Customizable Garment Apparatus, System, and Method

The present disclosure relates generally to garments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to customizable outerwear garments configured to exhibit various accessories and ornamentation.

Traditional outerwear typically offers limited customization options, often restricting wearers to a single, fixed aesthetic. While some alternatives exist in the form of detachable hoods or removable liners, these features generally serve utilitarian purposes and lack versatility in terms of style or expression.

Moreover, conventional methods for accessorizing outerwear often involve cumbersome attachments or irreversible modifications, detracting from the garment's functionality and aesthetic appeal. This limitation is particularly evident in the realm of costume attire, where enthusiasts may desire dynamic embellishments for themed events or creative expression. Accordingly, there is a need for innovative outerwear that enables users to effortlessly modify its appearance according to personal preference, seasonal trends, or specific occasions. Also, what is needed is outerwear that offers user-friendly customization through a diverse array of practical elements as well as imaginative costume pieces. Beneficially, such outerwear would be adaptable for use by adults as well as children and/or pets.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a customizable garment apparatus includes a garment body element, a hood element, and flexible fastening strips. The garment body element extends along a vertical axis and includes an interior surface, an exterior surface, a neckline, and a bottom edge. A length extends between the neckline and the bottom edge. The hood element is defined by a face opening and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The hood element extends in an upward direction from the neckline along the vertical axis. The outer surface is substantially contiguous with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the garment body element.

A first flexible fastening strip is coupled to the exterior surface of the garment body element and a second flexible fastening strip is coupled to the outer surface of the hood element. The first flexible fastening strip and the second flexible fastening strip each include a plurality of fastening elements disposed successively along its length. The first flexible fastening strip is configured to removably couple at least one interchangeable accessory element to the garment body element and the second flexible fastening strip is configured to removably couple at least one interchangeable accessory element to the hood element.

In some embodiments, the garment body element includes a coat, a vest, a jacket, a sweatshirt, a hoodie, and/or a shirt. In some embodiments, the hood element includes a connectable edge configured to removably couple the hood element to the garment body element at the neckline.

In some embodiments, each of the interchangeable accessory elements includes an attachment element configured to couple at least one of the fastening elements. In some embodiments, the fastening element includes a first snap portion and the attachment element includes a second snap portion.

In some embodiments, each of the interchangeable accessory elements includes a functional accessory element or an ornamental accessory element.

In some embodiments, the length of the garment body element extending between the neckline and the bottom edge is selectively extendable. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom edge includes an extension strip configured to selectively attach to at least a portion of the garment body element to extend the length. In some embodiments, the garment body element further includes a sleeve and the extension strip is configured to selectively extend a length of the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatus further includes a flap element configured to selectively cover at least a portion of the fastening elements.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a customizable garment system is presented. The system includes a garment body element extending along a vertical axis and including an interior surface, an exterior surface, a neckline, and a bottom edge. A length extends between the neckline and the bottom edge. A hood element is defined by a face opening and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The hood element extends in an upward direction from the neckline along the vertical axis such that the outer surface is substantially contiguous with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the garment body element.

A first flexible fastening strip is coupled to the exterior surface of the garment body element and a second flexible fastening strip is coupled to the outer surface of the hood element. Each of the fastening strips includes multiple fastening elements disposed successively along its length. Multiple interchangeable accessory elements are configured to selectively couple to the garment body element and/or the hood element. Each of the interchangeable accessory elements includes at least one attachment element configured to removably engage at least one of the fastening elements.

In some embodiments, each of the interchangeable accessory elements includes a functional accessory element or an ornamental accessory element. In some embodiments, the functional accessory element includes a glove, a mitten, a scarf, a face mask, stockings, socks, undergarments, swimwear, a harness, a dog waste bag, a pocket, a pouch, a tie, a collar, fur trim, a liner, an extension element, and/or a high-visibility strip. In some embodiments, the ornamental accessory element includes a fin, a tail, a wing, a horn, a cape, a tutu, a skirt, a mohawk, a costume mask, a halo, spikes, scales, horns, a mane, animal ears, lights, a badge, a patch, and/or a streamer.

In some embodiments, a third flexible fastening strip is coupled to the exterior surface of the garment body element and extends in a direction substantially transverse to the first flexible fastening strip. The third flexible fastening strip may extend along a sleeve of the garment body element. In some embodiments, a fourth flexible fastening strip is coupled to the outer surface of the hood element such that the fourth flexible fastening strip substantially circumscribes the face opening.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for customizing a garment includes providing a customizable garment apparatus including a hood element extending from a garment body element such that an outer surface of the hood element is substantially contiguous with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the garment body element. The method further includes securing to the exterior surface of the garment body element at least one of multiple flexible fastening strips. Each of the flexible fastening strips includes a length having multiple fastening elements secured in succession thereto.

The method further includes securing to the outer surface of the hood element at least one of the flexible fastening strips. The method includes coupling to an attachment element at least one of multiple interchangeable accessory elements. The attachment element is configured to removably engage the fastening element to secure the interchangeable accessory element to the customizable garment apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching an extension strip to a bottom edge of the garment body element to selectively extend a length extending between a neckline of the garment body element and the bottom edge. In certain embodiments, attaching the extension strip includes selectively retaining the extension strip in a folded position along the bottom edge. The extension strip may be selectively released from the folded position to extend the length.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various example embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

As discussed above, traditional outerwear and costume attire often incorporates intricate designs and fixed elements that limit its versatility and adaptability to different occasions. As a result, customizing or accessorizing such apparel may be cost-prohibitive and/or functionally or aesthetically impossible. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, a customizable garment apparatusincludes a garment body element, a hood element, and multiple flexible fastening strips,configured to selectively retain one or more desired accessories. In some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatusis configured to fit any desired user including an adult, a child, and/or a pet or other animal.

In some embodiments, the garment body elementincludes an interior surfaceand an exterior surface. In some embodiments, the garment body elementincludes an intermediate material (not shown) disposed between the interior surfaceand the exterior surface. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer (not shown) may include cotton, down, or another suitable insulating material.

In some embodiments, the garment body elementincludes outerwear such as a coat, a jacket a vest, a sweatshirt, a hoodie, or the like. In one embodiment, the garment body elementincludes a shirt. The garment body elementmay include any suitable shape and/or dimensions configured to fit a desired user. In one embodiment, the garment body elementincludes a shape and dimensions configured to fit an adult, a child, an animal or pet. For example, In some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatusis configured to fit a dog, a cat, a horse, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the garment body elementincludes one or more substantially soft, durable, natural and/or synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, cotton, wool, fleece, Gore-Tex, down, and/or any other suitable material and/or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the interior surfaceand the exterior surfaceinclude different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the interior surfaceincludes a soft, breathable material configured to optimize user comfort, while the exterior surfaceincludes a weatherproof material configured to provide durability and/or versatility. In other embodiments, the interior surfaceand the exterior surfaceinclude identical or substantially similar materials.

In some embodiments, the garment body elementextends along a vertical axis. The garment body elementmay include a lengthextending between a necklineand a bottom edge. In some embodiments, the garment body elementincludes a collar portionthat extends in an upward direction from the neckline. In other embodiments, the collar portionis configured to fold in a downward direction along the necklinesuch that the collar portioncontacts the garment body element. In this manner, the exterior surfaceof the collar portionmay be disposed adjacent to the exterior surfaceof the garment body elementwhen the collar portionis in a folded position.

The hood elementmay be defined by a face opening. In some embodiments, the hood elementincludes an inner surfaceand an outer surface. In some embodiments, the hood elementextends in an upward direction from the necklinealong the vertical axissuch that the outer surfaceof the hood elementis substantially contiguous with at least a portion of the exterior surfaceof the garment body element. During use, the inner surfacemay be disposed adjacent to the user's head and the face openingmay substantially circumscribe the user's face.

In some embodiments, the hood elementincludes a connectable edgeconfigured to removably couple the hood elementto the garment body elementat the neckline. When the hood elementis attached to the garment body element, the connectable edgemay extend in a direction substantially transverse to the vertical axis. In some embodiments, the connectable edgeis removably coupled to the necklinevia one or more fastening elements such as a zipper, a button, and/or a snap.

In some embodiments, the hood elementmay be selectively detached from the garment body elementvia the connectable edge. In this manner, the garment body elementmay be worn independently of the hood element.

In some embodiments, one or more fastening stripsis attached to an exterior surfaceof the customizable garment apparatus. Similarly, one or more fastening stripsmay be secured to an outer surfaceof the hood element. In some embodiments, each of the fastening strips,may be configured to couple an interchangeable accessory elementto the garment body elementand/or hood element(as shown in). The interchangeable accessory elementmay be attached to the garment body elementand/or hood elementvia any suitable fastening mechanism, such as a snap.

In some embodiments, each of the fastening strips,may include a flexible material or fabric configured to substantially conform to the contour of the exterior surfaceof the garment body elementor the outer surfaceof the hood element. In some embodiments, each of the fastening strips,may vary in shape, length, and/or other dimensions. In certain embodiments, at least two of the fastening strips,include the same shape, length, and/or other dimensions. In some embodiments, each of the fastening strips,is coupled to the exterior surface,of the customizable garment apparatusvia stitching, welding, bonding, adhesives, fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening device or mechanism.

In some embodiments, more than one fastening elementis disposed in succession along the lengthof each fastening strip,. In certain embodiments, each fastening elementis spaced apart from an adjacent fastening elementalong the length. In some embodiments, the fastening elementsare evenly spaced with respect to one another. In other embodiments, the fastening elementsare clustered together or disposed at desired locations along the length, with or without regard to spacing between fastening elements. In some embodiments, the fastening elementsdisposed along a particular fastening strip,are identical to one another. In one embodiment, for example, each fastening elementdisposed along the fastening strip,includes a snap. In certain embodiments, at least one fastening elementis unique with respect to the other fastening elementsdisposed along the same fastening strip,.

In some embodiments, a first flexible fastening stripis coupled to the exterior surfaceof the garment body elementand a second flexible fastening stripis coupled to the outer surfaceof the hood element. In some embodiments, each of the first flexible fastening stripand the second flexible fastening stripincludes multiple fastening elementsdisposed successively along its length. In one embodiment, each of the fastening elementsincludes a stud portionof a snapsuch that the stud portionprojects from a top surfaceof the fastening strip,.

Referring now to, while still referring to, in some embodiments, the first flexible fastening stripis configured to removably couple one or more interchangeable accessory elementsto the garment body element. Similarly, the second flexible fastening stripmay be configured to removably couple one or more interchangeable accessory elementsto the hood element. In these and other embodiments, each of the interchangeable accessory elementsmay include a functional accessory elementor an ornamental accessory element (not shown). In some embodiments, the interchangeable accessory elementincludes an attachment elementconfigured to engage one or more of the fastening elementsto selectively couple the interchangeable accessory elementto the garment body elementand/or hood element.

In one embodiment, the first flexible fastening stripis attached to the garment body elementand includes multiple stud portionsdisposed along its length. The attachment elementmay include a socket portion. The socket portionmay be configured to removably engage one of the stud portionsto form a snap. The socket portionmay engage the stud portionto attach the interchangeable accessory elementto the garment body elementand/or hood element. Of course, in other embodiments, the first flexible fastening stripmay include multiple socket portionsand the interchangeable accessory elementmay include a stud portionsuch that the stud portionremovably engages a corresponding socket portionto form the snap. In still other embodiments, the first flexible fastening stripmay include a combination of stud portionsand socket portions, and/or any other suitable fastening devices or mechanisms.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the customizable garment apparatusis selectively extendable to bridge the gap when a user is between sizes, for example. In some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatusincludes one or more extension strips-coupled to at least one portion of the garment body elementto selectively extend its length.

A lengthof the garment body elementextends between the necklineand the bottom edge. The lengthmay be selectively extended by attaching one or more extension strips-to the interiorand/or exterior surfaceof the garment body element. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extension strip-is attached to a portion of the garment body elementsubstantially adjacent to the bottom edge. In these and other embodiments, the extension strip-may be selectively exposed along the bottom edgeto increase the length.

In one embodiment, the extension strip-includes a strip of fabric or other suitable material configured to be selectively attached lengthwise to a portion of the garment body elementsubstantially adjacent to the bottom edge. In some embodiments, the extension strip-may include a material that is substantially elastic to increase user comfort and adaptability. In this manner, the lengthof the garment body elementmay be extended up to a widthof the extension strip-

In some embodiments, the extension strip-is folded lengthwise and releasably attached to the garment body elementor otherwise releasably retained adjacent to the bottom edge. The extension strip-may be selectively released from its folded position to expose the widthof the extension strip-along the bottom edge. Releasing the extension strip-in this manner may thereby extend the lengthof the garment body element.

Similarly, in certain embodiments, one or more extension strips-is selectively attached to a sleeveof the garment body elementat or near the sleeve openingto extend a lengthof the sleeve. In other embodiments, the extension strip-is configured to be folded lengthwise and attached to a portion of the sleevesuch that the fold is selectively released to expose at least a portion of the extension strip-beyond the lengthof the sleeve.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the hood elementis integrated with and/or extends from the garment body element. For example, in some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatusis a hoodie or a hooded shirt and the hood elementis sewn or otherwise attached to the necklineof the garment body element. In other embodiments, the hood elementextends from the garment body elementat the neckline. In other embodiments, the hood elementis attached to the necklinevia stitching, an adhesive, a zipper, a button, a snap, a clip, and/or any other suitable fastener or fastening mechanism.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, a customizable garment apparatusmay include a garment body elementand a detachable hood element. The hood elementmay include a face openingand a connectable edge. In some embodiments, the connectable edgeis configured to selectively attach to at least a portion of the garment body elementsuch that an outer surfaceof the hood elementis substantially contiguous with at least a portion of an exterior surfaceof the garment body element. In some embodiments, the connectable edgeis configured to be secured to the exterior surfaceof the garment body elementvia at least one flexible fastening strip,.

In some embodiments, the garment body elementincludes one or more first flexible fastening stripssecured to its exterior surfacevia stitching, welding, bonding, adhesive, and/or any other suitable mechanical fastening device or mechanism. The first flexible fastening stripmay be secured to the exterior surfacein any desired position and/or orientation. In one embodiment, the first flexible fastening stripis disposed on or near the collar portionof the garment body element. The collar portionmay be substantially adjacent to and/or may follow the necklineof the garment body element. In one embodiment, the collar portionis configured to fold over the garment body elementat the neckline.

In some embodiments, the first flexible fastening stripincludes a lengthhaving multiple fastening elementssecured in succession thereto. In some embodiments, a second flexible fastening stripmay be secured to an inner surfaceof the hood elementnear the connectable edge. In some embodiments, the second flexible fastening stripis secured to the inner surfaceof the hood elementvia stitching, welding, bonding, adhesives, and/or any other suitable mechanical fastening device or mechanism.

Each of the first flexible fastening stripand the second flexible fastening stripmay include multiple fastening elementsdisposed in succession along their lengths. The fastening elementsof the second flexible fastening stripmay correspond to and be configured to engage the fastening elementsof the first flexible fastening stripto thereby attach the hood elementto the garment body element.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatusincludes a hood elementthat is removably coupled to the garment body elementvia a zipperand/or other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, the zipperis implemented in combination with one or more fastening strips,and/or corresponding fastening elementscoupled to each of the garment body elementand the hood element.

In some embodiments, a first portionof the zipperis secured to the exterior surfaceof the garment body elementon or near the collar portion. The collar portionmay be substantially adjacent to and/or may follow the necklineof the garment body element. In one embodiment, the collar portionis configured to extend in an upward direction from the garment body elementat the neckline. The first portionof the zippermay be secured to the garment body elementat the neckline.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the customizable garment apparatusincludes one or more flap elementsconfigured to selectively cover at least one fastening elementor at least a portion of the fastening elementsdisposed along a fastening strip,. In one embodiment, the flap elementincludes a longitudinal strip of fabric or other suitable material having dimensions configured to cover at least a portion of the fastening elementsdisposed along a fastening strip. In other embodiments, the flap elementincludes any size and/or shape configured to selectively cover at least one fastening elementcoupled to the garment body elementor the hood element.

In some embodiments, the flap elementis rotatably or foldably coupled to an edgeof the fastening stripvia a seamor other suitable fastening mechanism. In these and other embodiments, the flap elementis configured to cover at least one of the fastening elementsdisposed along the fastening strip. The flap elementmay be rotated or folded in an upward direction toward the seamto expose one or more of the fastening elementsas needed to attach or detach an interchangeable accessory element.

In other embodiments, at least a portion of the flap elementis coupled directly to a surface,,,of the garment body elementor the hood elementto cover at least one fastening element. The flap elementmay be configured to be rotated, folded, or otherwise moved away from the fastening elementto enable an interchangeable accessory elementto be attached or detached.