US20190059466A1

US20190059466A1 - Flexible equipment garment

Info

Publication number: US20190059466A1
Application number: US16/055,715
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeremy BROUGHTON
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-30
Filing date: 2018-08-06
Publication date: 2019-02-28

Abstract

An undergarment for use by outdoor athletes, mountain guides, and wilderness first responders. The flexible equipment garment is worn as a base layer or close to the body and is made of a comfortable elastic material which conforms to the body. A primary feature is a large pocket located over the sternum of the user which is optionally, further divided into compartments for carrying equipment frequently used during outdoor activities, such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, radio transceiver, avalanche transceiver, small food items, water bottle, pocket knife, etc. The location and design of the pocket allows for easy access to its contents even while the user is moving.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/551,865, filed Aug. 30, 2017; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an undergarment and more particularly to an undergarment for use by outdoor athletes and first responders, such as hikers, skiers, runners, mountain rescue technicians, mountain guides, ski patrollers, and the like that holds frequently used equipment within reach of the user and does not interfere with other safety equipment or a backpack harness and does not hinder full range of motion by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure is a pullover undergarment made of an elastic/stretch material. The material is breathable, wicking, and quick drying, and may be comprised of a blend of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and elastane. This undergarment requires no adjustment in size or shape by the user and instead intrinsically conforms to the shape and size of a variety of users by stretching significantly to fit them. Different sizes of the undergarment may be offered to accommodate large variations in user size.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is a garment comprising, a primary layer having a front and a back; a secondary layer having a top and a bottom edge and configured to extend at least across the front of the primary layer and dimensioned to cover a sternum of a wearer; at least two elastic portions having first and second ends the first ends being attached at the top edge of the secondary layer and extending across the back of the primary layer, the second ends attaching to the secondary layer; and a plurality of pockets in the secondary layer dimensioned to retain items during exertion of the wearer of the garment.
These aspects of the disclosure are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure on a user.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure on a user.

FIG. 4 shows view of the front of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure with some internal detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment of the present disclosure is an undergarment for use by outdoor athletes, mountain guides, and wilderness first responders. It is worn as a base layer or close to the body and is made of a comfortable elastic material which conforms to the body. A primary feature is a large pocket located over the sternum of the user which is divided into compartments for carrying equipment frequently used during outdoor activities, such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, radio transceiver, avalanche transceiver, small food items, water bottle, pocket knife, etc.
In certain embodiments, the location and design of the pocket allows for easy access to its contents even while the user is moving. The pockets may have internal loops for attaching tethers to equipment. In some cases, elastic webbing is integrated into the garment to support the loaded pocket and to minimize shifting and bouncing of the load while the user is walking or running. When the undergarment is worn while wearing a backpack, the design of the undergarment and pockets minimizes interference with the backpack shoulder straps, and hip belt.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the comfortable, breathable fabric, smooth construction, and low profile enable the garment to be integrated into the typical outdoor clothing layering system, where additional layers of clothing can be added over the undergarment to protect the user and the equipment carried in the undergarment pockets from the weather without removing the undergarment or disturbing the contents of the pocket.
It has been recognized that when hiking, backcountry skiing, trail running, guiding, participating in wilderness search and rescue or ski patrol activities, and the like, it is often necessary and desirable to carry certain equipment to facilitate these activities, such as a handheld GPS receiver, smartphone, radio transceiver, camera, avalanche transceiver, small food items, small water bottle, pocket knife, etc. Typically, these items are carried in the pockets of pants or a jacket, in a backpack, or in some sort of harness. All of these existing solutions present significant shortcomings and inconveniences, which this disclosure endeavors to mitigate or eliminate.
This disclosure endeavors to provide a solution for carrying some of these items simultaneously and securely, in a supportive and comfortable manner which does not restrict the freedom of motion of the user, and which is integrated into the typical outdoor clothing layering system allowing outer layers to be added or removed easily while leaving the items easily accessible to the user, and which does not interfere with the user wearing a backpack.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an undergarment has a multi-compartment pocket situated about the sternum of the wearer, made of a similar material which also stretches and conforms to the user and to shapes of various items and equipment inserted in the pockets. The pockets provide for secure retention of the items by means of compression. In certain embodiments, the pocket is located 3 to 4 inches above the waist of the average user, situated approximately over the sternum. In some cases, the pocket is six sided, shaped like a wide rectangle with the two upper corners cropped at an angle to allow clearance for backpack shoulder straps passing under the arms. The pocket is often divided into several separate compartments which are each tall rectangular shapes approximately 3 to 5 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches tall. These compartments are open on top to allow most items to be inserted or retrieved with ease, even with one hand or while on the move. The location of the pocket on the front of the user enables the user to easily access the equipment. If outer clothing layers are worn over the garment these layers need only to be partially unzipped for a short time to access the pocket and its contents thus maintaining comfort for the wearer.
In some cases, loops of cord or other material are provided inside the pocket compartments for attaching tethers to carried equipment, such as a GPS receiver or avalanche beacon, which prevent the loss of the equipment if accidentally dropped by the user. In this way an equipment item can be removed from the pocket compartment and used, then returned, all while remaining tethered to the user.
In certain embodiments, elastic webbing is permanently affixed to the garment and integrated into the pocket(s) which provides additional support for the equipment carried in the pocket and minimizes bouncing of the loaded pocket while the user is moving. The elastic webbing may be sewn or fastened to the garment in a way which allows the garment to stretch. By permanently attaching the elastic straps to the garment the tendency for the straps to twist or shift out of place while the garment is put on or during wear is eliminated. In some cases, a very flat profile is maintained where the garment and elastic webbing passes over the shoulders of the user, so that this area remains comfortable when under loaded backpack shoulder straps and no pressure points are created.
In one embodiment of the flexible equipment garment of the present disclosure, two elastic loops are located on the garment above the pocket for securing a flexible rubber antenna of a radio transceiver inserted in the pocket below. These loops hold the antenna close to the user's body and prevent it from interfering with outer clothing layers or backpack shoulder straps, and keep the antenna from poking the user's face when looking down.
In some cases, the garment is worn next to the skin or over a tight fitting base layer, but under any number of mid-layers, such as a fleece jacket or sweater, and under any outer layers, such as a waterproof jacket. This leaves the user free to add and remove layers as necessary to accommodate changing weather conditions, and the like, without disturbing the undergarment and the equipment in its pockets. The trim fit and compressive nature of the undergarment, as well as its low profile even when items are in the pockets, facilitates adding of layers over it. When environmental conditions necessitate the need for the user to add insulated or waterproof layers over the garment, the equipment carried in the undergarment will also be protected by these layers. These outer layers need only be partially unzipped for a short time to access the pocket and its contents.
When frequently used items and electronic equipment are carried together in jacket or pants pockets the items are jumbled together making it difficult to extract only the desired item. These pockets may also be overloaded which can be uncomfortable for the wearer and restrict range of motion. When electronic items such as a GPS receiver are stored in pockets with other items, the contents may shift during wear and buttons may be accidentally pushed by other carried items, which may interfere with the desired operation of the equipment. Also, sensitive equipment like a smartphone or GPS can be damaged when carried in a pocket with items like car keys or a pocket knife. When stored in traditional pockets, items such as a GPS may change their orientation by falling down sideways inside a large pocket rather than maintaining a vertical orientation with the antenna pointing towards the sky, which is the optimal orientation for most equipment of this type. Additionally, jacket and pants pockets can be accidentally left unzipped and the contents can be lost. If the equipment is stored in a jacket pocket but the user gets warm and removes the jacket, the contents of the pockets must be relocated or may become inconvenient to access. Furthermore, if it is necessary for the user to wear a climbing harness, it would be impractical and even dangerous to carry large items in the pants pockets beneath the harness straps, so another storage solution, such as the one described herein, is necessary.
If frequently used small items are carried in a backpack, the user must remove the backpack to access items which can be time consuming and inconvenient. If the backpack is not highly compartmentalized the items and equipment will be jumbled with other items, making it difficult to extract one desired item. Depending on the item to be located, this delay can be inconvenient, or even dangerous. If the items and equipment are carried together in a backpack buttons on electronic equipment may be accidentally pressed, the equipment can be damaged, and a specific orientation of the equipment is difficult to maintain. If critical equipment such as navigation or communication equipment or safety equipment such as an avalanche transceiver or personal locator beacon are carried in a backpack they may be lost if the user becomes separated from the backpack.
Radio chest pouches, survival vests, and military load bearing equipment exist which are suitable for carrying some items and equipment, but these systems are typically bulky, heavy, complex, and expensive. Existing methods are often comprised of straps or belts which can become twisted or create uncomfortable pressure points for the wearer. Many such systems also use a multitude of plastic buckles for donning, doffing, and adjustment, which can break or may be positioned under backpack straps causing discomfort. Nearly all of these systems are designed to be worn over all clothing layers or are impractical to wear beneath layers due to their design and/or bulk. These systems therefore must be removed each time the user must add or remove clothing layers, and then must be put back on, which is inconvenient and time consuming. These systems also afford insufficient protection of the equipment from the environment, allowing the equipment to become wet from precipitation or affected by the cold. These systems which must be worn over all clothing layers are also very conspicuous for the user to wear.
Existing pocketed garments such as the holster undershirt, sports shirts with phone pockets, pocketed front pack, etc. lack the proper pocket dimensions and location, an optimized number of pocket compartments, and proper support for the items frequently used for outdoor activities, such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, avalanche beacon, and small radio transceiver, to be carried simultaneously. They do not allow for these items to be carried while still maintaining a low profile suitable for layering clothes over the garment or carrier. Typical existing pocket dimensions do not allow for the optimum orientation (e.g., vertical) of these items to be maintained while stored in the pockets. The existing pocket locations do not minimize interference with a backpack harness (e.g., shoulder straps, sternum strap, hip belt), and in some cases would be uncomfortable or might hinder the movement of a user engaged in outdoor sports or activities.
This disclosure solves these problems by providing a solution which allows several items to be carried simultaneously and securely in a readily accessible position which does not interfere with a backpack harness or climbing harness. This disclosure is comfortable to wear, distributing the load evenly over a large area of the torso, and supports the intended loads adequately. The material, construction, and design enables it to be easily integrated into the clothing system so that additional layers can be added and removed easily, and so that the equipment is protected from weather and freezing temperatures when wearing outer layers of clothing.
Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, a garment 1 is shown having a primary layer 2 configured to slip over a user's head to wear. In some cases, the primary layer 2 has head and arm holes. In other cases, the garment may have short sleeves or long sleeves. In certain cases the garment may have a hood. The garment is dimensioned and constructed to provide for full range of motion for the user when worn. In certain embodiments, the garment 1 is worn as an undergarment. In some cases, the garment 1 is worn over a base layer.
In certain embodiments, a secondary layer 5 is located external to the primary layer 2 such that it is only on the front of the garment when worn by the user. The secondary layer 5 has a top edge 9 and a bottom edge 8. In some cases, the secondary layer has side edges or extends partially or completely around the circumference of the user when worn. The top edge 9 of the secondary layer is spaced apart from the bottom edge 8 so as to be dimensioned to be located over the sternum of a user, when worn.
In some cases, the primary layer is sized to extend below and beyond the bottom edge of the secondary layer so the garment extends to about the natural waist or hips of a user, when worn. In some cases the bottom edge of the primary layer 6 is gathered to provide a fitted fit to the user when worn. This gathering or cinching provides resistance to slippage and having the garment shift out of position during physical exertion by the user. In some cases the gather is accomplished with elastic material. In other cases, elastic webbing may be attached to the bottom edge of the primary layer 6.
In certain embodiments, elastic portions 3, 4, are added to the primary and secondary layers to provide support for the pockets when loaded with equipment. In some cases, a first end of a first elastic portion 3 is attached at the wearer's upper front left side and crosses in the back of the wearer to attach at a second end of the first elastic portion to the wearer's right side of their torso. In some cases, a first end of a second elastic portion 3 is attached at the wearer's upper front right side and crosses in the back to attach at a second end of the second elastic portion to the wearer's left side of the torso. In certain embodiments, a separate elastic portion 4 extends across the wearer's back and is attached at either side of the bottom edge of the secondary layer 8.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the secondary layer 5 has one or more dimensioned pockets formed by stitching 7 or otherwise. These various pockets are dimensioned to fit equipment used by first responders, athletes, and the like, such as two-way radios, GPS devices, phones, avalanche transceivers, water bottles, and the like. It is important that the pockets are stretchable and can conform to various items. One aspect of the garment of the present disclosure is providing ready access to important equipment. Additionally, the fact that the equipment is held so close to the body can keep the equipment warm so it continues to function even in extreme conditions. In some cases, there may be antennae loops and the like to accommodate specific uses for each of the several pockets.
Referring to FIG. 2, a back view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, a garment 1 is shown having a primary layer 2 configured to slip over a user's head to wear. The primary layer 2 has head and arm holes dimensioned to provide for full range of motion for the user when worn. The bottom edge of the primary layer 6 is gathered to provide a fitted fit to the user when worn. This gathering or cinching provides resistance to slippage and having the garment shift out of position during physical exertion by the user. In some cases the gather is accomplished with the use of an elastic material. In some cases, the elastic material includes, but is not limited to, a woven textile comprised of a blend of polyester and/or nylon and elastic. In other cases, separate elastic bands may be attached to the bottom edge of the primary layer 6. In some cases, the elastics are attached by sewing, or other techniques known to those of skill in the art.
In certain embodiments, elastic portions 3, 4, are added to the primary and secondary layers to provide support for the pockets when loaded with equipment. In some cases, a first end of a first elastic portion 3 is attached at the wearer's upper front left side and crosses in the back of the wearer to attach at a second end of the first elastic portion to the wearer's right side of their torso. In some cases, a first end of a second elastic portion 3 is attached at the wearer's upper front right side and crosses in the back to attach at a second end of the second elastic portion to the wearer's left side of the torso. In certain embodiments, a separate elastic portion 4 extends across the wearer's back and is attached at either side of the bottom edge of the secondary layer. In some cases, the use of crisscrossed elastic bands provides for added comfort and/or support. This also minimizes shifting and bouncing of the garment during exertion.
Referring to FIG. 3A, a side view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure on a user is shown. More specifically, the primary layer 2 has large arm holes dimensioned to provide free range of motion to the wearer. The positioning of the elastic bands 3, 4, are such that the garment will remain snug when a wearer lifts their arms, bends over, twists, etc. The garment is designed for use by many wearers, but particularity for those who will be physically active when wearing the garment and need to be unhindered in their movement.
Referring to FIG. 3B, a front view of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure on a user is shown. More specifically, a garment is shown on a wearer. The garment has a primary layer 2 configured to slip over a user's head. Here, the neck hole is scooped in the front such that the primary layer is dimensioned to be only slightly wider than the elastic webbing 3. It is understood that a variety of dimensions are possible. In certain embodiments, the garment 1 is worn as an undergarment. In some cases, the garment 1 is worn over a base layer.
Still referring to FIG. 3B, in some cases the secondary layer 5 has several pockets. In some cases, the pockets are symmetrically arranged along the front of the garment. In other cases, the pockets vary in size and shape to accommodate specific equipment or specific applications. In some cases, the secondary layer is constructed from elastic material so it can conform to and hold one or more items despite movement by the wearer.
Still referring to FIG. 3B, in some cases, the garment is constructed from breathable material to provide greater comfort to the wearer. In other cases, the materials used will have wicking properties and will dry quickly. In other cases, the materials used may provide thermal insulation.
Referring to FIG. 4, a view of the front of one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, internal portions are shown in dotted lines. In one embodiment of the garment of the present disclosure, elastic bands 3 extend to the bottom of the secondary layer 5 to provide additional support. In some cases, the stitching for the pockets is aligned with the elastic portions 3 to provide greater strength and durability. In certain embodiments of the garment of the present disclosure, one or more loops 12 may be provided in the pocket as a means for attaching tethers for securing equipment.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that various modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to and be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various other related ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items while only the terms “consisting of” and “consisting only of” are to be construed in a limitative sense.
The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.
While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A garment comprising,

a primary layer having a front and a back;

a secondary layer having a top and a bottom edge and configured to extend at least across the front of the primary layer and dimensioned to cover a sternum of a wearer;

at least two elastic portions having first and second ends the first ends being attached at the top edge of the secondary layer and extending across the back of the primary layer, the second ends attaching to the secondary layer; and

a plurality of pockets in the secondary layer dimensioned to retain items during exertion of the wearer of the garment.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the primary layer and the secondary layer are comprised of materials which are elastic, breathable, wicking, and/or quick drying.

3. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the materials is comprised of a blend of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and elastane.

4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of pockets have internal loops for attaching tethers to the items stored within the pockets.

5. The garment according to claim 1, further comprising elastic webbing integrated into the garment to support one or more loaded pockets and to minimize shifting and bouncing of the load from the items stored within the pockets while the wearer is walking or running.

6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein when the undergarment is worn while wearing a backpack, the design of the undergarment and the plurality of pockets minimizes interference with the backpack shoulder straps, hip belt, and the like.