Packaged garment

Abstract

A conveniently packaged garment, which may be carried in a pocket, handbag, or purse is provided. The invention typically includes a non-disposable feminine undergarment that is made from a comfortable, attractive, and durable fabric such as microfiber or a microfiber blend. The garment is vacuum-packed or otherwise compressed and contained within an outer package that is relatively small in size and which may include multiple geometric configurations. The garment may be packaged for retail sales or may be configured for use with a vending machine or other dispensing device.

1 ) A packaged item, comprising: 
 (a) an article of clothing;    (b) a package for containing the article of clothing;    (c) a means for minimizing the physical space occupied by the item of clothing within the package; and    (d) wherein, after the means for minimizing the physical space occupied by the item of clothing within the package has been applied, the package is substantially the same size as or smaller than a lipstick tube, a tampon tube, or a golf ball.    
   
   
       2 ) The packaged item of  claim 1 , further comprising a second package for containing the package for containing the article of clothing.  
   
   
       3 ) The packaged item of  claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing further comprises at least one of synthetic fibers and a combination of synthetic fibers and natural fibers, and wherein the fibers reduce any tendency of the article of clothing to wrinkle.  
   
   
       4 ) The packaged item of  claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing is a non-disposable undergarment.  
   
   
       5 ) The packaged item of  claim 1 , wherein the package for containing the article of clothing comprises a flexible material.  
   
   
       6 ) The packaged item of  claim 1 , wherein the means for minimizing the physical space occupied by the item of clothing within the package further comprises vacuum packaging technology.  
   
   
       7 ) A packaged item, comprising: 
 (a) an article of clothing, wherein the article of clothing further comprises microfiber, and    wherein the microfiber reduces any tendency of the article of clothing to wrinkle;    (b) a first package for containing the article of clothing, wherein the first package further comprises a flexible material;    (c) a means for minimizing the physical space occupied by the item of clothing within the first package; and    (d) a second package for containing the first package, wherein the second package further comprises a rigid material.    
   
   
       8 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , further comprising a third package for containing a soiled undergarment.  
   
   
       9 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , wherein the article of clothing is a non-disposable undergarment.  
   
   
       10 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , wherein the article of clothing is a non-disposable feminine undergarment.  
   
   
       11 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , wherein the means for minimizing the physical space occupied by the item of clothing within the package further comprises vacuum packaging technology.  
   
   
       12 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , wherein the second package further comprises multiple, detachable sections.  
   
   
       13 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , wherein the second package is substantially the same size as or smaller than a lipstick tube, a tampon tube, or a golf ball.  
   
   
       14 ) The packaged item of  claim 7 , wherein the second package further comprises a substantially tubular enclosure or a substantially spherical enclosure.  
   
   
       15 ) A method for packaging an article of clothing, comprising: 
 (a) manufacturing an article of clothing, wherein the article of clothing further comprises microfiber or a microfiber blend, and wherein the microfiber reduces any tendency of the article of clothing to wrinkle;    (b) placing the article of clothing in a package; and    (c) applying a vacuum to the package, wherein the vacuum minimizes the physical space occupied by the item of clothing within the package, and wherein after the vacuum has been applied, the package is substantially the same size as or smaller than a lipstick tube, a tampon tube, or a golf ball.    
   
   
       16 ) The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of placing the vacuum-packaged article of clothing inside a second package, wherein the second package further comprises a rigid material.  
   
   
       17 ) The method of  claim 16 , wherein the second package further comprises multiple, detachable sections.  
   
   
       18 ) The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of placing the second package inside a third package for display.  
   
   
       19 ) The method of  claim 15 , wherein the article of clothing is an undergarment.  
   
   
       20 ) The method of  claim 15 , wherein the article of clothing is a feminine undergarment.