APPAREL CONFIGURABLE INTO BEDDING OR HAVING REMOVABLE BEDDING

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to apparel and/or outerwear. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to apparel with detachable or removable bedding or apparel that is configurable into bedding.

BACKGROUND

Many sporting and recreational activities are performed outdoors in cool or cold temperatures. For example, many people enjoy hiking in the fall or snowshoeing in the winter. Alternatively, many people attend football games in the fall and winter. And in many situations, a person who is homeless is outdoors all day and all night.

To keep warm in such circumstances, a person often wears apparel that is designed for the cool or cold temperatures, or the person layers multiple garments for warmth. In some situations, however, a person would like an additional article of clothing or bedding to keep warm, such as a blanket or a sleeping bag. However, such additional articles of clothing or bedding may not be readily available to the person. Alternatively, the person is required to carry or wear the apparel and separately carry the bedding, which can be cumbersome or undesirable in some situations.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an apparel assembly includes an apparel wearable by a person and bedding detachably attached to a surface of the apparel with at least one fastener. The bedding may be detachably attached to an exterior or an interior surface of the apparel. When attached to the surface of the apparel, the bedding can be folded to reduce the size of the bedding to a fraction of its original size (e.g., folded in half or in thirds). In one embodiment, a portion or surface of the bedding forms a part of the exterior or interior surface of the apparel. Any suitable fastener(s) may be used. Example fasteners include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, one or more zippers, Velcro®, loops over buttons, clasps (e.g., magnetic clasps), and combinations thereof.

Alternatively, a pocket can be formed in a surface of the jacket and the bedding stored in the pocket. One or more fasteners can be used to open and close at least one side of the pocket. The bedding can be detached from the apparel (e.g., removed from the pocket) when a user wants to use the bedding. When stored in the pocket, the bedding can be folded to reduce the size of the bedding to a fraction of its original size (e.g., folded in half or in thirds).

The apparel can be any suitable type of apparel. Similarly, any suitable type of bedding may be used. In one non-limiting example, the apparel is a jacket and the bedding a sleeping bag. In another non-limiting example, the apparel is a jacket or vest and the bedding is one or more blankets.

In another aspect, a pair of pants that is wearable by a person is configurable into bedding. The pair of pants includes one or more first fasteners that is/are used to configure the pants (e.g., each leg of the pair of pants), and at least one second fastener that is used to configure the pants into the bedding. In one non-limiting example, the bedding is a sleeping bag or a half sleeping bag. In some embodiments, the one or more first fasteners include at least two first fasteners and the at least one second fastener is constructed using components associated with the two or more first fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the pair of pants may include a first set of one or more fasteners. The first set of one or more fasteners is configured to detachably attach to a second set of one or more fasteners associated with a second apparel.

In yet another aspect, an apparel assembly includes an apparel wearable by a person and a pair of pants that is configurable into bedding. The apparel includes a first set of one or more fasteners. The pair of pants includes one or more first fasteners to configure each leg of the pair of pants and at least one second fastener to configure the apparel into the bedding. The pair of pants also includes a second set of one or more fasteners configured to detachably attach to the first set of one or more fasteners. In one non-limiting example, the apparel is a jacket and the bedding a sleeping bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B show front and back views of a first example of an apparel;

FIGS. 2A-2C depict the apparel shown in FIG. 1A with one example of a detachable bedding;

FIGS. 3A-3C show a second example of an apparel with another example of a detachable bedding;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict a third example of an apparel with another example of a detachable bedding;

FIGS. 5A-5C show a fourth example of an apparel with an example of a detachable or removable bedding;

FIGS. 6A-6C show a first example of an apparel that can be configured into bedding; and

FIG. 7 depicts a second example of an apparel that can be configured into bedding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The following disclosure relates to apparel that converts to bedding or that includes removable or detachable bedding. As described herein, the term “apparel” is meant to be construed broadly to encompass clothing, outdoor garments, and outerwear constructed for men, women, and/or children. The apparel is any suitable type of apparel. For example, the apparel can be a coat, a jacket, a shirt, pants, a blazer, a pullover, and a vest.

The term “bedding” is meant to be construed broadly to encompass a sleeping bag, a cover, a blanket or blankets. Any suitable type of bedding is contemplated. In one embodiment, the bedding is detachably attached to the apparel. The bedding may attach to an exterior or interior surface of the apparel. For example, the bedding may be a sleeping bag that detachably attaches to the exterior back surface of a jacket. Alternatively, the sleeping bag can be detached from the apparel by removing the bedding from a pocket formed in a surface of the jacket. In another example embodiment, the bedding may be a blanket that is detachably attached to the interior back surface of a vest.

In another embodiment, the apparel is configurable into bedding. In one non-limiting embodiment, a pair of pants may be converted into a sleeping bag. In some embodiments, the sleeping bag may then be attached to a jacket, allowing the jacket and sleeping bag to cover or envelop most of the wearer's body.

The apparel and bedding can have any suitable size and/or dimensions. Additionally, the apparel and the bedding can each be made of any suitable material or materials that provide(s) warmth and/or protection from the environment or weather. For example, the material may be waterproof, water resistant, wind resistant, and/or durable. The fabric or fabrics that can be used to form the apparel and bedding include, but are not limited to, a synthetic fiber thermal insulation, fleece, wool, flannel, a polypropylene, and various combinations thereof. The apparel and/or bedding can include multiple layers to provide insulation and/or various additional insulating materials or liners in addition to the type of fabric(s), such as down, a synthetic microfiber thermal insulation, and/or a polyester-based insulation.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1 - 7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates front and back views of a first example of an apparel. The apparel 100 is depicted as a jacket with two long sleeves 104 and a hood 106. An example jacket includes, but is not limited to, ski jacket, snow jacket, hunting jacket, and a winter jacket constructed for men, women, and/or children. Other embodiments, however, are not limited to this type of apparel. As discussed earlier, any suitable type of apparel can be used, such as a coat, a shirt, pants, a blazer, a vest, or a pullover. Additionally, other embodiments are not limited to the illustrated construction of a jacket. For example, the hood 106 may be omitted in other embodiments, or short sleeves can be used instead of long sleeves.

A closure mechanism 108 is configured to open or close the two sides of the front surface 102 of the jacket 100. The closure mechanism 108 is a zipper in the illustrated embodiment. Other embodiments can use a different type of closure mechanism, such as buttons or snaps. In some embodiments, a combination of different types of closure mechanisms may be used, such as buttons, a zipper, and/or snaps. Alternatively, the closure mechanism 108 may be omitted from the apparel 100. As one example, the apparel can be a pullover jacket that includes detachable bedding.

FIG. 1B shows the exterior back surface 110 of the apparel 100. A bedding is detachably attached to the back surface 110 using one or more fasteners 114. Any suitable type of fastener or fasteners can be used. Example fasteners include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, one or more zippers, Velcro®, loops over buttons, clasps (e.g., magnetic clasps), and combinations thereof. When attached to the apparel 100, a portion or surface 112 of the bedding is exposed and forms a part of the exterior back surface 110 of the apparel 100. For example, the surface 112 of the bedding can be part of the interior liner of the apparel 100.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict the apparel shown in FIG. 1A with one example of a detachable bedding. FIG. 2A depicts the exterior back surface 110 of the apparel 100 shown in FIG. 1B. The detachable bedding can be configured into a more compact package or bundle when attached to the apparel 100. For example, the bedding can be folded to reduce the size of the bedding to a fraction of its original size (e.g., folded in half or in thirds). When the bedding 200 is to be used, a person unfastens the fasteners 114 to detach the bedding from the apparel and unfolds the bedding 200 (FIG. 2B).

FIG. 2C shows the bedding 200 completely unfolded. In the illustrated embodiment, the bedding 200 is depicted as a sleeping bag that opens and closes using the closure mechanism 202 (e.g., zipper). Other embodiments can use a closure mechanism other than the zipper. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the closure mechanism 202 may be used as at least one fastener 114 that attaches the bedding 200 to the apparel. For example, a zipper may be constructed with one set of teeth and n insert pin of the zipper attached to the back surface of the apparel 100 and a corresponding set of teeth, a box, and a slider attached to the bedding 200. The insert pin of the first zipper can be received by the slider and box of the second zipper.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a second example of an apparel with another example of a detachable bedding. Like the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparel 300 is depicted as a jacket, but other types of apparel can be used. The detachable bedding can be configured into a more compact package or bundle when attached to the apparel 300. For example, the bedding can be folded to reduce the size of the bedding to a fraction of its original size (e.g., folded in half or in thirds).

When attached to the apparel 300, a portion or surface 302 of the bedding is exposed and forms a part of the exterior back surface 304 of the apparel 300. The bedding can attach to the back surface 304 with one or more fasteners 306 (FIG. 3A). In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 306 are depicted as zippers, although other types of fasteners may be used.

To detach the bedding from the apparel 300, a user unfastens the fastener(s) 306 (e.g., unzips the zippers) to separate the bedding 308 from the apparel 300 (see FIGS. 3B and 3C). The user can unfold the bedding 308 (as shown by the arrows) as part of the process of detaching the bedding 308 from the apparel 300. In other embodiments, the bedding may be unfolded after the bedding is removed completely from the apparel.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bedding 308 is depicted as a sleeping bag that opens and closes using the zipper 310. Other embodiments can use a closure mechanism other than the zipper 310. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the closure mechanism (e.g., zipper 310) may be used as at least one fastener 306 that attaches the bedding 308 to the apparel.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict a third example of an apparel with another example of a detachable bedding. The apparel 400 is depicted as a jacket with two long sleeves 402 and a hood 404. As described earlier, other embodiments are not limited to this type of apparel and/or to the illustrated construction of a jacket. For example, the hood 404 may be omitted in other embodiments, and/or short sleeves can be used instead of long sleeves.

A closure mechanism 406 is configured to open or close the two sides of the front surface 408 of the apparel 400. The closure mechanism 406 is shown as a zipper but other types of one or more closure mechanisms may be used. Alternatively, the closure mechanism may be omitted from the apparel 100.

FIG. 4B shows the closure mechanism 406 opened (e.g., unzipped) and the front surface of the apparel opened to reveal the interior back surface 410 of the apparel 400. A bedding 414 is detachably attached to the interior surface 410 using the fasteners 412. When attached to the apparel 400, a portion or surface of the bedding 414 is exposed and forms a part of the interior surface 410 (e.g., the liner) of the apparel 400.

Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the detachable bedding can be configured into a more compact package or bundle when attached to the apparel 400. For example, the bedding can be folded to reduce the size of the bedding to a fraction of its original size (e.g., folded in half or in thirds).

To detach the bedding from the interior surface 410 of the apparel 400, a user unfastens the fasteners 412 (e.g., unzips the zippers) to separate the bedding 414 from the apparel 400 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C). The user can unfold the bedding 414 (as shown by the arrows) as part of the process of detaching the bedding 414 from the apparel 400. In other embodiments, the bedding can be unfolded after the bedding is detached completely from the apparel. In the illustrated embodiment, the bedding 414 is depicted as a sleeping bag.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict a fourth example of an apparel with an example of a detachable or removable bedding. The apparel 500 is depicted as a jacket having a pocket 502 formed in the exterior back surface 504 of the apparel 500. As described earlier, other embodiments are not limited to this type of apparel and/or to the illustrated construction of a jacket. Additionally, the pocket can be formed in a different surface of the apparel, or the apparel can include multiple pockets formed in the same or different surfaces of the apparel.

A fastener 506 is configured to open or close at least one side or edge of the pocket 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 506 opens and closes a top side of the pocket 502. In other embodiments, fastener 506 can open and close two or more sides of the pocket 502. In FIG. 5A the fastener 506 is shown as a zipper but other types of one or more fasteners may be used.

To detach the bedding from the apparel 500 by removing the bedding from the pocket 502, a user unfastens the fastener 506 (e.g., unzips the zipper) to open the pocket and withdraw the bedding 508 from the apparel 500. FIG. 5B shows the bedding 508 in a partially unfolded state. The bedding 508 can be configured into a more compact package or bundle when stored in the pocket 502. For example, the bedding 508 can be folded to reduce the size of the bedding to a fraction of its original size (e.g., folded in half or in thirds).

FIG. 5C shows the bedding 508 completely unfolded. In the illustrated embodiment, the bedding 508 is depicted as a sleeping bag that opens and closes using the closure mechanism 510 (e.g., the zipper). Other embodiments can use a closure mechanism other than the zipper.

FIGS. 6A-6C show a first example of an apparel that can be configured into bedding. In this embodiment, the apparel 600 is configurable as a pair of pants and as bedding (e.g., a half sleeping bag or). In some embodiments, one or more sections of the pants can be folded at the waist and/or at other areas of the pants to permit the pants to be configured into a sleeping bag that is larger than a half sleeping bag (e.g., a full sleeping bag). An example pair of pants includes, but is not limited to, snow pants, ski pants, hunting pants, hiking pants, trousers, and slacks constructed for men, women, and/or children.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict front and back views of the pair of pants, respectively. A first closure mechanism 606 can be used to form one pant leg and a second closure mechanism 608 may be used to form the other pant leg. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the first a second closure mechanisms 606, 608 are zippers. A user can zip up each zipper to produce the legs 604 of the pants.

To configure the pants 600 into bedding 612, a user separates the front surface 609 of the pants from the back surface 610 of the pants (e.g., unzips the zippers). In the illustrated embodiment, one zipper is arranged with respect to the other zipper so that the insert pin of the first zipper (e.g., 606) can be received by the slider and box of the second zipper (e.g., 608). In other words, components of the two separate zippers 606, 608 are cooperatively arranged (e.g., complements of each other) to form a third zipper 602 that when closed produces the bedding 612 (FIG. 6C). In other embodiments, a zipper having components that are separate from the components of the first and second zippers 606, 608 may be used to re-configure the pants 600 into a sleeping bag 612.

In the illustrated embodiment, a user can slip into the bedding 612 (e.g., the sleeping bag or half sleeping bag) at the waistband. In other embodiments, one or more closure mechanisms (not shown) can be used. For example, at least one side of the pair of pants can include a zipper than extends from the waistband to the bottom of a leg.

FIG. 7 depicts a second example of an apparel that can be configured into bedding. In this embodiment, a first apparel 700 is configured to attach or be secured to a second apparel 704 to produce a bedding. In a non-limiting example, a jacket is adapted to attach to a pair of pants, although embodiments are not limited to these types of apparel. The pair of pants is configurable to bedding as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6C.

The jacket 700 includes a first set of fasteners 702 and the pair of pants 704 includes a second set of fasteners 706. The two sets of fasteners 702, 706 are adapted to be detachably secured to each other (represented by arrows). In one non-limiting example, each fastener in the first set of fasteners 702 is a stud (male component) and each fastener in the second set of fasteners 706 is a socket (female component). Each stud snaps into a respective socket to attach the jacket 700 to the pants 704. In another embodiment, each fastener in the first set of fasteners 702 can be a button and each fastener in the second set of fasteners 706 a button hole. Alternatively, in some embodiments the first and second sets of fasteners 702, 706 include one or more zippers that can be closed (zipped) to attach the jacket to the pants and opened (unzipped) to separate the jacket from the pants.

A user may not attach the first set of fasteners 702 to the second set of fasteners 706 when the user wants to wear the jacket and pants as apparel. Alternatively, a user can attach the first and second sets of fasteners 702, 706 to each other when the user wants to wear the jacket and pants as apparel. When the user wants to configure the jacket and the pants into bedding, the user configures the pair of pants into a first bedding (e.g., sleeping bag) as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6C. The user then attaches the jacket to the sleeping bag using the first and second sets of fasteners 702, 706.

The apparel 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and the second apparel 704 shown in FIG. 7 can be detachably attached to another apparel (e.g., first apparel 700) using one or more fasteners or by storing the apparel in a pocket formed in a surface of the other apparel.

Even though specific embodiments have been described herein, it should be noted that the application is not limited to these embodiments. In particular, any features described with respect to one embodiment may also be used in other embodiments, where compatible. Likewise, the features of the different embodiments may be exchanged, where compatible. For example, an apparel assembly can include an apparel that includes detachable bedding, such as the apparel shown in FIG. 1A. The apparel may include a first set of one or more fasteners, such as the set of fasteners 602 shown in FIG. 6. The detachable bedding can include a second set of one or more fasteners, such as the set of fasteners 606 shown in FIG. 6. Once the bedding has been detached from the apparel, the apparel and the bedding can detachably attach to one another to form another bedding.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

APPAREL CONFIGURABLE INTO BEDDING OR HAVING REMOVABLE BEDDING

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims