Lightweight Portable Changing Garment

Abstract

A changing garment and method of using same wherein the garment allows a user to change quickly, while in public without exposing the user's body to observers and/or passersby. The changing garment is fully adjustable to allow a user of any size to comfortably wear the garment in one of four styles. Additionally, a method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient, compact package for transport and storage.

Claims

1. A changing garment for providing modesty for a user, the garment comprising a fabric column wherein the fabric column has an upper portion in the shape of a halter top and a lower portion in the shape of a skirt and further wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are

2. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion further includes two side access openings incorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam on each side of the lower portion.

3. The changing garment of claim 2, wherein the side access openings further include zippers in order to prevent viewing of a user's body during when worn.

4. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion further includes an elastic garter positioned at the rear top of the fabric of the lower portion.

5. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the upper portion further includes a front fabric panel for modesty when the changing garment is worn without undergarments.

6. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the upper portion is further comprised of: a) a drawstring noose; b) a cord lock; and c) a soft handle.

7. The changing garment of claim 6, wherein the cord lock securely tightens or loosens the drawstring noose around the user's neck during use.

8. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the changing garment further includes at least two belt loops at the midsection of the changing garment and a strap belt with a cord lock for waist adjustment.

9. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the entire garment is washer and dryer safe.

10. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the garment folds into a compact portable package for transport and storage.

11. A method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient compact portable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps: a) elongating the changing garment to its full length; b) rolling the hem of the lower portion in the direction of the upper portion and elastic garter; c) continuing to roll the lower portion until only the upper portion remains unrolled; d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining to create a pocket; e) tucking the rolled lower portion into the pocket and pulling the front panel lining around the rolled lower portion; and f) using the drawstring noose to wrap the entire package and cinching said package secure with the cord lock.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged garment may be transported as a purse.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged garment may be transported as a backpack.

14. A method for changing clothes using the changing garment, the method comprising: a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment; b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level; c) inserting the soft handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank top or sports bra; d) pulling the soft handle up and underneath the front of said shirt, tank top or sports bra; e) using the soft handle to pull the drawstring noose up and over one's head; f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that the elastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure; g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of the side access openings on either side of the lower portion and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one's lower clothing; h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment; i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothing directly over the upper portion of the changing garment; j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing and inserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order to pull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of the changing garment; k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from around the neck; I) using the soft handle to guide the drawstring noose from underneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body to the ground and stepping out of said garment.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the garment provides privacy and prevents exposure of the user's body during the changing process

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the changing garment in a first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the changing garment shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the changing garment as shown in FIG. 1 in an alternative embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is close-up view of the hook and handle feature of the changing garment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the cord-lock feature on the drawstring noose of the changing garment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a further alternative embodiment of the changing garment shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIGS. 7a-7g illustrate the steps of a method for folding the changing garment of FIG. 1 into a compact package.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates the folding garment as a compact package following the method of FIG. 7.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the compact package shown in FIG. 8.

[0024] FIGS. 10a-10c illustrate an alternative embodiment of the changing garment.

[0025] FIGS. 11a-10b illustrate a close-up view of the side access opening as seen from the outside of the changing garment.

[0026] FIGS. 12a-12b illustrate a close-up cross-section view of the side access opening and view blocker of the changing garment.

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the changing garment in FIG. 1 in an alternative embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of the changing garment in FIG. 13.

[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the changing garment in FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 16a-16b illustrate close-up views of the top interior of the changing garment in FIG. 13.

[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates a compact version of the changing garment in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The changing garment 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The changing garment 10 is comprised of a lower portion 11 and an upper portion 12. The lower portion 11 is essentially a fabric column with two side access openings 14 incorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam in lower portion 11. One side access opening 14R is located on the right hand side of the fabric column and the other side access opening 14L is located on the left hand side of the fabric column. Although not shown in the drawings, it is further contemplated that the side access openings 14 are comprised further of a “view blocker” fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment which prevents the user's legs from being visible through the side access openings 14 during use of the changing garment 10. The upper portion 12 is further comprised of front fabric panel 18, drawstring noose 13 with cord lock 16 and hook and handle 17 and an elastic garter 15 located along the rear top of the fabric column comprising the lower portion 11.

[0033] A rear perspective view of the changing garment 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The lower portion 11 is shown including the left side access opening 14L. The upper portion 12 is shown including the front fabric panel 18, a drawstring noose 13 with a cord lock 16 and a hook and handle 17, in addition to the elastic garter 15 and a front panel lining 21. The front panel lining 21 is contemplated to serve at least two functions: 1) providing a modesty panel for the front fabric panel 18 while the changing garment 10 is worn; and 2) alternatively providing a sleeve for packing the folded lower portion 11 into during storage.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 3, shown is an alternative embodiment of the changing garment 10. The lower portion 11 is shown including the left side access opening 14L. The upper portion 12 is shown including the front fabric panel 18, a drawstring noose 13 with a cord lock 16 and a hook and handle 17, in addition to the elastic garter 15 and a front panel lining 21. In an alternative embodiment, the hook and handle 17 may be attached to the elastic garter 15 in order to better secure the drawstring noose 13 during use of the changing garment 10 and prevent the hook and handle 17 from flopping around during extended wearing of the changing garment 10. Although not visible in the drawings, it is further contemplated that the hook and handle 17 may attach to the back of the garment by way of a fabric loop.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 4, shown is a close-up view of the hook and handle 17. The hook and handle 17 is comprised of a washer- and dryer-safe material further comprising a circular opening 42 at a first end and a hook 44 as a second end. In a first embodiment, the hook and handle 17 may be used to guide the drawstring noose 13 underneath clothing during use of the changing garment 10. In an alternative embodiment, the hook and handle 17 may be used to secure the changing garment 10 during packing and storage. In a preferred embodiment the hook and handle 17 is approximately 4 inches in length. It is further contemplated that the hook and handle 17 may be any suitable dimension that is compatible with the intended use.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 5, shown is a close-up view of the cord-lock 16. The cord-lock 16 is a standard press to release cord-lock as known in the prior art. The cord-lock 16 is configured to allow for tightening and loosing of the drawstring noose 13. Alternatively, the cord-lock 16 may be used to cinch and secure the folded package of the changing garment 10 for storage.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 6, shown is an alternative embodiment of the changing garment 10 wherein the side access openings 14 may be used to shorten the length of the changing garment 10 by tucking the hem of the lower portion 11 through the side access openings 14 to allow the wearer to walk easily on sand or in water if desired. It is further contemplated that the “view blocker” fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment at the side access openings assists with shortening of the changing garment by holding the tucked hem of the garment securely in place within the side access openings even while the individual walks and/or moves freely while wearing the garment.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 7A-7G, shown are the steps of a method for folding and packaging the changing garment 10 into a convenient compact portable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps:

[0039] a) elongating the changing garment 10 to its full length;

[0040] b) rolling the hem of the lower portion 11 in the direction of the upper portion 12 and elastic garter 15;

[0041] c) continuing to roll the lower portion 11 until only the upper portion 12 remains unrolled;

[0042] d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining 21 to create a pocket 71;

[0043] e) tucking the rolled lower portion 11 into the pocket 71 and pulling the front panel lining 21 around the rolled lower portion 11;

[0044] f) using the drawstring noose 13 to wrap the entire package and cinching said package secure with the cord lock 16; and

[0045] g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle 17 to the drawstring noose 13 to create a handle on the packaged garment.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 8, shown is an alternative embodiment of the packaged garment wherein the garment is transported similar to a purse.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 9, shown is a further alternative embodiment of the packaged garment wherein the garment is worn like a backpack.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 10, shown in a further alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the changing garment may be used as an automobile seat cover in the event the user does not have time, or simply does not wish to change out of their soiled clothing. The drawstring noose fits over an automobile headrest and the cord-lock may be used to tighten the drawstring noose and secure the top of the changing garment to the automobile seat. It is further contemplated that the hook and handle may be used to secure the noose to a car seat pocket or in the alternative to secure the noose onto itself.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, shown are close-up views of the side access opening as seen from the outside of the changing garment. FIG. 11A shows a single side access opening which located on each side of the changing garment. FIG. 11B shows a single side access opening wherein the changing garment is transparent in order to illustrate the placement of the view blocker in relation to the side access opening. In one embodiment the stitching attaching the view blocker to the changing garment may be visible on the outside of the changing garment. In another embodiment the stitching attaching the view blocker to the changing garment may not be visible on the outside of the changing garment.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 12A-12B, shown are close-up cross-section views of the side access opening and view blocker. FIG. 12A shows the function of the view blocker when the side access opening is in use. During use, a hand is slipped through the side access opening and around the view blocker flaps to access the inside of the changing garment. FIG. 12B shows the position of the view blocker in relation to the side access opening when the side access opening is not in use.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 13, shown is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the changing garment. The changing garment is comprised of a fabric panel 118, drawstring noose 113 with cord lock (not shown) and an elastic garter (not shown) located along the rear top of the fabric column comprising the lower portion 110. The changing garment may be worn in one of four styles which may be achieved by manipulating the strapping and securing the strapping at the adjustment point. In a first style, the changing garment may be worn loose by leaving the strap untied or alternatively by threading the strap loosely through belt loops on the side of the garment. In a second style, the changing garment may be worn fitted by tying the straps behind the user at the back of the garment after passes the straps through belt loops on the side of the garment. In a third style, the changing garment may be worn belted by tying the straps in the front of the garment using the straps to belt the garment. In a fourth style, the changing garment may be worn empire waisted by wrapping the straps tightly around the torso and tying them together in the back.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 14, shown is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the changing garment shown in FIG. 13. The top of the garment 112 is shown including the rear of the front fabric panel and a drawstring noose 113 in addition to the elastic garter 115. As an alternative to having a hook and handle at the end of the drawstring noose 113 there is a soft handle 117 created by hard plastic sewn into the binding of the strap giving the strap a rigidity making it easy to grab. The alternative adjustment 124 using a cord lock 116 (as shown in FIG. 15) and straps and belt loops (at least one on each side) allows for the garment to accommodate various waist and bust sizes. The lower portion 110 of the garment further includes two zippered side access openings 114, one zippered side access opening being located along the vertical seam on each side of the lower portion 110 of the garment.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 16a, shown is a close-up view of the inside rear of front panel 118 having elastic straps (not shown) with clasps 123 (as shown in FIG. 16b) positioned at the sides of front panel 121 that wrap around torso to tighten and secure a shelf bra 121. The elastic straps (not shown) are removable for cases where a user does not want or need a shelf bra 121. FIG. 16B shows the addition of bra padding 125 to the majority of the front panel 118 resulting in the upper portion being comprised of a total of three layers of material for maximum coverage and modesty. The upper portion may optionally include printed nipple petals for further increased modesty coverage.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 17, shown is an alternative embodiment of the changing garment wherein the changing garment is packed into the shape of a bag. After packing, the soft handle and strap may be inserted through two eye loops that allow the bag to be carried like a purse that can also hold items within the spaces in the bag.

[0055] One embodiment of the present invention provides a lightweight, portable changing garment which allows a user to change clothes quickly therein, while in public, without exposing the user to observers and/or passersby. In a preferred embodiment, the changing garment may be used by any individual wishing to change clothes quickly without exposing the user to observers and/or passersby. In yet a further embodiment, the changing garment may be used outdoors, in public restrooms, or in public locker rooms by any individual preferring privacy while being required to change clothes in a public or semi-public location. It is contemplated that the changing garment may be made from any fabric that is lightweight, breathable and easy to care for, i.e. cotton. It is further contemplated that the fabric may be sweat resistant, i.e. linen or any other natural fiber which is conventionally known as breathable.

[0056] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight, portable changing garment comprised of a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion including two side access openings incorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam in lower portion and the upper portion including a front fabric panel, a drawstring noose with a cord lock and a hook and handle and an elastic garter located along the rear top of the fabric column comprising the lower portion. In a preferred embodiment, one side access opening is located on the right-hand side of the lower portion and the other side access opening is located on the left hand side of the lower portion. In a most preferred embodiment, the side access openings are further comprised of a “view blocker” fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment which prevents the user's legs from being visible through the side access openings during use of the changing garment. It is further contemplated that the side access opening may be incorporated into the fabric of the lower portion at any location on the side of the lower portion that accomplishes the goals of providing the user access to their clothing without exposing any part of the user's lower body to observers or passersby.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight, portable changing garment comprised of a single fabric column for covering the upper and lower half of a user's body wherein the lower portion includes two zippered side access openings incorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam.

[0058] In still another embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garment is further comprised of a front panel lining positioned on the inside of the front fabric panel. In a first embodiment the front panel lining may provide a modesty panel to prevent inadvertent nipple exposure during the changing process or in the case when the garment is worn for an extended period in the absence of undergarments. In an alternative embodiment, the front panel lining provides an opening and pocket for tucking the rolled garment into during packaging and storage.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garment is further still comprised of three layers of material for maximum coverage and modesty. The upper portion may have elastic straps with clasps positioned at the sides of front panel that wrap around torso and become a shelf bra. The elastic straps may be removable for cases where a user does not want or need a shelf bra. The upper portion is further comprised of bra paddling covering the majority of the front panel. The upper portion may optionally include printed nipple petals for further increased modesty coverage.

[0060] In another embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garment is further comprised of a drawstring noose with a cord-lock. In a first embodiment the drawstring noose may be used to secure the changing garment around the neck of a user while the cord-lock may be used to tighten and/or loosen the noose. In an alternative embodiment, the hook and handle feature may be replaced with a soft handle created from plastic sewn into the binding of the strap giving the strap a rigidity making it easy to grab. There may be an alternative adjustment strap and cord-lock are positioned at the waistline along the garter for adjustment of the garment to accommodate various waist and bust sizes. The straps are pulled through at least one belt loop on each side of the waistline of the garment and assist with tightening of the waistline of the garment.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the drawstring noose may be used to secure the packaged garment for storage and the cord-lock may be used to tighten and/or loosen the noose around the packaged garment.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the drawstring noose further includes a special hook and handle. In a preferred embodiment, the hook and handle is secured to the drawstring noose though an opening in the first end and further includes a hook in the second end. In a most preferred embodiment, the hook and handle is used by the user as a guide for inserting and directing the upper portion of the changing garment underneath the user's clothes and the drawstring noose over the user's head. Following the successful changing of clothes, the user may again use the hook and handle as a guide to remove the drawstring noose from underneath the user's new and/or clean clothes. In a further embodiment, the hook and handle may be used during packaging of the garment to secure the drawstring noose to the garment to create a handle. In a preferred embodiment, the changing garment may be carried like a purse in the packaged configuration. In a further embodiment, the changing garment may be worn like a backpack in the packaged configuration.

[0063] In still another embodiment, the changing garment may be worn in the place of traditional clothing following swimming, running or any athletic activity. In a further embodiment, the hem of the lower portion may be tucked into the two side access openings to shorten the length of the lower portion to allow for greater movement during extended wear of the changing garment. In a preferred embodiment, the “view blocker” fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment at the side access openings assists with shortening of the changing garment by holding the tucked hem of the garment securely in place within the side access openings even while the individual walks and/or moves freely while wearing the garment.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, provided is a method for changing clothes in public using the changing garment of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0065] a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;

[0066] b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level;

[0067] c) inserting the hook and handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank top or sports bra;

[0068] d) pulling the hook and handle up and underneath the front of said shirt, tank top or sports bra;

[0069] e) using the hook and handle to pull the drawstring noose up and over one's head;

[0070] f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that the elastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure;

[0071] g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of the side access openings and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one's lower clothing;

[0072] h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment;

[0073] i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothing directly over the upper portion of the changing garment;

[0074] j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing and inserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order to pull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of the changing garment;

[0075] k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from around the neck;

[0076] I) using the hook and handle to guide the drawstring noose from underneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and

[0077] m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body to the ground and stepping out of said garment.

[0078] In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient compact portable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps:

[0079] a) elongating the changing garment to its full length;

[0080] b) rolling the hem of the lower portion in the direction of the upper portion and elastic garter;

[0081] c) continuing to roll the lower portion until only the upper portion remains unrolled;

[0082] d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining to create a pocket;

[0083] e) tucking the rolled lower portion into the pocket and pulling the front panel lining around the rolled lower portion;

[0084] f) using the drawstring noose to wrap the entire package and cinching said package secure with the cord lock; and

[0085] g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle to the drawstring noose to create a handle on the packaged garment or alternatively straps similar to a backpack.

[0086] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for changing clothes using the changing garment, the method comprising:

[0087] a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;

[0088] b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level;

[0089] c) inserting the soft handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank top or sports bra;

[0090] d) pulling the soft handle up and underneath the front of said shirt, tank top or sports bra;

[0091] e) using the soft handle to pull the drawstring noose up and over one's head;

[0092] f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that the elastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure;

[0093] g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of the side access openings and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one's lower clothing;

[0094] h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment;

[0095] i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothing directly over the upper portion of the changing garment;

[0096] j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing and inserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order to pull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of the changing garment;

[0097] k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from around the neck;

[0098] I) using the hook and handle to guide the drawstring noose from underneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and

[0099] m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body to the ground and stepping out of said garment.

[0100] It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Although several embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention, which is further defined in the converted utility application and appended claims. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not achieve all the advantages of some embodiments, particularly preferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention.