System for forming a garment or accessory

Abstract

A system for forming a garment or accessory, the system comprising modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations, whereby the garment or accessory comprises an assembly formed by interconnected modules of the system, where the modules comprise panels and connectors, the connectors being engageable with one another to interconnect the modules or panels, and where the modules comprise a number of modules, each of which comprises at least one of the panels and the connectors being engageable with one another to interconnect the modules or panels. In each of the plurality of modules, the connectors are arranged on opposite sides of the panel and aligned with each other.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] The contents of Australian Patent Application No. 2021903185, titled "System for Forming Garments or Accessories", filed on October 5, 2021, and Australian Patent Application No. 2022901336, titled "System for Forming Garments or Accessories", filed on May 18, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for forming garments or accessories, a garment or accessory formed by the system or method, and a method of modifying such a garment or accessory. Background Art

[0004] There is a desire to be able to quickly and easily create variable (including in particular variations in type, appearance, shape, construction, and size) garments or accessories (especially including clothing or fashion accessories or adornments) according to the requirements of a person wearing the clothing or using / carrying / wearing the accessories. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a system for forming garments, accessories, etc. ("garments or accessories"), the system including interconnectable modules, whereby the garments or accessories are assembled according to the interconnectable modules.

[0006] Preferably, the modules can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations.

[0007] Preferably, the modules include panels, and / or the modules include connectors that can be engaged with each other to interconnect the modules or panels. Preferably, the connectors include a plurality of releasable, mutually engagable connectors. Alternatively or additionally, the connectors can include a plurality of permanently mutually engagable connectors.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system causes the garment or accessory to include components formed by the interconnected modules of the system.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules include a plurality of such modules, in each of the plurality of modules, the connectors are arranged back-to-back on the panel, and / or are arranged on opposite sides of the panel and aligned with each other.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for forming a garment or an accessory, the system comprising modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations, whereby the garment or accessory comprises components formed by the interconnected modules of the system, wherein the modules comprise panels and connectors, the connectors being engageable with each other to interconnect the modules or the panels, and wherein the modules comprise a plurality of modules, in each of the plurality of modules, the connectors being arranged on opposite sides of the panel and aligned with each other.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for forming a garment or an accessory, the system comprising modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations, whereby the garment or accessory comprises components formed by the interconnected modules of the system, wherein the modules comprise panels and connectors, the connectors being engageable with each other to interconnect the modules or the panels, and wherein the modules comprise a plurality of modules, in each of the plurality of modules, the connectors being arranged back-to-back.

[0012] Preferably, the connectors are arranged on the panels.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules comprise a plurality of modules, in which the connectors are attached to the panels.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a kit comprising the system.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connectors arranged back-to-back are provided at and / or on opposite sides of the panel.

[0016] Preferably, the modules comprise a plurality of modules, in each of the plurality of modules, the connectors being arranged on opposite sides of the panel and aligned with each other.

[0017] Preferably, the connectors comprise bodies, the bodies being configured such that the bodies of the engaged connectors among the connectors are adjacent to each other and / or define a base received on the panel, and the connectors including the base are attached to the panel.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connectors aligned with each other are aligned such that a part of the panel is located between the bodies of the connectors.

[0019] Preferably, the system comprises modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations, whereby the garment or accessory comprises components formed by the interconnected modules of the system.

[0020] Preferably, the system comprises modules that are releasably interconnected. Alternatively or additionally, the system may comprise modules that are permanently interconnected.

[0021] Preferably, the modules comprise a plurality of modules that can be arranged and / or interconnected in an overlapping and / or interleaved relationship.

[0022] Preferably, the panel includes a plurality of flexible or pliable panels. Alternatively or additionally, the panel may include a plurality of rigid panels.

[0023] The panel may include a fabric or textile panel. Alternatively or additionally, the panel may include a plurality of panels of other materials (e.g., plastic or polymeric materials).

[0024] Preferably, the panel may include a plurality of panels that are solid panels overall, and / or the plurality of panels have one or more openings or holes (e.g., a mesh panel) extending through the panel.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the panel includes a flexible or pliable fabric panel.

[0026] Preferably, the system includes a connector riveted to the panel. Alternatively or additionally, the system may include a connector applied to (e.g., sewn to) the panel in other ways.

[0027] Preferably, the system includes connectors that can be joined, mated, or can be mated with each other, and / or the connectors are configured to mate or engage with each other at variable angles in corresponding planes orthogonal to the axes of the connectors, or in the plane of the panel where the connectors are provided at variable angles.

[0028] Preferably, the system includes connectors that allow or permit one module or panel to rotate relative to another module or panel about the axis of the connector when mated or engaged with each other, or allow or permit one module or panel to rotate relative to another module or panel in the plane of the panel where the connectors are provided, or allow or permit one module or panel to rotate relative to another module or panel about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the panel where the connectors are provided.

[0029] Preferably, the system includes a connector, and the connector includes fasteners that can be connected to each other to interconnect the corresponding modules. The fasteners may include snap fasteners and / or press buttons.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the connector includes a complementary first connector and a second connector. Preferably, the first connector and the second connector include a male connector and a female connector, respectively.

[0031] Preferably, the system includes modules, and the modules include a plurality of first connectors. Preferably, the system includes modules, and the modules include a plurality of second connectors that can be connected to the first connectors.

[0032] Preferably, the first connectors and the second connectors are arranged on opposite first and second sides of the module or panel.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member is different from (and may be complementary to) the second connecting member.

[0034] There may also be embodiments in which the first connecting members may be joined to each other or may be connected to each other, and / or in which the second connecting members may be joined to each other or may be connected to each other. In one such embodiment, the connecting members may include, for example, hermaphrodite connectors.

[0035] Preferably, the male connecting member includes a body attached to the panel and includes a protrusion, and the female connecting member includes a body and an opening, each opening being configured to receive one of the protrusions such that the connecting members including the opening and the received protrusion are thereby mated or joined to each other. Preferably, the female connecting member includes a protrusion that protrudes from or is defined by the body of the female connecting member, and the opening is formed through the body of the female connecting member.

[0036] The opening and the protrusion may be arranged such that when an opening receives a protrusion, the opening and the received protrusion are centered about the axis, thereby allowing the rotation or relative rotation.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions and / or the bodies of the first connecting member and the second connecting member include complementary configurations or are configured to have complementary configurations. Preferably, the complementary configurations respectively include one or more radially outwardly projecting outer circumferential protrusions (e.g., including ribs) and one or more radially inwardly opening inner circumferential recesses (e.g., including grooves), or respectively include one or more radially inwardly projecting inner circumferential protrusions (e.g., including ribs) and one or more radially outwardly opening outer circumferential recesses (e.g., including grooves).

[0038] Preferably, the second connecting member includes a plurality of second connecting members, each of the plurality of second connecting members having a cavity that is open through its distal end (e.g., the distal end of the protrusion or the distal end of the body), the configuration of the second connecting member / each configuration being disposed in the cavity, and the first connecting member of another module being receivable therein in a mating manner such that the corresponding configuration of one connecting member receives the configuration of the other connecting member, and thus the connecting members are joined to each other.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion of the first connector or male connector is configured to radially bend or deform (preferably, elastically deform or bend) inwardly when the connectors are pushed together, by the second connector or female connector (preferably, by the body or protrusion of the second connector or female connector), thereby allowing the configuration of one connector to be received by the configuration of the other connector. The first connector or male connector may include a plurality of first connectors or male connectors as follows, each of the plurality of first connectors or male connectors being configured to have or include a cavity, the cavity being arranged to allow or facilitate the radial inward deformation or bending of the protrusion of the first connector or male connector.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connector or female connector includes a protrusion or body, the protrusion or body being configured to radially bend or deform (preferably, elastically deform or bend) outwardly when the connectors are pushed together, by the first connector or male connector (preferably, by the body or protrusion of the first connector or male connector), thereby allowing the configuration of one connector to be received by the configuration of the other connector. The second connector or female connector may include a plurality of second connectors or female connectors as follows, each of the plurality of second connectors or female connectors being configured to have or include a cavity, the cavity being arranged to allow or facilitate the radial outward deformation or bending of the protrusion or body of the second connector or female connector.

[0041] Preferably, the connectors include a plurality of connectors as follows, the plurality of connectors being riveted to the panel and / or interconnected by riveting and / or application, thereby forming a riveted connection between the connectors. Preferably, such connectors include the connectors located on opposite sides of the panel and aligned with each other and / or arranged back-to-back.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the first connector / male connector or the second connector / female connector includes a connector as follows, the connector being provided with a rod protruding from the connector, the rod being received through an opening or hole provided in the other of the first connector / male connector or the second connector / female connector, and the distal end of the rod being deformed, preferably by riveting, such that the rod engages the other connector to keep the indicators (preferably, back-to-back or aligned) engaged.

[0043] Preferably, the module includes a plurality of modules as follows, each of the plurality of modules including a connector assembly that defines a corresponding connector provided with a rod, the connector assembly including a connector and a rod. Preferably, the connector assembly is formed of plastic or polymeric material.

[0044] Preferably, the connectors include a plurality of connectors formed of plastic or polymeric material.

[0045] Preferably, the system includes the following modules, each of which includes a plurality of the connecting members, and the plurality of connecting members are arranged at separate positions on the panel of each module for connection to corresponding other several modules in the module.

[0046] Preferably, the system includes the following connecting members, and the connecting members are arranged adjacent to the outer periphery or outer peripheral edge of the panel. Preferably, the connecting members are arranged at spaced positions around the panel. Preferably, these positions include regularly spaced positions.

[0047] Preferably, the system includes a panel or a module, and the panel or module includes several panels or modules having straight and / or curved sides.

[0048] Preferably, the system includes the following panel or module, and the panel or module includes several polygonal panels or modules.

[0049] Preferably, the system includes the following panel or module, and the panel or module includes several non-polygonal panels or modules.

[0050] Preferably, the system includes the following panel or module, and the panel or module includes several panels or modules having regular shapes. Alternatively or additionally, the system may include panels or modules having irregular shapes.

[0051] Preferably, the system includes a connecting member, and the connecting member includes several connecting members arranged adjacent to the vertices of the shape or panel.

[0052] Preferably, the system includes the following panel or module, and the panel or module varies in shape and / or size and / or color and / or texture and / or stiffness or flexibility / flexibility degree and / or other types or kinds.

[0053] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a garment or an accessory, the method comprising: interconnecting the modules of the system, whereby the garment or accessory includes a component formed by the interconnected modules.

[0054] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment or an accessory, the garment or accessory including a component formed according to the method and / or a component formed by the interconnection of the modules of the system.

[0055] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment or an accessory, the garment or accessory being assembled by the interconnection of the modules of the system and / or including the interconnected modules of the system.

[0056] The garment may include a jacket.

[0057] The garment may include a top.

[0058] The garment may include a dress.

[0059] Construct the module such that the first and second connectors are arranged on one side and the other side respectively, which can facilitate the interconnection of the modules and the formation of the accessory clothing.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clothing or accessory may include interconnected modules, with the first connector of the module on the outside (relative to the corresponding panels of those modules and possibly relative to the clothing or accessory itself (i.e., on the exterior)), and the second connector of the module on the inside (similarly relative to the corresponding panels of those modules and possibly relative to the clothing or accessory itself (i.e., on the interior)), and vice versa.

[0061] In the clothing or accessory, or in forming the clothing or accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a component including interconnected modules is formed, in which the first connector is arranged on one side or towards one side, the second connector is arranged on the other side or towards the other side, and in the component, one or more groups of first connectors or one or more groups of second connectors (which may include connectors of more than one module in the component) can thus be arranged to be respectively connected to one or more groups of second connectors or one or more groups of first connectors, and one or more groups of second connectors or one or more groups of first connectors may include at least one group of connectors of a single module and / or at least one group of connectors of another such component.

[0062] In the clothing or accessory, or in forming the clothing or accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules or their panels are individually arranged and / or interconnected in an overlapping relationship, and / or the modules or their panels of at least one such component are arranged and / or interconnected in an overlapping relationship.

[0063] In the clothing or accessory, or in forming the clothing or accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules or their panels are individually arranged and / or interconnected in a staggered relationship, and / or the modules or their panels of at least one such component are arranged and / or interconnected in a staggered relationship.

[0064] It is possible that at least one module (or its panel) overlaps with one or more other modules (or their panels) and underlaps with one or more other modules (or their panels), whereby the first and second connectors of the module are respectively connected to the second and first connectors of the panels that are overlapped and underlapped, and vice versa.

[0065] In the garment or accessory, or in forming the garment or accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, modules or connectors or their panels (especially panel portions) can be interconnected in a stacked or layered relationship. More specifically, the modules or connectors or their panels (especially panel portions) can be connected to each other by a plurality of adjacent interconnected connectors in back-to-back or relatively aligned connectors to form a stack or layer including a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) of modules / connectors / panels / panel portions. The mutually engaging connectors at each stack / the mutually engaging connectors in each stack / the mutually engaging connectors of each stack define a node or common location where the modules including the connectors are joined. Any one of the modules in the module can rotate relative to another module around the node / location.

[0066] In the garment or accessory, or in forming the garment or accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, different types and / or kinds of modules are arranged, and / or different types and / or kinds of modules are interconnected, and the different types and / or kinds of modules include, for example, modules or panels having different colors and / or different shapes and / or different textures and / or different stiffness or flexibility / flexibility degrees.

[0067] A further advantage is the ability to modify a given garment or accessory by adding or removing one or more modules of the system (e.g., for aesthetic, fitting, or climate compatibility purposes). For example, the system can include modules that can be arranged to overlap (e.g., underlap or overlap) and / or interleave (and be connected to) at least one module in the module that is adjacent to and / or defines an opening in the garment or accessory.

[0068] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method of modifying the garment or accessory is provided, the method comprising:

[0069] Connecting one or more modules to at least one module constituting the garment or accessory; and / or

[0070] Disconnecting one or more modules from at least one module constituting the garment or accessory.

[0071] According to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the garment or accessory is designed to be carried or worn (usually carried or worn by a person). The clothing or accessory can include an item that can be carried or worn. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1Shows a module of a system for forming a garment or an accessory according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a perspective view of a panel of such a module;

[0074] Figure 2 Shows a sectional view and a perspective view of a module, each module having Figure 1 The type shown, in perspective view and in one of the sectional views, the modules being interconnected to each other;

[0075] Figure 3 Shows a perspective view of modules interconnected to each other, each module having Figure 1 The type shown;

[0076] Figure 4 Shows a perspective view of a module, and the process of connecting the module to Figure 3 One of the configurations shown, each module having Figure 1 The type shown;

[0077] Figure 5 Shows a plan view of modules interconnected to each other, each module having Figure 1 The type shown;

[0078] Figure 6 Shows a plan view of a module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the module including a panel having a varying shape;

[0079] Figure 7 Shows a plan view of a module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the module including other panels having a varying shape;

[0080] Figure 8 Shows a plan view of interconnected modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules including panels having varying or constant / uniform shapes;

[0081] Figure 9 Shows a plan view of interconnected modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules including panels having a varying shape;

[0082] Figure 10 Shows a plan view of interconnected modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules including panels having constant / uniform or varying shapes;

[0083] Figure 11 Shows a plan view of interconnected modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules including panels having constant / uniform or varying shapes;

[0084] Figure 12 Shows a front view and a rear view of a jacket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jacket illustrating a garment assembled by the interconnection of the modules of the system;

[0085] Figure 13 FIG. 1 shows a front view and a rear view of a top according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top illustrating another garment assembled by the interconnection of modules of a system; and

[0086] Figure 14 FIG. 2 shows a front view and a rear view of a dress according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dress illustrating yet another garment assembled by the interconnection of modules of a system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Shown in the drawings is a system 10 (see Figures 12 to 14 ) for forming a garment or an accessory (see Figures 1 to 11 ) according to a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system including modules 1 that are releasably interconnected in a plurality of configurations in an overlapping relationship, whereby a garment or an accessory 100 is assembled according to the modules 1. Any of the systems 10 may be provided in or as a kit.

[0088] The garment 100 or the accessory may include components formed by the interconnected modules 1 of the system 10. A given garment may be, for example, a jacket 100A, an example of which is shown in Figure 12 ; a given garment may be, for example, a top 100B, an example of which is shown in Figure 13 ; or, a given garment may be, for example, a dress 100C, an example of which is shown in Figure 14 .

[0089] The module 1 has a panel 3 and connectors 5 that are fixed to the panel 3 and are engageable with each other to interconnect the modules or the panels, and the module 1 includes a plurality of such modules in each of which the connectors 5 are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 3 and are aligned with each other and / or arranged back-to-back. Alternatively or additionally, the module 1 may include a plurality of such modules in each of which the connectors 5 are arranged only on one side of the panel; and / or, the module 1 may include a plurality of such modules in each of which the connectors 5 are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 3 but are not arranged back-to-back.

[0090] The panel 3 includes a plurality of flexible or pliable panels. The flexible or pliable panel 3 may include a fabric panel. Thus, the panel 3 is capable of conforming to the shape of the garment or the accessory 100 (in particular, being able to bend to conform to the shape of the garment or the accessory 100) and the body of the wearer, and is capable of allowing the panel 3 to bend when the panel 3 is worn or during the process of putting on or taking off the panel 3.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the panel 3 may include a plurality of rigid panels, and / or a plurality of panels made of materials other than fabric.

[0092] The connecting member 5 includes mating or mateable connecting members 5. The connecting member 5 includes a plurality of such connecting members, which are configured to mate or engage with each other at variable angles in a plane parallel to the plane of the panel 3. More specifically, the connecting member 5 is constructed such that one of the mutually engaging connecting members 5 can rotate or revolve relative to the other connecting member. Thus, the connecting member 5 can allow or permit a module 1 or a panel 3 to rotate relative to another module or panel about the central axis of any / each of the mutually engaging connecting members 5 when mating or mutually engaging, and the central axis is orthogonal to the plane of the panel 3 (in which the connecting members are arranged).

[0093] The connecting member according to the described and illustrated embodiments includes fastening members 5, which can be connected to each other to interconnect corresponding ones of the modules. The fastening members 5 include snap-fastening members 5. The snap-fastening members according to the described and illustrated embodiments include, for example, dome-shaped fasteners, press buttons or snap fasteners.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, without departing from the present invention, the connecting member may include other fastening members, such as hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0095] Reference Figure 2 , the connecting member 5 includes a plurality of such connecting members, and each of the plurality of connecting members has a body B, the body B defining a base b and a protrusion p, the base b having a face f, the face f being arranged to be received on the face F of the panel 3, and the protrusion p being arranged to project from the base b in a direction away from the face F. The (corresponding) part of the panel 3 is located between the connecting member 5 / body B of a given pair of such connecting members back-to-back.

[0096] The connecting member 5 includes complementary first connecting members 5X / Z and second connecting members 5Y, and in the described and illustrated embodiments, the first connecting members 5X / Z and the second connecting members 5Y include male connecting members and female connecting members, respectively.

[0097] The module 1 includes a plurality of such modules, and each of the plurality of modules includes a plurality of the first connecting members 5X / Z and / or a plurality of the second connecting members 5Y.

[0098] The first connecting members 5X / Z and the second connecting members 5Y according to the described and illustrated embodiments are respectively arranged on opposite first side 2 and second side 4 of the module 1 / panel 3.

[0099] The protrusion pm of the first connecting member 5X / Z and the protrusion pf of the second connecting member 5Y or the body B are configured to have complementary configurations fm and ff. In the illustrated embodiment, the complementary configurations fm and ff respectively include one or more radially outwardly projecting outer circumferential protrusions (e.g., including ribs, as shown) and one or more radially inwardly opening inner circumferential recesses (e.g., including grooves, as shown). (However, for example, alternatively, without departing from the present invention, the complementary configurations fm and ff respectively include radially outwardly opening outer circumferential recesses and radially inwardly projecting inner circumferential protrusions). The second connecting member 5Y has a cavity CF that opens through its distal end (the distal end of the protrusion pf or the distal end of the body B). The configuration ff / each configuration ff is disposed in this cavity, and the first connecting member 5X / Z of another module 1 is receivable therein in a mating manner such that the corresponding configuration ff of the second connecting member 5Y receives the configuration fm of the first connecting member 5X / Z, thereby engaging the connecting members with each other. Any or each of the protrusions pm and pf is configured to be radially elastically deformed or bent (inwardly and outwardly, respectively, in the described and illustrated embodiment) by the other protrusion when the first connecting member 5X / Z and the second connecting member 5Y are pushed together, thereby allowing the configuration fm to be received by the configuration ff. The radial deformation of the protrusion pf may be allowed or facilitated through the cavity CF. The radial deformation of the protrusion pm may be allowed or facilitated through a cavity CM that the first connecting member 5X / Z may include, and this cavity may open through its distal end (the distal end of the protrusion pm or the distal end of the body B).

[0100] There may also be embodiments of the present invention in which the female connecting member does not include the protrusion p, and / or the male connecting member does not include the cavity CM.

[0101] The connecting member 5 includes several connecting members 5 riveted to the panel 3. Refer to Figure 2, the connecting members 5 in each pair of back-to-back connecting members are interconnected by riveting, thereby forming a riveted connection R between the connecting members. One of the connecting members (in the described and illustrated embodiment, the male connecting member 5X / Z) is provided with a rod S that projects from the body B in a direction away from the face f of the body B (i.e., in a direction opposite to the direction in which the protrusion p of the connecting member projects), passes through the panel 3 (the hole H in the panel 3), and through the hole h (the hole h extends between the face f and the cavity CF) in the base b of the other connecting member (in the described and illustrated embodiment, the female connecting member 5Y). By means of a tool (not shown) for effecting riveting (specifically, by pulling a mandrel arranged to extend through the (hollow) rod S with the tool such that the head of the mandrel is pushed onto the distal end), a radially outwardly deformed portion d is formed at the distal end of the rod S, and the radially outwardly deformed portion d defines a retainer that engages the base b of the connecting member 5Y within the cavity CF to keep the back-to-back connecting members 5X / Z and 5Y engaged. Of course, without departing from the present invention, it will be appreciated that alternatively: the female connecting member 5Y is provided with the rod S and the male connecting member 5X / Z is formed with the hole h (the hole h extends between the face f and the cavity CM in the base b of the male connecting member 5X / Z).

[0102] In the described and illustrated embodiment, each connecting member (the first connecting member or the second connecting member, or the male connecting member or the female connecting member) provided with the rod S is defined by an assembly including the connecting member and the said rod.

[0103] In an embodiment including one or more modules 1 and in which in each of the one or more modules 1 there is at least one connecting member 5 that is not arranged back-to-back with another connecting member, a retainer assembly including the base b can be provided to engage with the connecting member 5, the base b being received on the opposite side of the panel 3, the base b being provided with the hole h (in the case where the connecting member 5 is of the type provided with the rod S), or the base b includes a rod S that projects from the opposite side of the panel 3 (in the case where the connecting member 5 is of the type including the hole h).

[0104] In the described / illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 5 / connecting member assembly / retainer assembly is formed of a polymeric material or plastic, but alternatively, it can be formed of alternative materials (e.g., including metal).

[0105] In the described and illustrated embodiment, the first connecting member 5X / Z and the second connecting member 5Y include opposed faces F1 and F2 that can be formed respectively in the proximal portion of the base b and the distal portion of the protrusion pf (as shown in the figure), arranged to be adjacent to each other to limit the proximity of the base b of one connecting member relative to the base b of the other connecting member when the connecting members are engaged with each other. The faces F1 and F2 can be parallel to the face f in the respective connecting members.

[0106] Since the protrusions pm (including the structure fm) and the cavities CF (including the structure ff) are concentric around the central axes of the connectors 5X / Z and 5Y respectively, when one connector is interconnected with another connector, it allows one connector to rotate / turn relative to the other connector (refer to the above) (in this case, the adjacency between the faces F1 and F2 includes a rotational sliding adjacency). Although the riveted connectors 5 / connector assemblies / retainer assemblies discussed above are generally preferred - including due to their ease of forming, and the reliability of the interconnection between each connector 5 and the corresponding panel 3 (in the case of back-to-back connectors, the interconnection between the back-to-back connectors), however, this results in either or both of the first connector 5X / Z and the second connector 5Y alternatively or additionally including connectors that are configured to be attached or connected to the panel 3 in another way or attached or connected through the panel 3. For example, the connector may include holes 3 to receive sutures to attach the connector to the panel 3 and / or connect the connectors to each other through the panel 3. Such holes have been illustrated in the first connector 5Z.

[0107] In the garment or accessory 1, the opposite sides 2, 4 may be arranged to be the inward-facing side 2 and the outward-facing side 4 respectively, and vice versa.

[0108] In the described and illustrated embodiments, the module 1 includes several such modules, and each of the several modules includes a plurality of the connectors 5, and the plurality of the connectors 5 are arranged at separate positions on the panel 3 of each module for connection to the corresponding other several modules in the module 1.

[0109] In reference Figures 1 to 11 In the described and illustrated embodiments, the panel 3 includes several panels with varying shapes and / or dimensions.

[0110] The panel 3 may include several panels with regular shapes.

[0111] The panel 3 may include several panels with irregular shapes.

[0112] The panel 3 may include several panels with straight and / or curved sides.

[0113] The panel 3 may include several polygonal panels 3A to 3K.

[0114] The polygonal panels may include, for example, any simple, regular, irregular, convex, concave, equilateral, cyclic, and equiangular polygonal panels.

[0115] The polygonal panels may include square and / or truncated square panels 3A. The polygonal panels may include triangular or trilateral and / or truncated triangular or trilateral panels 3B. The polygonal panels may include rectangular or oblong and / or truncated rectangular or oblong panels 3C. The polygonal panels may include pentagonal and / or truncated pentagonal panels 3D. The polygonal panels may include cross-shaped and / or plus-shaped panels 3E. The polygonal panels may include hexagonal and / or truncated hexagonal panels 3F. The polygonal panels may include parallelogram and / or truncated parallelogram panels 3G. The polygonal panels may include star-shaped panels 3H, 3K. The polygonal panels may include octagonal and / or truncated octagonal panels 3I. The polygonal panels may include rhombic and / or truncated rhombic panels 3J.

[0116] The panel 3 may include several non-polygonal panels 3L to 3N.

[0117] The panel 3 may include circular panel 3L. The panel 3 may include semi-circular and / or truncated semi-circular panels 3M. The panel 3 may include petal-shaped panels 3N.

[0118] In the described and illustrated embodiments, the connector 5 includes several connectors arranged adjacent to the outer periphery or outer peripheral edge p of the panel 3.

[0119] In the described and illustrated embodiments, the connector 5 includes several connectors arranged at spaced positions around the panel 3. The positions may include regularly spaced positions.

[0120] According to the described and illustrated embodiments, the connector 5 includes several connectors arranged adjacent to the vertices V of the shape or panel 3.

[0121] The panel 3 may include several panels that vary individually and / or independently of each other in color and / or in texture.

[0122] According to the described and illustrated embodiments, the panel 3 includes several panels with varying dimensions.

[0123] Reference Figures 12 to 14 , in those figures, the formed clothing or accessories are respectively illustrated as a jacket 100A, a top 100B, and a dress 100C, including the modules 1 of the system 1 interconnected by its connectors 5, whereby the clothing or accessory 100 includes the modules and / or is assembled according to the modules.

[0124] Advantageously, module 1 is constructed such that the first connecting member 5X / Z and the second connecting member 5Y are arranged on one side and the other side of the panel 3 respectively, which can facilitate the interconnection of module 1 and the formation of the garment 100. In particular, the garment 100 may include interconnected modules 1, with the first connecting member 5X / Z of module 1 on the outside (relative to the corresponding panel 3 of those modules 1 and possibly also relative to the garment 100 itself (i.e., on the exterior)), and the second connecting member 5Y of module 1 on the inside (similarly relative to the corresponding panel 3 of those modules 1 and possibly also relative to the garment 100 itself (i.e., on the interior)), and vice versa. Refer to (for example) Figure 10 and Figure 11 , at any stage of constructing / forming a garment / accessory including module 1, component A of the interconnected modules 1 includes a connecting member 5X / Z arranged on one side or towards one side and a connecting member 5Y arranged on the other side or towards the other side. In component A, one or more sets of connecting members 5X / Z and / or 5Y (in particular, the connecting members 5 of more than one module 1 in component A) can thus be arranged to be respectively connected to one or a corresponding plurality of sets of connecting members 5Y and / or 5X / Z, and one or a corresponding plurality of sets of connecting members 5Y and / or 5X / Z can include at least one set of connecting members of a single module S and / or at least one set of connecting members of another component A (for clarity or by way of example, the modules / panels of the corresponding component A are shown as being patterned as small dots, medium dots, and large dots).

[0125] Advantageously, modules 1 that are separate or form a given component, and one or more other modules 1 (likewise separate or forming a given component) can be arranged in an overlapping relationship (illustrated in each of Figure 10 and Figure 11 and illustrated in all other figures showing interconnected modules 1) and in an interleaved relationship (in particular, illustrated in the arrangement on the right side of Figure 10 , and in the arrangements on the left and right sides of Figure 5 , in the arrangement on the left side of Figure 8 , and in the arrangement of Figure 9 ), and in the interleaved relationship such that at least one panel 3 overlaps one or more other panels 3 (overlaps positively) and underlaps one or more other panels 3 (overlaps negatively), whereby the first and second connecting members of this panel are respectively connected to the second and first connecting members of the panels that are overlapped and underlapped, and vice versa.

[0126] It is also advantageous that: module 1 or its connecting member 5, panel 3 or a part of panel 3 can be interconnected in a stacked or layered relationship (specifically refer to Figure 2)。More specifically, module 1 or its connecting member 5, panel 3 or a part of panel 3 can be interconnected with each other through several adjacent interconnected connecting members in the back-to-back connecting members to form a stack or layer including multiple (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) modules / connecting members / panels / panel parts. The interconnected connecting members 5 at each stack / the interconnected connecting members 5 in each stack / the interconnected connecting members 5 of each stack can define a node or a common position where the modules including the connecting members are joined. Due to the relative rotatability of connecting members 5X / Z and 5Y when they are joined to each other, any module in module 1 can rotate relative to another module around the node / position.

[0127] In addition, it is advantageous that different types of modules 1 can be assembled or interconnected. Different types of modules 1 can particularly include several modules, and the panels of the several modules have different shapes (e.g., refer to Figures 8 to 11 ) and / or different colors or textures (e.g., refer to Figure 12 ).

[0128] A further advantage is the ability to modify a given garment or accessory by adding or removing one or more modules 1 of the system (e.g., for aesthetic, fitting, or climate compatibility purposes). For example, refer to Figure 12 , the system can include the following modules 1, and the modules 1 can be arranged to overlap (e.g., underlap or overlap) and / or interleave (and be connected to at least one module in module 1 that is adjacent to the opening O in the garment / accessory and / or defines the opening O in the garment / accessory) with at least one module in module 1 that is adjacent to the opening O in the garment / accessory and / or defines the opening O in the garment / accessory.

[0129] The accessory can be used for carrying and / or wearing. The accessory can include, for example, a bag, a hat, or a scarf.

[0130] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Those skilled in the relevant art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments.

[0131] Throughout the specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A system for forming a garment or an accessory, the system comprising modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations, whereby the garment or accessory comprises components formed by the interconnected modules of the system, wherein, The module includes a panel and connectors that are capable of engaging with each other to interconnect the modules or panels, and wherein the module includes a plurality of such modules, and in each of the plurality of modules, the connectors are arranged on opposite sides of the panel and are aligned with each other.

2. A system for forming a garment or an accessory, the system comprising modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations, whereby the garment or the accessory comprises components formed by the interconnected modules of the system, wherein, The module includes a panel and connectors that are capable of engaging with each other to interconnect the modules or panels, and wherein the module includes a plurality of such modules, and in each of the plurality of modules, the connectors are arranged back-to-back.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The connectors arranged back-to-back include a plurality of connectors provided at and / or arranged on opposite sides of the panel.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include a plurality of connectors attached to the panel.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include a body, and the body is configured such that the bodies of the engaged connectors among the connectors are adjacent to each other and / or define a base received on the panel.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors aligned with each other or arranged back-to-back are aligned or arranged such that a part of the panel is located between the connectors aligned with each other or arranged back-to-back or between the bodies.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module includes a plurality of modules that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module includes a plurality of modules that can be releasably interconnected.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module includes a plurality of modules that can be connected to each other in an overlapping relationship.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel includes a plurality of flexible or pliable panels.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel includes a fabric panel.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include a plurality of connectors sewn to the panel.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include a plurality of connectors that are capable of engaging, mating, or being able to mate with each other.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include a plurality of connectors that are configured to mate or engage with each other at variable angles in the plane of the panel or at variable angles in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the connectors.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include a plurality of connectors that, when mated or engaged with each other, allow or permit one module or panel to rotate relative to another module or panel about the axis of the connectors or allow or permit one module or panel to rotate relative to another module or panel about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the panel.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include fasteners that are capable of connecting to each other to interconnect the corresponding plurality of modules in the module.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The fasteners include snap fasteners.

18. The system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The fasteners include press studs.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include complementary first and second connectors.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, The first connector and the second connector respectively include a male connector and a female connector.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, The male connector includes a body attached to the panel and includes a protrusion that preferably projects from or is defined by the body of the male connector. The female connector includes a body and an opening in the body of the female connector, and each opening is configured to receive one of the protrusions such that the connectors including the opening and the received protrusion are thereby mated or engaged with each other.

22. The system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The connectors arranged on opposite sides of the panel are interconnected or connected to each other through the panel.

23. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein, The module includes several such modules, and each of the several modules includes a plurality of the first connectors.

24. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, The module includes several such modules, and each of the several modules includes a plurality of the second connectors.

25. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein, The first connector and the second connector are arranged on opposite first and second sides of the module or panel.

26. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module includes several such modules, and each of the several modules includes a plurality of the connectors, and the plurality of connectors are arranged at separate positions on the panel of each module for connection to corresponding other several modules in the module.

27. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include several such connectors, and the several connectors are arranged adjacent to the outer periphery or outer peripheral edge of the panel.

28. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include several such connectors, and the several connectors are arranged at spaced positions around the panel.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein The positions include regularly spaced positions.

30. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel or module includes several such panels or modules having straight and / or curved sides.

31. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel or module includes several polygonal panels or modules.

32. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel or module includes several non-polygonal panels or modules.

33. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel or module includes several panels or modules having regular shapes.

34. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connectors include several such connectors, and the several connectors are arranged adjacent to the vertices of the shape or panel.

35. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module or panel includes several modules or panels with varying shapes.

36. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module or panel includes several modules or panels with varying sizes.

37. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module or panel includes several modules or panels with varying colors.

38. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The module or panel includes several modules or panels with varying textures.

39. A method of forming a garment or accessory, comprising: Interconnect the modules of the system according to any one of the preceding claims, whereby the garment or accessory includes a component formed by the interconnected modules.

40. A garment or accessory, comprising a component formed by interconnecting the modules of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 38, and / or a component formed by the method according to claim 39; and / or The garment or accessory is assembled by interconnecting the modules of the system and / or includes the interconnected modules of the system.

41. The method or clothing or accessory according to claim 39 or 40, wherein, The garment includes a jacket.

42. The method or the clothing or accessory according to claim 39 or 40, wherein, The garment includes a top.

43. The method or the clothing or accessory according to claim 39 or 40, wherein, The garment includes a dress.

44. The method or the clothing or accessory according to any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein, A component including interconnected modules is formed, in which the first connector is arranged on one side or towards one side, the second connector is arranged on the other side or towards the other side, and in the component, one or more groups of the first connectors or one or more groups of the second connectors are thus arranged to be respectively connected to one or more groups of the second connectors or one or more groups of the first connectors.

45. The method or the clothing or accessory according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein, The modules or connectors, or the panels or panel parts are interconnected in a stacked or layered relationship.

46. The method or clothing or accessory according to claim 45, wherein, The modules or connectors, or the panels or panel parts are connected to each other by adjacent interconnected connectors in back-to-back or relatively aligned connectors to form a stack or layer including a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) of modules / connectors / panels / panel parts.

47. The method, clothing or accessory according to claim 46, wherein, The mutually engaging connectors at each stack / the mutually engaging connectors in each stack / the mutually engaging connectors of each stack define a node or common location at which the modules including the connectors are joined together.

48. The method, clothing or accessory according to claim 47, wherein, Around at least one of said nodes / locations, at least one module rotates or is capable of rotating relative to at least one other module.

49. The method or the garment or accessory according to any one of claims 39 to 48, wherein, Modules of different types and / or kinds are arranged, and / or modules of different types and / or kinds are interconnected, the modules of different types and / or kinds including, for example, modules or panels having different colors and / or different shapes and / or different textures and / or different stiffnesses or flexibilities / degrees of flexibility.

50. A method of modifying a garment or accessory, the garment or accessory being a garment or accessory according to any one of claims 39 to 49, the method comprising: Connecting one or more modules to at least one module forming the garment or accessory; and / or Disconnecting one or more modules from at least one module forming the garment or accessory.

51. A system for forming a garment or accessory, the system comprising modules that can be interconnected, whereby the garment or accessory is assembled according to the interconnected modules, and / or the garment or accessory includes components formed by the interconnected modules of the system.

52. The system according to claim 51, the system being a system according to any one of claims 1 to 38.

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