Light Reflective Safety Wearing Apparel

Abstract

According to one form of the invention, light reflective material is applied directly to a localized area on the inner side of a trouser leg, coat sleeve or skirt so that the garment may be turned up to form a temporary cuff thereby to expose the light reflective material to view in the dark for warning the driver of a moving vehicle of the presence of the wearer in or near the path of the vehicle. In the normal use of the garment, i.e., with the cuff turned down, the light reflective material is concealed from view. According to another form of the invention, light reflective material is applied directly to a localized area of a jacket or coat and is normally concealed from view by the turned down collar of the coat. The coat collar may be turned up thereby to expose the light reflective material to view for the purpose noted hereinabove. In each of the several forms of the invention, except for the presence of the light reflective material applied directly to the garment in the manner noted hereinabove, the garment as a whole is conventional and each part thereof is a customary part of such a garment constructed in a conventional manner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to safety wearing apparel and particularly to garments equipped with visual signaling means for warning the driver of a moving vehicle when a pedestrian wearing such a garment is in or near the path of the vehicle.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Safety devices for use by pedestrians for visually signaling the driver of a moving vehicle when the pedestrian is in or near the path of the vehicle are known. One type is in the nature of an accessory worn by the pedestrian in addition to conventional garments, and is worn only because of the signaling capability of the device. This type has not proved to be entirely satisfactory because, being an accessory separate and apart from the conventional garments normally worn by the pedestrian, and being useful only for the purpose intended, i.e., only when the pedestrain is in a danger zone, the pedestrian may or may not have it with him when it is needed. Another type is in the nature of a conventional garment, the outer surface of which bears the visual signaling means, which is always exposed to view when the garment is worn, whether or not the pedestrain is in a danger zone. The second type has not proved to be entirely satisfactory because there is no need for exposing the visual signaling means to view when the pedestrain is not in a danger zone. However, if the garment is to be worn, the only way of concealing the visual signaling means from view is to turn the garment inside out. Reversible garments are expensive, and in any event, whether reversible or not, taking a garment off, reversing it, and putting it back on is a nuisance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principal object of the present invention is to apply visual signaling means in the form of light reflective material to an otherwise conventional garment so that in the normal use of said garment said material is concealed from view, and so that without removing said garment the same may be readily manipulated to expose said material to view in order to warn the driver of a moving vehicle of the presence of a pedestrain wearing said garment in or near the path of the vehicle when it is dark.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a garment which is normal use appears in every respect to be a conventional garment, giving no indication whatsoever of being permanently furnished with visual signaling means ready for being exposed to view whenever the pedestrian wearing said garment finds himeself in a danger zone.

Still another object is to provide such a garment with visual signaling means in the form of light reflective material which may be applied to the garment by printing, spraying, brushing, rolling, ironing or sewing, and which may be applied either by the manufacturer in his shop or by the purchaser at home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the legs of a pair of cuffed trousers, the right leg being shown in normal use, and the left leg being shown turned up to form a temporary cuff in order to expose to view a strip of light reflective material extending thereabout;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but the visual signaling means is in the form of laterally spaced strips of light reflective material extending lengthwise of the temporary cuff, instead of in the form of a single strip extending thereabout;

FIG. 3 shows a woman's skirt with the bottom thereof turned outwardly and upwardly to form a temporary cuff in order to expose to view a strip of light reflective material extending about the temporary cuff;

FIG. 4 shows a jacket or coat with the right sleeve as it appears in normal use and the end of the left sleeve turned outwardly and upwardly to form a temporary cuff in order to expose to view a strip of light reflective material extending thereabout. In addition, the collar and lapels of the garment are shown turned up in order to expose to view strips of light reflective material normally concealed from view when the collar and lapels are turned down; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of the upper portion of a pair of trousers with a back pocket turned out to expose to view strips of light reflective material applied to the inside of the pocket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is directed to the specific embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings. It is not addressed to the scope of the invention, which may be practiced in various forms.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the right and left legs of a pair of trousers respectively are designated 10 and 12. The right leg 10 is provided with a cuff 14 and is shown as it appears in normal use, the ankle 16 and shoe 18 of the wearer being shown in phantom. The inside of the portion of the trouser leg from which the cuff 14 turns upwardly is lined with light reflective material, which may take varying forms, and may be a strip 20 of the light reflective fabric sold by the 3-M Company, St. Paul, Min., under the trademark "SCOTCHLITE". Preferably, the strip 20 extends all around the inside of the trouser leg and is applied directly thereto and permanently secured in place by machine or hand stitching. Instead of using "SCOTCHLITE," a light reflective paint, e.g., such a paint sold by Illinois Bronze Poder & Paint Co., Lake Zurich, Ill. under the trademark "DAZ-L", may be applied directly to the trouser leg by any suitable means, e.g., spraying, brushing, rolling or printing. On the other hand, an "iron on" type tape, e.g., such a tape sold by Permacel Division of Johnson Johnson, New Brunswich, N.J., under the trademark "BONDEX," painted with light reflective material may be applied directly to the trouser leg.

Still referring particularly to FIG. 1, the other ankle and shoe of the wearer, respectively designated 22 and 24, shown in phantom, extend from the left trouser leg 12, which is turned outwardly and upwardly to form a temporary cuff 26 in order to expose to view the light reflective strip of fabric 20. It will be understood, of course, that either or both trouser legs may be equipped with the light reflective strip of fabric 20. In addition, in the absence of the light reflective fabric 20, the pair of trousers as a whole is conventional, and each part thereof is a customary part of a pair of trousers constructed in a conventional manner.

Now referring particularly to FIG. 2, the right and left legs of a pair of trousers respectively are designated 28 and 30. The right leg is shown as it appears in normal use, and it will be noted that it is not provided with a permanent cuff. The ankle 32 and shoe 34 of the wearer are shown in phantom. The inside of the marginal area extending about the bottom of the trouser leg is lined with light reflective material, e.g., short strips of "SCOTCHLITE" 36 laterally spaced all around the trouser leg and extending lengthwise thereof. The strips of "SCOTCHLITE" 36 are applied directly to the trouser leg and are permanently secured in place by machine or hand stitching. Of course, instead of using "SCOTCHLITE" strips 36, a light reflective paint or an "iron on" type tape painted with light reflective material may be applied directly to the trouser leg.

Still referring particularly to FIG. 2, the other ankle and shoe of the wearer, respectively designated 38 and 40, shown in phantom, extend from the left trouser leg 30, which is turned outwardly and upwardly to form a temporary cuff 42 in order to expose to view the light reflective strips of fabric 36. As in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1, it will be understood that either or both trouser legs may be equipped with the light reflective strips of fabric 36, and that in the absence of the light reflective fabric 36, the pair of trousers as a whole is conventional, and each part thereof is a customary part of a pair of trousers constructed in a conventional manner.

The woman's skirt illustrated in FIG. 3 has a body 44 provided at the top thereof with a waistband 46. As shown in phantom, the inside of the marginal area extending about the bottom of the skirt is lined with light reflective material, e.g., a strip 48 of "SCOTCHLITE" extending all around the inside of the skirt. The strip 48 is applied directly to the skirt and permanently secured thereto by machine or hand stitching. Of course, as in the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described hereinabove, a light reflective paint or an "iron on" type tape painted with light relfective material may be applied directly to the skirt in the place of the "SCOTCHLITE" strip 48. Also, as in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 and described hereinabove, instead of lining the skirt with a single strip 48 of "SCOTCHLITE" extending all around the inside of the skirt, the skirt may be lined with short strips of "SCOTCHLITE" laterally spaced all around the inside of the skirt. As shown in full lines, the marginal area extending about the bottom of the skirt is turned outwardly and upwardly to form a temporary cuff 50 in order to expose to view the light reflective strip of fabric 48. In the absence of the light reflective fabric 48, the skirt as a whole is conventional, and each part thereof is a customary part of a skirt constructed in a conventional manner.

The jacket or coat illustrated in FIG. 4 has a body 52 provided on the right and left sides thereof respectively with sleeves 54 and 56, and at the top thereof with a collar 58 terminating at each end thereof with a lapel 60. The right sleeve is shown as it appears in normal use. The inside of the marginal area extending about the end of the sleeve is lined with light reflective material, e.g., a strip 62 of "SCOTCHLITE" extending all around the inside of the sleeve. The strip 62 is applied directly to the sleeve and permanently secured in place by machine or hand stitching. Of course, as in the previous embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described hereinabove, a light reflective paint or an "iron on" type tape painted with light reflective material may be applied directly to the sleeve in the place of the "SCOTCHLITE" strip 62. Also, as in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 and described hereinabove, instead of lining the sleeve with a single strip 62 of "SCOTCHLITE" extending all around the inside of the sleeve, the sleeve may be lined with short strips of "SCOTCHLITE" laterally spaced all around the inside of the sleeve.

The end of the sleeve 56 is turned outwardly and upwardly to form a temporary cuff 64 in order to expose to view the light reflective strip 62. It will be understood, of course, that either or both sleeves may be equipped with the light reflective strip of fabric 62.

Still referring particularly to FIG. 4, the collar 58 and its lapels 60 are shown turned upwardly to expose to view a strip of light reflective material, e.g., a strip 66 of "SCOTCHLITE" extending around the collar and down the lapels. The strip 66 is applied directly to the collar and its lapels and permanently secured in place by machine or hand stitching. Again, as in the embodiments of the invention already described, a light reflective paint or an "iron on" type tape painted with light reflective material may be applied to the collar and its lapels in the place of the "SCOTCHLITE" strip 66. Also, instead of lining the collar and its lapels with a single strip of "SCOTCHLITE" extending around the collar and down the lapels, other arrangements are possible. For example, the strip of "SCOTCHLITE" may extend only about the collar, or only down the lapels. When the collar and its lapels are turned down, as in the normal use of the garment, the light reflective strip 66 is concealed from view. In this connection, instead of applying the "SCOTCHLITE" strip or strips to the collar 58 and/or lapels 60, they may be applied to the body 52 of the coat, i.e., to that portion thereof which is concealed from view when the collar and its lapels are turned down, as in the normal use of the garment. In the absence of the light reflective fabric 62 and 66, the jacket or coat as a whole is conventional, and each part thereof is a customary part of a coat constructed in a conventional manner.

Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the upper portion of the pair of trousers, generally designated 68, is viewed from the left side thereof. The trousers is provided with a waistband 70, a seat 72, a back pocket 74 and a side pocket 76. The inside of the pocket 74 is lined with light reflective material, e.g., short strips 78 of laterally spaced "SCOTCHLITE". The several strips 78 are applied directly to the pocket material and permanently secured in place by machine or hand stitching. Once again, as in the embodiments of the invention already described, a light reflective paint or an "iron on" type tape painted with a light reflective material may be applied directly to the pocket material in place of the "SCOTCHLITE" strips 78. As shown in full lines, the pocket 74 may be turned inside out in order to expose to view the light reflective strips 78. It will be understood, of course, that any or all of the several pockets of the trousers may be equipped with the light reflective strips 78. When the pocket 74 is turned right side in, the strips 78 are concealed from view. In the absence of the light reflective fabric 78, the pair of trousers as a whole is conventional, and each part thereof is a customary part of a pair of trousers constructed in a conventional manner.

While in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have illustrated and described the best forms or embodiments of my invention now known to me, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made in the form of the structures described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, referring particularly to FIG. 3, a strip of "SCOTCHLITE" may be applied to the inside of the skirt at the top thereof for exposure to view when the waistband 46 is turned outwardly and downwardly. In addition, referring particularly to FIG. 4, instead of applying strips of "SCOTCHLITE" to the sleeves of a coat for exposure to view when the sleeves are turned outwardly and upwardly to form temporary cuffs, such strips may be applied to the sleeves of a shirt in like manner. In this connection, instead of applying a strip of "SCOTCHLITE" to the underside of a coat collar for exposure to view when the collar is turned outwardly and upwardly, such a strip may be applied in like manner to the underside of a shirt or blouse collar.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In an article of wearing apparel for a pedestrian for visually signaling the driver of a moving vehicle and thereby warning him of the presence of the pedestrian in or near the path of the vehicle when it is dark, the combination comprising

A. an outer garment for covering a portion of the body, said garment being provided with a pocket which may be turned inside out, being devoid of all means for signaling the driver, and being otherwise conventional in all respects, and

B. a light reflective material applied directly to an inner surface area of said pocket, said light reflective material being fully exposed to view when said pocket is turned inside out.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the light reflective material extends over and covers a substantial area of the inner surface of the pocket exposed to view when said pocket is turned inside out, and the light reflective material is inseparably affixed to said surface in said covering relation thereto.

3. In an article of wearing apparel for a pedestrian for visually signaling the driver of a moving vehicle and thereby warning him of the presence of the pedestrian in or near the path of the vehicle when it is dark, the combination comprising

A. an outer garment for covering the upper part of the body, said garment being provided with a collar which may be turned up, being devoid of all means for signaling the driver, and being otherwise conventional in all respects;

B. a light reflective material applied directly to a surface area of the garment normally concealed from view by said turned down collar, said light reflective material being fully exposed to view when said collar is turned up; and

C. the light reflective material being in strip form and extending over and covering a substantial portion of the surface of the garment fully exposed to view when the collar is turned up, and the light reflective material being inseparably affixed along all of its edges to said surface in said covering relation thereto.

4. The combination according to claim 3 wherein the collar terminates at each end in a lapel, the light reflective material extends about said collar and downwardly along said lapels.