CLOTHING WITH RECYCLABLE INSULATION INSERTS

Abstract

An article of clothing capable of receiving removably attachable inserts that have compartments for containing fill material, the compartments openable so that the fill material can be modified or adjusted according to the desired amount of quality of insulation. The fill material is preferably recycled material.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising: an envelope shaped and sized as an article of clothing capable of at least partially surrounding a portion of a wearer's body, the envelope comprising: an inner surface that would be in contact with the wearer when the wearer wears the envelope, an outer surface, a top side that would be most proximal to the wearer's head when the wearer wears the envelope, a bottom side that would be most proximal to the wearer's feet when the wearer wears the envelope, a left end, a right end opposite the left end, a front side that would be that portion of the outer surface that is the same side as the wearer's chest when the wearer wears the envelope and a back side that would be that portion of the outer surface that is the same side as the wearer's back when the wearer wears the envelope; a first envelope attachment device disposed on the envelope at or near the top of the envelope; and a first insert shaped and sized smaller than the envelope, the first insert comprising: an outer surface that would be in contact with the wearer when the wearer holds the first insert, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a length extending between the top side and bottom side, and a width extending between the left side and right side; at least one compartment comprising an opening capable of receiving and at least partially containing fill material; and a first insert attachment device capable of removably attaching to the first envelope attachment device.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, cloth and paper.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises a recycled material or object of second use.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises a plastic bag.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the first insert attachment device is disposed on the outside surface of the first insert at or near its top side.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment of the first insert comprises a length and width, the length being greater than the width, and the at least one compartment's length extending between the left side and right side of the first insert.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment of the first insert comprises a length and width, the length being greater than the width, and the at least one compartment's length extending between the top side and bottom side of the first insert.

8. The article of claim 1, further comprising: a second envelope attachment device disposed on the envelope at or near the top side of the envelope; a second insert shaped and sized smaller than the envelope, the second insert comprising: an outer surface that would be in contact with the wearer when the wearer holds the second insert, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a length extending between the top side and bottom side, and a width extending between the left side and right side; at least one compartment comprising an opening capable of receiving and at least partially containing fill material; and a second insert attachment device capable of removably attaching to the second envelope attachment device.

9. The article of claim 8, further comprising: a third envelope attachment device disposed on the envelope at or near the top side of the envelope, between the first envelope attachment device and the second envelope attachment device; a third insert shaped and sized smaller than the envelope, the third insert comprising: an outer surface that would be in contact with the wearer when the wearer holds the third insert, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a length extending between the top side and bottom side, and a width extending between the left side and right side; at least one compartment comprising an opening capable of receiving and at least partially containing fill material; and a third insert attachment device capable of removably attaching to the third envelope attachment device.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the third insert comprises a width of between about twenty centimeters and about eighty centimeters.

11. The article of claim 9 wherein the width of each of the first insert and second insert are about half the width of the third insert.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein at least one of the compartments of each of the first, second and third inserts comprises fill material, the fill material comprising material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, cloth and paper.

13. The article of claim 11, wherein at least one of the compartments of each of the first, second and third inserts comprises fill material, the fill material comprising a recycled material.

14. The article of claim 11, wherein at least one of the compartments of each of the first, second and third inserts comprises fill material, the fill material comprising a plastic bag.

15. The article of claim 11, wherein the first, second and third inserts are disposed between the inner surface of the envelope and the outer surface of the envelope.

16. The article of claim 15, wherein the envelope, at or near its left and right ends, further comprises one selected from the group consisting of: button, zipper, hook and loop fastener, and buckle.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the envelope is shaped and sized as an article of clothing capable of at least partially surrounding the thorax of the wearer's body.

18. A method of wearing an article of manufacture, the method comprising: obtaining an envelope shaped and sized as an article of clothing capable of at least partially surrounding a portion of the wearer's body, the envelope comprising an inner surface that would be in contact with the wearer when the wearer wears the envelope, an outer surface, a top side that would be most proximal to the wearer's head when the wearer wears the envelope, a bottom side that would be most proximal to the wearer's feet when the wearer wears the envelope, a left end, a right end opposite the left end, a front side that would be that portion of the outer surface that is the same side as the wearer's chest when the wearer wears the envelope and a back side that would be that portion of the outer surface that is the same side as the wearer's back when the wearer wears the envelope, a first envelope attachment device disposed on the envelope at or near the top side of the envelope, and a first insert shaped and sized smaller than the envelope, the first insert comprising an outer surface that would be in contact with the wearer when the wearer holds the first insert, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a length extending between the top side and bottom side, and a width extending between the left side and right side of the first insert, at least one compartment comprising an opening capable of receiving and at least partially containing fill material, and a first insert attachment device capable of removably attaching to the first envelope attachment device; obtaining fill material comprising one of the materials selected from the group consisting of: plastic, cloth and paper; filling the at least one compartment of the first insert with fill material through the opening; and attaching the first insert to the envelope by attaching the first insert attachment device to the first envelope attachment device, thereby forming the article of clothing.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of obtaining the fill material is a recycled object or object of second use.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising wearing the article of clothing by wrapping it around at least a portion of the wearer's body and securing it to the wearer's body using one selected from the group consisting of the following disposed on the envelope at or near its left and right ends: button, zipper, hook and loop fastener, and buckle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustration from a perspective view of the front side of a clothing envelope according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an illustration from a perspective view of several inserts intended to coordinate with the envelope of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is an illustration from a perspective view of the back side of an envelope with several inserts partially inserted into the envelope according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an illustration from a perspective view of an envelope without the inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an insert with fill material partially inserted into it according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The clothing apparatus 1 depicted in FIG. 1 comprises an envelope 10 comprising at least one cavity 9, 11 or 12. For purposes of describing the various surfaces and orientations of objects that comprises embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the following terms. An outside surface is defined to be the surface of the clothing apparatus in contact with the external environment and seen by an observer looking at the user wearing clothing 1. An inside surface is defined to be the surface of article of clothing 1 in contact with the user when the user wears the article of clothing or a surface of article of clothing 1 that forms any cavity in article of clothing 1. An inside and outside surface may refer to the flip-side of the same object or sheet of material, or may refer to separate objects or sheets of material entirely. The front of article of clothing 1 is defined to be the front of article of clothing 1 as perceived by a wearer, i.e. the front face of article of clothing 1 covering the user's chest, abdomen, or front shoulders. The back of article of clothing 1 is defined to be the back of article of clothing 1 as perceived by a wearer, i.e. the back face of an article of clothing covering the user's back. The bottom of article of clothing 1 is defined to be the bottom of article of clothing 1 as perceived by a wearer, i.e. the bottom of an article of clothing most proximal to the user's feet. The top of article of clothing 1 is defined to be the top of article of clothing 1 as perceived by a wearer, i.e. the top of an article of clothing most proximal to the user's head. The front left of article of clothing 1 is defined to be the front left of article of clothing 1 as perceived by a wearer, i.e. the front face of an article of clothing covering the left side of user's left arm and/or leg, left half of the user's chest or abdomen, or left front shoulders. The front right of article of clothing 1 is defined to be the front right of article of clothing 1 as perceived by a wearer, i.e. the front face of an article of clothing covering the right side of user's left arm and/or leg, right half of the user's chest or abdomen, or right front shoulders.

[0024] The terms “user” and “wearer” are used interchangeably herein, and is intended to refer to any living creature, humans and animals included. Embodiments of the present invention may be appropriate for animal use as well as human use.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, article of clothing 1 comprises envelope 10 comprising body 7 and two front attachment sites 3 and 5 disposed on envelope 10 on an inside surface with at least one cavity 9, 11, or 12, for attachment to insert 13. Attachment sites 3 and 5 preferably comprise, but are not limited to, Velcro, hook and loop, belt and buckle, buttons, zippers, socket and insert, screw and bolt attachments, or any combination thereof. Envelope 10 preferably comprises left front cavity 9, right front cavity 11, and rear cavity 12 for receiving inserts 13. Cavities 9, 11, and 12 are preferably formed by two separate sheets of material of envelope 10. However, in some embodiments, there are no such cavities formed by different sheets of material of envelope 10, as will be discussed further herein.

[0026] The apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 is an embodiment of inserts 13 for an article of clothing 1. Preferably, inserts 13 are each removeable attachable to envelope 10, preferably disposed within the at least one cavity 9, 11 or 12. In some embodiments, inserts 13 are not disposed with a cavity 9, 11 or 12, but are simply disposed on a surface of envelope 10, preferably the inside surface. Whatever the case, inserts 13 are preferably of dimensions, or otherwise having a shape and size, smaller than that of the envelope so that inserts 13 can comfortably fit between the envelope and the body of the user. The term “smaller” as used in this context is intended to refer to the surface area or width and length dimensions of the insert. Preferably inserts 13 are independent of and separable from, envelope 10. In this way, envelope 10 can be easily converted from an article that needs insulation using inserts 13 to an article that is without inserts 13. Also, envelope 10 can be separated from inserts 13 so as to only wash clothing 1, which will need washing more often than insert 13.

[0027] Each insert 13 is preferably shaped and sized to fit entirely within a particular cavity 9, 11 or 12. Left front insert 23 and right front insert 15 preferably have a width about half of the width of rear insert 27, so that left front insert 23 and right front insert 15 can be secured to each other to wrap around the wearer and to form the front of the article of clothing 1 on the user. Rear insert 27 preferably has a width of between about ten centimeters and about one hundred centimeters and most preferably between about twenty centimeters and about eighty centimeters. Each insert 13 preferably comprises a coordinating feature to attach to or otherwise coordinate with envelope 10. For example, left front insert 23 preferably comprises attachment site 21 for attaching to envelope 10. Right front insert 15 preferably comprises an attachment site 17 for attaching to an article of clothing at attachment sites 3 or 5. Rear insert 27 comprises two attachment sites 19 and 20 for attaching to envelope 10. The attachment sites may comprise, but are not limited to, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro), belt and buckle, socket and insert, screw and bolt attachments, or any combination thereof.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, each individual insert 13 preferably comprises at least one compartment 25 for retaining fill material 26. Preferably, each compartment 25 comprises first end 14, second end 16, and compartment opening 24 to receive fill material 26. Each compartment opening 24 is preferably openable and closable by hook and loop fastener (for example, Velcro), belt and buckle, buttons, zippers, socket and insert, screw and bolt attachments, or any combination thereof, to contain fill material 26 within compartment 25. In this way, the user can insert or remove fill material 26 into compartment 25, according to their desired type or amount of fill material. Each compartment opening 24 is preferably located at first end 14 of a compartment 25. First end 14 is further defined as a free end of compartment 25 not in contact with seam 29 or another compartment 25. Optionally, each compartment opening 24 is located at second end 16. Second end 16 is further defined as an end of compartment 25 in contact with seam 29 or another compartment 25.

[0029] Preferably, each compartment 25 is separated from other compartments by at least one seam 29. For example, referring to FIG. 2, rear insert 27 comprises central seam 30 separated two columns of compartments 25. In this way, fill material 26 can be evenly distributed along the surface of envelope 10 without all of it falling by gravity to the bottom of envelope 10. Central seam 30 preferably extends vertically along the midline of rear insert 27. Optionally, central seams may extend vertically along the midlines of left front insert 23 and front right insert 15. Preferably, at least one seam 29 extends horizontally across rear insert 27, left front insert 23, and front right insert 15. In a preferred embodiment of rear insert 27, four seams 29 extend horizontally across rear insert 27 and are spaced equidistant from one another. In a preferred embodiment of left front insert 23, three seams 29 extend horizontally across left front insert 23 and are spaced equidistant from one another. In a preferred embodiment of right front insert 15, three seams 29 extend horizontally across right front insert 15 and are spaced equidistant from one another.

[0030] Fill material 26 preferably comprises a material that is recyclable, including but not limited to cloth, plastic, or paper, as may be typically available around the house or easily found elsewhere. In this way, a user can modify the quality and amount of insulation of article of clothing 1 by adjusting the type or amount of fill material 26 within inserts 13. Fill material 26 is preferably a material that is thermally insulating, that is, it reduces heat transfer between the inner and outer surfaces of envelope 10. Preferably, fill material 26 comprises plastic bags that are commonly available for free or at low cost from grocery stores or other retail or restaurant operations, but may also include and is not limited to: trash bags, paper bags, backpack components, beach balls, used paper, books and notebooks, carpeting, magazines, cards, leather accessories, sheep skin, wool, feathers, pillow cases, cardboard, shredded cardboard, Styrofoam, Styrofoam peanuts, packaging or packing material, bubble foam, foam strips, foam, construction materials, milk cartons, envelopes, folders, pizza boxes, used plastic wrap, plastic bottle caps, post-it notes, rugs, shopping bags, shower curtains, used tinfoil, tissue boxes, toothpaste tubes, used clothing and bedding, and umbrella components, or any combination thereof. Fill material can also be a recycled material or object of second use, for example a plastic bag obtained from a grocery store, feathers from old pillows from an estate sale, a material disposed of from a construction site, an bag found on the street, etc.

[0031] The term “plastic” as used herein should be interpreted as broadly as possible, and includes any material comprising polymers, including but not limited to polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc. and is intended to refer also to Styrofoam. The term “cloth” as used herein should be interpreted as broadly as possible, and includes any textile, and is not limited to woven fabrics, and may include natural or synthetic fabrics. The term “paper” as used herein should be interpreted as broadly as possible, and includes any materials processed from cellulose fibers derived from wood or other natural source. The term “recycled material” is intended to refer to any material that has been processed for reuse. The term “object of second use” is intended to refer to any object that is given a second use, whether of recycled material or not, for example a plastic bag formed of plastic that was not recycled but which plastic bag was intended for some other use such as carrying groceries or a torn up or reused article of clothing or portion thereof.

[0032] The apparatus depicted in FIG. 3 is an embodiment of article of clothing 1 showing partially inserted inserts 13 to show how inserts 13 may be inserted into a cavity of envelope 10. Left front insert 23 is partially inserted into left front cavity 9. Right front insert 15 is partially inserted into right front cavity 11. Rear insert 27 is partially inserted into rear cavity 12. Envelope 10 preferably comprises rear attachment sites 39 and 41 to attach to rear removably attached insert 27. The attachment sites may be, but are not limited to, Velcro, hook and loop, buttons, zippers, belt and buckle, socket and insert, screw and bolt attachments, or any combination thereof.

[0033] The apparatus depicted in FIG. 4 is an embodiment of an article of clothing without inserts 41. The article of clothing without inserts 41 preferably comprises body 7, left front cavity 9, right front cavity 11, and rear cavity 12. Article of clothing without inserts 41 is an exemplary embodiment of high-temperature or summer clothing because inserts are not attached to body 7. The lack of inserts allows the user to remain cooler because there is no material between the user and the external environment to increase the user's temperature.

[0034] In another embodiment, compartments 25 are oriented vertically. FIG. 5 is a photograph of insert 13 comprising a plurality of compartments 25 oriented vertically, that is, their length extends from the top of insert 13 to its bottom. Preferably, each compartment 25 is separated from other compartments by at least one seam 29 extending from the top of insert 13 to its bottom. In this way, fill material 26 can be evenly distributed along the surface of envelope 10. In embodiments in which compartments 25 are vertically oriented, it is preferred that fill material 26 comprises a rigid material that extends at least a majority of the length of the compartment, so as to prevent fill material from uneven distribution (falling down by gravity to the bottom of the envelope).

[0035] Note that in the specification and claims, “about” or “approximately” means within twenty percent (20%) of the numerical amount cited.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention can include every combination of features that are disclosed herein independently from each other. Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the disclosed embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above and/or in the attachments, and of the corresponding application(s), are hereby incorporated by reference. Unless specifically stated as being “essential” above, none of the various components or the interrelationship thereof are essential to the operation of the invention. Rather, desirable results can be achieved by substituting various components and and/or reconfiguration of their relationships with one another.