US 20070074329A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0074329 A1 Marshall et al. (43) Pub. Date: Apr. 5, 2007

(54) REVERSIBLE WATER RESISTANT Related U.S. Application Data GARMENT (60) Provisional application No. 60/713,985, filed on Sep. (75) Inventors: Barbara J. Marshall, Bratenahl, OH 2, 2005. (US); Bethany S. Reid, Grand Haven, MI (US); Joan E. Oxender, Romeo, Publication Classification MI (US); Belinda Wietor, Romeo, MI (US) (51) Int. Cl. A4ID I3/00 (2006.01) Correspondence Address: (52) U.S. Cl...... 2/69 HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP One GOJO Plaza (57) ABSTRACT Suite 300 A reversible and water resistant garment includes a first side AKRON, OH 44311-1076 (US) comprising a fabric layer and a second side comprising a (73) Assignee: BEEUTIFUL CREATIONS, LLC, polymeric layer. The garment resembles a and may Bratenahl, OH (US) comprise a , wherein the hood may be integral with at least one of the two layers. The garment may include one or (21) Appl. No.: 11/469,682 more fasteners to secure the garment closed. The garment has one or more openings for the wearer to pass an arm (22) Filed: Sep. 1, 2006 through.

Patent Application Publication Apr. 5, 2007 Sheet 1 of 4 US 2007/0074329 A1

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Patent Application Publication Apr. 5, 2007 Sheet 2 of 4 US 2007/0074329 A1

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FIG. 3 Patent Application Publication Apr. 5, 2007 Sheet 3 of 4 US 2007/0074329 A1

Patent Application Publication Apr. 5, 2007 Sheet 4 of 4 US 2007/0074329 A1

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REVERSIBLE WATER RESISTANT GARMENT 0010 FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the 0001. This application claims the benefit of U.S. provi reversible garment of the present invention having pockets; sional patent application Ser. No. 60/713.985, filed Sep. 2, 0011 FIG. 5 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the 2005, and hereby incorporated by reference. reversible garment of the present invention having apertures for passing hands and arms through; TECHNICAL FIELD 0012 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a user wearing the 0002 The present invention generally relates to gar reversible garment of FIG. 5: ments, and more specifically to a reversible and water 0013 FIG. 7 is a partial front plan view of the reversible resistant garment. garment of FIG. 5; BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0014 FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view through section 8-8 in FIG. 7; and 0003. Many different types of garments are known that are intended to be water resistant and wind resistant. Com 0015 FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an alternate mon types of weather resistant garments include embodiment of section 8-8 in FIG. 7. made entirely of plastic or other water resistant material that function like a typical . Other types of water resistant DETAILED DESCRIPTION garments include that are worn by pulling the neck 0016. An embodiment of a reversible water resistant slot of the over a person’s head. One problem with garment 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodi Some poncho style garments is that they are difficult to put ment of FIGS. 1 and 2, garment 10 is bilaminar including a on in a hurry. Another problem with some weather resistant fabric layer 12 and polymer layer 14. The fabric layer 12, garments is that the time required to put the garment on may and fabric layer 112 below, may be any fabric or cloth be too long. Often, for example, when a person exits a car known in the art, including but not limited to cotton, wool, during a rainstorm, he or she gets wet in the time it takes to leather, nylon, and polyester. Polymer layer 14 may be any don a jacket or poncho. This problem may be exacerbated water resistant fabric or cloth. As defined here, polymer when the user is carrying a briefcase, bag, etc. In addition to layer 14, and polymer layer 114 below, includes but is not these problems, weather resistant garments are typically not limited to polymeric materials, and may include any water very fashionable. repellant film, material, fabric, or cloth known in the art, 0004 As such, there is a need for a water resistant including but not limited to nylon, polyvinyl chloride, garment that is both fashionable and functional, enabling it polyester, and other polymeric fabrics, polymer coated fab to be quickly put on, whether or not the person is toting a rics, and other materials such as oilskin and leather that do bag. Accordingly, the present invention is hereby Submitted. not readily absorb water. 0017. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the body of SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION garment 10 comprises two edges 20 and 22. When laid in a flat position show in FIG. 3, the body forms an approxi 0005. In response to the foregoing concerns, the present mately circular or elliptical shape with the edges 20, 22 invention provides a reversible and water resistant garment separated by an angle 0. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and comprising a body having a polymer layer and a fabric layer 2, the angle 0 between the edges 20, 22 is an angle within having a first edge and a second edge when laid in a flat a range of approximately 45 to 90 degrees. A Smaller angle position, a hood, and means for fastening the first edge to the 0 will result in a garment with a larger girth, while a larger second edge, where the polymer layer comprises a water angle 0 will result in a garment with a smaller girth. It is resistant material. contemplated that the angle 0 between the edges 20, 22 may 0006 An alternate embodiment of the present invention be Smaller than 45 degrees, including angles between 0 and provides a reversible and water resistant garment comprising 45 degrees, or larger than 90 degrees. To put the garment on, a body having a polymer layer and a fabric layer having an the user would first separate the edges and quickly the approximately elliptical shape when laid in a flat position garment 10 around herself, bringing edges 20, 22 together. with a first edge and a second edge, an angle between Once the garment 10 is wrapped around the user, the edges approximately 45 and 90 degrees between the first edge and 20, 22 of the garment can be secured to each other via a the second edge when laid in a flat position, a hood, an means for fastening 18. The means for fastening 18 is opening having a size and position for a wearers arm to pass illustrated in the figures as a and slot fastener; through, and means for fastening the first edge to the second however, it is anticipated that any of a multitude of fasteners edge, where the polymer layer comprises a water resistant can be utilized without deviating from the scope of the material. present invention. Means for fastening may comprise hook and loop style fasteners located on edges 20 and 22, either BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS intermittently or continuously. Alternatively, means for fas tening may include one or more and slots, or Snaps, 0007 FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the reversible or hooks and eyelets. It is contemplated that means for garment illustrating the fabric side facing outward; fastening may include one or more decorative fasteners, Such as frogs, toggles, clasps, broaches, pins, buckles, or ties 0008 FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the reversible to fasten while enhancing the aesthetics of the garment. As garment having the polymeric side facing outward; the garment 10 may be reversible, it may have fastener 0009 FIG. 3 is a plan view of the reversible garment components located on both the fabric side 12 and polymer of FIG. 2 laid in a flat position; side 14. For example, if the means for fastening 18 is a US 2007/0074329 A1 Apr. 5, 2007

button-slot connection, a single slot could be selectively portions 115 and 115 to stitch them together, except at the engageable with both a fabric side button and a polymer side opening 144. At the location of opening 144, the seams 140, button. 150 do not go through both material portions 115 and 115"; instead, at the location of opening 144 material portions 115 0018. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, garment 10 may and 115" are not affixed together so as to create the opening include a hood 16. In one embodiment, hood 16 is comprised 144. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the patterns and colors of of a polymeric material and is formed integrally with material portion 115 may be different from the patterns and polymer layer 14. Alternately, hood 16 may be integral or colors of material portion 115". monolithic with fabric layer 12, or may be similarly bilami nar as the remainder of the garment 10. Alternatively, the 0022. In an alternate embodiment, the amount of overlap hood 16 may be removably attached to either or both of the in FIG. 8 is approximately zero. In this alternate embodi layers 12, 14 by any means known in the art. ment, the seams 140 and 150 may be adjacent, or may be the same seam joining the material portion 115 to the material 0019. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the garment portion 115". In this embodiment, a gap in the stitching that further comprises one or more pockets 30, 32. The pockets affixes the material portions 115, 115" together forms the 30, 32 may be incorporated on the fabric layer 12 as opening 144 in the junction between the material portions indicated by pocket 30, or on the polymer layer 14 as indicated by pocket 32. The pocket 32 on the polymer layer 115, 115". 14 may further comprise a flap 34 to deflect water from the 0023. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the opening 144 is a opening of the pocket 32. Alternatively, the pocket may be cut or slit in a pleat in the material portion 115. In the formed such that it is accessible from either the polymer embodiment of FIG. 9, seam 150 is adjacent to an edge of layer 14 or the fabric layer 12. In such an embodiment, both a first fold in the pleat, and seam 140 is adjacent to an edge the polymer layer 14 and fabric layer 12 may have an access of a second fold in the pleat. The seam 150 engages both the opening or slit and any means of closing the opening as is first fold and overlapping material portion 115 to stitch them known in the art, Such as Snaps, flaps, Zippers and the like. together, except at the opening 144. Likewise, the seam 140 In one embodiment, the pocket could be formed as a engages both the material portion 115 and the overlapping potential space between the fabric layer 12 and polymer second fold to Stitch them together, except at the opening layer 14. 144. At the location of opening 144, the seams 140, 150 do not go through both the pleat and the material portion 115; 0020. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a instead, at the location of opening 144 the folds are not reversible garment 110 is bilaminar including a fabric layer affixed to the overlapping material portion 115 so as to leave 112 and polymer layer 114. The body of garment 110 the opening 144. comprises two edges 120 and 122. When laid in a flat position exemplified by FIG. 3, the body forms an approxi 0024. In an alternate embodiment, seams 140, 142 do not mately circular or elliptical shape with the edges 120, 122 extend from the hood 16 to the lower edge of the garment. separated by an angle 0. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and Instead, the opening 144 is a slit in the material portion 115 6, the angle 0 between the edges 120, 122 is an angle within and the seams 140,142 exist only along an outer edge of the a range of approximately 45 to 90 degrees. A Smaller angle opening 144. 0 will result in a garment with a larger girth, while a larger angle 0 will result in a garment with a smaller girth. It is 0025. Each opening 144 may be fastened closed by one contemplated that the angle 0 between the edges 120, 122 or more means for fastening 18. Such as, but not limited to, may be smaller than 45 degrees, including angles between 0 Snap fasteners, buttons, or hook and loop style fasteners as and 45 degrees, or larger than 90 degrees. The garment 110 defined above. By employing one or more fasteners to close further comprises seams 140, 142 on the front of the the openings 144, the garment will be more secure against garment. Seams 140, 142 may extend from the hood 16 to rain and wind. In one embodiment, a flap covers the opening the lower edge of the garment as shown in FIG. 5. An 144. It is contemplated that a flap may be attached to the opening 144 is positioned adjacent to or within one or both polymer layer 114 or the fabric layer 112, or one flap on each of the seams 140, 142. The openings 144 are sized and layer 112, 114. located so that a person who is wearing the garment can pass 0026. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7, the gar his or her arm through the opening 144, as indicated in FIG. ment 10, 110 does not include sleeves for a user's arm. 6. Garment 10, 110 may be used for short durations, such as traveling from a vehicle to a building. The lack of sleeves is 0021. In the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 7-9, the openings 144 are constructed within the seams 140, 142 so useful when the user is carrying articles such as briefcases, that the openings 144 are hidden. Reinforcing seams 146. grocery bags, or other articles. The user can carry the article 148 may bound the openings 144. In the embodiment of beneath the shelter of the garment. The user may be able to FIG. 8, the opening 144 is constructed between overlapping wrap the garment 10, 110 around herself and the article and material portions 115 and 115". Material portion 115 is a secure it without first setting down the article. bilaminar composite of polymer layer 114 on one side, and 0027 Fabric layer 12 and polymer layer 14 may include fabric layer 112 on the other side, and material portion 115 any of a multitude of colors, patterns, and designs. It is is a bilaminar composite of polymer layer 114 on one side, contemplated that the colors, patterns, and designs incorpo and fabric layer 112 on the other side. In the embodiment of rated in fabric layer 12 and polymer layer 14 may include FIG. 8, seam 150 is adjacent to an edge of bilaminar material fashionable patterns and designs, sports team colors and portion 115', and seam 140 is adjacent to an edge of insignias, School colors and insignias, promotional slogans overlapping bilaminar material portion 115. In this embodi and logos, and trademarks. Further, it is contemplated that ment, the seams 140, 150 engage both overlapping material the combination of the fabric layer 12 and polymer layer 14 US 2007/0074329 A1 Apr. 5, 2007 may be different colors to represent any of a plurality of 5. The reversible garment of claim 1, further comprising: sports teams, School color Schemes, and other fashionable and promotional designs. an angle between the first edge and the second edge when laid in a flat position; 0028. It is contemplated that the polymer layer 14, 114 may include throughout its surface Small apertures to pro wherein the angle is between approximately 45 and 90 vide breathability to the polymer. Although a polymeric degrees. layer containing tiny apertures may not be totally water 6. The reversible garment of claim 1, further comprising: resistant, the Small apertures will not significantly compro an angle between the first edge and the second edge when mise the weather resistance of the garment. The Small laid in a flat position; apertures in the polymer layer 14, 114 will make the polymer layer 14, 114 somewhat breathable. And because fabric layer wherein the angle is between approximately 0 and 45 12, 112 may also be a breathable material, the combination degrees. of the two layers may provide a breathable garment that is 7. The reversible garment of claim 1, further comprising comfortable to wear. a pocket. 8. The reversible garment of claim 1, wherein the hood 0029. The bilaminar construction of the garment is comprises a single layer and is integral with the polymer advantageous in certain circumstances. When the weather layer. includes no precipitation or light precipitation, the user may 9. The reversible garment of claim 1, wherein the hood wear the garment 10, 110 with the fabric side 12, 112 facing comprises a single layer and is integral with the fabric layer. outward, which provides some weather resistance but still 10. The reversible garment of claim 1, wherein the hood enables the user to wear a fashionable garment. During more is removably attached to the body. severe weather, the user may wish to wear the garment with 11. The reversible garment of claim 1, wherein the body polymer layer 14, 114 facing outward, so to avoid the fabric comprises an approximately circular shape when laid in a side 12, 112 from becoming soaked. In either instance, the flat position. bilaminar construction provides two different looking gar 12. The reversible garment of claim 1, wherein the ments in a single package. polymer layer is perforated with small apertures sized to 0030 Additional advantages and modifications will allow air to pass through. readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the 13. A reversible and water resistant garment comprising: garment could be constructed on two layers of fabric with a polymer intermediate layer, with the two fabric layers hav a body having a polymer layer and a fabric layer having ing different colors or patterns. Therefore, the invention in an approximately elliptical shape when the body is laid its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and in a flat position with a first edge and a second edge; illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accord an angle between approximately 45 and 90 degrees ingly, various modifications may be made without departing between the first edge and the second edge when the from the scope of the general inventive concept disclosed body is laid in a flat position; herein. a hood; an opening having a size and position for a wearers arm We claim: to pass through; and 1. A reversible and water resistant garment comprising: a body having a polymer layer and a fabric layer, the body means for fastening the first edge to the second edge; having a first edge and a second edge when laid in a flat wherein the polymer layer comprises a water resistant position; material. 14. The reversible garment of claim 13, further compris a hood; and ing: means for fastening the first edge to the second edge; a pleat; wherein the polymer layer comprises a water resistant wherein the opening is positioned within the pleat. material. 15. The reversible garment of claim 13, further compris 2. The reversible garment of claim 1, wherein the body ing: comprises an approximately elliptical shape when laid in a flat position. a first material portion and a second material portion; and 3. The reversible garment of claim 1, further comprising: a seam joining the first material portion to the second a pleat comprising an opening having a size and position material portion; for a wearer's arm to pass through. wherein the opening is located between the first material 4. The reversible garment of claim 1, further comprising: portion and the second material portion. 16. The reversible garment of claim 13, further compris a first material portion and a second material portion; ing: a seam joining the first material portion to the second material portion; and a pocket. 17. The reversible garment of claim 13, wherein the hood an opening in the seam having a size and position for a comprises a single layer and is integral with the polymer wearer's arm to pass through. layer. US 2007/0074329 A1 Apr. 5, 2007

18. The reversible garment of claim 13, wherein the hood an opening having a size and position for a wearers arm comprises a single layer and is integral with the fabric layer. to pass through; and 19. A reversible and water resistant garment comprising: a body having a polymer layer and a fabric layer having means for fastening the first edge to the second edge; an approximately elliptical shape when laid in a flat wherein the polymer layer comprises a water resistant position with a first edge and a second edge, wherein an material. angle between the first edge and the second edge is approximately 45 and 90 degrees when the garment is 20. The reversible garment of claim 19, wherein the laid in a flat position; pocket is accessible from either the polymer layer or fabric layer. a hood; a pocket;