Granted Patent B2

US 12,721,387 · App. 19/185,385 · Granted Sep 1, 2026

Inventors: Tara Anderson (Macon, GA); Ronnie Barentine (Rochelle, GA)

A41D15/04A41D3/08A41D27/20A41D2400/26

Abstract

Claims (85)

1 . A transformable modular garment apparatus configurable for use in a towel configuration, a cape configuration, a backpack configuration, and a cover-up configuration, the transformable modular garment apparatus comprising:

a fabric body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a neckline located along a top edge, a bottom edge opposite the top edge, a first edge, a second edge, and a plurality of armholes;

an interior pocket attached to the interior surface, the interior pocket having an interior pocket closed edge extending along the second edge of the fabric body and vertically offset from the neckline by a first margin distance, the interior pocket having an interior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the interior pocket closed edge and oriented parallel to and facing toward a vertical center reference line extending between a midpoint of the neckline and a midpoint of the bottom edge when the fabric body is in a flat configuration;

a first exterior pocket attached to the exterior surface, the first exterior pocket having a first exterior pocket closed edge extending along the first edge of the fabric body, the first exterior pocket having a first exterior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the first exterior pocket closed edge and oriented toward the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in the flat configuration and spaced from the neckline by a second margin distance;

a second exterior pocket attached to the exterior surface, the second exterior pocket having a second exterior pocket closed edge extending along the second edge of the fabric body, the second exterior pocket having a second exterior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the second exterior pocket closed edge and oriented toward the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in the flat configuration and spaced from the neckline by a third margin distance;

a third exterior pocket attached adjacent to the second exterior pocket and spaced from the second exterior pocket by a fourth margin distance, the third exterior pocket having a third exterior pocket closed edge extending along the second edge of the fabric body, the third exterior pocket having a third exterior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the third exterior pocket closed edge and oriented toward the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in the flat configuration and being fabricated from a mesh material;

a cord loop fastener attached to the exterior surface proximate to the neckline and spaced from the second edge by a first fastener distance;

a button fastener attached to the exterior surface proximate to the neckline and spaced from the first edge by a second fastener distance;

wherein the fabric body is sized to drape over the back of a wearer with the wearer's arms extending through the plurality of armholes of the fabric body;

wherein the first exterior pocket and the second exterior pocket are positioned between the neckline and a horizontal center reference line that bisects the first edge and the second edge;

wherein the second exterior pocket has a second exterior pocket width, wherein the third exterior pocket has a third exterior pocket width, and wherein the second exterior pocket width is one-half or less than the third exterior pocket width; and

wherein the cord loop fastener and the button fastener are configured to interconnect across the wearer's chest, thereby drawing the first edge and the second edge toward one another across the wearer's chest and reorienting the interior pocket open end, the first exterior pocket open end, the second exterior pocket open end, and the third exterior pocket open end from an orientation facing toward the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in the flat configuration to an orientation generally perpendicular to the vertical center reference line when the transformable modular garment apparatus is worn in the cape configuration, thereby positioning the interior pocket, the first exterior pocket, the second exterior pocket, and the third exterior pocket for frontal accessibility by the wearer.

2 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the third exterior pocket is oriented downwardly toward the bottom edge of the fabric body when the fabric body is in the flat configuration to retain objects during movement.

3 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a second cord loop fastener disposed proximate to and spaced from the first cord loop fastener and spaced from it by a third fastener distance;

a second button fastener disposed proximate to and spaced from the first button fastener and spaced from it by a fourth fastener distance; and

wherein the third fastener distance and the fourth fastener distance are equal, and the second cord loop fastener and the second button fastener are configured to provide an optional secondary closure below the neckline.

4 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the interior pocket, the first exterior pocket, the second exterior pocket, or the third exterior pocket is lined with an insulating material to preserve thermal conditions of the contents.

5 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the interior pocket, the first exterior pocket, the second exterior pocket, or the third exterior pocket includes a closure mechanism selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, snaps, buttons, or zippers.

6 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a detachable hood centered along the neckline and removably attached using hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps, the hood being configured to overlay the neckline and provide privacy or environmental protection in wearable configurations.

7 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a pair of removable shoulder covers, each removably attachable around a respective one of the plurality of armholes defined on the first and second edges of the fabric body to provide partial or full arm coverage.

8 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fabric body comprises a material having a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 25 and optionally 50 or greater, and wherein the fabric is configured to drape over the wearer's chest and back in the cape configuration to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

9 . A method of using the transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 1 , the method comprising:

wrapping the fabric body around torso of the wearer to form a cover-up configuration;

placing the transformable modular garment in a cape configuration by positioning the neckline behind neck of the wearer and interconnecting at least one of the cord loop fasteners with at least one of the button fasteners;

forming a backpack configuration by folding the perimeter edges of the fabric body and removably fastening at least two corners together to create a strap or enclosed compartment; and

deploying the fabric body in a towel configuration by laying it flat on a surface or using it to dry the wearer.

10 . A transformable modular garment apparatus configurable for use in a towel configuration, a cape configuration, a backpack configuration, and a cover-up configuration, the transformable modular garment apparatus comprising:

a fabric body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a neckline located centrally along a top edge of the fabric body, a bottom edge opposite the top edge, a first edge, a second edge, and a plurality of armholes, the interior surface being configured to contact a wearer when worn;

a first exterior pocket attached to the exterior surface, the first exterior pocket having a first exterior pocket closed edge extending along the first edge of the fabric body and being spaced from the neckline by a first margin distance, the first exterior pocket comprising a first exterior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the first exterior pocket closed edge and oriented parallel to and facing toward a vertical center reference line of the fabric body when the fabric body is in a flat configuration, the first exterior pocket being fabricated from a mesh material configured to allow visibility of its contents and facilitate the escape of sand, dirt, or debris;

a second exterior pocket attached to the exterior surface, the second exterior pocket having a second exterior pocket closed edge extending along the second edge of the fabric body and being spaced from the neckline by a second margin distance, the second exterior pocket comprising a second exterior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the second exterior pocket closed edge and oriented parallel to and facing toward the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in the flat configuration, the second exterior pocket being fabricated from a mesh material configured to allow visibility of its contents and facilitate the escape of sand, dirt, or debris;

a plurality of first fasteners attached proximate to the neckline, including at least two first fasteners positioned adjacent to the first exterior pocket;

a plurality of second fasteners attached proximate to the neckline, including at least two second fasteners positioned adjacent to the second exterior pocket;

wherein the first and second fasteners are laterally aligned across the vertical center reference line and configured to interconnect, securing the fabric body across the chest of the wearer;

wherein interconnection of the plurality of first fasteners and the plurality of second fasteners draws the first edge and the second edge toward the vertical center reference line and reorients the first exterior pocket open end and the second exterior pocket open end from an orientation facing toward the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in the flat configuration to an orientation generally perpendicular to the vertical center reference line when the transformable modular garment apparatus is worn in the cape configuration, thereby positioning the first exterior pocket and the second exterior pocket for frontal accessibility by the wearer;

a detachable hood having a neckline edge removably attachable to the fabric body's neckline using hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps;

a pair of removable sleeves, each sleeve comprising a tubular body having a proximal opening and a distal end, the proximal opening being configured to attach to a corresponding one of the plurality of armholes using mating fasteners disposed around a periphery of the corresponding one of the plurality of armholes;

wherein the pair of removable sleeves are configured to be selectively arranged in a no-shoulder covering configuration, a short shoulder covering configuration, or a full arm coverage configuration, and wherein the no-shoulder and short shoulder configurations are designed to avoid encumbering arm movement;

wherein the fabric body is sized to drape across the back of the wearer, with the wearer's arms positioned through the plurality of armholes;

wherein the first exterior pocket and the second exterior pocket are positioned between the neckline and a horizontal center reference line that bisects the first edge and the second edge; and

wherein the alignment and interconnection of the plurality of first fasteners and the plurality of the second fasteners positions the exterior pockets in a frontal orientation with maintained relative spacing for wearer access, and the garment is further configurable to be deployed in a wearable cape configuration, a backpack configuration, or a flat towel configuration based on the arrangement of fasteners proximate to the neckline and edges.

11 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:

a third exterior pocket attached to the exterior surface of the fabric body and positioned between the first exterior pocket and the second exterior pocket, the third exterior pocket being vertically offset from the neckline by a third margin distance distinct from the first and second margin distances;

the third exterior pocket comprising a third exterior pocket open end oriented parallel to and facing toward the vertical center reference line, and fabricated from a mesh material configured to allow visibility of contents and facilitate the escape of sand, dirt, or debris;

wherein the second exterior pocket has a second exterior pocket width, wherein the third exterior pocket has a third exterior pocket width, and wherein the second exterior pocket width is one-half or less than the third exterior pocket width; and

wherein the third exterior pocket is oriented downwardly toward the bottom edge of the fabric body when the fabric body is in the flat configuration and is configured to resist displacement of objects during wearer movement.

12 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:

an interior pocket attached to the interior surface of the fabric body, the interior pocket being vertically offset from the neckline by a fourth margin distance;

the interior pocket having an interior pocket closed edge extending along the second edge of the fabric body, and an interior pocket open end positioned laterally inward from the interior pocket closed edge and oriented to face and be parallel to the vertical center reference line when the fabric body is in a flat configuration;

wherein the interior pocket is fabricated from mesh material and includes a pocket fastener disposed along the interior pocket open end, the pocket fastener being configured to selectively close the interior pocket open end to retain items within the interior pocket; and

wherein the interior pocket is positioned on the body-facing surface of the fabric such that it is concealed in the cape and backpack configurations and accessible when the garment is in the towel configuration.

13 . The Transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:

a third fastener attached to the exterior surface proximate to the neckline and positioned between one of the plurality of first fasteners and the first exterior pocket open end, the third fastener spaced from the one of the first plurality of fasteners by a third fastener distance;

a fourth fastener attached to the exterior surface proximate to the neckline and positioned between one of the second plurality of fasteners and the second exterior pocket open end, the fourth fastener spaced from the one of the plurality of second fasteners by a fourth fastener distance;

wherein the third and fourth fastener distances are equal, and the third and fourth fasteners are configured to interconnect in addition to or independently of the first and second fasteners;

thereby providing a second closure position below the neckline to support garment stability and to enable reconfiguration between the cape and backpack states while maintaining the relative positioning of the exterior pockets.

14 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:

wherein at least one of the plurality of first fasteners and at least one of the plurality of second fasteners comprises a buckle and a corresponding buckle receiver positioned proximate to the neckline;

the buckle and buckle receiver being operable to interconnect and secure the fabric body across the wearer's chest;

wherein the buckle and buckle receiver permit incremental adjustment of the fastened length to accommodate varying chest widths and to tension the fabric across the upper torso; and

wherein the buckle and buckle receiver are removably attachable to the fabric body using mating fasteners and are fabricated from a lightweight, durable material.

15 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:

the fabric body comprises a material having a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 25 and optionally 50 or greater;

wherein the fabric body is configured to drape over the wearer's upper back, shoulders, and chest in the cape or cover-up configuration to provide ultraviolet protection to exposed areas during outdoor use; and

wherein the fastener arrangement maintains coverage of protected areas during movement, reducing the need for additional garments or sunscreen.

16 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:

one of the plurality of first fasteners comprises a cord loop, and one of the plurality of second fasteners comprises a button;

the cord loop is configured to receive the button to interconnect the one of the plurality of first fasteners with the one of the plurality of second fasteners across the chest of the wearer; and

wherein the cord loop and the button are positioned at corresponding fastener distances from opposite lateral edges of the fabric body to form a symmetrical closure system about the vertical center reference line and secure the fabric body across the chest of the wearer.

17 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:

a bow removably attached to the exterior surface and centered with respect to the vertical center reference line;

wherein the bow is attached using hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps integrated into the exterior surface; and

and wherein the bow is configured to align at the intersection of the vertical center reference line and the horizontal center reference line of the fabric body when worn in the cape configuration;

thereby concealing the fastener interconnection point and providing a user-repositionable decorative element.

18 . The transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:

a collar removably attached to the neckline and centered with respect to the vertical center reference line;

wherein the collar comprises a contoured inner edge that aligns with the neckline and an outer edge extending upward and rearward to partially encircle the wearer's neck in the cape configuration when worn; and

the collar being fabricated from a thermally insulative or wind-resistant material, and being selectively removable to enable the garment to be configured for cold-weather or warm-weather use.

19 . A method of using the transformable modular garment apparatus of claim 10 , the method comprising:

placing the garment on a wearer such that the wearer's arms extend through the plurality of armholes of the fabric body and the neckline rests behind the wearer's neck;

interconnecting at least one of the plurality of first fasteners with at least one of the plurality of second fasteners across the front of the wearer, thereby drawing the first edge and the second edge of the fabric body toward the vertical center reference line;

repositioning the first and second exterior pockets into a frontal orientation accessible to the wearer as a result of the interconnection of the fasteners, thereby forming a cape configuration;

disengaging the fasteners and removing the garment from the wearer to deploy the fabric body in a flat towel configuration;

folding the perimeter edges of the fabric body and removably fastening at least two corners together to create a strap or enclosed compartment, thereby forming a backpack configuration for transporting the garment.

Continuity (2)

References Cited (52)