ATTACHABLE JACKET

Abstract

One or more embodiments of a jacket including a shell and a first pair of connectors. The shell is sized and arranged to cover at least a portion of arms, shoulders, and front and sides of a torso of a person when the jacket is worn by the person. The shell is sized and arranged to not cover at least a portion of a back of the torso of the person when the jacket is worn by the person. The portion of the back of the torso of the person which the shell is not arranged to cover extends from a lower back of the back of the person to an upper back of the back of the person. The first pair of connectors are arranged to be on the neck, shoulders, or back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to clothing and more particularly to jackets.

BACKGROUND

Many forms of hiking jacket currently exist. Almost all of these jackets include at least a front panel, back panel, and sleeves which are sewn together. A hiking backpack may include various straps to help support the weight of the backpack comfortably on the hiker's body. This may include shoulder straps, waist straps, and other connectors.

Many hikers begin hikes early in the morning when the air is cooler and their bodies are cool as well. Thus, many hikers start off hikes with a jacket on under their backpack. However, as the day and the hike progress, the air warms and the hiker's body temperature rises from the exertion of hiking. Accordingly, the hiker will often remove the jacket while hiking. However, the hiker will have to remove the backpack in order to remove the jacket, requiring the hiker to stop.

Many hikers hike in groups and different hikers want to remove their jackets at different times. This can result in a group of hikers making many stops, which can be annoying and time consuming.

Further, during the day many hikers may wish to have jackets of different weights while hiking. The hiker may wish to have a warm jacket while starting and while at a campground and want a lighter jacket during the majority of the hike. Many hikers will have several jackets, often worn together, to allow the hiker to change the amount of insulation the hiker has. This can lead to the hiker carrying clothing that is rarely used, adding to the burden of the hiker while hiking.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments are provided below for an attachable jacket. The jacket may include a shell and a first pair of connectors. The shell may be sized and arranged to cover at least a portion of arms, shoulders, and front and sides of a torso of a person when the jacket is worn by the person. The shell may be sized and arranged to not cover at least a portion of a back of the torso of the person when the jacket is worn by the person. The portion of the back of the torso of the person which the shell is not arranged to cover may extend from a lower back of the back of the person to an upper back of the back of the person. The first pair of connectors may be arranged to be on the neck, shoulders, or back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

The device may provide significant advantages over the devices known in the art. The shell (when a back panel is not attached) may allow a hiker to have the jacket on over the backpack straps with the jacket attached to the backpack via the first pair of connectors and/or a second pair of connectors. The hiker can easily remove the jacket without removing the backpack. If the jacket is connected to the backpack via the first connectors, the shell and backpack together may provide protection from cold, wind, and water from rain or the like to the body of the hiker. Furthermore, a panel can be attached to the shell so the jacket can be used as a normal jacket. Thus, a hiker need not carry a different jacket for use around the camp or at other times when the hiker does not have the backpack on.

Other advantageous features as well as other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A (connecting) and 1B (connected) show example side views of a jacket being connected to a backpack.

FIGS. 2A (connecting) and 2B (connected) show example top views of the jacket being connected to the backpack.

FIG. 3 shows an example back view of the jacket with the first and second connectors connected to the outside of the shell.

FIGS. 4A (open) and 4B (closed) show example back views of the jacket with a neck cover.

FIGS. 5A (connecting) and 5B (connected) show example back views of the jacket being connected to a back panel.

FIGS. 6A (connecting) and 6B (connected), show example back views of the jacket being connected to a first sleeping bag.

FIGS. 7A (connecting) and 7B (connected) show example back views of the jacket being connected to the back panel and a second sleeping bag.

FIG. 8 shows an example back view of the jacket with the first and second connectors connected to the inside of the shell.

FIGS. 9A (connecting) and 9B (connected) show example back views of the jacket connecting to a trapezoidal shaped back panel.

FIGS. 10A (connecting) and 10B (connected) show example back views of the jacket connecting to a back panel with a narrower upper portion and also to a hood.

FIG. 10C shows an example front view of the jacket.

FIG. 11 shows an example back view of the jacket with a strap connected between lower connectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, and steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)−(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

The term “coupled to” as used herein may mean a direct or indirect connection via one or more components.

Referring now to the drawings and the following written description of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the detailed description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. This disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention.

FIGS. 1A (connecting) and 1B (connected) show example side views of a jacket 100 being connected to a backpack 200. FIG. 1A shows the jacket 100 and the backpack 200 connecting and FIG. 1B shows the jacket 100 and the backpack 200 connected. The jacket may include a shell 110, first connectors 120, and second connectors 130. The shell 110 may include a front panel, sleeves, sides, and a portion of a back of a standard jacket. In some embodiments, the front panel may include a zipper, buttons, or the like (not shown) so the front panel can be partially or completely opened. The shell 110 may not include a back panel such that if worn alone by a user, the user's back would not be covered by the jacket 100. As will be discussed in further detail below, the jacket 100 may include a removable back panel 140 (not shown in this figure) that would cover the back of the user if attached to the jacket 100. The shell 110 may include insulating fabric, leather, quilted materials with down or other insulating materials inside, or other materials used for clothing. The shell 110 may include various elements that are sewn together or otherwise connected.

The first connectors 120 may be connected to the shell around the shoulder (e.g., above or behind the shoulder) of the shell 110 to allow the jacket 100 to attach to the backpack 200 (or other device). The first connectors 120 may include a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop connector, a buckle, button, or other similar fastening device. The first connectors 120 may extend about 2-12 inches from the shell 110 and may be connected to an exterior of the shell 110.

The second connectors 130 may be connected to the shell 110 at or behind a side of the shell 110 to allow the jacket 100 to attach to the backpack 200 (or other device). The second connectors 130 may include a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop connector, a buckle, button, or other similar fastening device. The second connectors 130 may extend about 2-12 inches from the shell 110 and may be connected to an exterior of the shell 110. The first and second connectors 120, 130 may together allow for the jacket 100 to be securely connected to the backpack 200. Although two first connectors 120 and two second connectors 130 are shown, any number of first and second connectors 120, 130 may be used to connect the jacket 100 to the backpack 200 (or other device). In some embodiments, the second connectors 130 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the first connectors 120 may be connected to the shell 110 by buttons or other connecting devices. In some embodiments, the second connectors 130 may be connected to the shell 110 by buttons or other connecting devices.

The backpack 200 may include a pocket 210, third connectors 220, fourth connectors 230, and straps 240. The pocket 210 may allow for various items to be carried in the backpack. The third connectors 220 may be connected to a top of the pouch 210 (or alternatively to the straps 240). The third connectors 220 may include a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop connector, a buckle, button, or other similar fastening device which compliments the first connectors 120, such that the first connectors 120 and the third connectors 220 may connect to one another to secure the jacket 100 to the backpack 200. For example, if the first connector 120 includes a hook portion of a hook and loop connector, then the third connector 220 may include the loop portion of the hook and loop connector.

The third connectors 220 may extend about 2-12 inches from the pouch 210 and may be connected to an exterior of the pouch 210 (or alternatively connected to a loop or handle on the pouch 210 or straps 240). In some embodiments, the third connectors 220 may be connected to the pouch 210 by a strong adhesive or sewn to the pouch. Accordingly, the third connectors 220 may not have been originally manufactured with the backpack 200 and may be added later to allow the jacket to connect to the backpack 200.

The fourth connectors 230 may be connected to a side of the pouch 210 (or alternatively to the straps 240). The fourth connectors 230 may include a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop connector, a buckle, button, or other similar fastening device which compliments the second connectors 130 such that the second connectors 130 and the fourth connectors 230 may connect to one another to secure the jacket 100 to the backpack 200. The fourth connectors 230 may extend about 2-12 inches from the pouch 210 and may be connected to an exterior of the pouch 210 (or alternatively connected to straps 240). In some embodiments, the fourth connectors 230 may be connected to the pouch 210 by a strong adhesive or sewn to the pouch, also connectors such as buckles, buttons, etc. may be used. Accordingly, the fourth connectors 230 may not have been originally manufactured with the backpack 200 and may be added later to allow the jacket to connect to the backpack 200.

As shown, the jacket 100 may be connected to the backpack 200 such that the straps 240 are within the shell 110 of the jacket 100. Thus, a wearer of the backpack 200 may put on the jacket 100 and connect the jacket 100 to the backpack 200 without removing the backpack. Similarly, the jacket 100 may be disconnected from the backpack 200 and removed without taking off the backpack 200.

The first and second connectors 120, 130 may be adjustable or the connection of the first and second connectors 120, 130 to the third and fourth connectors 220, 230 may be adjustable such that the fit of the jacket 100 to the backpack 200 can be adjusted. For example, in the rain, a user may wish to have protection from water on the user's back and sides and may adjust the connections such that the jacket 100 overlaps with the backpack 200 and provides better protection from rain. As another example, as the user's body temperature rises while hiking, the user may wish to increase ventilation by loosening or extending the connections between the jacket 100 and backpack 200 to allow air to more easily circulate. If the backpack 200 is an external frame hiking backpack, the third and fourth connectors 220, 230 may also be connected to the external frame.

FIGS. 2A (connecting) and 2B (connected) shows an example top view of the jacket 100 being connected to the backpack 200. FIG. 2A shows the jacket 100 and backpack 200 connecting and FIG. 2A shows the jacket 100 and backpack 200 connected. As discussed above, the first connectors 120 may be connected to the shell around the shoulder of the shell 110. The backpack 200 may include a loop 250 which is ordinarily used to lift the backpack 200 by hand. The loop 250 may be used to connect the third connectors 220 to the backpack 200. For example, a securing device 225 may be included in the third connector 220. The securing device 225 may be a carabiner, buckle, wire loop capable of being closed and opened, cord, or other device capable of connecting the third connector 220 to the loop 250 of the backpack 200. Similar devices may also be used to connect the fourth connectors 230 to loops on the sides of on the pouch 210 or lower part of the straps 240 (or a waist band if included on the backpack 200). The first and third connectors 120, 220 may be able to rotate relative to the shell 110 and pouch 210, respectively. For example, the first connectors 120 may be connected via buttons 122 that allow the first connectors 120 to rotate relative to the third connector 210 and the backpack 200. The connection between the first and third connectors 120, 220 may be made at any angle. The second and fourth connectors 130, 230 may also be able to rotate and be connected at any angle. As shown, when the backpack and jacket are connected, the back of the user may be fully encased except for a small portion at the base of the neck depending on the shape and fit of the backpack 200.

FIG. 3 shows an example back view of the jacket 100 with the first and second connectors 120, 130 attached to the outside of the shell 110. The jacket 100 may not have a back panel and the back of the jacket 100 may be open when not attached to the backpack 200. The opening for the removed back panel may be for a rectangular back panel. However, the opening may be for a back panel of a different shape as well.

FIGS. 4A (open) and 4B (closed) show example back views of the jacket 100 with a neck cover 150. FIG. 4A shows the jacket 100 with the neck cover 150 open. FIG. 4B shows the jacket 100 with the neck cover 150 closed. The neck cover 150 may include the same materials that the shell 110 includes. The neck cover 150 may be closed to provide a cover and insulation for the neck of the user. The neck cover 150 may also provide improved protection from rain when the jacket 100 is connected to the backpack. In some embodiments of the invention, the neck cover 150 may not be able to open and the jacket 100 may be slipped over the head of the user to put on the jacket 100 or remove the jacket 100. In some embodiments, the neck cover 150 may include a hood (not shown) or other similar protection for the head of the user. A jacket 100 with the neck cover 150 may be advantageous because it provides protection to the back of the neck while still allowing the jacket 100 to be removed or put on without removing the backpack 200.

FIGS. 5A (connecting) and 5B (connected) show example back views of the jacket 100 being connected to a back panel 140. FIG. 5A shows the shell 110 and the back panel 140 connecting and FIG. 5B shows the shell 110 and back panel 140 connected. The jacket 110 may include fifth connection devices 142 for connecting the back panel 140 to the shell 110. The fifth connection devices 142 may include zippers, buttons, hook and loop connectors and the like connected to the shell 110. The back panel 140 may include sixth connectors 144 that are complementary connectors to the fifth connectors 142.

A jacket 100 with replaceable or removable back panel 140 has significant advantages in being able to modify the insulation level of the jacket 100. The jacket 100 with the back panel 140 removed can also be used as described above with the backpack 200 such that it can be put on and removed without taking off the backpack 200. Also the jacket 100 may have several different back panels 140 that can be replaced to modify the jacket's 100 overall insulation level. For example a back panel 140 that is made of a mesh material may be used when less insulation is desired.

With the back panel 140 attached, the jacket 100 may not be able to be put on and taken off while a backpack 200 is worn. The first connectors 120 (or buttons 128) may also be used to connect to a detachable hood (not shown in this figure).

FIGS. 6A (connecting) and 6B (connected) shows example back views of the jacket 100 being connected to a first sleeping bag 160. FIG. 6A shows the jacket 100 and the first sleeping bag 160 connecting and FIG. 6B shows the jacket 100 and the first sleeping bag 160 connected. The first sleeping bag 160 may include a portion that replaces the back panel 140 and a portion that covers and encapsulates the legs of the user. The jacket 100 may include seventh connectors 162 along a bottom of the shell 110. The seventh connectors 162 may include zippers, buttons, hook and loop connectors and the like. The first sleeping bag 160 may include eighth connectors 164 that connect along an upper part of the encapsulating portion of the first sleeping bag 162 that is not connected to the portion replacing the back panel 140. The eighth connectors 164 may include complimentary connectors to the seventh connectors 162.

FIGS. 7A (connecting) and 7B (connected) show example back views of the jacket 100 being connected to the back panel 140 and a second sleeping bag 170. FIG. 7A shows the jacket 100 connecting to the back panel 140 and a second sleeping bag 170 and FIG. 7B shows the jacket 100, the back panel 140, and a second sleeping bag 170 connected. The second sleeping bag 170 may be similar to the first sleeping bag 160 but may only include the encapsulating portion and not include the portion replacing the back panel 140. Instead, the second sleeping bag 170 may include ninth connectors 172 along an upper part of the encapsulating portion to connect to the back panel 140. The back panel 140 may include tenth connectors 174 along a bottom end of the back panel. The ninth connectors 172 may include zippers, buttons, hook and loop connectors and the like. The tenth connectors 174 may include complimentary connectors to the ninth connectors 172. The shell 110 may be connected to the back panel 140 via the fifth and sixth connectors 142, 144. The shell 110 may be connected to the second sleeping bag 170 via the seventh and eighth connectors 162, 164. The pack panel 140 may be connected to the second sleeping bag 170 via the ninth and tenth connectors 172, 174. A hiker using either the first or second sleeping bags 160, 170 may have a significant advantage of carrying far less weight and bulk due to the sleeping bag having less material (e.g., not including the front top portion which the jacket 100 can take the place of).

FIG. 8 shows an example back view of the jacket 100 with the first and second connectors 120, 130 connected to the inside of the shell 110. As shown, the first and second connectors 120, 130 protrude out from the shell 110. However, in some embodiments, the first and second connectors 120, 130 may be entirely inside the shell 110 and connected to an inside of the shell 110. For example, the first and second connectors 120, 130 may include the loop portion of a hook and loop connection sewn into the interior of the shell 110. Other connectors such as snap buttons, buckles, etc. may also be used. This arrangement may be advantageous for users that do not want connectors such as the first and second connectors 120, 130 hanging off the outside of the jacket.

FIGS. 9A (connecting) and 9B (connected) show example back views of the jacket 100 connecting to a trapezoidal shaped back panel 140. The shell 110 may be shaped to receive a trapezoidal shaped back panel 140. The back panel 140 may have a trapezoidal shape with a narrower portion at the top and a broader portion at the bottom when attached. Further, when attached, the back panel 140 be arranged to cover a part of the back of the neck of the wearer. Other shapes for the back panel 140 are also possible. Attachments such as hoods and connectors may also be included in the back panel 140.

FIGS. 10A (connecting) and 10B (connected) show example back views of the jacket 100 connecting to a back panel 140 with a narrower upper portion and also to a hood 180. FIG. 10C shows an example front view of the jacket 100. The example jacket in FIGS. 10A-C may not include the first connectors 120 and second connectors 130 of FIGS. 1A-9B. The jacket 110 may include upper connectors 128 on the neck of the shell 110. The upper connectors 128 may be any form of connector including hook and loop connectors, buttons (push through button, snap buttons, magnetic buttons, etc.) or other connectors. The upper connectors 128 may not include a strap but a strap may be attached to the upper connectors 128 to connect the upper connectors 128 to the backpack 200. The upper connectors 128 may also attach to the hood 180. The hood 180 may include hood connectors 182 which may compliment the upper connectors 128 (e.g., if the upper connectors 128 are push through buttons then the hood connectors 182 may be slits for the push through buttons to be pushed through). The hood 180 may be made of the same material as the shell 110 and back panel 140, or a similar material.

The back panel 140 may have a shape which is wider at the bottom than at the top. Restated, the pack panel 140 may cover a wider portion of the back of a person wearing the jacket 100 at a lower portion of the back panel than the back panel covers at an upper portion of the back panel over the upper back. The upper back may include the base of the neck to the shoulder blade area. The lower back may include the lumbar region to the back side of the person wearing the jacket 100. The back panel 140 may include back panel connectors 148 at a portion of the back panel configured to cover the base of the neck of the person wearing the jacket. The back panel connectors 148 may be the same or similar to the upper connectors 128 of the shell 110. The hood 180 may also connect to the back panel connectors 148 via the hood connectors 182.

The shell 110 may cover the entire shoulder (front, top, and back) of the person wearing the jacket 100 to secure the jacket 100 in place on the wearer so the jacket 100 is not likely to fall down the arms of the person wearing the jacket 100.

The front of the shell 110 may also include a zipper, buttons, or other means of opening and closing the front of the jacket 110 as well as pockets and other accessories common to jackets. The jacket may also have lower connectors 132 on the interior (e.g., side facing toward the wearer when the wearer is wearing the jacket 110) of the shell 110 near the bottom of the shell 110. The lower connectors 132 in some embodiments may be located on an exterior of the shell 110. The lower connectors 132 may include the same connectors as the upper connectors or different connectors. The lower connectors 132 may have straps connected to allow the lower connectors to connect to the backpack 200. The lower connectors 132 may also attach directly to the backpack 200. The lower connectors 132 may be connected on either side of the opening in the shell 110 for the back panel 140.

FIG. 11 shows an example back view of the jacket 100 with a strap 190 connected between the lower connectors 132. The strap 190 may be a fabric strap, flat strap, or other form of long attachment that can connect between the lower connectors 132 spanning the gap in the back of the shell 110. The strap may be used to keep the lower portion of the shell 110 close to the body of the user and may be easily used with backpack 200 on the user by connecting the strap around (e.g., under) or through the backpack straps 240.

A jacket 100 according to the embodiments discussed above may include a shell 110 and a first pair of connectors (e.g., upper connectors 128 and first connectors 120). The shell 110 may be sized and arranged to cover at least a portion of arms, shoulders, and front and sides of a torso of a person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. The shell 110 may be sized and arranged to not cover at least a portion of the back of the torso of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. The portion of the back of the torso of the person which the shell 110 is not arranged to cover may extend from a lower back of the back of the person to an upper back of the back of the person. The first pair of connectors may be arranged to be on the neck, shoulders, or back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. Each of the first pair of connectors may include a button on an area of the shell 110 arranged to cover a portion of the neck of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. Each of the first pair of connectors may include a strap extending from the shell 110.

The jacket 100 may further include a second pair of connectors (e.g., second connectors 120 and lower connectors 132) arranged to be lower on the person (lower being relative to a standing person) than the first pair of connectors when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. Each of the first pair of connectors and each of the second pair of connectors may include a button. Each of the second pair of connectors may be on the interior of the shell 110. The jacket 100 may further include a left back panel connector and a right back panel connector (e.g., left and right fifth connection devices 142). The left back panel connector and the right back panel connector may be configured to connect the back panel 140 between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector such that the back panel 140 covers a portion of the back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. When the back panel 140 is connected to the shell 110, the jacket 100 may include the back panel 140. The back panel 140 may be narrower at an upper area of the back panel 140 arranged to cover the upper portion of the back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person with the back panel attached between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector and wider at a lower area of the back panel 140 arranged to cover the lower portion of the back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person with the back panel attached between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector. The shell 110 may be arranged and configured to cover a portion of the back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. The shell 110 may be arranged to include a gap wherein a portion of the back of the person is not covered by the shell 110 when the jacket 100 is worn by the person. The gap may be broader across the lower back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person than at the upper back of the person when the jacket 100 is worn by the person.

Many different embodiments of the inventive concepts have been shown. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the features from different embodiments may be combined or replaced with other features from different embodiments.

The device may provide significant advantages over the devices known in the art. The shell 110 (when a back panel 140 is not attached) may allow a hiker to have the jacket 100 on over the backpack straps 240 with the jacket 100 attached to the backpack 200 via the first pair of connectors 120 and/or a second pair of connectors 130. The hiker can easily remove the jacket 100 without removing the backpack 200. If the jacket is connected to the backpack 200 via the first connectors 120 the shell and backpack together may provide protection to the body of the hiker from cold, wind, and water from rain or the like. Furthermore, a back panel 140 can be attached to the shell 110 so the jacket can be used as a normal jacket. Thus, a hiker need not carry a different jacket for use around the camp or at other times when the hiker does not have the backpack on.

As an additional advantage, the jacket 100 may help to keep the back of the wearer from overheating while being used with a backpack 200 or without a backpack 200. The back of a hiker wearing a backpack 200 is normally the first place to sweat because of contact with the backpack and little air flow through the clothing of the hiker at the back. By removing the back panel 140 of the jacket 100 while the hiker wears a backpack some of this effect can be mitigated and overheating can be prevented. Furthermore, by using a back panel 140 with a lighter material (such as a mesh) than the material of the shell 110 the hiker can keep his or her arms and front warm while not overheating his or her back.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.

Claims

1. A jacket comprising: a shell sized and arranged to cover at least a portion of arms, shoulders, and front and sides of a torso of a person when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the shell is sized and arranged to not cover at least a portion of a back of the torso of the person when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the portion of the back of the torso of the person which the shell is not arranged to cover extends from a lower back of the back of the person to an upper back of the back of the person; anda first pair of connectors arranged to be on the neck, shoulders, or back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

2. The jacket of claim 1, wherein each of the first pair of connectors includes a button on an area of the shell arranged to cover a portion of the neck of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

3. The jacket of claim 1, wherein each of the first pair of connectors includes a strap extending from the shell.

4. The jacket of claim 1, further comprising: a second pair of connectors arranged to be lower on the person than the first pair of connectors when the jacket is worn by the person.

5. The jacket of claim 4, wherein each of the first pair of connectors and each of the second pair of connectors is a button.

6. The jacket of claim 5, wherein each of the second pair of connectors is on an interior of the shell.

7. The jacket of claim 1, further comprising: a left back panel connector and a right back panel connector, wherein the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector are configured to connect a back panel between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector such that the back panel covers a portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

8. The jacket of claim 7, further comprising: The back panel.

9. The jacket of claim 7, wherein the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector are configured to connect the back panel which is narrower at an upper area arranged to cover the upper portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person with the back panel attached between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector and wider at a lower area arranged to cover the lower portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person with the back panel attached between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector.

10. The jacket of claim 7, wherein the shell is arranged and configured to cover a portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the shell is arranged to include a gap wherein a portion of the back of the person is not covered by the shell when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the gap is broader at across the lower back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person than at the upper back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

11. A jacket comprising: a shell sized and arranged to cover at least a portion of arms, shoulders, and front and sides of a torso of a person when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the shell is sized and arranged to not cover at least a portion of a back of the torso of the person when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the portion of the back of the torso of the person which the shell is not arranged to cover extends from a lower back of the back of the person to an upper back of the back of the person; anda left back panel connector and a right back panel connector, wherein the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector are configured to connect a back panel between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector such that the back panel covers a portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

12. The jacket of claim 11, further comprising: a first pair of connectors arranged to be on the neck, shoulders, or back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

13. The jacket of claim 12, wherein each of the first pair of connectors includes a button on an area of the shell arranged to cover a portion of the neck of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.

14. The jacket of claim 12, wherein each of the first pair of connectors includes a strap extending from the shell.

15. The jacket of claim 12, further comprising: a second pair of connectors arranged to be lower on the person than the first pair of connectors when the jacket is worn by the person.

16. The jacket of claim 15, wherein each of the first pair of connectors and each of the second pair of connectors is a button.

17. The jacket of claim 16, wherein each of the second pair of connectors is on an interior of the shell.

18. The jacket of claim 11, further comprising: The back panel.

19. The jacket of claim 11, wherein the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector are configured to connect the back panel which is narrower at an upper area arranged to cover the upper portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person with the back panel attached between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector and wider at a lower area arranged to cover the lower portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person with the back panel attached between the left back panel connector and the right back panel connector.

20. The jacket of claim 11, wherein the shell is arranged and configured to cover a portion of the back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the shell is arranged to include a gap wherein a portion of the back of the person is not covered by the shell when the jacket is worn by the person, wherein the gap is broader at across the lower back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person than at the upper back of the person when the jacket is worn by the person.