Transformable vented structure for garments or accessories

Abstract

The invention relates to garments and accessories that can switch between non-breathable, water-resistant, and breathable states. By shifting the outer layer to reveal perforated fabric in the inner layer, moisture trapped inside can evaporate. Conversely, the garment can return to a non-breathable state to prevent rain or cold air from entering.

Description

[0001] Title of the Invention

[0002] Transformable Vented Structure for Garments or Accessories

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application is a continuation of pending U.S. Application Ser. No. 63 / 651,386, filed May 23, 2024, entitled "Transformable Vented Structure for Garments or Accessories," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0005] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0006] The present invention relates to wearable garments and accessories, and more specifically to transformable fabric structures that enable switching between breathable and non-breathable configurations for temperature and moisture regulation.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] Conventional garments and accessories used during aerobic activities often retain heat and sweat due to non-breathable fabrics. While solutions such as zippers or mesh inserts exist, they are limited in effectiveness, placement, and aesthetics.

[0009] Waterproof or windproof clothing often traps moisture internally, while breathable alternatives allow cold air ingress, compromising thermal insulation. High-performance textiles are costly, slow to ventilate, and not always sustainable.

[0010] Backpacks, jackets, and pants made from non-breathable material protect against rain and wind but cause overheating in warm or indoor environments. Current solutions fail to provide a dynamic, reversible venting mechanism that adapts to changing environmental and physical demands.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This invention provides a transformable layered structure that enables garments and accessories to alternate between breathable and non-breathable configurations. It allows the user to selectively expose or conceal vented areas by shifting an outer fabric layer over a specially constructed inner layer.

[0013] Key features include:

[0014] • Inner Layer: Composed of alternating perforated and non-perforated fabric sections, sewn or bonded. May include hollow spaces to enhance airflow.

[0015] • Outer Layer: Made of non-perforated fabrics with stripes and hollow zones. Designed to slide or shift horizontally or vertically to expose or conceal perforated areas of the inner layer.

[0016] • Fastening Mechanisms: Includes magnets, buttons, zippers, Velcro, or strings to maintain the selected configuration.

[0017] • Adaptability: Applies to jackets, pants, backpacks, hats, gloves, and other wearables or gear.

[0018] When the perforated inner section is revealed, the item becomes breathable. When the non-perforated section is exposed, it becomes non-breathable, maintaining protection against wind or moisture.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0021] • Fig. 1A: Inner layer of the present invention.

[0022] • Fig. 2A: Outer layer of the present invention.

[0023] • Fig. 3A: The present invention in a non-breathable structure.

[0024] • Fig. 4A: The present invention in a breathable structure.

[0025] • Fig. 5A: 3D horizontal side view of the invention in a non-breathable structure.

[0026] • Fig. 6A: 3D horizontal side view of the invention in a breathable structure.

[0027] • Fig. 7A: Real prototype backpack in a non-breathable structure.

[0028] • Fig. 8A: Real prototype backpack in a breathable structure.

[0029] • Fig. 9A: Back view of the real prototype backpack.

[0030] • Fig. IB: Back views of a non-breathable jacket in a non-breathable structure. • Fig. 2B: Back views of a non-breathable jacket in a breathable structure.

[0031] • Fig. 1C: Back view of an alternative non-breathable jacket in a non-breathable structure.

[0032] • Fig. 2C: Back view of an alternative non-breathable jacket in a breathable structure.

[0033] • Fig. ID: Top view of a hat in a non-breathable structure.

[0034] • Fig. 2D: Top view of a hat in a breathable structure.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Figure 1A shows the inner layer of the present invention. Fabric 101 is perforated, while fabric 102 is non-perforated or may be any standard fabric. Fabrics 101 and 102 both have the same width, or may be of different widths, and are sewn or connected alternately to form the inner layer. This can consist of one set or any number of sets greater than one.

[0037] Figure 2A illustrates the outer layer of the present invention. All fabric 104 consists of horizontal stripes, with hollow or empty spaces between each stripe. Similarly, all fabric 103 consists of vertical stripes, with hollow or empty spaces between each stripe. Fabrics 103 and 104 intersect by stitching, or they may be bonded together using adhesive tape, glue, or any available bonding method. The positioning of fabrics 101 and 102 in the inner layer (whether vertically oriented or not) dictates the alignment of the outer layer. In Figure 2A, the horizontal stripes 104 are the primary focus and may be slightly wider than fabrics 101 or 102 to better cover the perforated fabric. Stripes 103 are less critical and can be reduced to a single stripe to simply connect the horizontal stripes 104.

[0038] Figure 3A depicts the present invention in its non-breathable structure. The lowest ends of all vertical stripes 103 in the outer layer 2A are connected to the lowest stripe of 102 in the inner layer 1 A, or they may be attached directly to the garment or accessory in accordance with the present invention using stitching or bonding. All horizontal stripes 104 should be attached on top of and cover the perforated fabric stripes 101, using magnets, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, Velcro, strings, or any other fastening mechanism available. Layer 2A and the hollow spaces between stripes 103 and 104 should reveal the non-perforated fabric 102 of the inner layer.

[0039] To allow for easier shifting of the outer layer, the fastening mechanism used (e g., magnets) will allow for the movement of 1A and 2A. For instance, if magnets are used, the handle 105 helps pull the outer layer 2 A upwards, attaching it to 1 A in a single-stripe position. In this position, the hollow spaces of the outer layer reveal all the perforated fabric 101, making the invention breathable (Fig. 4A).

[0040] Figure 5A is a 3D horizontal side view of the present invention in its non-breathable structure, while Figure 6A shows a 3D horizontal side view of the invention in its breathable structure. Figure 7A shows the front view of a real prototype backpack in its non -breathable position, and Figure 8A shows the front view of the real prototype backpack in its breathable position, shifted by a simple pull. The fastening method used is magnets to secure the two layers in place. The side stripes 106 work as channels to hide the edges of the invention and secure the outer layer to the backpack more effectively. Figure 9A shows the back view of the real prototype backpack.

[0041] Figures IB and 2B show the back views of a non-breathable jacket in accordance with the present invention, in both non-breathable (Figure IB) and breathable positions (Figure 2B). For the inner layer, instead of attaching all perforated fabric stripes, a plurality of perforations is used as another method to achieve breathability. In areas where perforated fabric would typically be sewn, holes 206 are perforated directly into the same piece of non-perforated fabric. This approach eliminates the need for stitching on the inner layer. The stripes of the outer layer are curved in this example, meaning the shapes of the inner or outer layers could be adapted to other forms, and the perforated parts of the inner and outer layers do not need to be matched in the same shape. As long as the outer layer can cover or hide the perforated part or differently designed part of the inner layer, the present invention would work. This jacket design applies to both the sleeve and back areas. Figure 3B shows the outer layer for the sleeves, with the black area indicating hollow spaces. The hollow space can be replaced by sewing with a transparent perforated fabric to simply connect the two pieces of 204 for the outer layer. Figure 4B shows the outer layer of the back of the garment, with the black areas also representing hollow spaces.

[0042] Figures 1C and 2C are the back views of another non-breathable jacket in accordance with the present invention, showing both the non-breathable (Figure 1 C) and breathable positions (Figure 2C). The structure of this embodiment is oriented differently, demonstrating that the present invention can be adapted to multiple directions. In this version, the shifting of the outer layer is achieved from left to right, facilitated by a string attached to the outer layer. The string is secured by upper and lower covers 306, which hide the edge stripes 304 of the outer layer. The strings 305 are also concealed by the covers 306. This jacket demonstrates another fastening mechanism for attaching the inner and outer layers.

[0043] Figures ID and 2D show the top view of a hat in accordance with the present invention, in both its non-breathable (Figure ID) and breathable positions (Figure 2D). Fabrics 401 and 402 form the inner layer, and fabric 403 forms the outer layer. The inner and outer layers are connected through the top point of the hat and secured along the edges. This hat demonstrates that the present invention can be produced in a triangular shape or any other shape.

[0044] CONCLUSION

[0045] The invention meets all stated objectives and offers additional benefits inherent in its design. Features and subcomponents may be used independently or in combination. All examples and illustrations are intended to be descriptive, not limiting.

Claims

CLAIMSA transformable vented structure for a garment or accessory, comprising:• an inner layer comprising alternating sections of perforated and non-perforated fabric;• an outer layer comprising at least one non-perforated fabric segment and one or more openings, gaps, or transparent / perforated zones;• a movement mechanism configured to allow the outer layer to shift relative to the inner layer between: o a first position, wherein the outer layer conceals the perforated section of the inner layer, forming a non-breathable configuration; and o a second position, wherein the outer layer reveals at least a portion of the perforated section, forming a breathable configuration;• and a fastening system operable to secure the outer layer in either position.The structure of claim 1, wherein the movement mechanism allows sliding, folding, lifting, or pulling of the outer layer relative to the inner layer.The structure of claim 1, wherein the outer layer includes horizontal and / or vertical fabric stripes, forming gaps or windows aligned with the perforated portions of the inner layer.The structure of claim 1, wherein the fastening system comprises at least one of magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, Velcro, cords, toggles, or hooks.The structure of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises a hollow channel or spacer region formed by joining two non-perforated fabric layers with a sidewall, creating an air cavity for enhanced ventilation.The structure of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is guided by edge rails, tracks, sleeves, or fabric channels that restrict and direct movement.The structure of claim 1, wherein the movement of the outer layer substantially alters the visual appearance of the garment or accessory.The structure of claim 1, wherein the perforated sections of the inner layer comprise laser- perforated material, mesh, woven vents, or microporous membranes.A garment incorporating the structure of claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: jackets, shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, hats, gloves, and vests.An accessory incorporating the structure of claim 1, selected from the group consisting of backpacks, bags, belts, headgear, and body-mounted gear.The garment of claim 9, wherein the outer layer is configured to move horizontally or vertically using an integrated cord-pulley, rail-guided tab, or magnetic sliding strip.The garment of claim 9, wherein the outer layer includes non-linear, curved, or angled stripe segments, and the shapes of the outer and inner layers are non-uniform or asymmetric.The garment of claim 9, wherein the perforated sections are formed directly in the fabric of the inner layer without attachment of separate materials.The accessory of claim 10, wherein the structure is incorporated into a back panel of a backpack, and the outer layer is secured with magnetic fasteners or snap-fit elements.The structure of claim 1, wherein the outer layer includes at least one transparent or semitransparent breathable section to reduce heat without compromising coverage or visibility.

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