45F 2003/144 20130101;
A45F 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/4 ; 2/84; 2/85;
2/96; 224/577 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/00 20060101
A42B001/00; A41D 3/08 20060101 A41D003/08; A41D 3/02 20060101
A41D003/02; A45F 4/00 20060101 A45F004/00 |
Claims
1. A device comprising a storage unit comprising at least one
interior compartment that is accessible through a reversibly
closable opening, the storage unit having a first exterior surface
with a first side configured to be positioned adjacent to a user's
body, the first side having a first height and a first width; one
or more carrying straps attached to the storage unit, the one or
more carrying straps having sufficient length to be securable
around a human waist or over a human shoulder; a garment body
configured to be worn on a user's torso, the garment body
comprising a front side disposed opposite a back side and a waist
opening disposed opposite a neck opening, the garment body
comprising a second exterior surface, the second exterior surface
of the garment body being joined to the first side of the storage
unit at a joining location; a first fastener attached to the
garment body proximate to the waist opening; and a second fastener
attached to the exterior surface of the garment body on the back
side and positioned such that when the garment body is folded or
rolled two or more times onto itself along an axis between the
waist opening and the neck opening the second fastener is
positioned proximate to the first fastener such that the first and
the second fasteners can be joined to secure the garment body for
storage on the first side of the storage unit so that the folded or
rolled garment body fits at least approximately within the first
height and the first width.
2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the storage unit further
comprises a zipper that is operable to close the at least one
compartment.
3. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first and the second
fastener comprise matched halves of a zipper.
4. A device as in claim 1, further comprising a stowage compartment
for each of the carrying straps, the stowage compartment allowing
the carrying strap to be stowed away, extended on the outside of
the garment body, and extended on the inside of the garment
body.
5. A device as in claim 4, wherein the joining location for the
storage unit is positioned on the back side of the garment body
proximate the waist opening.
6. A device as in claim 1, further comprising a hood attached at
the neck opening and configured to cover a user's head while
leaving a face opening.
7. A device as in claim 1, wherein the face opening is covered by a
mesh sized to prevent insects from passing through the face
opening.
8. A device as in claim 1, wherein the garment body further
comprises: two opposing sleeves each configured to accept human
arms; and a reversible closure beginning underneath each sleeve
that is operable to provide perspiration venting.
9. A device as in claim 1, wherein the second fastener is
positioned on the back side of the garment body approximately two
thirds of a distance between the waist opening and the neck opening
and approximately even with a location of a wearer's armpits.
10. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first fastener is attached
on an inside region of the garment body proximate to the waist
opening.
11. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first fastener is attached
to the storage unit proximate to a bottom edge of the first
side.
12. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first height of the first
side of the storage unit is approximately 33% of a distance from
the waist opening to the neck opening of the garment body.
13. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first height of the first
side of the storage unit is approximately 25% of a distance from
the waist opening to the neck opening of the garment body.
14. A method comprising: reducing a presented width of a garment
body of an integrated and convertible garment and portable storage
system that comprises a storage unit attached to the garment body,
the storage unit having opposed lateral sides and a vertical
dimension in a direction aligned with a vertical axis connecting a
waist opening and a neck opening of the garment body, the reducing
comprising laterally folding one or more elements of the garment
body toward a front chest area of the garment body such that the
presented width is less than a horizontal dimension of the storage
unit between the two opposed lateral sides; folding or rolling the
garment body over on itself one or more times along the vertical
axis; the folding or rolling reducing a presented height of the
garment body to approximately the vertical dimension of the storage
unit; and joining a first fastener proximate the waist opening and
a second fastener on a back side of the garment body to retain the
garment body in a stored position against a contact side of the
storage unit that is configured to be worn against a user's
body.
15. A method as in claim 14, further comprising: deploying one or
more carrying straps attached to the storage device at the opposed
lateral sides, the deploying comprising removing the one or more
carrying straps from one or more stowage compartments built into
the garment body.
16. A method as in claim 15, wherein the deploying comprises
extending the one or more carrying straps from the one or more
stowage compartments so that the carrying straps extend inside of
the garment body.
17. A method as in claim 16, further comprising securing the one or
more carrying straps around a user's waist to support the storage
unit.
18. A method as in claim 17, wherein the deploying comprises
extending the one or more carrying straps from the one or more
stowage compartments so that the carrying straps extend outside of
the garment body.
19. A method as in claim 18, further comprising securing the one or
more carrying straps around a user's waist to support the storage
unit.
20. A method as in claim 14, wherein the vertical dimension of the
storage unit is approximately 25% or approximately 33% of a
distance from the waist opening to the neck opening of the garment
body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/028,361, filed on Feb. 13, 2008 and
entitled, "Chameleon Jacket and Vest Unlayering Clothing Systems"
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to outerwear
that includes integrated and convertible storage compartments
capable of storing the garment itself and/or other items.
SUMMARY
[0003] In a first aspect, a device includes a storage unit
comprising at least one interior compartment that is accessible
through a reversibly closable opening. The storage unit has a first
exterior surface with a first side configured to be positioned
adjacent to a user's body, and the first side has a first height
and a first width. One or more carrying straps having sufficient
length to be securable around a human waist or over a human
shoulder are attached to the storage unit. A garment body
configured to be worn on a user's torso includes a front side
disposed opposite a back side and a waist opening disposed opposite
a neck opening. The garment body includes a second exterior surface
that is joined to the first side of the storage unit at a joining
location. A first fastener is attached to the garment body
proximate to the waist opening, and a second fastener is attached
to the exterior surface of the garment body on the back side and
positioned such that when the garment body is folded or rolled two
or more times onto itself along an axis between the waist opening
and the neck opening, the second fastener is positioned proximate
to the first fastener such that the first and the second fasteners
can be joined to secure the garment body for storage on the first
side of the storage unit so that the folded or rolled garment body
fits at least approximately within the first height and the first
width.
[0004] In an interrelated aspect, a method includes reducing a
presented width of a garment body of an integrated and convertible
garment and portable storage system that comprises a storage unit
attached to the garment body. The storage unit has opposed lateral
sides and a vertical dimension in a direction aligned with a
vertical axis connecting a waist opening and a neck opening of the
garment body. The reducing includes laterally folding one or more
elements of the garment body toward a front chest area of the
garment body such that the presented width is less than a
horizontal dimension of the storage unit between the two opposed
lateral sides. The garment body is folded or rolled over on itself
one or more times along the vertical axis to reduce a presented
height of the garment body to approximately the vertical dimension
of the storage unit. A first fastener proximate the waist opening
is joined to a second fastener on a back side of the garment body
to retain the garment body in a stored position against a contact
side of the storage unit that is configured to be worn against a
user's body.
[0005] In various optional configurations, one or more of the
following features can also be included. The storage unit can
further include a zipper that is operable to close the at least one
compartment. The first and the second fastener can include matched
halves of a zipper. A stowage compartment can be included for each
of the carrying straps, such that the stowage compartment allows
the carrying strap to be stowed away, extended on the outside of
the garment body, and extended on the inside of the garment body
depending on user preference. The joining location for the storage
unit can be positioned on the back side of the garment body
proximate the waist opening. A hood can be attached at the neck
opening and configured to cover a user's head while leaving a face
opening. The face opening can be covered by a mesh sized to prevent
insects from passing through the face opening. Two opposing sleeves
can be included on the garment body and each configured to accept
human arms, and a reversible closure can be included beginning
underneath each sleeve that is operable to provide perspiration
venting. The second fastener can be positioned on the back side of
the garment body approximately two thirds of a distance between the
waist opening and the neck opening and approximately even with a
location of a wearer's armpits. The first fastener can be attached
on an inside region of the garment body proximate to the waist
opening. The first fastener can be attached to the storage unit
proximate to a bottom edge of the first side. The first height of
the first side of the storage unit can be approximately 33% or
approximately 25% of a distance from the waist opening to the neck
opening of the garment body.
[0006] The subject matter described herein provides many
advantages. For example, outerwear garments incorporating the
current subject matter can be extremely versatile by providing both
a lumbar or shoulder pack that can be used to store and carry
snacks, wallet, personal entertainment or communication devices,
water bottle, car keys, airline ticket, passport and more and all
quickly and easily convert into, for example, a waterproof
windbreaker jacket while leaving the stored items still accessible.
These features and others provides a great deal of convenience over
currently available travel and active wear and can be particularly
advantageous for travel and outdoor sports including hiking,
biking, snowshoeing, cross country running or skiing, golf and more
as well as for sporting event spectators and the like.
[0007] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter
described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the
description below. Other features and advantages of the subject
matter described herein will be apparent from the description and
drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of
the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the
description, help explain some of the principles associated with
the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a front side of an example of an
integrated and convertible garment and portable storage system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a back side of an example of an
integrated and convertible garment and portable storage system.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a process flow chart showing a method for
converting an integrated and convertible garment and portable
storage system from a wearable configuration to a stowed
configuration.
[0012] FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 are diagrams showing stages in a
method for converting an integrated and convertible garment and
portable storage system from a wearable configuration to a stowed
configuration.
[0013] FIG. 8 through FIG. 12 are diagrams showing various
exemplary features of stowage and garment body pass-though
compartments for carrying straps of an integrated and convertible
garment and portable storage system.
[0014] FIG. 13 through FIG. 15 are diagrams showing various details
exemplary features of a storage unit of an integrated and
convertible garment and portable storage system.
[0015] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an alternative implementation
of an integrated and convertible garment and portable storage
system.
[0016] FIG. 17 through FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing
additional features that can be included on garment bodies of an
integrated and convertible garment and portable storage system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The disclosed subject matter includes outerwear such as for
example a rainwear or other general outdoor jacket, a vest, or
other garment (including garments used for covering a human torso)
that may convert into a otherwise be integrated with a storage
unit, such as for example a pack that may be carried on a waist,
lumbar, shoulder, some combination of them, or other type of
carrying pack. A garment can in some implementations convert from a
pack to a jacket, vest, or other garment. A waist/lumbar pack may
also be carried over the shoulder in the form of a satchel or
harness.
[0018] Garments consistent with this disclosure can be made from
fabrics such as nylon, polyester, a blend of both, fleece,
micro-fibers, canvas, or other material known to those skilled in
the art. The fabric may be coated, or laminated to provide a
water-resistant or waterproof and wind-resistant jacket or vest.
The fabrics can be lined with additional layers of fabric or mesh
to provide additional layers of wind and water protection. The
seams of the jacket or vest can be sealed in various ways to
provide additional water-proofing.
[0019] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are front side 100 and rear side 200 view
diagrams showing features that can appear in various
implementations of the currently disclosed subject matter. A
garment body 102 in included to be worn on a human torso. The
garment body can include a waist opening 104 disposed near the
bottom of the garment body 102 and a neck opening 106 disposed near
the top of the garment body 102. The garment body 102 can also
include sleeves 110 of either full or short-sleeve length or can
optionally be a vest with no sleeves. Attached to the garment body
at a connection point is a storage unit 112. In the example shown
in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the connection point is on the rear side of
the garment body 102 proximate to the waist opening 104 such that
when a user is wearing the garment body 102, the storage unit 112
is positioned proximate to the user's lower back, much like a
typical waist or "fanny" pack might be worn. Other configurations
are possible, for example the storage unit 112 could be positioned
higher up on the rear side of the garment body 102 to function more
like a typical knapsack or could even be positioned on the front
side of the garment body 102 or on the interior of the garment body
102.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the garment body 102 can also include a
front closure 114, for example a zipper that runs from the neck
opening 106 to the waist opening 104. Alternatively, the front
closure 114 could allow only partial opening of the garment body,
for example to enlarge the neck opening 106. The garment body 102
can also include pockets that can have closable features such as
zipper son them.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, various implementations of
the current subject matter can also include carrying or support
straps 116 that permit the storage unit 112 to be securely fastened
to a user for comfortable carrying of items stored within the
storage unit 112. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there are
two such carrying straps 116 that are attached proximate to the
side edges of the storage unit 112. As discussed below, the
carrying straps 116 can include additional features such as
concealability or other discrete storage when full support of the
storage unit 112 against the wearer's body is not required. Other
implementations can have one, two, or more carrying straps 116. The
number and orientation of such carrying straps can be dependent for
example on the positioning of the storage unit 112 on the garment
body 102 and/or on the size and carrying capacity for which the
storage unit 112 is designed.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a process flow chart showing a method for using an
integrated garment and storage unit device according to the current
subject matter. At 302, the garment body 102 can be folded
laterally, for example as shown in FIG. 4, such that any elements
such as sleeves 110 and/or any part of the garment body 102
extending outward beyond the sides of the storage unit 112 are
folded toward the center or front chest area of the garment body
102 and laid flat.
[0023] At 304, the garment body is folded one or more times along
its vertical axis (the vertical axis runs between the waist opening
104 and the neck opening 106), for example as shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6, such that the garment body is reduced in area to an area
approximately the same size as the storage unit 112. A first
fastener 120 located at or near the waist opening 104 is brought
into proximity with a second fastener 122 located on the back side
of the garment body 102 as a result of this folding or rolling of
the garment body 102. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, this rolling
or folding step can include a sequence of two folds, each of which
folds the garment body 102 approximately in half along its vertical
axis, thereby resulting in reducing the vertical dimension of the
garment body 102 by approximately 75%. In other implementations,
approximately the top one third can be first folded over and then
the remaining garment body 102 can be folded in half such that the
vertical dimension of the garment body is reduced by approximately
one third.
[0024] At 306, the first fastener 120 and the second fastener 122
are joined as shown in FIG. 7 to effectively retain the garment
body 102 in a compact, inconspicuous state on the side of the
storage unit 112 that is held against the user's body when the
carrying straps 116 are engaged. The first and the second fasteners
can optionally each be one half of a zipper, snap, button, or other
fastener. As noted, the first fastener 120 can in some
implementations be installed near to the waist opening 104 of the
garment body 102. The second fastener 122 can in some
implementations be installed on the back side of the garment body
102 exterior at a position that will bring the second fastener 122
into proximity with the first fastener 120 with a prescribed number
of folds or rolls of the garment body 102 along the vertical axis.
In one implementation, the second fastener 122 can be positioned
approximately between the armpits of the garment body 102.
[0025] In a further optional variation, the carrying straps 116 can
be stored in two lower zippered (or otherwise covered or uncovered)
compartments 124 on the sides of the garment body 102 as shown in
FIG. 8 through FIG. 12. These compartments 124 can optionally
include pass-through functionality to provide several
configurations for the carrying straps 116 including one or more of
a) stowed in the compartment and not used, b) engaged around a
user's waist on the outside of the garment body 102, and c) engaged
around a user's waist on the inside of the garment body 102. FIG. 8
shows an view of the inside front right of the garment body 102 in
which the compartment 124 is shown allowing a carrying strap 116 to
pass through into the interior of the garment body 102. In FIG. 9,
a similar view shows the carrying strap 116 stowed in the
compartment 124. If the carrying straps 116 are stowed and not
used, the storage unit is supported only by the garment body 102
itself while being worn by the user. No additional straps or
support are provided, which can enhance comfort in some instances
in which not much weight is borne in the storage unit.
Additionally, stowage of the carrying straps 116 can lead to the
storage unit being largely inconspicuous as part of the garment
body, which can be quite useful in deterring or otherwise not
interesting thieves.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows an outside view from the rear of the garment
body 102 and storage unit 112. One of the carrying straps 116 is
out of its compartment 124. The other strap 116 is hidden. FIG. 11
shows an inside view of the garment body with both carrying straps
116 stowed in their compartments 124. Each compartment 124 can
optionally have a fastener 126, such as for example of Velcro, to
retain the carrying straps 116 neatly out of sight when stowed.
FIG. 12 again shows the inside of the garment body, only with the
carrying straps 116 out of their compartments 124 so that the
storage unit can be supported from within the garment body 102.
[0027] A storage unit 112 according to the currently disclosed
subject matter can include a variety of features. As shown in FIG.
13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15, the storage unit can include one or more
compartments 130 that can be closable with a zipper 132 (as shown)
or other fastener. The compartments, which can each optionally
include additionally pockets, sub-compartments, hooks, chains,
cozies, or the like, can carry items, such as food, water, music
devices, cell phones, cameras, or be used as a travel pack to carry
a wallet, passport, air ticket, credit cards etc. Pockets can
optionally include but are not limited to, re-closeable pouches,
zippered security pockets, pen or pencil holders, credit card
slots, water-bottle holders etc. The compartment or any number of
compartments on the outside of the garment can advantageously be
easily accessible when the garment body 102 is rolled and or folded
to be stowed on the side of the storage unit 112.
[0028] In a further implementation, shown in FIG. 16, the storage
unit 112 can be joined to the back of the garment body 102 by a
webbed connector 134 that indicates one of the fold points for
folding the garment body for stowage. Higher up on the back of the
garment body 102, a second fold point is indicated by a zipper or
other faster 136 that can be concealed under a fabric lip for
improved appearance and comfort. A mating fastener 140 can be
positioned at the base of the storage unit 112 such that when the
garment body is folded once zipper line 136 and again at the
webbing join point 134 at the webbing point, the zipper or fastener
136 is brought in proximity with the mating fastener 140 for
joining and securing the garment body 102 in the stowed
position.
[0029] Garment bodies 102 according to possible variations of the
current invention can take several forms and each can have one or
more different features, including but not limited to those
illustrated in FIG. 17 through FIG. 20. For example, FIG. 17 shows
a windbreaker-type garment having a collar 140 at the neck opening
106 and an adjustable or elastic cuff 142 at the end of each sleeve
110. Such cuffs can optionally be securable using Velcro, elastics,
snaps, buttons, ties, straps, or the like. The main zipper 114 of
the garment body 102 passes all the way from the waist opening 104
to the neck opening 106. The garment body 102 can also optionally
be provided with one or more outside and inside additional storage
pockets 144 of a variety of sizes, shapes, and modes of closure.
Such pockets 144 can include, but are not limited to hand pockets,
chest pockets, stomach pockets, and inside security pockets. The
pockets can be made of a different fabric such as a mesh polyester
or nylon and can be opened and closed with buttons, snaps, zippers,
or other materials. In FIG. 18, a pullover-type garment body 102 is
shown. In this example, the main zipper 114 begins at the neck
opening but does not traverse all the way to the waist opening 104.
FIG. 19 shows still another possible implementation of the current
subject matter with a different pocket 144 configuration.
[0030] FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B show an example of a garment body that
can include additional features. In one example, a hood 150 can be
provided that can be either permanently or removably attached at
the neck opening 106, possibly at a collar 140 as shown in FIG.
20B. The hood 150 can include a face opening 152 for a user's face
that can be open or optionally covered in a fine mesh for
preventing entry of insects or other pests. A ski-cap or watch-cap
type of covering with small openings for eyes, mouth, and/or nose
of the user can also be provided in the face opening 152 to allow
for added warmth. Any coverings provided for use in the face
opening 152 can optionally be attachable and removable via some
attachment system such as for example snaps, zippers, Velcro,
snaps, buttons, or the like.
[0031] Various garment bodies 102 according to the current subject
matter can also optionally include one or more two-way zippers 154
or other reversible closures under the arm 110 that provide vents
that can run, for example from a short distance above the waist
opening 104 of the garment body 102 up to about one third of the
distance down the underside of the sleeve 110. Such vents may be
used to provide ventilation to a user while still maintaining
water-proof properties of the garment body 102 facing upwards. The
vents can either be completely open when the zippers 154 are open
or they can include mesh or some other material to restrict entry
of pests while allowing perspiration to escape from the inside of
the garment body 102. Some garment bodies can also include one or
more reversible closures providing mesh ventilation ports on the
back, sides, or front of the garment body 102 for increased air
flow. There may be a portion of mesh fabric that can be zippered
around the facial area attaching to the hood to provide protection
from bugs such as mosquitoes.
[0032] Fabric such as for example fleece can form a zipper cover
located near the top of the garment for comfort. A zip, snap,
button, or fastening tape, removable or roll down hood can be
included. The hood 150 can in some variations be made from lighter
weight nylon for ease of packing. A music device portal/hole system
for headphone wires can also optionally be included in the
garment.
[0033] The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as
terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention in the use of such terms and expressions, or any portions
thereof, to exclude any equivalents now known or later developed,
whether or not such equivalents are set forth or shown or described
herein or whether or not such equivalents are viewed as
predictable, but it is recognized that various modifications are
within the scope of the subject matter claimed, whether or not
those claims issued with or without alteration or amendment for any
reason. Thus, it shall be understood that, although the present
subject matter has been specifically disclosed by preferred
embodiments and optional features, modifications and variations
therein or herein disclosed can be resorted to, and such
modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope
of the subject matter disclosed and/or claimed herein.
[0034] Other implementations may be within the scope of the
following claims. For example, while many of the implementations
shown have a compartment on the rear of the garment, the pocket may
be on the front of the garment to prevent theft (e.g., someone
trying to pick-pocket someone from behind). To provide for
accessibility of the pocket while transformed to a sack, the straps
may be reversible or may be capable of being fastened and utilized
regardless of an orientation with regard to the compartment. As
another example, although the straps are shown as being nearly even
in length on both sides, the straps might not be equilateral and
one side of the straps may be longer and padded while the other is
not such that a comfortable strap may be provided. As another
example, there may be any number of compartments on either or both
sides of a garment that may be accessible when the garment is
transformed to a storage device. As another example, the garment
may include a zip out liner.
* * * * *