GARMENTS FOR ORGANIZING TOOLS AND ASSOCIATED PATTERNS AND METHODS

Abstract

The present technology relates to garments for organizing and carrying sewing tools and pattens for making such. The garments comprise a plurality of pockets that are sized and shaped in a manner that enhances tool accessibility relative to garments having conventional pockets. In some embodiments the garment is an apron, which can be folded into additional forms that are worn or carried by the wearer.

Claims

1. A garment, comprising: a garment body sized and shaped to partially cover a wearer's body, wherein the garment body comprises an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite to the first edge; a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the first surface is composed of a first material and the second surface is composed of a second material; a first surface pocket affixed to the first surface of the garment body, wherein the first surface pocket comprises a first side edge affixed to the first surface of the garment body; a second side edge opposite the first side edge, affixed to the first surface of the garment body; a third side edge connecting the first side edge and the second side edge, affixed to the first surface of the garment body; a pocket flap; a first opening extending along a first axis that is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of the garment body, wherein the first opening is located along a seam of a pocket flap and is sized and shaped to slidably receive and carry a ruler; a second opening extending along a second axis that is generally parallel with a transverse axis of the garment body; a second surface pocket affixed to the first surface of the garment body, wherein the second surface pocket includes an opening extending along a second axis, and wherein the second axis is offset from transverse axis of the garment body at an angle between 30 and 60; a third surface pocket affixed to the first surface of the garment body, wherein the third surface pocket includes an opening extending along a third axis, and wherein the third axis is offset from transverse axis of the garment body at an angle between 30 and 60, and further wherein the third axis is not parallel with the second axis; a fourth surface pocket affixed to the second surface of the garment body, wherein the fourth surface pocket includes an opening extending along a fourth axis that is generally parallel with the transverse axis of the garment body; and a first strap and second strap affixed to the garment body, wherein, when the garment is worn by the wearer, the first and second straps are positioned to be fit over the shoulders of the wearer, and further wherein the first and second straps connect behind the back of the wearer.

2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the first material comprises canvas, denim, or leather, and wherein the second material comprises canvas, denim, or leather.

3. The garment of claim 2 wherein the first and second materials are the same.

4. The garment of claim 2 wherein the first and second materials are different.

5. The garment of claim 2, further comprising a first loop affixed to the first side edge and a second loop affixed to a second side edge, wherein the garment is configured to be folded into a portable form comprising an adjustable strap, and wherein the adjustable strap is comprised of a handle or strap of the folded garment.

6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a compartment between the first material and the second material, wherein the compartment comprises one or more sewn side portions and a side portion that is an opening at the seam of the first and second surface materials.

7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a magnet positioned to releasably attach or secure a metal tool to the garment.

8. The garment of claim 1 wherein the second, the third, or the fourth surface pockets are sized and shaped to slidably receive and carry a tool.

9. The garment of claim 8 wherein the tool comprises a ruler, a pair of scissors, a tape measure, a thread ripper, a pincushion, a thread spool, a bobbin, a needle, a writing utensil, a chalk pencil, a mobile phone, a calculator, a notebook, a thimble, or a seam ripper.

10. A template for making the garment of claim 1.

11. A sewing apron, comprising: an apron body sized and shaped to partially cover a wearer's body, wherein the apron body comprises an upper edge, a lower edge that is opposite the upper edge, a first side edge and a second side that is opposite the first edge; a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the first surface is composed of a first material and the second surface is composed of a second material; a first surface pocket affixed to the first surface of the apron body, wherein the first surface pocket comprises a first side edge affixed to the first surface of the apron body; a second side edge opposite the first side edge, affixed to the first surface of the apron body; a third side edge connecting the first side edge and the second side edge, affixed to the first surface of the apron body; a pocket flap; a first opening extending along a first axis that is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of the apron body, wherein the first opening is located along a seam of a pocket flap and is sized and shaped to slidably receive and carry a ruler; a second opening extending along a second axis that is generally parallel with a transverse axis of the apron body; a second surface pocket affixed to the first surface of the apron body, wherein the second surface pocket includes an opening extending along a second axis, and wherein the second axis is offset from the transverse axis of the apron body at an angle between 15 and 75; a third surface pocket affixed to the first surface of the apron body, wherein the third surface pocket includes an opening extending along a third axis, and wherein the third axis is offset from the transverse axis of the apron body at an angle between 15 and 75, and further wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the second axis; a fourth surface pocket affixed to the second surface of the apron body, wherein the fourth surface pocket includes an opening extending along a fourth axis that is generally parallel with the transverse axis of the apron body; and a first strap and second strap affixed to the apron body, wherein, when the apron is worn by the wearer, the first and second straps are positioned to be fit over the shoulders of the wearer, and further wherein the first and second strap connect behind the back of the wearer.

12. The sewing apron of claim 11 wherein the first or second material comprises canvas, denim, or leather.

13. The sewing apron of claim 12 wherein the first and second materials are the same.

14. The sewing apron of claim 12 wherein the first and second materials are different.

15. The sewing apron of claim 11 wherein the second, the third, or the fourth surface pockets are sized and shaped to slidably receive and carry a tool.

16. The sewing apron of claim 15, further comprising a first loop affixed to the first side edge and a second loop affixed to a second side edge, wherein the sewing apron is configured to be folded into a portable form comprising an adjustable strap, and wherein the adjustable strap is comprised of a handle or strap of the folded sewing apron.

17. The sewing apron of claim 16, further comprising a compartment between the first and second surface, wherein the compartment comprises one or more sewn side portions and a side portion that is an opening at the seam of the first and second surface materials.

18. The sewing apron of claim 17, further comprising a magnet that attaches or secures a metal tool to the garment.

19. The sewing apron of claim 15 wherein the tool comprises a ruler, a pair of scissors, a tape measure, a thread ripper, a pincushion, a thread spool, a bobbin, a needle, a writing utensil, a chalk pencil, a mobile phone, a calculator, a notebook, a thimble, and a seam ripper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments depicted, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0004] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate planar views of an apron configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0005] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate the apron shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B configured in a wearable form when a wearer is in a standing position in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0006] FIGS. 3A-3E-4 illustrate certain features of a surface pocket of the apron shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate the apron shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B configured in a wearable form when the wearer is in a seated position in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a template for making an apron configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] FIGS. 6A-6J illustrate certain steps for folding the apron shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B into a folded configuration to be worn as a backpack in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present technology is generally directed to garments sized and shaped to partially cover a wearer's body and includes various pockets and other features useful in organizing tools and supplies for the wearer. The garment can be, for example, an apron comprising one or more surface pockets, some of which are sized and/or shaped to carry a tool. The one or more surface pockets can be affixed to a surface of the apron such that the pockets are situated to be easily accessible when the wearer changes position or moves throughout a workspace. The apron can further comprise a plurality of straps that can connect behind the back and/or neck of the wearer. In some embodiments, the apron can be folded such that it assembles into a tote or backpack form to be worn or carried when not being worn by the wearer. Also described herein are templates and associated patterns for making such garments.

[0011] While the present technology is capable of being embodied in various forms, the description below of several embodiments is made with the understanding that the present technology is to be considered as an exemplification of the present technology and is not intended to limit the present technology to the specific embodiments illustrated. Headings are provided for convenience only and are not to be construed to limit the present technology in any manner. Embodiments illustrated under any heading can be combined with embodiments illustrated under any other heading.

A. Overview

[0012] Sewing is a craft that demands accuracy and precision when forming sewn articles. And for commercial stitchers, efficiency is critical. To achieve such accuracy and precision when efficiently crafting such sewn articles, stitchers utilize a diverse array of tools and supplies. Organization and ease of access to tools and supplies is a crucial aspect of a stitcher's workflow, yet it remains a challenge. Currently, stitchers who organize tools and supplies can do so in totes, aprons, or other garments having conventionally designed and positioned pockets. However, as the stitcher moves throughout his or her workspace, totes are not easily accessible from one location to the next and require the stitcher to transport the tote between locations. Aprons having conventional pockets also present hurdles to organization and efficiency as conventional pockets do not reasonably accommodate the tools needed by the stitcher to perform the task, and/or the tools stored in the conventional pockets are not easily accessible as the stitcher moves within his or her workspace, such as between a seated position and a standing position.

[0013] To address these concerns, garments and associated patterns configured in accordance with the present technology integrate pockets sized, shaped, and/or positioned to enhance tool accessibility and organization. In some embodiments, the garments can be configured to be worn and carried in one or more ways, increasing portability for tools stored within the pockets when the garment is worn or being carried.

[0014] Certain details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. However, other details describing well-known features of garments are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the present technology.

B. Selected Embodiments of Garments and Associated Patterns Configured in Accordance with Embodiments of the Present Technology

[0015] The following embodiments of the present technology are generally directed to an apron for organizing and carrying sewing tools and/or supplies via a plurality of surface pockets. The surface pockets are sized and shaped to carry the sewing tools and/or supplies used by the wearer. The apron can be folded into a backpack to be worn over the shoulders of the wearer. Also provided herein are templates for making the apron, which can be present in a kit or as a downloadable form.

(1) Garments and Associated Features

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a garment (garment 100) configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. More specifically, FIG. 1A is a planar view of a first surface 101 of the garment, and FIG. 1B is a planar view of a second surface 102 opposite the first surface 101 of the garment 100. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B together, the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 are useful for carrying or organizing sewing tools in a manner which can be worn by a wearer. For example, and as explained in greater details below, the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 each comprise a plurality of surface pockets (e.g., surface pocket 110, surface pocket 120A, surface pocket 120B, surface pocket 140, and others) that can be used to carry and organize various tools.

[0017] As shown, the garment 100 comprise an apron sized and shaped to cover a portion of a wearer's body (not shown). The first surface 101 and the second surface 102 each include an upper edge 103 that is at or near the wearer's neck, and a lower edge 104 opposite to the upper edge 103. The first and second surfaces 101 and 102 are stitched together in an orientation such that the upper edge 103 and the lower edge 104 are both generally parallel with each other and a transverse axis T of the garment 100. The upper and lower edges 103 and 104 are both generally normal to a longitudinal axis L of the garment 100. The longitudinal axis L is also perpendicular/normal to the transverse axis T of the garment 100.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the garment 100 can be assembled such that the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 are stitched to one another. The stitches can be arranged into a hem, a seam, an attachment, or the like. Such stitches are formed by a thread, including a heavy-duty thread, a high-strength polyester, a polyester-wrapped, core-spun thread, a monofilament nylon thread, or an upholstery thread.

[0019] The garment 100 can be composed of a variety of suitable materials including, for example, canvas, denim, vinyl, leather, and/or leather-like material. Garment 100 can further comprise one material or one or more materials. In some embodiments, surface 101 and surface 102 each comprise the same material. In some embodiments, surface 101 comprises a material that is different from the material of surface 102. Any of the materials from which garment 100 is at least partially formed can be a heat-resistant material or a washable material.

[0020] The garment 100 can be worn by the wearer through a plurality of straps. This includes, but is not limited to, a strap that slides over the head that rests on the shoulders or behind the neck of the wearer, two strap pieces that connect behind the neck or the back of the wearer, or straps that fit over the shoulders of the wearer. The straps can connect with a fastening piece. Nonlimiting examples of the fastening piece include a buckle, a loop, a tie, a button, a hook, or a snap. In some embodiments, the hook is present in a hook-and-loop fastener system.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the garment 100 can further comprise two straps (first strap 130A and second strap 130B) that are configured to be worn over the shoulders of the wearer (not shown). The first strap 130A comprises a first portion (strap material 131A) and a second portion (fastening piece 133). The second strap 130B comprises a first portion (strap material 131B) and a second portion (fastening piece 134). The first strap 130A passes through a loop 132A that is affixed to a first side edge 105A of the garment 100. The second strap 130B also passes through a loop 132B that is affixed to a second side edge 105B of the garment 100., The second side edge 105B is generally opposite the first side edge 105A. In some embodiments, the first strap 130A can instead pass through the loop 132B, and the second strap 130B can instead pass through the loop 132A such that the first and second straps 130A and 130B cross over one another over the back of the wearer. In some embodiments, the first and second straps 130A and 130B fasten to one another via fastening piece 133 and fastening piece 134 around the waist or lower back of the wearer.

[0022] As noted previously, the garment 100 can include one or more surface pockets. Any one of the surface pockets described herein can be a patch pocket. In some embodiments, for example, the patch pocket is a regular patch pocket, a regular sport pocket, an inverted pleat pocket, a classic flap pocket, a box pleat flap, a safari pocket, a regular dress pocket, a classic pocket, a box pleat pocket, a regular dress flap, a cargo pocket, or a saddle pocket. In some embodiments, any one of the pockets described herein comprises a flap or a zipper at an opening of the surface pocket. The flap can further comprise a button, a snap, or a hook. In some embodiments, the hook is present in a hook-and-loop fastener system. Each surface pocket disclosed herein can comprise any one of a magnet, a puncture proof material or lining, a zipper, flap, hook, and/or button. In some embodiments, the hook is present in a hook-and-loop fastener system. In other embodiments, one or more of the surface pockets may have other suitable closure mechanisms/features.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the garment 100 comprises a surface pocket 110. The surface pocket 110 comprises rectangular-shaped material 112 having three edges affixed to the first surface 101 of the garment 100. The material 112 forms a pocket having an opening (opening 119-FIG. 3C) that extends along a first axis that is generally parallel with the transverse axis T of the garment 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening of the surface pocket 110 is covered by a flap 111. The flap 111 itself may also include an opening 113 located along a side seam of the flap 111. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface pocket 110 includes two total openings. The flap 111 is an optional feature that may not be included in some embodiments. The surface pocket 110 can be composed of canvas, denim, leather, or other suitable materials. The material of the surface pocket 110 can be the same as that of the garment 100, or the surface pocket 110 may be composed of a different material. In some embodiments, the surface pocket 110 can further comprise a magnet or a puncture proof material or lining.

[0024] The garment 100 can include one or more additional pockets. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, garment 100 further comprises a second surface pocket 120A and a third surface pocket 120B. The surface pockets 120A and 120B comprise material 121A and material 121B, respectively, affixed to the first surface 101 of the garment 100. The surface pockets 120A and 120B can be composed of materials identical to or similar to those of the surface pocket 110 (e.g., canvas, denim, leather) or other suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the material 121A and the material 121B are each sewn to the first surface 101 such that at least one edge remains unsewn, thereby defining first and second openings 122A and 122B for the first and second pockets 120A and 120B, respectively.

[0025] The first opening 122A extends along a second axis, and the third opening 122B extends along a third axis. The second and third axes are offset (non-parallel) with the transverse axis T of the garment 100. For example, the second axis may be offset from the transverse axis at an angle ranging from about 5 to about 75. In some embodiments, the angle is between 30 and 60. In additional embodiments, the angle is between 45 and 55. The third axis may be offset from the transverse axis at an angle identical to or similar to that of the second axis, or the third axis may have a different offset. The angles of the first opening 122A and the second opening 122B are specially selected such that a tool or one or more personal items removably carried/stored within the corresponding surface pocket 120A and/or surface pocket 120B are easily accessible to the wearer throughout a variety of different operations (e.g., when the wearer is in a standing position, when the wearer is in a seated position, when the wearer is moving between workspaces). Further details regarding the accessibility features are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-4F.

[0026] The surface pockets 120A or 120B are sized and shaped to slidably receive or carry a tool, with the tool accessible via the opening of the corresponding pocket. In some embodiments, for example, the tool is a sewing tool. Sewing tools can include, for example, a ruler, a tape measure, a pair of scissors, a thread ripper, a pincushion, a thread spool, a bobbin, a needle, a writing utensil, a chalk pencil, a mobile phone, a calculator, a notebook, a thimble, and a seam ripper. In some embodiments, the tool is a jewelry making tool (e.g., needle nose pliers, round nose pliers, wire cutters, crimping pliers, bent nose pliers, end nippers, bail making pliers, nylon pliers, and tweezers). In still further embodiments, a variety of other suitable tools may be stored/carried in the surface pockets 120A and 120B.

[0027] As best seen in FIG. 1A, the garment 100 can further comprise additional surface pockets. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the garment 100 comprises an optional fourth surface pocket 115, fifth surface pocket 116, sixth surface pocket 117, and seventh surface pocket 118. The surface pockets 115, 116, 117, and/or 118 can be composed of identical or similar materials as that of surface pockets 110/120A/120B described above, or one or more of these additional surface pockets may be composed of different suitable materials. The surface pockets 115/116/117/118 can be affixed to the first surface 101 of the garment 100 at any desired angle/orientation and can comprise any number of partitions (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1A, the garment 100 can further comprise a loop 114. The loop 114 can be used to carry or secure a variety of tools (e.g., a writing utensil, a tape measure, and/or a spool). The loop 114 can be composed of elastic, denim, or leather. In some embodiments, the loop 114 comprises a magnet for securing tools having a metal portion. The loop 114 is an optional feature that may not be included in some embodiments.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1B, when the garment 100 is worn by the wearer, the second surface 102 partially rests against the body of the wearer. The second surface 102 may also include one or more surface pockets for removably carrying/storing tools. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a surface pocket 140 composed of material 141 is affixed to the second surface 102 and comprises an opening 142. The opening 142 extends along an axis that is generally parallel with the transverse axis T of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the surface pocket 140 is sized or shaped to carry a smartphone, a notebook, a tablet, or any combination thereof. In additional embodiments, the second surface 102 can include one or more additional surface pockets.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more features of the garment 100 (e.g., the first and second surfaces 101 and 102, the surface pockets 110/115/116/117/118/140, and/or the straps 130A/130B) may comprise a material that is water resistant, puncture resistant, and/or heat resistant. Nonlimiting examples of such materials include denim, canvas, leather, wool, corduroy, ripstop nylon, polyester blends, flannel, and/or nylon. Further, it will be appreciated that the different features of the garment 100 may be composed of the same material, or one or more features may be composed of different materials. The surfaces, pockets and straps may be assembled with the garment 100 using thread, yarn, or a similar material including, but not limited to, embroidery floss, buttonhole twist, upholstery thread, waxed thread, monofilament thread, elastic thread, metallic thread, serger thread, and wool yarn.

[0031] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate different views of the garment 100 when worn by the wearer (not shown) in a standing position. FIG. 2A, for example, is a perspective view of the first surface 101 of the garment 100 when the wearer in the standing position. In this configuration, the garment 100 at least partially covers an anterior side of the wearer and the longitudinal axis L of the garment 100 is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of the wearer's body. Further, in this orientation, the upper edge 103 is situated at or near the neck of the wearer.

[0032] FIG. 2B is a side view of the garment 100 with a full view of side edge 105B, and FIG. 2C is an opposite side view with a full view of side edge 105A. FIG. 2D is a rear/back view of the garment 100 showing the second side 102 (and a portion of the first side 101), and further illustrating the arrangement in which the fastening piece 133 and the fastening piece 134 are secured together to keep the garment 100 removably secured to the wearer. FIG. 2E illustrates an additional perspective view of the second surface 102 of the garment 100.

[0033] FIG. 2F is a close-up side view of the garment 100. As best seen in FIG. 2F, in some embodiments the garment 100 can further comprise a compartment 150B located along the seam of the side edge 105B. The compartment 150B can have an opening at the seam and function as an additional pocket or pouch and be sized/shaped to removably carry a variety of different tools/items. The Compartment 150B can be composed of canvas, denim, leather or another suitable material. Further, the compartment 150B can include a magnet or a puncture proof material or lining. In some embodiments, the garment 100 can further comprise a second compartment 150A (not shown) positioned along the side edge 105A opposite to the compartment 150B. The compartments 150A/150B are optional features that may not be includes in some embodiments.

(2) Additional Embodiments of Surface Pockets

[0034] As described herein, garments configured in accordance with the present technology comprise pockets sized and shaped to removably hold tool(s) and keep such tool(s) readily accessible/available for a user throughout a variety of different operating environments/orientations of the garment 100. FIGS. 3A-3E-4, for example, are close-up views of the surface pocket 110 of the garment 100 and illustrate various additional details/features of the surface pocket 110 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, illustrate the surface pocket 110 with the flap 111 in a closed or relatively closed arrangement. The flap 111 can be secured to the material 112 with a button, a snap, a zipper, and/or a hook. In some embodiments, the hook is present in a hook-and-loop fastener system. As mentioned above, the flap 111 includes an opening 113 along a side seam of the flap 111 itself. As shown in FIG. 3C, the flap 111 can be raised/lifted to expose an opening 119 for the surface pocket 110.

[0036] The opening 113 in the side of the flap 111 can be sized or shaped to allow passage of certain tools. FIGS. 3D-1 to 3E-4, for example, illustrates that the opening 113 is sized and shaped to slidably receive a ruler, and further that the flap 111 may comprise a compartment that is sized and shaped to removably contain/carry the ruler. These features of the surface pocket 110 permit separation of the ruler from other tools or items used by the wearer. This feature is expected to increase accessibility of the ruler, which is especially useful for those participating in activities that require extensive use of rulers, such as sewing. Additionally, when a ruler is carried with the compartment of flap 111, the ruler is conveniently transported with the wearer whenever the wearer changes his or her location or position.

[0037] Another feature provided by the garment 100 is the positioning/orientation/arrangement of the surface pockets 120A and 120B. FIGS. 4A-4F for example, illustrate different views of the garment 100 when worn by the wearer in a seated position. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A, the openings for the surface pockets 120A and 120B are angularly offset from the transverse axis T, which accordingly keeps the openings of these surface pockets 120A and 120B at a desired orientation/angle as the wearer moves between both a standing (FIG. 2A) and sitting position (FIGS. 4A-4F). This feature is expected to significantly increase accessibility of tool(s) carried by either of these surface pockets 120A/120B. In particular, as compared to conventional surface pockets in many garments 100 in which the tools carried within either inadvertently fall out or become inaccessible as the wearer changes from a standing to a sitting position, the configuration/arrangement of the surface pockets 120A and 120B of the garment 100 keeps tools carried therein orientated appropriately so they remain securely stored, while also making such tools readily accessible and easy to access by the wearer in both standing and sitting positions.

(3) Patterns for Making Garments of the Present Technology

[0038] In some embodiments, the garments of the present technology can be generated using a template as described herein. The template can be a downloadable and/or customizable template that provides patterns and/or instructions for making and using the garment. In some embodiments, the template is present in a kit or in a web form. FIG. 5, for example, illustrates a sewing pattern 500 for making the garment 100 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the individual material for each of the surface pockets can be prepared and then arranged on the first side 101 and the second side 102 (as shown in broken lines) for placement/securement. In some embodiments, the sewing pattern 500 can be customized by a wearer to provide additional/different functionality. For example, the sewing pattern 500 can be customized to modify the number of surface pockets or compartments included on a surface of the garment, or to modify the number of partitions a pocket can have. The sewing pattern 500 can be a downloadable template or included in a kit as an instruction manual for making a garment of the present technology.

C. Additional Embodiments of Apron Configurations

[0039] The present technology also provides for garments that can be configured for use in more than one form (e.g., garments that can be both worn and carried by the wearer). In some embodiments, for example, the garments disclosed herein can be folded into a tote form that is carried by the wearer. The tote form can comprise handles for ease of carrying. In some embodiments, the garments can be folded into a backpack that is worn by the user. FIGS. 6A-6J, for example, illustrate steps in a method of folding the garment 100 into a backpack for use by the wearer. Referring first to FIG. 6A, the lower edge 104 of the garment 100 can be folded upward toward loop 132A and loop 132B, covering surface pockets 120A and 120B. A second step is illustrated by FIG. 6B, showing that side edge 105A can be folded toward the longitudinal axis of garment 100, covering the folded portion of FIG. 6A. Referring next to FIG. 6C, showing that side edge 105B can be folded to cover the folded side edge 105A of FIG. 6B. As shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, strap material 131A and strap material 131B can slip through loop 132A and 132B, respectively. A sixth step is illustrated by FIG. 6F, showing that fastening piece 133 can fasten to fastening piece 134 following garment 100 configuration as illustrated in FIG. 6E.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 6G-6J, the wearer can wear the garment 100 configuration illustrated in FIG. 6F as a backpack, such that the arms of the wearer each slide through strap material 131A and strap material 131B. The above-described steps can be done in reverse or generally reverse order to transform the garment 100 from the backpack configuration back to the apron configuration.

D. Conclusion

[0041] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the present technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order above, alternative embodiments can perform steps in a different order. Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein can also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0042] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the present technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms can also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word or is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of or in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase and/or as in A and/or B refers to A alone, B alone, and both A and B. Additionally, the terms comprising, including, having, and with are used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. Moreover, as used herein, the phrases based on, depends on, as a result of, and in response to shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as based on condition A can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present technology. In other words, as used herein, the phrase based on shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase based at least in part on or the phrase based at least partially on.

[0043] Spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, over, under, above, upper, top, bottom, left, right, center, middle, forward, away, and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship relative to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device or system in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device or system in the figures is rotated or turned over, elements described as below or beneath or under other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms below and under can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being between two other elements, it can be the only element between the two other elements, or one or more intervening elements can also be present.

[0044] From the foregoing, it will also be appreciated that various modifications can be made without deviating from the present technology. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various components of the present technology can be further divided into subcomponents, or that various components and functions of the present technology can be combined and integrated. In addition, certain aspects of the technology described in the context of particular embodiments can also be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments can also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the present technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.