Patent Publication Number: US-2023148687-A1

Title: Adjustable Length Garment Device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/279,894 filed on Nov. 16, 2021. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people wear rompers. Generally speaking, a romper is an article of clothing characterized by an elongated fabric piece designed to house both the upper portion and a lower portion of the wearer. Rompers generally comprise a number of upper openings for the wearer&#39;s arms and head and a pair of lower openings for the wearer&#39;s legs. Typically, the wearer will pull the romper up from his or her feet and then extend their hands and arms through the arm openings and his or her head through the upper opening. 
     However, in some situations, rompers are inconvenient for wearers. For example, when an individual wearing a romper must use a public restroom, washroom, or the like, he or she must usually fully remove the romper. In cases where the individual may not be wearing clothing underneath the romper, he or she may need to become fully naked in order to use the restroom. In addition to being inconvenient, this can also be uncomfortable, physically and mentally, with being naked in a public or unfamiliar location. Fully removing a romper can also expose the individual to the risks of being recorded by a hidden camera or subjected to other criminal actions. 
     In addition to fully removing the romper, the individual must also find a place to hang or store the romper while it is removed. If the location does not have a hook or a hanger, the individual may be required to hold the romper while using the restroom to avoid the romper falling onto a potentially dirty floor. When a romper falls onto a dirty floor, it may be rendered uncomfortable or unwearable if it becomes wet or dirty. This problem may be further exacerbated in situations where the individual needs to wipe or to clean themselves, as balancing the romper while doing other tasks can be difficult for the individual. 
     Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art references for an improved mechanism of allowing an individual wearing a romper to remove, or partially remove, the romper without having to remove all of one&#39;s clothing or risking the romper from falling on the ground. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of apparel lifting and removal structures now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a structurally-integrated garment, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when lifting the lower end of a romper, or similar garment. 
     In one embodiment, the present system comprises an elongated fabric member dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. The elongated fabric member comprises an upper opening, a pair of arm openings and a lower opening. A fastener is disposed at the lower end of the elongated fabric member. The fastener is configured to divide the lower opening into a pair of leg openings when engaged. the pair of leg openings define a lower channel. A drawstring is disposed around the lower channel. A first strap extends perpendicularly upward from the drawstring and outward from a first aperture. A second strap extends perpendicularly upward from the drawstring and outward from a second aperture. As such, lifting upward on the first strap and the second strap elevates the drawstring, raising the lower end of the elongated fabric member. 
     In another embodiment, the present system comprises an elongated fabric member dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. The elongated fabric member comprises an upper opening, a pair of arm openings and a lower opening. A fastener is disposed at the lower end of the elongated fabric member. The fastener is configured to divide the lower opening into a pair of leg openings when engaged. A first leg opening of the pair of leg openings defines a first lower channel. A second leg opening of the pair of leg openings defines a second lower channel. A first pair of drawstrings is disposed in the first lower channel. A second pair of drawstrings is disposed in the second lower channel. A first pair of straps extends perpendicularly upward from the first pair of drawstrings and outward from a first aperture. A second pair of straps extends perpendicularly upward from the second pair of drawstrings and outward from a second aperture. As such, lifting upward on the first pair of straps and the second pair of straps elevates the drawstrings, raising the lower end of the elongated fabric member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a first demonstrative view of a first embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a second demonstrative view of a first embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a first demonstrative view of a second embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a second demonstrative view of a second embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the adjustable length garment device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 A , there is shown a first demonstrative view of a first embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. The adjustable length garment device  10  comprises an elongated fabric member  11 . The elongated fabric member  11  is made of any suitable material of sufficient flexibility. The elongated fabric member  11  may be made of a single material, a blended material, or may comprise a plurality of sections made of different materials. The elongated fabric member  11  is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated fabric member  11  forms a romper. It is contemplated that the elongated fabric member  11  may comprise any standard element of apparel, such as one or more pockets, one or more elastic bands, one or more openings, one or more zippers, and one or more padded portions. 
     The elongated fabric member  11  comprises an upper opening  12 . The upper opening  12  is dimensioned to receive the head and the neck of the wearer therethrough. The upper opening  12  may comprise a collar or may be defined between a plurality of shoulder straps, as desired by the designer. Furthermore, the elongated fabric member  11  comprises at least one arm opening  13   a ,  13   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated fabric member  11  comprises a pair of arm openings  13   a ,  13   b . In some embodiments, at least one of the arm openings  13   a ,  13   b  comprises a sleeve configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s shoulder and/or arm. The elongated fabric member  11  comprises a lower opening  14  disposed at the bottom of the elongated fabric member  11  opposite the upper opening  12 . The lower opening  14  is of a sufficient circumference to accommodate being pulled over the torso, hips, and or thighs of the wearer. 
     A fastener  15   a ,  15   b  is disposed on the lower end of the elongated fabric member  11  on opposing sides of the lower opening  14 . The fastener  15   a ,  15   b  is configured to secure one portion of the fabric member  11  to another in a secure manner. The fastener  15   a ,  15   b  comprises any suitable fastener for securing a back portion of the elongated fabric member  11  to a front portion of the elongated fabric member. For example, the fastener  15   a ,  15   b  may be a hook and loop fastener or may be a button fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener consists of a front fastener  15   a  disposed on the internal face of a front portion of the elongated fabric member  11  and a rear fastener  15   b  disposed on the external face of a rear portion of the elongated fabric member  11 . Alternatively, the front fastener  15   a  may be on the external surface of the elongated fabric member  11  with the rear fastener  15   b  being on the internal surface of the elongated fabric member  11 , the front fastener  15   a  and the rear fastener  15   b  may be on corresponding internal faces of the elongated fabric member  11 , or the front fastener  15   a  and the rear fastener  15   b  may be on corresponding external faces of the elongated fabric member  11 . Additionally, in the demonstrated embodiment, the fastener  15   a ,  15   b  is configured to divide the lower opening  14  into a pair of leg openings when engaged. 
     The lower opening  14  of the elongated fabric member  11  comprises a drawstring  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the drawstring  16  is circular and extends around the perimeter of the lower opening  14 . The drawstring  16  is disposed in a lower channel  17  such that the circumference of the lower opening  14  may be manipulated by the drawstring  16 . The drawstring  16  is of any suitable material for providing support to elevate the lower opening  14  of the elongated fabric member  11  without adding an uncomfortable amount of weight to the elongated fabric member  11  for the wearer. 
     The drawstring  16  is in operable connection with a first strap  18  and a second strap  19 . The first strap  18  extends perpendicularly upward from a first side of the drawstring  16  and outward from a first aperture  20 . The first strap  18  is configured to elevate the first side of the lower opening  14 . The second strap  19  extends perpendicularly upward from a second side of the drawstring  16  and outward through a second aperture  21 . The second strap  19  is configured to elevate the second side of the lower opening  14 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first strap  18  is disposed in a first channel  22 . As such, the path of the first strap  18  will be defined and the function of the first strap  18  will not be interfered with by the wearer or by other elements of the adjustable length garment device. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the second strap  19  is disposed in a second channel  23 . As such, the path of the second strap  19  will be defined and the function of the second strap will not be interfered with by the wearer or by other elements of the adjustable length garment device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 B , there is shown a second demonstrative view of a first embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. In use, the wearer may pull outward and/or upward on the portions of the first strap  18  and the second strap  19  that extend outward from the first aperture  20  and the second aperture  21  respectively. As such, when the wearer lifts upward on the first strap  18  and the second strap  19 , the drawstring  16  will be elevated, allowing for the lower portion of the elongated fabric member  11  to be selectively elevated by the wearer. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first strap  18  comprises a first handle  24 . The first handle  24  is configured to assist the wearer in locating and pulling the first strap  18 . In the specific illustrated embodiment, the first handle  24  is perpendicularly disposed on a distal end of the first strap  18 . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the second strap  19  comprises a second handle  25 . The second handle  25  is configured to assist the wearer in locating and pulling the second strap  19 . In the specific illustrated embodiment, the second handle  25  is perpendicularly disposed on a distal end of the second strap  19 . In alternate embodiments, the first handle  24  and the second handle  25  may comprise a loop, a cord lock, or any other structure for assisting with the location or operation of the first strap  18  and the second strap  19 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2 A , there is shown a first demonstrative view of a second embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. The adjustable length garment device  30  comprises an elongated fabric member  31 . The elongated fabric member  31  is made of any suitable material of sufficient flexibility. The elongated fabric member  31  may be made of a single material, a blended material, or may comprise a plurality of sections made of different materials. The elongated fabric member  31  is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated fabric member  31  forms a romper. It is contemplated that the elongated fabric member  31  may comprise any standard element of apparel, such as one or more pockets, one or more elastic bands, one or more openings, one or more zippers, and one or more padded portions. 
     The elongated fabric member  31  comprises an upper opening  32 . The upper opening  32  is dimensioned to receive the head and the neck of the wearer therethrough. The upper opening  32  may comprise a collar or may be defined between a plurality of shoulder straps, as desired by the designer. Furthermore, the elongated fabric member  31  comprises at least one arm opening  33   a ,  33   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated fabric member  31  comprises a pair of arm openings  33   a ,  33   b . In some embodiments, at least one of the arm openings  33   a ,  33   b  comprises a sleeve configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s shoulder and/or arm. The elongated fabric member  31  comprises a lower opening  34   a ,  34   b  disposed at the bottom of the elongated fabric member  31  opposite the upper opening  32 . The lower opening  34   a ,  34   b  is of a sufficient circumference to accommodate being pulled over the torso, hips, and or thighs of the wearer. 
     A fastener  35   a ,  35   b  is disposed on the lower end of the elongated fabric member  31  on opposing sides of the lower opening  34   a ,  34   b . The fastener  35   a ,  35   b  is configured to secure one portion of the fabric member  31  to another in a secure manner. The fastener  35   a ,  35   b  comprises any suitable fastener for securing a back portion of the elongated fabric member  31  to a front portion of the elongated fabric member  31 . For example, the fastener  35   a ,  35   b  may be a hook and loop fastener or may be a button fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  35   a ,  35   b  consists of a front fastener  35   a  disposed on the internal face of a front portion of the elongated fabric member  31  and a rear fastener  35   b  disposed on the external face of a rear portion of the elongated fabric member  31 . Alternatively, the front fastener  35   a  may be on the external surface of the elongated fabric member  31  with the rear fastener  35   b  being on the internal surface of the elongated fabric member  31 , the front fastener  35   a  and the rear fastener  35   b  may be on corresponding internal faces of the elongated fabric member  31 , or the front fastener  35   a  and the rear fastener  35   b  may be on corresponding external faces of the elongated fabric member  31 . Additionally, in the demonstrated embodiment, the fastener  35   a ,  35   b  is configured to divide the lower opening  34  into a pair of leg openings when engaged. 
     The lower opening  34   a ,  34   b  of the elongated fabric member  31  comprises a first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  and a second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d . In the illustrated embodiment, the first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  are disposed around opposing sides of the lower opening  34   a ,  34   b  defining a front and a rear of the first leg opening  34   a . The first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  is disposed in a first lower channel  37   a  such that the circumference of the first leg opening  34   a  may be manipulated by the first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b . Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  are each disposed around opposing sides of the lower opening  34   a ,  34   b  defining a front and a rear of the second leg opening  34   b . The second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  is disposed in a second lower channel  37   b  such that the circumference of the second leg opening  34   b  may be manipulated by the second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d . The first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  and the second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  are of any suitable material for providing support to elevate the lower opening  34   a ,  34   b  of the elongated fabric member  31  without adding an uncomfortable amount of weight to the elongated fabric member  31  for the wearer. 
     The first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  are each in operable connection with a first strap  38   a ,  38   b , while the second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  are each in operable connection with a second strap  39   a ,  39   b . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  forms a single, unitary strand with the corresponding first strap  38   a ,  38   b . Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  forms a single, unitary strand with the corresponding second strap  39   a ,  39   b . The first straps  38   a ,  38   b  extend perpendicularly upward from a terminal point of each of the first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  and outward from a first aperture  40 . The first straps  38   a ,  38   b  are configured to elevate the first leg opening  34   a . The second straps  39   a ,  39   b  extend perpendicularly upward from a terminal point of each of the second drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  and outward through a second aperture  41 . The second straps  39   a ,  39   b  are configured to elevate the second leg opening  34   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  are disposed in a first channel  42 . As such, the path of the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  will be defined and the function of the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  will not be interfered with by the wearer or by other elements of the adjustable length garment device  30 . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the second straps  39   a ,  39   b  are disposed in a second channel  43 . As such, the path of the second straps  39   a ,  39   b  will be defined and the function of the second strap will not be interfered with by the wearer or by other elements of the adjustable length garment device  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2 B , there is shown a second demonstrative view of a second embodiment of the adjustable length garment device. In use, the wearer may pull outward and/or upward on the portions of the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  and the second straps  39   a ,  39   b  that extend outward from the first aperture  40  and the second aperture  41  respectively. As such, when the wearer lifts upward on the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  and the second straps  39   a ,  38   b , the first pair of drawstrings  36   a ,  36   b  and the second pair of drawstrings  36   c ,  36   d  will be elevated and drawn outward, allowing for the first leg opening  34   a  and the second leg opening  34   b  of the elongated fabric member  31  to be selectively elevated by the wearer. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  comprise a first handle  44 . The first handle  44  is configured to assist the wearer in locating and pulling the first straps  38   a ,  38   b . In the specific illustrated embodiment, the first handle  44  is perpendicularly disposed on a distal end of the first straps  38   a ,  38   b . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the second straps  39   a ,  39   b  comprise a second handle  45 . The second handle  45  is configured to assist the wearer in locating and pulling the second straps  39   a ,  39   b . In the specific illustrated embodiment, the second handle  45  is perpendicularly disposed on a distal end of the second straps  39   a ,  39   b . In alternate embodiments, the first handle  44  and the second handle  45  may comprise a loop, a cord lock, or any other structure for assisting with the location or operation of the first straps  38   a ,  38   b  and the second straps  39   a ,  39   b.    
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.