Abstract
An apparatus that may include a first tubular structure comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first tubular structure further comprises one or more pieces of fabric. The apparatus may further include an opening device that is at least in part connected to the first end and the second end of the tubular structure.
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first tubular structure comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first tubular structure further comprises one or more pieces of fabric; and an opening device that is at least in part connected to the first end and the second end of the first tubular structure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more pieces of fabric is at least in part polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, elastane, cotton, bamboo, and/or modal.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening device is one or more snaps, one or more buckles, one or more clips, one or more buttons, one or more magnets, lace or fabric, one or more clamps, one or more rings, one or more, one or more adjustors, one or more zippers, one or more drawstrings, or one or more fold over flaps.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more seams at one or more locations that pinch the first tubular structure.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the seams are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first tubular structure.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the seams are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first tubular structure.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second tubular structure.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second tubular structure comprises a first end and a second end.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first end and the second end are hemmed.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first tubular structure is at least in part disposed within the second tubular structure.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second tubular structure is sown to the first tubular structure.
12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a first outer surface of the first tubular structure is at least in part in contact with a second outer surface of the second tubular structure.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first outer surface of the first tubular structure is sown to the second outer surface of the second tubular structure.
14. A method comprising: sewing one or more pieces of fabric together to form a first tubular structure comprising a first end and a second end; and sewing an opening device at least in part connected to the first end and the second end of the first tubular structure.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more pieces of fabric is at least in part polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, elastane, cotton, bamboo, and/or modal.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the opening device is one or more snaps, one or more buckles, one or more clips, one or more buttons, one or more magnets, lace or fabric, one or more clamps, one or more rings, one or more, one or more adjustors, one or more zippers, one or more drawstrings, or one or more fold over flaps.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising sewing one or more seams at one or more locations on the first tubular structure that pinch the first tubular structure.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the seams are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first tubular structure.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the seams are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first tubular structure.
20. The method of claim 14, sewing one or more pieces of fabric together to form a second tubular structure and sewing the second tubular structure to the first tubular structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an apparatus that includes various regions for holding a garment, a strap, and personal items, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the strap tucked into strap compartments, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 with fasteners undone to reveal a fabric pocket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 at line 5-5, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5 with the apparatus extended out of a fabric pocket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 8 from the rear, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a partially transparent view of the apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9 with the garment in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up schematic view of the apparatus of FIGS. 8-10 to show an attachable segment around a garment in a coiled position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic front view of the apparatus of FIGS. 8-11 with the garment in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 12, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates the schematic rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, except that the strap is extended and one of the strap compartments is pulled back to reveal a connector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of an example of the apparatus of FIGS. 8-14 with the garment in a coiled position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a rear view of the example apparatus shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus of FIG. 16 with the garment in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the example apparatus of FIG. 17 after partially coiling the garment to neatly store it within the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus of FIG. 17 with the garment in the extended position but with the straps housed with respective strap compartments of the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus shown in FIG. 19 but with the straps extended, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of tubular structure with a first end and a second end.
[0026] FIG. 22A illustrates the tubular structure of FIG. 21 with an opening device that is the same diameter of the tubular structure.
[0027] FIG. 22B illustrates another embodiment of FIG. 22A where the opening device is only attached to a part of the tubular structure.
[0028] FIG. 22C illustrates another embodiment of FIG. 22A where the opening device is a flap structure.
[0029] FIG. 22D illustrates another embodiment of FIG. 22A where the tubular structure is hemmed at one or more locations to pinch the tubular structure.
[0030] FIG. 23A illustrates an embodiment in which the tubular structure is disposed in a second tubular structure.
[0031] FIG. 23B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 23A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use during exercise, and more particularly, disclosed herein is an apparatus that has the ability to store part of itself. Even more particularly, disclosed herein is an apparatus having an attachable segment configured to enclose a garment, whereby the garment may be neatly folded into a pocket temporarily formed by the attachable segment. In examples, the apparatus may serve as both a wearable garment and a storage device, simultaneously.
[0033] A substantial portion of, as used herein, refers to at least 30%. In some examples, a substantial portion may be greater than 50%, greater than 70%, or ranges therebetween.
[0034] Advantageously, the apparatus may have the ability to store part of itself during exercise, thereby doubling as both a wearable exercise garment and as a storage device. The apparatus eliminates the need for joggers to carry separate storage devices to house their apparel and/or personal belongings. The apparatus may also unencumber the jogger by eliminating their need to hold removed clothes in their hands or to tie them around their waist, etc.
[0035] In addition, such may also reduce the risk that a garment-removed during exercise becomes lost or misplaced, e.g., by virtue of the garment's being unitarily formed as part of or otherwise attached to the part of the apparatus the serves as the storage device. Further, in examples where the garment comprises a reflective device, the article may improve the jogger's safety, e.g., as a result of there being a reduced risk of misplacing the garment. Other advantages may include ergonomic washing of both the garment and the personal storage device since they are, in some examples, the same unit of clothing and are thus washed and dried simultaneously.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an apparatus 100 that includes central pocket 112 for holding fabric, a strap, and personal items, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, apparatus 100 may comprise a single article comprising various sections, such as a central section 106, strap 102, and fabric disposed within fabric pocket 110. Apparatus 100 may comprise multiple sections stitched together, or else may comprise a single uniform fabric comprising the various sections. In the illustrated example, a garment (e.g., garment 300 of FIGS. 6 and 7) is neatly folded within an inner region 120 of fabric pocket 110. Fabric pocket 110 may be closed by fasteners 122 arranged horizontally across an upper end 128 of central section 106.
[0037] A central pocket 112 may be disposed on an outer surface of central section 106 and may include a pocket closing device 108 that allows access to the central pocket 112. Central pocket 112 may be used to store personal items such as a cell phone, wallet, flashlight, etc. In some examples, a boundary indicated by a dotted line at 126 may generally conform to the profile of apparatus 100 between strap compartments 118, however may have alternative profiles (e.g., referring to FIGS. 8-20). In essence, however, apparatus 100 is designed such that it accommodates storing a garment (e.g., garment 300 of FIG. 3) unitarily formed as part of, or permanently attached to, the apparatus 100 in addition to the personal items. While this Figure shows a pocket closing device 108 to open or close central pocket 112, such may alternatively be, to use non-limiting examples, any suitable fastening mechanism (e.g., snap, button, buckle, hook-and-loop, clip, magnet, etc.). Central pocket 112 may include lining that conforms to the boundary at 126 or may alternatively be formed directly from the outer surface of central section 106 and an outer layer of fabric adjacent to the central section 106, e.g., stitched at the boundary indicated at 126. In some examples, one or more connectors (e.g., key lanyard device 1502 of FIG. 15) for attaching to a lanyard, such as a button, loop and carabiner, etc., may be formed or attached to an outer surface of central pocket 112.
[0038] Fasteners 122 may comprise any suitable fastening mechanism for closing the inner region 120 of fabric pocket 110, for example, snaps, buckles, clips, buttons, magnets, lace or fabric, clamps, rings or grommets, adjustors, zippers, drawstring, combinations thereof, or the like. Fastening fasteners 122 may include snapping, clipping, tying, sliding, clamping, pressing, buttoning, etc., or the like. This example shows four fasteners 122 which are linearly arranged in a single row near the upper end 128 of central section 106, however any suitable number of fasteners 122 may be used, for example, two, three, five, six, ten, or ranges therebetween. Likewise, fasteners 122 may be positioned in various alternative configurations, such as with multiple rows, such as when fabric pocket 110 is divided into a plurality, for example. Suitable locations where one or more of fasteners 122 may be placed may include, for example, near upper end 128, near lower end 130, approximately halfway between upper and lower ends 128, 130, or the like, of central section 106. Alternatively, or additionally, on the central pocket 112 and/or strap compartments 118, as well as various regions of a garment 300 (e.g., referring to FIG. 3), to be discussed in later figures.
[0039] Strap 102 is a sturdy and/or elastic material, or fabric attached to a buckle 104 that may support the weight of the apparatus 100, garment (e.g., garment 300 of FIG. 3), and personal belongings when it is strapped around a person's waist. Alternatively, strap 102 may be configured instead to strap around various other parts of a person's body, such as over a shoulder so that strap 102 extends diagonally across the person's torso. Strap 102 may be tightened at buckle 104.
[0040] A reflective device 124 may be attached to apparatus 100, such as to an outer surface of central pocket 112 adjacent an outer surface of central section 106. For example, one or more of the reflective device 124 may be attached at any suitable location of apparatus 100 and may be visible both when garment 300 (e.g., referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 7) is tucked away inside fabric pocket 110 or when garment 300 is worn during exercise. Reflective device 124 may be, for example, a reflective tape, one or more reflectors, or the like. As mentioned, reflection device 124 may, where used, protect the safety of a night-time jogger by signaling to drivers their location.
[0041] Bilateral strap compartments 118 may be disposed at or near opposite ends 132, 134 of central section 106, as illustrated. As with central pocket 112, strap compartments 118 may either include lining conforming to a boundary at 116 or else simply a single layer of fabric adjacent to (e.g. stitched to) central section 106. The boundaries at 116 and 126 may be spaced apart or else joined at an interface 136. In examples, fabric on the outer surface of central section 106 may comprise a single fabric, or multiple. Respective zippers 114 or alternative suitable fasteners may allow access to strap compartments 118. As will be shown in FIG. 2, strap compartments 118 may house strap 102 and buckle 104.
[0042] Apparatus 100 may comprise fabric. For example, central section 106, fabric pocket 110, central pocket 112, and strap compartments 118 may comprise any suitable fabric or combination of fabrics. Fabric constructions may include woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric (e.g., breathable fabric, water repelling fabric, water resistant fabric, etc.), and any combinations (e.g., a multi-layered combination) thereof. In some examples, fabric may include one or more fiber-based and/or yarn-based materials. For example, fabric may include a natural fiber-based material such as, but not limited to, cotton, wool, silk, linen, hemp, jute, combinations thereof, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, a synthetic fiber-based material such as, but not limited to, polyester, spandex, polypropylene, nylon, regenerated fibers, combinations thereof, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, yarns such as, but not limited to, viscose rayon, lyocell, regenerated cellulose, modal fabric, bamboo fabric, combinations thereof, etc. Yet alternatively, or additionally, one or more recycled materials. Chemically recycled and/or mechanically recycled materials may be present in the fabric in any amount, such as about 90%. Alternatively, from about 0% to about 25%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 100%, or any ranges therebetween. Material may also be recycled in the sense that it is repurposed from pre-existing garments.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 with the strap tucked into strap compartments 118, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned, strap 102 and buckle 104 (e.g., referring to FIG. 1) may be stored inside strap compartments 118, such as by tightly folding or rolling strap 102. In examples, a substantial length (e.g., greater than 50%, 70%, 90%, etc.) of the strap may fit within strap compartments 118.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates the garment of FIGS. 1 and 2 with fasteners undone to reveal a garment 300 disposed in fabric pocket 110, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the garment 300 is neatly folded and tucked away within fabric pocket 110, and the fabric pocket 110 is in an open configuration with the fasteners 122 undone. In examples, fabric pocket 110 and garment 300 may comprise the same fabric. For example, the fabric pocket 110 may be formed by the garment 300. In examples, fabric pocket 110 may include additional fastening features 400 (e.g., referring to FIG. 4) corresponding to the fasteners 122. In use, a jogger may store or retrieve garment 300 by opening and closing the inner region 120 of the fabric pocket 110 by fastening and unfastening the fasteners 122.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the garment of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This view more clearly shows the additional fastening features 400 which correspond to the fasteners 122 (e.g., referring to FIG. 3). While this example schematically shows the additional fastening feature 400 as circles, these may be holes for buttons, other end of a snap fastener, receiving end of a buckle, etc., corresponding to the fasteners 122. This example also shows fabric pocket 110 extending all the way across lower end 130 to upper end 128. One advantage of this configuration is that the garment 300 (e.g., referring to FIG. 3), may serve as padding between a jogger and any personal items disposed within the central pocket 112 when garment 300 is tucked away inside fabric pocket 110, making for a more comfortable apparatus 100.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the garment of FIG. 4 at line 5-5, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, garment 300 is disposed within fabric pocket 110. Internal regions of fabric pocket 110 and central pocket 112 may be separated by central section 106, which may comprise a central section dividing the two regions. In examples, the central section 106 may comprise fabric wrapped around a rigid support (e.g., cardboard, plastic sheet, rubber layer, etc.) or just be a single layer of the fabric. This view also shows pocket closing device 108 which is closed to enclose the inner region of central pocket 112.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the garment of FIGS. 1-5 with the garment 300 extended out of a fabric pocket 110 (e.g., referring to FIGS. 1-5), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, garment 300 may include sleeves 602 and a body 604. Sleeves 602 are shown as short sleeves in this example but may be long-sleeved or sleeveless. In examples, garment 300 comprises a shirt. Alternatively, garment 300 may be a hoodie, jacket, or any suitable upper body clothing (or lower body clothing, e.g., pants, sweats, shorts, etc.) that fits inside the fabric pocket 110 (e.g., referring to FIGS. 1-5). In this example, buckle 104 is snapped closed and tightened around the body 604 at a person's waist on an outer surface of the front side 608 fabric of garment 300, with a free end 606 of strap 102 extending out from the buckle 104. In some examples, buckle 104 need not necessarily be fastened while garment 300 is being worn, but which may be buckled to provide additional support.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the garment of FIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This example shows both fasteners 122 disposed at the upper end 128 of central section 106 and the corresponding fastening features 400 placed on the rear side 706 fabric of garment 300 at a distance 718. Distance 718 may be about 6 inches, or else from about 3 inches to about 8 inches, or any ranges therebetween, for example. In this example, when garment 300 is neatly folded, garment 300 extends forwards (i.e., towards front side 608) and around lower end 130 of central section 106 to connect fasteners 122 to corresponding fastening features 400.
[0049] In an alternative example, the fasteners 122 and corresponding fastening features 400 are alternatively disposed on a front side 608 (at an area indicated at 716 on FIG. 6) of garment 300 and on the interior 702 of the front side 608 fabric of garment 300 near the bottom 704 (at an area indicated at 710), respectively. In this alternative example, an upper portion 712 of garment 300 is folded backwards over the upper end 18 of central section 106 and a lower portion 714 of garment 300 is also folded backwards around the lower end 130 of central section 106 and up towards the upper end 128 to connect fasteners 122 to the corresponding fastening features 400. In yet alternative examples, the fasteners 122 and/or corresponding fastening features 400 are placed on any suitable location of garment 300, such as on the interior and/or exterior sides of either or both front side 608 fabric and rear side 706 fabric. For example, on a sleeve 602 or collar 708.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparatus 100 may share one or more features in common with any of FIGS. 1-7. However, in this example, apparatus 100 comprises central section 106, strap compartments 118, straps 102, buckle 104, and pocket closing device 108. Central section 106 may include one or more inner pockets accessible via an opening through pocket closing device 108. Respective portions of straps 102 may be removably stored within strap compartments 118 attached to or unitarily formed as part of central section 106.
[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of apparatus 100 of FIG. 8, but flipped around and viewed from the other side, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure shows an attachable segment 902 which houses (e.g., wraps around a coiled portion of) the garment (e.g., garment 300 of FIG. 10). Various connectors 900 may allow for releasable connecting of various regions of apparatus 100 together. These regions may include regions of fabric and/or corresponding receivers (e.g., connector 900b of FIG. 10 and/or connector 900c of FIG. 14). Connectors 900 may comprise any suitable connection device such as any of those previously listed (e.g., referring to fasteners 122 of FIG. 1).
[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates a partially transparent view of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 8 and 9 in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure shows the straps 102 extending around garment 300 where they meet at buckle 104. This figure also shows connectors 900a of attachable segment 902 detached from respective connectors 900b after garment 300 has been withdrawn from an inner pocket temporarily formed between attachable segment 902 and central section 106. While this Figure shows central section 106 as another layer of fabric layered behind garment 300, central section 106 may be unitarily formed as part of garment 300, in some examples (e.g., where strap compartments 118 are attached directly to garment 300 instead of a layer of fabric superimposed on garment 300). A dotted line at 1002 schematically shows where an opening to one or more central pockets (e.g., pocket 126 of FIG. 1) may be accessible (e.g., via pocket closing device 108 of FIG. 8). In the illustrated Figure, crease 1004 is positioned so as to generally line up with the outer edge of garment 300, but may alternatively be, or be positioned above or below, the outer edge.
[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up schematic view of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 8-10 to show attachable segment 902 wrapped around garment 300 in a coiled position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In examples, the connection between connectors 900a, 900b (e.g., referring to FIG. 10) is sufficient to withstand impact associated with jogging so as to retain garment 300 in the coiled position during use.
[0054] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic front view of apparatus 100 of FIGS. 8-11 in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown by this Figure and by FIG. 13, when the garment 300 is extended from apparatus 100, it is not necessary that the straps 102 (e.g., referring to FIG. 14) be deployed but may be housed within respective strap compartments 118 (e.g., again referring to FIG. 10). Accordingly, FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic rear view of apparatus 100 of FIG. 12, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, FIG. 14 illustrates the schematic rear view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 13, except that one of the straps 102 is extended out from its respective strap compartment 118a. The other strap compartment 118b is pulled back away from garment 300 to reveal a pair of connectors 900e, 900f. As with other pairs of connectors, connectors 900e and 900f may attach to each other to join two fabrics together whereby a pocket may form between the separate layers 1400 and 1402. In some examples, this is the mechanism which straps 102 are temporarily tucked away and stored within strap compartments 118 (e.g., referring to FIG. 10). One purpose served by connectors 900e and 900f is to allow strap compartments 118 to detach from garment 300, thereby allowing garment 300 to fold at seam 1404 so that it fits more compactly in the coiled configuration (e.g., referring to FIG. 11). Alternative configurations/mechanisms for storing strap 102 within strap compartment 118a are possible, such as a zipper pocket between the separate layers 1400 and 1402. In one or more examples, a mechanical device may be placed within strap compartments 118b to automatically reel straps 102 into a coiled position, e.g., when buckle 104 is released.
[0055] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of an example of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 8-14 with the garment 300 in the coiled position of FIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure shows straps 102 deployed out from strap compartments 118a, 118b, opening 1508 accessible via pocket closing device 108, and the outer surface 1504 of the apparatus 100. Also visible in this figure is a key lanyard device 1502 whose purpose is to allow a jogger to easily retrieve an item (e.g., key, ID card, key fob, etc.) attachable thereto.
[0056] FIG. 16 illustrates a rear view of the example apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure also shows the attachable segment 902 wrapped around garment 300 in the coiled position of FIG. 11. During use, the apparatus in the coiled position may be buckled (e.g., at the waist) to a jogger such that an outer surface of attachable segment 902 seats against the jogger's body.
[0057] FIG. 17 illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus 100 of FIGS. 15 and 16 with both the garment 300 and the attachable segment 902 in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates the example apparatus of FIG. 17 after flipping it around and partially rolling or folding the garment 300 to a coiled position. As illustrated, garment 300 may be neatly stored within the apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus 100 of FIG. 17 with the garment 300 in the extended position but with the straps 102 (e.g., referring to FIG. 19) housed with respective strap compartments 118 of the apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus shown in FIG. 19 but with the straps 102 extended, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0058] An example method of using the apparatus 100 is provided. To open the apparatus 100, a person may undo/detach connectors 900a and 900b (e.g., referring to FIG. 10) to release garment 300 from the coiled position (e.g., referring to FIG. 11). After unrolling garment 300, the person may optionally stow the straps 102 within their respective storage compartments 118 (e.g., referring to FIGS. 13 and 14) by closing two separate fabrics 1400 and 1402 around the respective strap 102 and/or buckle 104 and attaching connectors 900c and 900d. Whether or not straps 102 are stowed away within respective storage compartments 118, the person may also attach connectors 900e and 900f and put on the apparatus 100. Attachable segment 902 may be reattached to central section 106 such as by sliding it through a space formed between parallel seams 1404, central section, and a back of garment 300. This prevents attachable segment 902 from hanging down and trailing behind the jogger during exercise. In some examples, collapsing the apparatus to the collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 11, 15, and 16) may involve performing one or more of these operations in reverse. For example, a person may remove the apparatus 100 from their body, fold the garment 300 (e.g., parallel with seam 1404) and roll, crumple, squish, etc., or otherwise reduce the volume of garment 300 so that attachable segment 902 neatly captures garment 300 within a temporary pocket formed between attachable segment 902 and another portion (e.g., central section 106) of the apparatus 100.
[0059] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of apparatus 100 comprising a fabric 2100 that is sewn together, generally at the edges, at location 2110 to form a tubular structure 2102. Tubular structure 2102 may be formed from a single piece of fabric 2100 or multiple pieces of fabric 2100 sewn together. As disclosed herein, fabric 2100 may comprise solely of or at least in part, polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, elastane, cotton, bamboo, and/or modal. The internal space formed with an outer shell of tubular structure 2102 may be referred to as cavity 2104. In examples, tubular structure 2102 may be of any suitable length with a first end 2106 and a second end 2108. First end 2106 and/or second end 2108 may be joined to form apparatus 100.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 22A, apparatus 100 has been joined at first end 2106 and second end 2108 of tubular structure 2102 to form a donut shaped structure. As illustrated, first end 2106 and second end 2108 may be attached to each other through at least opening device 2200. In this example, the structure of opening device 2200 may be tubular in structure and the same diameter as first end 2106 and second end 2108. As illustrated, opening device 2200 may be any suitable opening device that may allow access to cavity 2104 (e.g., referring to FIG. 21) within tubular structure 2102. For example, opening device 2200 may be one or more snaps, one or more buckles, one or more clips, one or more buttons, one or more magnets, lace or fabric, one or more clamps, one or more rings, one or more, one or more adjustors, one or more zippers, one or more drawstrings, one or more fold over flaps, and/or the like. With continued reference to FIG. 22A, opening device 2200 may be tubular in structure, which may allow first end 2106 and/or second 2108 to be sewn to opening device 2200 at edges 2204. However, apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 22B, opening device 2200 may be disposed only in a part of the outer surface of tubular structure 2102. For example, at least a part of first end 2106 and second end 2108 may be sewn together at location 2202. Additionally, any other portion of first end 2106 and second end 2108 not sewn together may be sewn to an edge 2204 of opening device 2200. In examples of apparatus 100 in which opening device 2200 is a flap, as illustrated in FIG. 22C, the portions of first end 2106 and second end 2108 not sewn at edge 2206, as opposed to sewn together at edge 2204, together may overlay each other to form a flap 2208 for opening device 2200. The edges of first end 2106 and/or second end 2108 that overlay each other may be hemmed at end 2210, to prevent fraying of fabric 2100. Referring back to FIG. 22A, opening device 2200 may allow access to cavity 2104 (e.g., referring to FIG. 21). Cavity 2104 may be completely sealed within tubular structure 2102 and opening device 2200. During use, loose items, such as keys, cell phones, and/or the like may be placed within cavity 2104 through opening device 2200. After closing opening device 2200, loose items within cavity 2104 may be held and/or contained within tubular structure 2102. FIG. 22D illustrates embodiments in which tubular structure 2102 may be hemmed or seamed at one or more locations 2212. At location 2212, the hem or seam may pinch tubular structure 2102, effectively creating a closed end. In examples, there may be one or more hems or seams at location 2212. Additionally, the one or more hems or seams may be parallel and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tubular structure 2102. This may reduce the space within cavity 2104 in which loose items may be stored held.
[0061] FIG. 23A further illustrates an embodiment when a second tubular structure 2300 may be formed from fabric 2100 that is sewn together at the edges. Second tubular structure 2300 may be formed from a single piece of fabric 2100 or multiple pieces of fabric 2100 sewn together. First end 2302 and second end 2304 of second tubular structure 2300 may be hemmed, to prevent deterioration of the edge of fabric 2100 and add robustness to second tubular structure 2300. In examples, as illustrated in FIG. 23B, first tubular structure 2102 may be disposed within second tubular structure 2300. As illustrated, second tubular structure 2300 may be disposed about opposite opening device 2200, referring to FIG. 23A. Additionally, first tubular structure 2102 may be attached to second tubular structure 2300 at location 2202 by a hem or seam. This may not only reduce space of cavity 2104, as discussed above, but may also attach both first tubular structure 2102 to second tubular structure 2300. In other examples, first tubular structure 2102 may not be disposed within second tubular structure 2300. In this example, the outer surface of first tubular structure 2102 may be attached to the outer surface of second tubular structure 2300 by hem or seam. By attaching second tubular structure 2300 to first tubular structure 2102 a pouch 2302 may be formed opposite opening device 2200. Pouch 2302 may allow for additional articles of clothing to be stored and easily accessible to the user.
[0062] Thus, the present disclosure provides an apparatus which includes a garment, an attachable segment configured to house the garment, a strap, and a strap compartment configured to house the strap, wherein all these are uniformly formed or attached as a single wearable article of clothing. This unencumbers joggers and eliminates the need for additional wearable sports equipment. Advantageously, the apparatus may store part of itself easily so that joggers are not required to carry their loose clothing in their hands.
[0063] In alternative embodiments, rather than the apparatus itself being permanently attached to or unitarily formed as part of the garment, it may comprise (e.g., consist of) the attachable segment, strap, and strap compartment. For example, these together may form the apparatus that is separately attachable (e.g., temporarily/removably) to the garment. Separately attaching the apparatus to the garment may be achieved with a connector (or plurality) at specific regions of the garment and apparatus, or else may involve frictional engagement alone without any connector. In examples, this means that the apparatus may have the capability of being removably attached to any one of a plurality of garments, such as to any shirt of an appropriate size within a closet.
[0064] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the word may is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term include, and derivations thereof, mean including, but not limited to. The term coupled means directly or indirectly connected. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted for the purpose of understanding this invention.
[0065] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, from about a to about b, or, equivalently, from approximately a to b, or, equivalently, from approximately a-b) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.
[0066] The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Various advantages of the present disclosure have been described herein, but embodiments may provide some, all, or none of such advantages, or may provide other advantages.
