WATERPROOF SHOWERING GARMENT FOR PROTECTION AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

Abstract

A garment for protecting a user's pelvic region from exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those in hair care products, during showering includes an upper band, a lower hem, and a main body that extends between the upper band and the lower hem. The main body is sized and shaped to encircle a portion of a user's body, which includes at least the pelvic region. The user's head, neck, and both arms are outside of the garment when the garment is worn by the user. The main body has an inner surface and an outer surface, and is made of a waterproof material that is impermeable to liquid. The upper band is configured to fit tightly around the user's torso in order to minimize or prevent liquid from contacting the inner surface of the main body. The lower hem includes a weighted component for holding the lower hem in place.

Claims

1. A garment for protecting a user's pelvic region from exposure to harsh chemicals during showering, the garment comprising: a main body sized and shaped to encircle a portion of a user's body, such that the user's head, neck, and both arms are outside of the garment when the garment is worn by the user, the main body having an inner surface configured to face the portion of the user's body, and an outer surface configured to directly contact liquid during showering, wherein the main body is made of a waterproof material that is impermeable to liquid, and wherein the portion of the user's body comprises at least the pelvic region; an upper band configured to fit tightly around the user's torso in order to minimize or prevent liquid from contacting the inner surface of the main body when the user wears the garment during showering; and a lower hem comprising a weighted component for holding the lower hem in place, wherein the main body extends between the upper band and the lower hem.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the upper band comprises at least one of: elastic, a drawstring, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, medical grade foam, silicone tape, silicone gel, and silicone elastic.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weighted component comprises at least one of: a sew-in weight, a clip-on weight, a magnetic weight, a drapery weight, a curtain weight, weighted rope, weighted tape, and weighted packets.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weighted component is a rope or a tape that is sewn into the lower hem and that extends around an entire circumference of the lower hem.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the waterproof material comprises at least one of: nylon, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, pongee, plastic, satin, rayon, beeswax paper, acrylic, HPE, PETE, vinyl, a silicone coating, a laminated membrane, polyurethane laminate, lightweight acrylic/nylon blend microfiber, rubber, merino wool, wax-treated organic cotton, polyacetic acid, nettle, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the upper band is configured to surround an upper chest of the user.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the upper band is configured to surround a waist of the user.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the upper band is configured to extend diagonally from a first armpit of a first arm of the user to a top of a second shoulder of a second arm of the user, and wherein the garment further includes an arm hole configured for the second arm to extend therethrough.

9. The garment of claim 1, further comprising an opening along a side of the main body, and a waterproof zipper extending along the opening and configured for closing the opening after the user puts on the garment.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the lower hem comprises a V-shape in order to direct a flow of liquid away from the user.

11. A garment for covering at least a pelvic region of a user's body, the garment configured for the user to wear in a shower, the garment comprising: an upper band configured to fit tightly around the user's torso in order to minimize or prevent liquid from contacting the pelvic region when the user wears the garment during showering; a lower hem comprising a weighted component for holding the lower hem in place; and a waterproof material that extends from the upper band to the lower hem, the waterproof material configured for covering the pelvic region, wherein the user's head, neck, and both arms are outside of the garment.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the upper band comprises at least one of: elastic, a drawstring, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, medical grade foam, silicone tape, silicone gel, and silicone elastic.

13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the weighted component comprises at least one of: a sew-in weight, a clip-on weight, a magnetic weight, a drapery weight, a curtain weight, weighted rope, weighted tape, and weighted packets.

14. The garment of claim 11, wherein the weighted component is a rope or a tape that is sewn into the lower hem and that extends around an entire circumference of the lower hem.

15. The garment of claim 11, wherein the waterproof material comprises at least one of: nylon, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, pongee, plastic, satin, rayon, beeswax paper, acrylic, HPE, PETE, vinyl, a silicone coating, a laminated membrane, polyurethane laminate, lightweight acrylic/nylon blend microfiber, rubber, merino wool, wax-treated organic cotton, polyacetic acid, nettle, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

16. The garment of claim 11, wherein the upper band is configured to surround an upper chest of the user.

17. The garment of claim 11, wherein the upper band is configured to surround a waist of the user.

18. The garment of claim 11, wherein the upper band is configured to extend diagonally from a first armpit of a first arm of the user to a top of a second shoulder of a second arm of the user, and wherein the garment further includes an arm hole configured for the second arm to extend therethrough.

19. The garment of claim 11, further comprising an opening along a side of the waterproof material, and a waterproof zipper extending along the opening and configured for closing the opening after the user puts on the garment.

20. The garment of claim 11, wherein the lower hem comprises a V-shape in order to direct a flow of liquid away from the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention according to the embodiments. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the particular arrangements illustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as limiting of the scope of the invention or the claims herein in any way.

[0017] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front views of dress-style and skirt-style shower garments, respectively, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate weighted components that may be used in the lower hem of a shower garment, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0019] FIGS. 3A-3C are a front view, back view, and open configuration view, respectively, of a shower garment in the style of a strapless dress, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[0020] FIGS. 4A-4C are a front view, back view, and side view, respectively, of a shower garment in the style of a skirt, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 5A-5C are a front view, back view, and partially open configuration view, respectively, of a shower garment in the style of a one shoulder dress, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention is a shower garment for protection against harmful chemicals in hair care products. The garment includes an upper band that fits tightly around a user's torso in a manner that minimizes or prevents liquid from entering the inside of the garment. The garment further features a lower hem that includes a weighted component for holding the lower hem in place during the shower. A main body of the garment includes a waterproof material that extends between the upper band and the lower hem and covers at least a pelvic region of the user's body, leaving the head, neck, and both arms free. As such, the arms, head and neck are not covered by the garment, giving the user freedom of movement during the shower.

[0023] The invention is described by reference to various elements herein. It should be noted, however, that although the various elements of the inventive apparatus are described separately below, the elements need not necessarily be separate. The various embodiments may be interconnected and may be cut out of a singular block or mold. The variety of different ways of forming an inventive apparatus, in accordance with the disclosure herein, may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] One or more different embodiments may be described in the present application. Further, for one or more of the embodiments described herein, numerous alternative arrangements may be described; it should be appreciated that these are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting of the embodiments contained herein or the claims presented herein in any way. One or more of the arrangements may be widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as may be readily apparent from the disclosure. In general, arrangements are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of the embodiments, and it should be appreciated that other arrangements may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Particular features of one or more of the embodiments described herein may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific arrangements of one or more of the aspects. It should be appreciated, however, that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described. The present disclosure is neither a literal description of all arrangements of one or more of the embodiments nor a listing of features of one or more of the embodiments that must be present in all arrangements.

[0025] Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for convenience only and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

[0026] Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more communication means or intermediaries, logical or physical.

[0027] A description of an aspect with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. To the contrary, a variety of optional components may be described to illustrate a wide variety of possible embodiments and in order to more fully illustrate one or more embodiments. Similarly, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may generally be configured to work in alternate orders, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of described processes may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one or more of the embodiments, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. Also, steps are generally described once per aspect, but this does not mean they must occur once, or that they may only occur once each time a process, method, or algorithm is carried out or executed. Some steps may be omitted in some embodiments or some occurrences, or some steps may be executed more than once in a given aspect or occurrence.

[0028] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article.

[0029] The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the device itself.

[0030] Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be appreciated that particular embodiments may include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. Process descriptions or blocks in figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of various embodiments in which, for example, functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] The detailed description set forth herein in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Apparatus

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a garment 100 configured to be worn in the shower covers up sensitive areas of a user's body to protect those sensitive portions from harsh chemicals that may be present in hair care products. The garment 100 is configured to surround a user's torso and cover at least the pelvic region of the user's body. In one example, shown in FIG. 1A, the garment 100 extends from the upper chest of the user's torso to a lower hemline 102 that is below the groin area of the user. In another example, shown in FIG. 1B, the garment extends from the waist area of the user's torso to the lower hemline 102 that is below the groin area of the user. The lower hemline 102 may be above the knee, adjacent to the mid-thigh, or anywhere in between. In this manner, the garment 100 covers the user's pelvic area. Notably, the user's arms, head, and neck are not covered by the garment 100 so that the user is free to move around during the showering process.

[0033] In general, the garment 100 includes a main body 106 made of a waterproof material, an upper band 104, and a lower hem 102. The main body 106 extends between the upper band 104 and the lower hem 102. The main body 106 is made of waterproof material, so it is non-porous and impermeable to liquid. The main body 106 may also be heat-resistant, non-toxic, and sustainable. The main body 106 may be waterproof fabric, plastic, or acrylic, and may include coated fabrics, beeswax paper or fabric, or other naturally derived sheeting. In other examples, the main body 106 may be made of nylon, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, pongee, plastic, satin, rayon, beeswax paper, acrylic, HPE, PETE, vinyl, polyurethane laminate, lightweight acrylic/nylon blend microfiber, rubber, merino wool, wax-treated organic cotton, polyacetic acid, nettle, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof. The main body 106 may include a silicone coating and/or a laminated membrane.

[0034] The main body 106 is sized and shaped to completely surround a portion of the user's body, including the pelvic region. The user's head, neck and both arms are outside of the garment 100 so that the user can move around freely and can apply hair care products to their hair. The main body 106 has an inner surface configured to face the portion of the user's body, and an outer surface configured to directly contact liquid during showering. The material of the main body 106 prevents liquid from passing through the garment, thereby protecting sensitive areas of the body from harsh chemicals in hair care products.

[0035] The upper band 104 of the garment is configured to fit tightly around the user's torso in order to minimize or prevent liquid from seeping into the inside of the garment 100. As such, the upper band 104 may include a leak prevention mechanism, such as elastic or a drawstring so that the upper band 104 can be cinched down tightly around the user. The leak prevention mechanism may additionally or alternatively include acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, medical grade foam, silicone tape, silicone gel, silicone elastic, or a combination thereof. The leak prevention mechanism may extend around the entire circumference of the upper band 104 or around just a portion of the upper band 104. For example, the upper band 104 may include elastic in the back portion and a re-usable, skin-compatible adhesive in the front portion.

[0036] The lower hem 102 of the garment includes a weighted component for holding the lower hem 102 in place. The weighted component may be a sew-in weight, a clip-on weight, a magnetic weight, a drapery weight, a curtain weight, weighted rope, weighted tape, weighted packet, or the like, or a combination thereof. In one example, the weighted component is a rope or a tape that is sewn into the lower hem 102 and that extends around an entire circumference of the lower hem 102. FIG. 2A illustrates the lower hem 102 with a weighted component 110 sewn into the hem 102. The weighted component 110 extends around the entire circumference of the lower hem 102. FIG. 2B illustrates vinyl-covered or cloth-covered fabric weights 112 that are sewn into the lower hem 102. The weights 112 are positioned at desired intervals along the circumference of the lower hem 102. FIG. 2C illustrates clip-on weights 114 attached to the lower hem 102. It will be well understood that FIGS. 2A-2C are exemplary only and that other types and designs of weighted components can be used to weigh down the lower hem 102 of the garment 100.

[0037] The lower hem 102 may come to a point 120 in the front and/or the back of the garment 100 in order to facilitate liquid flow away from the user's body. The triangle-shaped lower hem 120 is designed to facilitate the downward flow of water away from the body. This is achieved by incorporating an indentation or a curved seam across the bottom of the garment 100, guiding the liquid in a specific direction. The design of the pointed hem is such that it ensures the continuous flow of water and any chemical residue away from the body and towards the shower drain.

[0038] In some examples, the garment 100 may include a side opening that makes it easier for the user to put on and take off the garment 100. The side opening may be closed with a waterproof zipper, hook and loop tape closure, or the like, so long as the entire length of the side opening can be sealed closed.

[0039] In one example, shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, a shower garment 300 in the style of a strapless dress includes a lower hem 302, an upper band 304, and a main body 306. The main body 306 is made of a waterproof material, examples of which are discussed above. The main body 306 extends from the upper chest of the user to a point below the user's crotch so that the main body 306 covers the pelvic area and other sensitive body regions. The lower hem 302 includes a weighted component, examples of which are discussed above. The garment 300 is a wrap-style garment that includes an open side. However, in other examples, the garment 300 may be a closed garment that can be put on by pulling up or sliding over the head.

[0040] The upper band 304 of the garment 300 includes elastic 312 along the back (shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C), but the upper band 304 may alternatively include elastic around the entire circumference, or along the entire length of the upper band 304. Instead of, or in addition to, the elastic 312, the upper band 304 may include other leak prevention mechanisms, such as a drawstring, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, medical grade foam, silicone tape, silicone gel, silicone elastic, or a combination thereof. The upper band 304 is configured to conform tightly to the user's upper chest so that liquid is prevented from seeping into the inside of the garment 300.

[0041] The wrap-style garment 300 includes three panels 322, 324, 326, shown in FIG. 3C. In order to put on the garment 300, a user would place the middle panel 324 in contact with their back, wrap one of the panels 322 around the front of their body and secure it in position with the snaps 328. The user would then wrap the last panel 326 around the front of their body and secure it in place using a waterproof zipper 330, hook and loop closure, or the like, or a combination thereof. The garment 300 is sized and shaped to encircle a user's torso and a portion of the lower body, including the pelvic area. The garment 300 has a width 332 in the closed position of about 18-24 inches, or 19-23 inches. The length 334 of the garment 300 is about 33-37 inches, or 34-36 inches, so that the garment 300 extends from the upper chest to the mid-thigh, covering the pelvic region.

[0042] In another example, shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a shower garment 400 in the style of a skirt includes a lower hem 402, an upper band 404, and a main body 406. The main body 406 is made of a waterproof material, examples of which are discussed above. The lower hem 402 includes a weighted component, examples of which are discussed above.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4C, the garment 400 includes an open side and a zipper 410 for securing the garment 400 in the closed position. However, in other examples, the garment 400 may be a closed garment that can be put on by pulling up or sliding over the head. The upper band 404 of the garment 400 is configured to encircle a user's waist so that the main body 406 of the garment 400 covers the pelvic area and portions of the lower body. The lower hem 402 may be above the knee and below the upper thigh. The upper band 404 fits snugly around the user's waist to prevent or minimize liquid seeping into the inside of the garment 400. As such, the upper band 404 may include a leak prevention feature, such as elastic that extends around a portion of the upper band 404 or around the entire circumference of the upper band 404. Additionally or alternatively, the leak prevention feature of the upper band 404 may include a drawstring, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, medical grade foam, silicone tape, silicone gel, silicone elastic, or the like, or a combination thereof. The garment 400 is sized and shaped to encircle a user's torso and a portion of the lower body, including the pelvic area. In particular, the garment 400 is designed to be secured around the user's waist. The garment 400 has a width 422 in the closed position of about 12-18 inches, or 13-17 inches. The length 424 of the garment 400 is about 22-26 inches, or 23-25 inches, so that the garment 400 extends from the waist to the mid-thigh or lower thigh, covering the pelvic region.

[0044] In yet another example, shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, a shower garment 500 in the style of a one-shoulder dress is configured to extend over one shoulder, leaving the other shoulder bare. The garment 500 includes a lower hem 502, an upper band 504, a main body 506, and an arm hole 508. The main body 506 is made of a waterproof material, examples of which are discussed above. The lower hem 502 includes a weighted component, examples of which are discussed above. The lower hem 502 further includes a triangular shape to facilitate liquid flow away from the user. However, the lower hem 502 may alternatively be horizontal (similar to the lower hems 302 and 402 previously discussed) or curved. The garment 500 is a wrap-style garment that includes an open side. However, in other examples, the garment 500 may be a closed garment that can be put on by pulling up or sliding over the head.

[0045] The upper band 504 and/or the armhole 508 of the garment 500 may include a leak prevention feature, such as elastic, for ensuring a snug fit and preventing liquid from entering the inside of the garment 500. The leak prevention feature may be included in a selected portion of the upper band 504 and/or the armhole 508, or may be included along the entire length or circumference of the upper band 504 and/or the armhole 508. Additionally or alternatively, the leak prevention feature may include a drawstring, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, medical grade foam, silicone tape, silicone gel, silicone elastic, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The garment 500 is a wrap-style garment that includes three panels 522, 524, 526 shown in FIG. 5C. In order to put on the garment 500, a user would insert a first arm through the arm hole 508 and place the middle panel 524 in contact with their back. Next, the user would wrap one of the panels 522 around the front of their body and then wrap the other side panel 526 around the front of their body and secure the side panels 522, 526 in position with the snaps 528. The user would then close the side opening using a waterproof zipper 530, hook and loop closure, or the like, or a combination thereof. The garment 500 is sized and shaped to encircle a user's torso and a portion of the lower body, including the pelvic area. The garment 500 has a width 532 in the closed position of about 21-27 inches, or 22-26 inches. The length 534 of the garment 500 is about 40-44 inches, or 41-43 inches, so that the garment 500 extends from the upper chest to the mid-thigh, covering the pelvic region.

Additional Considerations

[0047] As used herein any reference to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0048] Some embodiments may be described using the expression coupled and connected along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term coupled to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term coupled, however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0049] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, or refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0050] In addition, use of the a or an are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0051] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system and/or a process associated with the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various apparent modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.