GARMENT

Abstract

A system for providing visual access to a wrist worn device in at least one sleeve of a garment is provided. The system includes an opening or a window positioned on the sleeve such that when the garment is worn in such a manner that the wearer cannot move their sleeve to view their wrist worn device, the system allows for visual and tactical access to the wearer's wrist worn device.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: at least one long sleeve; and a wrist worn device opening in a surface of the at least one long sleeve configured to provide visual access to a wrist worn device being worn by a wearer of the garment.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the wrist worn device opening further comprises a transparent window positioned on the sleeve in an area by the wrist worn device so as to provide the visual access to the wrist worn device.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the at least one long sleeve further comprises two openings, one opening being at a distal end configured to receive the wearer's hand and their fingers, and a second opening defined as a thumb opening in a side of the sleeve near the first opening to receive a wearer's thumb.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the wrist worn device opening further comprises a flap configured to selectively cover or expose the wrist word device opening.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the flap includes a fastener for retaining the flap in an open or closed position.

6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a flap configured to selectively cover the wrist worn device opening.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the flap comprises one end fixedly attached to the at least one sleeve on one side of the wrist worn device opening, and an attachment device on an opposing end of the flap and opposing side of the wrist worn device opening, wherein the attachment device allows for selective covering of the wrist worn device opening and uncovering of the wrist worn device opening, based on the wearer's preference.

8. A garment comprising: two long sleeves; and a wrist worn device opening in a surface of each of the two sleeves and configured to provide visual access to a wrist worn device being worn by a wearer of the garment.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the wrist worn device opening further comprises a transparent window positioned on each sleeve in an area by the wrist worn device so as to provide the visual access to the wrist worn device.

10. The garment of claim 9, wherein each of the two sleeves further comprise two openings, one opening being at a distal end configured to receive the wearer's hand and their fingers, and a second opening defined as a thumb opening in a side of the sleeve near the first opening to receive a wearer's thumb.

11. The garment of claim 8, wherein the wrist worn device opening further comprises a flap configured to selectively cover or expose the wrist worn device opening.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the flap includes a fastener for retaining the flap in an open or closed position.

13. The garment of claim 8, further comprising a flap configured to selectively cover the wrist worn device opening.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the flap comprises one end fixedly attached to the at least one sleeve on one side of the wrist worn device opening, and an attachment device on an opposing end of the flap and opposing side of the wrist worn device opening.

15. The garment of claim 12, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loop type fastener.

16. The garment of claim 5, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loop type fastener.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

[0011] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a garment of the prior art;

[0012] FIG. 1B is a plan view of a garment according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 1C is a plan view of a garment according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIGS. 2A-2C show a view of a garment sleeve according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIGS. 3A-3C show a view of a garment sleeve according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIGS. 4A-4B show a view of a garment sleeve according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIGS. 5-8 show views of a jacket having at least one sleeve according to yet further embodiments of the invention; and

[0018] FIGS. 9-12 shows view of a jacket having at least one sleeve according even further embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown a fitness garment sleeve 10 of the prior art. The sleeve 10a includes a finger or end opening 12 through which fingers 22 extend, and a side or thumb opening 14 through with the wearer's thumb 24 extends. As shown in broken lines, the wearer is wearing a fitness device 30 on their wrist, however this conventional sleeve does not allow the wearer to view their device 30, without removing their thumb from the side hole 14.

[0020] FIG. 1B shows an implementation of the present invention where a wrist worn device opening 18a is formed in the upper surface of the at least one sleeve 10a and positioned so as to allow the wearer to view their fitness device 30. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the wrist worn device opening 18a on the sleeve can be modified according to preferred or desired implementation/location (e.g., on the underside of the sleeve vs. on an upper surface). In this implementation, the wrist worn device opening 18a can include an elastic material stitched into the circumference 16 of the same so as to allow for a variable size hole that, in one implementation, can be stretched to fit around the user's wrist worn device 30. Although wrist worn device opening 18a is shown in this embodiment as a circle, it is to be understood and appreciated that various geometric shapes for wrist worn device opening 18a can be used depending on design choice and/or shapes and sizes of various wrist worn devices. The shape can also be related to a brand of the garment and/or a particular brand endorsement.

[0021] The present invention is described in reference to one of the two sleeves of a fitness garment, however, it is to be understood that the present invention can be employed on both sleeves of the fitness garment such that the fitness garment with the present invention can accommodate both left and right handed users/wearers. It is to be further appreciated that the concepts presented herein can be on any garment that includes sleeves having the thumb opening 14 as described herein.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1C, and according to a further implementation, the opening 18 can have a window or clear protective material 19 covering the opening 18a. In one embodiment, the window or clear protective material 19 operates to simply protect the wrist worn device 30. In other contemplated embodiments, the window or clear protective material 19 can be a such that a touch sensitive wrist device 30 can still be used through the clear protective material, similar to protective screen materials used for smart phone devices.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, there is shown another embodiment of the sleeve 10c of the fitness garment according to the invention. In this implementation, a wrist worn device opening 18b is formed by overlapping material 44 and 42 having ends 46 that can be, for example, stitched to prevent tearing of the layers. The spacing or amount of overlap 48 shall be just enough to maintain the wrist worn device opening 18b closed until the user wants to view their wrist worn device 30. In this configuration, the wearer can selectively open the wrist worn device opening 18b through the garment and view their wrist worn fitness device 30 by simply moving the layers 44, 42 of material operating to maintain the wrist worn device opening 18b closed. Since the material of the fitness garment often contains elastic properties, the overlapping layers 44 and 42 will automatically return to their closed position when not being moved by the user. In other embodiments for garments that do not include elastic properties, such elastic properties can be imparted on the layers 44 and 42 using elastic material stitched or included into the same. In this embodiment, the layers 42 and 44 that form the wrist worn device opening 18b are configured such that the opening of the same is transverse to a longitudinal axis A of the sleeve 10c.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, an alternative embodiment is shown where the overlapping layers 52, 54 with corresponding stitching 56 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the sleeve 10c. The spacing or amount of overlap 58 is just enough to maintain the wrist worn device opening 18c closed when not in use and the overlapping layers can be easily moved at the demand of the wearer to view their fitness device 30. Since the material of the fitness garment often contains elastic properties, the overlapping layers 54 and 52 will automatically return to their closed position when not being moved by the user. In other embodiments for garments that do not include elastic properties, such elastic properties can be imparted on the layers 54 and 52 using elastic material stitched or included into the same. In this embodiment, the layers 52, 54 that form the wrist worn device opening 18c are configured such that the opening of the same is transverse to a longitudinal axis A of the sleeve 10d.

[0025] FIGS. 4A and 4B show yet another embodiment of the invention where the wrist worn device opening 18d is formed in a surface of the sleeve material, and a separate access flap 60 is provided that can be selectively opened to reveal visual access to the fitness device 30 on the wearer's wrist. In this implementation, the flap 60 can take any shape, and would be, for example, stitched at one end 62 so as to maintain the flap 60 on the sleeve at all times.

[0026] According to one implementation, at an opposing end of the flap 60 is a hook and loop fastener 65a that is configured to align with a correspondingly positioned hook and loop material 66 on the sleeve surface. In this manner, the flap 60 is maintained closed and thus the wrist worn device opening 18d, and corresponding wrist device 30 is not visually accessible. When the user wants visual access to their fitness device 30, they simply lift the flap 60 to release the first hook and loop fasteners 65a, 66.

[0027] In another implementation, a second hook and loop fastener 65b can be provided on the outer surface of the flap 60 and is configured to align with a second hook and loop fastener 64 positioned on an opposing side of the wrist worn device opening 18d such that the flap 60 can be secured in an open position, thus maintaining the wrist worn device opening 18d, and thereby the fitness device 30 visually accessible to the wearer.

[0028] It will be appreciated that other fasteners such as opposing magnets can be used to selective open and close the flap 60.

[0029] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B show a flap 60 having a trapezoidal shape. However, it will be appreciated that the geometric shape of the flap 60 can be modified according to a particular design preference or can be configured to include or carry marketing or other promotional materials associated with the fitness garment or any other brand.

[0030] In other contemplated implementations, the concepts of the invention can be applied to other garments having a various configurations. For example, many ski jacket manufacturers include a sleeve end that includes the thumb hole separate from the fingers opening. By way of only one example, some models of the SPYDER brand of ski jacket include this type of sleeve. In these instances, the present invention becomes even more applicable. As will be appreciated, anyone enjoying outdoor sports in cold weather environments often wears gloves or mittens as well. These gloves/mittens make it even more difficult for a wearer to move their sleeve to see their smart watch.

[0031] As noted above, when playing or relaxing in colder weather environments, many layers can be worn by the wearer in an effort to stay warm. As will be further appreciated, the more layers, the more difficult it can become for the wearer to visually see their smart watch device. For example, in the skiing world, often skiers wear a base layer, a middle layer and an outer layer. As described above, the inventive aspects of the garment shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 can easily be applied to the base layer and middle layer of any garment the wearer may wear. However, the outer layer or jacket must also provide for some form of visual access to the wrist worn device.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, there is shown an outer layer or jacket having sleeves 72 and within at least one of the sleeves 72 is a window 74 positioned at an appropriate location on a wearer's wrist. As mentioned above, when the wearer is wearing gloves or mittens 76, the ability to move the sleeve 72 for any reason is hindered. Window 74 eliminates any such need to move the sleeve and allows the wearer to see their wrist device 30 without any obstruction. It will be appreciated that window 74 is made of any appropriate transparent material for the desired application.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows an example of a jacket (e.g., SPYDER jacket) with sleeve 72 having a sleeve end 10e having the same finger opening 12 and thumb opening 14 as shown in prior embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. With these sleeve ends 10e on jackets used in cold weather environments or sporting activities, the need for window 74 to provide visual access to the wrist worn device 30 becomes even more valuable, since in many cases the glove or mitten 76 is worn over the sleeve end 10e, thus further preventing the wearer from being able to move their sleeve to view their wrist worn device. In other implementations, the sleeve 72 can include one or more vents to prevent the transparent window 72 from fogging up during the wearer's use. These vents are commonly used in outdoor activity wear and can be placed in many different locations on the garment implementing this aspect of the invention.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, there is shown an alternative implementation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, where the sleeve 72 includes a flap 80 or the like that allows the user to move selectively open and close the visual access to the wrist worn device. In one implementation, flap 80 covers an opening in the sleeve that does not contain a window, and in another implementation, the opening under the flap includes window 74. The flap 80 is preferably made from the same material as the sleeve 72 and can include, for example, a hook and loop type fastener 82 to allow for the selective opening and secure closing of visual access. It will be appreciated that other fasteners, such as magnetic fasteners could be used to selectively open and close flap 80.

[0035] In other alternative implementations, flap 80 can include a tab 82 of any shape size or length that will assist the wearer in opening (and closing) the flap 82 without having to remove their gloves/mittens 76. FIG. 12 shows an example of a jacket (e.g., SPYDER jacket) with sleeve 72 having a sleeve end 10e having the same finger opening 12 and thumb opening 14 as shown in prior embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. With these sleeve ends 10e on jackets used in cold weather environments or sporting activities, the need for window 74 with the flap 80 to provide visual access to the wrist device 30 becomes even more valuable, since in many cases the glove or mitten 76 is worn over the sleeve end 10e.

[0036] While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

[0037] It should also be understood that the example embodiments disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Thus, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, a and the like, is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Furthermore, the naming conventions for the various components, functions, parameters, thresholds, and other elements used herein are provided as examples, and can be given a different name or label. The use of the term or is not limited to exclusive or but can also mean and/or.

[0038] While particular embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations can be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0039] Having described preferred embodiments, which serve to illustrate various concepts, structures and techniques that are the subject of this patent, it will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating these concepts, structures and techniques may be used. Additionally, elements of different embodiments described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth above.

[0040] Accordingly, it is submitted that that scope of the patent should not be limited to the described embodiments but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.