Clothing Alteration Device And Method

Abstract

A clothing alteration device may include an elongated body having a first side and an opposing second side. One or more adhesive surfaces may be disposed on the first side that may be formed by an adhesive material. The device may also include one or more non-adhesive surfaces which may comprise portions of the first side to which adhesive material has not been applied. Preferably, the device may comprise two or more adhesive surfaces that may be separated from each other by a non-adhesive surface. The body may comprise a resilient material which is able to regain its shape after deformation so that the adhesive surface(s) and non-adhesive surface(s) may likewise regain their shape after deformation. The body may be stretched and adhered to portions of a garment, and once adhered, the body may be released thereby gathering the portions of the garment that the device is adhered to.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/127,245, filed on Dec. 18, 2020, entitled "CLOTHING ALTERATION DEVICE", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This patent specification relates to the field of clothing alteration devices and methods. More specifically, this patent specification relates to a device and method which is able to reduce the size and shape of clothing without permanently altering or modifying the clothing.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In the world of retail fashion, clothing is bought online and in stores; however, all the sizes available to consumers do not fit all body sizes and shapes. Quite often, garments need additional alterations when bought off the rack. When garments do not fit just right, the consumer has several options. Consumers can return the item for a refund, wear the item as-is, attempt to alter the clothing at home or have it professionally tailored to fit correctly. The present invention addresses the available options for making, at home, alterations.

[0004] Presently, the only temporary fix available for altering articles of clothing at home is to use fashion-fit-dress-cinch-clips. This is an elastic band with alligator style clips at each end. There are two main problems with these sorts of clips. The first is that when used on the outside of the garment the utility is visible, and this is not aesthetically pleasing. Secondly, if one can place it on the inside of the garment, the result is an undesirable, outward bunching of the material.

[0005] Therefore, a need exists for novel devices and methods which are able to reduce the size and shape of clothing without permanently altering or modifying the clothing. A further need exists for novel clothing alteration devices and methods which are able to reduce the size and shape of clothing in an aesthetically pleasing way without causing undesirable, outward bunching of the material of the clothing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A clothing alteration device is provided. In some embodiments, the device may include an elongated body having a first side and an opposing second side. One or more adhesive surfaces may be disposed on the first side. Each adhesive surface may be formed by an adhesive material applied to the first side. The device may also include one or more non-adhesive surfaces which may comprise portions of the first side to which adhesive material has not been applied. Preferably, the device may comprise two or more adhesive surfaces that may be separated from each other by a non-adhesive surface. The body may comprise a resilient material which is able to regain its shape after deformation so that the adhesive surface(s) and non-adhesive surface(s) may likewise regain their shape after deformation. A user may stretch the body and press the first side into contact with an area of material, such as an area on the inside, of a garment so that the adhesive surface(s) may adhere to the garment. Once adhered, the body may be released and allowed to attempt to regain its shape prior to the stretch deformation thereby gathering the portions of the garment that the device is adhered to. This results in a uniform bunching of material and creation of an elastic like band that alters the size and shape of the garment in an aesthetically pleasing way.

[0007] In further embodiments, the device may comprise one or more release liners which may be removably coupled to the first side, such as by contacting one or more, and more preferably all, adhesive surfaces, and the release liner(s) may be used to prevent the adhesive surface(s) from adhering to undesired objects.

[0008] In further embodiments, a method for decreasing the size of a garment with a clothing alteration device is provided, and the method may include the steps of: stretching the body of the clothing alteration device; applying the stretched body to the garment so that one or more of the adhesive regions adheres to a portion of the garment; and releasing the body from stretching causing the body to gather the portion of the garment thereby decreasing the size of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of an example of a clothing alteration device that includes a release liner according to various embodiments described herein.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a first side of another example of a clothing alteration device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a first side of still another example of a clothing alteration device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a plan view of a first side of yet another example of a clothing alteration device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a second side of an example of a clothing alteration device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0015] FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional elevation view of an example of a clothing alteration device having a release liner that is removably coupled to the first side of the device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of a clothing alteration device being applied to an example garment (the body depicted as transparent so that the adhesive and non-adhesive surfaces are shown, the adhesive surfaces dark in appearance) according to various embodiments described herein.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a clothing alteration device applied to an example garment (the body depicted as transparent so that the adhesive and non-adhesive surfaces are shown, the adhesive surfaces dark in appearance) so that the device gathers portions of the garment resulting in the garment appearing smaller according to various embodiments described herein.

[0018] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an example method for decreasing the size of a garment with a clothing alteration device according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0021] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0022] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "rear," "front," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0023] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] As used in this application, the term "about" or "approximately" refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term "substantially" means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

[0025] A new clothing alteration device is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0026] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[0027] The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1-8 illustrate examples of a clothing alteration device ("the device") 100 according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an elongated body 11 having a first side 12 and an opposing second side 13 (FIG. 5). One or more adhesive surfaces 14 may be disposed on the first side 12. Each adhesive surface 14 may be formed by an adhesive material 16 applied to the first side 12. The device 100 may also include one or more non-adhesive surfaces 15 which may comprise portions of the first side 12 to which adhesive material 16 has not been applied. Preferably, the device 100 may comprise two or more adhesive surfaces 14 that may be separated from each other by a non-adhesive surface 15. The body 11 may comprise a resilient material 17 which is able to regain its shape after deformation so that the adhesive surface(s) 14 and non-adhesive surface(s) 15 may likewise regain their shape after deformation. A user may stretch the body 11 and press the first side 12 into contact with an area of material, such as an area on the inside of a garment 200, so that the adhesive surface(s) 14 may adhere to the garment 200. Once adhered, the body 11 may be released and allowed to attempt to regain its shape prior to the stretch deformation thereby gathering the portions of the garment 200 that the device 100 is adhered to. This gathering results in a uniform bunching of the material of the garment 200 and the body 11 functions as an elastic-like band that alters the size and shape of the garment 200 in an aesthetically pleasing way.

[0028] The device 100 may comprise a body 11 of any size and shape, and the size and shape of the sides 12, 13, may be dictated by the size and shape of the body 11 or vice versa. In some embodiments, the body 11 may comprise a rectangular shape having two minor edges 31, 32, and two major edges 33, 34, which may be longer than the minor edges 31, 32, and which may provide the elongated length dimension of the body 11. Preferably, the minor edges 31, 32, may define the width dimension (WD) of the body 11 and the major edges 33, 34, may define the length dimension (LD) of the body 11. In other embodiments, the body 11 may comprise three, five, six, or any number of edges 31, 32, 33, 34, which may be sized and shaped to provide a body of any size and shape.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the body 11 may comprise an elongated shape having a length dimension (LD) that is greater than 100 percent of a width dimension (WD) (alternatively having a width dimension that is greater than 100 percent of a length dimension). For example, the body 11 may comprise a WD of approximately two inches and a LD of approximately twelve inches. As another example, the body 11 may comprise a WD of approximately four inches and a LD of approximately twelve inches. Preferably, the body 11 may comprise a sheet configuration, such that the thickness dimension (TD) of the body 11 (FIG. 6) may be substantially less than the width dimension (WD) (FIG. 5) and length dimension (LD) (FIG. 5), such as by TD being less than five percent of the WD and/or LD. In some embodiments, the body 11 may comprise a generally rectangular shape. In further embodiments, the body 11 may comprise a generally square shape, triangular shape, stadium shape, circular, oval, etc., shape, hexagonal shape, or any other shape including combinations of shapes.

[0030] The body 11 may comprise a resilient material 17 which is able to regain its shape after deformation. In preferred embodiments, a resilient material 17 may comprise a stretchable fabric, such as warp knit fabric with elastomeric yarns. For example, a resilient material 17 may comprise 97% rayon and 3% spandex. In further embodiments, a resilient material 17 may comprise braided elastic fabric materials, woven elastic fabric materials, knitted elastic fabric materials, etc., having varying blends of cotton, linen, other natural fabrics, nylon, polyester, rayon, lycra, spandex, and other synthetic fabrics. In still further embodiments, a resilient material 17 may comprise elastic materials including, neoprene, spandex, elastane, cotton swimwear elastic, roll elastic, non-roll elastic, rubber, silicone, elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, or any other suitable elastic, elastomer, or other resilient material. In preferred embodiments, the body 11 may be made from or may comprise a sheet of resilient material which is able to regain its shape after deformation and which has a TD that is less than five percent of the WD and/or LD.

[0031] One or more adhesive surfaces 14 may be disposed on the first side 12. In preferred embodiments, the device 100 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more, such as a plurality of adhesive surfaces 14 which may be disposed on the first side 12. Preferably, the device 100 may comprise one or more adhesive surfaces 14 which may be positioned on the body 11 so that the one or more adhesive surfaces 14 cover at least 25 percent of the first side 12 and more preferably so that the one or more adhesive surfaces 14 cover at least 40 percent of the first side 12.

[0032] Adhesive surfaces 14 may be configured in any size and shape. In some embodiments, an adhesive surface 14 may comprise a generally elongated shape so as to generally extend in a parallel manner along the majority of the largest dimension of the body 11 as shown in FIG. 3. In further embodiments, an adhesive surface 14 may comprise a shape and size which may extend in a generally perpendicular manner to the majority of the largest dimension of the body 11 as shown in FIG. 4. In still further embodiments, an adhesive surface 14 may comprise a generally chevron shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In yet further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a plurality of adhesive surfaces 14, each configured with a smaller size, and the adhesive surfaces 14 may be distributed in a checkerboard, polka dot, or other pattern so that the adhesive surfaces 14 cover at least 25 percent of the first side 12.

[0033] In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a first distal adhesive surface 14A, a second distal adhesive surface 14B, and a plurality of central adhesive surfaces 14C. It should be understood that the suffixes of "A", "B", "C", etc., designate different embodiments of adhesive surfaces 14 so that the adhesive surfaces 14A, 14B, 14C, etc., read on the teachings of adhesive surface 14.

[0034] Generally, a first distal adhesive surface 14A may be positioned in contact with or proximate to a first minor edge 31 and also in contact with or proximate to the junction of the first minor edge 31 with a first major edge 33 and second major edge 34. Preferably, a portion of the first distal adhesive surface 14A may extend along approximately less than 25 percent of the length of the first major edge 33 and second major edge 34. Similarly, a second distal adhesive surface 14B may be positioned in contact with or proximate to a second minor edge 32 and also in contact with or proximate to the junction of the second minor edge 32 with a first major edge 33 and second major edge 34. Preferably, a portion of the second distal adhesive surface 14B may extend along approximately less than 25 percent of the length of the first major edge 33 and second major edge 34.

[0035] Generally, a plurality of central adhesive surfaces 14C may comprise two or more central adhesive surfaces 14C that may be positioned between the first 14A and second 14B distal adhesive surfaces. Referring to the example device 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2, the central adhesive surfaces 14C are generally chevron shaped and are separated from each other and from the first 14A and second 14B distal adhesive surfaces by the non-adhesive surfaces 15. Referring to the example device 100 in FIG. 3, the central adhesive surfaces 14C are generally rectangular in shape that is elongated in the length dimension (LD), and the central adhesive surfaces 14C are separated from each other by the non-adhesive surfaces 15 and extending into and between the first 14A and second 14B distal adhesive surfaces. Referring to the example device 100 in FIG. 4, the central adhesive surfaces 14C are generally rectangular in shape that is elongated in the with dimension (LD) and are separated from each other and from the first 14A and second 14B distal adhesive surfaces by the non-adhesive surfaces 15.

[0036] Each adhesive surface 14 may be formed by an adhesive material 16 which may be applied or otherwise coupled to the first side 12. In preferred embodiments, an adhesive material 16 may comprise a synthetic, rubber-based, pressure sensitive adhesive, such as which may contain a tackifying resin and styrene-butadiene (SBR), or a styrenic block copolymer (SBC) like polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene (SIS) or polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS). In further embodiments, an adhesive material 16 may comprise: natural rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesives that may contain natural rubber (NR) and a tackifying resin; acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives that may be made of synthetic resins and are inherently tacky; and/or silicone pressure sensitive adhesives that may be made of synthetic elastomers. In still further embodiments, an adhesive material 16 may comprise any type of adhesive(s) which may be suitable for coupling the device 100 to an object, such as to portions of a fabric garment 200, in a generally removable coupling manner or a generally non-removable coupling manner.

[0037] Non-adhesive surfaces 15 may be distinguished from adhesive surfaces 14 in that non-adhesive surfaces 15 may not be capable of adhering or sticking to an object, such as portions of a fabric garment 200. In preferred embodiments, a non-adhesive surface 15 may comprise a portion of the first side 12 of the body 11 that does not have an adhesive material 16 applied to it. In further embodiments, a non-adhesive surface 15 may comprise a resilient, non-adhesive material that may be different from the material forming the body 11.

[0038] In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a single adhesive surface 14 that may be disposed on approximately between 10 and 100 percent of the surface area of the first side 12. In preferred embodiments, the device 100 may comprise two or more adhesive surfaces 14 that may be separated from each other by a non-adhesive surface 15 that is positioned or disposed between two adjacent adhesive surfaces 14. Likewise, and in preferred embodiments, the device 100 may comprise two or more non-adhesive surfaces 15 that may be separated from each other by an adhesive surface 14 that is positioned or disposed between two adjacent, non-adhesive surfaces 15. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, and 6, the device 100 may comprise at least two non-adhesive surfaces 15, and each of the non-adhesive surfaces 15 may be separated from each other by at least one central adhesive surface 14C. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the device 100 may comprise a first distal adhesive surface 14A, a second distal adhesive surface 14B, and a plurality of central adhesive surfaces 14C, in which the first distal adhesive surface 14A and the central adhesive surfaces 14C are separated from each other by a first non-adhesive surface 15A, and in which the second distal adhesive surface 14B and the central adhesive surfaces 14C are separated from each other by a second non-adhesive surface 15B. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 may comprise a first distal adhesive surface 14A, a second distal adhesive surface 14B, a central adhesive surface 14C, a first non-adhesive surface 15A, and a second non-adhesive surface 15B, in which both the first 15A and second 15B non-adhesive surfaces extend between the first distal adhesive surface 14A and the second distal adhesive surface 14B, and in which the first non-adhesive surface 15A and the second non-adhesive surface 15B are separated from each other by the central adhesive surface.

[0039] For example, the device 100 may comprise a plurality of chevron shaped adhesive surfaces 14 and non-adhesive surfaces 15 that may be alternatingly disposed on the first side 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As another example, the device 100 may comprise a plurality of elongated rectangular shaped adhesive surfaces 14 that may be separated from each other by elongated non-adhesive surfaces 15 on the first side 12 as shown in FIG. 3. As another example, the device 100 may comprise a plurality of rectangular shaped adhesive surfaces 14 and non-adhesive surfaces 15 that may be alternatingly disposed on the first side 12 as shown in FIG. 4. It should be understood that the adhesive surface(s) 14 and non-adhesive surface(s) 15 may regain their shape after deformation of the body 11.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more release liners 21 which may be removably coupled to the first side 12, such as by contacting one or more, and more preferably all, adhesive surfaces 14. A release liner 21 may be configured in any size and shape. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more release liners 21 which may be configured with or be positioned to be configured with a size and shape that may be generally complementary to the size and shape of the body 11. In further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more release liners 21 which may be configured with or be positioned to be configured with a size and shape that may be able to cover at least one or more of the adhesive surfaces 14 on the first side 12. For example, the device 100 may comprise a single release liner 21 that may be configured with a size and shape that may allow the release liner 21 to contact and cover all the adhesive surfaces 14 on the first side 12. As another example, the device 100 may comprise two or more release liners 21 that may be configured with a size and shape that may allow the release liners 21 to contact and cover all the adhesive surfaces 14 on the first side 12.

[0041] A release liner 21 may comprise any material which may be readily removed from contacting an adhesive material 16 of an adhesive surface 14. In preferred embodiments, a release liner 21 may comprise a paper or plastic-based film sheet material that may be coated on one or both sides with a release agent, such as cross linkable silicone, which provides a release effect against any type of a sticky material such as an adhesive or a mastic.

[0042] In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a single release liner 21 which may be generally divided into two or more, such as three, parts or tabs which may be coupled together in a removable manner so that one or more tabs may be separated from the other tabs. For example, a release liner 21 may comprise a first distal tab 22 and a second distal tab 23 which may be removably coupled to opposing sides of a central tab 24, and the distal tabs 22, 23, may be readily separated or from the central tab 24 via a plurality of perforations 25 in the release liner 21. Preferably, a first distal tab 22 may be removably coupled to one distal adhesive surface, such as a first distal adhesive surface 14A, a second distal tab 23 may be removably coupled to one distal adhesive surface, such as a second distal adhesive surface 14B, and a central tab 24 may be removably coupled to one or more, and more preferably all, of the central adhesive surfaces 14C. A user may remove the central tab 24 to expose all or portions of one or more central adhesive surfaces 14C and use the distal tabs 22, 23, to grip and stretch the body 11 when applying the device 100 to a desired object, such as to portions of a garment 200. Once portions of the adhesive surfaces 14 on the central portions of the first side 12 (central adhesive surfaces 14C) are adhered to the garment 200 or other object, the user may remove the distal tabs 22, 23, and then adhere any portions of the adhesive surfaces 14 that were covered by the distal tabs 22, 23, (first and second 14B distal adhesive surfaces) to the garment 200 or other object.

[0043] As perhaps best shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, the device 100 may function to resize or alter a garment 200 to appear smaller. However, it should be understood that the device 100 may be applied to any flexible object, such as curtains, decorative and other towels, pillow cases, bed skirts, etc., that a user may desire to resize or alter to appear smaller. Referring also to FIG. 9, a method for decreasing the size of a garment 200, or other object, with a clothing alteration device 100 ("the method") 400 is provided.

[0044] The method 400 may start 401 and the body 11 of the device 100 may be stretched to a desired degree in step 402. For example, a user may stretch the body 11 (such as in the directions shown by arrows 301 in FIG. 7). By stretching the body 11 a greater amount, the device 100 may be used to decrease the size of a garment 200 to a greater degree, while stretching the body 11 a lesser amount, the device 100 may be used to decrease the size of a garment 200 to a lesser degree. In embodiments in which the device 100 comprises a release liner 21 having three tabs 22, 23, 24, a user may remove the central tab 24 to expose all or portions of one or more adhesive surfaces 14 (preferably exposing the central adhesive surfaces 14C) and use the distal tabs 22, 23, and second side 12 to grip and stretch the body 11 (such as in the directions shown by arrows 301 in FIG. 8)

[0045] In step 403, the stretched body 11 may be applied or adhered to the garment 200 so that at least one adhesive region 14 adheres to a portion of the garment 200. In preferred embodiments, the stretched body 11 may be applied or adhered to the garment 200 so that one or more and preferably all of the central adhesive surfaces 14C may be adhered to the garment 200, and then the distal adhesive surfaces 14A, 14B, may be subsequently adhered to the garment 200. For example, a user may press the first side 12 of the stretched body 11 into contact with an area of material, such as an area on the inside of a garment 200, (garment 200 in FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown inside out, but the device 100 may be placed on any side or surface of a garment 200) so that the adhesive surface(s) 14 may adhere to the garment 200. In embodiments in which the device 100 comprises a release liner 21 having three tabs 22, 23, 24, optionally a user may remove the distal tabs 22, 23, after the central adhesive surfaces 14C may be adhered to the garment 200 and then adhere the distal adhesive surfaces 14A, 14B, in step 403.

[0046] After the body 11 is released, the user may remove the distal tabs 22, 23, and then adhere any portions of the adhesive surfaces 14 that were covered by the distal tabs 22, 23, to the garment 200 or other object.

[0047] In step 404, the body 11 may be released from stretching causing the body 11 to gather the portion of the garment thereby decreasing the size of the garment as the body 11 attempts to return to its unstretched length. Continuing the above example, once adhered, the body 11 may be released and allowed to attempt to regain its shape prior to the stretch deformation thereby gathering (in the directions shown by arrows 302 in FIG. 7) the portions of the garment 200 that the device 100 is adhered to. This results in a uniform bunching of material and creation of an elastic like band that alters the size and shape of the garment 200 in an aesthetically pleasing way. In embodiments in which the device 100 comprises a release liner 21 having three tabs 22, 23, 24, optionally a user may remove the distal tabs 22, 23, after the body 11 is released from stretching and then adhere the distal adhesive surfaces 14A, 14B, in step 404.

[0048] After step 404, the method 400 may finish 405.

[0049] While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device 100, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the body 11, adhesive surfaces 14, non-adhesive surfaces 15, release liner 21, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including "T" shaped, "X" shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0050] Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device 100 may be made from or may comprise any other suitable material, including combinations of materials.

[0051] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A clothing alteration device, the device comprising: an elongated body having a first side and an opposing second side; at least one adhesive surface disposed on the first side, wherein each of the at least one adhesive surface on the first side is formed by an adhesive material applied to the first side; at least one non-adhesive surface disposed on the first side, wherein each of the at least one non-adhesive surface is formed by a portion of the first side to which adhesive material has not been applied, and wherein the body comprises a resilient material which is able to regain its shape after deformation so that the at least one adhesive surface and the at least one non-adhesive surface likewise regain their shape after deformation.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a release liner that is removably coupled to at least one adhesive surface.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the release liner comprises a first distal tab, a second distal tab, and a central tab, and wherein the first distal tab and second distal tab are both removably coupled to the central tab.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesive surface covers at least 25 percent of the first side.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesive surface covers at least 40 percent of the first side.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a sheet of resilient material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the body has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is greater than 100% of the width dimension.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two non-adhesive surfaces, and wherein the at least two non-adhesive surfaces are separated from each other by the at least one adhesive surface.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device comprises a first distal adhesive surface, a second distal adhesive surface, and a central adhesive surface, wherein the first distal adhesive surface and the central adhesive surface are separated from each other by a first non-adhesive surface, and wherein the second distal adhesive surface and the central adhesive surface are separated from each other by a second non-adhesive surface.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the device comprises a first distal adhesive surface, a second distal adhesive surface, a central adhesive surface, a first non-adhesive surface, and a second non-adhesive surface, wherein both the first and second non-adhesive surfaces extend between the first distal adhesive surface and the second distal adhesive surface, and wherein the first non-adhesive surface and the second non-adhesive surface are separated from each other by the central adhesive surface.

11. A method for decreasing the size of a garment with a clothing alteration device having: an elongated body having a first side and an opposing second side; at least one adhesive surface disposed on the first side, wherein each of the at least one adhesive surface on the first side is formed by an adhesive material applied to the first side; at least one non-adhesive surface disposed on the first side, wherein each of the at least one non-adhesive surface is formed by a portion of the first side to which adhesive material has not been applied, and wherein the body comprises a resilient material which is able to regain its shape after deformation so that the at least one adhesive surface and the at least one non-adhesive surface likewise regain their shape after deformation, and the method including the steps of: stretching the body; applying the stretched body to the garment so that the at least one adhesive region adheres to a portion of the garment; and releasing the body from stretching causing the body to gather the portion of the garment thereby decreasing the size of the garment.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the device comprises a release liner that is removably coupled to at least one adhesive surface.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the release liner comprises a first distal tab, a second distal tab, and a central tab, and wherein the first distal tab and second distal tab are both removably coupled to the central tab.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one adhesive surface covers at least 25 percent of the first side.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one adhesive surface covers at least 40 percent of the first side.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a sheet of resilient material.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the body has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is greater than 100% of the width dimension.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the device comprises at least two non-adhesive surfaces, and wherein the at least two non-adhesive surfaces are separated from each other by the at least one adhesive surface.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the device comprises a first distal adhesive surface, a second distal adhesive surface, and a central adhesive surface, wherein the first distal adhesive surface and the central adhesive surface are separated from each other by a first non-adhesive surface, and wherein the second distal adhesive surface and the central adhesive surface are separated from each other by a second non-adhesive surface.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the device comprises a first distal adhesive surface, a second distal adhesive surface, a central adhesive surface, a first non-adhesive surface, and a second non-adhesive surface, wherein both the first and second non-adhesive surfaces extend between the first distal adhesive surface and the second distal adhesive surface, and wherein the first non-adhesive surface and the second non-adhesive surface are separated from each other by the central adhesive surface.