U.S. patent application number 10/783402 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for travel garment.
Invention is credited to Hartbrodt, Rick J..
Application Number | 20040172734 10/783402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32930505 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040172734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hartbrodt, Rick J. |
September 9, 2004 |
Travel garment
Abstract
A garment is adapted for packing articles of clothing and other
items therein for traveling, particularly on a commercial airliner.
In a preferred embodiment, the garment is in the form of an
overcoat or trench coat and is free of any metal components. An
arrangement of pockets of varying size and dimension is provided on
the inside of the garment for holding the clothing articles and
other items therein. At least some pockets are provided with straps
for securing trousers and other items of clothing in a manner which
limits movement, sagging and wrinkling of the clothing items. The
pocket panels are preferably formed of a mesh material to provide
ventilation and ease of visual inspection of the contents packed in
the pockets. In at least one embodiment, the entire lining,
including the pockets, is removable from a remainder of the
garment.
Inventors: |
Hartbrodt, Rick J.;
(Tiburon, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Downey
ROBERT M. DOWNEY, P.A.
Suite 300
601 South Federal Highway
Boca Raton
FL
33432
US
|
Family ID: |
32930505 |
Appl. No.: |
10/783402 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60449166 |
Feb 21, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/022 20130101;
A41D 13/0012 20130101; A41D 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/097 |
International
Class: |
A41D 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An overcoat comprising: a shell defined by a main body and left
and right sleeves and having an outer facing side and an inner
facing side, said main body including a back panel, a left front
panel and a right front panel; a lining having a corresponding back
panel, a corresponding left front panel and a corresponding right
front panel, and disposed in overlying relation to at least a
portion of each of said back panel, said left front panel and said
right front panel of said main body on said inner facing side of
said shell; a plurality of pockets of varying size and dimension on
said lining and including at least one main pocket positioned on
said corresponding back panel, at least one main pocket positioned
on said corresponding left front panel and at least one main pocket
positioned on said corresponding right front panel, and at least
one secondary pocket on one of said corresponding left and right
front panels, each of said pockets including a pocket opening;
pocket closure means at said pocket opening of each of said
plurality of pockets for releasably securing said pocket opening in
order to hold articles securely within said pockets; and at least
one clothing securing strap in at least one of said pockets for
securing one or more clothing articles therein.
2. The overcoat as recited in claim 1 further comprising: means for
removably securing said lining and said plurality of pockets to
said inner facing side of said shell.
3. The overcoat as recited in claim 2 wherein said means for
removably securing said lining and said plurality of pockets to
said inner facing side of said shell comprises a non-metallic
fastener.
4. The overcoat as recited in claim 3 wherein said non-metallic
fastener is a zipper, including a first zipper member secured to
said inner facing side of said shell and a second cooperating
zipper member about at least a portion of a periphery of said
lining.
5. The overcoat as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of
pockets are each defined primarily by a pocket panel secured to
said lining, and said pocket panel of each of said plurality of
pockets being structured and disposed to provide ventilation and
ease of visual inspection of the contents within said plurality of
pockets.
6. The overcoat as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one
clothing securing strap comprises: a first strap segment with a
free distal end; a second strap member with a free distal end;
cooperating attachment members on said free distal ends of said
first and second strap segments for releasable, interconnected
attachment of said free distal ends; and means for adjusting the
length of at least one of said first and second strap segments.
7. The overcoat as recited in claim 6 further comprising: a
plurality of said clothing securing straps, including at least one
of said clothing securing straps in at least two of said plurality
of pockets.
8. The overcoat as recited in claim 1 further comprising: at least
one securing strap on said lining and exterior of said plurality of
pockets, said at least one securing strap being structured and
disposed for holding one or more articles on said lining.
9. The overcoat as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a second
main pocket positioned on said corresponding back panel of said
lining.
10. An overcoat comprising: a shell defined by a main body and left
and right sleeves and having an outer facing side and an inner
facing side, said main body, including a back panel, a left front
panel and a right front panel; a lining having a back lining panel,
a left front lining panel and a right front lining panel and said
lining disposed in overlying relation to at least a portion of said
inner facing side of said shell so that said back lining panel,
said left front lining panel and said right front lining panel are
positioned and disposed in corresponding, overlying relation to
said back panel, said left front panel and said right front panel,
respectively, of said main body; a plurality of pockets of varying
size and dimension on said lining and including at least one main
pocket positioned on said back lining panel, at least one main
pocket positioned on said left front lining panel and at least one
main pocket positioned on said right front lining panel, and at
least one secondary pocket on one of said left and right front
lining panels, each of said pockets including a pocket opening;
pocket closure means on said pocket opening of each of said
plurality of pockets for releasably securing said pocket opening in
order to hold articles securely within said pockets; each of said
plurality of pockets being primarily defined by a pocket panel
secured to said lining, and said pocket panel of each of said
plurality of pockets being structured and disposed to provide
ventilation and ease of visual inspection of the contents within
said plurality of pockets; at least one clothing securing strap in
at least one of said pockets for securing one or more clothing
articles therein; and means for removably securing said lining with
said plurality of pockets to said inner facing side of said
shell.
11. The overcoat as recited in claim 10 wherein said means for
removably securing said lining to said inner facing side of said
shell comprises a non-metallic fastener.
12. The overcoat as recited in claim 11 wherein said non-metallic
fastener is a zipper.
13. The overcoat as recited in claim 10 wherein said pocket panel
of each of said plurality of pockets is an open mesh material.
14. The overcoat as recited in claim 10 further comprising: at
least one securing strap on said lining and exterior of said
plurality of pockets, said at least one securing strap being
structured and disposed for holding one or more articles on said
lining.
15. The overcoat as recited in claim 10 further comprising: a
second main panel positioned on said back lining panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a garment for holding items
when traveling, and more particularly, to an overcoat having an
arrangement of pockets and other means on the inner lining for
packing articles of clothing, toiletries and other items for
travel.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] Transporting luggage when traveling on a commercial airliner
can be a troublesome matter for passengers and is often the cause
of much anxiety. Due to limitations of aisle widths, overhead
luggage compartment size and other safety concerns, virtually all
commercial airlines impose restrictions which limit the size of
luggage pieces that can be carried onto the aircraft by passengers.
Luggage articles which do not meet the size restrictions are
required to be checked at the airline baggage counter for stowage
by airline personnel in the luggage compartment of the aircraft.
Due to delays in claiming checked luggage at the destination, as
well as the inevitable possibility that one's luggage may be lost,
particularly when changing planes in different cities, many
travelers prefer to carry all of their belongings onto the aircraft
for stowage in the cabin compartments. However, the carry-on
baggage restrictions imposed by airlines can present a real
challenge to the airline passenger, particularly after the events
of Sep. 11, 2001 which has led to increased security measures in
the airline industry. Carry-on luggage is now restricted to one
suitcase of limited size and one personal item (e.g. a laptop
computer, purse, briefcase, etc.). These new baggage restrictions,
which are now strictly enforced throughout the airline industry,
severely limit the carry-on capacity of passengers.
[0005] It is important to note that articles of clothing worn or
carried by the airline passenger are not included within the
carry-on baggage restrictions. Therefore, an airline passenger is
permitted to carry one suitcase (of limited size), a personal item
(e.g. laptop, purse, briefcase, etc.), as well as a garment, such
as a coat or jacket onto the aircraft for storage in an overhead
compartment or under the passenger's seat. The garment may be worn
by the passenger or carried (e.g. draped over one's arm) when
boarding the plane and is not considered as an item under the
current carry-on baggage restrictions.
[0006] The present invention significantly increases the carry-on
capacity of an airline passenger by providing a means of packing
clothing articles, toiletries and other items within a garment
which can be carried onto a commercial airliner as a third carry-on
item, along with a carry-on suitcase and other personal item under
the present carry-on baggage restrictions in the airline
industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a garment adapted for
packing articles of clothing and other items therein for traveling,
particularly on a commercial airliner. In a preferred embodiment,
the garment is in the form of an overcoat or trench coat and is
free of any metal components. An arrangement of pockets of varying
size and dimension is provided on the inside of the garment for
holding the clothing articles and other items therein. In the
preferred embodiment, each of the pockets is defined by a panel
which is sewn to an inner lining of the garment along the sides and
bottom periphery. The pocket panel separates from the lining along
the top or side to provide a pocket opening which is secured
closed, to hold the items therein, with the use of a releasable
fastening mechanism such as plastic or nylon zippers or snaps, an
elastic band, or hook and loop fasteners. At least some of the
pockets are provided with straps or other means for securing
trousers and other items of clothing within the pockets in a manner
which limits movement, sagging and wrinkling of the clothing items.
The garment's inner lining is further provided with straps for
securing smaller articles, such as rolled t-shirts and socks. The
pocket panels are preferably formed of a mesh material to provide
ventilation and ease of visual inspection of the contents packed in
the pockets. In at least one embodiment, the entire lining,
including the pockets, is removable from a remainder of the
garment.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a travel garment which functions as
luggage for packing soft items including a wide variety of clothing
articles and toiletries.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
travel garment in the form of an overcoat which includes a
plurality of pockets arranged on an inner lining for holding a
variety of clothing articles and other items therein when
traveling.
[0010] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel garment in the form of an overcoat which is
adapted to hold a variety of clothing articles and other items
therein and which significantly increases the carry-on capacity of
an airline passenger.
[0011] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel garment which is adapted for packing clothing
articles and other items therein and which effectively overcomes
the severe carry-on baggage restrictions in the airline industry by
allowing a passenger to carry the travel garment, fully packed with
clothing and other articles, as a third item in addition to the two
permitted carry-on items (i.e. a small suitcase and personal
item).
[0012] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel garment which is particularly adapted to hold a
large number of articles of clothing and other items therein,
similar to a conventional piece of luggage, and which can be
conveniently worn on the user when traveling, thereby leaving the
user's arms free to carry other items such as a suitcase,
briefcase, laptop computer, purse or the like.
[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel garment which is adapted to hold a variety of
clothing articles and other items therein and which is light
weight, relatively inexpensive and free of any metal elements which
would otherwise trigger a metal detecting device at a security
checkpoint.
[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel garment which is adapted to hold a variety of
clothing articles and other items therein, and wherein the garment
includes see-through pockets to enable ease of visual inspection of
the contents at security check points, thereby avoiding delays and
stressful searches.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the invention are
more readily apparent with reference to the following detailed
description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front, outside perspective view of the travel
garment of the present invention in the form of an overcoat;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the travel garment of
the FIG. 1 shown open to reveal an inner lining and a plurality of
storage pockets;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the travel garment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 shown open to illustrate various articles of clothing
neatly packed and contained within the pockets on the inner lining
of the garments; and
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the travel garment
showing the inner lining with pockets removed from the shell of the
garment.
[0021] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] Referring to the several views of the drawings, the travel
garment of the present invention is shown and generally indicated
as 10. The travel garment 10 is particularly suited for travel on a
commercial airliner to increase the carry-on baggage capacity of a
passenger within current restrictions in the airline industry.
[0023] As seen throughout the several views of the drawings, a
preferred embodiment of the travel garment 10 is in the form of a
coat 12. The coat 12 is preferably in the form of a trench coat or
overcoat which extends well below the waist when worn on the user,
thereby providing for a maximum storage capacity for clothing and
other items, as discussed more fully hereinafter. The coat 12
includes an outer shell 14 with a main body 15 and sleeves 26. The
shell 14 includes an outer facing side 16 and an inner side 18. The
main body 15 is defined primarily by a back panel 20, a left front
panel 22 and a right front panel 24 which may be secured closed
with the use of buttons 29 or other suitable closure means in the
conventional manner. The coat may further include a collar 28.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the garment 10 further includes a
lining 30 having an inside surface 32. The lining 30 may be
permanently fabricated to the inner side of the garment shell 14
or, alternatively, the lining 30 may be removable, as seen in FIG.
4. In the instance that the lining 30 is removable, means for
securing the lining 30 to the shell 14 are provided, as indicated
as 34. Specifically, a nylon zipper, buttons or other fasteners may
be provided for securing the lining 30 in place within the outer
shell 14.
[0025] The lining 30 of the garment 10 is provided with a plurality
of pockets 40 which are structured, sized and arranged for carrying
a variety of clothing articles and other items therein.
Specifically, the pockets positioned against the back panel 20 of
the garment may be larger for holding dress shirts 100 and trousers
or dress slacks 110. As seen in FIG. 3, the upper center pocket,
which is positioned against the back panel of the garment, is
particularly suited for holding folded dress shirts 100 therein.
The bottom center pocket is particularly suited for holding dress
slacks 110. Other pockets 40 positioned against the inner side of
the left and right front panels 22, 24 of the garment are
structured, sized and arranged for holding smaller articles of
clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, undergarments 130, socks 120 and
men's ties 140.
[0026] Each of the pockets 40 is formed by a panel 42 which is
stitched or otherwise secured to the inside surface 32 of the
lining 30 along the side edges 44 and bottom edge 46. The top edge
48 of the panel 42 separates from the lining 30 to provide an
opening 50 for inserting and removing the articles within the
pocket 40. Accordingly, the pocket is formed between the panel 42
and the inside surface 32 of the lining 30. In a preferred
embodiment, the panels 42 of the pocket 40 are formed of a open
mesh material, as seen in FIGS. 2-4, thereby providing for improved
ventilation while also permitting ease of visual inspection of the
contents held within the pockets 40. This helps to avoid delays at
security checkpoints in an airport or other venue. It should be
noted that the pocket opening 50 may be provided along one of the
side edges 44 as an alternative structure. In this instance, the
top edge 48 of the pocket panel 42 may or may not be permanently
secured to the lining 30.
[0027] The pockets 40 are each provided with closure means 52 at
the pocket opening 50 in order to releasably secure the pocket
opening 50 closed when articles are packed within the pockets
during travel. The closure means 52 may be any of a variety of
non-metallic fastening devices such as, but not limited to, plastic
or nylon zippers, plastic or nylon snaps, an elastic band or hook
and loop fasteners. The closure means 52 helps to hold the panel 42
snug against the articles contained within the pockets 40, thereby
holding the articles securely therein without excessive movement.
To further secure the various clothing articles within the pockets,
straps 56 are provided. Specifically, strap segments 56 are
provided within the interior of at least some of the pockets 40 and
are secured at one end. The strap segments 56 extend across the
width of the pockets and are secured together with the use of clips
or buckles 58. The strap segments 56 may be adjustable in length so
that when secured together, using the clips 58, the straps are held
snuggly against the clothing articles, thereby preventing excessive
movement of the articles within the pockets. As seen in FIGS. 3 and
4, the straps 56 within the pockets may further be used as a means
for hanging dress slacks 110 within the pocket. This helps to
minimize wrinkling of trousers or dress slacks by holding them in
the folded position, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0028] The inner lining 30 may further be provided with straps 60
and other securing means for holding articles outside of the
pockets. The straps 60 may be secured at opposite free ends with
the use of hook and loop fasteners, or other releasable fastening
means, and are particularly suited for securing rolled articles of
clothing, such as t-shirts and socks.
[0029] It is important to note that the entire garment 10,
including all components on the outer shell 14, inner lining 30,
and pockets 40, is free of any metallic elements which would
trigger an alarm on a metal detecting apparatus, such as those used
at security checkpoints in airports.
[0030] While the invention has been shown and described according
to a preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures from
the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *