GB2598329A

GB2598329A - A rain garment

Info

Publication number: GB2598329A
Application number: GB2013345.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Limited Cecarute
Original assignee: Andrew Shutter
Current assignee: Andrew Shutter
Priority date: 2020-08-26
Filing date: 2020-08-26
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Also published as: WO2022043885A3; GB202013345D0; WO2022043885A2; EP4203738A2

Abstract

Cyclists are often exposed to the elements, and without suitable protection are therefore susceptible to cold, precipitation and/or dirt when cycling in unfavourable weather. Furthermore, a cyclist’s level of activity, body geometry and speed can cause overheating and exacerbate the adverse effects of exposure to environmental conditions. The present rain garment 1 consists of a waterproof jacket portion 7 and leg portions 19 that can be deployed or stored in compartments 17. The compartments have openings 21 along the lower edge to facilitate ease of access. Actuation, via deployment mechanisms allow the wearer to extend/retract the leg portions without touching the leg portions which may become wet and/or dirty during use. This may be achieved through rigid elongate members or weighted parts and cords attached to the lower extremity of the leg portion and the respective compartments. The leg portions or compartments may also be removably attachable. Also shown is a waterproof cape 5 with two sleeves 3 that extend from shoulders to hands/wrists 9. Along with a method for releasably coupling 23 the sleeve to the cape.

Description

A RAIN GARMENT

The present invention relates generally to a rain garment and a method of adjusting a rain garment and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in waterproof garments for cyclists.

Cyclists are often exposed to the elements, and without suitable protection are therefore susceptible to cold, precipitation and/or dirt when cycling in unfavourable weather. Furthermore, a cyclist's level of activity, body geometry and speed can cause overheating and exacerbate the adverse effects of exposure to environmental conditions.

Consequently, it is desirable to have a rain garment with adequate waterproofing and ventilation, which may be adjusted according to weather conditions. Waterproof garments for cyclists are known, including waterproof capes, trousers and gaiters. These separate garments can be cumbersome to carry when not required for cycling, and awkward to store when wet.

According to a First aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rain garment comprising: a waterproof upper portion for covering a wearer's upper body; two waterproof leg portions, each leg portion for covering a respective lower limb of the wearer; and a respective deployment mechanism attached to each leg portion; wherein actuation of each deployment mechanism causes the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.

In this way, the rain garment may be adjusted according to the requirements of the wearer and/or the weather conditions. The leg portions may be deployed when protection is required for the lower limbs, for example while cycling during a rain shower.

When the leg portions are no longer required, they may be retracted and stored within the compartments. Consequently, the wearer need not carry separate leg protection as the leg portions may be carried within the compartments while wearing the upper portion. Furthermore, the inclusion of the deployment mechanisms -allows the wearer to extend/retract the leg portions without directly touching a lower portion of the leg portions, which may become wet and/or dirty during use. This allows for simple adjustment of the rain garment and avoids the wearer's hands becoming wet and/or dirty when adjusting the rain garment.

Waterproof may mean completely and/or partially impervious to water. Alternatively, waterproof may mean water resistant for a period of time or level of exposure. The extent of waterproofing of the garment may be tailored to suit its intended use. For example, the garment may comprise higher levels of waterproofing in exposed areas such as the shoulders, with lower levels of waterproofing in areas such as under the arms. The tailoring of the waterproofing may be done to increase breathability of the fabric.

The garment may comprise a waterproof material, such as polyurethane coated nylon, wax-impregnated cotton, Gore-Tex (RTM), Pertex (RTM), Ventile (RIM), and/or any other suitable material.

Covering may mean completely or partially overlaying. A portion of the rain gat lent covering a portion of the wearer may be immediately adjacent to that portion of the wearer, or may be spaced or offset from that portion of the wearer.

The upper portion may be a cape, coat, jacket or poncho, or a hybrid form of any of these garments. The upper portion may comprise sleeves for covering the wearer's arms. Alternatively, the upper portion may be constructed in a way that covers the wearer's arms without sleeves. The upper portion may comprise fastening means; for example, a zip, toggles, poppers, buttons and/or hook and loop fastener. The upper portion may comprise a hood for covering the wearer's head. The hood may be attached to or integral with the upper portion.

Each leg portion may cover part of the lower limb of the wearer. Alternatively, a leg portion may cover an entire lower limb of the wearer, extending to their foot. A leg portion may cover only the top of the foot, may partially or entirely enclose the foot, or alternatively may not cover the foot but may only cover a wearer's leg to their ankle. Each leg portion may comprise fastening means; for example, a zip, toggles, poppers, buttons and/or hook and loop fastener. The fastening means may be arranged for adjusting the dimensions of the leg portions, for example their length, width and/or breadth. The fastening means may be arranged to engage with the wearer's footwear. Each leg portion may be arranged separately from the other leg portion. Alternatively, the leg portions may be arranged as a single piece that covers both lower limbs of the wearer, and may therefore have no fastening means. Each leg portion may include means for adjusting its fit on a user's leg or shoe, such as a toggle/tightening cord and/or elastic.

The deployment mechanisms may be removably attachable to the leg portions.

Each deployment mechanism may be attached to a lower extremity of the respective kg potion (e.g. foot, ankle, sole, toe, etc.), and may extend to the respective compartment (for example, through thc respective compartment or adjacent thereto).

The deployment mechanisms may each comprise an elongate member.

The deployment mechanisms may be at least partially rigid (e.g. only partially rigid, or fully rigid) to enable effective extension and/or retraction of the leg portions. Alternatively, the deployment mechanisms may be inflexible. the deployment mechanisms may comprise a stick aid/or rod. Actuation of the deployment mechanism may comprise longitudinal movement thereof. Actuation of each deployment mechanism may mean pushing/pulling each deployment mechanism in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of each deployment mechanism. This direction may also be substantially perpendicular to a bottom hem of the upper portion of the rain garment and/or parallel to a largest axial dimension of each compartment.

The deployment mechanisms may rely on gravity for deployment. For example, the weight of the leg portion may act to pull the kg portion out of the compartment. The deployment mechanism may be configured to releasably hold the leg portion in the compartment against gravity. In particular, the leg portion may include a weighted part (e.g. of a higher density than other parts of the leg portion) on a lower extremity thereof; for example, a forming and/or part of a sole or toe piece.

The deployment mechanisms may be pliable. In this way, the deployment mechanisms may be integrated with the rain garment without adversely affecting the comfort of the wearer. The deployment mechanisms may comprise textile, string and/or cord. For example, a user may pull the textile, string and/or cord to pull the leg portion into the compartment. The deployment mechanism may include means for holding the textile, string and/or cord in place (e.g. a toggle, buckle, fastener, clip, ctc.). The textile, string and/or cord may be attached to the weighted part.

The deployment mechanisms may each comprise a plurality of articulated members. The plurality of articulated members may comprise a plurality of completely or partially rigid members attached to one another by flexible means. In this way, the mechanism of deployment of the plurality of articulated members may resemble that of a roman blind. The plurality of articulated members may comprise a cord or deployment member. Movement of the cord or deployment member may cause the plurality of articulated members to Fold or unfold.

The deployment mechanisms may comprise a variety of materials depending on the degree of rigidity required or methodology used for extension and retraction of the leg portions, such materials may include plastic, polychloroprene, polyurethane or naturally occurring substances such as flexible bamboo and/or other pliable materials.

The length of the deployment mechanisms may be adjustable. In this way, the wearer may adjust the length of the deployment mechanisms corresponding to their height, and/or the length of their lower limbs. For example, the deployment mechanisms may be elastic, telescopic, modular, jointed and/or foldable. In alternative embodiments, the length of the deployment mechanisms may be fixed.

Extension and retraction of a leg portion may he complete, such that the entire length of the leg portion is extended or retracted from the upper portion. Alternatively, extension and retraction of a leg portion may be partial, such that a partial length of the leg portion is extended or retracted from the upper portion.

Receipt within the compartment may mean a leg portion is completely or partially enclosed by the compartment. Each compartment may comprise attachment means for securing a respective leg portion, for example: elastic; hook and loop fastener; buttons; and/or poppers.

The leg portions may be removably attachable to the upper portion. In this way, the leg portions may be attached to and/or removed from the upper portion depending on whether they are required. For example, if the wearer is expecting poor weather, the leg portions may be attached to the upper portion to be carried in the compartments and later extended to cover the wearer's lower limbs. Conversely, if the wearer is expecting good weather, the leg portions may be detached from the upper portion, thereby making the rain garment lighter and less bulky.

in alternative embodiments, the leg portions may be permanently attached to the upper portion The compartments may be removably attachable to the upper portion. In this way, the compartments may be attached to and/or removed from the upper portion depending on whether they are required for storing the leg portions. In alternative embodiments, the compartments may he permanently attached to the upper portion.

Each compartment may have an opening on its lower edge. The lower edge of a compartment may be an edge adjacent to a hem of the rain garment, that is an edge proximal to a wearer's legs, in use. The compartment may be sealable, for instance by hook-and-loop fastener, zipper, button, press-studs or any other conventional means. The compartment may therefore hold the leg portion in by virtue of the seal. Tn alternative embodiments, the leg portion may be held in the compartment(s) by friction and/or by the deployment mechanism.

The compartments may be resiliently expandable. in this way, the compartments may expand to accommodate the leg portions therein. When the compartments are not used to store the leg portions, the compartments may contract so as to contribute minimal volume to the silhouette of the rain garment. The compartments may comprise resilient and/or elastic material, in alternative embodiments, the compartments may have fixed dimensions.

The upper portions and the leg portions may be articulated with each other. In this way, the wearer's movement may be relatively unrestricted while the upper portion is arranged to cover their upper body and the leg portions are arranged to cover their lower limbs. Alternatively, the upper portions and the leg portions may be fixedly attached to one another.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing the rain garment or the first aspect; and actuating each deployment mechanism to cause the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rain gat lent comprising: a waterproof cape portion for covering a wearer's upper torso; two waterproof sleeves, each sleeve for covering a respective arm of the wearer, and configured to extend between a shoulder and a wrist of the wearer; and for each respective sleeve, a respective coupling device for releasably coupling a mid-point of the respective sleeve to the cape portion.

in this way, in cold weather a wearer may allow the cape to hang down against their torso; however, in warmer weather, the wearer may connect the cape to the sleeves such that the cape is held away from the torso to enable air to flow thereunder. in either case, rain is prevented from penetrating under the cape portion.

The cape portion may be configured to cover the wearer's upper torso and/or entire torso and/or upper legs. The upper torso may comprise the chest and/or ribcage of the wearer.

The mid-point of each sleeve may be precisely or approximately equidistant from the shoulder and wrist of the wearer; however, in preferred embodiments, the mid-point may be anywhere between 30% of the distance from the shoulder toward the wrist, up to the wrist. In particular, the mid-point may comprise substantially level with an elbow of a wearer and/or between an elbow and the corresponding wrist of the wearer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing the rain gatment of any preceding claim; and releasably coupling a mid-point of each respective sleeve to the cape portion.

An uppermost part of the cape portion may he adjusted to create space between the cape portion and the top of the shoulders of the wearer to further facilitate air flow between the cape portion and the wearer.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by W2ly of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is front view of a rain garment.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the rain garment of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by a person.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by a person.

Figure 5 is a front view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by a person while cycling.

Figure 6 is a rear view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by a person while cycling.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic: and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Tn the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

Moreover, the tetras top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. it is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "connected", used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device: connected to a device B" should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, stmcture or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim studding on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Tn the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. TIowevcr, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this

description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one may mean only one in certain circumstances.

he use of the term "any" may mean "all" and/or "each" in certain circumstances. The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a front view of a rain garment comprising an upper portion 1 composed of two respective sleeves 3, a cape portion 5, and a jacket portion 7. Each sleeve 3 may include an elasticated cuff 9 configured to seal around the wrist and/or thumb of a wearer. The jacket portion includes pockets 11 for conventional storage of items. hor clarity a hood is not shown, but may be added in a conventional manner. The jacket portion 7 includes a split 13 up the rear, which may be sealed by W2ly of eners (e.g. buttons) 15.

Inside the jacket portion 7, and adjacent a lower hem thereof, are two compartments 17 inside which a respective leg portion 19 may be stored. The leg portions 19, when extended for use, extend between a foot of the wearer and the hem of the jacket portion 7; in this case, at knee height, hut the exact position on the wearer depends on the relative length of the jacket portion 7. Each compartment 17 has an opening 21 along a lower edge thereof for removal of the respective leg portion 19 therefrom.

Coupling devices 23 are provided between each sleeve 3 and the cape portion 5 to relcasably couple the cape portion 5 to the sleeves 3.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the rain garment of figure 1. A split 25 in the rear of the leg portion 19 can be seen, which allows a user's leg to be inserted laterally therein, in addition to the conventional longitudinal manner for putting on legwear. Figure 2 also shows a sole 27 for the leg portion 19, onto which a user's shoe may be placed. However, in alternative embodiments, the sole 27 may be removed to allow the user's own shoe sole to contact the ground and/or bicycle pedal. In other embodiments the sole leg portions do not cover the entire shoe/Foot of the wearer, but rather terminate at the ankle or partially over a user's shoe upper.

Figure 3 is a front view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by a person 29, with both leg portions 19 deployed.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by the person 29. In this view, the top 31 of the leg portions 19 can be seen, as can a zipper 33 arranged at the top of each seam 25.

Figure 5 is a front view of the rain garment of figure 1 being worn by the person 29 while riding a bicycle 33.

Figure 6 is a rear view of the rain ganilent of figure 1 being worn by the person 29 while riding a bicycle 33.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rain garment comprising: a waterproof upper portion for covering a wearer's upper body; two waterproof leg portions, each leg portion for covering a respective lower limb of the wearer; and a respective deployment mechanism attached to each leg portion; wherein actuation of each deployment mechanism causes the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.
2. The rain garment according to claim 1, wherein each deployment mechanism comprises a rigid elongate member attached to a lower extremity of the respective leg potion, and extending to the respective compartment.
3. The rain garment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each leg portion comprises a weighted part on a lower extremity thereof., and each deployment mechanism comprises a cord attached to the weighted part and extending to the respective compartment.
4. The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the kg portions are removably attachable to the upper portion.
5. The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the compartments are removably attachable to the upper portion.
6. The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the deployment mechanisms are pliable.
7. The rain garment according to any preceding claim -herein the length of the deployment mechanisms is adjustable. ii 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.The rain garment according to any preceding claim,wherein the compartments are resiliently expandable.The rain garment according to any preceding claim wherein the upper portions and the leg portions are articulated with each other.A method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing the rain garment of any preceding claim; and actuating each deployment mechanism to cause the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached kg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.A rain garment comprising: a waterproof cape portion for covering a wearer's upper torso; two waterproof sleeves, each sleeve for covering a respective arm of the wearer, and configured to extend between a shoulder and a wrist of the wearer; and for each respective sleeve, a respective coupling device for relcasably coupling a mid-point of the respective sleeve to the cape portion.A method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing the rain garment of any preceding claim; and releasably coupling a mid-point of each respective sleeve to the cape portion.