Trim assembly for article of apparel

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to a trim (100) assembly that may be incorporated into an article of apparel, wherein the trim assembly is configured to receive a pull cord (144). The trim component is constructed and incorporated into the article of apparel in such a manner that there is no upper thread on an outwardly facing surface (110) of the article of apparel within a region where the trim component is located.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with an application date of October 15, 2020 and an application number of 202080073036.6. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects herein relate to an ornament assembly for a garment, where the ornament assembly can be used to accommodate a drawstring. Background Art

[0003] Conventional configurations for accommodating a drawstring are typically formed by folding inwards a peripheral edge of, for example, a hood or a waistband and securing the edge to the inward-facing surface of the hood or waistband to form a tunnel structure in which the drawstring is accommodated. The attachment of the edge to the hood or waistband is typically accomplished by a topstitch visible on the outward-facing surface of the hood or waistband. This may result in a less than desirable aesthetic effect. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 Views of an ornament assembly for accommodating a drawstring in accordance with aspects herein are illustrated;

[0006] Figure 2 A front external view of a hood incorporating an ornament assembly (such as Figure 1 the ornament assembly) in accordance with aspects herein is illustrated;

[0007] Figure 3 A side external view of a hood in accordance with aspects herein is illustrated; Figure 2

[0008] Figure 4 Figure 2 A side internal view of a hood in accordance with aspects herein is illustrated;

[0009] Figure 5 Figure 1 A front external view of a lower body garment incorporating an ornament assembly (such as

[0010] the ornament assembly) in accordance with aspects herein is illustrated; Figure 6 Figure 5

[0011] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the interior of a lower body garment in accordance with aspects herein is illustrated; and Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method of manufacturing a garment incorporating an ornament assembly (such as Figure 1 the ornament assembly) in accordance with aspects herein is illustrated. Detailed Description

[0012] This document describes the subject matter of the present invention in detail to meet statutory requirements. However, the present specification itself is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. On the contrary, the inventors contemplate that the claimed or disclosed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in combination with other existing or future technologies, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to those described herein. Additionally, although the terms "step" and / or "block" may be used herein to denote different elements of the methods employed, unless the order of the individual steps is explicitly stated, the term should not be construed as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein.

[0013] Configurations for accommodating a drawstring in a typical apparel article are generally formed by folding the peripheral edge of the outer layer of the apparel article inwardly and using topstitching to secure the peripheral edge to the outer layer to form a tunnel structure in which the drawstring is positioned. Other configurations may utilize a trim piece that forms the tunnel structure and use topstitching to secure the trim piece to the outer layer. In these instances, the topstitching and / or profile of the drawstring may be visible on the outward-facing surface of the apparel article, which may be undesirable when pursuing a clean or minimalist aesthetic. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a trim piece assembly that can be used to accommodate a drawstring, where the trim piece assembly is formed and incorporated into the apparel article in such a way that there are no visible stitches on the outward-facing surface of the apparel article in the region where the trim piece assembly is located. Additionally, the profile of the drawstring is generally not visible on the outward-facing surface of the apparel article. These two features both contribute to creating a clean aesthetic.

[0014] At a high level, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a trim piece assembly for an apparel article, where the apparel article is formed of or at least partially formed of an outer layer having a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge may form the edge of a waist opening, the face opening of a hood, the sleeve opening of a sleeve, the leg opening of pants or shorts, etc. The apparel article also includes a lining layer that lines the interior of the apparel article either in whole or in part. A first trim piece is positioned inside the outer layer, and a first edge of the first trim piece is secured to the peripheral edge of the outer layer, and a second, opposite edge of the first trim piece is secured to the lining layer edge of the lining layer. A second trim piece that is partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure is positioned in the space formed between the opposing surface of the first trim piece and the outer layer, and is secured to the first trim piece at one or more locations, but not to the outer layer. A drawstring is positioned within the tunnel structure formed by the second trim piece, where the drawstring can be used to adjust the perimeter of the opening defined by the peripheral edge of the outer layer. Since the second trim piece is not secured or attached to the outer layer, the outer layer does not include topstitching in the region where the trim piece assembly is located. Additionally, by positioning the drawstring within the tunnel structure formed by the second trim piece, the profile of the drawstring is generally not visible on the outward-facing surface of the apparel article.

[0015] As used herein, the term "garment article" encompasses any number of products intended to be worn by a wearer, including upper body garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, sweaters), lower body garments (e.g., pants, shorts, leggings), portions of upper body and / or lower body garments such as hoods, sleeves, and / or leg portions, footwear articles (such as shoes or socks), headgear articles (e.g., hats and hoods), gloves, stand-alone sleeves (e.g., arm sleeves, calf sleeves), and the like.

[0016] Position terms used in describing a garment article, such as front, back, inward-facing surface, outward-facing surface, exterior, interior, inner, etc., are relative to the garment article as intended to be worn when the wearer is standing upright. Thus, when the garment article is in the form of a hood, upper body garment, or lower body garment, the inward-facing surface of the garment article is configured to face inwardly toward the wearer, and the outward-facing surface of the garment article is configured to face the external environment. In describing an ornamentation assembly, the inward-facing surface of the ornamentation assembly is configured to face inward (i.e., toward the wearer), and the outward-facing surface is configured to face outward (i.e., away from the wearer). In describing the positioning of, for example, a first ornamentation relative to an outer layer, the term "inner" means that the first ornamentation is positioned inside or on the inner side of the garment article and can at least partially form the inward-facing surface of the garment article. The term "edge" as used herein can refer to the end or edge of a layer of material or can also refer to a folded edge of a layer of material.

[0017] The terms "affixed" or "affixing" as used herein generally refer to permanently attaching one material to another using attachment techniques such as stitching, bonding, spot welding, adhesives, etc. In one exemplary aspect, the term "affixed" refers to stitching one material to another at a seam line using, for example, a thread material. As used herein, the terms "topstitch" or "topstitching" refer to one or more stitch lines visible on the outward-facing surface of a garment article.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, all measurements provided herein are made when the garment article and / or ornamentation assembly are at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and the garment article and / or ornamentation are in a stationary state (e.g., an unstretched state).

[0019] Figure 1 A view illustrating a portion of an example ornamentation assembly 100 that can be incorporated into a garment article such as a hood, belt, etc. The ornamentation assembly includes an inward-facing surface 101 and an opposite outward-facing surface 103. Figure 1The view shown is taken from the perspective of the inward-facing surface 101 of the trim component 100. Iso-length dashed lines are used to indicate a structure or a part of a structure that is normally hidden from view by another structure. The trim component 100 includes an outer layer 110. In an example aspect, the outer layer 110 can form all or a part of the outward-facing surface of a clothing article. The outer layer 110 includes a peripheral edge 112. For example, when the clothing article is in the form of a hood, the peripheral edge 112 can define or at least partially define the face opening of the hood. For example, when the clothing article is in the form of lower body clothing, the peripheral edge 112 can define or at least partially define the waist opening of the lower body clothing. Other examples include peripheral edges 112 that define sleeve openings, leg openings, waist openings, etc. of upper body clothing. The peripheral edge 112 is shown as being folded inward (i.e., in the direction toward the inward-facing surface 101 of the trim component 100), but it is also contemplated herein that the peripheral edge 112 can be non-folded. In an example aspect, the outer layer 110 can be formed of a first material, such as a knitted material, a woven material, and / or a non-woven material.

[0020] The trim component 100 further includes a lining layer 114, wherein the lining layer 114 is positioned inside the outer layer 110. The lining layer 114 can line the clothing article either wholly or in part. For example, when the clothing article is in the form of a hood, the lining layer 114 can line the inside of the hood such that the lining layer 114 forms or at least partially forms the inward-facing surface of the hood. When the clothing article is in the form of lower body clothing, the lining layer 114 can line the inside of the lower body clothing either wholly or in part such that the lining layer 114 forms or at least partially forms the inward-facing surface of the lower body clothing. The lining layer 114 includes a lining layer edge 116. Although shown as non-folded, it is contemplated herein that the lining layer edge 116 can be folded inward (e.g., toward the inward-facing surface 101 of the trim component 100) or outward (e.g., toward the outward-facing surface 103 of the trim component 100). In an example aspect, the lining layer 114 can be formed of a second material selected to not significantly increase the weight of the resulting clothing article, reduce the manufacturing cost, and / or improve the drape or flexibility of the lining layer 114. In an example aspect, the second material used to form the lining layer 114 can be different from the first material used to form the outer layer 110.

[0021] The trim component assembly 100 also includes a first trim component 118 positioned inside the outer layer 110. In example aspects, the first trim component 118 can be formed of the same material (e.g., a first material) as the outer layer 110 to provide a consistent appearance between the outward-facing surface of the article of clothing incorporating the trim component assembly 100 and a portion of the trim component assembly 100 that is adjacent to the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110 but inside thereof. The first trim component 118 includes a first edge 120 and a second edge 122 opposite the first edge 120, wherein each of the first edge 120 and the second edge 122 is a longitudinal edge. In example aspects, each of the first edge 120 and the second edge 122 is folded toward the outward-facing surface 103 of the trim component assembly 100. However, it is also contemplated herein that one or more of the first edge 120 and the second edge 122 are not folded. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are considered within the aspects herein.

[0022] The first edge 120 of the first trim piece 118 is secured to the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110 by, for example, sewing, to form a first seam line 124 (shown as a long and short dash line). The second edge 122 of the first trim piece 118 is secured to the lining layer edge 116 of the lining layer 114 by, for example, sewing, to form a second seam line 126 (shown as a long and short dash line). This configuration forms a space 128 between the opposing surfaces of the outer layer 110 and the first trim piece 118, wherein the space 128 extends along the longitudinal length of the trim piece assembly 100. Although sewing is described as one way to secure the edge of the first trim piece 118 to the peripheral edge 112 and the lining layer edge 116, it is contemplated herein that other securing techniques described above may be used. In an exemplary aspect, the lining layer 114 is not attached to the outer layer 110, but is only attached to the first trim piece 118 by the second seam line 126.

[0023] The trim component assembly 100 also includes a second trim component 130 having a first longitudinal edge 132 and a second longitudinal edge 134 opposite the first longitudinal edge 132. In exemplary aspects, each of the first longitudinal edge 132 and the second longitudinal edge 134 is folded inwardly toward an imaginary longitudinal centerline 136 of the second trim component 130 (i.e., toward the inwardly facing surface 101 of the trim component assembly 100) to form a tunnel structure generally indicated by reference numeral 138. It is contemplated herein that in the example of Figure 1After being folded inwardly as shown, the first longitudinal edge 132 may be spaced apart and not fixed from the second longitudinal edge 134 of the second trim piece 130. It is also contemplated herein that after the edges 132 and 134 are folded inwardly, the first longitudinal edge 132 may abut or contact the second longitudinal edge 134, but not be fixed to the second longitudinal edge 134. Additionally contemplated herein is that after the edges 132 and 134 are folded inwardly to form a closed tunnel structure 138, the first longitudinal edge 132 may be fixed to the second longitudinal edge 134. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are considered to be within the aspects herein.

[0024] Figure 1 The second trim piece 130 is depicted as being partially positioned within a space 128 formed between opposite surfaces of the outer layer 110 and the first trim piece 118 to better illustrate the positional relationship between the different components of the trim piece assembly 100. However, it is contemplated herein that when the trim piece assembly 100 is incorporated into a garment, the second trim piece 130 is fully positioned within the space 128 formed between opposite surfaces of the outer layer 110 and the first trim piece 118. After being positioned within the space 128, the first longitudinal edge 132 and the second longitudinal edge 134 of the second trim piece 130 are generally parallel and aligned with the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110, the lining edge 116 of the lining layer 114, the first edge 120 of the first trim piece 118, and the second edge 122 of the first trim piece 118. After being positioned within the space 128, the first longitudinal edge 132 and the second longitudinal edge 134 of the second trim piece 130 are positioned adjacent to and / or abutting the first trim piece 118. In an exemplary aspect, the second trim piece 130 is fixed to the first trim piece 118, for example, using stitching at seam lines 140 and 142 (both shown using dashed dotted lines), although other fixing techniques are also contemplated herein. To avoid having the shown face lines on the outward-facing surface of the garment incorporating the trim piece assembly 100, the second trim piece 130 is not fixed to or not fixed with the outer layer 110.

[0025] The trim piece assembly 100 further includes a drawstring 144 positioned within a tunnel structure 138 formed by the second trim piece 130. As further explained below, the drawstring 144 can be used to tighten the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110 to effect, for example, a generally circumferential tightening of the face opening of a hood or the waistband of an upper body garment or a lower body garment. The drawstring 144 can include a non-elastic cord or thread, an elastic cord or thread, or the drawstring 144 can include, for example, an elastic band for tightening the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110. In some cases, such as when the drawstring 144 is an elastic band, the drawstring 144 can include a continuous structure that extends uninterruptedly through the tunnel structure 138. In other cases, the drawstring 144 can include two ends that can be manipulated by the wearer to tighten the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110.

[0026] Figure 2 and Figure 3 respectively illustrate the front external view and the side external view of a garment article in the form of a hood 200 incorporating a trim component (such as Figure 1 trim component 100). In an example aspect, a portion of the lower edge 210 of the hood 200 is secured to the neck opening 212 of an upper body garment 214. The upper body garment 214 can be a jacket, a vest, a hoodie, a pullover, etc. The outward-facing surface 216 of the hood 200 is formed by an outer layer 218, which can be, for example Figure 1 the outer layer 110 of the trim component 100 shown. The outer layer 218 can be a plush material (e.g., a material with a soft pile) to provide warmth to the hood 200. In some example aspects, the outer layer 218 can include a right outer layer 217 and a left outer layer 219, which are joined at the midline of the hood 200 as shown by a seam line 221. This is merely an example, and it is contemplated herein that the outer layer 218 can include a single piece without a seam line 221. It is also contemplated herein that the outer layer 218 can include multiple pieces joined by seam lines. The outer layer 218 includes a peripheral edge 220 that forms or defines a face opening 222 of the hood 200. As shown, there are no visible topstitching or seam lines in the area of the outer layer 218 adjacent to the face opening 222, thus creating a clean aesthetic for the hood 200.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a side internal view of the hood 200. The hood 200 is at least partially lined with a lining layer 310, which can be the lining layer 114 of the trim component 100. In an example aspect, the lining layer 310 can include a single-sided knitted stockinette to reduce manufacturing costs, increase the drape and / or flexibility of the material, and reduce the weight of the hood 200. It is contemplated herein that the lining layer 310 lines the sides, top, and back of the hood 200 to at least partially form the inward-facing surface 312 of the hood 200. The lining layer 310 includes a lining layer edge 314 that is offset inward from the peripheral edge 220 of the outer layer 218. In an example aspect, the lining layer edge 314 can be offset inward from the peripheral edge 220 by about 4 cm to about 6 cm, or about 5 cm. As used herein, the term "about" means within ±10% of the indicated value. Offsetting the lining layer edge 314 from the peripheral edge 220 by the above range provides a consistent appearance between the outward-facing surface 216 of the hood 200 and the portion of the hood 200 that is adjacent to and inside the peripheral edge 220 of the outer layer 218, since the same material (e.g., plush material) is used for the outer layer 218 and the first trim, while a different material (e.g., single-sided knitted stockinette) can be used for the lining layer 310 as described above.

[0028] Figure 4The internal view also depicts a first trim piece 316, such as the first trim piece 118 of the trim piece assembly 100. The first trim piece 316 includes a first edge 318 that is fixed to the peripheral edge 220 of the outer layer 218 at a seam line 320 (shown as a long and short dashed line). The first trim piece 316 also includes a second edge 322 that is fixed to the liner layer edge 314 of the liner layer 310 at a seam line 324 (shown as a long and short dashed line). Although not visible due to the first trim piece 316, the hood 200 also includes a second trim piece, generally denoted by reference numeral 326, positioned within the space formed between the first trim piece 316 and the opposite surface of the outer layer 218, wherein the second trim piece 326 includes a longitudinal edge that is folded inwardly towards the longitudinal midline to form a tunnel structure. In an exemplary aspect, the tunnel structure formed by the second trim piece 326 has a width between about 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm or about 3 cm. The second trim piece 326 is fixed to the first trim piece 316 at seam lines 328 and 330 (both shown as dot-dashed lines). As described above, the second trim piece 326 is not fixed to the outer layer 218 to avoid visible seam lines on the outward-facing surface 216 of the hood 200 in the area where the trim piece assembly is located. The hood 200 also includes a drawstring 332 positioned within the tunnel structure formed by the second trim piece 326.

[0029] In an exemplary aspect, the first trim piece 316 includes a first end 334 (shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), and a second end 336 (partially shown in Figure 2 ). In one exemplary configuration, the first end 334 and the second end 336 of the first trim piece 316 may be partially attached to and partially separated from the neck opening 212 of the upper body garment 214. For example, a first portion 338 of the first end 334 and the second end 336 is separated from the neck opening 212 of the upper body garment 214, wherein the first portion 338 extends inwardly from the first edge 318 of the first trim piece 316 a distance of about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm or about 3 cm. Additionally, as Figure 3 shown, a first portion 340 of the lower edge 210 of the outer layer 218 is separated from the neck opening 212 of the upper body garment 214, wherein the first portion 340 extends inwardly from the peripheral edge 220 of the outer layer 218 a distance of about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm or about 3 cm. Thus, there is a spatial correspondence between the positions where the first portion 338 of the first trim piece 316 and the first portion 340 of the outer layer 218 terminate.

[0030] At the point where the first part 338 of the first decorative element 316 and the first part 340 of the outer layer 218 terminate and the first decorative element 316 and the outer layer 218 are attached to the neck opening 212 of the upper body garment, the first decorative element 316 and the outer layer 218 are secured as indicated by reference numeral 342 to form an opening 344 through which the drawstring 332 extends. The securing point 342 can be in the form of a reinforcing seam. The configuration thus described provides a clean, understated aesthetic, unlike more traditional hood drawstring configurations where the drawstring exits the tunnel structure through an opening extending through a layer of material forming the exterior of the hood. The configuration also provides convenient access to the drawstring 332 for tightening the face opening 222 of the hood 200.

[0031] The decorative element assembly 100 can also be used in other apparel items, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 the lower body garment shown. Figure 5 is a front exterior view of a lower body garment 500 in the form of shorts, while Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the lower body garment 500 with the front half of the lower body garment 500 removed. Although shown as shorts, it is contemplated herein that the lower body garment 500 can include other forms, such as pants, capris, leggings, etc.

[0032] Regarding Figure 5 , the lower body garment 500 includes an outer layer 510, such as the outer layer 110 of the decorative element assembly 100, which can form the outward-facing surface 512 of the lower body garment 500 either in whole or in part. The outer layer 510 includes a peripheral edge 514 that forms the waist opening 516 of the lower body garment 500.

[0033] Regarding Figure 6 , the lower body garment 500 also includes a lining layer 610, such as the lining layer 114 of the decorative element assembly 100, which lines the interior of the lower body garment 500 either in whole or in part such that the lining layer 610 helps to form the inward-facing surface 612 of the lower body garment 500. For example, the lining layer 610 can line or partially line the torso portion, the first leg portion, and the second leg portion of the lower body garment 500. The lining layer 610 includes a lining layer edge 611.

[0034] The lower body garment 500 also has a first decorative element 614, such as the first decorative element 118 of the decorative element assembly 100, which helps to form the inward-facing surface 612 of the lower body garment 500 adjacent to the waist opening 516. The first decorative element 614 has a first edge 616 that is secured to the peripheral edge 514 of the outer layer 510 at a seam line 618. The first decorative element 614 also has a second edge 620 that is secured to the lining layer edge 611 of the lining layer 610 at a seam line 621 (both the seam line 618 and the seam line 621 are shown as long and short dashed lines).

[0035] The lower body garment 500 further includes a second decorative member 624 positioned within a space 625 formed between opposing surfaces of the first decorative member 614 and the outer layer 510. The second decorative member 624 has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the second decorative member 624 are folded inwardly towards the longitudinal midline of the second decorative member 624 to form a tunnel structure for receiving a drawstring 626, which can be used to circumferentially tighten the waist opening 516 of the lower body garment 500. The drawstring 626 can exit the tunnel structure through a hole 628, and the ends of the drawstring 626 are positioned externally on the front of the lower body garment 500, as Figure 5 shown. The use of the hole 628 is merely one example way in which the drawstring 626 can exit the tunnel structure. Alternatively, an opening can be formed using a construction similar to that shown for the hood 200, such as the opening 344, through which the drawstring 626 extends. In another example, the drawstring 626 can include an elasticized band that extends circumferentially around the waist opening 516 without interruption such that it does not exit the tunnel structure. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are considered to be within the aspects herein.

[0036] Although shown as incorporated into the hood 200 and the lower body garment 500, it is contemplated herein that the decorative member assembly 100 can be incorporated into any article of clothing that requires circumferential tightening of an opening.

[0037] Figure 7 A flowchart depicting an example method 700 of manufacturing a decorative member assembly (such as the decorative member assembly 100) for an article of clothing is shown. At step 710, a first edge of a first decorative member (such as the first decorative member 118 of the decorative member assembly 100) is secured to a peripheral edge of an outer layer (such as the peripheral edge 112 of the outer layer 110). The outer layer at least partially forms the outward-facing surface of the article of clothing. At step 712, a second opposing edge of the first decorative member is secured to a lining layer edge of a lining layer, such as the lining layer edge 116 of the lining layer 114. The lining layer at least partially forms the inward-facing surface of the article of clothing.

[0038] At step 714, a second decorative member, such as the second decorative member 130, is positioned within a space formed between the outer layer and the opposing surface of the first decorative member. The second decorative member is at least partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure. At step 716, the second decorative member is secured to the first decorative member at one or more locations. The second decorative member is not secured to or fixed with the outer layer to avoid having visible topstitching on the outward-facing surface of the article of clothing. The method 700 can further include positioning a drawstring (such as the drawstring 144) within the tunnel structure formed by the second decorative member.

[0039] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in multiple dependent ways to depend on one or more other clauses. Additionally, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend on a previous clause) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and not limitations.

[0040] Clause 1. A hood for upper body clothing, the hood comprising: an outer layer that at least partially forms the outward-facing surface of the hood, the outer layer having a peripheral edge that at least partially defines a facial opening of the hood; a lining layer that at least partially forms the inward-facing surface of the hood, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; a first decorative piece positioned inside the outer layer, the first decorative piece having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the lining layer edge; and a second decorative piece positioned between the first decorative piece and the outer layer, the second decorative piece being partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure.

[0041] Clause 2. The hood for upper body clothing according to Clause 1, further comprising a drawstring positioned in the tunnel structure.

[0042] Clause 3. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Claims 1 to 2, wherein the second decorative piece is fixed to the first decorative piece at one or more positions.

[0043] Clause 4. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the second decorative piece is not fixed to the outer layer.

[0044] Clause 5. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the lining layer is not fixed to the outer layer.

[0045] Clause 6. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the lining layer edge is offset from the peripheral edge by a distance of about 4 cm to about 6 cm.

[0046] Clause 7. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the lining layer edge is offset from the peripheral edge by a distance of about 5 cm.

[0047] Clause 8. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the second decorative piece includes a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, and wherein each of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge is folded toward a longitudinal midline of the second decorative piece to form the tunnel structure.

[0048] Clause 9. The hood for upper body clothing according to Clause 8, wherein the first longitudinal edge of the second decorative piece is not fixed to the second longitudinal edge of the second decorative piece.

[0049] Clause 10. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 8 to 9, wherein the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the second decorative piece are positioned adjacent to the first decorative piece.

[0050] Clause 11. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the outer layer is formed of a plush fabric.

[0051] Clause 12. The hood for upper body clothing according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the lining layer is formed of a knitted plain fabric.

[0052] Clause 13. A clothing article, comprising: an outer layer that at least partially forms the outward-facing surface of the clothing article, the outer layer having a peripheral edge that at least partially defines a circumferential opening of the clothing article; a lining layer that at least partially forms the inward-facing surface of the clothing article, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; a first decorative piece positioned inside the outer layer, the first decorative piece having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the lining layer edge; and a second decorative piece positioned between the first decorative piece and the outer layer, the second decorative piece being partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure.

[0053] Clause 14. The clothing article according to Clause 13, wherein the clothing article is lower body clothing, and wherein the circumferential opening is the waist opening of the lower body clothing.

[0054] Clause 15. The clothing article according to any one of Clauses 13 to 14, wherein the clothing article is a hood for upper body clothing, and wherein the circumferential opening is the face opening of the hood.

[0055] Clause 16. The clothing article according to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, further comprising a drawstring positioned inside the tunnel structure.

[0056] Clause 17. The clothing article according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the second decorative piece is fixed to the first decorative piece at one or more positions, and wherein the second decorative piece is not fixed to the outer layer.

[0057] Clause 18. A method of manufacturing a decorative component for a garment, the method comprising: fixing a first edge of a first decorative piece to a peripheral edge of an outer layer, the outer layer at least partially forming an outward-facing surface of the garment; fixing a second, opposite edge of the first decorative piece to a lining layer edge of a lining layer, the lining layer at least partially forming an inward-facing surface of the garment; positioning a second decorative piece between the outer layer and the first decorative piece, wherein the second decorative piece is at least partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure; and fixing the second decorative piece to the first decorative piece at one or more locations, wherein the second decorative piece is not fixed to the outer layer.

[0058] Clause 19. The method of manufacturing a decorative component for a garment according to Clause 18, further comprising positioning a drawstring within the tunnel structure.

[0059] Clause 20. The method of manufacturing a decorative component for a garment according to any one of Clauses 18 to 19, wherein the garment is a hood.

[0060] Clause 21. An upper body garment having a hood, wherein a lower edge of the hood is at least partially attached to a neck opening of the upper body garment, the hood comprising: an outer layer that at least partially forms an outward-facing surface of the hood, the outer layer having a peripheral edge that at least partially defines a face opening of the hood; a lining layer that at least partially forms an inward-facing surface of the hood, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; a first decorative piece positioned inside the outer layer, the first decorative piece having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the lining layer edge; a second decorative piece positioned between the first decorative piece and the outer layer, the second decorative piece being partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure; and a drawstring positioned within the tunnel structure.

[0061] Clause 22. The upper body garment having a hood according to Clause 21, wherein the first decorative piece includes a first end that is at least partially attached to the neck opening of the upper body garment on a first side of the face opening and a second end that is at least partially attached to the neck opening of the upper body garment on a second, opposite side of the face opening.

[0062] Clause 23. The upper body garment having a hood according to Clause 22, wherein each of the first end and the second end of the first decorative piece includes a first portion that is separated from the neck opening of the upper body garment, and wherein the first portion of the first end and the second end extends inwardly from the first edge of the first decorative piece to a first position that is about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm from the first edge.

[0063] Clause 24. The upper body garment with a hood according to Clause 23, wherein the outer layer includes a first portion that is separated from the neck opening of the upper body garment on the first side and the second opposite side of the face opening, and wherein the first portion of the outer layer extends inward from the peripheral edge of the outer layer to a second position that is about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm from the peripheral edge, and wherein the second position spatially corresponds to the first position.

[0064] Clause 25. The upper body garment with a hood according to Clause 24, wherein the outer layer is fixed to the first end and the second end of the first decorative member at the respective first position and second position to form a first opening on the first side of the face opening and a second opening on the second side of the face opening, and wherein the drawstring extends through the first opening and the second opening.

[0065] Clause 26. A combined belt and lower body garment, comprising: an outer layer that at least partially forms the outward-facing surface of the lower body garment, the outer layer having a peripheral edge that at least partially defines a waist opening of the lower body garment; a lining layer that at least partially forms the inward-facing surface of the hood, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; a first decorative member positioned inside the outer layer, the first decorative member having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the lining layer edge; and a second decorative member positioned between the first decorative member and the outer layer, the second decorative member being partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure.

[0066] Clause 27. The combined belt and lower body garment according to Clause 26, further comprising a drawstring positioned in the tunnel structure.

[0067] Clause 28. The combined belt and lower body garment according to any one of Clauses 26 to 27, wherein the second decorative member is fixed to the first decorative member at one or more positions.

[0068] Clause 29. The combined belt and lower body garment according to any one of Clauses 26 to 28, wherein the second decorative member is not fixed to the outer layer.

[0069] Clause 30. The combined belt and lower body garment according to any one of Clauses 26 to 29, wherein the lining layer edge is offset from the peripheral edge by a distance of about 4 cm to about 6 cm.

[0070] Clause 31. The combined belt and lower body garment according to Clause 30, wherein the lining layer edge is offset from the peripheral edge by a distance of about 5 cm.

[0071] Clause 32. The combined belt and lower body garment according to any one of Clauses 26 to 31, wherein the lower body garment includes shorts.

[0072] Clause 33. The combined belt and lower body garment according to any one of Clauses 26 to 31, wherein the lower body garment includes trousers.

[0073] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with an exemplary rather than a limiting intention. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its scope. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may develop alternative ways of implementing the above improvements.

[0074] It should be understood that certain features and sub - combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub - combinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the figures need to be performed in the specific order described.

Claims

1. A clothing article, comprising: an outer layer that includes at least a portion of the outward-facing surface of the clothing article, the outer layer having a peripheral edge that at least partially defines a circumferential opening of the clothing article; a lining layer that includes at least a portion of the inward-facing surface of the clothing article, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; a first decorative piece positioned inside the outer layer, the first decorative piece having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the lining layer edge, wherein the second edge of the first decorative piece and the lining layer edge are not directly fixed to the outer layer; a second decorative piece positioned between the first decorative piece and the outer layer, the second decorative piece being partially folded along the length of the second decorative piece to form a tunnel structure; and a drawstring positioned within the tunnel structure formed by the second decorative piece.

2. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the second decorative piece is fixed to the first decorative piece at one or more locations.

3. The clothing article according to claim 2, wherein the second decorative piece is not directly fixed to the outer layer.

4. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the lining layer edge is offset from the peripheral edge by a distance of about 4 cm to about 6 cm.

5. The clothing article according to claim 4, wherein the lining layer edge is offset from the peripheral edge by a distance of about 5 cm.

6. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the second decorative piece includes a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, and wherein each of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge is folded toward a longitudinal midline of the second decorative piece to form the tunnel structure.

7. The clothing article according to claim 6, wherein the first longitudinal edge of the second decorative piece is not directly fixed to the second longitudinal edge of the second decorative piece.

8. The clothing article according to claim 6, wherein the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the second decorative piece are positioned adjacent to the first decorative piece.

9. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the clothing article is lower body clothing, and wherein the circumferential opening is a waist opening of the lower body clothing.

10. The clothing article according to claim 9, wherein the lining layer lines the inside of the lower body clothing.

11. The clothing article according to claim 9, further comprising one or more holes extending through the outer layer, wherein ends of the drawstring extend through the one or more holes such that the ends of the drawstring are located on a front portion of the outward-facing surface of the lower body clothing.

12. The clothing article according to claim 11, wherein the drawstring includes an elastic band that extends circumferentially along the waist opening without interruption.

13. The clothing article according to claim 9, wherein the lower body clothing includes shorts.

14. The clothing article according to claim 9, wherein the lower body clothing includes pants.

15. A method of manufacturing a belt assembly for lower body garments, the method comprising: fixing a first edge of a first decorative piece to a peripheral edge of an outer layer, the peripheral edge defining a waist opening of the lower body garment, the outer layer at least partially forming an outward-facing surface of the lower body garment, and the first decorative piece being positioned inside the outer layer; fixing an opposite second edge of the first decorative piece to a lining layer edge of a lining layer, the lining layer at least partially forming an inward-facing surface of the lower body garment, wherein the second edge of the first decorative piece and the lining layer edge are not fixed to the outer layer; positioning a second decorative piece between the outer layer and the first decorative piece, wherein the second decorative piece is at least partially folded along the length of the second decorative piece to form a tunnel structure; and fixing the second decorative piece to the first decorative piece at one or more locations, wherein the second decorative piece is not directly fixed to the outer layer.

16. The method of manufacturing a belt assembly for lower body garments according to claim 15, further comprising positioning a drawstring within the tunnel structure.

17. The method of manufacturing a belt assembly for lower body garments according to claim 15, further comprising forming one or more holes in the outer layer and extending ends of a drawstring through one or more of the holes.

18. The method of manufacturing a belt assembly for lower body garments according to claim 16, wherein the lower body garment is one of shorts or trousers.

19. A clothing article, comprising: an outer layer, the outer layer comprising at least a portion of an outward-facing surface of the clothing article, the outer layer having a peripheral edge and a first end, the peripheral edge at least partially defining a circumferential opening of the clothing article, the first end being at an opening of a space for receiving a drawstring; a lining layer, the lining layer comprising at least a portion of an inward-facing surface of the clothing article, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; a first decorative piece positioned inside the outer layer and comprising the same material as the outer layer, the first decorative piece having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the lining layer edge, wherein the first decorative piece comprises a second end edge at an opening of a space for receiving a drawstring; and a second decorative piece positioned between the first decorative piece and the outer layer, the second decorative piece being partially folded along its length to form a tunnel structure, wherein the second decorative piece is not directly fixed to the outer layer, wherein the second decorative piece comprises a third end that is offset and away from the first end and the second end within a space for receiving a drawstring.

20. A clothing article, comprising: an outer layer, the outer layer at least partially forming an outward-facing surface of the clothing article, the outer layer having a peripheral edge that at least partially defines a circumferential opening of the clothing article; a lining layer, the lining layer at least partially forming an inward-facing surface of the clothing article, the lining layer having a lining layer edge; A first decorative piece positioned inside the outer layer, the first decorative piece having a first edge fixed to the peripheral edge and a second edge fixed to the edge of the lining layer; and A second decorative piece positioned between the first decorative piece and the outer layer, the second decorative piece being partially folded along the length of the second decorative piece to form a tunnel structure.

21. The article of clothing according to claim 20, wherein the article of clothing is lower body clothing, and wherein the circumferential opening is the waist opening of the lower body clothing.

22. The article of clothing according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the article of clothing is a hood for upper body clothing, and wherein the circumferential opening is the face opening of the hood.

23. The article of clothing according to any one of claims 20 to 21, further comprising a drawstring positioned within the tunnel structure.

24. The article of clothing according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the second decorative piece is fixed to the first decorative piece at one or more locations, and wherein the second decorative piece is not fixed to the outer layer.

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