Lightweight portable changing garment

Abstract

A changing garment and method of using same wherein the garment allows a user to change quick, while in public without exposing the user's body to observers and/or passersby. Additionally, a method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient, compact package for transport and storage.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A changing garment for providing modesty for a using, the garment comprising:
 a) a lower portion in the shape of a fabric column; and   b) an upper portion in the shape of a halter top,   
       wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are joined by a seam such that the garment is a single article. 
     
     
         2 . The changing garment of  claim 1 , wherein the lower portion further includes two side access opening incorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam on each side of the lower portion. 
     
     
         3 . The changing garment of  claim 2 , wherein the side access openings further include a fabric panel on the interior of the lower portion in order to prevent viewing of a user's body during use. 
     
     
         4 . The changing garment of  claim 1 , wherein the lower portion further includes an elastic garter positions at the rear top of the fabric comprising the lower portion. 
     
     
         5 . The changing garment of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion further includes a front fabric panel for modesty when the changing garment is worn without undergarments. 
     
     
         6 . The changing garment of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion is further comprised of:
 a) a drawstring noose;   b) a cord lock; and   c) a hook and handle.   
     
     
         7 . The changing garment of  claim 6 , wherein the cord lock securely tightens or loosens the drawstring noose around the user's neck during use. 
     
     
         8 . The changing garment of  claim 6 , wherein the hook and handle may optionally be secured to the elastic garter to maintain the position of the back of the lower portion on the user's back. 
     
     
         9 . The changing garment of  claim 1 , wherein the entire garment is washer and dryer safe. 
     
     
         10 . The changing garment of  claim 1 , wherein the garment folds into a compact portable package for transport and storage. 
     
     
         11 . A method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient compact portable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps:
 a) elongating the changing garment to its full length;   b) rolling the hem of the lower portion in the direction of the upper portion and elastic garter;   c) continuing to roll the lower portion until only the upper portion remains unrolled;   d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining to create a pocket;   e) tucking the rolled lower portion into the pocket and pulling the front panel lining around the rolled lower portion;   f) using the drawstring noose to wrap the entire package and cinching said package secure with the cord lock; and   g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle  17  to the drawstring noose to create a handle on the packaged garment.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the packaged garment may be transported as a purse. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the packaged garment may be transported as a backpack. 
     
     
         14 . A method for changing clothes using the changing garment, the method comprising:
 a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;   b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level;   c) inserting the hook and handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank top or sports bra;   d) pulling the hook and handle up and underneath the front of said shirt, tank top or sports bra;   e) using the hook and handle to pull the drawstring noose up and over one's head;   f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that the elastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure;   g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of the side access openings and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one's lower clothing;   h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changing garment;   i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothing directly over the upper portion of the changing garment;   j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing and inserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order to pull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of the changing garment;   k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from around the neck;   l) using the hook and handle to guide the drawstring noose from underneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and   m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body to the ground and stepping out of said garment.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the garment provides privacy and prevents exposure of the user's body during the changing process