MULTIPURPOSE SPORT AND LEISURE GARMENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME

MULTIPURPOSE SPORT AND LEISURE GARMENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment which may be worn

comfortably on or about the body, such as, for example, the head, chest, shoulder,

thigh, knee, arm or waist. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a garment,

which, when worn, distributes areas of high fabric surface away from the point of

body contact and imparts sparsely of fabric at body contact. This is accomplished by

placing two sections of fabric on opposite side of a vertex. Such configuration, as

herein described, allows the present garment to have multiple utilities and uses not

found in ordinary garments.

Towels used for wiping and drying moisture are commonly used in

connection with physical activity. Typically, the towel is transported by hand to or

from the pursuit of physical activity, or is sometimes worn about a body area, such as

the shoulder or neck. The towel provides exceptional water absorbency and is used to

regulate body temperature. However, towels are not designed nor intended as items of

wear, nor do they contain pockets. For instance, when draped over a body part, such

as the neck or shoulder, the towel exhibits undesirable characteristics, such as a bulky

and cluttered appearance at the point where the towel is worn. Towels having a

narrow width (so as not to be bulky at the point of wear) provide an insufficient

amount of absorbent surface to be useful in drying, wiping or regulating body

temperature, nor does it provide a high degree of fashion. Long towels cover larger

areas of the body and provide more absorbency and temperature regulation, but are

too bulky at the points of body contact to be fashionable. When fabricated of a substantially stretch resistant absorbent fabric, the

present garment may be used for wiping and drying liquids such as perspiration and

water. The present garment may also be used as a means for regulating the

temperature of the body. Further, the present garment may be fashionable, imparting

a sparse appearance at the segment of the body area which it is worn. The present

garment may also contain pockets or be emblazoned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that may be

worn about the body comfortably without the drawbacks typically associated with

conventional towels, such as gathering or bulkiness about the body contact area or

inadequate dimension for intended use. Another object of the present invention is to

provide a garment with the foregoing advantages that possess the hand or feel of a

conventional towel suitable for wiping and drying liquid from the skin or regulating

body temperature. A further object of the present invention is to provide a garment

with the foregoing advantages that may be a fashionable item of wear with a wide

range of uses. A further object of this invention is to provide a garment with the

foregoing advantages and means for incorporating pockets.

The present garment has a configuration comprising first and second

sections of substantially equal size arranged on opposite sides of a vertex. The vertex

is at a fixed point situated generally along a first direction. The proximal portion of

each of the first and second sections is situated about the area where the vertex joins

these sections. The medial portion of the garment is situated at the area of the vertex

and generally extends along the first direction between the proximal portions of the

first and second sections. The ends of the distal portions of the first and second sections furthest away from the vertex may extend generally in a direction

perpendicular to the first direction. The shape of these ends may include a myriad of

designs or curvatures, including elliptic or cheveroned. The distal portions of the first

and second sections have greater fabric surface than the medial portion of the

garment. When the medial ortion of the garment is draped around an area of the

body, the medial portion imparts a more sparse appearance of fabric about the area of

the body which that portion is engaged than the distal portion of the first and second

sections. When the garment is draped around an area of the body, the first and second

sections may form a generally collapsed cone-shaped configuration, displaying a neat

and attractive appearance when the garment is worn.

As used in the specification and claims herein, the term "cone" or

"conic" means a surface which is generated by passing a line through a fixed point

and a fixed plane curve not containing the point, consisting of two sections joined at a

vertex. The fixed plane curve ensures a smooth collapse of the first and second

sections during wear.

The configuration of the first and second sections of the present

garment may be defined having three points: base, altitude and vertex. The length of

the base, altitude or vertex may be adjusted to suit intended use, as will become

evident in the descriptions herein. Additionally, a collar comprising an elongated tube

may be placed about the medial portion of the garment to impart greater fabric

surface, or the collar may be used to further separate the distal portions of the first and

second sections. The fabric of the collar may differ from or be identical or

substantially similar to the fabric of the first and second sections of the garment. In

another preferred embodiment, the surface of the first and second sections may be wavy. Additionally, the present invention may comprise pieces of fabric joined

together or be constructed of one single, continuous piece of fabric.

Conventional towels used during physical activity are flat and two

dimensional. The garment of the present invention may include two, three

dimensional sections substantially of equal size joined at a vertex. The advantage of

constructing the present garment in this manner, as opposed to a single, rectangular or

square piece of fabric, is the sparse appearance exhibited at the point of body contact

while providing a large surface of absorbent fabric at either end of the garment. The

three dimensional configuration of the present garment allows the garment to collapse

upon itself when worn. As a result, the drape exhibited by the present garment when

worn is more elegant than the drape of a standard towel and the collapsed cone-shaped

configuration provides a more streamlined appearance.

In another preferred embodiment, the altitude of the first and second

sections may equal zero, and consist of two substantially equal sections connected at

the vertex area directly or by an elongated tube. When the altitude of the sections

approximates or equals zero, the sections are planar. Connecting the sections with a

circular pattern creates a collapsed cone having a narrow vertex when the garment is

worn. Whereas connecting the sections with a rectangular pattern creates a truncated

vertex when the garment is worn. To create an elliptical planar design, the vertex

joining the sections may be moved from the medial portion to one of a proximal

portion of the sections, creating a collapsed cone with an elliptical base when the

garment is hung or worn. Other embodiments of the present garment may encompass a number

of permutations of altitude to base ratio, yielding myriad variations of feature

attributes, allowing the present garment to be suitable for a wide variety of uses.

Suitable fabrics for the present invention may include, for example,

cotton, linens, knits, woven and non- woven fabrics. Other suitable fabrics may

include an absorbent, towel-like fabric that is substantially stretch-resistant, such as

terry. A suitable terry is single- faced terry where the looped face may become the

exterior surface of the present garment. This construction allows the sections to move

more freely in opposition to each other. There are additional types of terry cloth

known in the art which may be suitable for the present invention. Such terrys may

include, but is not limited to, double-faced terry, Turkish terry, French terry, boucle,

velour or baby terry.

The pile density of the fabric for the present garment may vary

depending upon intended use and cost. For instance, in cooling body temperature, the

garment may be soaked in water and applied to the body. A dense pile with high and

large loops will hold more water for cooling or absorbing more moisture when dry. A

less dense pile will drape more loosely and is more appropriate to situations where

moisture absorption is not critical.

By varying the pile density from light to medium to dense, the

absorbency and drape characteristics of the present garment change. This allows the

function of the present garment to be varied for its intended use. For instance, by

increasing the pile density of the fabric, the towel-like feel or "hand" more closely

resembles a bath towel. Increasing the density stiffens the fabric and reduces

drapability. This may be desirable depending on function and intended use. Additionally, the distal portion of the first and second sections may be made larger or

smaller to regulate fabric surface.

For a more fashionable appearance, the present garment may comprise

of non-absorbent or stretchy fabrics including, but not limited to, knits and wools. The

fabric of the present garment may comprise an insulating fabric, including, but not

limited to wool, microfiber, fleece, ultra suede, felted fabrics, padded fabrics,

thinsulate™, or any combination thereof. Other suitable fabrics may also include

water repellant fabrics, such as, for example, Gortex™, nylon, plastic, rubber, Teflon,

or any combination thereof. Fabrics treated with a water repellant coating may also be

suitable. Additional suitable fabrics for the present garment may include silk, rayon,

mesh, leather, velvet, cashmere, camel hair or any combination thereof.

There are general coordinates that identify proper size and

configuration of the present garment based upon general use and wear. A basic

proportion may be transposed from a standard towel size, such as 24" x 36". The

length of the garment may become 36" and the ends of the first and second sections

may have a width of 24". A user wearing the garment during physical activity may

want smaller dimensions to prevent the garment from interfering with the activity. A

shortened version of the present garment may comprise sufficient fabric to prevent

gathering of fabric at the point of body contact. The length of the present garment

may be worn on the neck and the distal portions of the first and second sections do not

extend to the wearer's extremities.

A user may desire more fabric surface and length for wrapping or

draping the present garment about the body after engaging in physical activity. When

the medial portion of the garment is placed around the neck, for example, the distal portions of the first and second sections may fall at or below the wearer's waist. Here,

the width of the ends of the first and second sections may be 18", 24", 36"or 42." The

minimal length of the present garment may be sufficient to wrap around any portion

of the body. The maximum length may be limited to prevent the garment from

touching the ground or becoming entangled or be otherwise dangerous when worn.

The garment may be used to protect the user from wind or cold, yet

retain its absorbent properties. In hot weather, the garment may be used to cool the

wearer by offering protection from the sun and by absorbing perspiration. In addition,

the garment may be soaked in cold water to cool the wearer. The garment may also

be worn to cover parts of the body that may be inappropriately displayed. For

example, a topless sunbather leaving the bathing area may use the present garment to

cover the appropriate body parts. In this regard, the present invention may be

manipulated, for example, into a halter top, toga, pareo, sarong or skirt.

The three dimensional configuration of the present garment allows for

concealment of pockets anywhere in the garment. For example, the present garment

may have at least one pocket at or about the distal portions of the first and second

sections. The pockets may comprise a means for opening and closing the pockets,

such means may include snaps, buttons, zippers or Velcro.

The claimed invention may contain fasteners, such as snaps, clips,

Velcro, zippers, buttons or any other sealers, fasteners, closures or trims at about or

along the garment's edges. Fasteners enable the present garment to be folded in

various ways to perform different useful functions (e.g., poncho, beach towel or chair

cover). Zippers, when used, may be recessed and made of nylon instead of metal. Buttons made of soft rubber or Velcro are also preferred fasteners. The claimed

invention may also be emblazoned at either of the first or second sections, or both.

These and other embodiments of the present invention will become

apparent to those of ordinary skill in view of the disclosures herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure la is a frontal view of the present garment having an elliptical

base and being worn about the neck.

Figure lb is a frontal view of a standard towel being worn about the

neck.

Figure 2a is a back view of the present garment shown in Fig. la.

Figure 2b is a back view of the standard towel shown in Fig. lb.

Figure 3 a is a front view of the present garment showing a cone-shaped

configuration.

Figure 3b is a front view of the present invention showing two planar

sections separated by an elongated tube.

Figure 3c is a front view of the present invention showing a

cone-shaped configuration having a truncated vertex.

Figure 3d is a front view of the present invention showing a

cone-shaped configuration having a truncated vertex with an elliptical base.

Figure 4a is a side view of the present invention having an elliptical

base with a truncated vertex.

Figure 4b is a bottom view of the present invention shown in Fig.4a.

Figure 5a is a schematic of the present invention showing high fabric

surface first and second sections with a truncated vertex. Figure 5b is a schematic of the present invention showing low fabric

surface first and second sections with a truncated vertex.

Figure 5c is a schematic of the present invention showing low fabric

surface first and second sections with a truncated vertex and disc pockets.

Figure 5d is a schematic of the present invention showing low fabric

surface first and second sections with a truncated vertex and pouch pocket

construction.

Figure 6a is a schematic of the present invention showing high fabric

surface first and second sections with an elongate and intact vertex.

Figure 6b is a schematic of the present invention showing low fabric

surface first and second sections with an elongate and intact vertex.

Figure 6c is a schematic of the present invention showing high fabric

surface first and second sections with an elongate and separated vertex.

Figure 6d is a schematic of the present invention showing low fabric

surface first and second sections with an elongate and separated vertex.

Figures 7a-7d is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention

showing two zero altitude planes connected at a vertex.

Figure 8a is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 7d when

converted into a poncho.

Figure 8b is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 8a.

Figure 8c is a front view of an embodiment of Figure 7d with an

elongate, which is used to convert said embodiment into a poncho.

Figure 8d is a side view of an embodiment of Figure 8c. Figure 9a is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention

showing first and second sections having a three-sided pyramidal configuration.

Figure 9b is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention

showing first and second sections having a four-sided pyramidal configuration.

Figures 10a- 10c show a schematic for constructing an embodiment of

the present invention.

Figures 1 la-1 lh illustrate multiple uses of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figures 1 -2 illustrates the difference in fabric distribution at the point

of body contact between the present invention and a conventional towel when . FIG.

la is a front view of an embodiment of the present garment (1) worn about the neck

(2). The garment (1) may be easily draped upon the body and imparts a sparse

appearance at contact point (3). Additionally, there is sufficient fabric at the distal

portions (4) of the first and second sections (5) to be both functional and fashionable

when the garment is worn. FIG. lb is a front view of a standard towel (6) worn about

the neck (7). The towel (6) is bunched and gathered at the body's contact (7)

rendering it too bulky to be fashionable or functional when worn.

FIG. 2a is a back view of the garment shown in Fig. la. The surface of

fabric at the medial portion (9) is substantially less compared to the standard towel (6)

shown in FIG. 2b. The sparseness of fabric about the neck allows the user to wear

additional articles of clothing such as a jacket, coat, robe, or other similar article.

FIG. 2b is a back view of the standard towel (6) shown in Figure lb.

FIG. 2b illustrates the bulkiness (10) of the standard towel (6) when worn at or about

the neck. Figures 3-9 and 11 show various embodiments of the present invention

which may be used in various ways, including a scarf, sport towel, pareo, poncho,

skirt, camisole, sarong, halter top or any other body wrap. Specifically, each of these

figures show a garment of the present invention comprising first and second sections

(12 and 13, respectively) of substantially equal size. The sections are arranged on

opposite sides of a vertex (14) or separated vertex (14a) which join the first and

second sections (12 and 13). The vertex is at a fixed point situated generally along a

first direction (62). The medial portion (16) of the garment is situated at the area of

the vertex (14) and generally extends along the first direction (62) between the

proximal portions (11) of the first and second sections (12 and 13). The ends (15a) of

the distal portions (15) of the first and second sections (12 and 13) furthest away from

the vertex (14 or 14a) may extend generally in a direction perpendicular to the first

direction (62). The shape of these ends (15a) may be elliptic (63a) , cheveroned (63c)

or straight. The distal portions (15) of the first and second sections (12 and 13) have

greater fabric surface than the medial portion (16) of the garment. When the garment

is draped around an area of the body, the first and second sections (12 and 13) form a

generally collapsed cone-shaped configuration (16a).

Figures 3a-3d show various embodiments of the present inventions

having a variety of uses. FIG. 3a shows the present invention having conic first and

second sections. This configuration may be suitable use as a hat, scarf or sporting

towel. FIG. 3b is an embodiment of the present invention comprising planar first and

second sections (12 and 13) collapsing to form a cone-shape configuration when the

garment is hung or worn. In Fig. 3b, the altitude of the first and second sections (12

and 13) equals zero. Also, the first and second sections (12 and 13) intersect at the bases (17) of an elongated tube (18). The elongated tube (18) imparts sparse fabric

surface at body contact and further serves to separate the more voluminous first and

second sections (12 and 13).

FIG. 3c shows the present invention with a vertex (14). Here, the

vertex is truncated. The truncated vertex provides more fabric surface at the point of

body contact. Another benefit of this embodiment is the larger base (19) of the first

and second sections (12 and 13). FIG. 3d shows the present invention with an

elliptical base (20) and a vertex (14) which is truncated. The elliptical base (20)

allows the fabric surface to be reduced along the length of the first and second

sections. Also, the elliptical base (20) configuration reduces the weight and absorbent

surface of the first and second sections (12 and 13). The elliptical base enhances the

drape of these sections.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a side and bottom view, respectively, of an

embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, these figures show an elliptical

base (20) with a vertex (14) which is truncated. The seams (21) are also shown.

FIG. 5 a shows an embodiment of the present invention having high

fabric surface at the first and second sections (12 and 13). This embodiment has a

vertex (14) which is truncated. High fabric surface at the distal portions (15) of the

first and second sections (12 and 13) provides greater absorbent surface area when the

garment is worn. FIG. 5b shows first and second sections (12 and 13) with low fabric

surface, and vertex (14) which is truncated. This configuration is ideal for smaller

users or where less absorbent surface is required. FIGS. 5c and 5d show an

embodiment of the present invention with pockets. In FIG. 5c, first and second

sections (12 and 13) are connected on opposite sides of a truncated vertex (14). Disk (24) is affixed to the interior of each of the distal portions (15) of the first and second

sections (12 and 13) forming a pocket. The opening of the pocket (25) is located at or

near the disk (24). The size of the pocket opening is sufficient to accommodate at

least one hand placing and removing objects from the pocket area. FIG. 5d shows

first and second sections (12 and 13) with low fabric surface and a truncated vertex

(14). Attached to the opening (26) is a pouch pocket (27) .

FIGS. 6a-6b show embodiments of the present invention having a

collar (28) around the medial portion (16). This configuration results in a garment of

considerable medial strength and substantial fabric surface at the medial portion (16) .

The advantage of high fabric surface is greater absorbency, which renders this

embodiment of the present invention suitable for use during strenuous athletic

activities. FIGS. 6c and 6d show an embodiment of the present invention having a

separated vertex (14a). The fabric surface created at medial portions (16) of first and

second sections (12 and 13) is less than that of FIGS. 6a and 6b. The advantages of

separated vertices is that the fabric surface remains static through the medial portion

of the garment. And the areas of higher fabric surface are situated further down from

the point of body contact.

FIGS. 7a-7d illustrate various embodiments of the present invention

having first and second sections (12 and 13) which are planar. Here, the shape of the

area of the vertex affects the drape and base configuration of the present invention

when worn. For instance, the embodiment of FIG. 7a shows the area of the vertex in

the shape of a square (41). This positions the vertex such that the first and second

sections (12 and 13) become four-sided pyramids when the garment is worn. The

embodiment of FIG. 7b shows the area of the vertex in the shape of a circle (42). This positions the vertex such that the first and second sections become conic when the

garment is worn. The embodiment of FIG. 7c shows the area of the vertex in the shape

of a rectangle (43). This produces a truncated vertex and positions the vertex such that

the first and second sections become conic when the garment is worn. In FIG. 7d, an

elongated tube (44) connects planar first and second sections (12 and 13), wherein

first and second sections form a collapsed cone when the garment is worn. The

elongated tube (44) separates high fabric surface away from the point of contact. The

elongated tube (44) may have open or closed ends. In regards to planar construction,

the shape of the planes may take any form, such as, for example, square, circular,

rectangular, triangular or any other polygon.

Figures 8a-8d show the embodiment of Figure 7d configured as a

poncho. In FIG. 8a and 8b, a short elongate (18) produces a low collar (48) when

both planar first and second sections (12 and 13) are superimposed. FIG. 8c and 8d

show two planar sections (12 and 13) intersected by an elongate (18). The elongated

tube (44) moves the high fabric area further from body contact point to provide a

hood. This embodiment may be used to create body wraps, pareo's, ponchos, beach

towels and tunics of unique design as illustrated in FIGS. 1 la - lid. For example,

when the elongated tube (18) is of adequate diameter for insertion and removal over

the wearer's head, the embodiment may be used as a poncho. In such a case, a short

tube may create a collar (48) or a long tube may create a hood or head covering (47).

The poncho may further comprise wind and water resistant fabric on the outer surface

and an absorbent or insulating fabric on the garment's interior.

FIG. 9a shows an embodiment of the present invention having

three-sided pyramidal first and second sections (50a-50c). FIG. 9b shows an embodiment of the present invention having four-sided pyramidal first and second

sections (51a-51d).

FIG. 10a shows a method of making the present invention having conic

sections whereby opposing corners of two squares (31a and 31b) are folded in half to

form two triangles (32a and 32b). A non-hypotenuse side of each triangle is sewn

(33a and 33b) to form conic sections (34a and 34b). Conic sections (34a and 34b) are

then attached at the vertex (35). When the solid area (36) is removed, it creates a flat

base cone. If the solid area is not removed, it creates a an elliptical base.

FIG. 10b shows another method of making the present invention

having pyramidal sections. Here, triangular pieces of fabric (36a and 36b) are joined

at vertices (37a and 37b) forming panel (38a). Triangular pieces of fabric 36c and 36d

are joined at vertices 37c and 37d forming panel (38b). Panels 38a and 38b are joined

along their respective side axis 39a and 39b to form a cone. The same method may

also be employed using additional panels to create 3 or 4 sided pyramidal first and

second sections. Alternatively, the step of making the panels using triangular pieces

of fabric may be omitted and cone-shaped panels without center seams may be used.

FIG 10c shows another method of making the present invention having

planar first and second sections (12 and 13). In making this embodiment, at least two

pieces of fabric (52a and 52b) are folded into a diamond shape having corners (53) at

the area where the fabric is folded (54). As used herein, the term "diamond shape"

includes a square, rectangle, rhombus or any other parallelogram. At least two folded

pieces of fabric are then connected to each other at their respective corners (53) by a

fastening means (55). When the resulting garment is worn, the first and second

sections (12 and 13) form a collapsed cone-shaped configuration. Figures 1 la-1 Id illustrate examples of the various configurations of the

present invention. Figure 11a shows the embodiment of Figure 10c having fasteners

(64) along at least one edge of the garment. Figure l ib shows the embodiment of

Figure 11a with fasteners (64) attaching first and second sections (12 and 13). Figure

l ie shows the embodiment of figure 1 lb with outer edges (65) fastened together. The

embodiment of Figure l ie may be used as a chair cover (Figure l ie), seat cushion,

poncho or camisole (Figure 1 If). Figure lid shows the embodiment of figure 11a

wherein both first and second sections (12 and 13) are unfurled to form a two

dimensional piece of fabric having various uses, including a beach towel, poncho,

pareo, picnic blanket or table cover. Figure 1 lg shows the embodiment of figure 1 lb

used as a halter top. Here, the vertex of the garment (14) is situated at or about the

center of the wearers back. The unattached folded corners of the garment (65) are tied

across the wearer's sternum (66). Fasteners (64) may be placed along the edge of the

garment. Figure 1 lh shows the embodiment of figure 11a used as a pareo. Here, the

vertex of the garment (14) is situated at the wearer's hip and the unattached folded

corners (68) of the outer edges (65) are tied over the opposing hip.

These and other features and objects of the present garment will be

more fully understood in light of the specification. Further, the invention

illustratively disclosed herein suitably might be practiced in the absence of any

element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Further, it should be understood

that the specifically disclosed embodiments are exemplary in nature and are not to be

construed as limiting the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.