U.S. patent application number 14/186211 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-28 for enhanced access garment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chad Alan Michaelis. Invention is credited to Chad Alan Michaelis.
Application Number | 20140237699 14/186211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51386605 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140237699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michaelis; Chad Alan |
August 28, 2014 |
Enhanced Access Garment
Abstract
A robe-like garment with a liftable back panel. A draw string
internal to the robe drapes over either the left or right shoulder
of the wearer, and is attached to the bottom of the rear panel. To
lift the rear panel, the wearer pulls downward on the draw cord.
The panel then lifts to expose the back of the wearer, for example
to allow the wearer to use a toilet. The panel may be constructed
as multiple folding panels, like an accordion, or simply gathered
in a vertical manner.
Inventors: |
Michaelis; Chad Alan;
(Aledo, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Michaelis; Chad Alan |
Aledo |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51386605 |
Appl. No.: |
14/186211 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61769862 |
Feb 27, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2600/102 20130101;
A41D 13/129 20130101; A41D 15/002 20130101; A41D 2600/10 20130101;
A41D 2400/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20060101
A41D015/00 |
Claims
1. A garment, comprising: a garment portion having at least one
front panel, shoulder portions, and a back portion, the at least
one front panel extending around sides of the garment to define a
rear opening below the back portion, the at least one front panel
having a length extending below a waist location; a rear panel
suspended at its top from the back portion, and having a length
sufficient to cover the back opening when lowered; and a lifting
element attached on a first end near a bottom edge of the rear
panel, and extending upwardly past a shoulder portion to a second
end at the front panel.
2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator at the
second end of the lifting element for pulling the lifting element
so as to raise the rear panel.
3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the actuator is motorized.
4. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a locking mechanism
coupled to the lifting element for maintaining the rear panel in a
raised position.
5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the lifting member comprises: a
front portion extending from its second end over the shoulder
portion; and one or more branches extending from the front portion
to an attachment location near the bottom edge of the rear
panel.
6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a removable liner
attachable to the interior of the rear panel.
7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: perimeter weights
attached near the bottom edge of the rear panel.
8. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: loops attached to
the inner surface at the bottom of the rear panel.
9. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: hand covering
secured within sleeves attached to the shoulder portions.
10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
perimeter weights, each attached to each of the at least one front
panel near its corner at the rear opening.
11. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
strips of interface material, each attached to an edge of the at
least one front panel along the rear opening.
12. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
strips of interface material attached horizontally at spaced-apart
locations of the rear panel.
13. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a stiffener
attached near the bottom edge of the rear panel; and wherein the
lifting element comprises: a front portion extending from its
second end over the shoulder portion; and first and second branches
extending from the front portion to first and second ends of the
stiffener.
14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the stiffener has a width less
than a width of the rear panel near its bottom edge.
15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one front panel
comprises first and second front panels, extending from a front
opening of the garment around sides of the garment to the rear
opening, each of the first and second front panels unitary with a
corresponding shoulder portion of the garment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e), of Provisional Application No. 61/769,862, filed Feb.
27, 2013 incorporated herein by this reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention is in the field of garments. More
specifically, embodiments of this invention are directed to
full-length garments, such as robes, gowns, and the like.
[0004] Long garments, such as extending below the mid-thigh of the
wearer, are worn for various reasons. Certainly long garments may
be worn for reasons of comfort, style, personal preference, or for
certain events (e.g., formal events) or situations (e.g., inclement
weather). Often, long garments are necessary or desirable for
persons that are chronically ill, recuperating from an illness or
surgery, or housed in a nursing home or other geriatric
facility.
[0005] Regardless of the reason for wearing the garment, while the
length of the garment is convenient and desirable for much of the
time, that length can sometimes cause discomfort or difficulty, for
example as the wearer uses the toilet or otherwise sits, undergoes
a medical examination, or engages in various activities such as
riding astride a motorcycle or horse. Depending on the situation,
these longer-length garment may more easily become soiled,
particularly in rearranging the longer portion to accommodate the
change in position or usage. For these situations, the wearer is
faced with the choice between not wearing a longer length garment
at all, or suffering the discomfort or trouble of rearranging the
garment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of this invention provide a longer length
garment that provides improved comfort, range of motion, and
reduced risk of soiling.
[0007] Embodiments of this invention provide such a garment that
remains attractive and modest as worn.
[0008] Embodiments of this invention provide such a garment that
provides the wearer with additional flexibility of activity while
wearing the garment.
[0009] Other objects and advantages of embodiments of this
invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having reference to the following specification together with its
drawings.
[0010] This invention may be implemented into a garment of a length
extending to a length beyond the seat area of the wearer, and which
has a liftable rear panel attached to the rear of the garment, at a
location ranging from the neckline to the mid- to upper back,
depending primarily on the material and how it bunches when raised.
When not raised, the rear panel extends over and covers an opening
in the back of the garment. A lifting member such as one or more
drawstrings is attached to the rear panel at or near its bottom
edge, and is attached within the garment to extend over the
shoulder of the wearer. By pulling the lifting member (either
manually or by way of a motor) the wearer can raise the rear panel,
for example above the seat area. Enhanced access to the exposed
rear of the wearer is then provided, facilitating toilet use and
other temporary activities of the wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0011] FIG. 1 is an elevation view from the front of a garment
constructed according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an elevation view from the rear of a garment
constructed according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a portion of the front of the
garment, illustrating its draw cord according to another embodiment
of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 4a and 4b are elevation views from the rear and side
of the garment of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the rear panel of the garment
raised.
[0015] FIGS. 4c through 4e are elevation views from the rear of the
garment of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to other embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] This invention will be described in connection with certain
of its embodiments, namely as implemented into a robe-like garment,
as it is contemplated that the invention is particularly beneficial
in that application. However, it is further contemplated that this
invention will provide important advantages and benefits when
applied to other garments and uses, such as coats, raincoats,
riding wear, and the like. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the following description is provided by way of example only, and
is not intended to limit the true scope of this invention as
claimed.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of garment 10, in the form of a robe,
in an example of this embodiment of the invention. As evident from
FIG. 1, garment 10 is constructed of conventional material for
bathrobes and housecoats, and is of a conventional full length. In
this example, belt loops 12, through which belt 14 runs, are
located at a middle location of the garment (i.e., intended to be
near the waist of the wearer). Garment 10 includes left and right
front panels P, defining an opening at the front should belt 14 be
untied; other closures such as buttons, a zipper, snaps, and the
like may alternatively be used to close the edges of panels P.
Front panels P are unitary with shoulder portions SP, each of which
extend to the back of garment 10; sleeves SL are attached to
shoulder portions SP in this embodiment of the invention, but may
be omitted if a sleeveless gown is desired. Alternatively, shoulder
portions SP may be separate pieces of fabric sewn to front panels P
at the appropriate locations, depending on the construction of
garment 10.
[0018] In a more general sense, the vertical (i.e., from the
shoulder downward) length of garment 10 according to embodiments of
this invention will extend substantially beyond the waist of the
wearer, generally long enough to cover the seat area of the wearer,
and in some cases extending to floor-length. Panels P wrap around
the sides of the wearer to a short distance, but do not extend
across the back of garment 10 as will be evident from this
description. While garment 10 of FIG. 1 is in the form of a robe,
it is contemplated that garment 10 may alternatively be a house
coat or house dress; gown; coat, jacket, raincoat, or other
outerwear garment; or the like.
[0019] Further in the alternative, garment 10 may be constructed to
have a single front panel P, in which case garment 10 will be fully
closed in the front at all times. Still further in the alternative,
panel or panels P may each be constructed from multiple pieces of
fabric sewn together. For example, each panel P may be constructed
in two pieces, sewn together along a seam running from under the
armhole (i.e., at which the sleeve is attached) downward to its
bottom hem. It is contemplated that the number of individual pieces
of fabric used to form the various portions of garment 10 may vary
according to the desired construction.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates garment 10 from the rear. According to
this embodiment of the invention, garment 10 includes a liftable
rear panel G attached at its top to the mid-to-upper back portion
BP of the garment 10 between shoulder portions SP. Rear panel G is
attached to back portion BP at location 13 above the waist location
of garment 10 (as indicated by the location of belt loops 12), in
this example. In its lowered position, as shown in FIG. 2, rear
panel G hangs downwardly to cover a rear opening (not visible)
between panels P of garment 10.
[0021] In the example of FIG. 2, belt loops 12 are located below
location 13 at which rear panel G is attached to back portion BP.
As such, belt 14 passes either over (as shown in FIG. 2) or beneath
rear panel G in this example. It is contemplated that, in many
implementations, it may be useful to position belt loops 12 above
location 13 at which rear panel G attaches to back portion BP, so
that belt 14 does not interfere with the raising and lowering of
rear panel G; this may, in some implementations, result in belt
loops 12 and belt 14 being positioned above the waist of the
wearer. Alternatively, belt 14 may be a "faux" belt, constructed in
two pieces, each affixed to back portion BP at a location below
location 13 at which rear panel G attaches, so as not to interfere
with the raising and lowering of rear panel G. Further in the
alternative, garment 10 may be constructed without either belt 14
or belt loops 12.
[0022] It is contemplated that the height of location 13 may vary
among specific implementations of garment 10. In general, it is
contemplated that location 13 may range from near the neckline of
garment 10 to the mid- to upper back of garment 10, depending on
the particular construction of garment 10 and the manner in which
rear panel G "bunches" when raised. For example, if the material of
rear panel G is relatively thin or light, so as to gather tightly
when raised, location 13 may be closer to the mid-back or waist of
garment 10 while still allowing the seat regions of the wearer to
be exposed as necessary to accomplish the particular task desired.
If the material of rear panel G is thicker, or constructed to fold
in an accordion-like manner (as discussed below), location 13
should be placed some distance above the mid-back or waist region
of garment 10 in order to expose the necessary regions of the
wearer when rear panel G is raised. If rear panel G is constructed
to fold in very large panels when raised, it may be necessary for
location 13 to be placed as high as near the neckline of garment 10
to accomplish the necessary exposure. It is contemplated that those
skilled in the art having reference to this specification will be
readily able to place location 13 in the appropriate location for
the particular construction of an implementation of garment 10,
without undue experimentation.
[0023] In the example of FIG. 2, perimeter weights E are attached
to the lower hem of rear panel G to maintain it in place when
lowered; alternatively, the weight of rear panel G itself (e.g., if
constructed of multiple panels), elastic or magnetic devices, or
other mechanisms or construction may be incorporated into rear
panel G to maintain its proper position when lowered. In this
embodiment of the invention, optional heel/toe hooks F are provided
inside and at the bottom of rear panel G, and are constructed in
the form of loops of fabric, cord, or the like. Hooks F enable the
wearer to use his heel or toes to fully pull down rear panel G
during its lowering, in case gravity is insufficient to reposition
it properly, saving the wearer from bending over to accomplish
this.
[0024] If desired, rear panel G may be constructed to have a
removable inside liner (not shown), which may be removed as needed
for washing without requiring laundering of the entirety of garment
10. It is contemplated that such a removable inside liner may be
attached by hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, a zipper, or
another conventional attachment system.
[0025] According to embodiments of this invention, rear panel G of
garment 10 is liftable from the bottom, when desired by the wearer.
As seen in shadow in the rear view of FIG. 2, drawstring D runs
along the inside of or otherwise interiorly to garment 10 (i.e.,
drawstring D is not exteriorly visible) from over the shoulder and
running to the bottom edge of panel G, at or near which it is
attached. As shown in FIG. 1, drawstring D extends over (or under)
shoulder portion SP of garment 10, terminating at the front of
garment 10 at drawstring end A. By pulling on drawstring end A,
drawstring D will raise the bottom edge of rear panel G to a height
desired by the wearer (e.g., to accomplish the particular task or
change in position). If desired, locking mechanism B, in the form
of a clasp or other lock, is provided to retain drawstring D, so as
to retain rear panel G in a raised position without requiring the
wearer to continue pulling. This clasp or lock may be located on
garment 10 at any one of a number of places of convenience to the
wearer. In this example, FIG. 2 illustrates that drawstring D
splits into multiple branches, three such branches in this case, to
assist the even raising of panel G; of course, a single drawstring
branch or a pair of drawstring branches may instead be used.
Additional drawstrings may also be added, to accommodate the size,
shape, or other differences in the construction of garment 10.
[0026] Various alternative approaches to implementing drawstring D
are contemplated. Drawstring D itself may be implemented as a
single string, cord, or strap, a system of multiple strings, cords
or straps, or of other construction suitable for raising rear panel
G. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, drawstring end A provides an
actuator, by way of which the wearer actuates the raising and
lowering of rear panel G simply by pulling end A downwardly or
forwardly (or both), which pulls drawstring D and raises rear panel
G from its bottom edge. By extending drawstring D over the shoulder
of the wearer, the shoulder provides a fulcrum for this lifting
motion, converting forward or downward pull of drawstring end A
into a lifting force. The wearer may maintain rear panel G in the
desired position by continuing to pull the actuator of drawstring
end A, or by way of locking mechanism B, if implemented. Actuation
of the raising of rear panel G may be implemented by alternative
mechanisms, such as a motor and the necessary linkage of the motor
to drawstring D, in the alternative to the manual actuation (i.e.,
the pulling of end A) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates, in additional detail, the implementation
of drawstring D according to an embodiment of the invention. In
this implementation, drawstring D passes between the surface or
lining of garment 10 and fabric sleeve 15; fabric sleeve 15 thus
retains drawstring D in an over-the-shoulder position. Fabric
sleeve 15 may either be sewn on the exterior of shoulder portion
SP, or alternatively on its inner lining or surface. If sewn on its
inner lining, drawstring end A may pass through a slit through the
front panel of garment 10 so as to be easily pulled or otherwise
actuated; alternatively, drawstring end A may be retained within
garment 10, requiring the wearer to reach under garment 10, for
example with his off-side hand, to actuate rear panel G.
[0028] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate garment 10 in its state with rear
panel G raised by drawstring end A having been pulled forward and
downward from the top of the shoulder, which in turn pulled
drawstring D and thus raised up the bottom edge of rear panel G. In
this embodiment of the invention, rear panel G is constructed as
multiple individual panels that, when raised, fold upon each other
in accordion fashion, as visible in the side view of FIG. 4b.
Alternatively, rear panel G may be constructed from the appropriate
fabric so as to simply gather vertically when raised. As evident in
FIG. 4a, with rear panel G in its raised, folded, position, inner
surfaces S of the front of garment 10 are visible from the back (no
wearer being in the view of FIGS. 4a and 4b, of course).
[0029] Further in the alternative to locking mechanism B, other
approaches to maintaining rear panel G in its raised position
(FIGS. 4a and 4b) may alternatively be used. These alternatives
include other types of locking mechanisms B, such as clips, clasps,
cams, buttons, snaps, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, a loop
through which drawstring end A with the appropriate cross-piece can
be inserted, a loop to which drawstring A may be tied, and the
like, each of which serve to hold drawstring end A in its forward
and downward position. Further in the alternative, or additionally,
a retention mechanism (not shown) may be implemented on rear panel
G to hold it in place when raised, including one or more buckles,
clips, clasps, looped fasteners, tie strings, buttons, snaps,
magnets, friction between or within rear panel G, and the like.
[0030] FIG. 4c illustrates garment 10 incorporating optional
features in the construction of panels P, according to an
alternative construction. One of these optional features is shown
in FIG. 4c as perimeter weights 20 sewn into or onto the bottom
corners of panels P, at the rear opening of garment 10. Perimeter
weights 20 will help to maintain panels P in position, without
riding up, during and after the raising of rear panel G. Another
optional feature shown in FIG. 4e is provided by strips 22 of
interface material along the edges of panel P adjacent the rear
opening of garment 10. As known in the art, "interface material",
also known in the art as "interfacing material" or "interfacing",
refers to a textile material having a stiffness and weight that can
be sewn or fused to the "back" (i.e., unseen) side of the material
of a garment to add firmness, shape, structure, and support, for
example as in collars, cuffs, waistbands, pockets, shoulder seams,
and necklines. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4e,
strips 22 of interface material are applied to the edges of panels
P of garment 10, for example on the underside, to inhibit the
grouping or bunching of panels P as rear panel G is raised. It is
contemplated that the need for either or both of perimeter weights
20 and interface material strips 22 will generally depend on the
particular material of garment 10 being used. Lightweight and
rough-textured materials will be more susceptible to the grouping
or bunching of panels P; conversely, heavier and smoother materials
will be less susceptible to this effect, and may not require either
or both perimeter weights 20 or interface material strips 22. It is
contemplated that those skilled in the art having reference to this
specification will be readily able to determine the desirability
for, and the specific implementation of, either or both of
perimeter weights 20 and strips 22, without undue
experimentation.
[0031] FIG. 4d illustrates garment 10 according to another
embodiment of the invention; the lower branches of drawstring D are
not shown for clarity of this drawing. In this embodiment, rear
panel G is constructed to fold upon itself, in accordion fashion,
when raised, for example as shown in the side view of FIG. 4b. In
the implementation of FIG. 4d, strips 24 of interface material are
sewn or fused onto rear panel G, typically on its underside so as
not to be visible, to stiffen those portions of rear panel G. The
number, width, and spacing of strips 24 may be selected according
to the desired number and widths of the folds of rear panel G when
raised.
[0032] FIG. 4e illustrates garment 10 according to another
embodiment of the invention. In this view, rear panel G is shown in
its lowered position, with drawstring D' shown in shadow as
extending from shoulder portion SP to the bottom edge of rear panel
G along its undersurface, or within the material of rear panel G.
In this example, drawstring D' is implemented to have two branches
extending from a point at the top of the shoulder at which the two
branches are joined to a single drawstring portion (not shown) on
the front of garment 10. In one implementation of this embodiment
of the invention, the two branches of drawstring D' are implemented
in the form of cables of fabric, plastic, or another material. It
is believed, based on observation, that this implementation of
drawstring D' as two branches of cable presents very low sliding
resistance in the raising and lowering operations, as compared with
other implementations.
[0033] Also according to the implementation of FIG. 4e, the two
branches of drawstring D' attach to stiffener 25 that is sewn or
fused at the bottom edge of rear panel G, typically on its back
side (i.e., underside) so as not to be visible in normal wear.
Stiffener 25 may be constructed of interface material as described
above, of a weight and stiffness selected to facilitate the smooth
raising of the bottom edge of rear panel G as drawstrings D' are
pulled upward by the wearer. Stiffener 25 inhibits the bunching and
scalloping of the material of rear panel G when raised, as may
occur with the raising of the bottom edge only from the two points
at which the branches of drawstring D' are attached. In this
embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that the interface
material forming stiffener 25 will typically be relatively stiff,
and may be preformed to have a curvature so as to lend the desired
shape to garment 10 with rear panel G in its lowered position.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4e, stiffener 25 need not extend the full
width of rear panel G, but rather regions 26 of the bottom edge of
rear panel G may extend on either side of stiffener 25. This allows
the material of rear panel G to droop on either side of stiffener
25 as it is raised, reducing the weight of rear panel G. In this
implementation, it is desirable that the width of stiffener 25 be
selected so that this drooping of the sides of rear panel G does
not interfere with the task for which it is being raised.
[0035] Other accessories may be incorporated into garment 10. FIGS.
1, 2, and 4a through 4e illustrate hand covers, in the form of
mittens C (but which alternatively may be gloves), secured within
the sleeves of garment 10. Snaps or buttons may hold mittens C
within the sleeves when not in use; a tether or cord passing
through the sleeves of garment 10 may be used to keep mittens C
with garment 10 without risk of loss. Accessories may also include
a hood, electric heating, pre-heatable hand warmers (e.g., for
garment 10 used as a stadium robe), solar heating devices,
ventilation slotting or flaps, pockets, removable liners or
inserts, leg tie straps or cords, and the like.
[0036] As mentioned above, while various embodiments of this
invention have been described with reference to the example of
garment 10, it is contemplated that a wide variety of garments may
be constructed according to this invention to obtain one or more of
its benefits. Examples of garments that may implement embodiments
of this invention include robes, housecoats, stadium robes,
outerwear coats, raincoats, riding wear, and a wide variety of
other long garments.
[0037] While this invention has been described according to its
embodiments, it is of course contemplated that modifications of,
and alternatives to, these embodiments, such modifications and
alternatives obtaining the advantages and benefits of this
invention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having reference to this specification and its drawings. It is
contemplated that such modifications and alternatives are within
the scope of this invention as subsequently claimed herein.
* * * * *