Device For Providing Protection To An Individual When In Inclement Weather

Abstract

A device for providing protection to an individual when non-ambulatory and in inclement weather, the device comprising a garment that the individual can step into and that is nonambulatory, the garment having a hoodie, a cape, sleeves, hand covers, a plate and one or more fasteners about the plate and a portable bin that is attached to the bottom portion of the garment and that receives and houses the garment when the garment is not donned by the individual, the portable bin having one or more fasteners about the top edge of the portable bin that fasten to the fasteners that are about the plate of the garment, thereby permitting the portable bin to house the garment and secure the garment therein so that the garment can be easily transported.

Claims

1. A device for providing protection and comfort to an individual when in inclement weather, the device comprising: a garment that the individual dons for protection from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth in cold environments, that is nonambulatory when donned by the individual and that can be folded, the garment having a hoodie for substantially protecting the head and face of the individual from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, a cape for providing additional protection to the individual from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, two sleeves for providing protection to the arms of the individual from inclement weather and for maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, a mitten attached to the end of each sleeve for providing substantial protection to the hands of the individual and for substantially maintaining warmth for the individual in cold environments, a plate positioned on the backside portion of the garment to prevent the permeation of moisture and heat transfer through the garment when the individual sits on an object that is cold or wet while donning the garment and one or more fasteners about the plate; and a portable bin that is attached to the bottom portion of the garment and that receives and houses the garment when the garment is not donned by the individual so that the garment can be transported with ease, the portable bin having one or more fasteners about the top edge of the portable bin that fasten to the fasteners that are about the plate of the garment, thereby firmly securing the plate of the garment to the portable bin when the garment is enclosed therein so that the garment can be easily transported.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the garment is partially comprised of heavy-duty cotton quilted fabric.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the garment is partially comprised of foam for insulation purposes.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising fastening mechanisms, permitting the garment to be firmly fastened about the body of the individual.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more handles attached to the exterior of the portable bin.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more shoulder straps attached to the exterior of the portable bin.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more pockets within the interior surface of the garment.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the plate is comprised of durable material that is durable enough to provide needed support for an individual when the individual is sitting on an object but that is flexible enough to permit the individual to stand.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the plate is comprised of material that substantially impedes the permeation of moisture and that substantially impedes a transfer of heat.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the plate is comprised of soft foam.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the interior of the sleeves comprise flannel material.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the mittens are comprised of ribbed knit fabric.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] While the assembly of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0034] Illustrative embodiments of the device for providing protection and comfort to an individual's body when in inclement weather are provided below. Of course, it should be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0035] Turning now to FIG. 1, an illustration is shown that depicts a device for providing protection and comfort to an individual's body when in inclement weather 100, which is an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a portable bin 110 shown firmly closed and ready for easy transport. The portable bin 110 comprises a bottom portion and side portions that are permanently affixed to one another and that are comprised of a durably, firm material. However, the top portion 120 of the portable bin 110 comprises a portion of a garment, and in particular, the portion of a garment that comprises a plate 130, which is attached to and/or enmeshed in the interior of the garment. Thus, when the portable bin 110 is closed, the top portion 120 of the portable bin 110 will comprise the portion of the garment that comprises the plate 130, and the remaining portion of the garment will be enclosed within the portable bin 110.

[0036] The portable bin 110 can be closed via a zipper 140 or other type of fastener that binds the edges of an opening of material. The exterior of the portable bin 110 can comprise one or more handle(s) 150 and/or one or more shoulder strap(s) 160 that attach to the portable bin 110 in a conventional way, thereby permitting the portable bin 110 to be grasped, held, moved and/or easily transported when close.

[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a portable bin 110, and the garment 170 unpacked and donned by an individual. The garment 170 is attached to the portable bin 110, so that when the garment is unpacked, it is tethered to the portable bin 110. When an individual dons the garment 170, he/she must enter the interior of the garment 170 so as to don the garment 170 and also position himself/herself within the portable bin 110. Thus, when an individual dons the garment 170, the portable bin becomes a part thereof that protects the individual. As such, the present invention, including the individual donning the present invention, is non-ambulatory when in use.

[0038] The garment 170 comprises a hoodie (head covering) 180, a cape 190, sleeve(s), 200 and mitten(s)/glove(s) 210. The garment 170 can be comprised of a heavy-duty cotton quilted fabric. Further, foam may be inserted inside the garment 170 for insulation purposes. The fabric of the garment 170 may be treated so that it repels liquid/moisture, thereby further preventing any permeation of moisture/wetness through the garment 170. The front portion 220 of the garment 170 can include a fastening mechanism, such as buttons 230 and/or snaps, so that the garment 170 can be firmly fastened on the body of the individual utilizing the present invention.

[0039] The hoodie 180 covers an individual's head and portions of his/her faceif necessary, the hoodie 180 can be configured to cover the individual's entire face. It traps body heat to assist in maintaining warmth for the individual and channels precipitation downward onto the lower portions of the garment 170 and, ultimately, onto the ground. It is comprised of tight-woven material, such as polyester fabric, and is heavy-duty. It can comprise one or more buttons or other like fasteners to permit it to be securely closed about an individual's head and face. Further, it can be chemically treated with liquid-repellant material, so that in operation it repels moisture/precipitation. When the individual donning the garment 170 does not desire to utilize the hoodie 180, the hoodie 180 can be folded backward, so that it hangs from and rests upon the garment 170.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrations the back portion 240 of the garment 170. As shown, the back portion 240 depicts the plate 130 that is attached to and/or enmeshed in the garment 170. As shown, when the garment is donned on an individual, the plate 130 aligns with the backside of the individual, specifically the individual's midsection. While the plate 130 is comprised of firm material, such material is pliable enough to permit the individual to sit or stand when donning the garment 170. When sitting, the plate 130 should substantially align with an individual's buttocks, so that the plate 130 is between the individual's buttocks and the object on which the individual sits. The plate 130 provides support for the individual when sitting and also provides an additional measure of protection when the individual is sitting on a wet and/or cold surface. Thus, the plate 130 can be comprised of durable material that is durable enough to provide needed support for the individual but that is also flexible enough to permit an individual to sit or stand when desired. Also, the plate 130 is comprised of material that substantially prevents the permeation of moisture (wetness) therethrough and that substantially prevents a transfer of heat therethrough, such as soft foam or the like, thereby substantially preventing the garment 170 and the individual donning the garment 170 from becoming wet and/or cold when the individual sits on a wet or cold object, such as a seat or bleacher.

[0041] The cape 190 covers a portion of the garment 170, specifically the back portion 240 of the garment 170 that dons an individual's back, shoulders and arms. It can extend in length from the portion of the garment 170 about the neck of an individual donning the garment 170 to about the elbow of the individual. It traps body heat to assist in maintaining warmth for the individual and channels precipitation downward onto the lower portions of the garment 170 and, ultimately, onto the ground. It is comprised of tight-woven material, such as polyester fabric, and is heavy-duty. It can be chemically treated with liquid-repellant material, so that it in operation repels moisture/precipitation.

[0042] Notably, as shown in FIG. 3, a row 250 of the teeth of zipper 140 is shown positioned about the plate 130 that is located on the back portion 240 of the garment 170 and an opposite row 260 of the of the teeth of zipper 140 is shown positioned about the top edge of the portable bin 110. When the garment 170 is folded and placed into (i.e., packed into) the portable bin 110 so as to be stored therein, the row 250 and the opposite row 260 of teeth of zipper 140 can meet, and, as a result, can interdigitate via a slider, thereby firmly securing the garment 170 into the portable bin 110.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 4, a portion of the interior of the garment 170 is shown. The interior surface of the garment 170 can comprise one or more pocket(s) 270 positioned thereon for storing objects therein. The one or more pocket(s) 270 can be of varying sizes and shapes for storing various items, such as, for example, a wallet, snack(s), water bottle(s), media device(s), gun magazine(s), quiver(s) for darts, etc.

[0044] FIG. 5 depicts the partial section of the bottom portion 280 and side portions 290 of the portable bin 110. The bottom portion 280 and the side portions 290 of the portable bin 110 can be comprised of faux suede 300 or like material. Additionally, the bottom portion 280 and side portions 290 can comprise hard foam or like material. The hard foam or like material can be removable so that the portable bin 110 can be washed.

[0045] Turning to FIG. 6A, a portion of the garment 170 depicting the sleeve(s) 200 and mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 is illustrated. The sleeve(s) 200 are configured such that each provides abundant room for the arms of an individual that dons the garment 170, thereby permitting the individual to more easily don or denude the garment 170. With abundant room within the sleeve(s) 200, the individual can remove his/her hands more easily from the sleeve(s) 200. The interior of the sleeve(s) 200 can comprise flannel material or the like to provide warmth thereto for the individual donning the garment 170. Additionally, the garment 170 can comprise mitten(s)/glove(s) 210. The mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 can be comprised of a ribbed knit fabric or the like. The mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 can comprise two (2) apertures, an aperture for an individual's thumb and an aperture for an individual's four (4) fingers. An individual donning the garment 170 places his/her hand through the sleeve 200 and mitten/glove 210, passing his/her thumb through the small aperture of the mitten/glove 210 and passing his/her four (4) fingers through the large aperture of the mitten/glove 210. The mitten/glove 210 aids in keeping the individual's hand and fingers warm and dry. However, for added protection from wetness and for increased warmth, once the individual has passed his/her fingers and thumb through the apertures of the mitten/glove 210, the individual can hold on to the mitten/glove 210 with his/her hand and pull the mitten/glove 210 into the sleeve 200 in the direction of the arrow 310 shown in FIG. 6B. This will enhance the warmth and dryness experienced by the individual.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a side portion 290 of the portable bin 110 such that the side portion 290 can comprise removable hard foam 320 or the like that is included between the faux suede 300 and the interior lining 330. The foam 320 is removable to permit the portable bin 110 to be washed, when necessary. It should be noted that the removable hard foam 320 can be included on each side of the portable bin 110, including the bottom portion 280.

[0047] FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the present invention 100 in use in various environments. In FIG. 8, an individual is utilizing the present invention 100 in a standing position while hunting outdoor for wild game during a rain storm. The present invention 100 is keeping the individual warm and dry. In FIG. 9, an individual is utilizing the present invention 100 while seated and cheering at a sporting event during below freezing temperatures. The present invention 100 is aiding in keeping the individual warm.

[0048] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate the process of packing the garment 170 so that it can be stowed inside the portable bin 110, secured therein and then easily transported in the portable bin 110. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the top portions of the garment 170, having the hoodie 180, cape 190, sleeve(s) 200 and mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 are folded. In FIG. 12, the mid-section of the garment 170 is folded along with the top portion of the garment 170. In FIG. 13, the folded mid-section and top-section of the garment 170 are placed inside the portable bin 110 such that the plate 130 of the garment 170 is oriented so as to be the top portion 120 of the portable bin 110. FIG. 13 depicts the garment 170 stowed inside the portable bin 110 and ready to be firmly secured therein.

[0049] FIG. 14 shows an individual transporting the present invention 100. As shown, the individual is utilizing a shoulder strap 160 that is connected to the portable bin 110 to transport the present invention 100. The shoulder strap 160 is strapped to the individual's shoulder.

[0050] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the garment 170 that is donned by an individual such that the individual has stretched out his/her arms. As shown in FIG. 15, the present invention can include a hoodie 180, cape 190, sleeve(s) 200, mitten(s)/glove(s) 210 and a portable bin 110. As shown in FIG. 16, the present invention can include a plate 130 at the back portion 240 of the garment 170.

[0051] The particular embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is, therefore, evident that the particular embodiments disclosed herein may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0052] Although many embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.