US20240407471A1

US20240407471A1 - Deformable frames for clothing and personal items

Info

Publication number: US20240407471A1
Application number: US18/738,004
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan Isbell; Sara Posner; Mitchell Posner
Original assignee: Attune Inc
Current assignee: Attune Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-08
Filing date: 2024-06-08
Publication date: 2024-12-12
Also published as: WO2024254576A2; WO2024254576A3

Abstract

A bendable frame structure is enclosed which may be pre-embedded in a seam of a clothing or personal item, or may be modular and inserted into a hole of a garment or personal product to form a round hole in the clothing or personal item.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/507,024, filed Jun. 8, 2023; the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety into this disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

Field of the Subject Disclosure

The present subject disclosure relates to deformable frames. More specifically, the present subject disclosure relates to deformable frames for use in clothing and personal items.

Background of the Subject Disclosure

A significant portion of the general population struggles daily with using everyday necessary tasks, including dressing. This portion of the population may have conditions including, but not limited to, injury, disease, aging, amputations, or loss of use or immobility due to stroke, which may cause limited range of motion in one or more bodily joints, muscle tremors and motor function disabilities, and difficulty balancing. These symptoms make it difficult to put on clothing and accessories such as shirts and jackets, pants, shoes and socks, backpacks, and other items.
Some people with mobility issues currently use cumbersome dressing techniques such as laying a shirt/jacket on the bed and rolling into the garment to get arms into the sleeves. However, even such techniques require demanding physical movement and agility which are too difficult for many.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

There is a need for devices, systems, and methods which assist in putting on clothing that addresses the known problems for individuals with movement limitations or disorders.
The present subject disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods that contain a flexible frame which may be incorporated into a line of clothing, permanently or removably, or may be a standalone modular device which can be incorporated into any item of clothing or personal item which would accommodate such a frame to assist a limited mobility user to use such clothing or personal item.
The systems and methods described in the present disclosure are intended to provide a convenient and efficient solution for individuals who face challenges in passing arms, legs, head, feet, or accessories through garment openings or other article features.
The present subject disclosure describes devices that aid in the donning of various articles including, but not limited to, clothing, belts, footwear, hats, and backpack straps. The present disclosure, which encompasses devices, systems, and methods, features a flexible yet sturdy frame that holds a tube or hoop open in articles of clothing and/or accessories to facilitate the ease of use for the user. Aspects of the present subject disclosure provide for devices, systems and methods for incorporating a deformable (or flexible) frame into articles of clothing and accessories. The present disclosure may allow individuals with movement disorders to dress more easily. By, for example, keeping the sleeve of a shirt/jacket fully open, the device allows for more comfortable and stress-free dressing while minimizing or eliminating the need for assistance or cumbersome dressing techniques.
In one exemplary embodiment, the present subject disclosure is a garment having a frame system. The frame system includes a garment having a seam with a channel therein; and a bendable frame embedded within the channel; wherein the bendable frame is adapted to bend and twist upon application of a force, and return to its original shape upon removal of the force.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present subject disclosure is a frame system, The frame system includes a strip of bendable material having two ends and forming an open loop; a first layer of material covering an interior portion of the strip of material; a second layer of material covering an exterior portion of the strip of material; and a channel formed between the first layer and the second layer of material, wherein the strip of bendable material is housed within the channel; wherein the open loop is adapted to bend and twist upon application of a force, and return to its original shape upon removal of the force.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present subject disclosure is a frame system, The frame system includes a round strip of bendable material having two ends and forming an open loop; wherein the open loop is insertable in a slit in a shoulder seam of a shirt and reshape the seam to form a round hole; a first layer of material covering an interior portion of the strip of material; a second layer of material covering an exterior portion of the strip of material; a channel formed between the first layer and the second layer of material, wherein the strip of bendable material is housed within the channel; wherein the open loop is adapted to bend and twist upon application of a force, and return to its original shape upon removal of the force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a garment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a garment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 1C shows a top view of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a garment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows an outer perspective view of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 2B shows a close-up of an outer perspective view of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 2C shows an inner perspective view of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective cross-sectional view along Section A-A of FIG. 1B of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a front cross-sectional view along Section A-A of FIG. 1B of a frame device incorporated into a shoulder portion of a shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a frame device, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of a frame device, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a portion of a frame device, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of a portion of a frame device with an inner covering layer partially removed, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view along Section B-B of FIG. 5A of a frame device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view along Section C-C of FIG. 5A of a frame device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

The present subject disclosure addresses the shortcomings of handling or wearing garments and personal devices for those with mobility limitations. Although the primary motivation of the present subject disclosure is for aiding those with mobility challenges, those without mobility challenges or disabilities can benefit as well. Thus, the present subject disclosure encompasses examples with a broader application that cover a wider range of uses without being limited to those with disabilities.
Examples according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that examples may be provided in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some examples, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The present disclosure system may simplify passing appendages (e.g., arms, legs) and objects through articles with tube-like structures (e.g., shirt sleeve, pant leg) and hoops/loops (e.g., belt loops), allowing the substrate in which the flexible frame is installed to hold a certain shape. In one example, when the present disclosure system is integrated into the sleeve of a shirt, by keeping the sleeve open and accessible, this reduces the need for excessive manipulation, reducing physical strain and allowing individuals with movement disorders to dress themselves more easily. By integrating the present disclosure system into an article or garment, a user may have an easier experience dressing and undressing. Each application of the deformable frame system may be unique.
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a deformable frame system 100 according to the present subject disclosure. In this example, the deformable frame system 100 is incorporated into the seam of a garment (or clothing) top 50 and arm 51. FIGS. 1B and 1C show front and top views, respectively, of the frame system 100 incorporated into the shoulder portion of a garment top 50. The garment top 50 with arm sleeve 51 are shown as simple examples to best demonstrate the use and function of the present subject disclosure. However, the present subject disclosure is not limited to a garment top 50 with sleeve 51, but can be any clothing, personal item, substrate, or other material, device, or system which would benefit from the ease of use and function of the present flexible frame system 100 as described in the present description.
The deformable frame system 100 may comprise a flexible frame and a pliable surface (e.g., housing, sheath, tubing, etc.) configured to receive the flexible frame. In some examples, the deformable frame system may include a plurality of flexible frames and a plurality of pliable surfaces, such as in garments and accessories which have multiple orifices.
As a non-limiting example, flexible frame system 100 may be incorporated into a shoulder seam of a standard button-down dress shirt 60 with sleeve 61, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, to hold the sleeve hole open for ease of use. The flexible frame 100 expands the sleeve 61 of the shirt 60 thereby creating a tent-like opening with a widened height 104 and widened width 105. The flexible frame 100 may be incorporated into a flexible frame housing around the outer surface of the shoulder seam, with a low profile flattened top surface, as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, flexible frame 100 may be incorporated into a flexible frame housing around the outer surface of the shoulder seam, with an outwardly projecting top surface, as shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2C shows an interior shirt perspective of the flexible frame 100 holding the sleeve 61 open, creating a tented passage for a user to slide an arm into the shirt sleeve 61. A slit 62 may be incorporated into the interior portion of the tented passage to allow access to the flexible frame 100 for removal or replacement. The position of slit 62 is shown at the bottom of the tented passageway, but other locations are also possible and within the scope of the present subject disclosure.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective and front views, respectively, of the flexible frame 100 taken along cross-sectional plane A-A, shown in FIG. 1B. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an enclosed housing structure having a first layer 111 (e.g., outer surface) and a second layer 112 (e.g., inner surface) forming a pocket 110 to receive the flexible frame 100. The first layer 111 extends to an end 113, and the second surface extends to an end 114. The first layer 111 and second layer 112 may be connected to each other with fastener devices, which may be thread 116 wound through holes 119. Fastener 120 may include any number of fastening devices such as, for example, tape, glue, heat pressed adhesive, hook and loop, thread, or other fastening tool, as appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.
The flexible frame 100 is positioned within pocket 110 and may be fixed in position to maintain the structural integrity of the frame 100 or allowed to move freely within pocket 110 to account for movement during motion by a user.
FIGS. 4-6 show another exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4B show perspective and front views, respectively, of a modular frame system 200. This frame system 200 may be incorporated into garments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 . The frame system 200 is generally round or oval, with an elongated body 201 having two endings 201A and 201B. A gap 202 is formed between the two ends 201A and 201B. The discontinuous open ended frame system 200 allows for the insertion of one end 201A or 201B of the frame 200 into an opening of a garment. For example, an opening such as slit 62 shown in FIG. 2A may be used to introduce flexible frame 200 into the housing or pocket which is built around the seam of a shoulder of a garment. The flexible frame 200 is then pushed through slit 62 until the entire frame body 201 is housed within the seam passage. Such open frame 200 also allows the frame to be pulled out or replaced if it ever loses the desired property and function of keeping the sleeve open. Hence, such frame 200 may be replaceable or removable from a shoulder seam. Alternatively, frame 200 may be placed within the interior shoulder portion of a shirt, enough so that an arm of a user can be inserted within the arm hole. Then the flexible frame 200 may be removed from around the shoulder portion of the garment. Because the frame 200 is an open loop, the frame 200 may be removed from around the arm or shoulder of a user after the user has put an arm into the sleeve hole of the shirt.
FIG. 5A shows a close-up view of one of the ends 201A or 201B of the flexible frame 200. A continuous outer layer 214 encompasses an external circumference of the elongated body 201 of flexible frame 200. Outer layer 214 may have, for example, an adhesive surface, hook and loop, be temporarily sewn in, or other attachment on its outer surface which allows it to attach to an inner surface of a garment or article. An inner layer 212 encompasses an interior surface of the elongated body 201. Inner stiffening member 250 is inserted into a pocket portion formed between inner layer 212 and outer layer 214. The profile 203 of the stiffening member 250 projects inward from the inner layer 212. Inner layer 212 and outer layer 214 may be comprised of fabric, natural materials such as wood, metal, polymers, or the like. Further, inner layer 212 and outer layer 214 may be attached together by any one or more attachment mechanisms including, but not limited to, sewn, glued, taped, heat joined, or other known method such that the inner stiffening member 250 is secured therebetween. Stiffening member 250 in flexible frame 200 is similar in function to flexible frame 100.
FIG. 5B shows a “peeled back” depiction of the inner layer 212 of flexible frame 200 in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5B, inner stiffening member 250 may have an elongated rectangular design so that it provides a low profile shape for minimizing interference with an arm going therethrough, but maximizing the opening force for the garment. Although stiffening member 250 is shown as an elongated rectangle, other shapes are possible and within the purview of the present subject disclosure, such as an elongated oval or a flat sheet. A small gap 251 may be maintained between the end of the stiffening member 250 and the end of the outer layer 214 to prevent the contact of the edge of the end of the stiffening member 250 with a garment in which the flexible frame 200 is placed. Further, another purpose for securing the ends of the stiffening material 250 is to prevent it from poking out or causing discomfort to the user.
FIG. 6A shows a front cross-sectional view along plane B-B of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6B shows a perspective cross-sectional view along plane C-C of FIG. 5A. Both FIGS. 6A and 6B show stiffening member 150 embedded between inner layer 212 and outer layer 214.
The above-described examples in FIGS. 1-6 describe systems including a flexible frame. The flexible frame may be integrated into a tubular or hoop-shaped substrate. The stiffening (or boning) element need not be a full loop. It can be a partial loop or have a combination of straight/curved linear parts. This broad set of options provides flexibility in design and applications, and is within the purview of the present subject disclosure.
The frame may function to hold a hole or access point open (e.g., a tube). Although the above examples, for sake of simplicity, were applied to clothing to aid in donning the garment, such as its incorporation into the opening of a shirt sleeve, the present subject disclosure is not limited to garments. In other examples, the flexible frame may be applied to belt loops, to aid in passing a belt through a tented hoop of a belt loop with the assistance of the flexible frame. The flexible frame may be applied to pants, footwear, socks or backpack straps to similarly aid in passing appendages through the article containing the flexible frame. The flexible frame has a wide range of stiffness and flexibility, suited for the application in which the device is deployed. In some examples, the flexible frame may be monolithic, or space frame web, truss, the like, or a combination thereof. In some examples, a plurality of flexible frame members may be used. The flexible frame system may provide enough structural integrity to maintain an open shape in an item, for example, a sleeve, pants, a pant leg, footwear, outerwear, etc.
The flexible frame may be made of polymers, fibers, metals, wood, plant-based plastics, seaweed, corn, bamboo, recycled materials, and other natural or organic materials, or combinations thereof.
The flexible frame may be printed, fabricated, woven, assembled, stamped, cutout, machined, cast, knitted, glued, and/or mechanically connected into a desired shape configuration depending on the application.
The frame stiffening of garment openings can be further produced through the insertion of an additional trim or a stiffening treatment. This could be achieved through an insert, or a stiffening treatment (e.g., chemical application, built-up layers of fabric). The stiffening material can include built-up layers of fabric, a liquid that hardens into shape, horsehair fabric, felt, or thermoplastic materials. Other possibilities are also within the scope of the present subject disclosure.
The system may further include one or more substrates with pliable surfaces. In some examples, the flexible frame may be held in place through attachment and/or integration to/with a surface substrate, such as fabric, leather, cloth, natural, synthetic which may have a pliable and/or deformable property. The substrate materials may form a seam and or sleeve around the flexible frame, or portion thereof, or the substrate may be continuous surface(s) or webs forming around the frame. When implemented into a garment, and since fabrics may shrink, such shrinkage should be accounted for in the design. This includes pre-shrinking fabrics and choosing materials that maintain their shape after washing. In some examples, the material used for the garment may be further treated to enhance the function of the flexible frame. Such further treating includes, but is not limited to, use of chemical treatments for stiffening fabric, such as sprays, brush-on applications, or iron-on/heat-applied tape or glue.
The flexible frame and the substrates may be connected to form the deformable frame system. Various methods may be used to form the surface(s) around the flexible frame, such as stitching, tape, adhesive, welding, soldering, fusion, mechanical fastening, intertwining, knitting, printing, friction, hot or cold forming and joining processes. The process may be performed by human(s) or CPU(s), digital or analog control, with machinery, or by hand.
The flexible frame system may be retrofitted into existing items, or it may be manufactured into the item. It may be removable, or permanently integrated into the items in which it is used.
The frame may be deformable (collapsible) or formable (rigid), allowing for variations in design. This will cover both flexible and rigid structures such that the level of flexibility and rigidity of the frame is based on the intended function desired by a designer, and the object function and aesthetics, as appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.
The present disclosure system is designed to be compatible with a wide range of clothing, footwear, luggage, and accessories. Various uses include, but are not limited to shirt sleeves, pant legs, neck holes, backpack straps, socks, collars, cuffs, pockets, etc. Further, the concept may be applied to both full and partial openings.
The system may be permanently or temporarily integrated depending on the application or need. In one example, the flexible frame may include a thin rod which is integrated into an existing jacket or shirt type of garment, placed in the shoulder seam, where there typically are layers of fabric in the seam. The seam of the jacket creates a natural pocket or sleeve in the seam, suited to hold the flexible frame. In examples where no such pocket sleeve exists in a garment, the pocket sleeve may be installed to match the type and size of flexible frame desired.
The flexible frame device may be invisible during wear, or it may be utilized as a design feature. An example of showcasing the frame as a design feature would be a flexible 3D space frame which may take the shape of truss or lattice work comprised of two or more of the exemplary embodiments shown and described in this disclosure, joined together to form a 3D model, with various scales of thickness, aperture size and shape, lattice member size and shape, where such an implementation configuration may be desirable to be shown. The flexible frame system does not fundamentally change the feel of the item while being used, no chaffing, poking, pinching or other discomforts.
The deformable frame system is configured to be lightweight. The lightweight and portable design of the present disclosure allows for convenient transportation and use in various settings. The deformable frame system may be easily folded or stored when not in use.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the examples.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
In the discussion, terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like, when used in describing a numerical value, denote a variation of +/−10% of that value, unless specified otherwise.
The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present subject disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the subject disclosure is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present subject disclosure, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present subject disclosure as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present subject disclosure should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present subject disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment having a frame system, the garment comprising:

a garment having a seam with a channel therein; and

a bendable frame embedded within the channel;

wherein the bendable frame is adapted to bend and twist upon application of a force, and return to its original shape upon removal of the force.

2. The garment in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a loop.

3. The garment in claim 2, wherein the loop is closed.

4. The garment in claim 2, wherein the loop is open with two ends.

5. The garment in claim 2, wherein the loop is oval.

6. The garment in claim 1, wherein the frame is removable from the channel.

7. The garment in claim 1, further comprising a slit in the seam such that the frame is insertable or removable from the channel therethrough.

8. The garment in claim 1, wherein the channel is formed by an inner layer and an outer layer, accommodating the frame therebetween.

9. The garment in claim 8, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are sealed together with a fastener.

10. The garment in claim 9, wherein the fastener includes thread.

11. The garment in claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a shirt.

12. The garment in claim 11, wherein the seam is located in a shoulder portion of the shirt.

13. The garment in claim 11, wherein the seam containing the frame has a low profile such that the frame does not project out from an outer surface of the shirt.

14. The garment in claim 11, wherein the seam containing the frame projects out from an outer surface of the shirt.

15. A frame system, comprising:

a strip of bendable material having two ends and forming an open loop;

a first layer of material covering an interior portion of the strip of material;

a second layer of material covering an exterior portion of the strip of material; and

a channel formed between the first layer and the second layer of material, wherein the strip of bendable material is housed within the channel;

wherein the open loop is adapted to bend and twist upon application of a force, and return to its original shape upon removal of the force.

16. The frame system in claim 15, wherein the open loop is insertable in a hole in a garment and reshape the hole to form a round hole.

17. The frame system in claim 15, wherein the open loop is insertable in a slit in a seam of a garment and reshape the seam to form a round hole.

18. The frame system in claim 17, wherein the garment comprises a shirt.

19. The frame system in claim 18, wherein the seam is located in a shoulder portion of the shirt.

20. A frame system, comprising:

a round strip of bendable material having two ends and forming an open loop; wherein the open loop is insertable in a slit in a shoulder seam of a shirt and reshape the seam to form a round hole;

a second layer of material covering an exterior portion of the strip of material;