U.S. patent application number 12/362333 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for clothing article for supporting a backpack.
Invention is credited to Patrick D. Smith.
Application Number | 20090200348 12/362333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40938049 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090200348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Patrick D. |
August 13, 2009 |
CLOTHING ARTICLE FOR SUPPORTING A BACKPACK
Abstract
An article of backpacking clothing and a backpacking clothing
system includes a garment having an outer side and an inner side,
where a discrete fixing region is affixed to the inner and outer
clothing side, or to an outer clothing side, in an area
corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar area.
Inventors: |
Smith; Patrick D.; (Golden,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET, SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
40938049 |
Appl. No.: |
12/362333 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61025506 |
Feb 1, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/257 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/001 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F 2003/127 20130101; A45F 2003/045 20130101;
A45F 3/12 20130101; A45F 3/00 20130101; A41D 13/0537 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/257 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. An article of backpacking clothing comprising an outer side and
an inner side, each of the outer side and the inner side having a
discrete fixing region in an area corresponding to a typical
wearer's lumbar area.
2. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
discrete fixing regions comprise a first and second fixing patch,
said first fixing patch affixed to the outer side and the second
fixing patch affixed to the inner side.
3. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
discrete fixing regions comprise a woven fixing region woven into
the outer and inner side.
4. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
discrete fixing regions comprise a deposited fixing region
deposited on the outer and the inner side.
5. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
discrete fixing regions are formed integrally with the backpacking
clothing.
6. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
article of clothing is a parka, said parka comprising the inner and
outer side fixing region near the bottom portion of the parka.
7. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
article of clothing is a shirt, said shirt comprising the inner and
outer side fixing region near the bottom portion of the shirt.
8. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
article of clothing is a pair of pants, said pair of pants
comprising the inner and outer side fixing region near the upper
portion of the pants.
9. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 1, wherein the
article of clothing is a belt, said belt comprising the inner and
outer side fixing region covering a portion of the length of the
belt.
10. An article of backpacking clothing comprising an outer side and
an inner side, wherein the outer side comprises a discrete fixing
region in an area corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar area,
and wherein the inner side comprises an affixing apparatus for
affixing the backpacking clothing to another article of
clothing.
11. The article of backpacking clothing of claim 10, wherein the
affixing apparatus is a hook.
12. An article of clothing for use in conjunction with a backpack
comprising: a clothing article having a front and back, the back
comprising an outer side and an inner side; and a first fixing
region coupled to the back outer side and a second fixing region
coupled to the back inner side, said first and second fixing region
configured to couple via friction with other clothing articles,
other fixing regions or with weight bearing regions of
backpacks.
13. The clothing article of claim 12, wherein the article comprises
a coat and the first and second fixing region is coupled to the a
lower portion of the back inner side and outer side, the lower
portion of the coat corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar
region.
14. The clothing article of claim 12, wherein the article comprises
a shirt and the first and second fixing region is coupled to the a
lower portion of the back inner side and outer side, the lower
portion of the shirt corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar
region.
15. The clothing article of claim 12, wherein the article comprises
pants and the first and second fixing region is coupled to the an
upper portion of the back inner side and outer side, the upper
portion of the pants corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar
region.
16. The clothing article of claim 12, wherein at least one of the
first and second fixing region is deposited on the back.
17. The clothing article of claim 12, wherein at least one of the
first and second fixing region is integrally formed with the
back.
18. A backpacking clothing system comprising: a first clothing
article having a front and back, the back comprising an outer side
and an inner side, wherein a first fixing region is coupled to the
back outer side and a second fixing region is coupled to the back
inner side; a second clothing article having a front and back, the
back comprising an outer side and an inner side, wherein a first
fixing region is coupled to the back outer side and a second fixing
region is coupled to the back inner side; wherein the fixing region
on the outer side of the first clothing article is configured to
couple with the fixing region on the inner side of the second
clothing article; wherein the fixing region on the inner side of
the first clothing article is configured to couple via friction
with other clothing; and wherein the fixing region on the outer
side of the second clothing article is configured to couple with
weight bearing regions of backpacks.
19. The backpacking clothing system of claim 18, wherein the fixing
region on the inner side of the first clothing article is further
configured to couple via friction with another clothing article
having a fixing region on a back outer side.
20. The backpacking clothing system of claim 18, wherein the fixing
regions on the first and second clothing articles are horizontally
aligned.
21. The backpacking clothing system of claim 18, wherein the fixing
regions on the first and second clothing articles are arranged on a
lower back portion.
22. The backpacking clothing system of claim 18, wherein the fixing
regions on the first and second clothing articles are arranged on a
lumbar region of the back portion.
23. An article of backpacking clothing comprising an outer side and
an inner side, the outer side having a discrete fixing region in an
area corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar area.
24. A backpacking clothing system comprising: a first clothing
article having a front and back, the back comprising an outer side
and an inner side, wherein a fixing region is coupled to the back
outer side; a second clothing article having a front and back, the
back comprising an outer side and an inner side, wherein a first
fixing region is coupled to the back outer side and a second fixing
region is coupled to the back inner side; wherein the fixing region
on the outer side of the first clothing article is configured to
couple with the fixing region on the inner side of the second
clothing article; and wherein the fixing region on the outer side
of the second clothing article is configured to couple with weight
bearing regions of backpacks.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/025,506, filed on Feb. 1, 2008, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] a. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to clothing, and more
particularly to clothing having a region in an area corresponding
to a wearer's lumbar area that facilitates supporting a
backpack.
[0004] b. Background Art
[0005] A backpacker endeavoring on a backpacking trip will wear
various articles of clothing, such as rain gear, insulated jackets
and pants, wind-resistant garments, and other outdoor active wear.
Some of these clothing articles may be constructed of slippery
fabrics such as nylon, polyester, or coated fabrics.
[0006] Backpacks are designed to carry weight on a wearer's hip
girdle, i.e., the top of a wearer's hip shelf, so that the weight
of the backpack is transferred to the backpacker's legs and not
their back. To effectively transfer backpack weight to the legs,
the backpack itself rests against the wearer's lumbar region and
the backpack belt rests on the wearer's hips. Backpack shoulder
straps may act to balance backpack weight as opposed to
transferring weight to the backpacker's shoulders. A problem
commonly encountered when backpacking is a backpack will slip below
the wearer's lumbar region resulting in incorrect backpack weight
positioning on the wearer's body. This problem may be the result of
the backpacker wearing clothing articles made of the slippery
fabric, such as those described above. The slippery fabric causes
the backpack to slip due to the lack of or reduced amount of
friction between the region of backpack resting against the
wearer's lumbar region and the wearer's clothing in the area
corresponding to the wearer's lumbar region. Backpack slippage can
cause discomfort, inefficiencies in weight loading and balancing,
and injuries such as back, shoulder and neck injuries.
[0007] As a result, there is a need in the art to provide a way to
reduce backpack slippage in order to correctly distribute backpack
weight to a user's hip girdle and to help avoid inefficient weight
distribution, and backpack-related injuries.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is an article of
backpacking clothing that includes an outer side and an inner side,
where each of the outer side and the inner side have a discrete
fixing region in an area corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar
area.
[0009] In another embodiment, an article of backpacking clothing
includes an outer side and an inner side, where the outer side has
a discrete fixing region in an area corresponding to a typical
wearer's lumbar area, and where the inner side has an affixing
apparatus for affixing the backpacking clothing to another article
of clothing.
[0010] In some embodiments, an article of clothing for use in
conjunction with a backpack includes: a clothing article having a
front and back, where the back has an outer side and an inner side;
and a first fixing region coupled to the back outer side and a
second fixing region coupled to the back inner side, where the
first and second fixing regions are configured to couple via
friction with other clothing articles, other fixing regions
disposed on clothing articles or with weight bearing regions of
backpacks.
[0011] A backpacking clothing system, according to some
embodiments, includes a first clothing article having a front and
back, the back having an outer side and an inner side, where a
first fixing region is coupled to the back outer side and a second
fixing region is coupled to the back inner side; a second clothing
article having a front and back, the back having an outer side and
an inner side, where a first fixing region is coupled to the back
outer side and a second fixing region is coupled to the back inner
side; where the fixing region on the outer side of the first
clothing article is configured to couple with the fixing region on
the inner side of the second clothing article; where the fixing
region on the inner side of the first clothing article is
configured to couple via friction with other clothing; and where
the fixing region on the outer side of the second clothing article
is configured to couple with weight bearing regions of
backpacks.
[0012] In another embodiment, an article of backpacking clothing
includes an outer side and an inner side, with the outer side
including a discrete fixing region in an area corresponding to a
typical wearer's lumbar area.
[0013] A backpacking clothing system, according to a further
embodiment, includes a first clothing article having a front and
back, with the back having an outer side and an inner side, and a
fixing region coupled to the back outer side; a second clothing
article having a front and back, the back having an outer side and
an inner side, where a first fixing region is coupled to the back
outer side and a second fixing region is coupled to the back inner
side; where the fixing region on the outer side of the first
clothing article is configured to couple with the fixing region on
the inner side of the second clothing article; and where the fixing
region on the outer side of the second clothing article is
configured to couple with weight bearing regions of backpacks.
[0014] While multiple embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein, still other embodiments of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative
embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, by those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following disclosure,
the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIGS. 1A-B are illustrations of back and side views of a
backpack.
[0016] FIGS. 2A-H are illustrations of clothing having fixing
regions in an area corresponding to a wearer's lumbar area.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a profile of a user wearing a
parka, shirt and pants with their respective fixing regions
corresponding to the lumbar region of a user's body.
[0018] FIGS. 4A-F depict certain configurations of a fixing
patch.
[0019] FIGS. 5A-B depict alternative configurations of a fixing
patch.
[0020] FIGS. 6A-B depict configurations of fixing regions.
[0021] FIGS. 7A-D are illustrations of clothing having a fixing
region in an area corresponding to a wearer's lumbar area.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention provide clothing
garments for facilitating the support and positioning of a backpack
on a user's back, particularly in the lumbar region of a user's
back. Clothing for use with backpacks, according to the present
invention, is more fully described herein with reference to the
figures.
[0023] FIGS. 1A-B are illustrations of a back and side view of a
backpack 10 used for backpacking and camping trips having a weight
bearing region (R.sub.wb). The R.sub.wb area of backpack 10, when
properly positioned on the body, rests against a backpacker's
lumbar area. As a result, the weight of backpack 10 is transferred
to the backpacker's hip girdle and legs. The present invention
provides clothing for use in conjunction with backpacks in an area
of the clothing corresponding where the backpack contacts the user,
in the user's lumbar area and R.sub.wb of the backpack.
[0024] Clothing garments disclosed herein include discrete fixing
regions capable of supporting and/or securing backpacks or other
items resting against a user's back as well as interlocking with
other discrete fixing regions disposed on adjacent clothing. In
certain embodiments, discrete fixing regions are on both an inner
and an outer back side of a garment. In alternative embodiments,
discrete fixing regions may be affixed to an outer back side of a
garment. In further embodiments, additional discrete fixing regions
may be arranged on the garment, for example, in a shoulder, hip, or
waist portion of a garment.
[0025] According to the present invention, a fixing region may be
composed of various tacky, adhesive and/or gummy materials, which
facilitates supporting, securing and/or interlocking with other
fixing regions, clothing or a backpack. In particular, the
interface between the fixing region and a clothing article, a
backpack or another fixing region results in frictional, traction,
adhesive, and/or compression forces, that facilitates maintaining a
desired position of a backpack. In certain embodiments, a tacky
fixing region may have grip-like properties when interfaced with
another material. In addition or alternatively, a fixing region
that has adhesive properties may adhere slightly with another
material. In further embodiments, a fixing material that is gummy
may adhere to another material when compressed, for example.
[0026] FIGS. 2A-H are illustrations of clothing articles having
discrete fixing regions on the back and front of the article in an
area corresponding to a wearer's lumbar area. Fixing regions adhere
to one another, to a user's clothing or skin, and/or to a backpack,
and support or secure R.sub.wb of a backpack in its desired
position.
[0027] In FIGS. 2A-B, a parka or coat 210 includes fixing region
215 on a back lower portion of the outside of parka 210 (FIG. 2A)
and a fixing region 220 on the back lower portion of the inside of
parka 210 (FIG. 2B), i.e., the back inside portion is viewable when
looking at the front of the clothing article if the clothing
article is open like in FIG. 2B. Inner and outer fixing region 215
and 220 may be joined or spaced apart on parka 210 or another
garment. When the regions are spaced apart, the structure of the
coat or other garment may be constructed so as to limit shear
motion in order to reduce shear stress on the garment and user.
[0028] In FIGS. 2C-D, a shirt or base layer 230 includes a fixing
region 235 on the back lower portion of the outside of shirt 230
(FIG. 2C) and a fixing region 240 on the back lower portion of the
inside of shirt 230 (FIG. 2D).
[0029] FIGS. 2E-F illustrate pants 250, which may resemble pants
that can be worn over other pants/shorts, i.e., snow pants, or may
resemble pants that can be worn against the skin. Pants 250 include
a fixing region 255 on the back upper area or top of the outside of
pants 250 (FIG. 2E) and a fixing region 260 on the back upper area
or top of the inside of pants 250 (FIG. 2F). According to certain
embodiments, fixing region 255 and 260 may be a single piece of
fixing material folded over a top area of pants 250 and affixed
thereto.
[0030] FIGS. 2G-H illustrate a first and second embodiment of belt
270, 270', respectively. In FIG. 2G, belt 270 includes an outer
fixing region 275 and an inner fixing region 280. Each of the
fixing regions may have a height of a standard belt and a length
comparable to the length of fixing regions from adjacent clothing
articles such as parka 210, shirt 230 and/or pants 250. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 2H, belt 270' includes an outer fixing
region 275' and an inner fixing region 280' (not shown) with a
larger overall surface area compared to fixing regions 275 and 280.
According to FIG. 2H, inner and/or outer fixing regions 275' and
280' have a size and shape similar to one or more of fixing regions
215, 220, 235, 240, 255 and 260. For example, belt 270' may be
constructed with a tall back portion, resembling a weight belt with
a reinforced back, and the fixing regions may be coupled to the
belt inner and outer side in the tall back portion. This provides
belt fixing regions that resemble fixing regions of adjacent
clothing articles in order to maintain a desired backpack position.
In certain embodiments, fixing regions 275' and 280' may have a
locking and unlocking mechanism so that the fixing regions may be
collapsed allowing the fixing regions to pass through belt loops
and locked when belt 270' is in a desired position.
[0031] Parka 210, shirt 230, pants 250 and belt 270 are configured
so that, when worn by a user, fixing regions 215, 220, 235, 240,
255, 260, 275, 280 align horizontally and are positioned on a lower
back portion of the clothing so that the fixing regions 215, 220,
235, 240, 255, 260, 275, 280 correspond to a user's lumbar region.
Horizontally aligned means that when more than one fixing region is
used, at least a portion of each adjacent fixing region overlaps
the other.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a profile of a user wearing a
parka 210, shirt 230 and pants 250 with their respective fixing
regions 215, 220, 235, 240, 255, 260 corresponding to the lumbar
region "L" of a user's body.
[0033] In FIG. 3, fixing region 215 interfaces with R.sub.wb of
backpack 10. Fixing region 215 is configured for engaging with
R.sub.wb of any backpack, regardless of whether the backpack is
treated with a fixing material in the R.sub.wb area. Generally,
fixing region 215 is positioned on a clothing article corresponding
to a typical wearer's lumbar area and may prevent pack
slip-down.
[0034] In addition, certain other of the fixing regions, i.e.,
fixing regions 220, 235, 240, 255 in FIG. 3, interlock with a
facing fixing region from another clothing article so that, for
example, fixing region 220 of parka 210 interlocks with fixing
region 235 of shirt 230. Similarly, fixing region 240 of shirt 230
interlocks with fixing region 255 of pants 250. Fixing region 260
of pants 250 may rest against a wearer's belt, pants, underwear, or
skin (not shown) in the wearer's lumbar area.
[0035] When a backpacker wears parka 210, shirt 230 pants 250 and
backpack 10, R.sub.wb of backpack 10 rests against fixing region
215 of parka, which is generally horizontally aligned with the
other fixing regions 220, 235, 240, 255 and 260. The combination of
the support provided to backpack 10 in R.sub.wb by fixing region
215, along with the interlocking mechanisms of the other fixing
regions up to a backpacker's belt, pants or skin, helps maintain
the proper positioning of backpack 10 on a backpacker's body.
Furthermore, according to certain implementations, fixing regions
215, 220, 235, 240, 255 and 260 may be compressible and lock
tightly together when compressed against one another, for example
by the weight of backpack 10 in the R.sub.wb.
[0036] In a further embodiment, a user may wear belt 270/270' alone
or in combination with parka 210, shirt 230 and/or pants 250. For
example, a user may wear a belt 270 or 270' on conventional pants
along with parka 210. In this example, parka 210 inner fixing
region 220 interfaces with an outer fixing region 275/275' of belt
270/270', and belt 270/270' inner fixing region 280/280' interfaces
with conventional pants.
[0037] In alternative embodiments, clothing articles may include a
fixing region on a back outer side only. FIGS. 7A-D depict each of
shirt 730 and pants 750 having a single fixing region on a back
outer side. In the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 7A-D, fixing
regions 735 and 755 may be positioned on a back outer portion of
the clothing in an area corresponding to R.sub.wb of a backpack and
a lumbar region of a user. The back inner portion of the clothing
may be free of a fixing region, may have a fixing region covered
up, or may have another material affixed thereto that does not
serve as a fixing region. Shirt 730 (FIGS. 7A-B) and pants 750
(FIGS. 7C-D) may be worn individually, in combination, or in
combination with other clothing including one or more of parka 210,
shirt 230, pants 250 and/or belt 270. For example, wearing shirt
730 as a base layer and parka 210 over shirt 730 allows fixing
region 735 to interface with the inner fixing region 220 of parka,
and the inner side of shirt 730 to rest against a user's skin in
the lumbar region as opposed to a fixing region. This may be
advantageous, for example, where a fixing region disposed on an
inner side of clothing would otherwise cause a person's skin to
become damp, e.g., clammy, due to body moisture becoming trapped
between skin and the fixing region. In another example, a fixing
region may not be provided on an interior of a clothing article
because a neighboring piece of clothing facing the interior of the
clothing article (e.g., shirt 730) may be made from a fabric that
is relatively non-slippery (e.g., cotton) and thus may not need to
cooperate with a fixing region for the desired result of supporting
a backpack to be achieved. That is, a fixing region provided on a
back outside surface of a clothing article that interfaces with a
backpack or another article of clothing having a back inner fixing
region sufficiently support a backpack.
[0038] The fixing regions disposed on various clothing articles in
the embodiments described above may be constructed of any material
that imparts tackiness, stickiness, adhesion or grip-like
properties. According to some embodiments, fixing regions may be
formed from materials such as Knew-Tek.TM. Black Pigskin
(HTI-KT-PS-01, manufactured by Harrison Technologies, Inc.), which
is a polyurethane coated polyester knit material. Other materials
that provide built-in grip and elastomeric properties are silicone
polymers/elastomers, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,900, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments,
the fixing region may be constructed of hook and loop, corduroy, or
another gripping textile.
[0039] Fixing regions may be affixed to clothing in any manner. In
certain implementations, the fixing region is a patch 400 of
material affixed to the clothing article. For example, fixing patch
400 having a front fixing side 410, depicted in FIG. 4A, may have a
back side having snaps 420 (FIG. 4B), a hook and loop configuration
430 (FIG. 4C), stitching holes 440 (FIG. 4D) or an adhesive backing
450 (FIG. 4E). Snaps 420 on the back of fixing patch 400 may affix
to complementary snaps affixed to clothing, or hook and loop
configuration 430 may affix to a hook and loop configuration
disposed on clothing. The snap or hook and loop regions disposed on
clothing for receiving fixing patch may be disposed in an area
corresponding to a typical wearer's lumbar region. By providing
snaps or hook and loop regions on patch 400, a user may remove
and/or interchange various types of fixing patches. It will be
understood that other constructs may be used to attach the fixing
region to a garment in addition to snaps or hook and loops that
would provide for removablility and interchangeability of patch
400.
[0040] In some configurations, a fixing patch 400 may be sewn on
via stitching holes 440 or adhered via an adhesive backing 450 to
an area of a clothing article corresponding to a typical wearer's
lumbar region. In an alternative configuration, fixing patch 400
may have a tacky front side 410 and an affixing mechanism 460, e.g.
hook, for securing to a belt "T".
[0041] Fixing patch 400 may be affixed to the back of a clothing
article in an area corresponding to a wearer's lumbar region.
According to certain embodiments, tacky patches may be affixed to
an outer side or portion and an inner side or portion of the
clothing article. In further embodiments, the fixing patches may be
affixed to each other in addition to being affixed to the clothing
article. For example, the fixing patches may be sewn together with
the clothing article disposed there between.
[0042] In the above-described embodiments, fixing patches may be
affixed to clothing during or after manufacture, e.g. retrofitted.
According to alternative implementations, a fixing region may be
integrally formed with a clothing article during manufacture. FIGS.
5A-B depict clothing article 510 having fixing region 520 formed
integrally therewith. In FIG. 5A, fixing region 520 includes a
front side 525 and back side 530 constructed of fixing material.
Front side 525 may couple with a backpack or with another fixing
region disposed on a clothing article. A back side 530 may engage
with another fixing region disposed on a clothing article or may
rest on a user's pants, belt or skin. In FIG. 5B, clothing article
510 is formed integrally with fixing region 520 and includes a
front side 525 for coupling with a backpack or clothing article and
a hook 540 for securing to a belt T, for example. In FIG. 5B,
clothing article 510 may be cover pants and hook 540 may couple to
a wearer's belt T by hooking over the top portion of the belt.
Alternatively, hook 540 may couple to pants by hooking over a top
portion of the back of the pants.
[0043] Fixing regions, according to some implementations, may have
alternative forms and may be added to clothing articles in an area
corresponding to a typical user's lumbar area during or after
manufacture. FIGS. 6A-B depict a portion of clothing article 610
with a fixing region 620 formed thereon. In FIG. 6A, fixing region
620 is formed from tacky thread or yarn 630 that is woven into
clothing article 610. Tacky thread or yarn 630 may have a nap,
e.g., have a rug-like appearance, or may be closely woven into
clothing article 610.
[0044] FIG. 6B depicts clothing article 610 with a fixing region
620 formed from a deposited material 640, e.g., sprayed-on or
brushed-on when wet, material that, once dry, is characteristically
tacky and/or slightly adhesive and/or high friction. In one
embodiment, deposited material may be a spray coating containing a
traction material, e.g., sand or sand-like material. In another
embodiment, a wet material applied to a garment may be embossed
when drying, e.g. pebble embossed, which results in a textured
fixing region.
[0045] In some implementations, fixing regions, whether in patch,
woven, sprayed or other form, may have certain shapes or layouts.
For example, fixing regions may form an oval, square, rectangular
or irregular shape. In addition, fixing regions may be solid, e.g.,
filled-in with fixing material, or may be a region with fixing
(treated) portions and untreated portions. For example a fixing
region may comprise a relief or embossed pattern, e.g. interspaced
structures (bumps, pyramids, points, waves) surrounded by untreated
portions. In a further configuration, a filled-in fixing region may
also comprise a relief pattern.
[0046] It will be understood that the fixing regions described
above may have more, equal or less tackiness relative to other
fixing regions. For example, a fixing region configured for
gripping to a backpack, as opposed to being configured to couple to
another fixing region, may have more tackiness. In certain
configurations, fixing regions disposed on the outer side of a
clothing article may be configured to optimally secure or support a
backpack, while the fixing regions disposed on an inner side of a
clothing article may be configured to optimally secure to the
outer-facing fixing regions. This configuration may be useful on
jackets and shirts. In certain implementations, pants may be
configured with an outer side to optimally engage with a backpack
or another clothing article, while the inner side, e.g., the side
facing a wearer's body, may be configured to optimally engage with
a wearer's belt, pants and/or skin.
[0047] Additional characteristics may be imparted to a fixing
region and may include characteristics such as: abrasion-resistant,
tear-resistant, weather-resistant, e.g., waterproof and/or
windproof, chemical-resistant, e.g., to oils, solvents and
chemicals, ozone resistant, low rebound, elastic,
absorbent/wicking, antimicrobial, washable/cleanable, treatable,
e.g., with a tacky or protecting preparation, removable, foam-like
and/or compressible.
[0048] It will be understood that other types of clothing may be
configured with a fixing region in an area of the clothing
corresponding to a user's lumbar area and may include vests,
shorts, harnesses, t-shirts, base layers and underwear.
[0049] In addition to backpacks, other carrying and transport
articles may be used in conjunction with the clothing of the
present invention. For example, any bag having a R.sub.wb in a
lumbar area of the wearers back may be used in conjunction with the
garments of the present invention. In a particular example, a bag
attaching around the waist that rests on a wearer's lumbar region
may be worn in combination with the clothing of the present
invention in order to support and maintain desired positioning of
the bag. In another example, a baby carrier having a R.sub.wb in a
lumbar area of the wearers back may be supported and the position
maintained on a wearer's body when the wearer is outfitted with one
or more clothing articles of the present invention.
[0050] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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