Device For Providing Protection To An Individual When In Inclement Weather

Abstract

A device for providing protection to an individual when non-ambulatory and in inclement weather, the device comprising a garment that the individual can step into and that is nonambulatory, the garment having a hoodie, a cape, sleeves, hand covers, a plate and one or more fasteners about the plate and a portable bin that is attached to the bottom portion of the garment and that receives and houses the garment when the garment is not donned by the individual, the portable bin having one or more fasteners about the top edge of the portable bin that fasten to the fasteners that are about the plate of the garment, thereby permitting the portable bin to house the garment and secure the garment therein so that the garment can be easily transported.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for providing protection and comfort to an individual when in inclement weather, comprising an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front portion of the garment of the device of FIG. 1 that has been unpacked and has been donned by an individual;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back portion of the garment of the device of FIG. 1 that has been unpacked and has been donned by an individual;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 2 wherein an interior portion of the garment comprises one or more pockets;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a portable bin of FIG. 1, showing the interior thereof;

FIG. 6A is a partial front view of a portion of a sleeve and mitten/glove of the garment of FIG. 2 wherein the mitten/glove is extending outward from the sleeve as an individual's hand extends therethrough;

FIG. 6B is a partial front view of the portion of the sleeve and mitten/glove of the garment of FIG. 6A wherein the hand of the individual has pulled the mitten/glove into the interior of the sleeve;

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the portable bin of FIG. 2, showing the materials that comprise the sides thereof;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention utilized while hunting wild game in the rain;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention utilized while at a sporting event;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the garment is being folded so that it can be placed in the portable bin of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 10 wherein the garment is being further folded;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 11 wherein the garment is being even further folded;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the garment has been folded and stowed into the portable bin of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention packed and captured securely within the portable bin of the present invention and being carried by an individual via a shoulder strap;

FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the garment has been unpacked and an individual has donned the garment; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective back view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the garment has been unpacked and an individual has donned the garment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For thousands of years, mankind has endeavored to develop means for creating and maintaining a measure of protection and a level of comfort for the exterior of the human body. Because of its natural exposure to the environment, the human body's exterior is susceptible to the affects of the elements such as temperature extremes, precipitation and electro-magnetic radiation. Thus, without sufficient aids for the exterior, life for mankind would not only be less tolerable but also less comfortable.

Devices, such as various forms, assortments and types of clothing, apparel, shoes, gloves, socks, coats, hoodies and the like, have been developed and refined throughout the years to provide a measure of protection and a level of comfort to the exterior of the human body. For example, the application of a coat to the body not only provides a measure of protection from wind and rain, thereby keeping the body dry, but also provides a measure of comfort as it traps the heat that is produced by the body inside of it, thus increasing the comfort level for the body when the body is located in an environment consisting of a cold temperature.

While each such device has met a need, each does not provided complete protection of and complete comfort for the body's exterior. Typically, each such device must be used in tandem with other devices to maximize the protection and comfort of the body. But even then, full and complete protection and comfort of the body is not attainable, especially when utilized during an encounter of extreme weather such as precipitation (i.e., sleet, snow, rain, hail, etc.) and/or extreme cold (i.e., below freezing temperatures). For example, an individual may be partially protected from rain when he/she wears a coat that covers portions of his/her upper body and wears gloves that cover his/her hands and fingers, but the coat and the gloves will not protect the individual's complete upper body (i.e., head and face) or lower body. As such, not only will the individual only be partially protected from the rain—and thus susceptible to experiencing wetness from the rain on the portions of the body that are unprotected, but also the individual will be uncomfortable because of the experience of wetness on the unprotected portions of the body. A similar scenario arises when, instead of precipitation, the setting concerns cold or extreme temperatures.

Moreover, in an attempt to provide complete protection and comfort for his/her body, an individual must utilize many different types of devices simultaneously. Thus, an individual must apply/wear many different types, forms and assortments of articles of clothing (hat, hoodie, coat, etc.). This can be problematic because each article of clothing does not always properly interconnect with other articles of clothing, thereby leaving certain portions of the individual exposed/unprotected and uncomfortable.

Further, applying and/or removing multiple articles of clothing to/from an individual can be inefficient as doing so takes time and energy—as each article has to be applied/removed. Also, when moving about from one location to another such that some of the locations have a different environment (i.e., moving from a hot to a cold environment and/or from a dry environment to one having active precipitation), multiple devices must be transported by/for the individual when they are not in use so that the devices can be re-applied/re-worn when needed. This is also manifestly inefficient and laborious.

What is needed is a device for providing complete protection and comfort to an individual's body when in inclement weather. More specifically, what is needed is a device for shielding the exterior of an individual's body from the affects of inclement weather while maintaining a satisfactory level of warmth for the individual, thereby increasing efficiencies and comfort as one device need only be utilized and/or transported—instead of a plurality of them.

A device for providing protection and comfort to an individual's body when in inclement weather and for having to sit or stand still for long periods of time, having a plurality of embodiments disclosed herein, is a novel and non-obvious invention that meets the needs that are described in the aforementioned paragraphs, thus providing many substantial advantages and benefits such as, but not limited to, an increase in efficiencies as only one device is needed—instead of a plurality of devices—to shield the complete exterior of an individual from the effects of inclement weather such as from precipitation and only one device is needed to provide a level of satisfactory comfort, such as warmth, to an individual during frigid temperatures and non-movement. Moreover, the present invention will be less labor-intensive than the utilization of multiple devices as only one device will need to be utilized instead of the utilization (i.e., the application and/or removal on an individual's body) of multiple devices.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide protection and comfort to an individual who is situated in cold and/or wet weather to work, to stand or sit in one spot for long periods of time and to assist that individual in becoming and remaining warm and dry while doing so. The present invention can be used at events (such as sporting events) where inclement weather is present (i.e., active precipitation and/or frigid temperature) and in circumstances where an individual is required to sit or stand for a long period of time (such as in a deer blind) where inclement weather is present.

An embodiment of the present invention can comprise a portable bin that houses and attaches to a non-ambulatory garment when the garment is not in use but remains attached to the portable bin when the garment is in use. The garment is configured to be worn by an individual of varying height. It can serve as a personal warming hut and can be used for various type of activities, such as, but not limited to, as a spectator at a sporting event, as an attendant at a toll both, a hunter in a deer blind or any other place or activity where the individual must stand or sit for a long period of time and where that individual is encountering active precipitation or a cold temperature but cannot move about to get warm.

Once the portable bin that houses the garment is opened and the garment is unpacked therefrom but remains joined thereto, an individual can don the garment. The garment and the portable bin can be comprised of material that substantially prevents moisture/wetness from permeating therethrough, that captures the heat produced from the individual inside, causing it to remain in the garment to warm the individual and that insulates the individual from extreme cold temperatures.

The garment can comprise heavy-duty zippered panels and buttons, which aid an individual in entering the invention to don the garment of the invention or in exiting the invention to denude the garment. It can have a hoodie for protecting an individual's head. It can also have sleeves that are extra-wide and create ease of entering and exiting the garment, thereby permitting heat within the garment to circulate about the garment. It can also have mittens/gloves attached to it so that the hands are protected. Additionally, it can have one or more pockets or flaps located at various positions on the interior surface of the garment, so the individual can store items, such as, for example, media device(s), wallet(s) or the like.

The garment can be comprised of downy type quilting that is waterproof. The portable bin can be comprised of durable material, thereby permitting an individual to stand inside the portable bin when utilizing the invention and donning the garment.

When not in use, the garment can be positioned within/packed into the portable bin. Then, the portable bin can be firmly closed. Once the portable bin is firmly closed, it can be transported with ease, similar to a piece of luggage such as a carry case. The portable bin can comprise handles and/or shoulder straps thereon to aid in transporting it.

Thus, an embodiment of the present invention can comprise a firmly closed portable bin that can be easily transported and that has a garment attached thereto and enclosed therein. The portable bin can be opened. Once the portable bin is opened, the garment can be unfolded and expanded. When an individual dons the garment, the garment completely covers the individual. Further, when the individual dons the garment, a portion of the portable bin serves as the cover and protector for the individual's bottom portion of his/her body, including the individual's ankles and feet. When an individual dons the garment, the portable bin can serve as a portion of the garment that covers and protects the individual. Notably, because the portable bin is utilized when the garment is donned by an individual, the individual is prevented from perambulating. Thus, when the invention is in use, the individual is non-ambulatory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the assembly of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application.

Illustrative embodiments of the device for providing protection and comfort to an individual's body when in inclement weather are provided below. Of course, it should be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an illustration is shown that depicts a device for providing protection and comfort to an individual's body when in inclement weather 100, which is an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a portable bin 110 shown firmly closed and ready for easy transport. The portable bin 110 comprises a bottom portion and side portions that are permanently affixed to one another and that are comprised of a durably, firm material. However, the top portion 120 of the portable bin 110 comprises a portion of a garment, and in particular, the portion of a garment that comprises a plate 130, which is attached to and/or enmeshed in the interior of the garment. Thus, when the portable bin 110 is closed, the top portion 120 of the portable bin 110 will comprise the portion of the garment that comprises the plate 130, and the remaining portion of the garment will be enclosed within the portable bin 110.

The portable bin 110 can be closed via a zipper 140 or other type of fastener that binds the edges of an opening of material. The exterior of the portable bin 110 can comprise one or more handle(s) 150 and/or one or more shoulder strap(s) 160 that attach to the portable bin 110 in a conventional way, thereby permitting the portable bin 110 to be grasped, held, moved and/or easily transported when close.

FIG. 2 depicts a portable bin 110, and the garment 170 unpacked and donned by an individual. The garment 170 is attached to the portable bin 110, so that when the garment is unpacked, it is tethered to the portable bin 110. When an individual dons the garment 170, he/she must enter the interior of the garment 170 so as to don the garment 170 and also position himself/herself within the portable bin 110. Thus, when an individual dons the garment 170, the portable bin becomes a part thereof that protects the individual. As such, the present invention, including the individual donning the present invention, is non-ambulatory when in use.

The garment 170 comprises a hoodie (head covering) 180, a cape 190, sleeve(s), 200 and mitten(s)/glove(s) 210. The garment 170 can be comprised of a heavy-duty cotton quilted fabric. Further, foam may be inserted inside the garment 170 for insulation purposes. The fabric of the garment 170 may be treated so that it repels liquid/moisture, thereby further preventing any permeation of moisture/wetness through the garment 170. The front portion 220 of the garment 170 can include a fastening mechanism, such as buttons 230 and/or snaps, so that the garment 170 can be firmly fastened on the body of the individual utilizing the present invention.

The hoodie 180 covers an individual's head and portions of his/her face—if necessary, the hoodie 180 can be configured to cover the individual's entire face. It traps body heat to assist in maintaining warmth for the individual and channels precipitation downward onto the lower portions of the garment 170 and, ultimately, onto the ground. It is comprised of tight-woven material, such as polyester fabric, and is heavy-duty. It can comprise one or more buttons or other like fasteners to permit it to be securely closed about an individual's head and face. Further, it can be chemically treated with liquid-repellant material, so that in operation it repels moisture/precipitation. When the individual donning the garment 170 does not desire to utilize the hoodie 180, the hoodie 180 can be folded backward, so that it hangs from and rests upon the garment 170.

FIG. 3 illustrations the back portion 240 of the garment 170. As shown, the back portion 240 depicts the plate 130 that is attached to and/or enmeshed in the garment 170. As shown, when the garment is donned on an individual, the plate 130 aligns with the backside of the individual, specifically the individual's midsection. While the plate 130 is comprised of firm material, such material is pliable enough to permit the individual to sit or stand when donning the garment 170. When sitting, the plate 130 should substantially align with an individual's buttocks, so that the plate 130 is between the individual's buttocks and the object on which the individual sits. The plate 130 provides support for the individual when sitting and also provides an additional measure of protection when the individual is sitting on a wet and/or cold surface. Thus, the plate 130 can be comprised of durable material that is durable enough to provide needed support for the individual but that is also flexible enough to permit an individual to sit or stand when desired. Also, the plate 130 is comprised of material that substantially prevents the permeation of moisture (wetness) therethrough and that substantially prevents a transfer of heat therethrough, such as soft foam or the like, thereby substantially preventing the garment 170 and the individual donning the garment 170 from becoming wet and/or cold when the individual sits on a wet or cold object, such as a seat or bleacher.

The cape 190 covers a portion of the garment 170, specifically the back portion 240 of the garment 170 that dons an individual's back, shoulders and arms. It can extend in length from the portion of the garment 170 about the neck of an individual donning the garment 170 to about the elbow of the individual. It traps body heat to assist in maintaining warmth for the individual and channels precipitation downward onto the lower portions of the garment 170 and, ultimately, onto the ground. It is comprised of tight-woven material, such as polyester fabric, and is heavy-duty. It can be chemically treated with liquid-repellant material, so that it in operation repels moisture/precipitation.

Notably, as shown in FIG. 3, a row 250 of the teeth of zipper 140 is shown positioned about the plate 130 that is located on the back portion 240 of the garment 170 and an opposite row 260 of the of the teeth of zipper 140 is shown positioned about the top edge of the portable bin 110. When the garment 170 is folded and placed into (i.e., packed into) the portable bin 110 so as to be stored therein, the row 250 and the opposite row 260 of teeth of zipper 140 can meet, and, as a result, can interdigitate via a slider, thereby firmly securing the garment 170 into the portable bin 110.

Turning to FIG. 4, a portion of the interior of the garment 170 is shown. The interior surface of the garment 170 can comprise one or more pocket(s) 270 positioned thereon for storing objects therein. The one or more pocket(s) 270 can be of varying sizes and shapes for storing various items, such as, for example, a wallet, snack(s), water bottle(s), media device(s), gun magazine(s), quiver(s) for darts, etc.

FIG. 5 depicts the partial section of the bottom portion 280 and side portions 290 of the portable bin 110. The bottom portion 280 and the side portions 290 of the portable bin 110 can be comprised of faux suede 300 or like material. Additionally, the bottom portion 280 and side portions 290 can comprise hard foam or like material. The hard foam or like material can be removable so that the portable bin 110 can be washed.

Turning to FIG. 6A, a portion of the garment 170 depicting the sleeve(s) 200 and mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 is illustrated. The sleeve(s) 200 are configured such that each provides abundant room for the arms of an individual that dons the garment 170, thereby permitting the individual to more easily don or denude the garment 170. With abundant room within the sleeve(s) 200, the individual can remove his/her hands more easily from the sleeve(s) 200. The interior of the sleeve(s) 200 can comprise flannel material or the like to provide warmth thereto for the individual donning the garment 170. Additionally, the garment 170 can comprise mitten(s)/glove(s) 210. The mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 can be comprised of a ribbed knit fabric or the like. The mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 can comprise two (2) apertures, an aperture for an individual's thumb and an aperture for an individual's four (4) fingers. An individual donning the garment 170 places his/her hand through the sleeve 200 and mitten/glove 210, passing his/her thumb through the small aperture of the mitten/glove 210 and passing his/her four (4) fingers through the large aperture of the mitten/glove 210. The mitten/glove 210 aids in keeping the individual's hand and fingers warm and dry. However, for added protection from wetness and for increased warmth, once the individual has passed his/her fingers and thumb through the apertures of the mitten/glove 210, the individual can hold on to the mitten/glove 210 with his/her hand and pull the mitten/glove 210 into the sleeve 200 in the direction of the arrow 310 shown in FIG. 6B. This will enhance the warmth and dryness experienced by the individual.

FIG. 7 shows a side portion 290 of the portable bin 110 such that the side portion 290 can comprise removable hard foam 320 or the like that is included between the faux suede 300 and the interior lining 330. The foam 320 is removable to permit the portable bin 110 to be washed, when necessary. It should be noted that the removable hard foam 320 can be included on each side of the portable bin 110, including the bottom portion 280.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the present invention 100 in use in various environments. In FIG. 8, an individual is utilizing the present invention 100 in a standing position while hunting outdoor for wild game during a rain storm. The present invention 100 is keeping the individual warm and dry. In FIG. 9, an individual is utilizing the present invention 100 while seated and cheering at a sporting event during below freezing temperatures. The present invention 100 is aiding in keeping the individual warm.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate the process of packing the garment 170 so that it can be stowed inside the portable bin 110, secured therein and then easily transported in the portable bin 110. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the top portions of the garment 170, having the hoodie 180, cape 190, sleeve(s) 200 and mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 are folded. In FIG. 12, the mid-section of the garment 170 is folded along with the top portion of the garment 170. In FIG. 13, the folded mid-section and top-section of the garment 170 are placed inside the portable bin 110 such that the plate 130 of the garment 170 is oriented so as to be the top portion 120 of the portable bin 110. FIG. 13 depicts the garment 170 stowed inside the portable bin 110 and ready to be firmly secured therein.

FIG. 14 shows an individual transporting the present invention 100. As shown, the individual is utilizing a shoulder strap 160 that is connected to the portable bin 110 to transport the present invention 100. The shoulder strap 160 is strapped to the individual's shoulder.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the garment 170 that is donned by an individual such that the individual has stretched out his/her arms. As shown in FIG. 15, the present invention can include a hoodie 180, cape 190, sleeve(s) 200, mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 and a portable bin 110. As shown in FIG. 16, the present invention can include a plate 130 at the back portion 240 of the garment 170.

The particular embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is, therefore, evident that the particular embodiments disclosed herein may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Although many embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for providing protection and comfort to an individual when in inclement weather, the device comprising: a garment that the individual dons for protection from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth in cold environments, that is nonambulatory when donned by the individual and that can be folded, the garment having a hoodie for substantially protecting the head and face of the individual from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, a cape for providing additional protection to the individual from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, two sleeves for providing protection to the arms of the individual from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, a mitten attached to the end of each sleeve for providing substantial protection to the hands of the individual and for substantially maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, a plate positioned on the backside portion of the garment to prevent the permeation of moisture and heat transfer through the garment when the individual sits on an object that is cold or wet while donning the garment and one or more fasteners about the plate; anda portable bin that is attached to the bottom portion of the garment and that receives and houses the garment when the garment is not donned by the individual so that the garment can be transported with ease, the portable bin having one or more fasteners about the top edge of the portable bin that fasten to the fasteners that are about the plate of the garment, thereby firmly securing the plate of the garment to the portable bin when the garment is enclosed therein so that the garment can be easily transported.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the garment is partially comprised of heavy-duty cotton quilted fabric.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the garment is partially comprised of foam for insulation purposes.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising fastening mechanisms, permitting the garment to be firmly fastened about the body of the individual.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more handles attached to the exterior of the portable bin.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more shoulder straps attached to the exterior of the portable bin.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more pockets within the interior surface of the garment.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the plate is comprised of durable material that is durable enough to provide needed support for an individual when the individual is sitting on an object but that is flexible enough to permit the individual to stand.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the plate is comprised of material that substantially impedes the permeation of moisture and that substantially impedes a transfer of heat.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the plate is comprised of soft foam.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the interior of the sleeves comprise flannel material.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the mittens are comprised of ribbed knit fabric.