US20180289079A1

US20180289079A1 - Bathing garments and methods for using same

Info

Publication number: US20180289079A1
Application number: US15/949,052
Authority: US
Inventors: Kressa J. Peterson; Anthony M. Peterson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-07
Filing date: 2018-04-09
Publication date: 2018-10-11
Also published as: US20220322759A1; USD971558S1

Abstract

Disclosed herein are bathing garments and methods for showering, for example, outdoors after outdoor activities, such as various sports, fitness competitions, or obstacle races. In one aspect, the bathing garment includes a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed garments.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/482,689, filed Apr. 7, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to bathing garments and methods for showering outdoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After participating in outdoor activities, such as outdoor obstacle races, that involve crawling through mud or steep mud climbs can leave participants dirty and muddy. Often, showering facilities are not available due to the remoteness of the location or the circumstances of the activity. Commonly, muddy participants are relegated to being rinsed off by a water hose in their dirty clothes. However, this rinsing off is not very effective since lots of dirt and mud remain under the dirty clothes. Moreover, these participants have to continue to wear these dirty clothes since private changing rooms are not available.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a water-resistant, bathing garment that, when worn in public, allows a wearer to be effectively shower or rinse off and change clothes in privacy, and can be used to store dirty clothing after showering. This need and other needs are satisfied by the various aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to a bathing garment, for example, for showering outdoors after outdoor activities, such as various sports, fitness competitions, or obstacle races.
In an exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a bathing garment, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.
In another exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a method for showering using a bathing garment, the method comprising the steps of: a) using a bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position; and b) showering in public.
In further aspects, the invention also relates to methods for using the disclosed garments and devices.
Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a bathing garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a depiction of a bathing garment worn by a user in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a bathing garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a depiction of a bathing garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein.
Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.
Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

A. Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In this specification and in the claims, which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an aperture” includes two or more apertures.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.
As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.
Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices and articles of the invention as well as the materials themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the invention.
It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

B. Bathing Garments and Methods for Use

As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates, in various aspects, to bathing garments and methods for using the disclosed garments, such as for bathing of showering outdoors in public areas or with groups of people, for example, as is done after participating in outdoor obstacle races that can involve activities such as crawling through mud or steep mud climbs, or the like. In further aspects, the disclosed bathing garments can allow people to rinse off in public with total privacy and an option for cleaning and rinsing your body from head to toe. The bathing garments can be comprised of a water-resistant or water-proof material such that water will wick off as you clean your body and hair. Once a user has cleaned and/or rinsed themselves while using the presently disclosed bathing garment, the user can then change into their clean clothes with the continued privacy. Moreover, the bathing garment can also allow the person who has just rinsed off to have a place to carry their dirty clothes and shoes when the bathing garment can be reconfigured by the user to be a water-resistant sack or tote.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.
In various aspects, the bathing garment can comprise many various configurations and shapes. In further aspects, the body panel can have a substantially tubular or cylindrical shape, having first and seconds openings, for example, that would allow a user to step into and/or substantially surround a user's body.
In further aspects, the first and second openings comprise at least one closure means. In still further aspects, at least one opening comprises a plurality of closure means. In yet further aspects, the closure means can be encased in at least one body panel edge. In even further aspects, at least one opening can comprise a first closure means and a second closing means.
In some aspects, the closure means can comprise a channel with two oppositely placed openings, the channel being formed at an edge of the body panel. In further aspects, a cord located within the channel, the cord having two opposing ends configured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to adjust the opening from a fully open position to a fully closed position. In still further aspects, the channel can be comprised of an elastic material configured to flexibly open and close an opening. In yet further aspects, there can be a collar about the opening, the collar made of an elastic material.
In further aspects, at least one closure means can define the outermost edge of at least one opening. In still further aspects, the closure means can define the outermost edge of the channel. In yet further aspects, the closure means comprises a drawstring, strap, cord, cord or strap locks, zipper, fasteners, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, at least one closure means defining the outermost edge of the at least one opening can comprise a zipper, a fastener, or a combination thereof. The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second openings comprise a drawstring. In other aspects, at least one opening can comprise a first closure means comprising a drawstring and a second closing means comprising a zipper.
In further aspects, the garment can be configured to create a bag upon closing of a closing means on at least one opening. In still further aspects, after the bag is filled with contents, a second closing means at a second opening can be configured to close to secure the contents. In some aspects, the garment can be configured to create a bag when a first drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening. In other aspects, after the bag is filled with contents, a second drawstring at a second opening can be configured to close to secure the contents. In various aspects, the drawstrings can be configured to be used to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.
In various aspects, the garment comprises a plurality of apertures to allow users to access their clothing and bodies under the garment. In further aspects, the garment can comprise a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body panel and a plurality of apertures at a second position on an opposite side of the body panel. In yet further aspects, the garment can comprise a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body panel and a plurality of apertures at a second position from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees away from the first position. In some aspects, the garment comprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and two apertures at a second position on an opposite side of the body panel. In other aspects, the garment comprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and two apertures at a second position from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees away from the first position.
In further aspects, the body panel comprises a left edge and a right edge, and the apertures can be positioned on the left edge and right edge. In still further aspects, the apertures can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the first or second openings of the body panel. In some aspects, the apertures can comprise a closure means configured to selectively adjust aperture opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.
In various aspects, the garment can comprise at least one pocket attached to at least one surface of the body panel, for example, to allow for the storage of a bar of soap or a shampoo bottle or comb, or the like. In further aspects, comprising a plurality of pockets attached to at least one surface of the body panel. In still further aspects, the garment can comprise at least one pocket attached to an interior surface and an exterior surface of the body panel.
In various aspects, the body panel can be comprised of a water-resistant or water-proof material. In further aspects, the material can comprise a fabric, laminated material, film, sheet, coated fabric, or combinations thereof. In still further aspects, the fabric can comprise a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, or combinations thereof. In yet further aspects, the material can comprise a thermoplastic material, thermoplastic sheet or fabric material or a sheet of waterproof material such as neoprene, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, vinyl plastic or the like. In some aspects, the body panel can be comprised of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), or a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl, or the like.
In further aspects, the material can have a waterproof rating of at least about 10,000 mm, or “mm/24 hours” rating, which refers to the amount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a 24-hour period. In still further aspects, the material can have a waterproof rating of at least about 15,000 mm. In yet further aspects, the material can have a waterproof rating of at least about 20,000 mm.
In some aspects, the material can be reusable, and can withstand multiple uses. In other aspects, the material can be disposable, such as with materials used for disposable trash bags, ponchos, and the like. In further aspects, the invention can comprise a plurality of garments detachably connected to one another, for example, the plurality of garments can be connected at an edge such that a user can peel away a single garment when needed.
In various aspects, the garment can be configured and sized to fit all body types and sizes. In further aspects, the garment can be unisex, for example, it can be configured to fit men and women. In still further aspects, the garment can have a thickness of at least about 5 mm. In yet further aspects, the garment can have a thickness of at least about 10 mm. In even further aspects, the garment can have a thickness of at least about 15 mm. In some aspects, the garment can a thickness in the range of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.
Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed bathing garments. For example, in another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a method for bathing or showering outdoors using a disclosed bathing garment. In further aspects, the method comprises the steps of: a) using a bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position; and b) bathing or showering in public.
In further aspects, the step of bathing or showering can comprise rinsing off in public, being rinsed off by another person in the presence of others, or combinations thereof.
In various further aspects, the step of using can comprise at least one of: wearing the garment, stepping into the body panel of the garment, pulling an opening of the garment up to a user's chest level, tightening the closure means such that the opening is secure around the user's body, placing a portion of the closure means around the user's neck such that the garment does not move down the user's body, removing a first article of clothing by inserting one hand into at least one side aperture and pull down on the first article of clothing; one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment; removing a second article of clothing by pulling up on a portion of the second article that is not covered by the garment while ensuring the garment remains in place, or combinations thereof.
In further aspects, the method can further comprise at least one of: replacing the second article of clothing with a different article of clothing directly over the garment, replacing the first article of clothing by stepping into a different article of clothing and inserting at least one hand into at least one side aperture in order to pull the different article of clothing up to the user's waist underneath the garment; loosening the closure means and removing the closure means from around the neck, sliding the garment down the user's body to the ground and stepping out of the garment, or combinations thereof.
In further aspects, the method can further comprise at least one of: securely closing a closing means of at least one opening to create a bag; filling the bag with the removed article of clothing; closing a closing means of the other opening to secure the contents; and using the closing means to carry the garment as a backpack or tote. In still further aspects, the garment can be configured to create a bag when a first drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening. In yet further aspects, after the garment is filled with contents, a second drawstring at a second opening can be configured to close to secure the contents. In even further aspects, the drawstrings can be configured to be used to carry the bag as a tote or backpack. In still further aspects, the garment can provide: privacy and prevents exposure of private areas of the user's body during the showering step.
According to various aspects of the invention, the bathing garments of the present disclosure can comprise multiple configurations. FIGS. 1-4 show various views and methods for using an inventive bathing garment in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
In further aspects, FIG. 1 show various features and components of an exemplary bathing garment 100 comprising: a tubular body panel 102 having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening 104 a and second edge defining a second opening 104 b, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, a first closure means 106 a comprising a first drawstring 108 a configured to selectively adjust the size of the first opening 104 a from a fully open position to a fully closed position, and a second closure means 106 b comprising a second drawstring 108 b configured to selectively adjust the size of the second opening 104 b from a fully open position to a fully closed position. As shown in FIG. 1, the bathing garment can comprise a plurality of openings 110 in the body panel shown as a side opening on one side corresponding to a first side, and another side opening (not shown) on an opposite side, the openings being configured to allow access inside the bathing garment for removal of soiled clothing, bathing or washing body parts, and donning clean clothing after showering. In still further aspects, the garment comprises a pocket 112 for holding articles, such as for example, soap or grooming articles. In yet further aspects, the closure means includes a channel with two oppositely placed openings, the channel being formed at an edge of the body panel; and a drawstring located within the channel, the drawstring having two opposing ends configured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to adjust the size of the opening from a fully open position to a fully closed position, and positions therebetween.
As shown in FIG. 2, the bathing garment 100 is configured to be worn by a user to allow for showering and changing clothes, while covering private areas of the user's body. After the first opening 104 a is positioned in the desired location (e.g., around the chest or waist), the first drawstring 108 a is drawn through the respective openings to secure the garment around the body and the first drawstring 108 a is placed around the user's neck to hold the garment in place, such as while the person is removing clothing, during the process of showering or washing body parts. The side opening 110 allows the user interior access to permit removal of soiled clothing and washing of body parts located inside the garment. After removing soiled clothing and washing soiled body parts, the user can then put on a portion of clean clothing, such as bottoms, using the second opening 104 b. The user can then wear remaining portions of clean clothing, such as tops, over the bathing garment, remove the first drawstring 108 a from their neck, loosen the closure means, and slide the bathing garment 100 down and off the body.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bathing garment 100 can be configured to be used as a bag or tote, for example for carrying a clean change of clothes before bathing and for carrying soiled clothing after bathing. FIG. 3 shows the first drawstring 108 a drawn tight to completely close the first opening 104 a. The user can then place their desired contents, such as soiled clothing, inside the garment 100 through the second opening 104 b. As shown in FIG. 4, after the garment 100 is filled with the desired contents, the second drawstring 108 b can be pulled tight to completely close the second opening 104 b and secure the contents within the garment. The first drawstring 108 a and second drawstring 108 b can then be used to carry the bag as a tote or worn as backpack. As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the sequence of steps can be altered such that second opening is closed before placing the contents in the garment and the first opening is closed to secure the contents within the garment. In further aspects, the garment can be comprised of a water-proof or water-resistant material which allows the water to drain off during rinsing or showering.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the invention includes at least the following aspects:
Aspect 1: A bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garment comprising: a) a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: i) a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and ii) at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.
Aspect 2: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second openings comprise a closure means.
Aspect 3: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least one opening comprises a plurality of closure means.
Aspect 4: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means is encased in at least one body panel edge.
Aspect 5: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least one opening comprises a first closure means and a second closing means.
Aspect 6: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means comprises: a channel with two oppositely placed openings, the channel being formed at an edge of the body panel; and a cord located within the channel, the cord having two opposing ends configured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to adjust the opening from a fully open position to a fully closed position.
Aspect 7: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the channel is comprised of an elastic material configured to flexibly open and close an opening.
Aspect 8: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising a collar about the opening, the collar being made of an elastic material.
Aspect 9: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least one closure means defines the outermost edge of at least one opening.
Aspect 10: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein a closure means defines the outermost edge of the channel.
Aspect 11: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one closure means defining the outermost edge of the at least one opening comprises a zipper, a fastener, or a combination thereof.
Aspect 12: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means comprises a drawstring, strap, cord, cord or strap locks, zipper, fasteners, and combinations thereof.
Aspect 13: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second openings comprise a drawstring.
Aspect 14: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least one opening comprises a first closure means comprising a drawstring and a second closing means comprising a zipper.
Aspect 15: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment is configured to create a bag upon closing of a closing means on at least one opening.
Aspect 16: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein after the bag is filled with contents, a second closing means at a second opening is configured to close to secure the contents.
Aspect 17: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment is configured to create a bag when a first closure means or drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening.
Aspect 18: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein after the garment is filled with contents, a second closure means or drawstring at a second opening is configured to close to secure the contents.
Aspect 19: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means or drawstrings are configured to be used to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.
Aspect 20: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment comprises a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body panel and a plurality of apertures at a second position on an opposite side of the body panel.
Aspect 21: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment comprises a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body panel and a plurality of apertures at a second position from about 60 degrees to about 180 degrees away from the first position.
Aspect 22: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment comprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and two apertures at a second position on an opposite side of the body panel.
Aspect 23: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment comprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and two apertures at a second position from about 60 degrees to about 180 degrees away from the first position.
Aspect 24: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel comprises a left edge and a right edge, and wherein the apertures are positioned on the left edge and right edge.
Aspect 25: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the apertures are positioned substantially perpendicular to the first or second openings of the body panel.
Aspect 26: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the apertures comprise a closure means configured to selectively adjust aperture opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.
Aspect 27: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one pocket attached to at least one surface of the body panel.
Aspect 28: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of pockets attached to at least one surface of the body panel.
Aspect 29: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one pocket attached to an interior surface and an exterior surface of the body panel.
Aspect 30: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel is comprised of a water-resistant material.
Aspect 31: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel is comprised of a water-proof material.
Aspect 32: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proof materials comprises a fabric, laminated material, film, sheet, coated fabric, or combinations thereof.
Aspect 33: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the fabric comprises a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, or combinations thereof.
Aspect 34: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proof material comprises a thermoplastic material, thermoplastic sheet or fabric material or a sheet of waterproof material such as neoprene, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, vinyl plastic or the like.
Aspect 35: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel is comprised of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), or a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, or the like.
Aspect 36: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proof material has a waterproof rating of at least about 10,000 mm.
Aspect 37: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proof material has a waterproof rating of at least about 15,000 mm.
Aspect 38: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proof material has a waterproof rating of at least about 20,000 mm.
Aspect 39: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the material is disposable.
Aspect 40: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of garment detachably connected to one another.
Aspect 41: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment is configured to fit men and women.
Aspect 42: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment is unisex.
Aspect 43: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can a thickness of at least about 5 mm.
Aspect 44: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can a thickness of at least about 10 mm.
Aspect 45: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can a thickness of at least about 15 mm.
Aspect 46: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can a thickness in the range of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.
Aspect 47: A method for showering outdoors using a bathing garment, the method comprising the steps of: a) using a bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position; and b) showering using the garment.
Aspect 48: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of showering comprises rinsing off in public, or being rinsed off by another person in the presence of others, or combinations thereof.
Aspect 49: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of using comprises at least one of: wearing the garment, stepping into the body panel of the garment, pulling an opening of the garment up to a user's waist or chest level, tightening the closure means such that the opening is secure around the user's body, placing a portion of the closure means around the user's neck such that the garment does not move down the user's body, removing a first article of clothing by inserting one hand into at least one side aperture and pull down on the first article of clothing; one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment; removing a second article of clothing by pulling up on a portion of the second article that is not covered by the garment while ensuring the garment remains in place, or combinations thereof.
Aspect 50: The method of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of: replacing the second article of clothing with a different article of clothing directly over the garment, replacing the first article of clothing by stepping into a different article of clothing and inserting at least one hand into at least one side aperture in order to pull the different article of clothing up to the user's waist underneath the garment; loosening the closure means and removing the closure means from around the neck, sliding the garment down the user's body to the ground and stepping out of the garment.
Aspect 51: The method of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of: securely closing a closing means of at least one opening to create a bag; filling the bag with the removed article of clothing; closing a closing means of the other opening to secure the contents; and using the closing means to carry the garment as a backpack or tote.
Aspect 52: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the garment is configured to create a bag when a first drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening.
Aspect 53: The method of any preceding claim, wherein after the bag is filled with contents, a second drawstring at a second opening is configured to close to secure the contents.
Aspect 54: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the drawstrings are configured to be used to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.
Aspect 55: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment provides privacy and prevents exposure of the user's body during the showering step.
While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.
The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garment comprising:

a) a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising:

i) a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and

ii) at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings comprise a closure means.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the closure means is encased in at least one body panel edge.

4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the closure means comprises at least one of: a drawstring, strap, cord, cord lock, strap lock, zipper, and fastener.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the closure means comprises:

a channel with two oppositely placed openings, the channel being formed at an edge of the body panel; and

a cord located within the channel, the cord having two opposing ends configured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to adjust the opening from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the garment is configured to create a bag upon closing of a closing means on at least one opening.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the garment is configured to create a bag when at least one of: a first drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening and a second drawstring is pulled tight to close a second opening.

8. The garment of claim 4, wherein the garment comprises a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body panel configured to allow access to an interior of the garment.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the body panel comprises a left edge and a right edge, and wherein at least one aperture is positioned on the left edge and right edge.

10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the apertures are positioned substantially perpendicular to the first or second openings of the body panel.

11. The garment of claim 10, further comprising at least one pocket attached to at least one surface of the body panel.

12. The garment of claim 8, wherein the garment is comprised of a water-resistant or water-proof material.

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the water-proof material has a waterproof rating of at least about 10,000 mm.

14. A method for bathing using a bathing garment, the method comprising the steps of:

a) wearing the bathing garment of claim 12; and

b) bathing or showering using the bathing garment.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of bathing or showering is outdoors.

16. A method for bathing using a bathing garment, the method comprising the steps of:

a) using a bathing garment, the garment comprising:

a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising:

a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and

at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position; and

b) showering or bathing with the bathing garment.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of showering comprises at least one of:

rinsing off; and being rinsed off by another person in the presence of others.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of using comprises at least one of:

wearing the garment, stepping into the body panel of the garment, pulling an opening of the garment up to a user's waist or chest level, tightening the closure means such that the opening is secure around the user's body, placing a portion of the closure means around the user's neck such that the garment does not move down the user's body, removing a first article of clothing by inserting one hand into at least one side aperture and pull down on the first article of clothing; one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment; removing a second article of clothing by pulling up on a portion of the second article that is not covered by the garment while ensuring the garment remains in place, or combinations thereof.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising at least one of: replacing the second article of clothing with a different article of clothing directly over the garment, replacing the first article of clothing by stepping into a different article of clothing and inserting at least one hand into at least one side aperture in order to pull the different article of clothing up to the user's waist underneath the garment; loosening the closure means and removing the closure means from around the neck, sliding the garment down the user's body to the ground and stepping out of the garment.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: securely closing a closing means of at least one opening to create a bag; filling the bag with contents; closing a closing means of the other opening to secure the contents; and using the closing means to carry the garment as a backpack or tote.