Patent Publication Number: US-2017360129-A1

Title: Dynamic pullover top

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/458,230, filed on Aug. 12, 2014, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional No. 61/864,642, filed on Aug. 12, 2013. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (a) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is in the technical field of clothing and apparel. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of shirts, tops and other clothing that might be worn by a user to cover the user&#39;s torso. Even more particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of novelty clothing and apparel and novelty shirts and tops. 
     (b) Background Art 
     Articles of clothing are frequently tailored for specific functional purposes in specific contemplated contexts (i.e., raincoats, jogging pants, sports bras, etc.), for specific aesthetic or fashion purposes (i.e., graphic print t-shirts, designer jeans, etc.), or for both of these purposes (i.e., graphic print moisture-wicking shirts, logo-imprinted hats, etc.). In the latter two contexts, the prior art suffers from an inability for any single article of clothing to present more than a single visual presentation to an audience. By way of example, if a t-shirt is screen-printed with a picture of a dog, that particular t-shirt will always be displayed inflexibly with the image of that particular dog and a user has no ability to dynamically change the graphic presentment on the face of the t-shirt without permanently printing or stitching over top of the dog image, or otherwise buying a new t-shirt with a different static image. More specifically, the prior art suffers from a dearth of novelty clothing articles that enable a user to manipulate the article in real time to change what a third-party viewer may perceive as the aesthetic of the clothing article. While few and far between, one method of accomplishing the goal of such a dynamic novelty clothing article has been the introduction of multi-layers articles featuring apertures in an exterior layer and allowing two views of the aesthetic of the article—a first being a design, message or graphic displayed across the exterior layer of fabric and across the closed aperture, and a second being a design, message or graphic displayed across an interior layer of fabric and only visible when the aperture is opened. 
     Articles of clothing featuring designed apertures that may be interchangeably opened and closed are known in the existing art. For instance, United States patent application publication US 2009/0178174 A1 published on Jul. 19, 2009 to inventor Cash (the “Cash reference”) discloses an apertured pant designed for the functional purpose of allowing a wearer to vent the legs of the pant and release trapped body heat without having the inconvenience of removing and carrying the pant legs separately. The Cash reference specifically contemplates that the disclosed pant is comprised of two layers of fabric, a first exterior layer exposed to the elements, and a second interior “modesty layer” intended to obstruct the view of third-parties vis-a-vis the anatomy of the user beneath the pant. 
     While the Cash reference invention no doubt serves its functional purpose of venting and thereby cooling the legs of a user, there is no suggestion from the Cash reference that the apertured pant may have an analog in an aperture top or pullover and there is no contemplation that the second interior “modesty layer” should have any function other than to deter and obstruct the vision of third-parties, as opposed to being a decorative portion of the garment with the intent being that third-party bystanders actively pay attention to design and messages contained on the surface of the interior layer. An article of clothing, particularly a top, that features the aperture and the interior layer of fabric as a decorative feature of the article is therefore a desirable improvement over this prior art. 
     Similarly, novelty clothing articles having hidden designs contained within the garment are known in the existing art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,365 issued on Aug. 13, 1996 to inventor Mondy (the “Mondy reference”) discloses a novelty clothing article having a flexible three-dimensional display member that extends from a pocket in the article when the pocket is opened. Specifically, the Mondy reference contemplates that the display aspect of the clothing article is formed of a flexible, resilient material that is capable, when released, of re-assuming a predetermined configurations to provide a three-dimensional display. 
     While the Mondy reference contemplates a clothing article, specifically a top, having an aperture through which a hidden design is viewable when the aperture is opened, Mondy limits its disclosure to a “resilient compressible display member having a predetermined extended configuration” that remains compressed within the pocket formed by the closing of the aperture until such time that the aperture is opened. The result is a noticeable lump in the article of clothing caused by the resilient compressible display pressing itself against the interior of the closed aperture, adding unnecessary weight and bulk to the article of clothing and thereby sacrificing comfort for novelty. Furthermore, the Mondy reference expressly contemplates that the aperture is opened and closed by means of a zipper assembly, a method that could prove cumbersome and awkward in showcasing the novelty feature of the clothing article as the user must secure the article of clothing above the zipper with a first hand, pull the zipper down unzipping the aperture with a second hand and allowing the 3-D display to fully extend from the aperture, then awkwardly tuck the 3-D display back into the aperture and attempt to hold the display in place while pulling the zipper back up to close the aperture and aperture pocket—it is hard to imagine this method being more enjoyable than annoying to a user. 
     Further demonstrating the breadth of prior art known in the novelty clothing article technical field is U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,472 issued on Oct. 3, 2000 to inventor Nakagawa (the “Nakagawa reference”). The invention of the Nakagawa reference contemplates clothing, headgear, or accessories comprising a surface having a plurality of linear cuts forming openings lined with back covers that are exposed when the linear cuts are open. The linear cuts are further coupled with any of several traditional fasteners, including but not limited to zippers, snap-fasteners, hooks and the like. The back covers cited in the Nakagawa reference are specifically adorned with the attributes of a face, including eyes and mouth, and the overall effect of the novelty article is to be the appearance of a face. 
     The Nakagawa reference has shortcomings in its reliance upon crude traditional fastening systems that must be manipulated by a user twice to accomplish a display and then subsequent concealment of the design, message or graphic hidden within the apertures in the clothing. A zipper must be unzipped and then zipped to display and conceal the back covers within and behind the apertures. A snap-fastener must be unsnapped and then snapped to display and conceal the back covers within and behind the apertures. A hook fastening apparatus must be unhooked and then hooked to display and conceal the back covers within and behind the apertures. Further, as contemplated by the Nakagawa reference, the back covers are static images, not interchangeable at a user&#39;s election. 
     Accordingly and in view of the known prior art, there remains a need for a novelty clothing article, specifically a pullover top, that features at least a single aperture that may be opened or closed to display or conceal a design, message or graphic of a user&#39;s choosing to a viewing audience. Further, there remains a need for a novelty clothing article, specifically a pullover top, that features at least a single aperture coupled with means for securing the closure of the aperture in such way that the aperture remains closed in its resting state, may be readily pulled open by a user at the user&#39;s election and is predisposed to returning to its closed resting state when not actively manipulated by a user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In broad terms, the present invention (the “Invention”) is a pullover-style shirt to be worn by a user, the shirt comprising a first exterior layer of fabric, a second interior layer of fabric, an aperture in the first exterior layer of fabric, securing means that serve to close the aperture when the aperture is not actively manipulated by a user, but allow the easy opening of the aperture to display the second interior layer of fabric when the aperture is actively manipulated by a user. More precisely, the inventor expressly contemplates that the interior layer of fabric should bear a graphic display that is exposed when the aperture is opened. Still further, the inventor expressly contemplates that the securing means are to be a system of opposite polarity magnets that attract one another sewn into the edges of the aperture, thus closing the aperture via their force of attraction when not restrained from one another. Still further, the inventor expressly contemplates that the aperture should be positioned so as to locate over the sternum of a user when the pullover top is worn. 
     It is worth noting that the inventor readily envisions alternative preferred embodiments of the Invention, including without limitation a first preferred embodiment in which the first exterior layer of fabric and the second interior layer of fabric are integrated with each other via sewing or other means affixing the two layers to one another, and a second preferred embodiment in which the first exterior layer of fabric and the second interior layer of fabric are not integrated, but rather, worn separately, but in tandem, to collectively comprise the inventive pullover top. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the best mode of the present invention in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the best mode of the present invention in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the best mode of the present invention in the first configuration when being worn by a user; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the best mode of the present invention in the second configuration when being worn by a user; and 
         FIG. 5  is a blown-apart view of the best mode of the present invention illustrating the composition of the total Invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the Invention in further detail, the inventor expressly contemplates a dynamic pullover top to be worn by a user, the pullover top comprising two fabric layers including a first exterior fabric layer and a second interior fabric layer adorned with a graphic, design or message, at least a single aperture in the exterior fabric layer, and securing means integrated with the edges of the aperture that secure the aperture in a closed configuration when at rest, but which allow easy opening of the aperture when actively manipulated by a user. In practice, the aperture may be opened by active manipulation of the securing means by a user, but otherwise, the securing means revert to a resting state in which the aperture is closed. Thus, when the user actively manipulates the securing means, the second interior fabric layer is exposed and the graphic, design or message thereon is displayed, however, the aperture is in a closed configuration when at rest and the second interior fabric layer and its design, graphic or message is concealed. More specifically, the contemplated best mode of the Invention is the pullover top, as described above, wherein the securing means comprises a system of magnet pairings integrated within the edges of the aperture, the paired magnets attracting one another via their opposite poles and closing the aperture when not actively manipulated by a user. In this sense, the user may quickly obscure a graphic, display or message adorning the first exterior fabric layer and, at the same time, display a graphic, design or message adorning the second interior fabric layer by pulling the opposite poles of the paired magnets apart from one another. When the user releases any two paired magnets, the opposite poles of the two magnets attract and automatically return the aperture in the first exterior fabric layer to a closed configuration without the need of further manipulation by a user. The inventor has further contemplated that certain effects of the graphic design upon the second interior fabric layer may be accentuated by the composition of the interior fabric layer from a fabric having a notable degree of elasticity, a lycra or other polyester-based fabric being expressly contemplated. Still further, the inventor contemplates the best mode of the now identified Invention featuring the aperture in such location as to be located over the sternum of a user when the pullover top is actually worn. 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 1  there is shown the inventive dynamic pullover top  10  to be worn by a user, the pullover top having the standard features one would expect in a common top of the same styling, including without limitation a right sleeve  11 , a left sleeve  12 , a closed collar  13 , and a portion covering the shoulders and torso of a user. An unusual aspect of the now disclosed pullover top  10  is the duality of fabric layers from which it is constructed including a first exterior fabric layer  14  and a second interior fabric layer (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Notably, the first exterior fabric layer  14  is depicted having an aperture  15  running vertically down the chest-covering portion of the first exterior fabric layer  14 . As depicted, the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  is in a “closed” configuration, being secured in that configuration by a plurality of securing magnet pairings  16 , each magnet pairing  16  comprising at least two magnets having opposite poles that attract the magnets to one another, thus closing the aperture  15 . In the illustration provided, the first exterior fabric layer  14  of the chest of the pullover top  10  is equipped with six magnet pairings  16  integrated with the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14 . In construction, it is contemplated that two edges of the aperture  15  will have at least one magnet sewn into the edge and paired with an equal and opposite magnet in the opposing edge of the aperture  15 , forming a magnet pairing  16  when the magnetic poles attract and the aperture  15  closes. The second interior fabric layer (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the pullover top  10  is not visible in  FIG. 1 , but is disclosed in the other illustrations provided. 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 2  there is shown the inventive dynamic pullover top  10 , again having the standard attributes of a common top of the same styling, including without limitation a right sleeve  11 , a left sleeve  12 , a closed collar  13 , and a portion covering the shoulders and torso of a user. Again and shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 , an unusual aspect of the now disclosed pullover top  10  is the duality of fabric layers from which it is constructed including a first exterior fabric layer  14  and a second interior fabric layer  20 . Again in  FIG. 2 , the first exterior fabric layer  14  is shown having an aperture  15  running vertically down the chest of the pullover top  10 , however, in this view, the aperture  15  is depicted in an “open” configuration, so that the second interior fabric layer  20 , a left edge  21  of the aperture  15 , and a right edge  19  of the aperture  15  are exposed. Because the left edge  21  and the right edge  19  of the aperture  15  are exposed in  FIG. 2 , also exposed are both closed magnet pairings  16  and open magnet pairings  16 , the open magnet pairings  16  being now visible in their constituent left magnets  17  sewn into the left edge  21  of the aperture  15 , and their constituent right magnets  18  sewn into the right edge  19  of the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14 . While the second interior fabric layer  20 , as depicted, does not have any graphic, design or aesthetic to speak of in the depicted pullover top  10 , the inventor expressly contemplates that the surface of the second interior fabric layer  20  that is exposed when the aperture  15  is in an “open” configuration may have any number of graphic designs, prints, or messages applied to its surface visible within the “open” aperture  15 . 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 3  there is shown the inventive dynamic pullover top  10  in a depiction of how it might look when worn by a user  22 . Again depicted are the attributes of all commonly styled tops, including without limitation a right sleeve  11  around the right arm of the user  22 , a left sleeve  12  around the left arm of the user  22 , a collar  13  about the neck of the user  22 , and a portion completely covering the torso of the user  22 . As in  FIG. 1 , the pullover top  10  as shown in  FIG. 3  is depicted in its “closed” configuration, with the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  located vertically down the sternum of the user  22  in a configuration where all magnet pairings  16  are in tact in the resting position, thereby securing the right edge (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the aperture  15  to the left edge (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the aperture  15  and concealing the second interior fabric layer (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). As can be appreciated from the illustration of  FIG. 3 , the pullover top  10  appears very much as a typical pullover shirt in use when the aperture  15  is in its “closed” configuration and all of the magnet pairings  16  are securing the aperture  15  edges to one another. 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 4  there is shown the inventive dynamic pullover top  10  in a depiction of how it might look when worn by a user  22  with the aperture  15  in an “open” configuration. Again depicted are the attributes of all commonly styled tops, including without limitation a right sleeve  11  around the right arm of the user  22 , a left sleeve  12  around the left arm of the user  22 , a collar  13  about the neck of the user  22 , and a portion completely covering the torso of the user  22 . As in  FIG. 2 , the pullover top  10  as shown in  FIG. 4  is depicted in its “open” configuration, with the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  located vertically down the sternum of the user  22  in a configuration where the paired magnets of all magnet pairings (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) have been separated via manipulation by the user, such that the magnet pairing (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) constituent left magnets  17  are visible as sewn into the left edge  21  of the open aperture  15 , and the magnet pairing (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) constituent right magnets  18  are visible as sewn into the right edge  19  of the open aperture  15 . Again, upon manipulation of the aperture  15  by the user  22 , the bonds of the magnet pairings (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) are broken, the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  is opened, and the second interior fabric layer  20  is exposed. As before noted, while the second interior fabric layer  20 , as depicted, does not have any graphic, design or aesthetic to speak of in the depicted pullover top  10 , the inventor expressly contemplates that the surface of the second interior fabric layer  20  that is exposed when the aperture  15  is in an “open” configuration may have any number of graphic designs, prints, or messages applied to its surface visible within the “open” aperture  15 . 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 5  there is shown the inventive dynamic pullover top  10  in a blown-apart view for the purpose of conveying a better appreciation of its individualized component parts. As in  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a standard pullover top  10 , having a standard right sleeve  11 , a standard left sleeve  12 , a standard closed collar  13 , and a standard portion to completely cover the torso having a front and a back  23 . As depicted, the pullover top  10  is in a partially “open” configuration, the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer of the top  10  being such that some magnet pairings  16  remain secure, while others have been pulled apart into their constituent left magnet  17  and constituent right magnet  18 , thus allowing the “opening” of the aperture  15 . Again the magnet pairing  16  constituent left magnet  17  is shown as sewn into the left edge  21  of the aperture  15 , and the constituent right magnet  18  is shown as sewn into the right edge  19  of the aperture  15 . As visible through both the open aperture  15  and as visible as a part of the blown-apart view itself, the second interior fabric layer  20  lies beneath the first exterior fabric layer  14 , and is exposed when the aperture  15  is opened. Of particular note in this blown apart view is that the overall novelty of the pullover top  10  as shown may be alternatively achieved by either a first exterior fabric layer  14  and second interior fabric layer  20  that are integrated with one another via sewing, serging or the like, or by a standalone first exterior fabric layer  14  and a standalone second interior fabric layer  20 . The important aspect of the inventive pullover  10  is that the second interior fabric layer  20  be concealed when the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  is “closed”, and that the second interior fabric layer  20  be exposed when the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  is “open”. 
     In terms of construction, the inventor contemplates that the pullover top  10  be constructed such that the first exterior fabric layer  14  is constructed of some fabric or composite fabric commonly used in the manufacture of shirts, specifically including without limitation any fabric selected from the class of cotton, polyester, lycra and/or rayon. Likewise, the inventor contemplates that the second interior fabric layer  20  of the pullover top  10  be constructed from some fabric or composite fabric commonly used in the manufacture of shirts, specifically including without limitation any fabric selected from the class of cotton, polyester, lycra and/or rayon, however, the inventor expressly contemplates that there is added utility in selecting a lycra or polyester composite construction for the second interior fabric layer  20  due to the superior abilities of polyester and lycra in accepting screen-printed graphics in such durable and vibrant colors. Any number of graphics would be appropriate to adorn the surface of the second interior fabric layer  20 , though the inventor expressly contemplates a Superman “S” shield graphic, a heart graphic, or specific messages. The use of an elastic fabric such as polyester or lycra is further thought to be advantageous to allow the stretching of the second interior fabric layer  20  when a user  22  rips open the aperture  15  in the first exterior fabric layer  14  to display the graphic adorning the second interior fabric layer  20  in the context where the second interior fabric layer  20  and the first exterior fabric layer  14  are integrated and, therefore, the ripping open of the aperture  15  may strain both layers of fabric. 
     In terms of the securing means, the inventor has consciously selected the aforementioned magnet pairing  16  system to secure the aperture  15  closed due to the ability of the opposite polarity left magnet  17  and right magnet  18  to attract one another and, therefore, automatically close the aperture  15  when left at rest by a user  22 . To the inventor&#39;s knowledge no other securing system or fastening system has the ability to discretely “close itself” and thus preserve the novelty of the novelty inventive pullover top  10  until such time as a user  22  chooses to disclose the novelty of the aperture  15  to a viewing audience. For this reason, the magnet pairings  16  are referred to herein and throughout as a “securing means” or “securing system” because it is expressly contemplated by the inventor that there utility in the context of the disclosed pullover  10  exceeds that of any commonly known fasteners, including without limitation zippers, snap-fasteners, and/or hoop and loop assemblies. The inventor also acknowledges that the crude functionality of the now disclosed pullover could also be attained through the use of commonly known fasteners, including without limitation zippers, snap-fasteners, and/or hoop and loop assemblies. 
     Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     For example, although the inventor identifies securing means throughout this specification and notes that the best mode securing means are likely to comprise a system of magnets, the inventor further appreciates that the securing of the aperture contemplated may also be accomplished by fastening means, and may include any of a host of options, including but not limited to zippers, snap-together button assemblies, and/or hook and loop fastening systems such as Velcro®. Likewise and as previously mentioned, the inventor expressly contemplates that embodiments may exist where the exterior and interior fabric layers are either affixed to one another or exist as separate and distinct components. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description. 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.