U.S. patent application number 11/604318 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for waterproof cuff assembly for outer wear garment.
Invention is credited to Gary A. Tolton.
Application Number | 20080120759 11/604318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39462197 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080120759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tolton; Gary A. |
May 29, 2008 |
Waterproof cuff assembly for outer wear garment
Abstract
A waterproof cuff assembly for securement to the free end of a
sleeve of an outer wear garment, such as a fishing jacket, skiing
jacket, or the like. The waterproof cuff assembly comprises an
outer cuff, and a tubular sock; the components are sewn together
and the seams are sealed by seaming tape. A cinch strap extends
laterally about the exterior of the longitudinally extending
tubular sock; when tightened, in cooperation with a keeper, the
strap divides the sock into two, interacting sections, namely, a
cuff extension and a wristlet. The cuff extension is sewn into the
free end of a sleeve, and is tucked, or folded, into the sleeve.
The size of the fold, when unfurled, controls the extent of
longitudinal movement of the wristlet. The cinch strap, when
tightened, retains the wristlet in fixed position, and does not
allow the wristlet to slide along the wrist of the user into the
finger area, despite vigorous movement of the arms of the wearer of
the garment. The cinch strap also provides a barrier to the entry
of moisture, through the cuff assembly, and into the interior of
the jacket.
Inventors: |
Tolton; Gary A.; (Red Lion,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hoffman, Wasson & Gitler, P.C.;Crystal Center 2
Suite 522, 2461 South Clark Street
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
39462197 |
Appl. No.: |
11/604318 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/87 ; 2/243.1;
2/270; 2/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/87 ; 2/93;
2/270; 2/243.1 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/04 20060101
A41D003/04; A41D 3/02 20060101 A41D003/02; A41D 27/10 20060101
A41D027/10; A41D 27/00 20060101 A41D027/00 |
Claims
1. A waterproof cuff assembly secured to the sleeve of an outer
wear garment, said assembly comprising: a) an outer cuff; b) a
tubular sock; c) a cinch strap extending about the exterior of said
tubular sock; d) one end of said outer cuff being sewn into the
free end of said sleeve; e) one end of said tubular sock being sewn
into said outer cuff; f) said cinch strap, when tightened, dividing
said tubular sock into a cuff extension and a wristlet; g) said
cuff extension being inserted into the interior of said outer cuff
to define a fold; h) said fold being formed with sufficient depth
to position the leading edoe of said tubular sock approximately in
alignment with the leading edge of said outer cuff, when the
waterproof cuff assembly is in its position of repose; i) said
fold, when unfurled, governing the extent of longitudinal movement
of said wristlet; and j) said cinch strap, when tightened,
preventing the sliding movement of said cuff assembly along the
wrist of a wearer of the garment to intrude into the finger area of
the wearer.
2. The waterproof cuff assembly of claim 1, wherein said tubular
sock is formed of a length of waterproof material sewn together
along a longitudinal seam, and folded over itself to provide a
double-thickness of material with a continuous outer edge, and seam
tape is applied over said seam to render said tubular sock
waterproof.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The waterproof cuff assembly of claim 1, wherein said cinch
strap extends laterally about the longitudinal extent of said
tubular sock, and a keeper cooperates with said cinch strap to lock
said strap in fixed position upon the wrist of the wearer and serve
as a barrier to the entry of moisture into the cuff assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a waterproof cuff assembly for an
outer wear garment, such as a fishing jacket, skiing jacket, or the
like, that prevents moisture from entering the interior of the
garment via the cuff.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various attempts have been made to provide a waterproof cuff
that prevents, or at least minimizes, the entry of moisture into
the interior of an outer wear, or athletic, wear garment. The
moisture diminishes the insulation characteristics of the outer
wear garment, particularly under cold and wet climatic conditions,
and limits the wearer's ability to engage, in comfort, in outdoor
activities, such as fishing, jogging, walking, skiing, etc.
[0003] To illustrate, U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,223, granted May 17,
1977, to A. A. Anderson et al, discloses an emergency suit for
covering, and protecting, the entire body of the wearer against
exposure in water. The suit comprises a single garment with inner 6
and outer 7 layers, and water excluding seals 12, 13, 14, 16, etc.
at the ankle, wrist, and neck portions. Small vents are located at
each extremity to provide access for air and water into the space
10 defined between the inner and outer layers, as shown in FIGS. 4
and 5, and as described in column 3, lines 8-334. Sealing bands 12
reduce the rate of ingress of air and water. The water and air
trapped between the layers of the suit promote buoyancy within the
suit.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,200, granted Sep. 19, 1978, to Linda H.
Smith, discloses a liquid impervious cuff assembly 1 for a
disposable surgical gown 2 or the like, comprising a stockinette
folded back upon itself to form a double-walled, substantially
cylindrical cuff envelope 3 folded at its forward end, open at its
rearward end, and having inner and outer walls 4, 5. A layer 8 of
liquid impervious material, as described in detail at column 3,
line 62--column 4, line 22, is located between the inner and outer
walls of the cuff envelope. The open end of the cuff envelope, and
the fluid impervious layer located between the walls thereof, are
attached to the free end of a sleeve of a surgical gown.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,753, granted Dec. 30, 1986, to Carolyn
C. Ehring, discloses a sleeve 12 for fire protection, and a thermal
layer sleeve 14 positioned therewithin, as shown in FIG. 1. The
sleeve attachment comprises a detachable wristlet assembly 16
including a tubular wristlet 18 and a flexible sleeve member 20
circumferentially secured to the tubular wristlet. The flexible
sleeve member is provided with cooperating (hook) fasteners 30 that
cooperate with(eye) fasteners on the outer end of the thermal layer
for establishing a removable, circumferential attachment between
the flexible sleeve member and the inner thermal layer, as shown in
FIG. 2. The wristlet can extend through the central opening in
tubular water well member 50, as shown in FIG. 3. The water well
member traps fluid that may fall into the annular trough when a
fire fighter, wearing the coat, discharges a hose, in a vertical
orientation. Eyelets 64 allow the captured water to drain out of
the trough.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,595, granted Jan. 31, 1989, to Robert H.
Askew, discloses a circular seal system suitable for use on
protective, outer wear garments. The system 20 is comprised of a
drawline 21 having one end 22 secured to the article or clothing
(such as sleeve 24, and a free end 28 adapted to be led along the
circumference of the article to a return anchor point 25, and led
back along itself to a pivoting anchor point 27 attached near the
attached end of the drawline. The return anchor is attached to the
article at a point along the circumference opposite the attached
end of the drawline, as shown in FIG. 2. A pocket 30 is used to
enclose the drawline and assist in providing a more generally
radial collapse, when the drawline is pulled to tighten the sleeve
around the arm of the wearer.
[0007] However, known waterproof cuffs lack the ability to move in
a telescoping manner relative to the garment to which they are
secured, from a position of repose to an extended position. Also,
known waterproof cuffs are not anchored, by an adjustable strap,
and keeper, to the wrist of the wearer, so that the waterproof seal
remains intact when the arm of the wearer is extended or retracted.
Known waterproof cuffs tend to ride up, or slide along, the arm of
the wearer, particularly when the arm of the wearer is extended, as
may occur in fishing, skiing, and diverse athletic endeavors
involving vigorous movement of the arms of the wearer; such
movement interferes with the hand and fingers of the wearer during
the athletic endeavor, and may diminish the accuracy of the
endeavor, such as casting a line in fishing, or handling a ski
pole, firing a rifle, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Thus, with the deficiencies of known waterproof cuffs
clearly in mind, the present invention contemplates a waterproof
cuff assembly that is secured to the free end of the sleeve of an
outer wear garment in a unique manner. The seams of the waterproof
cuff assembly are sealed in a waterproof manner.
[0009] The waterproof cuff assembly comprises an outer cuff and a
tubular sock that are sewn together. A cinch strap fits about the
exterior of the sock, and when tightened, divides same into a cuff
extension and a wristlet. The method of joining the components of
the cuff assembly together, and the sequence of steps involved in
such process, are novel in concept and implementation.
[0010] The cinch strap is secured about the wrist of the wearer of
the jacket and, in conjunction with a keeper, anchors the
waterproof cuff assembly on the wrist of the wearer. The waterproof
cuff assembly remains in a fixed position when the cinch strap is
tightened, despite extension or retraction of the arm of the
wearer, and does not slide along the arm of the wearer into the
finger region.
[0011] The cinch strap draws the tubular sock snugly against the
wrist of the wearer. The cinch strap utilizes a keeper, such as
Velcro fasteners, or a buckle and strap arrangement, so that the
cinch strap functions satisfactorily over the range of wrist sizes
for different persons.
[0012] The cinch strap, when tightened, divides the tubular sock
into two halves, namely, a cuff extension located between the cuff
liner and the cinch strap, and a wristlet extending outwardly from
the cinch strap toward the fingers of the wearer of the garment.
The cuff extension is folded, or tucked, inwardly, to define a
normal, retracted position for the wristlet, and is extended
longitudinally, or drawn outwardly, to accommodate the extension of
the arm of the wearer. The wristlet is locked in fixed position by
the cinch strap and keeper, and does not interfere with the
extension, or retraction, of the arm of the wearer. The wearer
might extend, and retract, his arm repetitively, during fishing,
sailing, skiing, skating, etc. without any interferences from the
wristlet.
[0013] The tubular sock consists of lengths of waterproof material
sewn together along longitudinal seams. Seaming tape covers the
seams and maintains same waterproof. The sock is turned inside out
and sewn into the sleeves, so that the outwardly facing, folded
over edge of the sock is unbroken and impervious to penetration by
moisture.
[0014] Other advantages attributable to the instant invention will
occur to the skilled artisan when the appended drawings are
construed in harmony with the specification of the instant
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outer wear garment
employing applicant's unique waterproof cuff assembly;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the components of
the waterproof cuff assembly;
[0017] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a fragment of a sleeve of the
outer wear garment of FIG. 1, with the waterproof cuff assembly
secured thereto;
[0018] FIG. 3b is a plan view similar to FIG. 3a, but showing the
sleeve and the waterproof cuff assembly turned inside out with seam
tape applied thereto;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the waterproof cuff assembly,
in its position of repose, relative to the sleeve;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the waterproof cuff assembly
in its extended position, relative to the sleeve;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the waterproof cuff
assembly, in its position of repose relative to the hand of a
wearer of the waterproof garment of FIG. 1; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 6, but showing
the waterproof cuff assembly in its extended condition relative to
the hand of the wearer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an outer wear
garment 10, such as a fishing jacket. Jacket 10 comprises left
front panel 12, right front panel 14, and back panel 16; a zipper,
or other fastener (not shown), secures panels 12 and 14 together to
seal the jacket about the chest and stomach of the wearer, and
vertically extending flap 17 protects the fastener. Stretch panel
18 encircles the collar and neck of the wearer and attaches the
hood 20 to the body of the jacket. The hood, with visor 22, fits
snugly over the head of the wearer. Left shoulder panel 24 extends
away from stretch panel 18, and left sleeve 26 extends from panel
24. Right shoulder panel 28 extends away from stretch panel 18, and
right sleeve 30 extends from panel 28.
[0024] Waterproof cuff assembly 32 is secured to the free end of
sleeve 26, while an identical waterproof cuff assembly 34 is
secured to the free end of sleeve 30. Waterproof pants 36, made of
a material similar to that used for jacket 10, complete the
clothing worn to protect against the climatic conditions,
particularly moisture. A high storm collar 38 extends about the
neck of the wearer of garment 10 to keep moisture from entering the
garment through the neck opening.
[0025] Jacket 10 comprises an outer shell, that is light in weight,
weatherproof, and has sufficient porosity to allow the perspiration
vapor of the wearer to escape; one commercially available material
that satisfies these criteria is a textured, two-layer laminated
film, manufactured by W.L. Gore-Tex Fabric Co., under the brand,
GORE-TEX. Additional details of the jacket may be gathered from
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,717; 5,218,710; and 6,052,826, granted to Gary
A. Tolton, the inventor of the instant waterproof cuff
assembly.
[0026] FIG. 2 reveals the components that comprise waterproof cuff
assembly 32. Since waterproof cuff assembly 34 is identical to
assembly 32, only assembly 32 is shown and described in detail.
[0027] Waterproof cuff assembly 32 comprises outer cuff 40, and
tubular sock 44. Tubular sock 44 includes cinch strap 46, which
extends laterally about the exterior of the sock, and divides the
sock into cuff extension 48 and wristlet 50. Cinch strap 46, which
is located in the central section of sock 44, includes keeper 52
that receives the free end of the strap. The strap employs hook and
eye fasteners 54 to retain the strap in its adjusted condition.
[0028] FIG. 3a shows cuff assembly 32 secured to the free end of
sleeve 26. The inner end of outer cuff 40 is sewn into sleeve 26
along seam 56. Tubular sock 44 is sewn into the outer end of outer
cuff 40 along seam 58. Sock 44 is slightly tapered along its
longitudinal extent; the end of the sock sewn into outer cuff 40 is
somewhat larger than the opposite, or leading end.
[0029] FIG. 3b shows cuff assembly 32 in its turned inside-out, or
everted, condition. Such condition prevails during the assembly and
joinder of the components of the waterproof cuff assembly. A
longitudinal seam (not shown) in sleeve 26 is covered by a length
of seam tape 60. Seam 56 is covered by another strip of seam tape
61. Seam 62 extends longitudinally along the length of tubular sock
44.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows cuff assembly 32, in its position of repose,
resting within outer cuff 40. Cuff extension 48 is folded, or
tucked, inwardly so that wristlet 50 is centered within the outer
cuff, and the projecting, or leading, edge of wristlet 50 is
approximately parallel to the leading edge of outer cuff 40.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows cuff assembly 32 as wristlet 50 is withdrawn
slightly from outer cuff 40. The fold in cuff extension 48
diminishes in depth as the wristlet is withdrawn. Cuff extension
48, once cinch strap 46 is tightened, governs the extent of
movement of wristlet 50 relative to cuff 40 and sleeve 26.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows waterproof cuff assembly 32, in its position of
repose, relative to the hand of a wearer of outer wear garment 10.
The cuff assembly is retained within the confines of outer cuff
40.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a waterproof cuff assembly 32, in its extended
position, relative to the hand of a wearer of outer wear garment
10. Cinch strap 46 has been tightened, by keeper 52, thereby
dividing tubular sock 44 into cuff extension 48 and wristlet 50.
Cinch strap 46 is relatively broad, and presses sock snugly against
the wrist of the wearer over a wide contact area to provide a
physical barrier to the entry of moisture into the interior of
garment 10. Lastly, cinch strap 46 serves as an anchor to prevent
wristlet 50 from sliding along the wrist of the wearer, and into
the area of the fingers, which might be an impediment to the wearer
in performing selected functions, such as casting a fishing line,
or extending one's arm to grasp a ski pole.
[0034] Modifications to applicant's waterproof cuff assembly may
occur to the skilled artisan, e.g. snap fasteners may be used in
lieu of hook and eye fasteners for cinch strap 46. Consequently,
the appended claims should be construed broadly in a manner
consistent with the spirit and scope of the waterproof assembly
described above, and should not be limited to their literal
terms.
* * * * *