Zipper pull cover

Abstract

A garment includes a zipper and a zipper pull cover. The zipper includes a first tape on a first side of an opening, a second tape on a second side of the opening, zipper teeth connected to the first tape and the second tape for selectively joining the first tape to the second tape, and a pull head. The pull head is movable along the teeth between a fully closed position below the cover and at least a partially open position outside the cover.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Clothing typically includes zippers to close opposite front sides of the garment or for closing pockets. Zippers typically include a slider that moves along the teeth to selectively engage both sides of an opening. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1 It is a partial front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment having an exemplary zipper pull cover, wherein the zipper is in the fully closed position.

[0003] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A partial front perspective view of an exemplary garment, wherein the zipper is in a partially open position.

[0004] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 3-3.

[0005] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 4-4.

[0006] Figure 5 This is a partial front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment having an exemplary zipper pull cover, wherein the zipper is in the fully closed position.

[0007] Figure 6 This is a partial front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment having an exemplary zipper pull cover, wherein the zipper is in the fully closed position.

[0008] Figure 7 It is a partial front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment having an exemplary zipper pull cover, wherein the zipper is in the fully closed position.

[0009] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 8-8.

[0010] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 9-9.

[0011] Figure 10 Therefore, it is similar to... Figure 7 The 8-8 angle along the garment shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary garment.

[0012] Figure 11 Therefore, it is similar to... Figure 7The 8-8 angle along the garment shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary garment.

[0013] Figure 12 It is a partial front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment having an exemplary zipper pull cover, wherein the zipper is in the fully closed position.

[0014] Figure 13 This is a front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment, which has an exemplary zipper pull cover, with the zipper in the fully closed position.

[0015] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 14-14.

[0016] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13 A front perspective view of a portion of an exemplary garment, wherein the zipper pull cover is pulled back to reveal the zipper pull body that was originally hidden.

[0017] Figure 16 It is along Figure 13 The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 16-16.

[0018] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 13 A partial front perspective view of a portion of the garment, showing that the pleats are pulled back to reveal the opening of the outer pocket and zipper that were previously hidden by the pleats.

[0019] Figure 18 This is a partial front perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary garment having a first zipper pull cover that conceals the zipper pull body associated with a pocket and a second zipper pull cover that conceals the zipper pull body associated with a front opening of the garment.

[0020] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 The sectional view of the garment taken from line 19-19.

[0021] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar but not necessarily identical elements. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some parts may be exaggerated to show the examples more clearly. Furthermore, the drawings provide examples and / or embodiments consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and / or embodiments provided in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This application discloses an exemplary garment including a zipper and a zipper pull cover. The zipper includes a first strip on a first side of an opening, a second strip on a second side of an opening, zipper teeth connected to the first and second strips for selectively engaging the first strip to the second strip, and a puller with a tab. The puller is movable along the zipper teeth between a fully engaged position and at least a partially disengaged position, in which the puller is located below the cover and in the at least partially disengaged position, the puller is located outside the cover.

[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure, a "fully engaged position" means that the slider body is in a first, final position along the chain teeth, engaging all the teeth along the chain teeth to close the opening. A "fully disengaged position" means that the slider body is in a second, final position along the chain teeth, wherein all the teeth of the chain teeth are separated from each other. A "partially disengaged position" means that the slider is in an intermediate position between the first and second final positions, such that some teeth of the chain teeth are separated from each other, while some teeth are engaged or connected. A "at least partially disengaged position" means that the slider body is in either a partially disengaged or fully disengaged position.

[0024] This application discloses an exemplary garment including a pocket, a zipper for closing the pocket, and a zipper pull cover. The zipper includes a first strip on a first side of an opening, a second strip on a second side of an opening, zipper teeth connected to the first and second strips for selectively engaging the first strip with the second strip, and a pull tab. The pull tab is movable along the zipper teeth between a fully closed position and at least a partially open position, in which the pull tab is located below the cover and in the at least partially open position, the pull tab is located outside the cover.

[0025] This application discloses an exemplary garment comprising a zipper with a pull and a pocket with a pleated outer edge. The pocket is formed by a pleated panel having pleats. The pleats serve as a zipper pull cover, wherein when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, the zipper pull is stopped or contained within the pleats. In some embodiments, when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, the zipper pull is partially contained within the pleats, partially covered or hidden by the pleats. In some embodiments, when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, the zipper pull is completely contained within the pleats, thus being completely covered and hidden by the pleats. When the zipper pull has moved along the zipper teeth to at least the partially open position, the zipper pull is exposed and completely outside or beyond the pleats, i.e., outside the zipper pull cover.

[0026] This application discloses an exemplary garment including a first pocket, a zipper for closing the first pocket, and a second pocket. The second pocket includes an outer periphery of pleats formed by pleat panels and forming a pleat layer that serves as a zipper pull cover. The zipper includes teeth along which a puller is movable. The teeth extend at least partially into or below the pleats, such that the puller is movable along the teeth into the pleats of the second pocket to at least partially conceal the puller within the interior of the pleats of the second pocket. In some embodiments, the garment includes a second zipper for closing the second pocket.

[0027] In some embodiments, the zipper pull cover has an interior (the interior of the pleats) and an entrance. In some embodiments, the entrance and the interior are not parallel to the teeth of the zipper that will be at least partially concealed by the zipper pull cover. In some embodiments, the entrance and the interior are inclined relative to the axis of the teeth along which the zipper pull moves. In some embodiments, the interior and the entrance extend to cover a first strip and across the teeth. In some embodiments, the interior and the entrance also extend to cover a second strip. In some embodiments, the entrance is configured to face downwards when the garment is worn. In some embodiments, the entrance is configured to be angled when the garment is worn, so as to face both downwards and backwards. In some embodiments, the pleats of the pleats have a width such that the depth of the interior of the pleats (the interior of the zipper pull cover) is greater than or equal to the length of the zipper pull.

[0028] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" shall refer to the direct or indirect union of two components. Such union may be fixed or movable. It may be achieved by the two components, or by the two components being integrally formed with any additional intermediate component, or by the two components shown or the two components shown with any additional intermediate component being attached to each other. Such union may be permanent, or it may be removable or releasable.

[0029] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "configured as" refers to an actual state configuration that fundamentally links the described function / purpose to the structural characteristics of the feature immediately following the phrase "configured as".

[0030] For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "releasably" or "removably" in relation to the attachment or coupling of two structures mean that the two structures can be repeatedly connected and disconnected without causing material damage to either of the two structures or their function.

[0031] Figures 1-4 A portion of an exemplary garment 20 with a zipper pull cover is shown. Figure 1 This is a partial front view of the exemplary garment 20. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1The sectional view of the garment is taken from line 3-3 in the figure, and Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the garment taken by line 4-4. Garment 20 is configured for wear by a person. In some embodiments, garment 20 may include an overcoat, jacket, vest, sweater, etc. In other embodiments, garment 20 may have other forms. Garment 20 includes pockets 24, a zipper 28, and a zipper visor 32.

[0032] Pocket 24 extends along the exterior of the garment and includes an outer panel 36 that forms a pocket interior 38 with a pocket opening 40. Although pocket 24 is shown as rectangular, in other embodiments, pocket 24 may have other shapes and sizes. Although pocket opening 40 is shown as extending along the entire dimension of the pocket interior 38, in other embodiments, pocket opening 40 may extend along a portion of the dimension of the pocket interior 38.

[0033] Zipper 28 includes strips 44-1 and 44-2 (collectively referred to as strips 44), zipper teeth 46, and a zipper pull 48. Strips 44 are attached to the panels opposite the opening 40. Strips 44 can be sewn to these panels. Strips 44 support the opposite portions of the zipper teeth 46.

[0034] The zipper tooth 46 includes two rows or two segments of teeth, the first segment of teeth being carried by strip 44-1 and the second segment of teeth being carried by strip 44-2. These two segments of teeth are configured to mesh and engage with each other by the zipper pull 48. The top and bottom ends of the zipper tooth 46 include an upper stop 47-1 and a lower stop 47-2, respectively.

[0035] The zipper pull 48 includes a component that moves up and down along the zipper teeth 46 to engage or disengage the zipper, causing the two segments of teeth constituting the zipper teeth 46 to mesh or disengage. The zipper pull 48 includes a body 49 having converging channels or throats through which the two segments of teeth 46 pass when meshing or disengaging. The zipper pull 48 has an associated strap, cord, handle, grip, or tab 50 extending from and connected to the body 49. The tab 50 may be pivotally connected to a bridge, lug, or crown of the body 49.

[0036] The zipper pull cover 32 is part of the garment 20, and when the zipper pull body 49 is in the fully closed position (against the upper stop 47-1), this part at least partially covers and at least partially conceals the zipper pull body 49. In the example shown, the zipper pull cover has an interior 54 and an entrance 56. The interior 54 and the entrance 56 extend from at least one side of the zipper tooth 46, covering and located above at least the strip 44-2 and the zipper tooth 46. In the example shown, the zipper pull cover has an interior 54 and an entrance 56, which extend from one or both sides of the zipper tooth 46, covering and located above the strip 44-2, covering and located above the zipper tooth 46, and covering and located above the strip 44-2. The interior 54 has a depth (along the axial direction of the zipper tooth 46) that is greater than a majority of the length of the zipper pull body 49 (also measured along the axial direction of the zipper tooth 46). The inlet 56 includes a sufficiently large or appropriately sized opening so that the slider body 49 can be moved into the interior 54 along the chain teeth 40 (which extend into the interior 54). The inlet 56 extends along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the chain teeth 46.

[0037] In the example shown, the zipper pull cover 32 includes a panel 60 that covers the end of the zipper tooth 46 and the upper stop 47-1 (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown) It is attached to the outer surface 33 of the garment 20. In some embodiments, the panel 60 is fixed to the outer surface 33 by sewing. In other embodiments, the panel 60 is fixed to the outer surface 33 by adhesive, fusion, or other means.

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the slider body 49 abuts against the top or the upper stop 47-1 (as shown), Figure 2 When shown), mask 32 at least partially covers and Figure 3 In the example shown, the slider body 49 is completely covered. Therefore, the shield 32 hides the body 49 and protects it from natural elements such as rain, snow, and ice. Figure 2 As shown, the area of ​​the shield 32 is limited, allowing the slider body 49 to move along the chain teeth 46 to at least a partially opened position. In the at least partially opened position, the slider body 49 is completely out of the "garage" provided by the shield 32 to facilitate operation and further movement along the chain teeth 46. In the example shown, the slider body 49 is completely out of the shield 32 and fully exposed when it moves along the chain teeth 46 toward the lower stop 47-2 by no more than 25% of the length of the chain teeth 46 (before the slider body 49 abuts against the lower stop 47-2 and is in the fully opened position).

[0039] Figure 5 A portion of an exemplary garment 120 is shown. Figure 5This illustrates how the zipper pull cover 32 can extend at other angles to cover the zipper teeth 46, while still at least partially covering and concealing the zipper body 49 when it is in the fully zipped position. Garment 120 is similar to garment 20, except that garment 120 includes a zipper pull cover 132 instead of zipper pull cover 32. The zipper pull cover 132 has an interior 154 that generally extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening 40 and the longitudinal axis of the zipper teeth 46. In the example shown, the inlet 156 faces downwards (towards the zipper lower stop 47-2 associated with the fully zipped position) and rearwards, for example, away from the front of garment 120. By facing downwards and rearwards, the inlet 156 is less likely to receive vertically falling rainwater, and the interior 154 is less likely to trap airflow when the person wearing the garment walks forward. In other embodiments, the inlet 156 may face downwards and towards the front of garment 120.

[0040] Figure 6 A portion of the exemplary garment 220 is shown. Figure 6 This illustrates how a zipper pull cover can be provided by the same outermost panel connected to one or both strips 44, and / or by the same outermost panel that fully extends to cover the pocket 24, thereby giving the garment 220 a smooth, uninterrupted exterior along and around the strips 44 and the zipper teeth 46. In other words, the arrangement of the zipper pull cover does not result in the creation of additional layers, seams, or material breaks. Figure 6 It also shows how the zipper pull cover can be additionally or alternatively configured to at least partially hide or at least partially cover the zipper pull body when the zipper pull body is in the fully opened position.

[0041] Garment 220 is similar to garment 20 described above, except that garment 220 has an outermost continuous, uninterrupted single or integral panel 226 with windows 227. Strips 44-1 and 44-2 are attached to panel 226 on opposite sides of windows 227 to support two segments of teeth of chain teeth 46 within windows 227 and beyond the axial ends 229-1, 229-2 (collectively referred to as axial ends 229) of windows 227. In the example shown, strip 44 is bonded to the bottom or inner side of panel 226 along opposite sides of windows 227.

[0042] As shown by dashed lines, panel 226 extends along and beyond the axial ends 229 of windows 227 to form zipper pull shields 232-1 and 232-2. Shield 232-1 has an interior 254-1 extending below or beneath panel 226 and an entrance 256-1 formed by the axial ends 229-1 of windows 227. The interior 254-1 extends a sufficient length over the zipper teeth 46 such that its depth (extending in a direction away from the axial ends 229-1) is equal to or greater than a majority of the axial length of the zipper pull body 49 (measured along the axis of the zipper teeth 46). Thus, when the zipper pull body 49 is in the fully engaged position, shield 232-1 at least partially covers and conceals the zipper pull body 49. In the specific example shown, the depth of the interior 254-1 is greater than or equal to the entire axial length of the zipper pull body 49 so as to completely cover and conceal the zipper pull body 49 when it is in the fully engaged position.

[0043] The shroud 232-2 has an interior 254-2 extending below or beneath the panel 226, and an entrance 256-2 formed by the axial end 229-2 of the window 227. The interior 254-2 extends a sufficient length over the zipper teeth 46 such that its depth (extending in a direction away from the axial end 229-2) is equal to or greater than a majority of the axial length of the zipper body 49 (measured along the axis of the zipper teeth 46). Thus, when the zipper body 49 is in the fully extended position, the shroud 232-2 at least partially covers and conceals the zipper body 49. In the particular example shown, the depth of the interior 254-2 is greater than or equal to the entire axial length of the zipper body 49 so as to completely cover and conceal the zipper body 49 when it is in the fully extended position.

[0044] Although the axial end 229 and the inlet 256 are shown extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tooth 46, in other embodiments, the edges of the axial end 229 and the inlet 256 may extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tooth 46. For example, the inlet 256 may alternatively be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the tooth 46, similar to the above reference. Figure 5 The described entry point 156. Entry point 256-1 may face downwards and toward the front or rear side of garment 220, while entry point 256-2 faces upwards and toward the front or rear side of garment 220. In some embodiments, window 227 may be shorter or narrower. For example, window 227 may be narrower to extend and cover and overlap portions of one or two strips 44, wherein strips 44 are secured to the bottom surface of panel 226 at locations spaced apart from the side edges of window 227.

[0045] Figures 7-9 A portion of the exemplary garment 320 is shown. Figure 7An example is shown illustrating how a pocket pleat panel or other part of a garment can have pleats, the interior of which accommodates a zipper pull body, thus serving as a zipper pull cover. In the example shown, the pleat panel of a first pocket has a pleated edge with pleats, wherein a second pocket has an opening closed by a zipper, and wherein the zipper teeth extend below the pleat and into the interior of the pleat, allowing the zipper pull body to move along the teeth and stop within the interior of the pleat, which at least partially covers and conceals the pull body. Using pleats as zipper pull covers reduces the number and complexity of individual parts of garment 320 and reduces the number of material or panel breaks or seams along the exterior of garment 320. Reducing the number of material or panel breaks or seams along the exterior of garment 320 reduces the need for sealing, reduces the possibility of moisture or wind intrusion, and provides a more continuous, uninterrupted, and aesthetically pleasing exterior.

[0046] Garment 320 includes an inner panel 360, an outer panel 362, a zipper 28, and an outer panel 364. The inner panel 360 and outer panel 362 cooperate to form a lower pocket 324 with an interior 338. Although shown as a single layer, the inner panel 360 and outer panel 362 can be formed by stacking multiple layers. For example, the inner layer 360 may include an insulating layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. In some embodiments, the inner layer 360 is positioned adjacent to and in contact with any underwear or body of the person wearing garment 320. In other embodiments, additional panels or layers may be disposed inside the inner panel 360.

[0047] The outer panel 362 extends to the outside of the inner panel 360 to form a pocket 324. The outer panel 362 has an end portion joined to the inner panel 360 by a stitch 366. In other embodiments, the outer panel 362 may be attached to the inner panel 360 by fusion or similar means. The outer panel 362 includes a window 327. Figure 7 As shown), portions of the zipper teeth 46 are exposed along the window 327. Outer panel 362 supports strips 44-1 and 44-2 along the opposite edges of the window 327, these strips supporting the zipper teeth 46 of the zipper 28. The zipper teeth 46 of the zipper 28 selectively close the opening of the pocket 324 or the bag opening 340. As described above, the zipper 28 also includes an upper stop 47-1 and a lower stop 47-2, and a zipper pull 48, which includes a body 49 and a pull tab 50.

[0048] The outer panel 364 extends to the outside of the inner panel 360 to form a pocket 370, which has an interior 372 and an opening 374. The pocket is selectively opened and closed by a closure mechanism 375. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 375 may include a zipper. In other embodiments, the closure mechanism 375 may include a hook and loop fastener, a button, a latch, or the like. In still other embodiments, the closure mechanism 375 may be omitted. Although the opening 374 is shown extending along the upper or top edge of the pocket 370, in other embodiments, the opening 374 may be located above the central portion of the interior 372 of the pocket 370, or on either side of the interior 372 of the pocket 370. In other embodiments, the opening 374 and the corresponding closure mechanism 375 (if provided) may alternatively not extend through the entire dimension of the interior 372 of the pocket 370.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, the outer panel 364 is a pleat, including a pleat layer 376 that at least partially overlaps the zipper pull body 49 when the zipper pull body 49 is in the fully closed position or state, serving as a zipper pull cover 332. In the example shown, the outer panel 364 includes a pocket rear portion 377, a pocket bottom portion 378, an inward fold portion 379, an outward fold portion 380, a fold extension portion 382, ​​and a pocket front portion 383. The pocket rear portion 377 includes a portion of the panel 364 that extends substantially parallel to the inner panel 360 for securing the panel 364 to the panel 360. In the example shown, the pocket rear portion 377 is secured to the inner panel 360 by a stitch 384. In other embodiments, the pocket rear portion 377 may be bonded or fused to the inner panel 360. Although shown as a short tail, the rear portion 377 of the pocket can have a greater length and, in some embodiments, can serve as an additional inner wall inside the pocket 370 372.

[0050] The bottom portion 378 of the pocket extends forward from the rear portion 377 of the pocket and forms the bottom of the interior 372 of the pocket 370. An inward fold portion 379 extends downward from the bottom portion 378 to form or define the interior 354 of the shroud 332. The inward fold portion 379 transitions into an outward fold portion 380 at the entrance 356 of the shroud 332. The outward fold portion 380 extends upward from the entrance 356. The inward fold portion 379 has a width W, which is the distance between the bottom portion 378 of the pocket and the entrance 356, greater than or equal to at least half the length of the zipper pull body 49 (measured along the axis of the chain teeth 46). In the example shown, the width W is greater than the longitudinal length of the zipper pull body 49. In the example shown, when the zipper pull body 49 is received within the interior 354 in the fully closed position, the entrance 356 is located entirely below the zipper pull body 49. In the example shown, the pleats 376 are long enough to cover and conceal the entirety of the zipper body 49 and at least a portion of the zipper tab 50 when the zipper body 49 is in the fully engaged position (against the stop 47-1).

[0051] The fold extension 382 extends from the outer fold 380 toward the inner panel 360. The fold extension 382 extends the pleat 376 forward beyond the zipper pull body 49 and is secured to the bottom pocket portion 378 to help maintain the position and shape of the pleat 376. In the example shown, the fold extension 382 is secured to the bottom pocket portion 378 by stitching 385. In other embodiments, fewer or more stitches may be used. In some embodiments, the fold extension 382 may be secured to the bottom pocket portion 378 by adhesive, welding, or similar methods.

[0052] The front portion 383 of the pocket includes a portion of the outer panel 364 extending upward from the fold extension 382. The front portion 383 of the pocket may form the front portion of the interior 372 of the pocket 370. As shown by the dashed lines, in some embodiments, the fold extension 382 may be omitted to form a front portion 383' of the pocket extending directly upward from the outer fold extension 380, thereby providing a smooth or flat surface for the outer portion of the garment 320 above the entrance 356 (lacking the step originally formed by the fold extension 382). In such embodiments, the bottom portion 378 of the pocket may be secured to the outer panel 362 by one or more stitches 386 or by adhesive or fusion.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of the exemplary garment 420. Figure 10Another example of how a pleated panel with pleats can be used to form a zipper pull cover is shown. Garment 420 is similar to garment 320 described above, except that the panel carrying the strap 44 and supporting the zipper teeth 46 also forms part of the zipper pull cover and pockets 324 and 370. Components in garment 420 corresponding to those in garment 320 are referred to using similar reference numerals.

[0054] Garment 420 includes an outer panel 462 replacing panel 362. The outer panel 462 has opposite end portions (entering...) Figure 10 and leaving Figure 10 The outer panel 462 is connected to the inner panel 360 to form a pocket 324. The outer panel 462 includes a zipper support portion 478, a fold extension portion 482, an inner fold portion 479, an outer fold portion 480, and a front pocket portion 483. The zipper support portion 478 forms the front of the pocket 324 and supports the zipper 28. Specifically, the zipper support portion 478 is connected to a strip 44, which in turn runs along the window 327 (…). Figure 7 (as shown) and internally supports the chain teeth 46.

[0055] The folded extension 482 extends between the zipper support portion 478 and the inner fold portion 479. The folded extension 482 extends along the rear side of the interior 454 of the pleat 476 formed by the panel 462, which serves as a zipper pull cover 432. The length of the folded extension 482 corresponds to the height of the cover 432 (the height of the "garage" for the zipper pull body 49).

[0056] The inward fold portion 479, the outward fold portion 480, and the front pocket portion 483 are similar to the inward fold portion 379, the outward fold portion 380, and the front pocket portion 383', respectively, except that these portions are part of panel 362, not part of panel 364. The inward fold portion 479 extends downward from the fold extension portion 482 to form or define the interior 454 of the cover 432. The inward fold portion 479 transitions to the outward fold portion 480 at the entrance 456 of the cover 432. The outward fold portion 480 extends upward from the entrance 456. The inward fold portion 479 has a width W that is greater than or equal to at least half the length of the zipper body 49 (measured along the axis of the chain teeth 46). In the example shown, the width W is greater than the longitudinal length of the zipper body 49. In the example shown, when the zipper body 49 is accommodated within the interior 454 in the fully folded position, the entrance 456 is located below the entirety of the zipper body 49. In the example shown, the pleats 476 are long enough to cover and conceal the entirety of the zipper body 49 and at least a portion of the zipper tab 50 when the zipper body 49 is in the fully engaged position (against the stop 47-1).

[0057] The front portion 483 of the pocket includes a portion of the outer panel 462 extending upward from the outward fold portion 480. The front portion 483 of the pocket may form the front portion of the interior 372 of the pocket 370. In some embodiments, the panel 462 may alternatively or additionally include a folded extension (similar to) between the outward fold portion 480 and the front portion 383' of the pocket. Figure 8 The folded extension portion 382 in the pocket allows the front portion 383' of the pocket to be recessed inward from the pleat 476, thereby being coplanar with or at least closer to the plane where the zipper support portion 478 extends, giving the front of the garment a smoother or flatter appearance.

[0058] In some embodiments, garment 420 may further include a bottom panel 490. The bottom panel 490 may extend between and be secured to the front pocket portion 483 of the back panel 360 and panel 462. The bottom panel 490 serves as a boundary between pockets 324 and 370, providing a bottom for pocket 370 and a top for pocket 324. In some embodiments, the upper pocket 370 may be omitted, where pocket 324 continues behind the front pocket portion 483. In the example shown, to help hold the pleats 476, a folded extension 482 is secured to the bottom panel 490 by stitch 385. In other embodiments, the folded extension 482 may be secured to the bottom panel 490 by adhesive, fusion, or other attachment techniques.

[0059] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of the exemplary garment 520. Figure 11 Another example is shown of how a pleated panel with pleats can be used to form a zipper pull cover, wherein the pleated panel does not form part of the pocket directly above the zipper. Garment 520 is similar to garment 420 described above, except that panel 462 includes a top portion 583 in place of the front pocket portion 383' and the back pocket portion 577. Components in garment 520 corresponding to those in garment 420 are referred to using similar reference numerals.

[0060] The top portion 583 extends rearward from the folded front portion 480, across the folded extension portion 482, and reaches the back panel 360. The top portion 583 can form the top of the pocket 324. The pocket rear portion 577 is the portion of panel 462 that extends substantially parallel to the inner panel 360 and is used to secure panel 462 to panel 360. In the example shown, the pocket rear portion 577 is secured to the inner panel 360 by stitch 584. In other embodiments, the pocket rear portion 577 can be glued or fused to the inner panel 360. Although shown as a short tail, the pocket rear portion 577 can have a greater length and, in some embodiments, can serve as an additional inner wall of the interior 338 of the pocket 324.

[0061] Figure 12 This is a front view showing a portion of an exemplary garment 620. Garment 620 is similar to garment 320, garment 420, or garment 520, except that garment 620 includes a pocket 624 and a zipper 628 in place of pocket 324 and zipper 28, respectively. Pocket 624 is similar to pocket 324, except that pocket 624 is not rectangular, and its pocket opening 670 is slanted relative to the longitudinal or lateral dimensions of pocket 624.

[0062] Zipper 628 is similar to zipper 28, except that zipper 628 selectively closes the interior 638 of pocket 624 and also extends obliquely relative to the original rectangular wall of the interior 638. Like garments 320, 420, and 520, garment 620 includes a zipper pull cover 632, which is similar to or similar to zipper pull cover 332. Figure 10 or Figure 11 Any of the shown shields 432. Shield 632 is formed by a pleated panel with pleats 376, 470, when the zipper pull 48 of the zipper 28 is in the fully closed position (against the stop 47-1, as shown). Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the folds 376 and 470 at least partially accommodate the pull head body 49.

[0063] Figures 13-17 A portion of an exemplary garment 720 is shown. Garment 720 is in the form of a hooded jacket and includes a torso cover portion 800, sleeves 802, and a hood 804. The torso cover portion 800 has a front portion 806, which is divided into a right half portion 807-1 and a left half portion 807-2 separated by an opening 808.

[0064] The garment 720 also includes a zipper 810 for selectively closing the opening 808. The zipper 810 includes strips 812-1 and 812-2 (collectively referred to as strips 812), teeth 814, and a zipper pull 816. The zipper pull 816 includes a zipper body 817 and a pull tab 818. Strips 812 are respectively attached to the right half 807-1 and the left half 807-2 and support corresponding portions of the teeth 814. The teeth 814 include a pair of opposing tooth segments configured to mesh and lock together when engaged by the zipper pull 816. Similar to the zipper body 49 of the zipper 28, the zipper body 817 has a converging throat or channel that brings the opposing tooth segments of the teeth 814 into mutual meshing and locking engagement. The zipper body 817 moves along the teeth 814 between an upper stop 819-1 and a lower stop 819-2.

[0065] like Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the torso covering portion of garment 720 also includes a right inner pocket 724-1 and a left inner pocket 724-2, associated right zippers 728-1 and left zippers 728-2, a right outer pocket and a left outer pocket (e.g., breast pockets 770-1, 770-2), and associated right zippers 820-1 and left zippers 820-2 (shown schematically). For ease of discussion, the right half 807-1, right side pockets 724-1, 770-1, and zippers 728-1, 820-1 are described below. It should be understood that the corresponding left half 807-2 and its pockets and zippers match and mirror the right half and right side components.

[0066] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 The image shows a cross-sectional view of garment 720, partially cut through the right half 807-1, with line 14-14 passing through it. The right half of garment 720 includes an inner panel 760, an outer panel 762, a zipper 628, and an outer panel 764. The inner panel 760 and outer panel 762 cooperate to form a lower pocket 724-1 with an interior 738. Although shown as a single layer, the inner panel 760 and outer panel 762 can be formed by multiple layers stacked together. For example, the inner layer 760 may include an insulating layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. In some embodiments, the inner layer 760 is positioned adjacent to and in contact with any underwear or body of the person wearing garment 720. In other embodiments, additional panels or layers may be provided inside the inner panel 760.

[0067] The outer panel 762 extends to the outside of the inner panel 760 to form a pocket 724. The outer panel 762 has end portions that connect to the inner panel 760 along its top, bottom, and sides. In other embodiments, the outer panel 762 may be joined to the inner panel 760 by fusion or similar means. The outer panel 762 includes a window 727 (e.g., Figure 13As shown, a portion of the zipper tooth 746 is exposed along the window 727. Outer panel 762 supports strips 744-1 and 744-2 along the opposite edge of the window 727; these strips support the zipper tooth 746 of the zipper 628. The zipper tooth 46 of the zipper 628 selectively closes the opening of the pocket 724 or the bag opening 740. As described above, the zipper 628 also includes an upper stop 747-1 and a lower stop 747-2, and a zipper pull 748, which includes a body 749 and a pull tab 750.

[0068] The outer panel 764 extends to the outside of the inner panel 762 to form a pocket 770-1, the pocket 770-1 having an interior 772 and a pocket opening 774. Figure 16 and Figure 17 (As shown). Pocket 770-1 is selectively opened and closed by a closure mechanism 775. In the example shown, the closure mechanism 775 may include a zipper. In other embodiments, the closure mechanism 775 may include a hook and loop fastener, a button, a latch, or the like.

[0069] like Figure 14 As shown, the outer panel 764 is a pleat, including a pleat layer 776 that overlaps at least a portion of the zipper pull body 749 when the zipper pull body 749 is in the fully closed position or state, serving as a zipper pull cover 732. In the example shown, the outer panel 764 includes a pocket rear portion 777, a folded extension portion 782, an inner folded portion 779, an outer folded portion 780, and a pocket front portion 783. The pocket rear portion 777 is the portion of the outer panel 764 that extends along and is substantially parallel to the outer panel 762. In the example shown, the pocket rear portion 777 is secured to the outer panel 762 by a stitch 784. In other embodiments, the pocket rear portion 777 may be glued or fused to the outer panel 762. Although shown as providing an additional inner wall for pocket 770-1, in other embodiments, the rear portion 777 of the pocket may be a short tail, wherein the outer panel 762 serves as the inner wall of pocket 770-1.

[0070] The fold extension 782 extends from the rear pocket portion 777 to the inner fold portion 779. The fold extension 782 extends the pleat 776 forward beyond the zipper pull body 749 and is secured to the inner fold portion 779 by stitching 785 to help maintain the position and shape of the pleat 776. In some embodiments, the fold extension 782 may be secured to the inner fold portion 779 by adhesive, welding, or other means. In some embodiments, the inner fold portion 779 and the outer fold portion 780 may be discontinuous.

[0071] The inner fold portion 779 extends downward from the fold extension portion 782 to form or define the interior 754 of the shield 732. The inner fold portion 779 transitions to the outer fold portion 780 at the entrance 756 of the shield 732. The outer fold portion 780 extends upward from the entrance 756. The inner fold portion 779 has a width W, which is the distance between the fold extension portion 782 and the entrance 756, greater than or equal to at least half the length of the slider body 749 (measured along the axis of the chain teeth 746). In the example shown, the width W is greater than the longitudinal length of the slider body 749. In the example shown, the entrance 756 is located below the entire slider body 749 when the slider body 749 is accommodated within the interior 754 in the fully engaged position. In the example shown, the fold 776 is long enough to cover and conceal the entire slider body 749 and at least a portion of the pull tab 50 when the slider body 749 is in the fully engaged position (against the upper stop 747-1). In the example shown, the entrance 756 includes an opening that extends along an axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the chain tooth 749. In the example shown, the entrance 756 extends along an axis that is inclined or angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the chain tooth 749.

[0072] Figure 15 The garment 720 is shown, in which the pleats 776 are pulled forward and inward to reveal the zipper pull body 749, which was originally at least partially hidden. Figure 15 As shown, the pleats 776 forming the zipper pull cover 732 are fixed at positions 757 at opposite ends of the entrance 756. The portion of the pleats 776 extending beyond the entrance 756 can be fixed or loose. Since the opposite ends of the entrance 756 are fixed, the cover 732, which provides a "garage" for the zipper pull body and has sidewalls to secure the ends of the entrance 756, can be achieved by sewing, gluing, or fusing the layers. In some embodiments, the ends of the entrance 756 may not be fixed, but rather loose along the entire side of the upper chest pocket.

[0073] The front portion 783 of the pocket includes an outer panel 764 extending upward from the outward fold portion 780. The front portion 783 of the pocket can form the front of the interior 772 of the pocket 770-1. It should be understood that, for illustrative purposes, Figure 14 Other cross-sectional views of other embodiments show at least partially expanded pockets, wherein these pockets may be substantially flat when empty and hanging, or may be larger or expanded to a greater extent when filled.

[0074] Figure 16 It is along Figure 13 The sectional view taken from line 16-16 in the figure. Figure 16 The portion of pocket 770-1 along zipper 810 is shown. (See diagram.) Figure 16As shown, the outer panel 764 forms a pleat 876 that extends in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the centerline of the zipper tooth 814. The pleat 876 includes an outward fold portion 878 and an inward fold portion 880. The outward fold portion 878 protrudes toward the zipper 810 and then folds back to form the inward fold portion 880. The inward fold portion 880 abuts the rear pocket portion 777, where it begins at the location where the rear pocket portion 777 is secured to the outer panel 762. In the example shown, the rear pocket portion 777 is secured to the outer panel 762 by stitching 883. In other embodiments, this securing may alternatively be achieved by fusion / welding or a similar method.

[0075] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the pocket opening 774, selectively closed by the zipper 775, is positioned along the inner fold portion 880. In the example shown, the inner fold portion 880 includes a window 827, with strips 891-1, 891-2 (positioned along the interior 772) fixed along opposite sides of the window 827. These strips support zipper teeth 894, which are selectively closed by a zipper pull 898 having a zipper pull body 899 and a pull tab 900. Thus, the pocket opening 774 and the zipper 775 are covered and hidden by the pleats 876. In other embodiments, the pocket opening 774 and its closure mechanism (the zipper 775 in this example) may be located in other positions. For example, the pocket opening 774 and the zipper 775 may be located on the front portion 783 of the pocket. In such an embodiment, the pleats 876 may be omitted, and the outer pocket portion 783 may turn towards the rear pocket portion 777, possibly forming a folded edge.

[0076] Figure 18 and Figure 19 A portion of the exemplary garment 920 is shown. Figure 18 and Figure 19 An example is shown illustrating how the pleated panel of a pocket can form pleats to serve as a zipper pull cover for a front zipper, concealing and hiding the zipper pull body that joins the two front halves or two front panels of the garment together. Garment 920 is similar to garment 720 described above, except that garment 920 omits the hood, and that the outer fold portion 878 and the inner fold portion 880 are longer or extended further to form pleat 976 instead of pleat 876. Remaining parts in garment 920 corresponding to those in garment 720 are referred to using similar reference numerals. In other embodiments, garment 920 may also include a hood, for example... Figure 13 The hat shown.

[0077] Pleat 976 is similar to pleat 876, except that pleat 976 is longer, extending a greater distance in a direction possibly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the zipper tooth 814. Pleat 976 is long enough (in the direction shown by arrow 977) to form a zipper pull cover 932 with an interior 954 and an entrance 956, which accommodates the zipper 810 to fully extend and cover and span the zipper pull 816. Figure 19 As shown, the zipper pull shield 932 formed by the pleats 976 extends from one side of the zipper 810, completely spanning and exceeding the two strips 812, completely spanning and exceeding the zipper teeth 814, and completely spanning and exceeding the zipper pull body 817 (for ease of illustration). Figure 19 (The pull tab is not shown). When the two front sides of the garment 920 need to be opened, the flap or pleat forming the cover 932 can be moved aside or pulled back to expose the pull tab of the zipper head 816. Then the zipper head body 817 can be pulled down to move along the chain teeth 814 to open at least a portion of the zipper 810, thereby enabling the two front sides of the garment 920 to separate or open.

[0078] Although garment 920 is shown as having two completely separate front sides, selectively connected or closed by zipper 810, in other embodiments, zipper 810 may extend only partially down the front side of garment 920, terminating at a stop above the bottom of garment 920. For example, garment 920 may be in the form of a quarter-zip or half-zip garment, such as a quarter-zip or half-zip pullover jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, etc. In such embodiments, the front pockets are sized such that when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, the zipper pull cover 932 completely covers the zipper pull body, while when the zipper pull body is at the lower stop of the zipper, the zipper pull body is exposed.

[0079] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, while different exemplary embodiments may be described as including features that provide advantages, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with each other or combined with each other in the described exemplary embodiments or in their alternative embodiments. Due to the relative complexity of the technology in this disclosure, not all technical changes are foreseeable. This disclosure, described with reference to exemplary embodiments and set forth in the following claims, is expressly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically indicated, a claim claiming a single particular element also covers multiple such particular elements. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not particularly associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: A zipper that selectively closes an opening, the zipper comprising: The first strip located on the first side of the opening; The second strip located on the second side of the opening; Zipper teeth, which are connected to a first strip and a second strip, for selectively joining the first strip to the second strip; A zipper head body, wherein the zipper head body is movable along the chain teeth between a fully engaged position and a fully disengaged position; A zipper pull cover, wherein in the fully closed position, the zipper pull body is at least partially located below the zipper pull cover, and in the at least partially open position, the zipper pull body is completely located outside the zipper pull cover; and An outer pocket, the outer pocket including a pleated panel with pleats forming the zipper pull cover.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein, The opening includes the opening of the outer pocket, wherein the zipper pull cover has an interior and an entrance that extend not parallel to the zipper teeth, cover the first strip, and cross the zipper teeth, such that the zipper pull cover at least partially covers the zipper pull body in the fully closed position.

3. The garment according to claim 2, wherein, The interior and the entrance also extend to cover a second strip.

4. The garment according to claim 2, wherein, In the fully closed position, the interior of the zipper pull cover completely covers the zipper pull body.

5. The garment according to claim 2, wherein, The entrance is configured to face downwards when the garment is worn.

6. The garment according to claim 2, wherein, The interior of the zipper pull cover is located within the pleats of the pleats.

7. The garment according to claim 6, wherein, The width of the pleats is such that the depth of the interior of the zipper pull cover is greater than or equal to the length of the zipper pull body.

8. The garment according to claim 6, wherein, The pleated panel forms a second pocket with a second opening.

9. The garment according to claim 8, wherein, The openings of the bags and the second bag face opposite directions.

10. The garment according to claim 8, wherein, The opening of the bag is configured to extend below the second opening when the garment is worn.

11. The garment according to claim 8, wherein, The opening of the bag is tilted relative to the second opening.

12. The garment according to claim 8, wherein, The second pocket is configured to extend and cover the person's chest when the garment is worn.

13. The garment according to claim 12, wherein, The pleated panel has a second pleat, the second pleat having a second fold layer and being opposite to the pleat.

14. The garment according to claim 13, wherein, The second pocket opening is located inside the second pleat.

15. The garment of claim 14, further comprising a second zipper, the second zipper comprising: The third strip is located on the first side of the second bag opening; The fourth strip is located on the second side of the second bag opening; Join the third strip to the second zipper tooth of the fourth strip; as well as The second zipper head body is movable along the chain teeth between the second fully engaged position and the second fully disengaged position. In the second fully closed position, the main body of the second pull head is located within the second fold.

16. The garment according to claim 15, wherein, In the second fully extended position, the second pull head body is outside the second fold.

17. The garment according to claim 6, wherein, The pleats are fixed at the opposite end of the entrance to form the side of the zipper pull cover.

18. The garment according to claim 1, wherein, The pleats do not extend parallel to the zipper teeth.

19. The garment according to claim 1, further comprising a second zipper having a second zipper pull body, wherein, The outer pocket includes a second pleat having a second fold layer, and wherein the second zipper pull body is at least partially located within the second fold layer of the second pleat.

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