WO2013106332A1

WO2013106332A1 - Garment system

Info

Publication number: WO2013106332A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/020680
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Bergeron
Original assignee: Drifire, Llc
Priority date: 2012-01-13
Filing date: 2013-01-08
Publication date: 2013-07-18
Also published as: CA2860541A1; US20140373243A1

Abstract

Outerwear garment systems are disclosed having separate components that provide protection from environmental conditions and easy access to protective equipment and accessories for military and non-military uses.

Description

GARMENT SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/586,213, filed January 13, 2012, the entire disclosure of wliich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention generally relates to garment systems. More particularly, the invention relates to outerwear garment systems having separate components that provide protection from environmental conditions and easy access to protective equipment and accessories for military and non-military uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Outerwear for inclement weather protection is typically hi the form of a jacket or parka for the upper portion of the body and pants or bibs for the legs. Some forms of ponchos are also used but they do not offer the mobility needed for most users, especially those in the military. The use of a traditional military parka by personnel in combat roles is problematic, especially since most personnel generally wear some form of body armor. In addition to protection, the front of the torso body armor serves as a carrier for ammunition and other equipment that must be readily accessible. If the user wears the parka under the body armor, then the user finds it cumbersome, if not impossible, to quickly and easily don and doff the parka. With changing exertio levels and climate conditions, this is a major shortcoming of the garment system.

[004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a garment system that protects the user while providing flexibility based on mission, exertion, and climate conditions. The garment systems of the present invention are directed toward these, as well as other, important ends. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] The invention relates generally to outerwear garment systems having separate components that provide protection from environmental conditions and easy access to protective equipment and accessories for military and non-military uses, such as security personnel, police personnel firefighting personnel, ski patrol, utility personnel, rescue persomieL and industrial personnel.

[006] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising:

a torso covering member; and

a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;

wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a releasable member, such as releasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof, between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member.

[007] in other embodiments, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising:

a plurality of torso covering members, each torso covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials ; and

a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials;

wherein each torso covering member is optionally formed from a material the same as or different from each of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;

wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a releasable member between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and

wherein each one of said torso covering member can be used with any of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.

[008] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of quickly releasing body armor, comprising: donning a garment system, comprising:

an optional torso covering member;

a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;

a releasabie body armor comprising a quick release mechanism;

wherein said releasabie body armor member is located between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and

wherein said releasabie body armor may be released from said garment system without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said torso covering member;

doffing said releasabie body armor by using said quick release mechanism without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said optional torso covering member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description seive to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0010] FIGURE 1A is a front perspective view of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional releasabie body armor.

[0011] FIGURE IB is a back perspective view of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional releasabie body armor.

[0012] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view in exploded form of a garment system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of FIGURE 1, shown with the optional releasabie body armor. [00131 FIGURE 3A is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system in accordance with a prefeixed embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional collar.

[00141 FIGURE 3B is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system in accordance wit a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the optional collar.

[00151 FIGURE 4 is a front perspective view in exploded form of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the optional releasable body armor.

[0016] FIGURE 5A is a front perspective view of the upper back and shoulder covering member of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of tlie invention, shown with the optional head covering member.

[0017] FIGURE 5B is a back perspective view of the upper back and shoulder covering member of a garment system in accordance witli a prefeixed embodiment of the invention, shown without the optional head covering member.

[0018] FIGURE 5C is a front perspective view of the upper back and shoulder covering member of a garment system in accordance witli a prefeixed embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional head covering member.

[0019] FIGURE 6 is a front perspective view of the releasable body armor of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of tlie invention.

[0020] FIGURE 7A is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system and optional releasable body armor hi accordance with a prefeixed embodiment of the invention. [00211 FIGURE 7B is a front perspective view in exploded view of the torso covering member of a garment system and optional reieasable body armor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0022J FIGURE S is a front perspective view in exploded view of the upper back and shoulder covering member and optional reieasable body armor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[00231 FIGURE 9 is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system with optional leg covering members in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0024] The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to present a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the garment systems depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanatio and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for simila or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Garment systems as disclosed herein, will have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE: INVENTION

[0025J As employed above and tliroughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings.

[0026] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] As described in greater detail below, the present invention is directed to a garment including a torso covering member and an upper back and shoulde covering member. In certain preferred embodiments, a garment system includes a plurality of torso covering members and upper back and shoulder covering members. The members may have different configurations, allowing different combinations of these elements to provide garments having, for example, a variety of aesthetic designs, different weather protecting characteristics and various levels of thermal protection. Thus, a user can have a single garment system capable of adapting to a variety of conditions or uses.

[0028] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising:

a torso covering member; and

a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;

wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a reieasable member, such as reieasable body armor, gear, or a combination tliereo between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member. The garment systems provides flexible protection from the climate conditions, permits ready access to necessary equipment and supplies (such as weapons, ammunition, harnesses, first aid supplies, and other critical equipment), yet pemiits the wearer to quickly and easily don and doff the reieasable meniber (such as reieasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof), if worn. The reieasabie member is removable by a user without removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.

[0029] In other embodiments, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising:

a plurality of torso covering members, each torso covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials; and

a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different ma terials ;

wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a reieasabie member between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and wherein each one of said torso covering member can be used with any of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.

The system permits a user to switch out the torso covering member and/or the external upper back and shoulder covering member depending upon the environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and/or wind) and use conditions (such as use under high exertion conditions or use in the poor light).

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the garment systems further comprise a releasable member, such as releasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof. The releasable member is removable by a user without removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. In embodiments with the releasable body armor, the wearer may remove the body armor by pulling a device on the armor, usually a handle made of webbing, disconnecting its joining points at the shoulder and sides, making the individual panels of the armor fall to the ground. This qmck-releasabiiity and a garment systeni which accommodates the releasable body armor are critical for the wearer's safety. For example, if a soldier, who is wearing body armor, especially one loaded with ammunition and equipment, falls into the water, he or she is likely to drown unless the soldier can drop the heavy body armor.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member comprises two sleeve portions connected by a yoke portion incorporating a neckhole. Tlie sleeves may be long sleeves or partial sleeves. In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises a head covering member, such as a hat or protective helmet, attached to at least a portion of said neckhole. The head covering member may be releasably attached or permanently attached to said neckhole, using for example releasably connected fasteners and permanent fasteners, such as, for example, zipper, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook- and- loop, grommets, stitching, screw and bolt, and the like and combinations thereof In some embodiments, there is no head covering member, such a,s, for example, when the user is wearing a separate protective helmet. In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering membe further comprises at least one storage member, such as a pocket to hold equipment and accessories. In certain embodiments, tlie separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises a releasable fastener, such as, for example, zipper, .snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop. and combinations thereof). In certain embodiments, the releasable fastener releasably may connect two portions of the yoke section together. The yoke sections may be substantially symmetric or may be asymmetric.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the torso covering member comprises a front portion and a back portion. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member further comprises at least one fastener, including releasably connected fasteners and permanent fasteners, such as, for example, zipper, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop, grornmets, stitching, screw and bolt, and the like and combinations thereof). In certain embodiments, the torso covering member further comprises a collar. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member comprises has a storage member (for example, a pocket with or without a releasable connector, that is configured to receive upper back and shoulder covering member to provide for storage of upper back and shoulder covering member when not in use. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member further comprises leg covering members, such a pant legs, which may or may not be detachable.

[0033] The torso covering member and the upper back and shoulder covering member may be made from a variety of materials depending upon the conditions of the environment and end uses. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member may be made from different materials than the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member may be made fiom the same materials as the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.

[0034] In systems with a plurality of torso covering members, it is preferred that each torso covering member is made from a different material that each of the other torso covering members. Likewise, in systems with a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, it is preferred that each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member is made from a different material than each of the other separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. [00351 1» certain embodiments, the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member may be made of a material that is water-resistant waterproof, wind-resistant, or a combination thereof, i.e., to provide either moisture or wind protection appropriate for the climate and use conditions. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, latex, waterproof heavy-duty cotton drill or poplin, wool gabardine, animal skin, and the like. Examples of materials include those conventionally used in softshells (wind resistant, highly breathable and often water resistant) and winter parkas or anoraks (warmth and wind resistant).

[00361 1° certain embodiments, the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering may be made of a material that provides thermal protection, i.e., to provide warmth appropriate for the climate and use conditions. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, fleece, wool, animal skin, fur, faux fur, and the like. Examples of materials include those conventionally used in rain gear (waterproof and wind resistant) and winter parkas or anoraks (warmth and wind resistant).

[0037] In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have a torso covering member that provides thermal protection and a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member that provides water-resistance and wind-resistance.

[0038] In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have a torso covering member and a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member having at least a 20% difference in a selected property, such as thermal resistance. For example, the torso covering member may have an R value of about 0.1 in² °C/W and the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member may have an Rvalue greater than about 0.12 m² °C/W.

[0039] In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have the torso covering member and or the upper back and shoulder covering member made from fabrics and'Or fibers that provide fire resistance, arc protection, moisture management (water release rate, wicking, and drying time), abrasion resistance, antistatic, and or no melt-no drip properties. [0040] In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from fabrics and or fibers that provide comfort, such as compositions disclosed in US-A-5,888,914 and US-B- 7,402.555. which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0041] In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from fabrics and/or fibers that incorporate odor control.

[0042] I certain embodiments, it may be preferably to provide the torso covering member and/or the separ ate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from materials that provide infrared reflectance or absorbance.

[0043] I certain embodiments, it may be preferably to provide the torso covering member and/or the separ ate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from materials that are colored, dyed (such as with a high visibility dye), or printed (such as with camouflage).

[0044] In certain embodiments, a method quickly releasing body armor, comprising:

donning a garment system, comprising:

an optional torso covering member;

a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;

a releasable body armor comprising a quick release mechanism:

wherein said releasable body armor member is located between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and

wherein said releasable body armor may be released from said garment system without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said torso covering member

doffing said releasable body armor by using said quick release mechanism without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said optional torso covering member. [00451 A preferred embodiment of a garment system 2 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGURE 1A. The back view of the garment system 2 with optional releasable body armor 8 and optional hood 13 is shown in FIGURE IB. Garment system 2 is shown in exploded view in FIGURE 2. Garment system 2 may include a torso covering member 4. an upper back and shoulder covering member 6, and an optional releasable body armor 8. hi the illustrated embodiment in FIGURE 1A, torso covering member 4 includes an optional collar 8 In the illustrated embodiment, upper back and shoulder covering member 6 includes sleeves 10a and 10b, shown here as long sleeves, yoke portion 11, optional storage portions 12a, 12b or pockets, and an optional head covering member 13, shown here as a hood attached to the neckhole 14. It is to be appreciated that each of torso covering members 4 could have short sleeves, long sleeves, partial sleeves or no sleeves at all. It is to be further appreciated that each back and shoulder covering member 6 could have short sleeves, long sleeves, or partial sleeves.

[0046] As shown in FIGURE 3 A, the torso covering meniber 4 is worn by an individual as a shirt, jacket, or vest, substantially covering his or her torso and, in the embodiment illustrated with the optional collar 9 and without sleeves. In a preferred embodiment, torso covering meniber 4 has a pocket 16 that is configured to receive upper back and shoulder covering member 6 to provide for storage of upper back and shoulder covering member when not in use. In FIGURE 3B, the torso covering meniber 4 is shown without the optional collar.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 3A, torso covering member 4 has a pocket 11 that is configured to receive upper back and shoulder covering member 6 to provide for storage of upper back and shoulder covering member 6 when not in use. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 11 is positioned on the back of torso covering member 4. It is to be appreciated that pocket 11 can be located elsewhere on torso covering member 4, e.g. , on the back.

[0048J Upper back and shoulder covering member 6 is configured to be worn on top of torso covering member 4. as described in greater detail below, as shown without the optional releasable body armor , in FIGURE 4. [§049] Shown individually with optional hood 13 in FIGURE 5Λ. upper back and shoulder covering member 6 provides a second layer of material for at least the upper back and shoulders of an individual and for at least a portion of the amis of the individual as well. The yoke portion 11 may be secured with a releasable fastener 15, such as hook and loop fastener(s), biitton(s). snap(s)₅ magnet(s)_s tie strings, and the like releasable fasteners. The upper back and shoulder covering member 6 is shown in FIGURE 5B without the optional head covering member. The back view of the upper back and shoulder covering member 6 with optional head covering member 13 is show in FIGURE SC.

[0050] Optional releasable body armor 8 is shown in FIGURE 6. When it is worn, it is positioned over the torso covering member 4, as shown in FIGURE 7 A. and FIGURE 7B (exploded view), and positioned under the upper back and shoulder covering member 6, as shown in FIGURE S.

[0051] FIGURE 9 shows an alternate embodiment where the torso covering portion includes optional leg covering members 16a, 16b.

[0052J When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecular weight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, all combinations, and subcombinations of ranges specific embodiments therein are intended to be included.

[0053J The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

tat is claimed is:

A garment system, comprising:

a torso covering member; and

a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member

wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a reieasable member between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member.

A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said reieasable member is body armor, gear, or a combinatio thereof.

A garment system of claim 1 , further comprising:

reieasable body armor.

A garment system of claim 1,

wherein said reieasable member is removable by a user without removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.

A garment system of claim 1,

wherein said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member comprises two sleeve portions connected by a yoke portion incorporating a necldioie.

A garment system of claim 5,

wherein said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises a head covering member attached to at least a portion of said necldioie.

A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said sleeve portions are long sleeves. A garment system of claim 5,

wherein said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises at least one storage member.

A garment system of claim I ,

wherein said torso covering member comprises a front portion, a back portion, and an optional fastener.

A garment system of claim ,

wherein said torso covering member farther comprises a collar.

A garment system of claim 9,

wherein said torso covering member farther comprises leg covering members.

A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said torso covering member is made from different materials than said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.

A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said separate external upper back and shoulder covering is water- resistant, waterproof, wind-resistant, or a combination thereo

A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said separate external upper back and shoulder covering provides thermal protection.

A garment system of claim 1,

wherein said torso covering member provides thermal protection. A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said torso covering member provides fire resistance, arc protection, moisture management, abrasion resistance, antistatic properties, no melt-no drip properties, or a combination thereof.

A garment system of claim 1 ,

wherein said separate external upper back and shoulder covering provides fire resistance, arc protection, moisture management, abrasion resistance, antistatic properties, no melt-no drip properties, or a combination thereof.

A garment system, comprising:

a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member optionally formed fiom a different material or a combination of different materials;

wherein each torso covering member is optionally formed fiom a material the same as or different from each of said separ ate external upper back and shoulder covering member;

A garment system of claim 18,

wherein said releasable member is body armor, gear, or a combination thereof.

A garment system of claim 19, further comprising:

at least one releasable body armor.

21. A method of quickly releasing body armor, comprising:

donning a garment system, comprising:

an optional torso covering member;

a separate extemal uppe back and shoulder covering member;

a reieasable body armor comprising a quick release mechanism;

wherein said reieasable body armor member is located between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and

wherein said reieasable body armor may be released from said garment system without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said optional torso covering member

doffing said reieasable body armor by using said quick release mechanism without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said optional torso covering member.