DEVICE FOR FORMING A CROP TOP

Abstract

A system for forming a crop top is provided. The system includes the top and a device. The device has a band that includes elastic material and one or more resistance strips. The device also includes a slider defining a first slider recess and a second slider recess, and the band is received through the first slider recess and the second slider recess. A size of the device is adjustable by changing a position of the slider relative to the band. The device has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are configured to be attachable together. The device is configured to be positioned proximate to the stomach of a user to enable a bottom portion of the top to be folded between the device and the stomach of the user.

Claims

1. A system for forming a crop top, the system comprising: a top; and a device, wherein the device comprises: a band comprising elastic material and a resistance strip; and a slider defining a first slider recess and a second slider recess, wherein the band is received through the first slider recess and the second slider recess, and wherein a size of the device is adjustable by changing a position of the slider relative to the band, wherein the device has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be attachable together, and wherein the device is configured to be positioned proximate to the stomach of a user to enable a bottom portion of the top to be folded between the device and the stomach of the user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance strip has a higher coefficient of friction than the elastic material.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the band comprises a second resistance strip.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance strip comprises silicone.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a clasp proximate to the first end; and a loop proximate to the second end, wherein the loop is configured to receive a portion of the clasp to attach the first end of the device to the second end of the device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the band comprises jacquard elastic material.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the slider and the clasp comprises a powder coated metal material other than nickel.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the top is a sweater, a sweatshirt, a blouse, a t-shirt, or a hoodie.

9. A method for forming a crop top, the method comprising: providing a device, wherein the device has a band comprising an elastic material and a resistance strip, and wherein the device includes a slider defining a first slider recess and a second slider recess, positioning the device proximate to the stomach of the user; attaching a first end of the device to the second end of the device so that the device is wrapped around the stomach of the user; and wrapping a bottom portion of the top between the device and the stomach of the user.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the resistance strip has a higher coefficient of friction than the elastic material.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: adjusting a size of the device.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the size of the device is adjusted by receiving the band through the first slider recess and the second slider recess, and wherein a size of the device is adjusted by changing a position of the slider relative to the band.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the device further comprises: a clasp proximate to the first end; and a loop proximate to the second end; wherein attaching a first end of the device to the second end of the device so that the device is wrapped around the stomach of the user is accomplished by receiving a portion of the clasp in a loop opening of the loop.

14. A device for converting a top into a crop top, the device comprising: a band comprising elastic material and a resistance strip, and a slider defining a first slider recess and a second slider recess, wherein the band is received through the first slider recess and the second slider recess, and wherein a size of the device is adjustable by changing a position of the slider relative to the band, wherein the device has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be attachable together, and wherein the device is configured to be positioned proximate to the stomach of a user to enable a bottom portion of the top to be folded between the device and the stomach of the user.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the band comprises a second resistance strip.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the resistance strip comprises silicone.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the resistance strip is configured to contact the bottom portion of the top when the bottom portion of the top is folded between the device and the stomach of the user.

18. The device of claim 14, wherein the device further comprises: a clasp proximate to the first end; and a loop proximate to the second end; wherein the loop is configured to receive a portion of the clasp to attach the first end of the device to the second end of the device.

19. The device of claim 14, wherein at least one of the slider and the clasp comprises a metal material.

20. The device of claim 14, wherein the band comprises jacquard elastic material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1A is a rear view illustrating an example device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0023] FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating an example device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0024] FIG. 1C is a front view illustrating an example band used in the device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0025] FIG. 1D is a rear view illustrating an example band used in the device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0026] FIG. 1E is an enhanced, front view illustrating an example clasp with an example band received within the clasp, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0027] FIG. 1F is a front view illustrating the example clasp, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0028] FIG. 1G is an enhanced, front view illustrating an example slider with an example band received within the slider, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0029] FIG. 1H is a front view illustrating an example slider, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0030] FIG. 1I is an enhanced, front view illustrating an example loop at an end of the band, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0031] FIG. 1J is an enhanced, side view illustrating the loop of FIG. 1I, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0032] FIG. 2A is a front view illustrating an example device being wrapped around the stomach of a user, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0033] FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating an example clasp at a first end of the device being used to engage a loop at a second end of the device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0034] FIG. 2C is a front view illustrating an example clasp at a first end of the device engaging a loop at a second end of the device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0035] FIG. 2D is a front view illustrating an example top being lowered to cover the device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0036] FIG. 2E is a front view illustrating the example top after lower portions of the top are folded underneath the device to form a crop top, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for using the device, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Example aspects of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The following description is provided herein solely by way of example for purposes of providing an enabling disclosure of the invention, but does not limit the scope or substance of the invention. Further, the term or as used in this disclosure and the appended claims is intended to mean an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase X employs A or B is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase X employs A or B is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles a and an as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of a, an, and the may include plural references, and the meaning of in may include in, at, and/or on, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrase in one embodiment, as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0039] Like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout. For example, reference numerals 100 and 200 both refer to a device, and reference numerals 108 and 208 both refer to a clasp. Additionally, any connections or attachments may be direct or indirect connections or attachments unless specifically noted otherwise. All distance or measurement values provided herein are approximated values unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0040] Various embodiments are provided herein of a device that can be used as an at-home alteration tool for converting a top into a crop top. FIG. 1A is a rear view illustrating an example device 100, and FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating the example device 100. The device 100 extends between a first end 102 and a second end 104. The device 100 also comprises a band 101 made of elastic material.

[0041] The device 100 includes a first resistance strip 106A and a second resistance strip 106B. The first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B may be configured to provide added grip. The first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B have a higher coefficient of friction than the elastic material in other portions of the band 101. Consequently, the first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B may improve the ability of the device 100 to hold in position as the resistance strips 106A, 106B may come in contact with a portion of a top or with the user so that the device 100 stays in position. When the device 100 is actively being used on a top, the first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B may contact a bottom portion of the top to assist in preventing the bottom portion of the top from shifting out of position. These resistance strips 106A, 106B may be particularly beneficial to hold heavier tops in place such as thick hoodies or sweaters, which may otherwise be prone to slipping out.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B may comprise silicone. However, other materials may be utilized in the first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B instead of or in addition to silicone.

[0043] The device 100 also comprises a clasp 108. This clasp 108 may comprise metal material in some embodiments. For example, the clasp 108 may comprise a powder coated metal material preferably other than nickel in some embodiments, which may be beneficial to avoid issues for users that have allergies to nickel material. The clasp 108 is provided proximate to the first end 102 of the device 100, and the loop 112 is provided proximate to the second end 104 of the device 100.

[0044] The device 100 also comprises a slider 110 defining a first slider recess 110A (see FIG. 1H) and a second slider recess 110B (see FIG. 1H). The band 101 of the device 100 may be received through the first slider recess 110A and the second slider recess 110B. The slider 110 may enable the size of the device 100 to be easily adjusted. With the band 101 received in the first slider recess 110A and the second slider recess 110B, the position of the slider 110 may be adjusted relative to the band 101 to either increase or decrease the size of the device 100. For example, looking at FIGS. 1A and 1B, the position of the slider 110 relative to the band 101 may increase or decrease the length of the device 100 from left to right. In some embodiments, the device 100 may be provided in different sizes. For example, the device 100 may range from 32 to 44 inches in length when assembled for a first size, and the device 100 may range from 44 to 56 inches in length when assembled for a second size.

[0045] The slider 110 may comprise metal material in some embodiments. The slider 110 may comprise a powder coated metal preferably a material other than nickel in some embodiments, which may be beneficial to avoid issues for users how have allergies to nickel material.

[0046] The first end 102 and the second end 104 of the device 100 may be attached together so that the device 100 may be secured proximate to the stomach of a user. For example, the loop 112 may define an opening 112A (see FIG. 1J) therein, and the loop 112 may be configured to receive a hook 109 of the clasp 108 to attach the first end 102 of the device 100 to the second end 104 of the device 100. However, other attachment approaches may be utilized. For example, a buckle may be provided, a hook and loop material may be provided at the first end 102 and the second end 104, or snappable buttons may be provided, but other attachment approaches may be used as well. By allowing for the first end 102 and the second end 104 to be easily attached and unattached, the device 100 may be easily positioned on the user. The user may position the device 100 proximate to the stomach of the user, closer to the waist of the user, or at more elevated locations that are closer to the chest of the user. This may beneficially permit the user to obtain a high-crop position closer to the chest, a low-crop position closer to the waist, or another crop position at an intermediate position.

[0047] Once the device 100 is positioned as desired by the user, the user may enable a bottom portion to be folded between the device 100 and the user, and the top may be retained in this position until the user removes the device 100. The top may be retained by having the device adjusted to an appropriate size. Furthermore, the elastic material in the band 101 may allow the device to fit tightly around the user and stretch to fit to the user, and this may make it easier to prevent slippage of the top. The resistance strips 106A, 106B also may come in contact with a portion of the top to assist in retaining the top in position.

[0048] A band may be provided as part of the device, and FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate a band extending its full length. FIG. 1C is a front view illustrating a front side 103B an example band 101 used in the device 100, and FIG. 1D is a rear view illustrating a rear side 103A of the example band 101.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the first resistance strip 106A and the second resistance strip 106B may extend along the full length of the band 101 on the rear side 103A of the band 101. However, in other embodiments, the resistance strips 106A, 106B may only extend partially along the length of the band 101. In the band 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the resistance strips 106A, 106B are only provided on the rear side 103A of the band 101. However, in other embodiments, one or more resistance strips may be provided on the front side 103B of the band 101. The resistance strips 106A, 106B extend in a straight line in the band 101, but the resistance strips 106A, 106B may be provided in other ways such as in a zig-zag pattern, with curved lines, etc. In some embodiments, the resistance strips 106A, 106B may be provided with an increased width on the band. For example, in some embodiments, a single resistance strip may be used that covers the entire rear side 103A of the band 101. While the resistance strips 106A, 106B extend across the entire length of the band 101, the resistance strips 106A, 106B may instead be provided in segments along the length of the band 101.

[0050] In FIG. 1D, certain measurements are provided for the example band 101. The band 101 may define a length that is equal to a first distance (A). In some embodiments, the first distance (A) may range from 60 centimeters to 150 centimeters. In some embodiments, the first distance (A) may range from 75 centimeters to 140 centimeters. In some embodiments, bands 101 may be provided in different sizes, with the first distance (A) for one band being 96.52 centimeters and with the first distance (A) for another band being 127 centimeters.

[0051] Additionally, the band 101 may define a width that is equal to a second distance (B). In some embodiments, the second distance (B) may range from 1 centimeters to 5 centimeters. In some embodiments, the second distance (B) may range from 3 centimeters to 4 centimeters. In some embodiments, the second distance (B) may be 3.81 centimeters.

[0052] Furthermore, the band 101 may also define a thickness. In some embodiments, the thickness of the band 101 may range from 1 millimeter to 3 millimeters. In some embodiments, the thickness of the band 101 may be 2 millimeters.

[0053] As noted above, the device 100 may also include a clasp 108. The clasp 108 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 1E and 1F. FIG. 1E is an enhanced, front view illustrating an example clasp 108 with a band 101 received within the clasp 108, and FIG. 1F is a front view illustrating the example clasp 108 of FIG. 1E.

[0054] The clasp 108 may define a first clasp recess 108A and a second clasp recess 108B, as illustrated in FIG. 1F. The first clasp recess 108A may be the volume between the hook 109 of the clasp 108 and the remainder of the clasp 108. The hook 109 of the clasp 108 may be configured to be received in the opening 112A of the loop 112 (see FIG. 1J) to connect the first end 102 of the device 100 and the second end 104 of the device 100. The band 101 may be received within the second clasp recess 108B so that the band 101 and the clasp 108 may be connected together.

[0055] Additionally, a slider may be provided in the device 100, and one example slider 110 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 1G and 1H. FIG. 1G is an enhanced, front view illustrating an example slider 110 with an example band 101 received within the slider 110, and FIG. 1H is a front view illustrating the example slider 110 of FIG. 1G. The band 101 of the device 100 may be received through the first slider recess 110A and the second slider recess 110B. The slider 110 may enable the size of the device 100 to be easily adjusted. With the band 101 received in the first slider recess 110A and the second slider recess 110B, the position of the slider 110 may be adjusted relative to the band 101 to either increase or decrease the size of the device 100.

[0056] A loop may also be formed at a second end 104 of the device 100, and FIGS. 1I and 1J illustrate one example loop 112. FIG. 1I is an enhanced, front view illustrating an example loop 112 at the second end 104 of the band 101, and FIG. 1J is an enhanced, side view illustrating the loop 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1J, the loop 112 may define an opening 112A therein, and the loop 112 may be configured to receive a hook 109 of the clasp 108 in the opening 112A to attach the first end 102 of the device 100 to the second end 104 of the device 100.

[0057] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a device 200 being used to convert a top into a crop top. Various components may be provided. For example, the top 214 may be provided, with the top 214 being worn by a user. The top 214 may, for example, be a sweater, a sweatshirt, a blouse, a t-shirt, or a hoodie. However, other tops may be used. The device 200 may also be provided. The device 200 may be similar to the device 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The device 200 is configured to be positioned proximate to the stomach 216 of a user to enable a bottom portion of the top 214 to be folded between the device 200 and the stomach 216 of the user.

[0058] Looking now at FIG. 2A, the example device 200 and the top 214 are provided, and the device 200 is wrapped around the stomach 216 of a user. The top 214 of the user may be lifted slightly to expose the stomach 216 of the user, allowing the device 200 to be positioned immediately adjacent to the stomach 216 of the user. The user may adjust the position of the device 200 relative to the user to adjust the final crop position. For example, the user may position the device 200 closer to his or her waist to have a low crop position, or the user may position the device 200 closer to his or her chest to have a higher crop position.

[0059] In FIG. 2B, the first end 102 (see FIG. 1A) of the device 200 is attached to the second end 104 (see FIG. 1A) of the device 200. In FIG. 2B, a clasp 208 is positioned proximate to the first end 102 (see FIG. 1B) of the device 200, and a loop 212 is positioned proximate to the second end 104 (see FIG. 1B) of the device 200. The loop 212 is configured to receive a hook 109 (see FIG. 1F) of the clasp 208 to attach the first end 102 of the device 200 to the second end 104 of the device 200. FIG. 2C illustrates the device 200 once the first end 102 of the device 200 and the second end 104 of the device 200 are attached together.

[0060] Once the first end 102 and the second end 104 are attached, the user may lower his or her top 214 so that the top 214 extends below the device 200. This is illustrated in FIG. 2D. Then once the top 214 extends below the device 200, the bottom portion of the top 214 may be folded underneath the device 200 as illustrated in FIG. 2E so that the bottom portion of the top 214 is retained between the device 200 and the user and so that the crop-top is formed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the user may adjust the size of the device 200 before wrapping it. This may be appropriate where the device 200 is being used for the first time by a user, where the thickness of the top is substantially different from the thickness of another top that the device 200 was previously used with, where the device was previously used by another user, etc. However, even after the user has wrapped the device 200 and attached the first end of the device to the second end of the device 200, the user may adjust the size of the device 200 to tighten or loosen the device 200. This may be beneficial to permit the user to make small changes in the sizing of the device 200 without requiring the device 200 to be taken off entirely.

[0062] In some embodiments, the position of the device 200 relative to the bottom of the final crop top may be adjusted to make a tighter fitting look or a looser fitting look as desired by the user. For example, the user may wrap as much of the bottom portion of the top 214 as possible underneath the device 200 so that the device 200 is positioned as low as possible on the final crop top, and this may give the final crop top a tighter fitting look at the bottom. However, in other embodiments, a user may wrap a lesser amount of the top 214 underneath the device 200 so that the device 200 is positioned at a higher position relative to the bottom of the final crop top, and this may allow the bottom of the final crop top to sag farther below the device 200 so that the final crop top has a looser fitting look.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 300 for using the device. At operation 302, a device is provided. The device includes a band comprising elastic material and a resistance strip. However, two or more resistance strips may be used in some embodiments. The device also includes a slider defining a first slider recess and a second slider recess. The device also includes a first end and a second end. Additionally, the device may include a clasp proximate to the first end, with the clasp having a hook. The device may also include a loop proximate to the second end of the device.

[0064] At operation 304, a size of the device may be adjusted. The band may be received through the first slider recess and the second slider recess. A size of the device may be adjusted by changing a position of the slider relative to the band. The size of the device may be adjusted so that the device tightly fits around the stomach area of the user, but the size of the device may be loosened so that the device fits comfortably on the user.

[0065] A top may be lifted to expose the stomach of the user at operation 306. At operation 308, the device is positioned proximate to the stomach of the user. The positioning of the device on the user may be adjusted in various embodiments. For example, the user may choose to wear the device closer to the waist of the user for a low crop, or the user may choose to wear the device closer to the chest of the user for a higher crop. The device may be positioned so that any resistance strips are directed inwardly towards the stomach of the user.

[0066] At operation 310, a first end of the device is attached to the second end of the device so that the device is wrapped around the stomach of the user. This may be accomplished by using the hook and loop of the device. The hook at the first end of the device may be received within an opening of the loop, securing the hook to the loop. However, attachment of the first end of the device and the second end of the device may be accomplished in other ways. In some embodiments, the size of the device may be adjusted after the first end and second end of the device are attached together. This may be beneficial where the device is slightly too tight or too loose, or where the size of the device needs to be adjusted due to the relatively high or low thickness of a top being used.

[0067] The top may be lowered so that the device is covered by the top at operation 312. At operation 314, a bottom portion of the top is wrapped underneath the device so that a bottom portion of the top is positioned between the device and the stomach of the user. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the top may be wrapped underneath the device on only one side of the user to create a half-tuck look. However, in other embodiments, the bottom portion of the top may be wrapped underneath the device on all sides so that the user creates a full-tuck look.

[0068] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.