U.S. patent application number 12/029887 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for garmet system and method of cheering.
This patent application is currently assigned to ISABELA SUMMERS, INC., D/B/A STADIUM WRAP, ISABELA SUMMERS, INC., D/B/A STADIUM WRAP. Invention is credited to Glenn Laga, Isabel Summers.
Application Number | 20080209612 12/029887 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39732030 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080209612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Summers; Isabel ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
GARMET SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CHEERING
Abstract
A garment system is provided for use as a weather protective
garment and padded seat cushion while sitting. The garment system
can include a protective garment that carries a garment pouch
within a rear panel of the protective garment, for stowing the
protective garment when not in use. A padded cushion can be carried
by the garment pouch so that it is positioned within the rear
panel, thus protecting the cushion from the weather and aligning it
for use when sitting. A hand warmer can be used by a spectator to
cheer on a team or other event participant. The spectator can
secure the hand warmer to a wrist and wave or otherwise move the
hand warmer in a supportive manner.
Inventors: |
Summers; Isabel; (New York,
NY) ; Laga; Glenn; (Park Ridge, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET, SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
ISABELA SUMMERS, INC., D/B/A
STADIUM WRAP
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
39732030 |
Appl. No.: |
12/029887 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60892333 |
Mar 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/84 ; 2/267;
2/85; 2/88; 2/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20130101; A41D
15/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/84 ; 2/85;
2/88; 2/93; 2/267 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20060101
A41D003/08; A41D 3/02 20060101 A41D003/02; A41D 27/26 20060101
A41D027/26 |
Claims
1. A garment system comprising: a protective garment having a rear
panel, wherein the rear panel comprises a first surface, a second
surface, and a bottom edge; a garment pouch carried by the rear
panel between the first and second surfaces, wherein the garment
pouch comprises a garment pouch opening proximate the bottom edge
of the rear panel and wherein the garment pouch is adapted to stow
the protective garment when the protective garment is not being
worn; a cushion compartment disposed between the first and second
surfaces of the rear panel; and a padded cushion disposed within
the cushion compartment.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cushion compartment is
carried by the garment pouch.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the garment pouch is adapted to
turn inside-out in order to stow the protective garment.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear panel further comprises
a top edge and the protective garment further comprises a first
front panel attached to the top edge of the rear panel, a second
front panel attached to the top edge of the rear panel, and a front
fastener for detachably attaching the first front panel to the
second front panel.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the protective garment further
comprises a first side fastener for detachably attaching the first
front panel to the rear panel and a second side fastener for
detachably attaching the second front panel to the rear panel.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first and second side
fasteners comprise zippers.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap for
carrying the garment pouch when the protective garment is stowed in
the garment pouch.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second surface of the
protective garment comprises a thermally insulating material and
the first surface comprises a weather-resistant material.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the protective garment further
comprises a hood.
10. A method of using a protective garment, comprising: providing a
protective garment in a first state wherein the protective garment
is stowed within a pouch carried by the protective garment and
wherein the protective garment comprises a rear panel; providing a
cushion compartment carried by the pouch; providing a cushion
within the cushion compartment; turning the pouch inside-out so as
to ready the protective garment for wearing in a second state; and
retaining the pouch and the cushion compartment within the rear
panel of the protective garment in the second state.
11. A method of cheering, comprising: providing a hand warmer
comprising an outer shell, an inner lining, at least one
hand-receiving aperture, and a wristband attached to one end of the
hand warmer; attaching the hand warmer to a wrist of a user by
securing the wristband around the wrist of the user; and swinging
the hand warmer.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein swinging the hand warmer
comprises twirling the hand warmer above a head of the user.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching the
wristband to the hand warmer with a swivel.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a pocket
within the hand warmer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/892,333, filed Mar. 1, 2007, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparel, and more
particularly to outer apparel designed to protect a person from the
weather.
BACKGROUND
[0003] When attending outdoor events, spectators usually bring
along items designed to make their experience more enjoyable. Among
these, a spectator may bring a number of items designed to protect
the spectator from inclement weather, or sudden changes in the
weather. These items usually include protective garments like coats
or ponchos, in addition to blankets, umbrellas, muffs, and the
like, which may help keep a spectator comfortable during an
unexpected downpour or cold spell.
[0004] Seating at outdoor events is usually uncomfortable at best.
Seats in stadiums, outdoor arenas, or amphitheaters are often made
of hard plastic, wood material, or a metal such as aluminum, or
occasionally may be fashioned out of stone. These seats can be
extremely uncomfortable, even numbing, for a spectator to sit on
for an extended period of time. A spectator will often bring a pad
or seat cushion to provide more comfortable seating, but a seat
cushion only adds to the already large number of items for the
spectator to transport and manage. Cushions are also used to
provide dryer and warmer seats, especially when inclement weather
has made the available event seating wet and cold before a
spectator sits down. However, a seat cushion can become wet and
cold itself if it is inadvertently left uncovered, for example,
when a fan temporarily stands to cheer. In addition, seat cushions
can often fall from bleachers or other seating to the ground when a
fan stands to cheer. Sometimes the cushion may be irretrievably
lost beneath the seating.
[0005] A muff, or other hand warmer, is often used to keep a
spectator's hands warm. While they can be used in a variety of
settings, they are especially well-suited for use by spectators at
outdoor sporting events in cool weather. A hand warmer generally
includes a cylinder-type shaped body with an aperture on one or
both ends for receiving the spectator's hands. A spectator that
uses a hand warmer can at times find difficulty in cheering or
applauding in a conventional manner because the spectator's hands
are usually within the hand warmer. For example, a spectator at
times will desire to stand and clap, display a sign, or show
support in another way, but will not because of the cumbersome
process of removing the hand warmer, finding a place to leave the
hand warmer while clapping, standing, or otherwise showing support,
relocating the hand warmer, and placing the spectator's hands back
within the hand warmer. In addition, the spectator may be reluctant
to remove the hand warmer and cheer knowing that the hand warmer
could become displaced while the spectator's attention is focused
on the event at hand.
SUMMARY
[0006] Some embodiments are directed to a garment system that can
have a protective garment and a garment pouch for retaining the
protective garment when not worn. The protective garment can have a
rear panel with both a first and a second surface. In some
embodiments, the garment pouch can be carried by the rear panel
between the surfaces such that the opening of the garment pouch is
formed proximate a bottom edge of the rear panel. In some
embodiments, the spectator can advantageously gather the protective
garment together and turn the garment pouch inside-out in order to
stow the protective garment within the garment pouch. In some
embodiments, a cushion compartment with a padded cushion is carried
by the protective garment and/or the garment pouch so that when a
spectator is wearing the protective garment, the padded cushion
provides a comfortable area on which to sit. In some embodiments,
the cushion compartment is also disposed between the surfaces of
the rear panel when the protective garment is worn such that the
padded cushion does not need to be separately carried.
[0007] In some embodiments the protective garment can have front
panels attached to the rear panel. A front fastener can detachably
attach the front panels together and in some embodiments side
fasteners can detachably attach the front panels with the rear
panel in order to further enclose the spectator. In some
embodiments, the side fasteners can be zippers and/or hook and loop
fasteners. For further enclosure, some exemplary garment systems
can include a hood. Further, the second surface of the protective
garment can be lined with a thermally insulating material and the
first surface can comprise a weather-resistant material in some
embodiments. The garment pouch can have one or more straps that
allows the spectator to carry the garment pouch when the protective
garment is stowed within the garment pouch.
[0008] Some embodiments include a garment system for both warming
hands and cheering. In some embodiments, a hand warmer can be
provided with an outer shell, an inner lining, and one or more
apertures for receiving a spectator's hand. A wristband can be
provided and the hand warmer can be attached to the wrist of the
spectator, thus advantageously limiting the inadvertent loss of the
hand warmer. In some embodiments, the spectator can swing the hand
warmer or twirl the hand warmer above his or her head, thus
allowing the spectator to express his or her emotions and/or
support. In other embodiments, the hand warmer can be provided with
a pocket for enclosing personal items of the spectator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a garment system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a garment system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a cushion compartment
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a hand warmer according
to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different
drawings are numbered identically. The drawings, which are not
necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention. Examples of
constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes
are provided for selected elements. All other elements employ that
which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples
provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a front elevation view of a protective garment
10 as part of a garment system 20 in one embodiment of the
invention. The protective garment 10 generally includes a first
front panel 30, a second front panel 40, and a rear panel (not
shown in FIG. 1). The first and second front panels 30, 40 can be
attached to the rear panel along their respective top edges 50, 60.
In some embodiments, the first and second panels can be detachably
attached to the rear panel along their respective outside edges 62,
64 in order to advantageously close the protective garment 10
around a spectator. Many protective garments known in the art, such
as capes, wraps, or ponchos, close around a spectator, but do not
provide the flexibility of side openings for a spectator's arms.
This embodiment can advantageously include both features. For
example, a first side fastener 70 can detachably attach the first
front panel to the rear panel and a second side fastener 80 can
detachably attach the second front panel to the rear panel. These
side fasteners can comprise any suitable fastener known in the art,
such as, for example, snaps, buttons, and/or hook and loop
fasteners. Further, any number of fasteners can be provided. In
some embodiments, the first and second side fasteners 70, 80 can
allow the front and rear panels to be detachably attached along
respective lengths 90, 91 of their outside edges 62, 64 instead of
at a single area. Those skilled in the art will appreciate this can
be achieved with a variety of fasteners, such as, for example, a
row of spaced snaps, a length of hook and loop fasteners or a
zipper. In some embodiments, a combination of fasteners can be
used. For example only, in one embodiment, snaps can be used to
detachably attach the front panels with the rear panel and zippers
can allow a spectator to enclose himself or herself or optionally
extend his or her arms through openings created along lengths 90,
91 by the zippers.
[0015] In some embodiments, further protection can be provided by
one or more front fasteners 100 that can detachably attach the
first front panel 30 and the second front panel 40 together at one
or more locations. In addition, a hood 110 can be provided for
protection of the spectator's head. In some embodiments, the
protective garment 10 and each panel making up the protective
garment 10 can include a first surface 120 and a second surface
(not shown). In some embodiments the first surface 120 and second
surface can be opposing sides of a sheet of material. In other
embodiments, the surfaces can be sides of sheets of different
materials or multiple sheets of the same material, which are then
stitched or otherwise attached together. For example only and not
by way of limitation, the first surface 120 can comprise a
weather-resistant material such as nylon (e.g., rip-stop nylon,
PVC-coated nylon) and the second surface can comprise a thermally
insulating material such as fleece, so that a spectator wearing the
protective garment is both warm and shielded from rain, wind, and
other unwanted weather. The thermally insulating material may
provide varying degrees of insulation. For example, a relatively
heavy-weight, or alternatively, relatively light-weight, fleece
material may be used depending upon the desired application. Or,
the second surface may provide little or no insulation, such as in
the case of a mesh liner which may be more appropriate in warmer
climates. Those skilled in the art will appreciate these materials
as illustrative only and recognize that numerous materials can be
used depending upon the application.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a rear elevation view of the protective garment
10 and the garment system 20. The rear panel 130 previously
discussed includes side edges, a top edge 140, a bottom edge 150,
the first surface 120, and the second surface (not shown). The rear
panel 130 can carry a garment pouch 160 that is adapted to stow the
protective garment 10 when it is not being worn. For example, the
garment pouch 160 can be disposed within or attached to the rear
panel. In some embodiments, the garment pouch 160 can be located
between the first surface 120 and the second surface of the rear
panel. A garment pouch opening 170 can be positioned proximate to
the bottom edge 150 of the rear panel 130. In some embodiments, the
garment pouch 160 can be a separate pouch or bag that is attached
to the protective garment 10 solely around the garment pouch
opening 170, thus providing a garment pouch that can be easily
pulled out from within the rear panel 130. In some embodiments, the
garment pouch 160 is a separate pouch or bag that is attached to
one or more of the first surface 120 and/or second surface of the
rear panel 130 by a fastener. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2,
the garment pouch 160 can be defined by the first surface 120 and
an intermediate third surface of the rear panel (not shown in FIG.
2) that is disposed between the first and second surfaces. In some
embodiments, the garment pouch 160 can be formed between a separate
sheet 185 of material and one or more opposing sheets of material
opposite the separate sheet 185. In this embodiment, the outer
surface of the separate sheet 185 is considered part of the first
surface 120 and one of the one or more opposing sheets of material
comprises the second surface. A fastener such as stitching
alongside seam lines 175 and a top seam line 180 can define the
perimeter of the garment pouch.
[0017] In operation, a spectator or other user of the garment
system 20 can transform the garment system 20 from a first state in
which the protective garment 10 is stowed within the garment pouch
160 to a second state in which the protective garment 10 is removed
from the garment pouch 160 and ready to wear by the spectator. In
some embodiments, the spectator can transform the garment system 20
from the first state into the second state by turning the garment
pouch 160 inside-out and deploying the protective garment 10. The
protective garment 10 can then be deployed by unfolding and/or
spreading out the protective garment 10. In order to transform the
garment system 20 back into the first state in some embodiments,
the protective garment 10 can be gathered proximate to the garment
pouch location, and the garment pouch 160 can be turned inside-out,
thus stowing the protective garment 10 within the garment pouch
160. For example, the protective garment 10 can be folded, rolled,
and/or bunched proximate the garment pouch 160. In some
embodiments, one or more straps 190 can be provided in order to
carry the garment pouch 160 when stowing the protective garment 10.
In some embodiments, the straps 190 can comprise drawstrings that
can additionally allow the garment pouch opening 170 to be
closed.
[0018] The garment pouch 160 provides a convenient and easy-to-use
mechanism for stowing the protective garment 10 when not in use.
Gathering the protective garment 10 near the garment pouch and then
turning the garment pouch inside-out can easily and quickly be
accomplished as opposed to systems where a protective garment must
first be neatly folded or rolled, or where the garment pouch must
be removed before the protective garment can be stowed. The garment
pouch also advantageously provides a secure and protective
enclosure for the protective garment, especially when compared with
known systems in which the protective garment is rolled and only
secured with a strap or sheet. Embodiments in which a drawstring
can cinch the garment pouch closed provide even greater security
and protection from the weather. In some embodiments, the
protective garment and/or garment pouch can be provided with
specific indicia or colors normally associated with the event or
participant the spectator wishes to support.
[0019] Some embodiments of the present invention can include a
padded cushion carried by the protective garment and/or garment
pouch such that the padded cushion is positioned beneath a
spectator wearing the protective garment when the spectator sits
down. The padded cushion can include any suitable material known in
the art. For example only, the padded cushion can comprise a closed
cell polyurethane foam. It should be appreciated that the padded
cushion can have any thickness or shape suitable for the
application. For example, the padded cushion can be a rectangular
piece of foam having a thickness of about 6 millimeters. In some
embodiments the padded cushion can be disposed between the first
and second surfaces of the protective garment when the spectator
wearing the protective garment is sitting, standing, walking, or in
other positions. Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the
padded cushion can be disposed between the first surface 120 and
the second surface of the rear panel 130, proximate the bottom edge
150 and within the side seam lines 175. The location of the padded
cushion is preferably approximately below the buttocks of the
spectator when standing so that when the spectator sits down, the
padded cushion will be properly positioned below the spectator.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a cushion compartment 200 for retaining the
padded cushion. The cushion compartment 200 can be defined by an
underlying sheet 210 and a cover sheet 220 attached at one or more
edges to form the compartment for the padded cushion. In some
embodiments, the cover sheet 220 can be attached to the underlying
sheet on all sides after the padded cushion has been inserted, thus
ensuring that the padded cushion is not removed or misplaced from
the cushion compartment 200. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3,
the cover sheet is attached at side edges 230 and a first end edge
235 to the underlying sheet 210, thus allowing the padded cushion
to be removably inserted into the cushion compartment 200. In some
embodiments, a detachable fastener can be used to close off the
cushion compartment along a second end edge 240 of the cover sheet
220. FIG. 3 shows an additional embodiment in which a flap sheet
250 conceals the second end edge 240 and the detachable fastener in
order to present an overall aesthetic and pleasing appearance.
[0021] The cushion compartment can be disposed between the first
and second surfaces of the rear panel of the protective garment. In
some embodiments, the cushion compartment 200 can be carried by a
portion of the garment pouch. In some embodiments, the cushion
compartment can be attached to the garment pouch. In some
embodiments, the underlying sheet 210 can comprise a portion of the
garment pouch such that the cushion compartment 200 is defined by
the cover sheet 220 and the garment pouch. In some embodiments, the
cover sheet 220 is attached to the surface of the garment pouch
that is the outside surface when the garment pouch is configured to
stow the protective garment. Then, when the garment pouch is
inverted in order to wear the protective garment, the cover sheet
220 and the cushion compartment 200 are conveniently concealed
within the rear panel of the protective garment, between the first
and second surfaces.
[0022] In this embodiment, the location of the cushion compartment
between the first and second surfaces further protects the cushion
compartment from the weather and thus advantageously provides a dry
seat for a spectator whenever the spectator sits down. Because the
cushion compartment is carried by the rear panel and/or garment
pouch, the cushion compartment will not be left on a bench and
exposed to the weather when a spectator stands up. Instead, the
cushion compartment remains dry and protected from the weather as
it is retained within the protective garment as the spectator
repeatedly stands, sits, or walks about. In addition, the location
of the cushion compartment between the first and second surfaces
advantageously limits the motion of the cushion compartment and
cushion as the spectator moves, especially when compared with
garment systems in which the cushion/compartment merely hangs
loosely from a surface of a protective garment.
[0023] In some embodiments, the cushion compartment is carried by
the garment pouch 160 in between the first surface 120 and the
second surface of the rear panel 130 when the protective garment 10
is extracted from the garment pouch 160. The cover sheet 220 can be
attached directly to the garment pouch 160 to define the cushion
compartment. The cover sheet 220 can be attached by any fastener,
but in some embodiments the cover sheet is attached along its side
edges 230 by stitching along seam lines 175, and along its first
end edge 235 by stitching along a top seam line 236. Although FIG.
2 shows the top seam line 236 positioned on a surface other than
the first surface, the top seam line 236 can also be positioned
upon the first surface 120.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows additional features of the garment pouch that
are included in some embodiments of the garment system. One or more
straps 190 can be provided in order to carry the garment pouch as
previously discussed. In embodiments where the straps 190 comprise
drawstrings, the straps can be positioned within a channel 260 in
order to cinch the top of the garment pouch using techniques known
in the art. In some embodiments, the straps can be tied off on one
or more tabs 270 and rings 280 in order to provide a backpack
configuration. Additionally, some embodiments include rings 290 for
attaching personal items to the garment pouch in ways well known in
the art.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a hand warmer 300
according to an embodiment of the invention. The hand warmer 300
can be included as part of a garment system in embodiments of the
invention in order to provide further protection from the weather.
The hand warmer 300 can be generally cylindrical in shape, although
those skilled in the art will appreciate that various shapes and
sizes can be used. The hand warmer 300 includes hand-receiving
apertures 310, an outer shell 320, and an inner lining 315. In some
embodiments, the outer shell 320 can be constructed from a
weather-resistant material such as, for example, nylon, and the
inner lining 315 can be constructed from a thermally insulating
material such as fleece. In some embodiments, the shell and lining
can comprise the same material. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the shell and lining can include various
configurations and materials other than those examples mentioned
here.
[0026] In some embodiments, the hand warmer can incorporate a
pocket for receiving personal items of a spectator, such as, for
example, keys, a mobile phone, and other small items the spectator
wishes to keep free from exposure. The pocket opening can in some
embodiments be secured with a detachable fastener. For example,
strips of hook and loop fasteners or a zipper can be used to
detachably fasten the opening closed.
[0027] In some embodiments, one or more wristbands 340 can be
incorporated in the hand warmer 300 for securing the hand warmer
around a spectator's wrist(s). The wristbands 340 can in some
embodiments also act through respective channels to cinch the
hand-receiving apertures closed in order to further enclose the
spectator's hands within the hand warmer 300. In some embodiments,
the cinching and/or securing can be facilitated by one or more
stops as is known in the art. In some embodiments, elastic can be
incorporated around the hand-receiving apertures to provide a
similar effect. In some embodiments, the one or more wristbands can
be attached to the hand warmer with a swivel 350, which can
advantageously allow the hand warmer to rotate with respect to the
spectator's wrist(s) without becoming tangled.
[0028] In some embodiments of the garment system, the hand warmer
300 of FIG. 4 can be used by a spectator to cheer and/or show
support in other ways for a participant in an event. For example
only, and not by way of limitation, a spectator can secure the hand
warmer 300 to one of the spectator's wrists with a wristband 340
and then wave the hand warmer 300 through the air as a sign of
support for the participant. In some embodiments, the spectator can
swing the hand warmer back and forth and/or twirl the hand warmer
over the spectator's head. In some embodiments the movement can be
facilitated by the swivel 350 as previously discussed. The hand
warmer can be provided with specific indicia or colors normally
associated with the event or participant the spectator wishes to
support. With such a hand warmer, a spectator can alternatively
cheer on a participant/team and warm the spectator's hands.
[0029] Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention
covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing
description. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure
is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in
details, particularly in matters of shape, size and ordering of
steps without exceeding the spirit of the invention and the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *