GB2542407A

GB2542407A - Protective garment

Info

Publication number: GB2542407A
Application number: GB1516565.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Naomi Salmon Naudia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-18
Filing date: 2015-09-18
Publication date: 2017-03-22
Also published as: GB201516565D0

Abstract

A protective garment, formed of an insect obstructing and/or repellent material, comprises an upper body portion 20 with a pair of sleeves (27, figure 3) and a lower body portion 30 having a waist portion (32, figure 5) and two leg portions. A hood member 10 comprises an opening 2 for the face of the wearer and a protective face cover 3. The hood 10 may be detachable, as may be the gloves 50 and foot covering portions 40. The garment may be in the form of a sleep suit or sleeping bag liner.

Description

Protective Garment

This invention relates to a protective garment, particularly but not necessarily exclusively intended as a sleep suit, that provides protection to the wearer from insects and other such pests, as well as environmental elements.

Many types of protective sleeping garments exist for protecting the wearer from wind, rain and pests whilst they sleep. Sleeping bag liners are a popular example of such a protective sleeping garment and they are commonly used by travellers either alone when in hot conditions or in combination with a sleeping bag in colder conditions.

Sleeping bag liners are generally made of lightweight, flexible materials, such that they can be folded away into light and compact packages, making them easy to pack and transport. When used in combination with a sleeping bag, they provide an easily removable, easily washable barrier between the user and their sleeping bag. This protects the inside of the sleeping bag from dirt and moisture which can otherwise build up, thus providing a much more hygienic layer that can easily be removed and washed, further increasing the life of the sleeping bag. Sleeping bag liners also provide an extra insulating layer, adding valuable warmth to a sleeping bag in cold conditions. Sleeping bag liners may also be used alone in warmer climates as a replacement for a sleeping bag or sheets.

Advantageously, sleeping bag liners provide a protective barrier against dirt, such as potentially contaminated sheets, and insects such as mosquitos which can not only cause highly irritating bites but can also be detrimental to the health of the person bitten. For example if they are bitten by a mosquito infected with the plasmodium parasite the plasmodium parasite can be transferred, causing malaria. As such, many sleeping bag liners have been developed to specifically obstruct and further repel insects, protecting the user from harm. However, most commonly sold liners are rectangular or “mummy shaped”, meaning that they do not cover the entire body of the wearer, thus leaving at least the face of the wearer exposed and vulnerable to dirt and insects. The rectangular shape of the liner means that, in order for a user to use their arms, they must remove them from the liner, leaving them exposed to the elements and insects. Such products can also be uncomfortable for the user as it becomes easily tangled about the body and can also restrict the movement of the wearer, and must certainly be at least partially removed before a user can get up and/or move around.

It would, therefore, be desirable to produce a garment that can fully protect the entire body of the wearer from dirt and insects whilst providing a more comfortable and convenient sleeping garment than those currently available.

Thus, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective garment formed of an insect obstructing and/or repellent material, the garment comprising: an upper body portion for substantially covering the torso of the wearer, in use; a pair of sleeves permanently attached to said upper body portion for substantially covering the arms of the wearer, in use; a lower body portion having a waist portion and two leg portions for substantially covering the hips and legs of the wearer, in use; and a hood member for substantially covering the head of the wearer, in use, wherein the hood member comprises an opening for the face of the wearer; and a protective face cover for substantially covering the face of the wearer, in use.

In an exemplary embodiment, the garment may further comprise a left foot portion for substantially covering the left foot of the wearer and a right foot portion for substantially covering the right foot of the wearer, in use. The foot portions may be removably attachable to respective ends of said leg portions.

The garment may further comprise a left hand portion for substantially covering the left hand of the wearer and a right hand portion for substantially covering the right hand of the wearer, in use. The hand portions may be removably attachable to respective ends of said sleeves.

The upper body portion may be configured to be releasably fastened to the waist portion of said lower body portion.

The hood member may be configured to be releasably fastened to a neck portion of said upper body portion.

Optionally, the protective face cover may comprise an upper portion, a lower portion and two side portions, wherein the upper portion is affixed to the inner surface of the hood and the lower portion and two side portions are free.

In this case, the hood member may comprise a means for releasably fastening the lower and side portions of said protective face cover against the inner surface of the hood member.

The protective face cover may comprise an insect obstructing and/or repellent netting.

The protective face cover may be treated with an insecticide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insect obstructing material may be viscose, bamboo or an organic cotton blend; and, optionally, the insect obstructing and/or repellent material may be treated with an insecticide.

The left and right foot portions may comprise rubber grip portions on the soles thereof. The protective garment may include at least one pocket therein; in which case, the pocket may comprise a means for releasably fastening or closing it.

In connection with the (optional) releasably fastenable nature of the foot portions to respective ends of the leg portions, the hand portions to respective ends of the sleeves, and/or the hood member to a neck portion of the upper body portion, the protective garment may comprise releasable fastening means in the form of portions of hook and loop fastening material, zip fasteners and/or snap fasteners.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a protective garment substantially as described above, and a storage bag for holding said protective garment for storage and/or transport, wherein said storage bag includes a pillow or pillowcase affixed thereto.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above, or in the following description. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following specific description in which embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a protective sleeping bag liner, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the hood of the protective sleeping bag liner of Figure 1, when the protective face cover is in the released configuration;

Figure 3 is a front view of the jacket of the protective sleeping bag liner of Figure 1, incorporating the hood of Figure 2, when the protective face cover is in the fixed configuration;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the jacket of Figure 3, incorporating the hood of Figure 2;

Figure 5a is a front view of the trousers of the protective sleeping bag liner of Figure 1;

Figure 5b is a rear view of the trousers of Figure 4a;

Figure 6 is a front view of a sock of the protective sleeping bag liner of Figure 1;

Figure 7a is a front view of a glove of the protective sleeping bag liner of Figure 1;

Figure 7b is a rear view of the glove of Figure 6a; and

Figure 8 is a schematic front perspective view of a storage bag for storing and transporting a garment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in an open configuration.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a protective sleeping bag liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a hood 10, a jacket 20, a pair of trousers 30, two socks 40 and two gloves 50.

Each of these elements is detachable and re-attachable, and therefore, each element can be worn individually or in combination with one or more of any of the other elements. This means that the sleeping bag liner can be specifically tailored to suit the needs of the wearer depending on the conditions that they are to sleep in. When full body protection is required all of the elements of the sleep suit may be attached in a sealable manner and worn together, protecting the entire body of the wearer from pests such as bacteria, bed bugs and mosquitos. However, when less protection is required, the wearer can remove individual elements to facilitate comfort. For example, the wearer may choose to only wear the jacket 20 and the trousers 30 so that only their torso, arms and legs remain covered and therefore protected, removing the hood 10, socks 40 and gloves 50 so that their head, feet and hands are uncovered and therefore unprotected.

Each element of the sleeping bag liner is composed of a lightweight, easily washable material such as viscose, bamboo or an organic cotton blend and is designed to protect the wearer against bacteria, bed bugs and mosquitos. However, different fabrics may be used in different panels to provide advantageous properties such as stretch around the joints, strengthening in areas that are likely to chafe, breathability etc.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, the protective hood 10 of the sleeping bag liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a hood 1, an opening 2 and a protective face cover 3. When in use, the hood 1 substantially covers the neck and the upper, side and rear portions of the head of the wearer, whilst an opening 2 is provided for the face of the wearer to enable clear visibility and ease of breathing. When the protective face cover 3 is in the fixed configuration, it is maintained away from the face of the wearer, such that the opening 2 is open and the face of the wearer is exposed. When the protective face cover 3 is in the released configuration, it covers the opening 2 such that the face of the wearer is enclosed and protected.

It is the specific, fitted shape of the sleep suit that enables incorporation of the protective face cover 3 in a way that it may be temporarily maintained in front of or away from the face, so that the wearer can decide whether or not their face is covered depending of the conditions in which they are sleeping. It would not be possible to incorporate such a protective facial covering into rectangular or mummy shaped liner.

The protective face cover 3 is composed of a substantially transparent mesh fabric or netting, which may be formed from a cotton, polyester, polypropylene, or nylon material. It is important that the mesh size of the netting is large enough to enable sufficient ventilation so that the wearer may breathe freely, yet small enough to prevent small insects such as mosquitos from passing through the protective face cover 3. Preferably, the mesh size may be somewhere in the range of 0.6mm to 1,2mm. The protective face cover 3 is also treated with pyrethroid insecticides which act as a further barrier to kill and repel mosquitos and other insects. Pyrethroid insecticides have been approved for use on insecticide-treated nets as they pose a very low health risk to humans and other mammals but are highly toxic to insects.

The uppermost portion of the protective face cover 3 is affixed to the internal surface of the hood 1 whilst the lower and side portions of the protective face cover 3 are unattached. As such, when the protective face cover 3 is in the released configuration, it extends from inside the hood 1 to rest on the left and right peripheral edges of the hood, thus covering the opening 2. When in use, the left and right side portions of the protective face cover 3 may be placed on the inside of the respective left and right side portions of the hood 1, and lower portion of the protective face cover 3 may be placed inside the main body of the jacket portion 7 of the sleeping bag liner. Therefore, when in use, the entrance to the opening 2 is sealed, eliminating any gaps through which insects may pass.

The hood 1 is further provided with a releasable fastening means, such as snap fasteners 4, for affixing the protective face cover 3 against the inner surface of the upper peripheral edge of the hood 1, thus leaving the opening 2 uncovered. Three snap fasteners are provided and each snap fastener 4 is composed of two complementary circular discs, a first disc 4a having a central groove and a second disc 4b having a complementary circular lip, the two discs interlocking upon appliance of pressure to the external face of each of the discs. The three first discs 4a are provided at three separate locations around the inside peripheral edge of the hood. Three corresponding narrow, elongate strips of fabric 5 are affixed to the inner surface of the hood 2, each being substantially in line with a first disc 4a perpendicular to the peripheral edge of the hood, but rearwardly displaced from said first disc 4a parallel to the peripheral edge of the hood 1. A single second disc 4b is provided on the distal end of each of the strips of fabric 5 relative to the hood, such that the interlocking of each first disc 4a with its corresponding second disc 4b provides a loop of fabric 5 which can be used to hold the protective face cover 3 in place.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, when the protective face cover 3 is not in use, for example when the wearer is eating or drinking, the protective face cover 3 may be rolled up into an elongate cylindrical roll resting against the inside surface of the hood 1. Each strip of fabric 5 may be looped underneath and around the cylindrical roll, bringing each of the three second discs 4b into contact with their complementary first discs 4a, the appliance of pressure to the external face of the first and second discs 4a and 4b, interlocking the complementary discs so that the cylindrical roll of protective face cover 3 is maintained against the inside surface of the hood 1. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, releasable attachment means may be provided on the inner surface of the hood, toward the back of the neck, such that the protective face cover can simply be pushed back into the hood and fastened at the rear, when not required for use, thereby effectively forming a “lining” of the hood. This avoids the need to roll it up into the stored configuration, which may be a little bulky around the user’s head. Irrespective of the manner and configuration in which it is fastened in the stored position, the protective face cover 3 is fixed in a stored configuration. This provides a considerable advantage compared to protective face coverings that are permanently affixed or integral to the protective garment in their operable configuration. Permanently affixed and operable facial coverings mean that the wearer must remover the entire protective garment when wishing to uncover their face which not only expends time and energy but also removes the protection from the entire body of the wearer. In contrast, a facial covering that may be temporarily fastened away from the face saves time and energy whilst maintaining protection to rest of the body of the wearer.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the jacket 20 of the sleeping bag liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a main body portion 26, a collar 21, two sleeve portions 27 and two wrist cuffs 23 located at the end of each of the sleeve portions 27. The main body portion 26 of the jacket 20 is provided with a releasable fastening means such as a zip 25, traversing the length of the jacket 20 from the collar 21 to the lower peripheral edge 28, so that jacket 20 may be easily put on or removed.

At the base of the collar 21, there is provided a releasable fastening means, such as a zip fastener 22a, such that the hood 10 can be releasably affixed to the collar 21 of the jacket 20 by means of a corresponding zip fastener 22b provided around the lowermost peripheral edge of the hood 1 when the use of the hood 10 is required. The hood can be unfastened such that it is released from the jacket 20 when protection is not required for the head of the wearer.

The collar 21 provides an external surface to which the fastening means may be affixed, preventing exposure of the fastening means to the skin of the wearer, and thus providing increased comfort to the wearer.

Referring to Figures 3 and 6, the jacket 20 of the sleeping bag liner is further provided with a releasable fastening means, such as a plurality of snap fasteners 24 on each of the wrist cuffs 23, such that each of the gloves 50 may be releasably affixed to the corresponding wrist cuffs 23 of the jacket 20 when protection for the wearer’s hands is required. Each snap fastener 24 is composed of two complementary circular discs, a first disc 24a having a central groove and a second disc 24b having a complementary circular lip, the two discs interlocking upon appliance of pressure to the external face of each of the discs. Each of the first discs 24a is provided at separate locations around each of the wrist cuffs 23. Each of the second discs 24b is provided at a location mirroring that of each of the first discs 24a about the external surface of the wrists 51 of the gloves 50. When the wearer separately puts on the jacket 20 and the gloves 50, the wrist cuffs 23 of the jacket 20 substantially overlap with and thus cover the wrists 51 of the gloves 50, and the mirrored positions of the first and second discs 24a and 24b mean that they align. Appliance of pressure to the external face of the each of the discs 24a and 24b causes the discs to interlock, releasably affixing the gloves 50 to the jacket 20.

Referring to Figures 5a and 5b of the drawings, the trousers 30 of the sleeping bag liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprise a waistband 32, two leg portions 31 extending from the waist of the wearer to the ankles of the wearer, and two ankle cuffs 33. The waistband 32 is provided with a means for securing the trousers around the waist of the wearer, such as a drawstring 34. A pocket 35 is provided at the top of each of the legs 31 of the trousers 30, such that they are substantially in line with the hips of the wearer in use. Each pocket 35 is provided with a fastening means, such as a zip fastener so that the wearer may store valuables on their person whilst they sleep. It will be appreciated that means may be provided to securely attach the jacket 20 and trousers together to ensure full body coverage and, therefore, protection, especially whilst the user is sleeping. In an exemplary embodiment, portions of cooperative hook and loop type fastening material, provided on the respective waist bands 28, 32 of the jacket and trousers, to enable the two garment sections to be releasably but securely fastened together.

Referring to Figures 4, 5a and 5b of the drawings, the trousers 30 of the sleeping bag liner are further provided with a releasable fastening means, such as a plurality of snap fasteners 36 on each of the ankle cuffs 33, such that each of the socks 40 may be releasably affixed to the corresponding ankle cuffs 33 of the trousers 30 when protection for the wearer’s feet is required. Each snap fastener 36 is composed of two complementary circular discs, a first disc 36a having a central groove and a second disc 36b having a complementary circular lip, the two discs interlocking upon appliance of pressure to the external face of each of the discs. Each of the first discs 36a is provided at separate locations around each of the ankle cuffs 33. Each of the second discs 36b is provided at a location mirroring that of each of the first discs 36a about the external surface of the ankles 41 of the socks 40. When the wearer separately puts on the trousers 30 and the socks 40, the ankle cuffs 33 of the trousers 30 substantially cover the ankles 41 of the socks 40, and the mirrored positions of the first and second discs 36a and 36b mean that they align. Appliance of pressure to the external face of the discs 36a and 36b causes the discs to interlock, releasably affixing the socks 40 to the trousers 30.

Referring to Figure 8 of the drawings, a garment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a storage bag 98 having, for example, a drawstring and toggle closing mechanism 99 for selective access to the inside of the bag to place the folded garment therein or remove the garment therefrom for use. The storage bag 98 is provided at one of its open edges with a pillowcase or pillow 100 for separate use, if required. The pillowcase or pillow may additionally be provided with one or more pockets, such that items stored in the pocket of the garment itself can be transferred to the pocket of the pillow or pillowcase when the user goes to sleep, thereby avoiding any discomfort that might arise from having items in the pocket of the garment whilst they are lying down, and also to provide additional security whilst the user sleeps.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective garment formed of an insect obstructing and/or repellent material, the garment comprising: an upper body portion for substantially covering the torso of the wearer, in use; a pair of sleeves permanently attached to said upper body portion for substantially covering the arms of the wearer, in use; a lower body portion having a waist portion and two leg portions for substantially covering the hips and legs of the wearer, in use; and a hood member for substantially covering the head of the wearer, in use, wherein the hood member comprises an opening for the face of the wearer; and a protective face cover for substantially covering the face of the wearer, in use.

2. A protective garment according to claim 1, further comprising a left foot portion for substantially covering the left foot of the wearer and a right foot portion for substantially covering the right foot of the wearer, in use.

3. A protective garment according to claim 2, wherein said foot portions are removably attachable to respective ends of said leg portions.

4. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a left hand portion for substantially covering the left hand of the wearer and a right hand portion for substantially covering the right hand of the wearer, in use.

5. A protective garment according to claim 4, wherein said hand portions are removably attachable to respective ends of said sleeves.

6. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said upper body portion is configured to be releasably fastened to said waist portion of said lower body portion.

7. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said hood member is configured to be releasably fastened to a neck portion of said upper body portion.

8. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said protective face cover comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and two side portions, wherein at least one of said portions is attached, removably or fixedly, to a surface of the hood and the remaining portions are free.

9. A protective garment according to claim 8, wherein said hood member comprises a means for releasably fastening said other portions of said protective face cover against the inner surface of the hood member.

10. A protective garment according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said upper portion of said protective face cover is attached to the inner surface of said hood and said lower and side portions are free.

11. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said protective face cover comprises an insect obstructing and/or repellent netting.

12. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said protective face cover is treated with an insecticide.

13. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said insect obstructing material is viscose, bamboo or an organic cotton blend.

14. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said insect obstructing and/or repellent material is treated with an insecticide.

15. A protective garment according to any of claims 2 to 14, wherein said left and right foot portions comprise rubber grip portions on the soles thereof.

16. A protective garment according to any of the preceding claims, including at least one pocket therein.

17. A protective garment according to claim 16, wherein said pocket comprises a means for releasably fastening or closing it.

18. A protective garment according to claim 3, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, comprising releasable fastening means in the form of portions of hook and loop fastening material.

19. A protective sleeping bag liner according to claim 3, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, comprising releasable fastening means in the form of zip fasteners.

20. A protective sleeping bag liner according to claim 3, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, comprising releasable fastening means in the form of snap fasteners.

21 .A protective garment substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A kit of parts comprising a protective garment according to any of the preceding claims and a storage bag for holding said protective garment for storage and/or transport, wherein said storage bag includes a pillow or pillowcase affixed thereto.