Collapsible swimsuit

#This invention relates to a collapsible garment and a method for using the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a swimsuit that can be folded into its belt or a pouch attached to the belt without the necessity of taking the garment off and a method for manufacturing such a swimsuit.

#In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the “back to nature” movement and in enjoying life unencumbered by clothes. Most jurisdictions have regulations against public nudity and this acts as a restraint on those who would like to enjoy life in pretty much the state in which they were born. People will be people and those who would like to swim “in the raw”, so to speak, have two choices if they wish to act unfettered: (a) wear no clothing, or, (b) wear a swimsuit on the beach and take it all off when at a safe distance from any Peeping Toms.

#As noted above, option (a) is usually illegal and, in many instances, people are not disposed to so appear in public. There is also the problem of finding a deserted location at which to take off the swimsuit. Facilities for discrete donning and removal of clothing may not exist at beaches and swimming pools. Removing clothing also presents problems in cold and/or windy weather.

#The present invention is best understood with reference to the following figures wherein like numbers refer to like elements:

#FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a view of a prior art collapsible swimsuit.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a swimsuit according to the present invention.

#The present invention is best understood with reference to FIGS. 2-5 that illustrate the arrangement of the various parts of the swimsuit. Referring to FIG. 2, a swimsuit 101 is shown. The swimsuit includes a loop 105 attached to the swimsuit to at least partially enclose a human waist: the exact manner in which it encircles the human waist is discussed below. The loop may be made of any suitable material but in a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 2 preferably comprises a decorative chain that is made of material resistant to corrosion by seawater. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the loop comprises a tubular member such as a cord or “piping”. Two fasteners 103a, 103b on the swimsuit 101 are shown in the engaged position so that the swimsuit appears at first sight to be a conventional swimsuit with a decorative loop.

#Turning now to FIG. 3, the swimsuit is shown in the disengaged configuration with the fastener 103a now showing its components 103a′ disengaged into its components and fastener 103b disengaged into its components 103b′. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, another feature of the swimsuit becomes apparent: the rear of the swimsuit is seen to have an additional piece of fabric 112 (with a seam 111) that defines a pouch between the member 112 and the rear of the swimsuit. The pouch as shown in FIG. 3 has two openings 113a, 113b.

#Also seen in FIG. 3, the loop member is preferably inserted into the pouch (storage compartment). In one embodiment of the invention, the loop member may pass completely through the pouch and thus be capable of fully encircling the human waist. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the loop member may be fastened at two places (not shown) to the rear of the swimsuit and thus only partially encircle the human waist. Other configurations of the swimsuit may include two pouches as taught in Holland.