U.S. patent application number 15/381965 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for convertible pants.
The applicant listed for this patent is The North Face Apparel Corp.. Invention is credited to John Ly.
Application Number | 20180168250 15/381965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60915672 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180168250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ly; John |
June 21, 2018 |
Convertible Pants
Abstract
Convertible pants include a waist portion and legs. Each leg
includes an upper leg segment attached to the waist portion, a
storage compartment disposed on the upper leg segment, and a lower
leg segment undetachably connected to the upper leg segment at an
attachment point. The lower leg segment includes a panel and a
coupling mechanism detachably connecting a first longitudinal edge
of the panel to a second longitudinal edge of the panel. In a
shorts mode, the lower leg segment is disposed within the storage
compartment such that the leg has a first length. In a pants mode,
an exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least partially
overlaps and engages with an interior surface of the upper leg
segment, and the lower leg segment extends below the upper leg
segment such that the leg has a second length that is greater than
the first length.
Inventors: |
Ly; John; (Oakland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The North Face Apparel Corp. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60915672 |
Appl. No.: |
15/381965 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2400/70 20130101;
A41D 1/06 20130101; A41D 15/002 20130101; A41D 2400/422 20130101;
A41D 27/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20060101
A41D015/00; A41D 1/06 20060101 A41D001/06; A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. Convertible pants, comprising: a waist portion; and a plurality
of legs, wherein each leg comprises: an upper leg segment attached
to the waist portion; a storage compartment disposed on an interior
surface of the upper leg segment; and a lower leg segment
undetachably connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment
point, the lower leg segment comprising: a panel having a first
longitudinal edge opposite a second longitudinal edge; and a
coupling mechanism detachably connecting the first longitudinal
edge to the second longitudinal edge, wherein in a shorts mode, the
lower leg segment is disposed within the storage compartment such
that the leg has a first length, and wherein in a pants mode, an
exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least partially
overlaps and engages with the interior surface of the upper leg
segment, and the lower leg segment extends below the upper leg
segment such that the leg has a second length that is greater than
the first length.
2. The convertible pants of claim 1, wherein the storage
compartment comprises a first opening on the interior surface of
the upper leg segment and a second opening on an exterior surface
of the upper leg segment.
3. The convertible pants of claim 2, wherein each leg further
comprises a pocket disposed in the upper leg segment, the pocket
having a pocket opening, wherein the pocket opening comprises the
second opening.
4. Pants, comprising: a waist portion; and a leg comprising: an
upper leg segment having a first end and a second end, the first
end of the upper leg segment attached to the waist portion; a lower
leg segment connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment
point; and a storage compartment comprising an opening on an
interior surface of the upper leg segment to receive and store the
lower leg segment, wherein, in a pants mode, a portion of the
interior surface of the upper leg segment at least partially
overlaps and engages with an exterior surface of the lower leg
segment.
5. The pants of claim 4, wherein the storage compartment is
disposed between an exterior surface of the upper leg segment and
the interior surface of the upper leg segment and the opening is
disposed at a bottom latitudinal edge of the upper leg segment.
6. The pants of claim 4, wherein in the pants mode, the leg has a
first length, and in a shorts mode, the lower leg segment is
disposed within the storage compartment such that the leg has a
second length that is shorter than the first length.
7. The pants of claim 6, the lower leg segment comprising: a panel
having a first longitudinal edge opposite a second longitudinal
edge; and a coupling mechanism detachably connecting the first
longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.
8. The pants of claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises
at least one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, or
magnetic material.
9. The pants of claim 6, wherein the lower leg segment further
comprising: a top latitudinal edge, the top latitudinal edge
connected to the upper leg segment at the attachment point; a
bottom latitudinal edge opposite the top latitudinal edge; and a
tab attached to the bottom latitudinal edge.
10. The pants of claim 6, wherein the attachment point is disposed
inside the storage compartment.
11. The pants of claim 6, the storage compartment further
comprising a coupling mechanism, wherein, in the shorts mode, the
lower leg segment is secured within the storage compartment by the
coupling mechanism.
12. The pants of claim 6, wherein the lower leg segment is
detachably connected to the upper leg segment.
13. The pants of claim 6, wherein the lower leg segment is
undetachably connected to the upper leg segment.
14. The pants of claim 12, wherein the lower leg segment and the
upper leg segment are sewn together at the attachment point.
15. The pants of claim 5, wherein the upper leg segment comprises:
a pocket comprising an exterior opening; and an access opening
disposed between the pocket and the storage compartment.
16. The pants of claim 15, further comprising a cord attached to
the storage compartment at a first end of the cord and attached to
the lower leg segment at a second end of the cord.
17. A method comprising: wearing convertible pants having a pant
leg, the pant leg comprising an upper leg portion undetachably
connected to a lower leg segment, wherein the upper leg segment
encompasses an upper portion of a wearer's leg and the lower leg
segment encompasses a lower portion of the wearer's leg; detaching
a first longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment from a second
longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment; causing the lower leg
segment to no longer encompass the lower portion of the wearer's
leg; and disposing the lower leg segment in a storage compartment
disposed on an interior surface of the upper leg segment.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein disposing the lower leg segment
in the storage compartment comprises: reaching for a tab attached
to a bottom edge of the lower leg segment; and pulling the tab into
the storage compartment.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: removing the lower
leg segment from the storage compartment; causing the lower leg
segment to extend down from the upper leg segment such that the
lower leg segment is disposed adjacent the lower portion of the
wearer's leg; encompassing the lower portion of the wearer's leg
with the lower leg segment; and attaching the first longitudinal
edge to the second longitudinal edge.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising arranging the lower
leg segment to cause an exterior surface of the lower leg segment
to at least partially overlap and engage with an interior surface
of the upper leg segment.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to pants, and, more
specifically, to pants that may be converted between a shorts mode
and a pants mode.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pants and shorts are a common staple of clothing. It may be
desirable to change between shorts and pants during use, such as to
accommodate a change in activities or conditions. However, existing
forms of convertible pants may suffer from one or more problems.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,484 describes that lower pant leg
portions are completely detached from a shorts portion to convert
the long pants into shorts. However, the detached leg portions of
the '484 Patent may be lost or the coupling mechanism for
re-attaching the detached leg portions to the shorts may be
compromised, eliminating the convertible nature of the pants.
Accordingly, improvements in convertible pants and the use of such
pants to convert between a shorts mode and a pants mode are
needed.
SUMMARY
[0003] Disclosed herein are articles of clothing (e.g., pants) that
are convertible between a pants mode and a shorts mode and methods
for converting the articles of clothing between the two modes.
[0004] Convertible pants may comprise a waist portion and a
plurality of legs. Each leg may comprise an upper leg segment
attached to the waist portion, a storage compartment disposed on
the upper leg segment, and a lower leg segment undetachably
connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point. The
lower leg segment may comprise a panel having a first longitudinal
edge opposite a second longitudinal edge. The lower leg segment may
also comprise a coupling mechanism detachably connecting the first
longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge. In a shorts
mode, the lower leg segment may be disposed within the storage
compartment such that the leg has a first length. In a pants mode,
an exterior surface of the lower leg segment may at least partially
overlap and engage with an interior surface of the upper leg
segment, and the lower leg segment may extend below the upper leg
segment such that the leg has a second length that may be greater
than the first length.
[0005] In another aspect, pants may comprise a waist portion and a
leg. The leg may comprise an upper leg segment having a first end
and a second end. The first end of the upper leg segment may be
attached to the waist portion. The leg may include a lower leg
segment connected to the upper leg segment at an attachment point.
The leg may include a storage compartment comprising an opening on
an interior surface of the upper leg segment to receive and store
the lower leg segment. In a pants mode, a portion of an exterior
surface of the lower leg segment at least partially overlaps and
engages with the interior side of the upper leg segment.
[0006] In an aspect, a method may include wearing convertible pants
having a pant leg. The pant leg may comprise an upper leg portion
undetachably connected to a lower leg segment. The upper leg
segment may encompass an upper portion of a wearer's leg. The lower
leg segment may encompass a lower portion of the wearer's leg. The
method may include detaching a first longitudinal edge of the lower
leg segment from a second longitudinal edge of the lower leg
segment. The method may include causing the lower leg segment to no
longer encompass the lower portion of the wearer's leg. The method
may include disposing the lower leg segment in a storage
compartment disposed on an interior surface of the upper leg
segment.
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. The drawings provide examples only, and the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific
example pants and methods disclosed.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of convertible
pants according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1,
wherein the longitudinal edges of a lower leg segment are partially
uncoupled.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1,
wherein the longitudinal edges of the lower leg segment are fully
uncoupled.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1,
wherein the lower leg segment is partially stored in a storage
compartment in the upper leg segment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of the convertible pants of FIG. 1,
wherein the lower leg segment is completely stored in the storage
compartment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of an example of convertible pants
having a pocket that provides access to the storage
compartment.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of an example of convertible pants
having a tab affixed to a bottom edge of the lower leg segment,
wherein a lower leg segment partially stored in the storage
compartment in an upper leg segment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of an example of convertible pants
having a cord attached to an upper leg segment and a lower leg
segment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example method.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] In describing embodiments of the present disclosure
illustrated in the figures, specific terminology is employed for
the sake of clarity. The disclosure, however, is not intended to be
limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be
understood that each specific element includes all technical
equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose.
[0020] The term "apparel" may be defined as one or more articles of
clothing and may include outerwear, underwear, upper body wear,
lower body wear, headgear, gloves, scarves, belts, suspenders,
footwear, and the like. The term "clothing" may be used to
reference apparel and is not limiting to particular garments,
headgear, gloves, footwear, or the like. The term "pants" may be
defined as an article of clothing intended to be worn on at least a
lower body of a wearer such as clothing configured to cover at
least a portion of the wearer's legs. As used herein, the term
"pants" is not intended to be limited to a particular length
relative to the leg of the wearer. The term "shorts" may be defined
as an article of clothing intended to be worn on a lower body of a
wearer such as clothing configured to cover at least a portion of
the wearer's legs. However, to distinguish between "pants mode" and
"shorts mode," as used herein, the term shorts mode may reference a
relative length that is a shorter length than the length of a
"pants mode" associated with the same article of clothing.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows convertible pants 100 in pants mode. The
convertible pants 100 may include a waist portion 102 coupled to
one or more legs 104. Although the waist portion 102 is shown in
FIG. 1 to represent a portion of the convertible pants 100
extending from an end of the convertible pants 100 to an area at or
near a crouch of the pants 100, the waist portion 102 may represent
other portions or lengths of material adjacent an end of the
convertible pants 100.
[0022] The waist portion 102 may include one or more pieces of
fabric shaped to be worn around the waist, hips, or lower torso of
a wearer. The waist portion 102 may include one or more pieces or
types of material, such as woven material, nonwoven material,
elastic material, or the like. The waist portion 102 may include
one or more features for a wearer to fit the convertible pants 100
to their person. For example, the waist portion 102 may include
belt loops 126 adapted to receive and hold a belt. The waist
portion 102 may include one or more enclosures to facilitate
putting on or taking off the convertible pants 100, such as a
button enclosure 128 or a zipper enclosure 130.
[0023] The convertible pants 100 may include other features or
aspects, such as a pocket 132. The waist portion 102 may be a
shaped fabric that may include at least two openings: a waist
opening 122 and at least one leg opening 124. The waist opening 122
and the at least one leg opening 124 may be disposed opposite each
other relative to the waist portion 102. The waist opening 122 and
the at least one leg opening 124 may generally be circular or oval
shaped. The diameters of the waist opening 122 and the at least one
leg opening 124 may vary depending on size, fit, and style. The
diameter of the waist opening 122 may vary depending on the size of
the convertible pants 100. The diameter of the waist opening 122
may correspond with the size of the wearer's waist, hips, or seat.
For example, when worn, the waist portion 102 may be disposed
adjacent the wearer's waist, hips, or lower torso. The diameter of
the at least one leg opening 124 may be large enough to encircle
the upper legs of the wearer, for example.
[0024] The convertible pants 100 may include one or more legs 104.
Each leg 104 may extend from a portion of the waist portion 102
defining a respective one of the leg openings 122. Each leg 104 may
include one or more pieces fabric shaped to be worn around at least
a portion of the wearer's leg. The leg 104 may comprise one or more
pieces or types of material, such as woven material, nonwoven
material, elastic material, or the like. The size and shape of the
leg 104 may vary depending on the size, style, and fit of the
convertible pants 100. For example, when worn, the at least one leg
may encircle at least a portion of the wearer's leg, such as the
wearer's thigh, knee, lower leg, calf, or ankle.
[0025] The leg 104 may include an upper leg segment 106. The upper
leg segment 106 may include a top end 103a and a bottom end 103b.
Referring to the top end 103a, "top" may mean the upper end of the
upper leg segment 106 when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a
wearer in standing position. Referring to the bottom end 103b,
"bottom" may be the lower end of the upper leg segment 106 when the
convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position.
The top end 103a of the upper leg segment 106 may extend from the
waist portion 102 at the leg opening 124. The waist portion 102 and
the upper leg segment 106 may be separate components that are sewn
or otherwise coupled together. Additionally or alternatively, the
waist portion 102 and the upper leg segment 106 may be an
integrated piece. The upper leg segment 106 may be generally made
of the same material as the waist portion 102.
[0026] The upper leg segment 106 may include an interior surface
107a and an exterior surface 107b. When worn, the interior surface
107a may be the portion of the upper leg segment 106 that faces the
wearer's person. When worn, the exterior surface 107b may be the
portion of the upper leg segment 106 that may be visible by another
person when viewing the wearer. The interior surface 107a and the
exterior surface 107b may include two surfaces of the same
material. Additionally or alternatively, the interior surface 107a
and the exterior surface 107b may include surfaces of different
pieces of material. For example, the interior surface 107a may
include a lining.
[0027] The leg 104 may include a lower leg segment 108.The lower
leg segment 108 may be connected to the upper leg segment 106 at an
attachment point 118. In an aspect, the lower leg segment 108 may
be detachably connected to the upper leg segment 106 at the
attachment point 118. For example, the attachment point 118 may
include one or more buttons, hooks, snaps, hook and loop fasteners,
or the like. In another aspect, the lower leg segment 108 may be
undetachably connected to the upper leg segment 106 at the
attachment point 118. For example, the upper leg segment 106 and
the lower leg segment 108 may be sewn together at the attachment
point 118. Additionally or alternatively, the upper leg segment 106
and the lower leg segment 108 may be adhered together at the
attachment point 118. The waist portion 102, the upper leg segment
106, and the lower leg segment 108, when in pants mode, may combine
to form a general pants shape.
[0028] The attachment point 118 may be a point, a segment, a
region, or the like. An example of a region may be a rectangle,
triangle, or another other two-dimensional area. The attachment
point 118 may extend less than the circumference of the interior
surface 107a. Alternatively, the attachment point 118 may extend
around the entire circumference of the interior surface 107a. For
example, the attachment point 118 may be spaced from (e.g., 1-2
inches) the bottom end 103b of the upper leg segment 106. For
example, the attachment point 118 may comprise a cuff or hem of the
upper leg segment 106 comprising hook and loop fasteners or a
plurality of buttons or snaps arranged around the cuff or hem.
Additionally or alternatively, the convertible pants 100 may
include multiple attachment points 118. For example, the multiple
attachment points 118 may be multiple points, segments, or regions
at different locations of the convertible pants 100.
[0029] The attachment point 118 may be disposed on different parts
of the leg 104 relative to the wearer. For example, when the
convertible pants 100 are being worn, the attachment point 118 may
be located at the back of the wearer's leg on a backside of the
convertible pants 100. For example, the attachment point 118 may be
located adjacent the back of the wearer's knee. The attachment
point 118 may be located in front the wearer's leg at the front
side of the convertible pants 100. For example, the attachment
point 118 may be located above the wearer's kneecap. The attachment
point 118 may be located by the inner edge of the wearer's leg at
the inner side of the convertible pants 100. For example, the
attachment point 118 may be located along the wearer's inner thigh.
The attachment point 118 may be located near the outer side of the
wearer's leg at the outer side of the convertible pants 100. For
example, the attachment point 118 may be located along the wearer's
outer thigh. The attachment point 118 may also be located inside a
storage compartment 116 that may be included in the upper leg
segment 106.
[0030] The storage compartment 116 may be a pocket or pouch
configured to store the lower leg segment 108. The shape of the
storage compartment 116 may vary. For example, the width of the
storage compartment 116 may be substantially equal to the
circumference of the leg opening 124 created by the interior
surface 107a of the upper leg segment 106. The size and shape of
the storage compartment 116 may vary based on the placement of the
storage compartment 116.
[0031] The storage compartment 116 may be disposed on the interior
surface 107a of the upper leg segment 106. There are various
locations on the interior surface 107a of the upper leg segment 106
at which the storage compartment 116 may be located. For example,
when oriented in an upright position, such as when a wearer is
wearing the convertible pants 100 and is in a standing position,
the storage compartment 116 may be located near the bottom, the
middle, the front, the back, or the side of the upper leg segment
106, or any possible combination thereof.
[0032] The storage compartment 116 may be disposed between the
interior surface 107a and the exterior surface 107b. The storage
compartment 116 may include an opening 117 to receive the lower leg
segment 108. The size of the opening 117 may vary. For example, the
size of the opening 117 may be large enough for the wearer to reach
their hand or their fingers into to retrieve the lower leg segment
108. The opening 117 may face various directions relative to the
upper leg segment 106. For example, when the convertible pants 100
are in the same orientation as the previous example, the opening
117 may face inward toward the leg of the wearer. The opening 117
may face upward toward the waist portion 102. The opening 117 may
face downward toward the wearer's feet. In an example, the storage
compartment 116 may be located in between the interior surface 107a
and the exterior surface 107b near the bottom of the upper leg
segment 106, and the opening 117 may face downward toward the feet
of the wearer.
[0033] The storage compartment 116 may include a coupling mechanism
120. The coupling mechanism 120 may be affixed at or adjacent the
opening 117. Examples of the coupling mechanism 120 may include a
zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, magnetic material, or
the like. In aspects where the opening 117 faces downward, the
coupling mechanism 120 may prevent contents of the storage
compartment 116, such as the lower leg segment 108, from falling
out of the storage compartment 116. When the lower leg segment 108
is disposed in the storage compartment 116 the coupling mechanism
120 may be coupled, securing the lower leg segment 108 inside
storage compartment. For example, when the convertible pants 100
are in shorts mode, the lower leg segment 108 may be disposed and
stored in the storage compartment 116.
[0034] The lower leg segment 108 may include a coupling mechanism
110. The coupling mechanism 110 may keep the lower leg segment 108
encircled around the wearer's leg when the convertible pants 100
are in pants mode. Examples of the coupling mechanism 110 may
include a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, buttons, magnetic
material, or the like.
[0035] When in pants mode, at least a portion of the interior
surface 107a of the upper leg segment 106 may overlap and engage
with a portion of an exterior surface 109 of the lower leg segment
108. Such an overlap may prevent any gaps between the upper leg
segment 106 and the lower leg segment 108 when the convertible
pants 100 are in pants mode. Additionally or alternatively, even if
the attachment point 118 does not encircle the entirety of the
interior surface 107a of the upper leg segment 106, friction
between the upper leg segment 106 and the lower leg segment 108
induced by the overlap that may keep any portion of the lower leg
segment 108 from falling below the bottom end 103b of the upper leg
segment 106. Such an overlapping configuration may allow less than
a full attachment about a circumference of the upper leg segment
106.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible pants 100 of
FIG. 1, shown with the coupling mechanism 110 partially uncoupled.
When the coupling mechanism 110 is partially decoupled, the lower
leg segment 108 may be partially separated, as shown. When
partially separated, the lower leg segment 108 may include
longitudinal edges 112 and 114. The longitudinal edges 112 and 114
may be generally longitudinal in that they may be substantially
vertically oriented when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a
wearer in standing position. For example, the coupling mechanism
110 may comprise two coupling mechanisms 110a and 110b, which may
be affixed to the longitudinal edges 112 and 114, respectively. The
coupling mechanisms 110a, 110b may be configured to cooperate to
releasably and selectively couple the longitudinal edges 112,
114.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a front view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG.
1, shown with the coupling mechanism 110 completely decoupled. When
the coupling mechanism 110 is decoupled, the lower leg segment 108
may generally take the form of a panel 115. The panel 115 may
include a plurality of edges. For example, the panel 115 may
include a top latitudinal edge 111, a bottom latitudinal edge 113,
and the longitudinal edges 112 and 114. Referring to the top
latitudinal edge 111, "top" may mean the upper end of the lower leg
segment 108 when the convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in
standing position. For example, in pants mode, the upper leg
segment 106 may at least partially overlap or engage with the top
latitudinal edge 111. Referring to the bottom latitudinal edge 113,
"bottom" may be the lower end of the lower leg segment 108 when the
convertible pants 100 are worn by a wearer in standing position.
The bottom latitudinal edge 113 may be opposite of the top
longitudinal edge 111. As shown, the lower leg segments 108 are
undetachably coupled to respective upper leg segments 106. As such,
when the coupling mechanism 110 is completely decoupled, the panel
115 may still be coupled to the respective upper leg segment 106.
As an example, the panel 115 may be coupled at the attachment point
118. As a further example, the attachment point 118 may be disposed
adjacent the storage compartment 116. However, other configurations
may be used.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a front view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG.
1, shown with the lower leg segment 108 partially stored in the
storage compartment 116. As an example, the lower leg segment 108
may be inserted into or removed from the storage compartment 116
via the opening 117.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a front view of the convertible pants 100 of FIG.
1, shown with the lower leg segment 108 completely stored in the
storage compartment 116, as in shorts mode. The coupling mechanism
120 may be coupled so that the lower leg segment 108 may be secured
inside the storage compartment 116. As an example, the coupling
mechanism 120 may be a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook and loop
fastener, and the like. Other couplers may be used. The lower leg
segment 108 may be stored completely inside the storage compartment
116. The coupling mechanism 120 may be configured to at least
partially enclose the storage compartment 116, securing the lower
leg segment 108 inside the storage compartment 116.
[0040] The length of the upper leg segment 106 may vary. For
example, the upper leg segment 106 may extend to the upper thigh
region above the knee of the wearer. In another example, the upper
leg segment 106 may extend to the knee region of the wearer. In
another example, the upper leg segment 106 may extend to the shin
region below the knee of the wearer. As such, the size and shape of
the storage compartment 116 may be adapted.
[0041] The length of the lower leg segment 108 may vary. The length
of the lower leg segment 108 may depend on the length of the upper
leg segment 106. For example, if the lower leg segment 108 extends
to the ankle region of the wearer, then the length of the lower leg
segment 108 may be longer if the upper leg segment 106 extends to
the thigh region of the wearer than if the upper leg segment 106
extends to the shin region of the wearer. The lower leg segment 108
may extend to different regions of the wearer's leg. For example,
the lower leg segment 108 may extend to the knee region of the
wearer. In another example, the lower leg segment 108 may extend to
the knee region of the wearer. In another example, the lower leg
segment 108 may extend to the shin region below the knee of the
wearer. As such, the size and shape of the storage compartment 116
may be configured to receive the varied lower leg segments 108.
[0042] In shorts mode, the leg 104 may be a first length L1. The
first length L1 may extend from a point of the waist portion 102 or
the upper leg segment 106, such as the waist opening 122, to the
bottom end 103b of the upper leg segment 106. For example, when in
short mode, the leg 104 may extend from the waist region of the
wearer to the knee region of the wearer. In pants mode, the leg 104
may be a second length L2 (FIG. 1) that may be greater than the
first length L1. The second length L2 may extend from the point of
the waist portion 102 or the upper leg segment 106, such as the
waist opening 122, to the bottom latitudinal edge 113 of the lower
leg segment 108. For example, when in pants mode, the convertible
pants 100 may extend from the waist region of the wearer to the
ankle region of the wearer.
[0043] In an example, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants
100 in pants mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling mechanism
110, resulting in the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 no longer
being attached and the lower leg segment 108 not encircling the leg
of the wearer. The wearer may grab the lower leg segment 108 and
insert the lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116
through the opening 117. The wearer may couple the coupling
mechanism 120 of the storage compartment 116, resulting in the
lower leg segment 108 being securely stored in the storage
compartment 116. The convertible pants 100 may then be in shorts
mode.
[0044] In another example, a wearer may be wearing the convertible
pants 100 in shorts mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling
mechanism 120, opening the storage compartment 116. The wearer may
pull the lower leg segment 108 out of the storage compartment 116
so that the lower leg segment 108 hangs next to the lower leg of
the wearer. The wearer may wrap the lower leg segment 108 around
the leg of the wearer. The wearer may couple the coupling mechanism
110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 are attached and the
lower leg segment 108 wraps around the leg of the wearer. The
convertible pants 100 may be in pants mode.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows convertible pants 600 that may include the
lower leg segment 108, the upper leg segment 106, the storage
compartment 116, the opening 117 of the storage compartment 116,
the coupling mechanism 120 of the storage compartment 116, and the
longitudinal edges 112 and 114 of the lower leg segment 108 of FIG.
1. The convertible pants 600 may include a pocket 602. The pocket
602 may be located in the thigh region of the convertible pants
600. The pocket 602 may include an exterior opening 608. The
exterior opening 608 may provide access to the pocket 602 from the
exterior of the convertible pants 600, such as with a traditional
pants pocket. The pocket 602 may be, for example, a cargo shorts
pocket, a traditional interior pants pocket that extends at least
partially down the thigh, an interior pants pocket similar to a
traditional pants pocket except located in the thigh region of the
wearer, or the like.
[0046] The pocket 602 may connect to and provide access to the
storage compartment 116 through an interior opening 604. The
interior opening 604 may be disposed between the storage
compartment 116 and the pocket 602. The interior opening 604 may be
located at the bottom of the pocket 602. "Bottom" may mean the
lower end of the pocket 602 opposite the exterior opening 608 when
the convertible pants 600 are worn by a wearer in standing
position.
[0047] The convertible pants 600 may include a coupling mechanism
606. The coupling mechanism 606 may be disposed at the interior
opening 604. When coupled, the coupling mechanism 606 may close the
interior opening 604. When the interior opening 604 is closed, the
storage compartment 116 may not be accessible through the pocket
602. Examples of the coupling mechanism 606 may include a zipper, a
hook and loop fastener, a button, magnetic material, or the
like.
[0048] The convertible pants 600 may provide wearers with
selectable capabilities of changing the convertible pants 600
between pants mode and shorts mode. As an example, the convertible
pants 600 may be in pants mode. The user may detach the
longitudinal edges 112 and 114 so that the lower leg segment 108
does not encircle the wearer's leg. The wearer may unfasten the
coupling mechanism 606. The wearer may reach through the pocket 602
and the storage compartment 116 to grab. The wearer may pull the
lower leg segment 108 through the opening 117 into the storage
compartment 116. The wearer may couple the coupling mechanism 120
to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116.
The wearer may fasten the coupling mechanism 606 to close the
interior opening 604.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows convertible pants 700 that may include the
upper leg segment 106, the lower leg segment 108, the storage
compartment 116, the coupling mechanism 110, the longitudinal edges
112 and 114 of the lower leg segment 108, the bottom latitudinal
edge 113 of the lower leg segment 108, and the bottom end 103b of
the upper leg segment 106, such as shown in FIG. 1. The convertible
pants 700 may include a tab 702. The tab 702 may be affixed to the
bottom latitudinal edge 113. The convertible pants 700 may include
coupling components 706 and 708. The coupling component 706 may be
attached to the tab 702. The coupling component 708 may be attached
to the upper leg segment 106. The coupling component 708 may be
attached to the storage compartment 116. The coupling components
706 and 708 may be configured to attach the lower leg segment 108
to the upper leg segment 106, such as when the lower leg segment
108 is stored in the storage compartment 116. An example of the
coupling component 706 may be a button hole and an example of the
coupling component 708 may be a button. As another example, the
coupling components 706 and 708 may include a zipper, a hook and
loop fastener, a snap, magnetic material, or the like.
[0050] The convertible pants 700 may provide wearers with
selectable capabilities of changing the convertible pants 700
between pants mode and shorts mode. As an example, the convertible
pants 700 may be in pants mode. The wearer may decouple the
coupling mechanism 110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114
are detached and the lower leg segment 108 does not encircle the
wearer's leg. The wearer may grab the tab 702 and pull the lower
leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The wearer may
couple the coupling components 706 and 708 to secure the lower leg
segment 108 to the storage compartment 116. In another example, the
wearer may reach through the pocket 602 from FIG. 6 and pull the
tab 702 into the storage compartment 116. This may prevent the
wearer from having to reach around the bottom end 103b of the upper
leg segment 106.
[0051] FIG. 8 shows convertible pants 800 that may include the
upper leg segment 106, the lower leg segment 108, the storage
compartment 116, the bottom latitudinal edge 113, the coupling
mechanism 110, and the coupling mechanism 120 of FIG. 1. The
convertible pants 800 may include a cord 802. A first end 804 of
the cord 802 may be affixed to the lower leg segment 108. For
example, the first end 804 may be affixed to the bottom latitudinal
edge 113. A second end 806 of the cord 802 may be affixed to the
upper leg segment 106. For example, the second end 806 may be
affixed inside the storage compartment 116.
[0052] In an example, a wearer may be wearing the convertible pants
800 in pants mode. The wearer may decouple the coupling mechanism
110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 are detached and the
lower leg segment 108 does not encircle the wearer's leg. The
wearer may pull the cord 802 to draw the lower leg segment 108 into
the storage compartment 116. The wearer may close the coupling
mechanism 120 to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage
compartment 116. The convertible pants 800 may then be in shorts
mode.
[0053] In another example, the convertible pants 800 may include
the pocket 602 and the coupling mechanism 606, such as shown in
FIG. 6. The wearer may uncouple the coupling mechanism 606. The
wearer may reach through the pocket 602 to grab the cord 802. The
wearer may pull the cord 802 until the lower leg segment is inside
the storage compartment 116. The wearer may close the coupling
mechanism 120 to secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage
compartment 116. The convertible pants 800 may then be in shorts
mode.
[0054] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a method 900 for converting the
convertible pants 100 from shorts mode to pants mode. In a block
902, the method 900 may include the convertible pants 100, 600,
700, or 800 being worn by a wearer in shorts mode. In shorts mode,
the waist portion 102 may encompass the waist area of the wearer,
the upper leg segment 106 may encompass an upper portion of the
wearer's leg, and the lower leg segment 108 may be stored in the
storage compartment 116. The coupling mechanism 120 may be coupled,
securing the lower leg segment 108 inside the storage compartment
116.
[0055] In a block 904, the method 900 may include removing the
lower leg segment 108 from the storage compartment 116. Removing
the lower leg segment 108 may include opening the storage
compartment 116, such as by decoupling the coupling mechanism
120.
[0056] In a block 906, the method 900 may include extending the
lower leg segment 108 down from the upper leg segment 106. The
lower leg segment 108 may be extended down such that the lower leg
segment 108 is disposed adjacent the lower portion of the leg of
the wearer. The lower leg segment 108 may extend naturally by
gravity if the convertible pants 100 are in an upright position.
The lower leg segment 108 may also be extended by the wearer
pulling the lower leg segment 108 down toward the feet of the
wearer.
[0057] In a block 908, the method 900 may include encompassing the
lower portion of the wearer's leg with the lower leg segment 108.
This may include wrapping the lower leg segment 108 around the
lower portion of the wearer's leg.
[0058] In a block 910, the method 900 may include attaching the
longitudinal edges 112 and 114 to each other. The longitudinal
edges 112 and 114 may be attached to each other by the coupling
components 110a and 110b of the coupling mechanism 110.
[0059] In example of the method 900, a wearer may be wearing the
convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 in shorts mode. The
coupling mechanism 120 and the coupling mechanism 110 may both be
zippers. In shorts mode, the coupling mechanism 120 may be zipped.
The wearer may unzip the coupling mechanism 120 and pull the lower
leg segment 108 down toward the feet of the wearer so that the
lower leg segment 108 hangs adjacent the lower part of the leg of
the wearer. The wearer may wrap the lower leg segment 108 around
the wearer's leg and zip up the coupling mechanism 110. Once
zipped, the convertible pants 100 may be in pants mode. In pants
mode, the lower portion of the upper leg segment 106 may overlap
and engage with the upper portion of the lower leg segment 108.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method 1000 for converting
the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 from pants mode to
shorts mode. In a block 1002, the method 1000 may include a wearer
wearing the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 in pants mode.
In pants mode, the waist portion 102 may encompass the waist area
of the wearer the upper leg segment 106 may encompass an upper
portion of the wearer's leg. The lower leg segment 108 may be
connected to the upper leg segment 106 and encompass a lower
portion of the wearer's leg.
[0061] In a block 1004, the method 1000 may include detaching the
longitudinal edges 112 and 114 from each other. The longitudinal
edges 112 and 114 may be detached by decoupling the coupling
components 110a and 110b of the coupling mechanism 110.
[0062] In a block 1006, the method 1000 may include causing the
lower leg segment 108 to no longer encompass the lower portion of
the wearer's leg. This may be done by simply disposing the lower
leg segment 108 adjacent the wearer's leg so that the lower leg
segment 108 dangles from the upper leg segment 106.
[0063] In a block 1008, the method 1000 may include disposing the
lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment 116 of the upper
leg segment 106. Disposing the lower leg segment 108 in the storage
compartment 116 may include the wearer grabbing the lower leg
segment 108 and inserting the lower leg segment 108 into the
storage compartment 116. Disposing the lower leg segment 108 in the
storage compartment 116 may include the wearer reaching through the
pocket 602, grabbing the lower leg segment 108, and inserting the
lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The block
1008 may include the wearer grabbing the tab 702 and pulling the
lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116. The block
1008 may include the wearer pulling on the cord 802 to pull the
lower leg segment 108 into the storage compartment 116.
[0064] In an example of the method 1000, a wearer may be wearing
the convertible pants 100, 600, 700, or 800 in pants mode. The
coupling mechanism 110 may be a zipper. In pants mode, the coupling
mechanism 110 may be zipped. The wearer may unzip the coupling
mechanism 110 so that the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 of the
lower leg segment 108 may be detached and the lower leg segment 108
may hang adjacent the lower part of the leg of the wearer. The
wearer may pull the lower leg segment 108 into the storage
compartment 116. The wearer may zip the coupling mechanism 120 to
secure the lower leg segment 108 in the storage compartment
116.
[0065] Aspects
[0066] The present disclosure may be described by the following
aspects.
[0067] Aspect 1: Pants comprising a pants waist and a plurality of
legs, wherein each leg comprises an upper leg segment attached to
the pants waist and a lower leg segment undetachably connected to
the upper leg segment at an attachment point, wherein in a pants
mode, an exterior surface of the lower leg segment at least
partially overlaps and engages with an interior surface of the
upper leg segment.
[0068] Aspect 2: The pants of aspect 1, wherein each leg further
comprises a storage compartment disposed on the interior surface of
the upper leg segment.
[0069] Aspect 3: The pants of aspect 1 or 2: wherein, in a shorts
mode, the lower leg segment is disposed within the storage
compartment.
[0070] Aspect 4: The pants of aspect 1, 2, or 3, wherein the lower
leg segment comprises a panel having a first longitudinal edge
opposite a second longitudinal edge.
[0071] Aspect 5: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the
lower leg segment comprises a zipper detachably connecting the
first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.
[0072] Aspect 6: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the
lower leg segment comprises a hook-and-loop mechanism detachably
connecting the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal
edge.
[0073] Aspect 7: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the
lower leg segment comprises magnetic material detachably connecting
the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.
[0074] Aspect 8: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 wherein
the upper leg segment comprises a cuff on the lower portion of the
upper leg segment.
[0075] Aspect 8: The pants of aspect 8 wherein the attachment point
is above the cuff
[0076] Aspect 9: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8,
wherein the storage compartment comprises an attaching
mechanism.
[0077] Aspect 10: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
wherein the attaching mechanism comprises a zipper, wherein a lower
leg segment of the pants may be secured in the storage compartment
by zipping the zipper.
[0078] Aspect 11: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
wherein the attaching mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop
mechanism, wherein a lower leg segment of the pants may be secured
in the storage compartment by the hook-and-loop mechanism.
[0079] Aspect 12: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
wherein the attaching mechanism comprises magnetic material,
wherein a lower leg segment of the pants may be secured in the
storage compartment by attaching the magnetic material.
[0080] Aspect 10: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9,
wherein the upper leg segment comprising a knit material.
[0081] Aspect 11: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or
10, wherein the lower leg segment comprising a non-woven
material.
[0082] Aspect 12: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, or 11, wherein the attachment point is less than the
circumference of the interior surface of the upper leg segment.
[0083] Aspect 13: The pants of aspect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, or 11, wherein the attachment point is the circumference of the
interior surface of the upper leg segment.
[0084] Aspect 14: A method, comprising wearing convertible pants,
detaching a first longitudinal edge from a second longitudinal edge
of a lower leg segment, causing the lower leg segment to not
encompass the leg of the wearer, and disposing the lower leg
segment in a storage compartment of an upper leg segment.
[0085] Aspect 15: The method of aspect 14, wherein detaching the
first longitudinal edge from the second longitudinal edge comprises
uncoupling a coupling mechanism affixed to each of the first and
second longitudinal edges.
[0086] Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling
mechanism comprises a zipper, and decoupling the coupling mechanism
comprises unzipping the zipper.
[0087] Aspect 17: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling
mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener, and decoupling the
coupling mechanism comprises unfastening to hook.
[0088] Aspect 18: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling
mechanism comprises a button, and decoupling the coupling mechanism
comprises unbuttoning the button.
[0089] Aspect 19: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coupling
mechanism comprises a magnetic material, and decoupling the
coupling mechanism comprises separating the magnetic material.
[0090] Aspect 20: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19,
the disposing comprising the wearer grabbing the lower leg segment
and inserting the lower leg segment into the storage
compartment.
[0091] Aspect 21: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19,
the disposing comprising the wearer pulling a cord attached to the
lower leg segment until the lower leg segment is disposed in the
storage compartment.
[0092] Aspect 22: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19,
the disposing comprising the wearer grabbing the lower leg segment
through a pocket and pulling the lower leg segment into the storage
compartment.
[0093] Aspect 23: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or
22, the disposing comprising the wearer grabbing a tab on the lower
latitudinal edge of the lower leg segment and pulling the lower leg
segment into the storage compartment.
[0094] Aspect 24: The method of aspect 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22,
or 23, the disposing comprising the wearer inserting a button
attached to the storage compartment through a slit in the tab,
securing the lower leg segment to the storage compartment.
[0095] Aspect 25: A method, comprising removing a lower leg segment
of convertible pants from a storage compartment affixed to an upper
leg segment of the convertible pants, causing the lower leg segment
to extend down from the upper leg segment, encompassing the lower
leg segment around the leg of the wearer, and attaching a first
longitudinal edge of the lower leg segment to a second longitudinal
edge of the lower leg segment.
[0096] Aspect 26: The method of aspect 26, the storage compartment
comprising a first attachment mechanism at an opening of the
storage compartment.
[0097] Aspect 27: The method of aspect 26, the removing comprising
opening the storage compartment.
[0098] Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching
mechanism comprising a zipper and the opening comprising unzipping
the zipper.
[0099] Aspect 29: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching
mechanism comprising a hook and loop fastener and the opening
comprising detaching the hook from the loop.
[0100] Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching
mechanism comprising a button and the opening comprising
unbuttoning the button.
[0101] Aspect 29: The method of aspect 27, the first attaching
mechanism comprising magnetic material and the opening comprising
separating the magnetic material.
[0102] Aspect 30: The method of aspect 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, the
first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge comprising
complimenting ends of a second attaching mechanism, and the
attaching comprising attaching the complimenting ends of the second
attaching mechanism.
[0103] Aspect 31: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching
mechanism comprising a zipper and the attaching comprising zipping
the zipper.
[0104] Aspect 32: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching
mechanism comprising a hook and loop fastener and the attaching
comprising fastening the loop around the hook.
[0105] Aspect 33: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching
mechanism comprising a button and the attaching comprising
buttoning the button.
[0106] Aspect 34: The method of aspect 30, the second attaching
mechanism comprising magnetic material and the attaching comprising
connecting the magnetic material.
[0107] Aspect 35: The method of any of aspects 14-34, wherein the
convertible pants comprise the pants of any of aspects of 1-13.
[0108] The written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements.
* * * * *