Patent ID: 12220006

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed are example wrap skirts that facilitate easier wrapping and donning of the wrap skirt by person. The example wrap skirts comprise a waist portion which is to wrap about a person's waist and be in direct contact with the person's waist and an overlapping portion that it overlaps the waist portion. The example wrap skirts facilitate independent support of the waist portion prior to securement of the overlapping portion in an overlapping state. As a result, a person may more easily put on the wrap skirt.

Disclosed is an example wrap skirt that comprises a skirt panel having a top waist portion, a first end and a second end, a first portion of a first connector coupled to the skirt panel proximate the top waist portion between the first end and the second end, a second portion of the first connector coupled to the skirt panel proximate the top waist portion proximate the first end, a first portion of a second connector coupled to the skirt panel proximate the top waist portion between the first and end the second, and a second portion of the second connector coupled to the skirt panel proximate the top waist portion proximate the second end. The first connector is configured to retain the top waist portion about a waistline of a person as an overlapping portion of the skirt panel is wrapped and subsequently retained in place by the second connector.

In some implementations, the example wrap skirts provide waist length adjustability. In such implementations, the circumference of the waist portion is adjustable to different waist sizes. Upon being secured in place at a desired waist size, the overlapping portion may be secured in the overlapping state.

In some implementations, the example wrap skirts may additionally comprise a sleeve extending along the top waist portion and a webbing slidably positioned within the sleeve, wherein the first portion of the first connector is carried by a first end portion of the webbing and wherein the second portion of the second connector is carried by a second end portion of the webbing. In some implementations, the sleeve has a first opening on a first side of the skirt panel through which the first portion of the first connector extends and has a second opening on a second side of the skirt panel through which the second portion of the second connector extends. In some implementations, the wrap skirt may further comprise a flexible tether having a first end portion connected to the webbing and a second end portion anchored to the skirt panel.

In some implementations, the webbing comprises a catch carried by the webbing between the first portion of the first connector and a mouth of the sleeve, the catch being configured to inhibit movement of the first portion of the first connector into the sleeve. In some implementations, the catch comprises a hook to engage the mouth of the sleeve. In some implementations, the webbing is folded over itself and secured to itself to form the hook.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example wrap skirt20. Wrap skirt20comprises a waist portion24and an overlapping portion26that wraps over or overlaps the waist portion. Wrap skirt20may be easier to be put on in that waist portion24is configured to be supported about the waist of a person wearing wrap skirt20independent of and prior to securement of the overlapping portion26over top of the waist portion24. As result, a person may first secure the waist portion24about his or her waist to ensure a proper fit without having to manage positioning of the overlapping portion26. Once the waist portion24has been properly fit about the waist, the person may devote his or her attention to properly wrapping and securing the overlapping portion26over the already secured waist portion24. Wrap skirt20comprises skirt panel30, connector34and connector36.

Skirt panel30comprises a continuous, integral sheet of material having a top waist portion40, a lower edge42, a first end44and a second end46. One or more of the top waist portion40, the lower edge42, first end44and the second end46may include edge treatments. For example, one or more of the top waist portion40, the lower edge42, first end44and the second end46may include an additional stiffening strip of material, a hem, a fold, additional stitching and the like. Skirt panel30may be formed from a breathable fabric, a non-breathable fabric, a leather, a synthetic leather, a polymer or other materials. Although illustrated as being imperforate, uninterrupted and rectangular in shape, in some implementations, skirt panel30may have other shapes or may be perforated or interrupted in that skirt panel30may include slits, notches, openings or the like. Skirt panel30may include additional panels or attachments. For example, skirt panel30may include additional panels of material to form pockets or other complementary features.

Connector34comprises a connection device secured to skirt panel30and configured to form waist portion24. Connector34comprises a first connector portion34-1and second connector portion34-2. First portion34-1is coupled to the skirt panel30proximate the top waist portion40between first and44and second end46. Second connector portion34-2is coupled to the skirt panel proximate the top waist portion40proximate the first end44. As shown byFIG.2, first connector portion34-1connects to second connector portion34-2to retain waist portion24about the waist W of a person. Such retention occurs prior to the connection of connector36.

Connector36comprise a connection device secured to skirt panel30and configured to retain overlapping portion26in place, over an outside of waist portion24. Connector36comprises a first portion36-1and a second portion36-2. First connector portion36-1is coupled to skirt panel30proximate top waist portion40between first end44and second end46. First connector portion36-1is coupled skirt panel30between first connector portion34-1of connector34and second connector portion34-2of connector36.

In the example illustrated, connector portions34-1and36-2are both coupled to skirt panel30on an inside or inner surface of skirt panel30, the side of skirt panel30which is to face the waist and thighs of the person wearing wrap skirt20. Connector portion34-2is coupled to skirt panel30on an exterior side of skirt panel30, the side skirt panel30facing away from the waist and thighs of the person wearing wrap skirt20. In other implementations, connector portions34-1,34-2,36-1and/or36-2may be coupled to skirt panel30on a face or side skirt panel30opposite to that shown, wherein portions of the skirt panel adjacent connector may be folded or bent to facilitate connection of the different connector portions.

In some implementations, connectors34and36may comprise cooperating portions of a hook and loop (VELCRO) connector. In some implementations, connectors34and36may comprise cooperating portions of a snap connector. In some implementations, connectors34and36may comprise cooperating portions of a quick disconnect buckle or other quick release connector. In yet other implementations, connectors34and36may comprise other forms of releasable or disengageable connectors, such as, for example, a button and a button hole. In some implementations, connector34may be of a first type of a connector while connector36is of a second different type of connector. For example, in some implementations, connector34may be a snap connector while connector36comprise a quick connect buckle connector.

FIGS.3-5are diagrams illustrating an example wrap skirt120.FIG.3illustrates an inner face121of wrap skirt120, the face or side of wrap skirt120which is to face towards the waist and thighs of a person wearing wrap skirt120.FIG.4illustrates an exterior face122of wrap skirt120, the face or side of wrap skirt120which is to face away from the waist and thighs of a person wearing wrap skirt120.FIG.5is a sectional view of wrap skirt120taken along line5-5ofFIG.4. Wrap skirt120is similar to wrap skirt20described above except that wrap skirt120additionally comprises sleeve150, webbing152, tether154and catches156-1,156-2(collectively referred to as catches156). Those remaining components of wrap skirt120which correspond to components of wrap skirt20are numbered similarly.

Sleeve150(greatly enlarged inFIG.5for purposes of illustration) retains and guides sliding movement of webbing152. Sleeve150is coupled to skirt panel30on the inner face121of skirt panel30and is sized to slidably receive central portions of webbing152. In the example illustrated, sleeve150has opposite axial ends spaced from ends44and46

In the example illustrated, sleeve150is formed from a panel of material secured to the inner face121of skirt panel30, wherein the inner face121of skirt panel30forms a portion of the interior surface of sleeve150. In other implementations, sleeve150may comprise a tube or a pair of panels which completely form sleeve150, wherein the sleeve is then coupled to inner face121of skirt panel30. In some implementations, sleeve150may comprise multiple sections or multiple spaced loops formed on the inner face122of skirt panel30and through which portions of webbing152extend.

Sleeve150comprises openings160-1and160-2(collectively referred to as openings160) through which webbing152extends. Openings160are located opposite axial ends of sleeve150. In the example illustrated, opening160-1is located on the inner face121of skirt panel30, opening towards the waist of a person wearing wrap skirt120. Opening160-2extends through skirt panel30, opening through the exterior face122of skirt panel30, opening away from the waist of a person wearing wrap skirt120.

In the example illustrated, sleeve150extends along a portion of top waist portion40, having a length less than the length of top waist portion40. In some implementations, sleeve150has a length no greater than 50% of the length of top waist portion40. In the example illustrated, sleeve150has a length of at least 4 inches and no greater than 24 inches. In other implementations, sleeve150may extend along substantially the entire length of top waist portion40, wherein openings160may be located at intermediate portions of the length of sleeve150, extending through sides of sleeve150between its opposite axial ends. In some implementations, sleeve150may extend from one of ends44,46and terminate at a location between ends44and46.

Webbing152comprises a length of flexible material projecting from and through both of openings160of sleeve150and supporting connector portions34-1and36-1beyond openings160. Webbing152is configured to bend and flex to conform to the waist of the person wearing wrap skirt120. Webbing152is further configured to slide or move within and relative to the interior of sleeve150.

In the example illustrated, webbing152comprises a flat strap of inelastic fabric material. In other implementations, webbing152may comprise a flexible cord having a circular or oval cross-section. In some implementations, webbing152may be formed from an elastic material. Webbing152may be formed from materials such as natural or synthetic fabrics, rubbers, synthetic rubbers, polymers and the like.

In the example illustrated, webbing152may slide along the length of sleeve150to permit both of connector portion34-1and36-1to be adjustably repositioned relative to ends46and44, respectively. As a result, connector portion34-1and36-1may be more easily brought into connection with their respective complementary connector portions34-2and36-2when a person is dressing with wrap skirt120. Because webbing152supports both of connector portions34-1and36-1at its opposite end portions, pulling one of connector portions34-1,36-1further out of sleeve150shortens the extent to which the other of connector portions34-1,36-1extends from sleeve150. As a result, connector portion34-1may be extended when waist portion24is initially wrapped about a person's waist, allowing a looser initial fit of waist portion40. Thereafter, connector portions36-1may be pulled for connection to connector portion36-2to secure overlapping portion26in its wrapped state while also concurrently tightening waist portion24about the person's waist.

Tether154comprises a flexible cord, strap or band of material having a first end portion connected to webbing152and a second end portion anchored, directly or indirectly, to skirt panel30. In other implementations, a portion of the tether154can be connected to the skirt panel30and another portion, not necessarily the first end of the tether can be coupled to the webbing152. Tether154may serve to limit the extent to which webbing152is pulled through opening160-1or alternatively through opening160-2. Tether154allows some limited extent of movement of webbing152while preventing webbing152from being completely withdrawn from sleeve150. In some implementations, tether154is inelastic. In other implementations, tether154has a controlled degree of elasticity or stretchability. In some implementations, the tether154has a length that is shorter than the length of the sleeve150. In another implementation, the length of the tether154is no greater than half the length of the sleeve150. In the example illustrated, tether154can have a length of at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 6 inches.

Catches156comprise structures configured to inhibit connector portions34-1and36-1from being moved or drawn into the interior of sleeve150. In some implementations, catches156-1,156-2comprise structures having a size greater than the size of openings160-1and160-2, respectively. In some implementations, the connector portion34-1and/or connector portion36-1may concurrently serve as catches in that such connector portions may have a dimension greater than the size of the sleeve openings to inhibit such connector portions from being drawn into the interior of sleeve150. In some implementations, catches156each comprise a hook to catch or engage the mouth of the associated opening160-1,160-2. In some implementations, catches156-1,156-2comprise a portion of the webbing152folded over itself and secured to itself to form a fabric hook.

FIGS.6-8illustrate portions of an example wrap skirt220.FIG.6is a perspective view of an inner side or face121of wrap skirt220in an extended state.FIG.7is a perspective view of an outer face or side122of wrap skirt220in the extended state.FIG.8illustrates portions of wrap skirt220broken away to illustrate interior contents of a sleeve of wrap skirt220. Wrap skirt220is one example implementation of wrap skirt120described above. Wrap skirt220comprises skirt panel30(described above), connector234, connector236, sleeve250, webbing252, flexible tether254and catch256.

Connector234is similar to connector34described above except that connector234particularly comprises a snap connector formed by snap connector portions234-1and234-2. The region of top waist portion40extending between connector portion234-1and234-2forms the waist portion24of wrap skirt220. In the example illustrated, connector portion234-1is supported on an end portion of strap252while connector portion234-2supported by a band237of material fixedly secured to and extending from end44of skirt panel30. Band237facilitates easier manipulation of connector portion234-2when securing connector portion234-2to connector portion234-1.

Connector236is similar to connector36described above except that connector236particularly comprises a quick release/quick connect buckle connector formed by connector portions236-1and236-2. Connector portion236-1is slidably positioned and retained along webbing252while connector portion236-2is fixed to the outer face122of skirt panel30. Connector portion236-1comprises a buckle through which webbing252extends, permitting the positioning of connector portion236along the length of webbing252to be adjusted. Connector portion236-1comprises a buckle portion that resiliently flexes and snaps into the corresponding quick release connector portion236-2.

Sleeve250slidably supports and guides central portions of webbing252and is secured along top waist portion40of skirt panel30. In the example illustrated, sleeve250is formed by a band of fabric stitched or otherwise secured to the inner face121of skirt panel30, forming a passage through which webbing252extends. Sleeve250is generally centered at a center point between ends44and46shown inFIG.11. In the example illustrated, sleeve150has a length of at least 4 inches and no greater than 24 inches.

Webbing252is similar to webbing152described above. In the example illustrated, webbing252comprise a band of flexible fabric, such as a flexible canvas material. As seen inFIG.6, webbing252has a first end portion253-1projecting from opening160-1on the inner face of skirt panel30, supporting connector portion234-1and catch256. As seen inFIG.7, webbing252has a second end portion253-2projecting from opening160-2on the exterior face122of skirt panel30and passing through connector portion236-1.

As shown byFIG.8, flexible tether254comprises a strap of material having a first end portion255-1affixed or connected to webbing252(such as by stitching) and a second end portion255-2affixed or anchored to skirt panel30, either directly or indirectly via sleeve250. As with flexible tether54, flexible tether254limits an extent to which webbing252may be slid and pulled through either of openings160of sleeve250. Tether254prevents webbing252from being completely withdrawn from sleeve250. In the example illustrated, flexible tether254has a length of at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 6 inches. In some implementations, tether254may be omitted.

Catch256(shown inFIG.6) comprise a structure configured to inhibit connector portion234-1from being moved or drawn into the interior of sleeve250.FIGS.9and10illustrate catch256in more detail. As shown byFIG.9, in the example illustrated, catch256comprises a portion of the webbing252folded over itself and secured to itself (by stitching) to form a fabric hook257. Connector portion234-1is secured on the folded overlapping portion of webbing252. As shown byFIG.9, the fabric hook257engages and catches upon the mouth of opening160-1to prevent connector portion234-1from being completely drawn into the interior of sleeve250. In the example illustrated, the quick release buckle of connector portion236-1has a size greater than the size of opening160-2so as to serve as a catch.

FIGS.11-16illustrate a person donning wrap skirt220.FIG.11illustrates wrap skirt220being held behind the person's waist in an open and extended state. In the example illustrated, the person generally centers the sleeve250along his or her back with the connector portion234-1positioned along the left side of the person's waist. As shown byFIG.11, the person may grasp band237, keeping connector portion234-2exposed (not covered up by the fingers grasping end44of skirt panel30) and ready for connection to connector portion234-1.

FIG.12illustrates the person wrapping end44to the right, across the front of the person's waist, moving connector portion234-2towards connector portion234-1. During such connection, the person may rotate skirt panel30to better view connector portion234-1as connector portion234-2is brought into connection with connector portion234-1. During such connection, connector portion234-1may be extended by pulling end portion253-1and strap252further out of sleeve250so as to temporarily loosen waist portion24for easier connection of connector234.

As shown byFIG.13, once connector234has been connected, portion234-1and234-2have been snapped together, the person may rotate waist portion24about his or her waist to locate the beginning of overlapping portion26at a desired location, such as along the left side of the person wearing wrap skirt220. As further shown byFIG.13, once connector portion234-1and234-2have been connected to one another, waist portion24is fully supported about the person's waist prior to connection of connector236, leaving overlapping portion26dangling and ready for subsequent connection. The securement of waist portion24about the person's waist may be performed without the need to concurrently grasp or otherwise manipulate overlapping portion26. Once waist portion24has been secured, the person is ready to continue with the securement of overlapping portion26of wrap skirt220.

FIG.14illustrates the person subsequently grasping connector portion236-1and236-2(or nearby regions of wrap skirt220) to initiate the securement of overlapping portion26.FIG.14illustrates overlapping portion26being wrapped to the left, over waist portion24and across the front of the person wearing wrap skirt220.FIG.14further illustrates connector portion236-2being grasped and being moved towards connector portion236-1which is supported on end portion253-2of strap252. Because connector portion236-1is supported by strap252, connector portion236-1may be more easily manipulated for interconnection with connector portion236-2. During such connection, strap252may be pulled through the buckle portion of connector portion236-1to lengthen or shorten end portion253-2of strap252. End portion253-2of strap252may be further pulled or withdrawn from sleeve250to bring connector portion236-1into connecting engagement with connector portion236-2. As end portion253-2of strap252is pulled, end portion253-1of strap252is moved further into sleeve250, tightening waist portion24about the waist of the person wearing wrap skirt220.

FIG.15illustrates connector portions236-1and236-2interconnected to secure and retain overlapping portion26in position over waist portion24. As further shown byFIG.15, the person wearing wrap skirt220may further pull end portion253-2through the buckle of connector portion236-1to place overlap portion26in greater tension across the front of the person wearing wrap skirt220. Thereafter, as shown inFIG.16, wrap skirt220is fully assembled. Wrap skirt220may be subsequently rotated further about the waist of the person to a desired position.

FIG.17illustrates portions of an example wrap skirt320. Wrap skirt320is similar to wrap skirt120and220described above except that wrap skirt320comprises sleeve350instead of sleeve150or250. Those remaining components of wrap skirt320which correspond to components of wrap skirt120are numbered similarly.FIG.17illustrates an example of how webbing152may be supported and slidably guided by a sleeve formed from multiple individual loops351-1,351-2,351-3and351-4(collectively referred to as loops351) while leaving portions of webbing152exposed.

Loops351are formed on the inner face121of skirt panel30. The openings of loops351are aligned along the top waist portion40of skirt panel30. As shown byFIG.17, the individual loops351may be differently spaced from one another or uniformly spaced from one another. The different loops351may have different lengths relative to one another. Although wrap skirt320is illustrated as having four loops351, in other implementations, wrap skirt320may have a greater or fewer of such loops351.

As further shown byFIG.17, webbing152has an end portion253-2which passes through an opening160-2in skirt panel30such that connector portion34-1may be located on the inner face121of skirt panel30while connector portion36-1is located on the exterior face122(shown inFIG.4) of skirt panel30. In the example illustrated, flexible tether154may be stitched, welded, adhered or otherwise affixed to the inner face121of skirt panel30.

FIGS.18and19illustrate portions of an example wrap skirt420.FIGS.17and18illustrate an example of how connector portions34-1and36-1may be independently supported by independent webbings. Wrap skirt420is similar to wrap skirt120and220described above except that wrap skirt320comprises a pair of webbings452-1and452-2(collectively referred to as webbing452) directly or indirectly anchored to skirt panel30by flexible tethers454-1and454-2, respectively. Those remaining components of wrap skirt420which correspond to components of wrap skirt120are numbered similarly. In the example illustrated, connector portion34-2is illustrated as being supported by a flexible tab or band237(described above with respect to wrap skirt220). In other implementations, connector portion34-2may be supported on the inner face121of skirt panel30as shown inFIG.17.

Webbing452-1extends from within sleeve150through opening160-1and supports connector portion34-1of connector34on the inner face121of skirt panel30. Webbing452-2extends from within sleeve150through opening160-2and supports connector portion36-1on the exterior face122(shown inFIG.4) of skirt panel30. In some implementations, in lieu of being slidably supported by single sleeve150, each of webbings452may be supported and slidably guided by individual and distinct sleeves, a first sleeve for webbing452-1and a second sleeve for webbing452-2. In some implementations, each of webbing452may be supported and slidably guided by multiple individual loops such as loops351described above with respect to wrap skirt320.

Because connector portions34-1and36-1are supported by distinct and independent webbings452which are anchored by distinct tethers454, connector portions34-1and36-1may be withdrawn from sleeve150(or their respective sleeves or loops) by different extents when desired. In some implementations, each of tethers454may be elastic or inelastic. In some implementations, each of webbings452may be elastic or inelastic.

In some implementations, tethers454and/or their associated webbings452may have different characteristics relative to one another. For example, tether454-1may have a different length as compared tether454-2or may have a different extent or degree of elasticity or stretchability as compared to tether454-2. In some implementations, webbing452-1may have a different length as compared to webbing454-2or may have a different extent or degree of elasticity or stretchability as compared to webbing454-2. As a result, the adjustability of the positioning of connectors34-1and36-1may be different and may be customized to preferences of the person to wear wrap skirt420.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the disclosure. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing various benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.