IES86034Y1 - An expandable garment - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a garment adapted to be operable between a contracted state and an expanded state, and finds utility as protective outerware, particularly protective outerware for use in the sporting and leisure fields. Specifically, the present invention relates to a garment comprising a front section, a rear section, and at least one expandable section; and defining a volume therebetween; that garment being adapted to be operable between a contracted state and an expanded state; wherein, in the expanded state, the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and the at least one expandable section is greater than the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and at least one expandable section, in the contracted state.

Description

An expandable garment Field of the invention The present invention relates to a garment adapted to be operable between a contracted state and an expanded state, and finds utility as protective outerwear, particularly protective outerwear for use in the sporting and leisure fields.

Background to the Invention Waterproof garments, such as jackets and coats, generally comprise a shell made of material such as rubber or waterproof plastics. Commonly, waterproof garments incorporate a fluid- impervious layer between the textile face fabric and the textile lining fabric, each of which is made of material permeable to fluid, such as water. This functional, fluid~lmpervious layer may comprise, for example, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has been made microporous by a special expansion process.

Such garments protect users from elemental conditions including precipitation in the form of, for example, rain, snow, and sleet; without the use of umbrellas or such ancillary protective devices. Users of such garments include school children, hikers, and everyday joggers and walkers; which users often carry knapsacks (or day packs or backpacks) to hold some of their belongings. However, garments are not adapted to accommodate such knapsacks, which accordingly remain unprotected from the elemental conditions.

Conventional rain jackets cannot be used to also protect a knapsack worn by the user. it is, therefore, desirable to provide a jacket that people who wear knapsacks can use to protect their knapsack from elemental conditions, but can simulate a conventional jacket when the user is not wearing a knapsack.

Moreover, rain jackets of the prior art are not specifically adapted to be used as safety garments, particularly adapted for use as a safety garment to protect users and their knapsack from elemental conditions during periods of low ambient light, or when increased visibility of a user is required.

The use of increased-visibility garments is becoming increasingly widespread, across a wide variety of activities and users. Primarily, increased-visibility garments are worn on the body to increase the visibility of a user in low-light conditions. When a knapsack is worn by a user, the usual position of the knapsack on the back of the user occludes the underlying increased- visibility garment and thereby abrogates any effect with respect to the visibility of the user. To counteract this loss of visibility functionality, resulting from the wearing of said knapsack, safety garments of the state of the art focus solely on knapsack visibility, but are removed from the user, as such. Accordingly, a disadvantage of the safety garments of the state of the art is that a first garment must cover the body of the user, and a second, separate garment must be provided to cover the knapsack worn by the user. Resultantly, two separate gannents are necessary for the user to achieve a comprehensive visibility solution. This presents many obstacles and difficulties. The user must contemplate multiple eventualities if he is to successfully provide a comprehensive visibility solution for any given situation. The user must be aware of any situation when a knapsack may be worn, and to ensure that separate garments have been, or can be, acquired.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a garment comprising a front section, a rear section, and at least one expandable section; and defining a volume therebetween; the garment being adapted to be operable between a contracted state and an expanded state; wherein, in the expanded state, the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and the at least one expandable section is greater than the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and the at least one expandable section, in the contracted state.

Optionally, the garment comprises at least two expandable sections.

Optionally, the garment comprises two expandable sections.

Optionally, the at least one expandable section comprises means for reversibly retaining the garment in the contracted state.

Optionally, the retaining means is selected from zip fasteners, snap fasteners, hook and loop combinations, button and button hole combinations, hook and eye combinations, drawstring, and magnetic fasteners.

Optionally, the retaining means are located adjacent, optionally at, a terminal edge of the at least one expandable section. Further optionally, the retaining means are located adjacent, optionally at, opposing terminal edges of the at least one expandable section.

Optionally, the retaining means are oriented in a linear arrangement adjacent, optionally at, a terminal edge of the at least one expandable section. Further optionally, the retaining means are oriented in a linear arrangement adjacent, optionally at, opposing terminal edges of the at least one expandable section.

Optionally, the at least one expandable section comprises an optically reflective section.

Optionally, the front section comprises at least two panels. Further optionally, the front section comprises at least two reversibly securable panels.

Optionally, the at least two reversibly securable panels comprise securing means selected from zip fasteners, snap fasteners, hook and loop combinations, button and button hole combinations, hook and eye combinations, and magnetic fasteners.

Optionally, the garment is formed from a fluid impervious material. Further optionally, the garment is formed from a fluid impervious material selected from rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and wax.

Optionally, the garment further comprises means for retaining lights. Further optionally, the retaining means comprises a fastener for retaining lights.

Optionally, the retaining means, optionally the fastener for retaining lights, is located at or adjacent the front section. Optionally or additionally, the retaining means, optionally the fastener for retaining lights, is located at or adjacent the rear section.

Optionally, the retaining means, optionally the fastener for retaining lights, is selected from hooks, optionally hooks formed from a plastic or polymeric material; tapes, optionally resilient tapes; and apertures.

Optionally, the garment comprises an electroluminescent material. Optionally, the electroluminescent material emits electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum.

Optionally, the electroluminescent material comprises at least one light emitting diode.

Optionally, the garment further comprises apertures for regulating the passage of fluid, optionally gas, further optionally air through the garment.

Optionally, the garment further comprises storage means. Optionally, the storage means comprise pockets located at or adjacent the front section. Optionally or additionally, the storage means comprise pockets located at or adjacent the rear section. Optionally, the storage means is formedufrom a fluid impervious material, optionally selected from rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and wax.

Alternatively, the storage means is formed from a material through which fluid can pass, optionally formed from a mesh material. Optionally, the storage means is located at the, in use, external face of the garment. Optionally or additionally, the storage means is located at the, in use, internal face of the garment.

Optionally, the garment comprises at least one removabie section. Optionally, the at least one removable section is reversibly engagable with the garment, Optionally, the at least one removable section is reversibly engagable with the garment by means selected from zip fasteners, snap fasteners, hook and loop combinations, button and button hole combinations, hook and eye combinations, drawstrings, and magnetic fasteners.

Optionally, the garment further comprises a hood, optionally which is formed from a fluid impervious material, optionally selected from rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and wax. Optionally, the hood is mountable to the rear section. Further optionally, the hood is reversibly mountable to the rear section.

Optionally or additionally, the hood comprises an aperture, optionally a Iuniform aperture, to permit the passage of visible light therethrough.

Optionally, in the expanded state, the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and the at least one expandable section is sufficient to accommodate at least part of a user and any garment or portable bag worn by a user.

Optionally, the expandable section is formed from a resilient material.

Optionally, at least part of the garment is displaceable between a constricted position and an extended position. Further optionally, at least part of a terminal edge of the garment is displaceable between a constricted position and an extended position. Optionally, in the constricted position, the at least part of the garment is contiguous with the user, optionally the body of the user. Optionally or additionally, in the extended position, the at least part of the garment is spaced apart from the user, optionally the body of the user. Optionally, the at least part of the garment, optionally the at least part of a terminal edge of the gamient, comprises a resilient material, optionally selected from elastic tape, elastic hem, drawstring, and a hook and loop combination.

Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a garment according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the garment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the garment of Figure 1, in the contracted state; and Figure 4 is a side view of the garment of Figure ‘l, in the expanded state.

Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a garment 10 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The garment 10 comprises a front section 12, a rear section 14, and at least one expandable section 16. in a preferred embodiment, the garment 10 is adapted to be operable between a contracted state and an expanded state; wherein, in the expanded state, the volume defined by the front section 12, the rear section 14, and the at least one expandable section 16 is greater than the volume defined by the front section 12, the rear section 14, and the at least one expandable section 16, in the contracted state.

The garment 10 finds utility as a high visibility vest that can protect a bag worn by a user as well as the user; and can simulate a conventional high visible vest when the user is not wearing a bag. In a preferred embodiment, the expandable section 16 comprises material affixed to the garment 10. Preferably. the extra material 16 is unnecessary to the ability of the high visibility vest 10 to be worn as a conventional high visibility vest 10 protecting a user from the elements and ensuring they can be seen at night, but is used to aid in allowing the high visibility vest 10 to protect the user from the elements and ensure they can be seen at night as weil as a bag worn by the user. Preferably, the extra material 16 is affixed to the rear of the high visibility vest 10 so it can protect the bag worn by the user is worn on the users back.

When in an expanded state, the extra material 16 allows the rear section 14 of the high visibility vest 10 to expand to provide additional volume to the interior of the high visibility vest . When in the contracted state, the high visibility vest 10 can be worn as a conventional high visibility vest by the user.

The garment 10 can further comprise means for reversibly retaining the garment in the contracted state, for example three snap fasteners 18; although the retaining means can comprise any suitable fastener to be selected by a person skilled in the art, for example can be selected from zip fasteners, snap fasteners, hook and loop combinations, button and button hole combinations, hook and eye combinations, and magnetic fasteners. The retaining means 18 can be located on each side of the high visibility vest 10 to keep it in the contracted state. The retaining means 18 can be located adjacent, optionally at, a terminal edge of the at least one expandable section 16. in a given embodiment, the retaining means 18 are oriented in a linear arrangement adjacent, optionally at, a terminal edge of the at least one expandable section 16; although any arrangement imparting the necessary retaining effect can be selected by one skilled in the art. When the retaining means 18, for example, snap fasteners 18 are opened the expandable section 16, for example the extra material 16, is released allowing the expandable high visibility vest 10 to be displaced to the expanded state.

In a preferred embodiment, the garment 10 comprises two expandable sections 16; the first expandable section located between the front section 12 and the rear section 14. Optionally, the at least one expandable section 16 comprises an optically reflective section. The garment can be formed from a fluid impervious material, such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and/or wax.

Optionally, the garment 10 further comprises means for retaining lights 20, such as at least one fastener 20 to which lights can be reversibly retained. The retaining means, for example the fastener for retaining lights 20, is located at or adjacent the front section 12. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means, for example the fastenerfor retaining lights 20, is located at or adjacent the, in use, external face of the front section 12, such that the lights are retained at the external face of the front section 12. The retaining means, optionally the fastener for retaining lights 20, can, alternatively or additionally be located at or adjacent the rear section 14, optionally located at or adjacent the, in use, external face of the rear section 14, such that the lights are retained at the external face of the rear section 14. In the most preferred embodiment, the garment 10 comprises means for retaining lights 20, such as at least one fastener 20 to which lights can be reversibly retained at or adjacent the, in use, external face of each of the front section 12 and the rear section 14. The retaining means 20, can be selected from hooks, optionally hooks formed from a plastic or polymeric material; tapes, optionally resilient tapes; and apertures. Alternatively, the retaining means 20, can be in the form of a loop, optionally a closed loop to which lights can be reversibly retained.

Although it is disclosed that the garment 10 further comprises means for retaining lights 20, such as at least one fastener 20 to which lights can be reversibly retained; it is understood that the means 20 are suitable for retaining alternative objects or items, which objects or items can be selected by a person skilled in the art.

In a given embodiment, the garment 10 further comprises apertures 22 for regulating the passage of fluid therethrough. The garment 10 can comprise any number of apertures 22 selected by a person skilled in the art to permit the passage of fluid therethrough. The apertures 22 are preferably shaped and dimensioned to permit a fluid such as a gas, for example air through the garment 10. The provision of apertures 22 can regulate the passage of fluid therethrough, thereby regulating fluidflow, optionally airflow, around the user to prevent overheating, particularly in instances of exertion.

The garment 10 can further comprise storage means 24, such as pockets, which can be located at or adjacent the front section 12. Optionally or additionally, the storage means 24 comprise pockets located at or adjacent the rear section 14. In a preferred embodiment, the storage means 12, such as each pocket, is formed from a fluid impervious material, for example rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, or wax. Alternatively, the storage means 24 can be formed from a material through which fluid can pass, for example a mesh material. The storage means 24 can be located at the, in use, external face of the garment 10. Optionally or additionally, the storage means 24 is located at the, in use, internal face of the garment 10. The storage means 24 are suitable for retaining objects or items, which objects or items can be selected by a person skilled in the art. The storage means 24 enable the storage of a variety of items pertinent to the activity being undertaken, such as food and other sustenance, water bottles and other liquid containers, puncture repair kits, and/or maps etc.

In a given embodiment, the garment 10 comprises at least one removable section, which can be reversibly engagable with the garment 10. The at least one removable section can be reversibly engagable with the garment 10, for example, by means of zip fasteners, snap fasteners, hook and loop combinations, button and button hole combinations, hook and eye combinations, or magnetic fasteners.

To protect the user from elemental conditions including precipitation in the form of, for example, rain, snow, and sleet; the garment 10 further comprises a hood, optionally which is formed from a fluid impervious material. The hood can be formed from, for example, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, or wax. in a preferred embodiment, the hood is mountable to the rear section 14 to protect the head of a user from elemental conditions. The hood can be reversibly mountable to the rear section 14.

In a given embodiment, the hood comprises an aperture, optionally a luniform aperture, to permit the passage of visible light therethrough. Such a luniform aperture provides the user with a panoramic view when the hood is in use.

Optionally, in the expanded state, the volume defined by the front section 12, the rear section 14, and the at least one expandable section 16 is sufficient to accommodate at least part of a user and any garment or portable bag worn by a user. The expandable section 16 can be formed from a resilient or elastic material.

In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the garment 10 is displaceable between a constricted position and an extended position. Preferably, a terminal edge of the garment 10 is displaceable between a constricted position and an extended position. At least some or all of a terminal edge of the garment 10 is displaceable between a constricted position and an extended position. In the constricted position, the at least part of the garment 10 is contiguous with the user. The terminal edge of the garment 10 is preferably maintained against the user, optionally against the body of the user. In the extended position, the at least part of the garment 10 is spaced apart from the user, optionally the body of the user, to facilitate removal of the garment 10 from the user. The at least part of the garment 10 can comprise a resilient material, such as an elastic tape, elastic hem, drawstring, or a hook and loop combination; and can be located at a terminal edge of the garment 10. The terminal edge of the at least part of the garment 10 can be located, in use, at or adjacent the waist of a user. Alternatively, the terminal edge of the at least part of the garment 10 can be located at an aperture through which a limb, for example an arm, of a user can pass. Further alternatively, the terminal edge of the at least part of the garment 10 can be located at an aperture through which the head of a user can pass. The provision of at least some or all of a terminal edge of the garment 10 being displaceable between a constricted position and an extended position facilitates the garment 10 gripping tightly the user, optionally the knapsack worn by the user, thereby improving the aerodynamics of the wearer and preventing excess material flapping in the wind.

In an embodiment, the garment 10 comprises an electroluminescent material. The electroluminescent material preferably emits electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum and can, in an embodiment, comprises at least one light emitting diode. The light emitting diode can be incorporated, or woven, into the garment 10; optionally incorporated, or woven, into the garment 10, into any or all of the front section 12, the rear section 14, and the at least one expandable section 16. The power source for electroluminescent material can be, for example, a battery or cell, which can be, for example, contained or retained in a pocket, or can optionally be sewn or woven into the garment 10. It is also envisaged that the electroluminescent material can be powered by an alternative power source, such as solar (photo—voltaic) panels, which can be, for example, sewn or woven to the garment 10.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an optionally waterproof garment, which can protect users from elemental conditions including precipitation in the form of, for example, rain, snow, and sleet; and is adapted to accommodate a knapsack worn by a user, which can accordingly remain protected from the elemental conditions; but can simulate a conventional jacket when the user is not wearing a knapsack.

Claims (2)

A garment comprising a front section, a rear section, and at least one expandable section; and defining a volume therebetween; the garment being adapted to be operable between a contracted state and an expanded state; wherein, in the expanded state, the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and the at least one expandable section is greater than the volume defined by the front section, the rear section, and the at least one expandable section, in the contracted state. A garment according to

1. Claim 1, wherein the at least one expandable section comprises means for reversibly retaining the garment in the contracted state. A garment according to

2. Claim 2, wherein the retaining means is selected from zip fasteners, snap fasteners, hook and loop combinations, button and button hole combinations, hook and eye combinations, drawstring, and magnetic fasteners. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one expandable section comprises an optically reflective section. 5. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the garment comprises an electroluminescent material.