Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Garment extender
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of clothing, and is
more
specifically concerned with a garment extender.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Garment extenders, for example coat or jacket extenders, are useful for
pregnant women, among others. Using such garment extenders, not only can the
pregnant woman use the clothes she owns during pregnancy, but she can also
use the extended garment to protect a baby carried in a baby carrier after
giving
birth. One problem with existing garment extenders is that they typically
attach to
an existing slide fastener, commonly referred to as a zipper, of the garment.
Since
there are many incompatible slide fasteners types on the market, this requires
a
large inventory of garment extenders to fit different brands and models of zip
fasteners. Also, the buyer of the garment extender has to guess which type of
slide fastener is used in the existing garment, or requires the help of a
specialized
salesperson to select the right type of garment extender that will zip to the
existing
slide fastener.
[0003] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved garment extender. It
is a
general objective of the present invention to provide such an improved garment
extender.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In a broad aspect, the invention provides a garment extender usable
with a
garment having a garment slide fastener, the garment slide fastener having a
pair
of substantially elongated stringer tapes supporting each a row of teeth
extending
longitudinally therealong, the garment slide fastener also having a slider
movable
along the rows of teeth in a reciprocating movement for selectively attaching
the
teeth of both rows to each other when moved in a closing direction and
selectively
detaching the teeth of both rows from each other when moved in an opening
direction opposed to the closing direction, the garment extender comprising: a
body defining substantially opposed body first and second side edges and
opposed body top and bottom edges extending each between the body first and
second side edges; at least two attachments provided each at a respective one
of
the body first and second side edges, each of the attachments defining a
channel
defining a channel axis extending substantially parallel to one of the body
first and
second side edges at which the attachment is provided, each of the attachments
also defining a slit parallel to the channel axis and leading laterally into
the channel
along the whole channel. With the attachments operatively secured to the
garment
slide fastener, the slit of each attachment receives thereinto a gripped
portion of
one of the stringer tapes therebetween and the channel of the attachment
receives
thereinto the teeth that are supported by the stringer tape adjacent the
gripped
portion.
[0005] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein each of the body first and second side edges is provided with a
plurality of
attachments spaced apart therealong, each of the attachments defining a
channel
defining a channel axis extending substantially parallel to one of the body
first and
second side edges and a slit parallel to the channel axis and leading
laterally into
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.
the channel along the whole channel, the slits facing away from the body.
[0006] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachments provided at one of the body first and second side
edges
are linked to each other in an attachment string through a flexible link.
[0007] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the flexible link is less rigid than the attachments.
[0008] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
further comprising a clip operable for gripping the stringer tape to maintain
the
stringer tape and the garment extender substantially fixed relative to each
other.
[0009] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein, with the garment extender operatively secured to the garment, the
clip is
operable for selectively and reversibly gripping jointly one of the flexible
link and
one of the stringer tapes adjacent to the one of the flexible link.
[0010] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the clip is secured to one of the body and flexible link between two
adjacent ones of the attachments and, with the garment extender operatively
secured to the garment, the clip is operable for selectively and reversibly
gripping
one of the stringer tapes between the two adjacent ones of the attachments.
[0011] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachments provided at at least one of the body first and second
side
edges include two opposed end attachments and intermediate attachments
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provided therebetween, wherein, with the flexible link folded over itself
adjacent
one link end thereof, the end attachment adjacent to the one link end is
insertable
between two adjacent ones of the intermediate attachments.
[0012] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein each slit is defined between a pair of slit edges, each slit defining
axially
opposed slit end portions and a slit intermediate portion therebetween, at
least one
of the slit edges being bevelled in the slit end portions so that an axial
access to
the slit is tapered towards the slit intermediate portion.
[0013] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachment has a substantially C-shaped transversal cross-
sectional
configuration.
[0014] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein each of the attachments includes attachment inside and outside
portions,
the attachment inside portion including an inside gripping portion and an
inside
channel forming portion, the attachment outside portion including an outside
gripping portion and an outside channel forming portion; and with the
attachment
operatively secured to the garment slide fastener, the inside and outside
gripping
portions form the slit and grip a gripped portion of one of the stringer tapes
therebetween and the inside and outside channel forming portions define the
channel receiving thereinto the teeth that are supported by the stringer tape
adjacent the gripped portion.
[0015] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachments are removably attachable to the garment slide
fastener.
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[0016] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachment inside and outside portions are movable relative to
each
other between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the attachment
being in the closed configuration when the attachment is attached to the
garment
slide fastener and the inside and outside gripping portions being spaced apart
from each other to a greater extent in the open configuration than in the
closed
configuration to allow detachment of the attachment from the garment slide
fastener.
[0017] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein each attachment further includes a lock for selectively locking the
attachment in the closed configuration.
[0018] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the lock prevents the attachment inside and outside portions from
moving
from the closed configuration to the open configuration unless a predetermined
force moving the attachment inside and outside portions away from each other
is
exerted.
[0019] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the lock includes lock inside and outside elements provided
respectively
in the attachment inside and outside portions, the lock inside and outside
elements
being complementarily shaped to snap to each other in the closed position.
[0020] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the inside channel forming portion is between the inside gripping
portion
and lock inside element and the outside channel forming portion is between the
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outside gripping portion and lock outside element.
[0021] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein each attachment includes an attachment linking portion linking the
attachment inside and outside portions to each other.
[0022] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachment inside and outside portions are more rigid than the
attachment linking portion.
[0023] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachment linking portion defines inside and outside portion
apertures
respectively receiving the attachment inside and outside portions thereinto.
[0024] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the attachment linking portion defines at least one groove thereinto
between the inside and outside portion apertures for facilitating hinging
between
the attachment inside and outside portions.
[0025] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the garment extender further includes inside and outside strips
between
the attachment and the body, the attachment linking portion being secured to
the
inside and outside strips, the inside and outside strips being secured to the
body.
[0026] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the inside and outside gripping portions each include a flange, the
flanges
facing each other and gripping the stringer tape therebetween in the closed
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configuration.
[0027] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the garment extender is provided with an extender slide fastener
extending between the body top and bottom edges.
[0028] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
wherein the garment extender is provided with a pair of laterally spaced apart
extender slide fasteners extending between the body top and bottom edges.
[0029] In some embodiments, the invention may also provide a garment extender
further comprising a fixation attachment, the fixation attachment including
attachment inside and outside portions, the attachment inside portion
including an
inside gripping portion and an inside channel forming portion, the attachment
outside portion including an outside gripping portion and an outside channel
forming portion; wherein with the fixation attachment operatively secured to
the
garment slide fastener, the inside and outside gripping portions form a
fixation
attachment slit gripping a fixation gripped portion of one of the stringer
tapes
therebetween and the inside and outside channel forming portions define a
fixation
attachment channel receiving thereinto the teeth that are supported by the
stringer
tape adjacent the fixation gripped portion, the attachment inside and outside
portions being movable relative to each other between a closed configuration
and
an open configuration, the fixation attachment being in the closed
configuration
when the fixation attachment is attached to the garment slide fastener and the
inside and outside gripping portions being spaced apart from each other to a
greater extent in the open configuration than in the closed configuration to
allow
detachment of the fixation attachment from the garment slide fastener, the
fixation
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attachment further including a lock for selectively locking the fixation
attachment in
the closed configuration.
[0030] In another broad aspect, the invention provides an expanded garment,
comprising: a jacket having a garment slide fastener, the garment slide
fastener
having a pair of substantially elongated stringer tapes supporting each a row
of
teeth extending longitudinally therealong, the garment slide fastener also
having a
slider movable along the rows of teeth in a reciprocating movement for
selectively
attaching the teeth of both rows to each other when moved in a closing
direction
and selectively detaching the teeth of both rows from each other when moved in
an opening direction opposed to the closing direction; and the garment
extender
as described hereinabove attached to the jacket between the stringer tapes of
the
garment slide fastener.
[0031] Advantageously, by securing the garment extender through engagement
with the stringer tape of the garment slide fastener, instead of engaging the
teeth
thereof, it is possible to manufacture an attachment that attaches to most
types of
garment slide fasteners, without requiring customization to specific brands
and
models of garment slide fasteners.
[0032] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of
preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] In the drawings:
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[0034] Figure 1, in a front elevation view, illustrates a garment in the form
of a
jacket;
[0035] Figure 2, in a front elevation view, illustrates the garment of FIG. 1
to
which is attached a garment extender in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0036] Figure 3, in a front elevation view with parts removed, illustrates
part of the
garment extender and garment of FIG. 2;
[0037] Figure 4, in a top plan view, illustrates part of the garment and
garment
extender of FIG. 2;
[0038] Figure 5, in a perspective view, illustrates an attachment part of the
garment extender of FIG. 2, the attachment being shown in an open
configuration;
[0039] Figure 6, in a front plan view, illustrates the attachment of FIG. 5;
[0040] Figure 7, in a front plan view, illustrates a linking portion part of
the
attachment of FIG. 5;
[0041] Figure 8, in a top elevation view, illustrates the attachment of FIG.
5, the
attachment being shown in a closed configuration;
[0042] Figure 9, in a perspective view, illustrates an alternative attachment
usable
in the garment extender of FIG. 2;
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[0043] Figure 10, in a perspective view, illustrates an other alternative
attachment
usable in the garment extender of FIG. 2;
[0044] Figure 11, in a perspective view, illustrates yet an other alternative
attachment usable in the garment extender of FIG. 2;
[0045] Figure 12, in a perspective view, illustrates yet an other alternative
attachment usable in the garment extender of FIG. 2;
[0046] Figure 13, in a front elevation view, illustrates the garment and
garment
extender of FIG. 2 with part of the garment extender between two garment slide
fasteners removed;
[0047] Figure 14, in a top plan view, illustrates yet another attachment
usable in
the garment extender of FIG. 2;
[0048] Figure 15, in a perspective view, illustrates an attachment string
including
a flexible link to which are secured a series of the attachments of FIG. 14;
[0049] Figure 16, in a partial perspective view, illustrates a portion of the
attachment string of FIG. 15
[0050] Figure 17, in a rear elevation view, illustrates part of the garment of
FIG. 2
and a garment extender similar to the garment extender of FIG. 2, in which the
attachments are the attachments of FIG. 14 linked to each other in the
attachment
string of FIGS. 15 and 16, with a part of the garment extender between two
garment slide fasteners removed;
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[0051] Figure 18, in a side elevation view, illustrates the attachment strip
of FIGS.
15 and 16 with the flexible link folded over itself at a link end thereof;
[0052] Figure 19, in a side elevation view, illustrates a clip usable in
conjunction
with the attachments of FIG. 14, the clip being shown in an open
configuration;
[0053] Figure 20, in a side elevation view, illustrates the clip of FIG. 19,
the clip
being shown in a closed configuration; and
[0054] Figure 21, in a perspective view, illustrates an attachment string in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] The term "substantially" is used throughout this document to indicate
variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that
do not
materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for
example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from
a
nominal value that do not cause significant changes to the invention. These
variations are to be interpreted from the point of view of the person skilled
in the
art.
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional garment 12, here shown in the form of
a
jacket. The garment 12 has a garment slide fastener 14. The garment slide
fastener 14 has a pair of substantially elongated stringer tapes 16 supporting
each
a row of teeth 18 extending longitudinally therealong. The stringer tape 16 is
a
ribbon of any suitable material, such as, non-limitingly, webbing. The garment
slide
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fastener 14 also has a slider 20 movable along the rows of teeth 18 in a
reciprocating movement for selectively attaching the teeth 18 of both rows to
each
other when moved in a closing direction and selectively detaching the teeth 18
of
both rows from each other when moved in an opening direction opposed to the
closing direction. Such slide fasteners are conventional and the garment slide
fastener 14 is not described in further details herein.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a garment extender 10 is attachable to the garment
slide fastener 14 to allow extension of the garment 12. For example, the
garment
extender 10 is usable with a garment 12 in the form of a jacket to leave room
for
the expanding belly of a pregnant woman or to allow a parent to carry a baby
in a
baby carrier. However, the garment extender 10 is usable for any other
suitable
purpose. In some embodiments, the garment extender 10 is attached between
spaced apart stringer tapes 16 of the garment slide fastener 14. In other
embodiments, for example if the garment extender 10 is used with pants, the
stringer tapes 16 are not separated completely along their whole length.
Instead,
the stringer tapes 16 form a V-shaped gap therebetween in which the garment
extender 10 may be positioned (not shown in the drawings).
[0058] The garment extender 10 includes a body 21 and at least one attachment
22, some of which are seen for example in FIG. 3. The body 21 includes one or
more elements that are positioned in the gap between the stringer tapes 16 of
the
garment slide fastener 14. In a typical embodiment, the body 21 includes one
or
more panels of fabric, and, in some embodiment, insulating material. Referring
to
FIG. 2, The body 21 defines substantially opposed body first and second side
edges 24 and 26 and opposed body top and bottom edges 28 and 30 extending
each between the body first and second side edges 24 and 26.
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[0059] Each of the body first and second side edges 24 and 26 is typically
provided with at least one respective attachment 22. In some embodiments, each
of the body first and second side edges 24 and 26 is provided with a
respective
plurality of the attachments 22 spaced apart from each other along the body
first
and second side edges 24 and 26. For example, the attachments 22 are part of
two attachment strings 32, each attachment string 32 including attachments 22
linked to each other and secured to one of the body first and second side
edges
24 and 26. However, in other embodiments, the attachments 22 are each
separately secured to the body 21. In other embodiments, only one attachment
22
is provided at each of the body first and second side edges 24 and 26.
[0060] Referring for example to FIG. 5, each of the attachments 22 includes
attachment inside and outside portions 34 and 36. The attachment inside
portion
34 includes an inside gripping portion 38 and an inside channel forming
portion 40.
The attachment outside portion 36 includes an outside gripping portion 42 and
an
outside channel forming portion 44. As seen in FIG. 4, when the attachment 22
is
operatively secured to the garment slide fastener 14, the inside and outside
gripping portions 38 and 42 grip a gripped portion 46 of one of the stringer
tapes
16 therebetween, and the inside and outside channel forming portions 40 and 44
define a channel 49 receiving thereinto the teeth 18 that are supported by the
stringer tape 16 adjacent the gripped portion 46. The attachment 22 thus
secures
the garment extender 10 to the garment slide fastener 14.
[0061] Typically, the attachments 22 are removably attachable to the garment
slide fastener 14. However, attachments 22 that permanently attach to the
garment slide fastener 14 are within the scope of the present invention. In
some
embodiments, the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and 36 are movable
relative to each other between a closed configuration, seen for example in
FIG. 8,
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and an open configuration, seen for example in FIG. 5. The attachment 22 is in
the
closed configuration when the attachment 22 is attached to the garment slide
fastener 14. The inside and outside gripping portions 38 and 42 are spaced
apart
from each other to a greater extent in the open configuration than in the
closed
configuration to allow detachment of the attachment 22 from the garment slide
fastener 14.
[0062] In some embodiments (not shown in the drawings), the attachment inside
and outside portions 34 and 36 are biased towards each other towards the
closed
configuration, for example by being mounted to a spring or other biasing
element.
In other embodiments, as in the attachment 22 shown in the drawings, each
attachment 22 further includes a lock 48 for selectively locking the
attachment 22
in the closed configuration. For example, the lock 48 prevents the attachment
inside and outside portions 34 and 36 from moving from the closed
configuration
to the open configuration unless a predetermined force moving the attachment
inside and outside portions 34 and 36 away from each other is exerted. In some
embodiments, the predetermined force is such that the lock 48 unlocks if
forces
that could cause damage to the garment slide fastener 14 were exerted on the
garment extender 10.
[0063] A specific example of the lock 48 includes lock inside and outside
elements 50 and 52 provided respectively in the attachment inside and outside
portions 34 and 36. The lock inside and outside elements 50 and 52 are
complementarily shaped to snap to each other in the closed position. However,
in
alternative embodiments, any other suitable lock is used. For example, a lock
using magnets is within the scope of the invention, magnets of opposing
polarity
facing each other in the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and 36 in
the
closed position. In yet other embodiments, the lock includes a biasing
element,
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such as a spring, extending between the attachment inside and outside portions
34 and 36 and biasing the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and 36
towards the closed position.
[0064] For the purpose of this document, the term "snap" refers to a structure
and
an action in which one part defines a recess accessed through an opening
narrower than deeper parts of the recess. Another part includes a pin that has
a
portion that is slightly larger than the opening. At least one of, and in some
cases
both, the pin and the opening is resiliently deformable so that when a
suitable
force is exerted pushing the pin into the recess, deformation occurs so that
the
portion that is slightly larger than the opening is allowed to move past the
opening.
Then, the pin and opening, reverse at least partially this deformation, with
the
portion that is slightly larger than the opening received in the recess, which
locks
the pin in the recess.
[0065] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the inside channel forming
portion 40 is between the inside gripping portion 38 and lock inside element
50
and the outside channel forming portion 44 is between the outside gripping
portion
42 and lock outside elements 52.
[0066] In a very specific embodiment of the invention, the attachment inside
and
outside portions 34 and 36 are formed of a relatively rigid polymer and
structured
as follows. In this specific embodiment, the attachment inside and outside
portions
are identical, and only one of them, the attachment inside portion 34, is
described
in details.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, the attachment inside portion 34 includes a base
54,
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which is for example plate-shaped. The inside gripping portion 38 is a flange
extending from the base 54. The flanges of the attachment inside and outside
portions 34 and 36 face each other and grip the stringer tape 16 therebetween
in
the closed configuration. For example, this flange has a length sufficient to
extend
along a few teeth 18 of the garment slide fastener 14 to distribute stresses
exerted
on the garment slide fastener 14 over a relatively large portion of the
garment slide
fastener 14 when the garment extender 10 is in use to reduce possibilities of
damaging the garment slide fastener 14.
[0068] The lock inside element 50 includes a locking element base 56 extending
substantially parallel to the inside gripping portion 38, spaced apart
therefrom. The
inside channel forming portion 40 is delimited by the locking element base 56
and
inside gripping portion 38. In some embodiments, the locking element base 56
and
inside gripping portion 38 protrude at about the same height from the base 54.
[0069] The lock inside element 50 also includes a recess 58 extending in the
base 54, accessed through an opening 60 that is at least slightly narrower
than the
remainder of the recess 58. Furthermore, the lock inside element 50 includes a
prong 62 protruding from the base 54. The prong 62 includes a prong wider
portion 64 that is slightly larger than the opening 60. The prong 62 and
recess 58
are positioned such that when two of the lock inside elements 50 are
positioned so
that their inside gripping portions 38 face each other, the prong 62 of one of
the
lock inside elements 50 faces the recess 58 of the other one of the lock
inside
elements 50, so that the prongs 62 can engage the recesses 58. The recesses 58
and prongs 62 are configured and sized, and have mechanical properties, such
that the above-described snap action occurs when the prongs 62 are pushed into
the recesses 58.
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[0070] In some embodiments, the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and
36 could be each attached, for example using glue, to the body 21. However, in
some embodiments, the attachment 22 includes an attachment linking portion 66
(seen in FIG. 6 for example) linking the attachment inside and outside
portions 34
and 36 to each other. Such a structure facilitates alignment between the
attachment inside and outside portions 34 and 36 to achieve the closed
configuration. For example, the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and
36
are more rigid than the attachment linking portion 66. The latter is for
example
relatively flexible to relatively easily allow movements between the open and
closed configurations.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 7, for example, the attachment linking portion 66 is
substantially panel shaped and defines inside and outside portion apertures 70
and 72 respectively receiving the attachment inside and outside portions 34
and
36 (not seen in FIG. 7) thereinto. The attachment linking portion 66 may be
made
of a polymer overmolded on the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and
36.
In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 6 for example, the attachment linking
portion 66 defines at least one groove 74 thereinto, for example two grooves
74,
between the inside and outside portion apertures 70 and 72 for facilitating
hinging
between the attachment inside and outside portions 34 and 36.
[0072] In some embodiments, the attachment linking portion 66 is soft enough
to
allow sewing the attachment linking portion 66 to pieces of fabric. This is
advantageous as sewing is a robust and relatively low cost method of attaching
components that is well understood in the garment industry.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, when the attachments 22 are provided in attachment
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strings 32, the attachment strings 32 may be formed as follows. Each string of
attachments includes inside and outside strips 76 and 78, made of a suitable
fabric. The inside and outside strips 76 and 78 extend between the attachments
22
and the body 21. The inside and outside strips 76 and 78 may be formed of a
single piece of material folded along a fold 80 separating the inside and
outside
strips 76 and 78 from each other. In alternative embodiments, the inside and
outside strips 76 and 78 are made of two different pieces of material. The
attachment linking portion 66 of each attachment 22 is secured to the inside
and
outside strips 76 and 78 and the inside and outside strips 76 and 78 are
secured
to the body 21. For example, the inside and outside strips 76 and 78 extend
generally parallel to each other.
[0074] The inside strip 76 has an inside strip side edge 82, opposed to the
fold 80
and the outside strip 78 has an outside strip side edges 86 , opposed to the
fold
80. Adjacent the fold 80, the inside and outside strips 76 and 78 overlap one
of the
body first and second side edges 24 and 26, the body first side edge 24 being
shown in FIG. 4. Part of the body 21 is secured to the inside and outside
strips 76
and 78. This layered structure including the inside and outside strips 76 and
78
with part of the body 21 therebetween can be sewn or assembled in any other
suitable manner.
[0075] The attachments 22 are provided between the inside and outside strips
76
and 78. In some embodiments, the inside and outside strips 76 and 78 are
folded
over the attachment linking portion 66 adjacent the inside and outside strips
side
edges 82 and 86 and the layered structure formed of part of one of the inside
and
outside strips 76 and 78, the attachment linking portion 68 and another part
of the
same one of the inside and outside strips 76 and 78 is sewn together, or
otherwise
secured, for example using glue or rivets, among other possibilities.
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[0076] As seen in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the body 21 is provided with at
least one extender slide fastener 88 extending between the body top and bottom
edges 28 and 30, which allows opening the garment 12 without removing the
garment extender 10. In some embodiments, the garment extender 10 is provided
with a pair of laterally spaced apart extender slide fasteners 88 extending
between
the body top and bottom edges 28 and 30. This allows removal of part of the
garment extender 10, the part between the two extender slide fasteners 88, as
seen in FIG. 13, while preserving the ability to close and open the garment
12.
Also, many different pieces of materials securable to the extender slide
fasteners
88 having different widths could be provided to adjust the garment extender 10
to
different sizes. In some embodiments, the removable portion includes a wider
portion and a narrower portion. When the wider portion is worn over the belly
of a
pregnant woman, the garment extender 10 may be used to accommodate the
expanding belly of the pregnant woman. When the wider portion is worn over the
chest of an intended user, which may be achieved by mounting the garment
extender 10 upside down with respect to the orientation in which the wider
portion
is over the belly, a baby carrier carrying a baby may be worn in register with
the
chest of the intended user and the garment extender 10 may then accommodate
the additional volume occupied by the baby and baby carrier.
[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates another attachment 122 usable instead of the
attachment
22 in the garment extender 10. The attachment 122 differs from the attachment
22
in that the attachment inside and outside portions 134 and 136 have lock
inside
and outside elements 150 and 152 that differ from the lock inside and outside
elements 50 and 52. More specifically, while still employing the "snap"
principle,
the lock inside and outside elements 150 and 152 don't include the locking
element base 56. Instead, the lock inside and outside elements 150 and 152
have
a structure similar to that of a conventional push button used commonly in the
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garment industry. Also, the attachment inside and outside portions 134 and 136
are not identical as they each include a single element part of the
conventional
push button structure, which need to be complementarily shaped to the other
element of the conventional push button structure. In alternative embodiments,
the
same push button structures are used, but two of them are present on each of
the
attachment inside and outside portions 234 and 236, as seen in FIG. 10 for the
attachment 222.
[0078] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another attachment 322 usable instead of the
attachment 22 in the garment extender 10. The attachment 322 differs from the
attachment 22 in that the lock inside and outside elements 350 and 352 differ
from
the lock inside and outside elements 50 and 52. One of the lock inside and
outside
elements 350 and 352 include at least one deformable elongated tongue 390
provided with a ledge 392 generally transversal to the tongue 390. The tongue
390
is insertable in a recess 394 of the other one of the lock inside and outside
elements 350 and 352 by resiliently deforming the tongue 390 until the tongue
390
has been inserted enough that it can spring back to its undeformed
configuration
with the ledge 392 abutting against a correspondingly shaped portion of the
recess
394 so that removal of the tongue 390 from the recess 394 requires deformation
of
the tongue 390 to retract the ledge 392 so that the later can be retracted
from the
recess 394. In other embodiments, the tongue 390 deforms enough to be removed
from the recess 394 when enough pulling force is exerted thereonto. The
attachment 322 includes a pair of tongues 390 and recess 394.
[0079] FIG. 12 illustrates yet another attachment 422 usable instead of the
attachment 22 in the garment extender 10. The attachment 422 is similar to the
attachment 322 except that it includes only one tongue 490 and one recess 494,
which are longer than the tongue 390 and recess 394. Also, the attachment 422
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includes inside and outside gripping portions 438 and 442 that are provided
with
teeth 443 to better grip the stringer tapes 16.
[0080] FIGS. 14 to 20 present various aspects related to yet another
attachment
522 usable instead of the attachment 22 in an alternative garment extender
510,
the latter being shown in FIG. 17. Typically, but not necessarily, a plurality
of
attachments 522 are used to secure the body 521 to the garment 12, as in the
garment extender 10. The attachments 522 could be individually secured to the
body 21, for example using stitches, rivets or an adhesive. However, in some
embodiments, the attachments 522 are linked to each other in an attachment
string 532 through a flexible link 533, as shown in FIG. 15 for example and
further
described hereinbelow.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 16, each of the attachments 522 defines a channel 549
defining a channel axis 551 extending substantially parallel to one of the
body first
and second side edges 22 or 24 at which the attachment 522 is provided, as
seen
in FIG. 17. Returning to FIG. 16, each of the attachments 522 also define a
slit 553
parallel to the channel axis 551 and leading laterally into the channel 549
along
the whole channel 549. As seen in FIG. 14, the slit 553 of each attachment 522
faces away from the body 521.
[0082] As seen in FIG. 16, each slit 553 is defined between a pair of slit
edges
555 and 557. Each slit 553 defines axially opposed slit end portions 559 and
561
and a slit intermediate portion 563 therebetween. At least one of the slit
edges 555
and 557, for example both slit edges 555 and 557 as seen in FIG. 16, is
bevelled
in the slit end portions 559 and 561 so that an axial access to the slit 553
is
tapered towards the slit intermediate portion 563. This configuration
facilitates
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sliding the attachments 522 along the stringer tapes 16.
[0083] In some embodiments, the attachments 522 may be slightly flexible so
that
the slit 553 may be widened slightly against a biasing force forcing the slit
edges
555 and 557 away from each other when the stringer tape 16 is inserted
thereinto,
so that the attachments 522 engage the stringer tape 16 with a small axial
friction
force. In other embodiments, the slits 553 are be wider than the typical
thickness
of the stringer tape 16.
[0084] As seen in FIG. 14, the attachments 522 may have a substantially C-
shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration. With the attachments 522
operatively secured to the garment slide fastener 14, the slit 553 of each
attachment 522 receives thereinto a gripped portion 46 of one of the stringer
tapes
16 therebetween and the channel 549 of the attachment 522 receives thereinto
the
teeth 18 that are supported by the stringer tape 16 adjacent the gripped
portion 46.
[0085] It should be noted that in opposition to the attachments 22, the
attachments 522 typically don't grip the stringer tapes 18 with a large force,
but are
movable therealong by exerting a relatively small force. Thus, the gripping
force is
such that friction between the attachments 522 and the stringer tapes 16 is
relatively low. As described hereinbelow, in some embodiments, a clip 538
(seen
in FIG. 17 for example) is used to prevent the attachments 522 from sliding
out of
the stringer tape 16. However, in alternative embodiments, the attachments 522
grip the stringer tape 16 with enough force that the clip 538 is not required.
Also,
the channel 549 has a transversal cross-sectional configuration such that the
teeth
18 of commercially available slide fasteners 14 may be freely received
thereinto
with minimal or no friction.
CA 3058570 2019-10-15
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[0086] To ensure that the teeth 18 cannot exit the attachment 522 through the
slit
553, the latter has a relatively narrow width, and, when the attachments 522
are
deformable, the attachment 522 is rigid enough to prevent excessive
deformation
that would allow such movement of the teeth 18 through the slit 553.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 15, the attachments 522 provided at at least one
of
the body first and second side edges 24 and 26, and typically at both of the
body
first and second side edges 24 and 26, are linked to each other in an
attachment
string 532 through a flexible link 533. Typically, the flexible link 533 is
less rigid
than the attachments 522. The attachments 522 are secured to the flexible link
533 in any suitable manner. For example, the attachments 522 are glued to the
flexible link 533. In other embodiments, the attachments 522 define a
peripherally
extending flange (not shown in the drawings) that is embedded in the flexible
link
533, for example by overmolding that latter over the attachments 522, and more
specifically the flanges. Any other suitable manner of securing the
attachments
522 to the flexible link 533 is also within the scope of the invention.
[0088] As seen in FIG. 14, the attachment string 532 may be secured to a strip
576 part of the body 521 and extending parallel to the flexible link 533,
similarly to
the use of the strips 76 and 78 in the garment extender 10. The strip 576 may
be
folded over itself at one strip side edge 582 thereof to form a fold 581
folding over
the flexible link 533. The folded strip 576 may be secured in any suitable
manner
to the flexible link 533, for example using stitches, rivets or an adhesive,
among
other possibilities.
[0089] The attachments 522 include two opposed end attachments 522 and
intermediate attachments 522 provided therebetween. In some embodiments, as
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seen in FIG. 18, with the flexible link 533 folded over itself adjacent one
link end
535 thereof, the end attachment 522 adjacent to that link end 535 is
insertable
between two adjacent ones of the intermediate attachments 522. This is
possible if
the spacing between the end attachment 522 and the intermediate attachment 522
to which it is adjacent is large enough to allow such a fold and if the
distance
between the two intermediate attachments is larger than the length of the end
attachment 522. This ability to fold over the attachment string 532 and insert
the
end attachment 522 between two intermediate attachments 522 is useful to
shorten the attachment string 532 so that the attachment string 532 can be
used
with garment slide fasteners 14 of different lengths. Indeed, the folded over
portion
can be maintained folded by simply engaging the stringer tape 16 between the
two
intermediate attachments 522 with the end attachment 522.
[0090] In some embodiments, a clip 538 is provided, as seen in FIG. 17. The
clip
538 is operable for gripping the stringer tape 16. When the clip 538 grips the
stringer tape, the attachment string 532, and therefore the attachments 522
may
be maintained at a fixed location relative thereto. This functionality may be
achieved in many alternative manners. Two such manners are illustrated in FIG.
17. It should be noted that in some embodiments, only one of these manners is
implemented, at one or both sides of the garment extender 510.
[0091] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate the clip 538. The clip 538 is movable
between
open and closed configurations, shown respectively in FIGS. 19 and 20. The
clip
538 includes a pair of jaws 540 and 542 that are adjacent to each other in the
closed configuration, and spaced apart from each other in the open
configuration.
The jaws 540 are operated using levers 544 and 546 extending respectively from
the jaws 540 and 542. The lever 546 extends integrally from the jaw 542 in the
embodiment of the clip 538 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, but other types of levers
CA 3058570 2019-10-15
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are within the scope of the invention. The jaws 540 and 542 may be biased
towards the closed configuration, for example using a biasing element, or the
clip
538 may be configured so that when the jaws 540 and 542 are in the closed
configuration, a minimal force is required to achieve the open configuration,
so that
the jaws are maintained in the closed configuration unless this minimal force
is
exerted. The jaws 540 and 542 may also be provided with protrusions 548
configured to engage or penetrate any piece of fabric or any soft material
provided
between the two jaws 540 and 542. Examples of suitable clips 538 are provided
in
US Patent No 8,806,726 issued August 19, 2014 to Tien Chung Ent Co Ltd and in
US Patent No 7,979,965 issued July 19, 2011 to Tien Chung Ent Co Ltd.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 17, the clip 538 may be secured to the remainder of
the
garment extender 510 in many different manners. For example, as shown for the
bottom clip 538 in FIG. 17, the clip 538 is secured to one of the body 521 and
flexible link 533 between two adjacent ones of the attachments 522. In FIG.
17,
the clip 538 is secured to the body 521 with the jaws 540 and 542 positioned
between two attachments 522. With the garment extender 510 operatively secured
to the garment 12 (only partially shown in FIG. 17), the clip 538 is operable
for
selectively and reversibly gripping one of the stringer tapes 16 between the
two
adjacent ones of the attachments 522. When this is achieved, the attachments
522
are prevented from sliding along the stringer tapes 16 accidentally.
[0093] Another manner of providing the clip 538 is illustrated for the top
clip 538
of FIG. 17. The clip 538 is secured to the body 521, for example using a small
piece of rope 550, one end of which being secured to the body 521, and the
other
end of which being secured to the clip 538. Thus, this clip 538 may be moved
relative to the remainder of the garment extender 510. The rope 550 is
positioned
and configured so that with the garment extender 510 operatively secured to
the
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garment 12, the clip 538 is operable for selectively and reversibly gripping
jointly
one of the flexible links 533 and one of the stringer tapes 16 adjacent to the
one of
the flexible link 533. Indeed, in this configuration, when the attachments 522
receive therebetween the stringer tape 16, the stringer tape 16 and flexible
link
533 run parallel and adjacent to each other. The clip 538 can therefore
receive
between its jaws 540 and 542 the stringer tape 16 and flexible element 533,
for
example at the top or bottom ends thereof.
[0094] While each side of the garment extender 510 is provided with only one
clip
538 in FIG. 17, it is within the scope of the invention to provide more than
one clip
538 for each side of the garment extender 510, for example one adjacent the
top
of the garment extender 510, and one adjacent the bottom of the garment
extender 510, among other possibilities.
[0095] In use, the garment extender 510 is secured to the garment 12 by simply
aligning the teeth 18 of one half of the slide fastener at one end thereof
with one of
the channels 549 of one of the end attachments 522 and pulling this end
attachment 522 along the stringer tape 16. As they reach the stringer tape 16,
the
other attachments 522 may be automatically aligned with the stringer tape 16
if the
flexible link 533 has enough rigidity, or may need a bit of adjustment by the
intended user to be suitably aligned to suitably engage the stringer tape 16
with
the teeth 18 positioned in the channel 549. If needed, the flexible link 533
is folded
over itself when the end of the attachment string 532 is reached so that the
end
attachment 522 can be suitably positioned to achieve the configuration of FIG.
18.
Then, the clip 538 is used to ensure that the attachments 522 remain fixed
relative
to the garment 12. The other half of the garment extender 510 can be
simultaneously secured to the garment 12 with the first half. In other
embodiments,
when the garment extender 510 includes two portions that can be detached from
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each other, each portion can be secured individually to the garment 10,
followed
by attachment to each other of the two separated portions.
[0096] FIG. 21 illustrates another attachment string 632 usable in the garment
extender 510 instead of the attachment string 532. The attachment string 632
is
very similar to the attachment string 532 except that it also includes a
fixation
attachment 622, which is similar in shape and function to the attachments 22,
122,
222, 322 and 422. The fixation attachment 622 is secured to the flexible link
533
along the line defined by the attachments 522 in any suitable manner, for
example
through overmolding or use of an adhesive, among other possibilities. The
attachment string 632 includes two fixation attachments 622, but attachment
strings 632 including only one fixation attachments 622 or more than two
fixation
attachments 622 are also possible. In use, the attachment string 632 is used
similarly to the attachment string 532, except that when the attachment string
632
is properly positioned, the fixation attachment 622 is closed to securely grip
the
stringer tape 16. In such embodiments, the clips 538 may not be required and
may
be omitted.
[0097] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of
exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many
modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention.
Accordingly,
the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments,
but
should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as
a
whole.
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