Overlapping element

An element for an article of apparel, a container, or a variety of other products is disclosed. The element is formed from at least one section of a two-dimensional material, and the element includes a first edge and a second edge that each exhibit a concave configuration. Portions of the material adjacent the first edge and the second edge are arranged to overlap each other such that: (a) a portion of the first edge overlaps a portion of the second edge and (b) another portion of the second edge overlaps another portion of the first edge. The element may be utilized as a joint or a pocket in the article of apparel, and the element may form a pocket in the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an overlapping element that is formed from a generally two-dimensional material and may be incorporated into a variety of structures, including an article of apparel. The invention concerns, more particularly, an element having at least two edges that overlap each other to form, for example, a flexible joint or a pocket in the article of apparel.

2. Description of Background Art

Various conventional articles of apparel include areas that are intended to bend or otherwise flex with movement of the human body. With regard to a shirt, for example, arm regions are often intended to accommodate bending of the elbow and movement of the shoulder. Similarly, the leg regions of a pair of pants are also intended to accommodate movement of legs, which includes ambulatory motions and bending of the knees. Despite the fact that conventional articles of apparel are intended to bend or otherwise flex with movement of the human body, some conventional articles of apparel restrict movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an element that may be incorporated into an article of apparel, for example, to enhance flexibility in specific areas. In one aspect of the invention, the element is formed from at least one two-dimensional material, and the element includes a first edge and a second edge that each exhibit a concave configuration. Portions of the material adjacent the first edge and the second edge are arranged to overlap each other such that a portion of the first edge overlaps a portion of the second edge, and another portion of the second edge overlaps another portion of the first edge.

In one aspect of the invention, the first edge and the second edge are edges of a single section of the material. For example, the first edge and the second edge may be opposite edges of the single section of the material. In order to provide the overlapping configuration, the single section of the material is folded to locate the first edge and the second edge adjacent to each other. In addition to the first edge and the second edge, the material may include a pair of side edges that extend between the first edge and the second edge, and a portion of each side edge that is adjacent the first edge is joined with a portion of each side edge that is adjacent the second edge. In another aspect of the invention, the first edge and the second edge are formed in two different sections of the material that each include a pair of side edges.

The element may form a portion of an article of apparel. In some embodiments, the element is a flexible joint in the article of apparel, such as a joint in an elbow region or a knee region. The element may also be a pocket or a hand-receiving portion of the apparel. In addition to apparel, the element may form an opening, such as a pocket, in a container for receiving and securing objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various overlapping elements that may be incorporated into an article of apparel. In general, the overlapping elements have at least two edges that overlap each other to form, for example, a flexible joint or a pocket in the article of apparel. In addition to an article of apparel, the overlapping elements may be incorporated into other products, such as a container (i.e., a backpack, hand bag, or duffel bag). Accordingly, the overlapping elements may be incorporated into a variety of products.

The overlapping elements are formed from a flexible and generally two-dimensional material. As utilized with respect to the present invention, the term “two-dimensional material” is intended to encompass generally flat materials exhibiting a length and a width that are substantially greater than a thickness. Accordingly, suitable materials for the overlapping elements include various textiles and polymer sheets, for example. Textiles are generally manufactured from fibers, filaments, or yarns that are, for example, either (a) produced directly from webs of fibers by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts or (b) formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn to produce a woven fabric. The textiles may incorporate fibers that are arranged to impart one-directional stretch or multi-directional stretch. The polymer sheets may be extruded, rolled, or otherwise formed from a polymer material to exhibit a generally flat aspect. In addition to textiles and polymer sheets, other two-dimensional materials may be incorporated into the overlapping elements.

First Overlapping Element Configuration

A first overlapping element100is depicted inFIGS. 1-3and includes a first section110aand a second section110bthat are each formed from a two-dimensional material or two different two-dimensional materials. First section110aincludes a concave edge120aand a pair of side edges130a. At least a portion of concave edge120aexhibits a concave configuration that effectively forms a depression in first section110a. As depicted in the figures, concave edge120ahas a generally curved shape, but may also have an angular shape within the scope of the present invention. Concave edge120amay, therefore, form a triangular or rectangular depression, for example, in first section110a. Accordingly, the specific shape of concave edge120amay vary significantly to encompass a variety of generally concave configurations, whether curved or angular. Concave edge120aincludes an end area121a, another end area122athat is positioned opposite end area121a, and a central area123athat is positioned between end areas121aand122a. End areas121aand122aare each located adjacent one of side edges130a, but may also be spaced inward from side edges130a. Side edges130aextend away from concave edge120ato effectively form sides of first section110a.

Second section110bexhibits a configuration that is substantially similar to first section110a. Accordingly, second section110bincludes a concave edge120band a pair of side edges130b. At least a portion of concave edge120bexhibits a concave configuration that effectively forms a depression in second section110b. The specific shape of concave edge120bmay be the same as concave edge120a, or the shape may be different. Concave edge120bincludes an end area121b, another end area122bthat is positioned opposite end area121b, and a central area123bthat is positioned between end areas121band122b. End areas121band122bare each located adjacent one of side edges130b, but may also be spaced inward from side edges130b. Side edges130bextend away from concave edge120bto effectively form sides of second section110b.

Overlapping element100is formed such that first section110aand second section110boverlap each other. More particularly, a portion of first section110aoverlaps a portion of second section110b, and another portion of second section110boverlaps another portion of first section110a. Referring toFIGS. 1-3, for example, portions of the two-dimensional material adjacent concave edge120aand concave edge120bare arranged to contact and overlap each other such that a portion of concave edge120a(i.e., end area121a) overlaps a portion of concave edge120b(i.e., end area121b), and another portion of concave edge120b(i.e., end area122b) overlaps another portion of concave edge120a(i.e., end area122a). That is, end area121aoverlaps end area121b, and end area122boverlaps end area122a. Each of sections110aand110binclude, therefore, an exposed area and an overlapped area. Accordingly, first section110aand second section110boverlap each other in the areas of concave edges120aand120b.

When first section110aand second section110bare placed in the mutually overlapping configuration discussed above, central areas123aand123bmay form an aperture140between each of first section110aand second section110b. The dimensions of aperture140(i.e., the size of the opening formed by first section110aand second section110b) primarily depend upon the relative locations of central areas123aand123b, and the dimensions of aperture140may be varied significantly depending upon the specific purpose of or application for overlapping element100. In some embodiments, central areas123aand123bmay contact each other such that aperture140is relatively small or absent.

First section110aand second section110bare joined to each other by a plurality of stitches150that extend along portions of side edges130aand130b. More particularly, one of stitches150joins one of side edges130awith one of side edges130b, and another of stitches150joins another of side edges130awith another of side edges130b. Accordingly, stitches150extend along portions of side edges130aand130bto join first section110aand second section110bto each other and to secure the positions of concave edges120aand120brelative to each other. In lieu of stitches150, first section110aand second section110bmay be joined together through an adhesive bond or a heat bond, for example. In addition, stitches150, the adhesive bond, or the heat bond may extend inward to join interior portions of first section110aand second section110b. In some embodiments, stitches150may extend along concave edge120ato join portions of concave edge120awith second section110b, and stitches150may extend along concave edge120bto join portions of concave edge120bwith first section110a. Accordingly, a variety of procedures may be employed to join first section110aand second section110b.

A structure having the general configuration of overlapping element100may be incorporated into a variety of products, including various articles of apparel and containers. With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, one manner in which overlapping element100may be employed in an article of apparel160, particularly a shirt, is disclosed. Apparel160includes a torso region161and a pair of sleeves162. Each of sleeves162includes an elbow region163. In general, elbow regions163correspond with the locations of elbows and are intended to bend or otherwise flex with the elbows. Accordingly, each of elbow regions163includes an overlapping element100that provides a flexible joint in elbow regions163. In other words, one purpose for incorporating overlapping element100into an article of apparel is to provide a flexible joint.

Overlapping element100may form only the flexible joints in elbow regions163, or overlapping element100may form relatively large portions of each sleeve162. As depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5, first section110aextends from a shoulder area of apparel160to elbow region163, and second section110bextends from a wrist area of apparel160to elbow region163. Accordingly, overlapping element100may form a relatively significant portion of each sleeve162, in addition to forming a flexible joint in each of sleeves162.

Second Overlapping Element Configuration

A second overlapping element200is depicted inFIGS. 6-8and has a similar general configuration as overlapping element100. Accordingly, overlapping element200includes a first section210aand a second section210bthat are each formed from a two-dimensional material placed in a mutually overlapping configuration. As with overlapping element100, an aperture240is formed between first section210aand second section210b(i.e., between concave edges220aand220b). In contrast with overlapping element100, however, overlapping element200also includes an insert section210cthat extends across aperture240.

First section210aincludes a concave edge220aand a pair of side edges230a. At least a portion of concave edge220aexhibits a concave configuration that effectively forms a depression in first section210a. Concave edge220aincludes an end area221a, another end area222athat is positioned opposite end area221a, and a central area223athat is positioned between end areas221aand222a. Side edges230aextend away from concave edge220ato effectively form sides of first section210a. Second section210bexhibits a configuration that is substantially similar to first section210a. Accordingly, second section210bincludes a concave edge220band a pair of side edges230b. Concave edge220bincludes an end area221b, another end area222bthat is positioned opposite end area221b, and a central area223bthat is positioned between end areas221band222b. Side edges230bextend away from concave edge220bto effectively form sides of second section210b.

As with overlapping element100, overlapping element200is formed such that first section210aand second section210boverlap each other. Referring toFIGS. 6-8, a portion of first section210aoverlaps a portion of second section210b, and another portion of second section210boverlaps another portion of first section210a. More particularly, end area221aoverlaps end area221b, and end area222boverlaps end area222a. Accordingly, first section210aand second section210boverlap each other in the areas of concave edges220aand220b.

When first section210aand second section210bare placed in the mutually overlapping configuration discussed above, central areas223aand223bform aperture240between each of first section210aand second section210b. Insert section210cextends across aperture240and is secured to each of first section210aand second section210b. Insert section210chas a generally circular shape, but may have any other practical shape within the scope of the present invention. In general, however, insert section210cwill be shaped to extend over aperture240. In some embodiments, insert section210cmay be positioned behind first section210aand second section210bsuch that only a portion of insert section210cis visible through aperture240. In other embodiments, insert section210cmay be placed in front of first section210aand second section210bor between first section210aand second section210b.

First section210aand second section210bare joined to each other by a plurality of stitches250that extend along portions of side edges230aand230b. More particularly, one of stitches250joins one of side edges230awith one of side edges230b, and another of stitches250joins another of side edges230awith another of side edges230b. Accordingly, stitches250extend along portions of side edges230aand230bto join first section210aand second section210bto each other and to secure the positions of concave edges220aand220brelative to each other. In lieu of stitches250, first section210aand second section210bmay be joined together through an adhesive bond or a heat bond, for example. As depicted in the figures, insert section210chas a generally circular shape and extends to side edges230aand230b, and stitches250join insert section210cto overlapping element200. In some embodiments, however, a plurality of stitches may extend around insert section210cto join insert section210cto each of first section210aand second section210b.

With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, one manner in which overlapping element200may be employed in an article of apparel260, particularly a shirt, is disclosed. Apparel260has the general configuration of apparel160and includes a torso region261and a pair of sleeves262. Each of sleeves262includes an elbow region263, and each of elbow regions263include an overlapping element200that provides a flexible joint in elbow regions263. Aperture140in overlapping element100formed an opening in apparel160. In contrast with apparel160, insert section210cextends across aperture240to cover the opening. Accordingly, insert section210ceffectively covers the opening formed by aperture140.

Third Overlapping Element Configuration

A third overlapping element300that is suitable for forming a pocket in either apparel or a container is depicted inFIGS. 11-13. Overlapping element300includes a first section310aand a second section310bthat are each formed from a two-dimensional material placed in a mutually overlapping configuration. First section310aincludes a concave edge320aand a pair of side edges330a. At least a portion of concave edge320aexhibits a concave configuration that effectively forms a depression in first section310a. Concave edge320aincludes an end area321a, another end area322athat is positioned opposite end area321a, and a central area323athat is positioned between end areas321aand322a. Side edges330aextend away from concave edge320ato effectively form sides of first section310a. Second section310bexhibits a configuration that is substantially similar to first section310a. Accordingly, second section310bincludes a concave edge320band a pair of side edges330b. Concave edge320bincludes an end area321b, another end area322bthat is positioned opposite end area321b, and a central area323bthat is positioned between end areas321band322b. Side edges330bextend away from concave edge320bto effectively form sides of second section310b.

As with overlapping elements100and200, overlapping element300is formed such that first section310aand second section310boverlap each other. Referring toFIGS. 11-13, a portion of first section310aoverlaps a portion of second section310b, and another portion of second section310boverlaps another portion of first section310a. More particularly, end area321aoverlaps end area321b, and end area322boverlaps end area322a. Accordingly, first section310aand second section310boverlap each other in the areas of concave edges320aand320b.

In addition to first section310aand second section310b, overlapping element300includes a backing section310cwith the same overall dimensions of overlapping element300. First section310aand second section310bare joined to each other by a plurality of stitches350that extend along portions of side edges330aand330band extend around overlapping element300. Stitches350also join backing section310cto first section310aand second section310baround the periphery of overlapping element300. Whereas stitches350extend around the periphery of overlapping element300, stitches350are not located in the interior of overlapping element300. Accordingly, backing section310cis not secured to either first section310aor second section310bin the interior of overlapping element300. A space or open area is formed, therefore, between backing section310cand both of first section310aor second section310b, and access to the space may be gained through an aperture340, which is formed between central areas323aand323b. Aperture340forms an access opening, and objects may be placed within overlapping element300through aperture340. Whereas apertures140and240may be relatively large, aperture340may be relatively small to prevent objects from being inadvertently removed from (i.e., falling from) overlapping element300.

With reference toFIG. 14, one manner in which overlapping element300may be employed in an article of apparel360, particularly a pair of pants, is disclosed. Apparel360has a pelvic region361and a pair of leg regions362. Overlapping element300is incorporated into pelvic region361at a location that corresponds with the location of a conventional pocket. Accordingly, overlapping element300may be incorporated into articles of apparel to form a pocket within the apparel.

Overlapping elements100and200were disclosed above as being suitable for joints in elbow regions of shirts. In addition, either of overlapping elements100and200may form joints in knee areas of apparel360. With reference toFIG. 14, a pair of overlapping elements100are incorporated into leg regions362to enhance the flexibility in portions of leg regions362that correspond with the positions of the knees.

With reference toFIG. 15a container370having the configuration of a duffel bag is disclosed. Conventional pockets in duffel bags are formed by zippered openings, for example. In contrast with the conventional duffel bag, an overlapping element300is incorporated into a side of container370to form a pocket for receiving objects. Overlapping element300may also be incorporated into a variety of other types of containers, such as a backpack or a hand bag, for example.

Fourth Overlapping Element Configuration

Each of overlapping elements100,200, and300are formed from at least two sections of material. For example, overlapping element100includes first section110aand second section110b. Referring toFIGS. 16-19, an overlapping element400is depicted that includes a single section410formed from a two-dimensional material. Section410includes a pair of opposite concave edges420aand420band a pair of opposite side edges430. Concave edge420ahas a generally curved shape, but may also have an angular shape within the scope of the present invention. Concave edge420amay, therefore, form a triangular or rectangular depression, for example, in section410. Accordingly, the specific shape of concave edge420amay vary significantly to encompass a variety of generally concave configurations, whether curved or angular. Concave edge420aincludes an end area421a, another end area422athat is positioned opposite end area421a, and a central area423athat is positioned between end areas421aand422a. End areas421aand422aare each located adjacent one of side edges430, but may also be spaced inward from side edges430. Side edges430extend away from concave edge420ato effectively form sides of section410, and side edges extend between concave edges420aand420b.

Concave edge420bexhibits a concave configuration that effectively forms another depression in section410. The specific shape of concave edge420bmay be the same as concave edge420a, or the shape may be different. Concave edge420bincludes an end area421b, another end area422bthat is positioned opposite end area421b, and a central area423bthat is positioned between end areas421band422b. End areas421band422bare each located adjacent one of side edges430, but may also be spaced inward from side edges430.

Overlapping element400is formed such that the areas of section410that form concave edges420aand420boverlap each other. In order to overlap concave edges420aand420b, section410is folded back upon itself to form a generally cylindrical structure. More particularly, section410is folded back such that portions of the two-dimensional material adjacent concave edge420aand concave edge420bare arranged to contact and overlap each other. That is, section410is folded back such that a portion of concave edge420a(i.e., end area421a) overlaps a portion of concave edge420b(i.e., end area421b), and another portion of concave edge420b(i.e., end area422b) overlaps another portion of concave edge420a(i.e., end area422a). Accordingly, end area421aoverlaps end area421b, and end area422boverlaps end area422a. When the areas of section410that form concave edges420aand420boverlap each other, central areas423aand423bmay form an aperture440between each of concave edges420aand420b.

In order to secure overlapping element400in the generally cylindrical structure, side edges430are stitched or otherwise secured to themselves. Each of side edges430includes a portion that is adjacent to concave edge420aand an opposite portion that is adjacent to concave edge420b. When section410is folded back upon itself, the portion that is adjacent to concave edge420ais positioned next to the portion that is adjacent to concave edge420b. With regard to each of side edges430, these portions may then be joined together with a plurality of stitches450. In lieu of stitches450, an adhesive bond or a heat bond, for example, may be utilized.

A structure having the general configuration of overlapping element400may be incorporated into a variety of products, including various articles of apparel. An arm portion of an article of apparel460, particularly a jacket, is disclosed inFIGS. 20 and 21. Overlapping element400is secured to an end of the arm portion such that the hand may extend through the generally cylindrical structure formed by overlapping element400. More particularly, a first digit of the hand (i.e., the thumb) may extend through aperture440, the second through fifth digits (i.e., the index, middle, ring, and little fingers) may extend through an end, and the wrist extends through an opposite end that is secured to apparel460. An advantage of this configuration is that overlapping element400provides insulation to the palm of the hand and limits the quantity of external air that may enter apparel460through the arm portion. If a glove is worn in combination with apparel460and overlapping element400, then overlapping element400may be utilized to effectively prevent snow or water, for example, from entering apparel460through the arm portion.

Conclusion

The above discussion and accompanying figures disclose various overlapping element configurations that may be incorporated into an article of apparel or a container, for example. In general, the overlapping elements have at least two concave edges that overlap each other to form, for example, a flexible joint or a pocket in the article of apparel. In addition, the overlapping elements may be incorporated into a container (i.e., a backpack, hand bag, or duffel bag) to form a pocket. Accordingly, the overlapping elements may be incorporated into a variety of products.