Patent Publication Number: US-2011076921-A1

Title: Waist warmer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/193,732, filed on Dec. 19, 2008, the subject matter contained therein being incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an article of clothing generally applied around an individual&#39;s midriff. Although the clothing of the present invention is generally directed to the use by a female, the teachings provided herein are not so limited and could be used around any individual&#39;s midriff. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The initial concept of this article of clothing was developed to cover the space on the body between the individual&#39;s pant&#39;s top and the bottom of shirt that sometimes becomes exposed during movement. Additionally, it can also have many other uses such as acting as a fashion statement, being utilized by the medical field to hold medical devices or heating/ice pads, using pockets to hold phones, keys and papers, being used by pregnant women, and being used in sleepwear, or being used for sports or water sports, etc. Furthermore, the article of clothing can be worn over, under or instead of clothing. 
     Generally, apparel items, when designed have two main purposes in mind. The first purpose is of course, to clothe the individual, and its function is dictated by the type of clothing, i.e. a blouse, a skirt, slacks or outerwear. Since clothing items can be construed as an extension of the wearer&#39;s personality, many decorative features and colors would be included to fit the taste of a multitude of individuals. 
     Additionally, if the item of clothing is designed to be worn to clothe the body, the ability to have the individual to be protected against cold weather would be another consideration. In this context, many items of clothing, such as sweaters or pullovers have been designed to be worn over shirts, blouses and the like. An example of a type of article used to warm the body would be U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,801, issued to Jakus. This patent illustrates a body warmer wrapped around the waist of a user with a body portion covering the kidneys of the user. Flaps are designed to be wrapped around and secured to the front of the body of the individual. The width of these flaps is less than the width of the body portion which covers the rear of the individual. As indicated in column 2, lines 1-4, the body warmer can be worn on the outside of the user&#39;s clothes as well as the inside of the user&#39;s clothes, similar to an undergarment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,396, issued to Stack describes a body muscle supporter  10  which is sleeveless and constructed of elastic material adapted to stretch in a longitudinal and transverse direction. When worn, the body muscle supporter is cylindrical and is positioned around the body of an individual. A zipper closure is used to assure that the body muscle supporter remains in place. It is noted that the device is especially useful in the support of the chest for assisting in the alleviation of pain in the chest cavity such as caused by fractured ribs or pleurisy. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,775, issued to Carney illustrates a maternity garment in the form of a stretchable band garment as illustrated in  FIG. 1  designed to be worn over the user&#39;s pants to cover unfastened clothing due to weight gain and shape change, as shown in  FIG. 4 , but under the user&#39;s top as illustrated with respect to  FIG. 4A . 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,749,552, issued to Feste discusses a vest to be used primarily by a feverish person in retaining body heat for breaking that person&#39;s fever. The vest comprises an elongated sheet or strip of wood veneer and is tied to the chest of the individual utilizing tie cords or tapes. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0218690, in the name of James discusses a waist-fastening, hip-encompassing apparel having at least one concealed storage compartment. As described in this reference, while the apparel described therein is made of a flexible clothing material and is wrapped around the body of the wearer, it is generally fastened to the wearer&#39;s waist as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0092267, in the name of Boehler, describes a wrap and cover-up device adapted to be stored in a handbag and not designed to cover a woman&#39;s midriff. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0244805, in the name of Griffin describes an article of apparel including an outer garment which is provided with a built-in inner garment as shown in  FIG. 1A . Although  FIGS. 7A and 7B  show the use of a variant of the article of apparel described in the Griffin publication, this article of apparel is designed to be worn under the clothes of the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by the present invention which is an article of clothing generally used by an individual to keep that individual warm and/or to be used in conjunction with various pieces of clothing to provide an attractive outfit. As previously indicated, this article of clothing can be used for a woman, a man, a child or an infant. The article of clothing has a generally flared shape with an open top and open bottom allowing this piece of clothing to be worn around the individual&#39;s waist or midriff, with the circumference of the top portion, greater than the circumference of the bottom portion. However, the shape of the article of clothing may be wider at the top, wider at the bottom or the same width from top to bottom depending on the shape of the individual. 
     The article of clothing would be provided in several lengths adapted to cover more or less of the individual&#39;s body based upon the temperature of the environment, the time of year, and the preference of the individual, and the size and weight of the individual. 
     The article of clothing, in one embodiment, would be donned by the individual by applying the article of clothing over the individual&#39;s head and then pulled downward to surround the individual&#39;s waist as well as areas above and below the individual&#39;s waist. 
     Additional embodiments would include a zipper, buttons, snaps or the like, which would be opened and closed to allow the individual to don the article of clothing by putting it around their waist. 
     The article of clothing can be worn over, under, or instead of other clothing. 
     All the embodiments could include various accessories such as pockets, stripings, fur, decorative belts and the like to customize the waist warmer to an individual&#39;s taste. The pockets can be adapted to include warming devices, cell phone devices, keys, paper, ultrasound or other devices to assist in medical treatment therein. Additionally, the exterior of the garment can be provided with various printed or woven images. The stripings could be reflective to provide safety to the individual when outside in the dark. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     The article of clothing can be made from various fabrics or blends such as, but not limited to 100% cotton jersey knits, stretch velvet, 90% polyester/10% Spandex, other jersey knits such as poly/cotton/Lycra®, cotton/Lycra®, 80% spun silk/20% stretch nylon, 100% silk, 100% filament silk, or a 100% silk interlock knit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the present invention showing the use of a zipper; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the present invention showing the use of a side zipper; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the present invention without the inclusion of a zipper; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the present invention showing the use of buttons to open and close the waist warmer; and 
         FIGS. 8-16  show front views of the present invention with various accessories or accommodations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-3  show different embodiments of the present invention based upon the time of year that the waist warmer  10  would be worn, or, based upon the preference of the individual. The waist warmer  10  generally comprises a single piece of material. However, it could be comprised of multiple materials. It would be manufactured from a material which would allow the waist warmer  10  to stretch. However, it is noted that embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from a material which does not appreciably stretch, such as leather. The waist warmer  10  can be manufactured from cotton, wool, Lycra® or any other type of material. 
     Each of the waist warmers  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  are provided with the top opening  12  and the bottom opening  14 . The top opening  12  would extend around the entire piece of material. Similarly, the bottom opening  14  would also extend around the entire piece of material of the waist warmer  10 . In all three embodiments, shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the top opening  12 , when the waist warmer  10  is worn, would be provided at approximately the middle of the individual&#39;s chest. The bottom opening  14  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  would be worn around the individual&#39;s hips and the circumference of the bottom opening  14  would be greater than the circumference of the top opening  12 . The opening  14  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  would extend slightly below the individual&#39;s hips. Opening  14  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  would extend approximately to the individual&#39;s buttocks. The length of the article of clothing will be anywhere between the mid chest (just under the breast) and the hip buttocks or any length therebetween. 
     A side  15  of the waist warmer would extend from the top opening  12  shown in  FIG. 3  for approximately ⅙ to ½ the entire length of the garment, at which point the garment would flare outwardly at  17  until it reached the bottom opening  14 . The circumference of the bottom opening  15  would generally remain the same and be equal to the circumference of the top opening  12 . However, once the garment begins to flare outward, the circumference would gradually increase until it reached to bottom opening  14 . 
     As shown in the drawings, the length of the waist warmer  10  of  FIG. 2  would be longer than the length of the waist warmer  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, the length of the waist warmer  10  in  FIG. 3  would be greater than the length of the waist warmer  10  with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     Based upon the size of each individual, the length of the waist warmer  10  shown in  FIG. 1  would be between 7 and 8 inches; the length of the waist warmer  10  shown in  FIG. 2  would be between 7 and 11 inches; and the length of the waist warmer  10  shown in  FIG. 3  would be between 7 and 14 inches. However, it can be appreciated that these lengths can change. 
     Although the specific type of material utilized to construct the waist warmer  10  is not crucial to the present invention, it has been found that various compositions of material would be used depending upon the type of use or the weather. For example, Tricot and Raschel knits would be able to function as gym, dance or sports clothing. Other material such as cotton jersey knits could also be utilized. Similarly, the waist warmer  10  could be constructed from 100% cotton jersey knits or a Lycra® blend for casual wear and stretch velvet or leather could also be worn for dressier applications. However, the exact material used to construct the waist warmer is not crucial to the present invention and other fabrics can be employed. 
     During the summer, cotton jersey knits could provide coverage while still keeping the individual cool. During the winter, it has been found that 85% wool blends would provide suitable warmth, as well as a material manufactured from 100% cashmere or a knitted fabric, as well as an alternative such as silk, polyester or 100% filament silk. However, it can be appreciated that different blends of material as well as different colors could be used within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, stretch velvet 90% poly/10% spandex can also be employed. 
     The remaining figures describe various manners in which the waist warmer  10  is put on as well as various accessories utilized with the waist warmer. It is noted that the waist warmer  10  shown in  FIGS. 4-16  reflect the size of the first embodiment. However, it is noted that the manner of putting on the waist warmer  10  as well as the accessories shown in  FIGS. 4-16  can also be applied to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  with minor modifications. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  7  and  14  show variants of the manner in which the waist warmer  10  is put on. The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-3  would be donned by putting the bottom opening  14  over the individual&#39;s head and then lowering it until it fits in the manner shown in  FIG. 1 ,  2  or  3 . Alternatively, the one piece waist warmer  10  can be put on utilizing a zipper  16  extending from the top to the bottom of the waist warmer  10 . This zipper  16  can be applied to the front or back of the waist warmer  10 ; or, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a zipper  18  is provided on the side of the waist warmer  10 . A zipper can be affixed at any location on the waist warmer. 
       FIG. 6  shows the embodiments shown in  FIG. 1 ,  2  or  3  in which the waist warmer  10  is pulled over the head of the individual. In this instance, stretch bands  20  and  22  are applied to the top and bottom of the waist warmer  10  to assist this process. 
       FIG. 7  shows the use of a plurality of buttons  24  extending for all or most of the length of the waist warmer  10 . These buttons could be applied on the side, the front or the back of the waist warmer  10 . Similarly,  FIG. 14  shows the use of a pair of Velcro® strips  42  used to secure one end of the waist warmer  10  to its other end. Similarly, snaps and hooks and eyes could be used to fasten the waist warmer. 
       FIG. 8  shows the use of a series of reflective stripes  26  running the length of waist warmer  10 .  FIG. 9  shows an embodiment in which decorative accessories, such as buttons  28  applied to the outside surface of the waist warmer  10 . As can be appreciated, various other types of accessories in various shapes, patterns and designs could also be applied to the outside surface of the waist warmer. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the use of a decorative belt  30  along with a buckle  32  which is provided approximately half way between the top of the waist warmer  10  and the bottom of the waist warmer  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , various decorative bands of material  34 ,  36 , such as fur, can be applied to the top and bottom portions of the waist warmer  10 . 
     As illustrated with respect to  FIG. 12 , the waist warmer  10  can be provided with a series of pockets  38  applied to the exterior surface of the waist warmer  10  for the purpose of carrying various items, such as a cell phone, Blackberry®, Ipod®, water bottles, keys, lipstick, identification papers and the like. The pockets can also be used for medical treatment such as heating pads, ice pads, ultrasound devices and the like. 
     When used as part of a work-out outfit, reflective strips  40  can be applied to the outside surface of the waist warmer  10 . This is particularly useful when wearing the waist warmer  10  after dark. Elastic  45  could be inserted inside the waist warmer at various strengths to act as a support for back muscles, as shown in, for example,  FIG. 16 . 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show additional features of the waist warmer  10  such as the inclusion of an interior pocket  44  applied to the interior surface of the waist warmer  10  as well as the ability to fold over the top or bottom portions  12  and  14 , as shown at  46 . 
     Although the drawings only show the front of the waist warmer  10 , it can be appreciated that the waist warmer  10  is generally symmetrical and similar accessories, fasteners or other items can be applied to the entire outside surface of the waist warmer  10 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover any of these modifications and variations.