U.S. patent application number 14/309294 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-25 for article of clothing facilitating its own storage during use.
The applicant listed for this patent is SALOMON S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Serge CHAPUIS.
Application Number | 20140373246 14/309294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49000989 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140373246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAPUIS; Serge |
December 25, 2014 |
ARTICLE OF CLOTHING FACILITATING ITS OWN STORAGE DURING USE
Abstract
The invention relates to an article of clothing that includes an
article of clothing for at least partially covering a portion of
the user's body. The article of clothing includes a band positioned
in the extension of a portion of the clothing element and adapted
to surround the waist or a limb of the user, the band being
demarcated by at least one edge with adjustable perimeter, the band
forming a wall of a housing surrounding the waist or a limb of the
user, the housing being adapted to contain the folded clothing
element and to keep it around the waist or a limb of the user.
Inventors: |
CHAPUIS; Serge; (Lepin Le
Lac, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SALOMON S.A.S. |
Metz-Tessy |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
49000989 |
Appl. No.: |
14/309294 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20130101; A41D
2400/424 20130101; A41D 15/002 20130101; A41D 15/04 20130101; A41D
13/0015 20130101; A41D 1/04 20130101; A41D 1/08 20130101; A41D
2400/422 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 15/04 20060101
A41D015/04; A41D 1/00 20060101 A41D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2013 |
FR |
13/01441 |
Claims
1. An article of clothing comprising: a clothing element for at
least partially covering a portion of a user's body; a band
positioned in an extension of a portion of the clothing element and
designed to surround a waist or a limb of the user, the band being
demarcated by at least one edge having an adjustable perimeter, the
band forming a wall of a housing surrounding the waist or the limb
of the user, said housing being designed to contain a folded
clothing element and to keep the folded clothing element positioned
around the waist or the limb of the user.
2. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: a median
portion of the band is extensible.
3. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: a median
portion of the band is more extensible along an axial direction of
the surrounded waist or limb than a portion of the clothing element
adjacent the band.
4. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the
housing is an annular pouch designed to surround the waist or the
limb of the user.
5. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: when the
article of clothing is worn, the housing is demarcated by the band
and a wall corresponding either to the user's skin or to a garment
worn by the user under the article of clothing, or by the folding
of the band alone.
6. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the at
least one edge by which the band is demarcated comprises two edges,
each having an adjustable perimeter.
7. An article of clothing according to claim 6, wherein: the width
between the two edges of the band is greater than five
centimeters.
8. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the band
forms a unitary closed loop.
9. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the at
least one edge comprises an adjusting mechanism designed to press
the at least one edge against the waist or the limb of the user
surrounded by the band, the adjusting mechanisms comprising an
elastic element or a cord provided with a blocker or a particular
weaving/knitting of the edge.
10. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the
clothing element and the band are formed with separated textile
elements.
11. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the band
is made integral or unitary with the clothing element.
12. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the
clothing element forms a jacket or a jacket portion; and the band
is positioned in continuity with a lower portion of the jacket or
jacket portion and has a perimeter designed to surround the waist
of the user.
13. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the
clothing element forms a jacket provided with sleeves; and the band
is positioned in continuity with at least one sleeve and has a
perimeter designed to surround a wrist of the user.
14. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the
clothing element forms a pair of pants; and the band is positioned
in continuity with an upper portion of the pants and has a
perimeter designed to surround the waist of the user.
15. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: the band
is affixed to a second clothing element.
16. An article of clothing comprising: a clothing element having a
wearing configuration and a storage configuration; in the wearing
configuration, the clothing element is designed to extend around a
torso of a user's body and to extend downwardly from the user's
shoulders; the clothing element having a pair of arm openings
designed to receive a respective pair of arms of the user; an
endless band non-removably connected to the clothing element along
a perimeter designed to extend around the torso of the user's body;
the band comprising a wall of a housing designed to extend around
the torso of the user's body; in the storage configuration of the
clothing element, the clothing element is positioned within the
housing.
17. An article of clothing according to claim 16, wherein: in both
the storage configuration of the clothing element and the wearing
configuration of the clothing element, each of the pair of arm
openings is designed to be identically oriented in a direction
around the torso of the user's body.
18. An article of clothing according to claim 16, wherein: the band
is elastically adjustable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon French Patent Application No.
13/01441, filed Jun. 20, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority
of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to articles of clothing, especially
articles of clothing intended for outdoor activities such as
running, hiking, and/or cycling, for example.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] When engaged in outdoor activities, a user may need thermal
protection for his or her body or for protection against rain
resulting from changing climatic conditions. For example, the user
may want to put on a jacket during windy conditions and then remove
the jacket as soon as the weather improves. Upon removing the
jacket, the user must store the jacket to increase freedom of
movement. Typically, the user wishes to make these changes quickly
to avoid wasting time.
[0006] The patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,476 describes an anorak
associated with a belt. The belt comprises a front pouch, closeable
by a slide fastener, in which the anorak is stored when not worn.
When wishing to don the anorak, the user opens the front pouch to
retrieve the anorak, which is attached to the belt only in the
interior of the front pouch. The anorak has a wide opening in the
back to enable donning. This opening, adjustable by a rear slide
fastener, provides passage for the head and the arms. The anorak is
also sized to cover a backpack carried by the user. Thus, closing
the rear slide fastener also protects the backpack from the
weather. The anorak further comprises a fastening mechanism located
at the end of the rear slide fastener, in the area of the waist.
This fastening mechanism makes it possible to reduce the space
between the user's waist and the anorak but does not make it
possible to achieve uniform contact on the perimeter of the
waist.
[0007] In practice, it is relatively difficult to don this anorak
without stopping while engaged in an activity, such as running.
Indeed, the user must focus in order to properly unfurl and orient
the anorak, including correctly positioning the sleeves through
which to pass the arms. Furthermore, the rear slide fastener and
rear fastening mechanism are not easily accessible and thus not
easy to manipulate. This positioning is all the more difficult as
the user is moving. In addition, the anorak is not very well
insulated in the area of the waist, which can allow air or water
penetration. Furthermore, the anorak is not properly held in the
area of the waist, and thus generates friction that can hinder the
movements of the user. This hindrance is increased when running, as
it is preferable to wear closely fitting garments, at least in the
area of the waist.
SUMMARY
[0008] The invention overcomes one or more of the aforementioned
drawbacks.
[0009] In particular, the invention provides garment that is easy
to put on, remove, and store, including during the practice of a
sport or other activity.
[0010] The invention also provides a garment with reinforced
insulation.
[0011] The invention further provides a garment that is held
properly on the body of the user.
[0012] Thus, the invention relates to an article of clothing
comprising a clothing element designed to at least partially cover
a portion of the body of the user, a band positioned in the
extension of the clothing element and adapted to surround the waist
or a limb of the user, the band being demarcated by at least one
adjustable perimeter edge, the band forming a wall of a housing
surrounding the waist or a limb of the user, the housing being
adapted to contain the folded clothing element and to keep it
around the waist or a limb of the user.
[0013] The invention thus provides an article of clothing that
makes it possible to switch easily from a wearing configuration to
a storage configuration without affecting the progress of the
activity being performed, ensuring the retention of the article of
clothing when switching between the two configurations, and
ensuring that the article of clothing is properly held in the
storage or wearing configuration.
[0014] At least one edge makes it possible to adjust the edge
perimeter around the user's waist or limb surrounded by the band.
Thus, the edge can exert a slight compression against the user's
waist or limb that it surrounds. The band defines a storage zone
for the clothing element, which has very good hold on the user. The
clothing element can then be stored in a housing formed by the
folded band only, or by the band on one side and a wall made by the
user's body or a fabric. Moreover, the band ensures good insulation
of the clothing item when worn. The adjustment eliminates or
greatly reduces air or water penetration. Finally, the storage of
the article of clothing is provided by the band, which covers the
folded clothing element. Advantageously, the band is limited by two
edges with adjustable perimeters, which makes it possible to close
the housing formed by the band in which the folded article of
clothing is stored. Additionally, these edges enable a stable
vertical positioning of the band on the user. Donning and doffing
the article of clothing is simple and fast. It is not necessary to
open/close a slide fastener or to connect other fastening means to
extract the article of clothing from its storage housing.
[0015] The article of clothing may be a jacket, a portion of a
jacket, pants, shorts, a skirt, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the following description, provided by way of
non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing an
article of clothing according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing of FIG. 1, in the area of a storage band;
[0019] FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views of the user in successive
stages of preparing the storage of the article of clothing of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the article
of clothing in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing according to another storage mode;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing according to still another storage mode;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of an article of
clothing according to an alternative of the first embodiment,
designed to conceal the storage band;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a flat expanded view of a portion of an
alternative article of clothing;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front view of an article of clothing according
to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 13 to 16 are perspective views of the user in
successive stages of preparing the storage of the article of
clothing of FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article
of clothing according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 18 to 19 are perspective views of the user in
successive stages of preparing the storage of the article of
clothing of FIG. 17; and
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article
of clothing according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
article of clothing 1. In this first embodiment, the article of
clothing 1 comprises a clothing element 2 in the form of a jacket
and a band 3 extending in the extension of the clothing element 2,
in the area of the waist.
[0032] In this example, the clothing element 2 is adapted to cover
the torso and the arms of the user. The clothing element 2
comprises a textile having a surface 22 shaped in a known manner to
cover the torso and advantageously comprises sleeves. Furthermore,
the clothing element 2 comprises an upper opening 24 to allow
passage of the head and neck of the user. Advantageously, the
clothing element 2 also comprises an opening mechanism 21 for
selectively increasing or reducing the size of the opening 24. The
opening mechanism 21, for example, includes a slide fastener, such
as a zipper, extending vertically between the opening 24 and the
lower portion of the clothing element 2, on the front portion of
the clothing element. The opening mechanism 21 can be designed to
create a long slit extending down at least to below the sternum. As
a result, the head and shoulders can pass more easily through the
opening 24 thus modified, as will be explained below.
Alternatively, the opening mechanism can be designed to increase
the size of the opening 24 in the area of the shoulders. The
opening mechanism may be comprised of locally deformable portions
of the textile surface.
[0033] The lower portion of the clothing element 2 comprises a
lower opening 25 (shown in FIG. 7) for allowing passage of the
waist of the user.
[0034] The band 3 is located in the extension of the clothing
element 2, in the lower portion thereof. The band 3 also surrounds
the waist of the user and, at least in this embodiment, is endless,
thus demarcating the opening 25. The band 3 comprises a textile
element 30 extending between two edges 31, 32 with adjustable
perimeter. Each edge 31 and 32 surrounds a portion of the waist and
can exert a slight compression onto the body of the user. The
compression is not necessarily uniform around the edge. An edge of
the band is said to be "adjustable" when it makes it possible to
adapt the perimeter of the edge to the size or perimeter of the
user's limb surrounded by the band. The adjustment may or may not
be adjustable.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing 1, in the area of the band 3, when the clothing element 2
is being worn. The adjustable upper edge 31 forms the junction
between the band 3 and the clothing element 2. The adjustable lower
edge 32 is a free edge of the band 3. Due to their adjustment, the
adjustable edges 31 and 32 can be pressed against a wall 4
corresponding either to the user's skin or to another garment worn
by the user under the article of clothing 1. Between the adjustable
edges 31 and 32, the textile element 30 forms a wall demarcating a
housing 33. The housing 33 here is formed between the textile
element 30 and the wall 4. As described in detail below, the band 3
has a width, between the adjustable edges 31 and 32, which is
sufficient to enable the housing 33 formed with the wall 4, in the
case the user's waist, to contain the clothing element 2 so as to
form storage therefore.
[0036] In the example illustrated, the adjustable upper edge 31 is
formed by an upper elastic ribbon 34 surrounding the article of
clothing 1. This upper elastic ribbon 34 is fixed in a covering
between the textile element 30 of the band 3 and the textile
surface 22 of the clothing element 2. The upper elastic band 34 is
fixed between stitches affixing the band 3 to the clothing element
2.
[0037] The adjustable lower edge 32 is formed here by a lower
elastic ribbon 35 surrounding the free edge of the band 3. The
lower elastic ribbon 35 is fixed in a hem of the textile element
30. The lower elastic ribbon 35 is held in the hem by stitches.
[0038] The elastic ribbons 34 and 35 may be elastic strips, for
example.
[0039] The adjustable edges 31 and 32 may be formed by any other
suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as
by means of crimped portions of the fabric coupled with at least
one elastic yarn. It can also be a cord provided with a blocker. In
such a case, the position of the blocker on the cord enables the
edge to be adjusted. Alternatively, the band does not include edges
having properties that are distinct from those of the median
portion of the band. For example, the band has the same
extensibility characteristics over its entire width. Therefore,
there are no marked edges. In this case, the band 3 becomes
deformed in its median portion to form a wall of the housing 30 for
the clothing element 2 and the non-deformed lateral portions,
arranged on both sides of the deformed median portion, form the
adjustable edges 31 and 32.
[0040] The adjustable edges 31 and 32 are used to press against the
waist of the user to ensure a relatively stable positioning of the
band 3 in relation to the user during use. When the clothing
element 2 is worn, the band 3 enables proper adjustment in the area
of the waist, thereby avoiding any friction at the waist. The
adjustable edges 31 and 32 close the housing 33 when the clothing
element 2 is stored in the housing 33. Vertical tossing of the
article of clothing 1 is thus limited.
[0041] The adjustable edges 31 and 32 also promote windproofness in
the wearing configuration.
[0042] Advantageously, the textile element 30 is extensible, which
also makes it possible to reduce the tossing of the clothing
element 2 when it is stored. The extensibility of the textile
element also facilitates the transition into the wearing
configuration. Indeed, the elasticity of the textile element makes
it possible to space the clothing element 2 from the body in order
to insert the head and shoulders of the user. The clothing element
then returns to position due to the extensibility of the band. The
extensibility also enables the clothing element to adapt to various
user builds.
[0043] The textile element 30 may have openings or be in the form
of net or a mesh.
[0044] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate the transition from a wearing
configuration to a storage configuration of the article of clothing
1 according to the first embodiment.
[0045] The user actuates the opening mechanism 21, such as a
zipper, so as to widen the opening 24 as much as possible. The
opening 24 can then have a cross section that is sufficiently large
to allow the head and shoulders of the user therethrough.
[0046] The user then extracts his arms from the sleeves of the
clothing element 2, and then frees his shoulders and torso from the
clothing element 2. During this step, illustrated in FIG. 3, the
article of clothing 1 is still maintained on the user. The
adjustable edges 31 and 32 maintain the band 3 fixed around the
waist of the user.
[0047] The user then spaces the adjustable upper edge 31 from his
waist, as shown in FIG. 4. Then, he gradually slips the clothing
element 2 between his waist and the adjustable upper edge 31, so as
to house the clothing element 2 within the housing 33. In doing so,
he can compress the folding element, such as by folding it to fit
within the housing, or he can roll it or simply stuff the clothing
element 2 in the housing. In any event, the more extensible the
textile element 30, the greater the storage capacity of the housing
33 for a predetermined width of the band 3. The extensibility of
the textile element 30 enables the median portion of the band to
extend along a direction perpendicular to the waist of the user. In
the context of the invention, a textile element is extensible when
it can be subject to quite substantial deformations and return to
its original configuration with a certain energy. The extensibility
results in the elastic deformation of the fabric. In the case of
the invention, the extensibility of the band must be sufficient to
form a housing in which the folded clothing element is stored.
[0048] In the wearing configuration, the extensibility allows for a
better aesthetic finish of the article of clothing, for example by
avoiding the formation of a bulge.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows the stored clothing element 2. The clothing
element 2 is housed in the housing 33 positioned in the area of the
waist and demarcated by the textile element 30 and the wall 4
formed by a T-shirt worn by the user. FIG. 6 is a sagittal
cross-sectional view of the article of clothing 1 in this storage
configuration. FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the
article of clothing 1 in this same storage configuration.
[0050] Thus, throughout the storing process, the article of
clothing 1 remains fixed to the user. The clothing element 2 is
particularly well-retained by the band 3, while ensuring ease of
retrieval of the clothing element 2, due to the front opening
mechanism or slide fastener 21.
[0051] The housing 33 forms an annular pouch around the waist,
inside of which the user stores the clothing element 2. This
construction offers a large storage space that makes it possible to
distribute the entire folded clothing element 2 around the waist.
As a result, the article of clothing 1 in the storage configuration
has a substantially continuous extra thickness around the waist,
thereby balancing the distribution of the mass of the article of
clothing. Thus, the weight of the stored clothing element may be
evenly distributed around the waist. This solution eliminates or
greatly reduces the tossing or flopping of the article of clothing
in relation to the user. This aspect is particularly advantageous
in comparison, for example, with the storage of the clothing
element 2 in a front pouch, as in the prior art described above. In
the latter case, the pouch is locally thicker and the weight of the
stored clothing element may be uncomfortable (imbalance, tossing,
local contact zone, etc.).
[0052] The band 3 and clothing element 2 are connected to one
another, such as non-removably connected, along their entire
perimeters, which makes it easier to obtain a distributed storage
of the clothing element. This connection also provides another
advantage, namely, the orientation of the clothing element 2 in the
housing 33. This orientation can greatly facilitate the transition
into the wearing mode. Indeed, each arm opening and sleeve remains
properly positioned in relation to the corresponding arm of the
user, i.e., identically in both the storage and the wearing
configurations of the clothing element 2. The clothing element is
automatically well-indexed to facilitate its positioning. The
continuous connection between the clothing element 2 and the band 3
ensures the relative positioning between these two elements,
thereby making it easier to guide the clothing element when
switching to the wearing configuration.
[0053] This is not the case in the example of the cited prior art,
in which the clothing element is attached to the belt only in a
front zone. The user can easily twist this connection and invert
the sleeves. Therefore, the user must be careful not to invert the
sleeves when positioning the clothing element. This is more
restrictive.
[0054] To switch from a storage configuration to a wearing
configuration, the user performs the reverse operations from that
described above. The user transitions from the storage
configuration shown in FIG. 5 to the wearing configuration
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0055] This article of clothing makes it particularly easy to
switch from a storage configuration to a wearing configuration and
vice versa.
[0056] Other storage configurations are also within the scope of
the invention.
[0057] FIG. 8 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing 1 in another storage configuration. To obtain this storage
configuration, starting from the wearing configuration illustrated
in FIG. 1, the user begins the same way. He also actuates the
opening mechanism 21 so as to widen the opening 24 as much as
possible, and then extracts his arms from the sleeves and then
frees his shoulders and torso from the clothing element 2. The user
folds the clothing element around his waist. Then, instead of
sliding the clothing element 2 under the adjustable upper edge 31,
he folds the band 3 on the clothing element 2. The adjustable lower
edge 32 is then pressed against the wall 4 and is positioned above
the adjustable upper edge 31. The textile element 30 then covers
the clothing element 2. The clothing element 2 is stored in the
housing 33.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing 1 in a third storage configuration. To obtain this storage
configuration, starting from the wearing configuration illustrated
in FIG. 1, the user actuates the opening mechanism 21 so as to
widen the opening 24 as much as possible, and then extracts his
arms from the sleeves, and then frees his shoulders and torso from
the clothing element 2. The user then brings the clothing element 2
above the textile element 30 and the adjustable lower edge 32 in
superposition with the adjustable upper edge 31, such that a
housing 33 is demarcated by the folding of the textile element 30
alone. The housing 33 formed is then used to store the clothing
element 2 in its entirety. The clothing element is entirely slipped
into the housing 33 through the opening provided between the
adjustable edges 31 and 32. This configuration makes it possible to
maintain the clothing element 2 without contact with the user,
particularly when this clothing element is soaked with
perspiration, mud, or rain, for example.
[0059] FIG. 10 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of the article of
clothing 1 in another wearing configuration. This configuration is
adapted to conceal the storage band 3 in the wearing configuration
of the article of clothing 1. In this configuration, the band 3 is
folded under the clothing element 2. The adjustable upper edge 31
here forms the lower end of the article of clothing 1, the
adjustable lower edge 32 being covered by the clothing element 2.
To form the housing 33, it suffices to fold the adjustable upper
edge 31, as shown by the arrow, up to or beyond the adjustable
lower edge 32. The storage of the clothing element 2 is then
carried out according to one of the methods described above.
[0060] In this example, the band 3 forms a continuous closed loop
in the area of the lower opening of the clothing element 2. This
band 3 defines the annular housing 33 around the waist of the user.
To don the article of clothing 1, the user uses the extensibility
of the elastic edges 31 and 32. Thus, it is guaranteed that the
article of clothing 1 remains constantly fixed around the waist of
the user during use.
[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the opening mechanism 2 may be
provided to extend to the adjustable lower edge 32 to enable the
article of clothing 1 to fully open in the area of the waist.
[0062] The textile element 30 is advantageously extensible to make
it easier to keep the clothing element 2 pressed against the user.
Thus, when the clothing element 2 is positioned in the housing 33,
the textile element 30 is elastically deformed and presses the
clothing element 2 against the user. Good compactness of the
article of clothing 1 is obtained in the storage configuration.
Therefore, the article of clothing can be constructed with panels
having mechanical properties varying according to their use. For
example, the clothing element 2 can be constructed for protection
against the wind and/or rain, while the band 3 can be constructed
to be deformed in order to create a pouch for storing the clothing
item. The band must be able to deform transversely, which implies
extension properties along at least one axial direction of the
surrounded waist or limb.
[0063] To have a good hold and aesthetic appeal, it is desirable
for the clothing element not to be overly extensible, which makes
it possible to achieve an attractive cut. To this end, the median
portion of the band is advantageously more extensible along an
axial direction of the surrounded waist or limb than the textile
element of the article of clothing adjacent the band.
[0064] To combine both a good hold of the article of clothing 1 and
ease of insertion of a clothing element 2 in the housing 33, the
adjustable edges 31 and 32 advantageously have a mechanical
stiffness greater than that of the median portion of the band 3
formed of the textile element 30. The perimeter of the adjustable
edges 31 and 32 at rest can be less that the perimeter of the
median portion of the band 3, in order to promote the volume of the
housing 33 without modifying the support of the article of clothing
1.
[0065] Advantageously, the width of the band 3 between the
adjustable edge 31 and 32 is equal to at least five centimeters to
provide a housing 33 of sufficient size for storage.
[0066] The band 3 advantageously forms a housing 33 closed by a
simple mechanical structure or expedient that can quickly be
opened/closed. The housing 33 does not require a closing mechanism
such as a slide fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener, which could
alter the clothing element 2 or the adjacent garments during
handling and would weigh down the article of clothing 1. The
housing 33 can also be used for storing other objects in the
wearing configuration.
[0067] For the practice of certain activities and sports, the user
especially looks for an article of clothing 1 that is lightweight.
The clothing element 2 can take the form of a windbreaker and/or a
raincoat made with a very lightweight material, such as a "Ripstop"
fabric, for example, made of 90% polyamide and 10% elastane,
certain portions being membranous. The proposed construction is
particularly suitable for this type of clothing element 2. Forming
a housing 33 by means of a single wall of the textile element 30
makes it possible to reduce the amount of fabric and stitching.
This further lightens the article of clothing, whose weight can be
less than one hundred grams.
[0068] In the examples described in detail above, the clothing
element 2 and the band 3 are demarcated by a continuous peripheral
line and are formed of separate textile elements. Alternatively,
the adjustable upper edge 31 is not made by a single adjustable
element continuous along the entire periphery of the waist. For
example, the band 3 can be made integral with the clothing element
2. FIG. 11 is a flat expanded view of an alternative article of
clothing 1. The textile element 30 here is an extension of the
textile surface 22 of the clothing element 2. The band 3 comprises
two elastic elements 36, for example. The elastic elements 36 are
elongated and parallel to the adjustable lower edge 32. The elastic
elements 36 are aligned. The adjustable upper edge 31 according to
the invention is then determined by a periphery joining these
elastic members 36 around the waist. The elasticity of the
adjustable edge 31 enabling it to be pressed against the waist of
the user is therefore concentrated in the area of the elastic
elements 36. The elastic elements 36 are advantageously positioned
in the area of the sides of the user in the wearing configuration.
In this example, the band 3 is demarcated by the adjustable upper
edge 31, defined by the two elastic elements 36, on the one hand,
and by the adjustable lower edge 32, on the other hand.
Alternatively, there may be a single or two or more elastic
elements 36 distributed along a periphery parallel to the
adjustable lower edge 32.
[0069] The textile element 30 may include approximately 60%
polyamide and 40% elastane (a fabric stretchable along two axes),
for example. The textile surface 22 can be formed in a fabric
containing 90% polyamide and 10% elastane. The band 3 can be made
integral with the clothing element 2 by using weavings or
proportions of various adjustable materials in order to promote the
extensibility of the band 3.
[0070] The textile surface 22 can advantageously be breathable,
form protection against the wind and/or at least locally form
protection against the cold and/or be at least locally impervious.
The clothing element 2 may comprise a hood.
[0071] Thus, there are several embodiments for obtaining a band
that has different mechanical properties from that of the clothing
element 2, and is particularly more "extensible" in order to deform
sufficiently to create the storage housing 33.
[0072] A first embodiment involves assembling panels comprised of
various materials. In this case, the band-forming panel is
comprised of a suitable extensible material.
[0073] A second embodiment involves constructing the article of
clothing with panels having the same base material for the clothing
element 2 and the band 3. In this case, to obtain an extensible
band, an elastic film may be added to the base material. The added
film may be adhered, glued, printed, obtained by coating, or any
other method for locally associating an elastic coating with the
base material.
[0074] A third embodiment involves making the constituent material
of the article of clothing such that the organization of the yarns
or they type vary in predetermined zones. These structural
modifications make it possible to obtain different mechanical
properties from one zone to another. Consequently, an extensible
band can be obtained as desired. This technique, referred to as
"body mapping", makes it possible to create a garment in one piece,
seamless, which is more comfortable and more durable. These
structural modifications may involve changing the weaving or
knitting locally. One can also use a non-woven textile and locally
modify the internal cohesion of the agglomerated fibers.
[0075] Other construction or assembly technologies are within the
scope of the invention for defining zones having different
mechanical properties.
[0076] FIGS. 12 to 16 illustrate a second embodiment of an article
of clothing. This embodiment includes elements similar to those of
the first embodiment. Each similar element is designated by the
same reference numeral as the element of the first embodiment,
incremented by 100.
[0077] In this second embodiment, the article of clothing 101 also
comprises a jacket-shaped article of clothing 102. The article of
clothing 101 also comprises a band 103 positioned in the extension
of the article of clothing 102, but, in this case, in the extension
of a sleeve. This second embodiment allows the article of clothing
102 to be stored in the area of the wrist of the user, in order to
free his waist and better facilitate breathing.
[0078] The clothing element comprises a textile surface 122 shaped
in a known manner to cover the torso and the arms, and thus
comprises sleeves 123. The article of clothing 102 includes an
upper opening 124 to allow passage of the head and neck of the
user. The article of clothing 102 advantageously comprises an
opening mechanism 121 for selectively increasing or reducing the
size of the opening 124. The opening mechanism 121 here comprises a
slide fastener extending vertically between the opening 124 and the
lower edge of the article of clothing 102. The article of clothing
102 can thus fully open for easy removal thereof when switching to
the storage configuration. This full opening also facilitates the
donning and doffing of the article of clothing 101.
[0079] In this example, the article of clothing 101 comprises a
band 103 in the area of each of the sleeves 123, which makes the
article of clothing versatile, suitable for right or left handed
users. This band 103 surrounds the hand and wrist of the user. The
band 103 is demarcated by two adjustable edges 131 and 132. The
band 103 comprises a textile element 130 extending between the
adjustable edges 131 and 132. The band 103 advantageously forms a
mitt, with openings for the fingers of the user. The band 103
particularly comprises an opening 137 to allow passage of the thumb
of the user. The opening 137 ensures retention of the article of
clothing 101 by the hand of the user in the wearing
configuration.
[0080] The adjustable upper edge 131 connects the band 103 and the
article of clothing 102 in the area of the wrist of the user. The
adjustable lower edge 132 is a free edge of the band 103,
positioned at the junction between the hand and fingers of the
user. Due to their elasticity, the adjustable edges 131 and 132 are
pressed against the user's wrist and the hand, respectively.
[0081] The adjustable edges 131 and 132 are pressed against the
user's wrist and the hand, respectively, to keep the band 103
attached to the user during use. The adjustable edges 131 and 132
also make it possible to keep the article of clothing 102 stored in
the housing.
[0082] Each band 103 here is pressed against the hand of the user,
thereby ensuring that the sleeves 123 of the article of clothing
101 are watertight or windproof in the wearing configuration.
[0083] FIGS. 14 to 16 illustrate the transition from a wearing
configuration to a storage configuration of the article of clothing
101.
[0084] The user actuates the opening mechanism 121 so as to fully
open a front opening of the clothing element.
[0085] The user then extracts the arm from a sleeve 123 of the
article of clothing 102, and then frees his shoulders and torso out
of the article of clothing 102. During this step, illustrated in
FIG. 14, the article of clothing 101 is still held by the hand of
the user. The adjustable edges 131 and 132 keep the band 103
secured around this hand.
[0086] The user then pulls out his thumb from the opening 137 and
folds the band 103 beyond his wrist. He spaces the adjustable upper
edge 131 from his arm and gradually slides the article of clothing
102 between his arm and the adjustable upper edge 131, so as to
insert the article of clothing 102 in the housing. This step is
illustrated in FIG. 15. To this end, in an exemplary embodiment,
the textile element 130 is extensible so that the housing does not
form a bulge in the wearing configuration, while having a
sufficient storage volume for the article of clothing 102 in the
storage configuration. The band 103 has a width, between the
adjustable edges 131 and 132, which is sufficient to enable the
housing formed to contain the article of clothing 102 so as to form
storage therefore.
[0087] FIG. 16 shows the article of clothing 102 as stored. The
entire article of clothing 102 is housed in the housing, between
the textile element 130 and the arm of the user. Throughout the
storing process, the article of clothing 101 remains attached to
the user. The band 103 holds the article of clothing 102
particularly well while ensuring ease of retrieval of the article
of clothing 102. Moreover, in the storage configuration, the
article of clothing 101 frees the arms and torso of the user.
[0088] To facilitate the storage by distributing the article of
clothing 102 in the housing, the band 103 and the article of
clothing 102 are fixed to one another along the entire perimeter of
the wrist. The distribution of the mass of the article of clothing
102 can be balanced around the wrist.
[0089] In an alternative embodiment, the storage of the article of
clothing 102 is positioned on the hand instead of around the wrist.
In such a case, the band 103 is not folded back toward the wrist
and remains around the hand.
[0090] Similarly, the band 103 could be constructed to stop in the
area of the wrist in the wearing configuration. In such a case, it
does not cover the hand, unlike the previous solutions.
[0091] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article
of clothing according to a third embodiment of the invention. This
embodiment includes elements similar to those of the first
embodiment. Each similar element has the same reference numeral as
the element of the first embodiment, incremented by 200.
[0092] In this third embodiment, the article of clothing 201
comprises a clothing element 202 in the form of pants and a band
203 located in the extension of the upper portion of the clothing
element 202.
[0093] The clothing element 202 is adapted to cover the legs and
pelvis of the user. The clothing element 202 comprises an upper
opening (not shown) to allow passage of the legs and waist of the
user. The clothing element 202 further comprises two legs, each
provided with a lower opening (not shown) to allow passage of the
ankles of the user. The clothing element 202 further comprises an
opening mechanism 221 forming a separation of the pants connecting
the two lower openings through the crotch. The opening mechanism
221 can be in the form of a slide fastener or hook-and-loop
fastener, for example.
[0094] The band 203 is located in the extension of the clothing
element 202, in the upper portion thereof. The band 203 also
surrounds the waist of the user and is demarcated by two adjustable
edges 231 and 232. The band 203 comprises a textile element 230
extending between the adjustable edges 231 and 232.
[0095] The adjustable lower edge 232 forms the junction between the
band 203 and the clothing element 202. The adjustable upper edge
231 is a free edge of the band 203. Due to their elasticity, the
adjustable edges 231 and 232 are pressed against either the user's
skin, or against another garment of the user located beneath the
article of clothing 201. Between the adjustable edges 231 and 232,
the textile element 230 forms a wall demarcating a housing. The
band 203 has a width, between the adjustable edges 231 and 232,
which is sufficient to enable the housing formed with the waist of
the user to contain the clothing element 202 so as to form storage
therefore.
[0096] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the transition from a clothing
configuration to a storage configuration of the article of clothing
201 according to the third embodiment.
[0097] In FIG. 18, the user has actuated the opening mechanism 221
so as to form the separation of the pants. The user can extract his
legs out of the legs of the pants. The user then pulls up the
pants. During this step, the article of clothing 201 is still
maintained on the user, the adjustable edges 231 and 232
maintaining the band 203 attached around the waist of the user.
[0098] In FIG. 19, the user spaces the adjustable lower edge 232
from his waist. The user gradually slips the clothing element 202
between his waist and the adjustable lower edge 232, so as to
insert the pants in the housing of the band 203. The user must then
continue the operation to house the entire pants in the housing of
the band 203.
[0099] Although pants are described in this third embodiment, the
clothing element 202 may also be in the form of shorts, a skirt, or
the like.
[0100] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a user wearing an article
of clothing according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. This
embodiment includes elements similar to those of the first
embodiment. Each similar element has the same reference numeral as
the element of the first embodiment, incremented by 300.
[0101] The construction of this article of clothing 301 is very
similar to the article of clothing 1 of the first embodiment. The
difference is that the band 303 is affixed to a second clothing
element 350 at least partially covering the lower limbs of the
user. The second clothing element 350 may be shorts, a skirt,
Bermuda shorts, Capri pants, short or long pants. The band 303 can
therefore serve to maintain the second clothing element 350 in
place on the user.
[0102] In this example, it is the lower edge 332 of the band 303
that is affixed to the second clothing element 350.
[0103] Thus, the band 303 includes a textile element 330 in its
median portion, an upper edge 331 affixed to a first clothing
element 302 and a lower edge 332 affixed to a second clothing
element 350. Like the first embodiment and similarly, the band 303
forms a wall of a housing that is sufficient to contain the first
folded clothing element 302.
[0104] This fourth embodiment provides better imperviousness
because the band 303 forms a continuous connection between the
first and second clothing elements. For this alternative
embodiment, it is desirable to have an extensible band connecting
the upper clothing element to the lower clothing element in order
to adapt to the user's build. The first clothing element 302, in
this embodiment, is stored permanently in the second clothing
element 350.
[0105] In an alternative embodiment, the first clothing element 302
can be made to be removably connected to the second clothing
element 350, either in the area of the upper edge 331 of the band
303, or in the area of the lower edge 332 of the band 303.
[0106] Alternatively, the first 302 and second 350 clothing
elements are both connected in the area of the lower edge 332. In
this case, the upper edge 331 is free.
[0107] The invention is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiments. It is possible to combine these embodiments.
[0108] For example, the construction for obtaining an extensible
band can also be used in the various embodiments illustrated.
[0109] Furthermore, the invention also covers an article of
clothing, the "first" clothing element of which would partially
cover the body.
[0110] For example, it may be a plastron covering the torso only,
the plastron being provided with a lower band surrounding the waist
of the user. The plastron can then be stored in a housing formed by
the lower band in a manner analogous to the first embodiment.
[0111] The invention also covers an article of clothing having a
separable or removable clothing element. In this embodiment, the
201 includes an attachment mechanism for adding the band in the
extension of the clothing element. This mechanism cooperates with a
complementary mechanism arranged on the band so as to affix the
band to the clothing element. Such attachment mechanism may be snap
fasteners, strips such as "VELCRO.RTM.", a slide fastener, etc.
[0112] In another embodiment, the article of clothing includes a
band forming a housing for storing two clothing elements, a first
clothing element adapted to cover at least a portion of the upper
limbs of the user, and a second clothing element adapted to cover
at least a portion of the lower limbs of the user. Therefore, the
band is affixed to the two foldable clothing elements. In this
alternative embodiment, the two clothing elements can be stored in
a housing, at least a portion of which is demarcated by the band,
unlike the fourth embodiment.
[0113] Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein
in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the
disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention,
the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional
element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed
herein.
* * * * *