WO2013063618A1

WO2013063618A1 - An all weather garment system

Info

Publication number: WO2013063618A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/063622
Authority: WO
Inventors: L. David LEWIS
Original assignee: Lewis L David
Priority date: 2011-10-24
Filing date: 2012-11-05
Publication date: 2013-05-02
Also published as: US20130097763A1

Abstract

An all weather garment system is disclosed. The system comprises an outer barrier shell and at least one inner barrier layer attached to the outer barrier shell. The outer barrier shell has a front portion and a rear portion. The at least one inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell. The at least one inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion of the outside barrier shell when the inner barrier layer is not being worn. In one embodiment, the garment system has two inner barrier layers, a first and a second inner barrier layer. A method of utilizing an all weather garment system is also disclosed.

Description

TITLE: AN ALL WEATHER GARMENT

SYSTEM

INVENTOR: L. DAVID LEWIS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 13/280,288, filed October 24, 2011, and is entitled to that filing date for priority. The specification, figures and complete disclosure of U.S. Application No. 13/280,288 are incorporated herein by specific reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an all weather garment system used to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a garment system having multiple layers, including at least one inner layer, wherein the inner layer may be collapsed and stored within the garment system when such inner layer is not needed.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals participate in activities and hobbies that involve spending extended periods of time outdoors. Such activities and hobbies include, but are not limited to, hunting, fishing, backpacking, snow skiing, and snowboarding. Military personnel may also be required to spend extended periods of time outdoors depending on the requirements of their jobs. Other individuals who spend extended periods of time outdoors are those whose mode of transportation is motorcycle. These individuals when outdoors are subject to the elements of varying weather conditions. For example, a motorcyclist is often subjected to rain, heat and cold all in one day.

Multilayer garments or clothing with removable liners may be used to protect such individuals from the elements of varying weather conditions. For example, one liner or layer of a multilayer garment may be a water-resistant, rainproof fabric layer. Such water-resistant layer would be used by the individual to protect himself from rain or other forms of precipitation. Another liner or layer of a multilayer garment may be a thermally insulating fabric layer which would be used by the individual to protect himself from the cold temperatures. Such layers of multilayer garments are removable but are often cumbersome to store when not in use. Moreover, such layers may be difficult and dangerous to wear when such layers may be needed in midway of an extended period of time out of doors. A self-storing multilayer all weather garment system is needed that may be used to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions without requiring removal of the various layers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An all weather garment system is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the all weather garment system comprises an outer barrier shell and at least one inner barrier layer. The outer barrier shell comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The at least one inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell. The inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell. The inner barrier layer may be configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion of the outside barrier shell when the inner barrier layer is not being worn.

In one example embodiment, the inner barrier layer may be a thermally insulating fabric layer. In another example embodiment, the inner barrier layer may be a water-resistant rainproof fabric layer. In a further embodiment, the garment system has two inner barrier layers, a first inner barrier layer and a second inner barrier layer. The first and second inner barrier layers have a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell. The first and second inner barrier layers comprise a water-resistant rainproof fabric layer and a thermally insulating fabric layer. In still a further example embodiment, the at least one inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell with a plurality of fasteners.

In yet another example embodiment, the all weather garment system comprises an outer barrier shell, a first inner barrier layer and a second inner barrier layer. The outer barrier shell comprises a front portion and a rear portion. In one embodiment, the first inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell. The first inner barrier layer comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The first inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell. The front portion of the first inner barrier layer may be configured to collapse and store adjacent to the front portion of the second inner barrier layer when the first and second inner barrier layer is not being worn. In another embodiment, a second inner barrier layer may be attached to the first inner barrier layer. The second inner barrier layer comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The second inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the first inner barrier layer. The front portion of the second inner barrier layer may be configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion of the second inner barrier layer when the second inner barrier layer alone is not being worn.

In one embodiment, the first inner barrier layer may be a water-resistant rain proof fabric layer. In another embodiment, the second inner barrier layer may be a thermally insulating fabric layer.

A method of utilizing an all weather garment system is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (1) obtaining an all weather garment system, the garment system comprising (a) an outer barrier shell having a front portion and a rear portion and (b) at least one inner barrier layer attached to the outer barrier shell, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell, wherein the inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the inside of the rear portion of the outside barrier shell when the inner barrier layer is not being worn; (2) determining if the at least one inner barrier layer needs to be worn depending on the weather conditions; (3) collapsing and storing the at least one inner barrier layer if determined the at least one inner barrier layer is not to be worn; and (4) securing the outer barrier shell to the body of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of collapsing and storing or uncollapsing and wearing the inner barrier layer as needed to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions. In one embodiment, the at least one inner barrier layer of the garment system is a water-resistant rainproof fabric layer. In another embodiment, the at least one inner barrier layer of the garment system is a thermally insulating fabric layer.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises a garment system comprises two inner barrier layers, a first inner barrier layer and a second inner layer, wherein the first inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell, wherein the first inner barrier layer has a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the first inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell, wherein the front portion of the first inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the front portion of the second inner barrier layer when the first inner barrier layer is not being worn, wherein the second inner barrier layer is attached to the first inner barrier layer, wherein the second inner barrier layer has a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the second inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the first inner barrier layer, wherein the front portion of the second inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion of the second inner barrier layer when the second inner barrier layer is not being worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front portion of an all weather garment system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the all weather garment system of FIG.

1.

FIG. 2A is a partial cross section view of the front portion according to an example embodiment of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross section view of the front portion according to another example embodiment of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross section view of the top of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1 and a head on view of the sleeve portions of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1, both views depicting the inner barrier layers collapsed and stored.

FIG. 5 is a top partial cross section view of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1 and a head on view of the sleeve portions of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1, both views depicting one inner barrier layer collapsed and stored and one inner barrier layer uncoliapsed and in use.

FIG. 6 is a top partial cross section view of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1 and a head on view of the sleeve portions of the all weather garment system of FIG. 1, both views depicting the inner barrier layers uncoliapsed and in use.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view of the front portion of an all weather garment system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a partial cross section view of the front portion of an all weather garment system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a partial cross section view of the rear portion of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross section view of the top of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting the inner barrier layers uncollapsed and in use.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross section view of the top of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting one inner barrier layer collapsed and stored and one inner barrier layer uncollapsed and in use.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross section view of the top of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting the inner barrier layers collapsed and stored.

FIG. 12 is a head on view of the pant leg portions of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting the inner barrier layers uncollapsed and in use.

FIG. 13 is a head on view of the pant leg portions of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting one inner barrier layer collapsed and stored and one inner barrier layer uncollapsed and in use.

FIG. 14 is a head on view of the pant leg portions of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting the inner barrier layers collapsed and stored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, an all weather garment system 1 is shown. Garment system 1 may be used to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions. Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 7 A, garment system 1 comprises an outer barrier shell 10 and at least one inner barrier layer 16. Outer barrier shell 10 may be made of varying materials or fabrics, such as leather, Cordura® of varying denier sizes, or evlar® but any other material or fabrics may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Outer barrier shell 10 comprises a front portion 12 (best shown in FIG. 1) and a rear portion 14 (best shown in FIG. 2). The front portion 12 of the garment system 1 covers the front of a user's body. The rear portion 14 of the garment system 1 covers the rear a user's body.

In one example embodiment, at least one inner barrier layer 16 is attached to the outer barrier shell 10. Inner barrier layer 16 may be made of varying materials or fabrics or combinations thereof, such as nylon with polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating, Gore-tex®, fleece, Thinsulate™, Thermolite® or Thermoloft®, but other materials or fabrics may be used as desired by one skilled in the art. The inner barrier layer 16 has a configuration similar- to the outer barrier shell 10. In one embodiment, the inner barrier layer 16 comprises a thermally insulating fabric layer. In another embodiment, the inner barrier layer 16 comprises a water resistant rainproof fabric layer. In a further embodiment, the inner barrier layer 16 is removably attached to the outer barrier shell 10.

In one embodiment, garment system 1 comprises two inner barrier layers, a first inner barrier layer 20 and a second inner barrier layer 22, shown in FIGS. 3 to 6. The first inner barrier layer 20 is attached to the outer barrier shell 10. The second inner barrier layer 22 is attached to the first inner barrier layer 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a partial cross section view of the front portion 12 of all weather garment system 1 is shown. All weather garment system 1 has a first inner barrier layer 20 and second inner barrier layer 22. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, both first and second inner barrier layers 20 and 22 may be uncollapsed in use within outer barrier shell 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a top partial cross section view of the all weather garment system 1 and a head on view of the sleeve portions of the all weather garment system 1 are shown. Garment system 1 has a first inner barrier layer 20 and a second inner barrier layer 22. As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, both first and second inner barrier layers 20 and 22 may be collapsed and stored within outer barrier shell 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a top partial cross section view of the all weather garment system 1 and a head on view of the sleeve portions of the all weather garment system 1 are shown. Such views depict a second inner barrier layer 22 collapsed and stored within outer barrier shell 10 and a first inner barrier layer 20 uncollapsed and in use within outer barrier shell 10.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a top partial cross section view of the all weather garment system 1 and a head on view of the sleeve portions of the all weather garment system I are shown. Such views depict a first inner barrier layer 20 and a second inner barrier layer 22 uncollapsed and in use within outer barrier shell 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 14, FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view of the front portion of an all weather garment system 1 depicting outer barrier shell 10, a first inner barrier layer 20 and a second inner barrier layer 22. FIG. 7A is a partial cross section view of the front portion of an all weather garment system 1 depicting outer barrier shell 10 and at least one inner barrier layer 16. FIG. 8 is a partial cross section view of the rear portion of garment system 1.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross section view of the top of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting the inner barrier layers 20 and 22 uncollapsed and in use. FIG. 10 is a partial cross section view of the top of the all weather garment system of FIG. 7 depicting second inner barrier layer 22 collapsed and stored and first inner barrier layer 20 uncollapsed and in use. FIG. 11 is a partial cross section view of the top of garment system 1 depicting the inner barrier layers 20 and 22 collapsed and stored. FIG. 12 is a head on view of the pant leg portions of garment system 1 depictmg the inner barrier layers 20 and 22 uncollapsed and in use. FIG. 13 is a head on view of the pant leg portions of garment system 1 depicting one inner barrier layer 22 collapsed and stored and one inner barrier layer 20 uncollapsed and in use. FIG. 14 is a head on view of the pant leg portions of garment system 1 depicting the inner barrier layers 20 and 22 collapsed and stored.

In one example embodiment, the garment system 1 comprises at least one ventilated portion 24. Outer barrier shell 10 may comprise one or more ventilated portions 24 as shown in FIGS. I and 2. Ventilated portion 24 allows airflow.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 7A, in one embodiment, the inner barrier layer 16 may be attached to the outer barrier shell 10 with a plurality of fasteners 26, In one embodiment, fasteners 26 are reversible. Fasteners 26 may include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, Velcro, zippers or any combination thereof. The number and/or type of fasteners 26 needed may vary as desired by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a plurality of fasteners 26 may be located at various locations within the garment system I. In one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 A, one fastener 26 may be located at the neck; one fastener 26 may be located near each shoulder blade (not shown); and one fastener 26 may be located near the end of each sleeve. In another example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A, three fasteners 26 may be located near the waist and one fastener 26 may be located near the end of each pant leg. Other modes of attachment or combinations thereof may be used as desired by one of skill in the art.

In one embodiment, front zipper 28, shown in FIG. 2A, may be used to attach the outer barrier shell 10 to the inner barrier layer 16.

In another example embodiment, when multiple inner barrier layers are used, first inner barrier layer 20 may be attached to the outer barrier shell 10 with a plurality of fasteners 26. Second inner barrier layer 22 may be attached to first inner barrier layer 20 with a plurality of fasteners 26. In one embodiment, fasteners 26 are reversible. Fasteners 26 may include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, Velcro, zippers or any combination thereof. The number and/or type of fasteners 26 needed may vary as desired by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a plurality of fasteners 26 may be located at various locations within the garment system 1. ϊη one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, one fastener 26 may be located at the neck; one fastener 26 may be located near each shoulder blade; and one fastener 26 may be located near the end of each sleeve. In another example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to 14, three fasteners 26 may be located near the waist of garment system 1 and one fastener 26 may be located near the end of each pant leg of garment system 1. Other modes of attachment or combinations thereof may be used as desired by one of skill in the art.

I one embodiment, front zippers 28, shown in FIG. 3, may be used to attach the outer barrier shell 10 to the first and second inner barrier layer 20 and 22.

A method of utilizing an all weather garment system 1 is also disclosed. The garment system 1 is used to protect the wearer or user from the elements in varying weather conditions. The method comprises the following steps: (1) obtaining an all weather garment system 1, the garment system 1 comprising (a) an outer barrier shell 10 having a front portion 12 and a rear portion 14 and (b) at least one inner barrier layer 16 attached to the outer barrier shell 10, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer 16 has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell 10, wherein the inner barrier layer 16 is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the inside of the rear portion of the outside barrier shell 10 when the inner barrier layer 16 is not being worn; (2) determining if the at least one inner barrier layer 16 needs to be worn depending on the existing weather conditions; (3) collapsing and storing the at least one inner barrier layer 16 if determined the at least one inner barrier layer 16 is not to be worn; and (4) securing the outer barrier shell 10 to the body of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the additional step of collapsing and storing the inner barrier layer 16 and/or uncollapsing and wearing the inner barrier layer 16 as needed to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions.

In another example embodiment, the at least one inner barrier layer 16 of garment system

1 is a water-resistant rainproof fabric layer. In still another example embodiment, the at least one inner barrier layer 16 of garment system 1 is a thermally insulating fabric layer. In one embodiment, a first inner barrier layer 20 is attached to the outer barrier shell 10. The first inner barrier layer 10 has a front portion 12 and a rear portion 14. The first inner barrier layer 20 has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell 10. The front portion 12 of the first inner barrier layer 20 is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the front portion 14 of the second inner barrier layer 22 when the first inner barrier layer 20 is not being worn. The second inner barrier layer 22 is attached to the first inner barrier layer 20. The second inner barrier layer 22 has a front portion 12 and a rear portion 14, wherein the second inner barrier layer 22 has a configuration similar to that of the first inner barrier layer 20. The front portion 12 of the second inner barrier layer 22 is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion 14 of the second inner barrier layer 22 when the second inner barrier layer 22 is not being worn.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosed invention and equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

Claim 1. An all weather garment system used to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions, comprising:

an outer barrier shell having a front portion and a rear portion; and at least one inner barrier layer attached to the outer barrier shell, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell, wherein the inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the inside of the rear portion of the outside barrier shell when the inner barrier layer is not being worn.

Claim 2. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the inner barrier layer comprises a thermally insulating fabric layer.

Claim 3. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the inner barrier layer comprises a water- resistant rainproof fabric layer.

Claim 4, The garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer is removably attached to the outer barrier shell.

Claim 5. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the garment system comprises two inner barrier layers, a first inner barrier layer and a second inner barrier layer, wherein the first inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell and the second inner barrier layer is attached to the first inner barrier layer.

Claim 6. The garment system of claim 5, wherein the inner barrier layers comprise a thermally insulating fabric layer and a water-resistant rainproof fabric layer.

Claim 7. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the outer barrier shell comprises at least one ventilated portion.

Claim 8, The garment system of claim 1, wherein the inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell with a plurality of fasteners.

Claim 9. An all weather garment system used to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions, comprising;

an outer barrier shell having a front portion and a rear portion;

a first inner barrier layer attached to the outer barrier shell, wherein the first inner barrier layer has a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the first inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell, wherein the front portion of the first inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the front portion of the second inner barrier layer when the first inner barrier layer is not being worn; and

a second inner barrier layer attached to the first inner barrier layer, wherein the second inner barrier layer has a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the second inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the first inner barrier layer, wherein the front portion of the second inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion of the second inner barrier layer when the second inner barrier layer is not being worn.

Claim 10. The garment system of claim 9, wherein the first inner barrier layer is a water- resistant rainproof fabric layer.

Claim 11. The garment system of claim 9, wherein the second inner barrier layer is a thermally insulating fabric layer.

Claim 12. The garment system of claim 9, wherein the outer barrier shell comprises at least one ventilated portion.

Claim 13. The garment system of claim 9, wherein the first inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell with a plurality of fasteners.

Claim 14. The garment system of claim 9, wherein the second inner barrier layer is attached to the first inner barrier layer with a plurality of fasteners.

Claim 15. A method of utilizing an all weather garment system, used to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions, the method comprising the steps of:

obtaining an all weather garment system, the garment system comprising (a) an outer barrier shell having a front portion and a rear portion and (b) at least one inner barrier layer attached to the outer barrier shell, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell, wherein the inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the inside of the rear portion of the outside barrier shell when the inner barrier layer is not being worn;

determining if the at least one inner barrier layer needs to be worn depending on the weather conditions;

collapsing and storing the at least one inner barrier layer if determined the at least one inner barrier layer is not to be worn; and

securing the outer barrier shell to the body of the wearer.

Claim 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises the step of collapsing and storing or uncollapsing and wearing the inner barrier layer as needed to protect the wearer from the elements in varying weather conditions.

Claim 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer of the garment system is a water-resistant rainproof fabric layer.

Claim 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one inner barrier layer of the garment system is a thermally insulating fabric layer.

Claim 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the garment system comprises two inner barrier layers, a first inner barrier layer and a second inner layer, wherein the first inner barrier layer is attached to the outer barrier shell, wherein the first inner barrier layer has a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the first inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the outer barrier shell, wherein the front portion of the first inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the front portion of the second inner barrier layer when the first inner barrier layer is not being worn, wherein the second inner barrier layer is attached to the first inner barrier layer, wherein the second inner barrier layer has a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the second inner barrier layer has a configuration similar to that of the first inner barrier layer, wherein the front portion of the second inner barrier layer is configured to collapse and store adjacent to the rear portion of the second inner barrier layer when the second inner barrier layer is not being worn.