Abstract:
The present invention provides a convertible jacket system configurable between a wearable jacket and a personal sleeping environment. The convertible jacket system may be made from a lighter and more water resistant material. It may include various structural features to proportion and support the inertial loads of a sleeping bag compartment and a head covering canopy, each coupled to the convertible jacket system. By way of example, the head covering canopy may further include a bendable wire coupled to a fabric material such that the canopy may easily be popped open and then folded compactly enough to slide into a pouch coupled to a backside of the convertible jacket system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to an all-in-one jacket convertible between a wearable jacket to a personal sleeping environment, and more specifically to an all-in-one survival jacket to provide temporary shelter in emergency situations. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various types of conventional convertible or modular jackets are commercially available for many different applications. Some of these applications include military, survival, hunting, camping, fishing, boating, etc. One such conventional jacket takes the form of modifiable rain jacket that is convertible into a poncho, short coat, long coat, sit shelter, sleeping bag cover, or even a shelter with a mosquito screen and is sold as the ECOTAT® Multi-Purpose Aircrew Survival Shelter (MASS). Another such conventional jacket takes the form of a multi-purpose jacket convertible into a sit shelter, sleeping bag cover, bivouac sack tent, a lean-to, a rescue litter, a tarp, an air marker panel of an emergency body bag and is sold as the ECOTAT® Multi-Purpose (TMP) Freedom Shelter. Both of the aforementioned conventional jackets are made by the Ecotat Systems Company. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is generally related to a convertible jacket system configurable between a wearable jacket and a personal sleeping environment. The convertible jacket system includes many advantages over conventional systems described and other similar systems. For example, the convertible jacket system may be made from a lighter and more water resistant material. It may include various structural features to better proportion and support the inertial loads of a sleeping bag compartment and a head covering canopy, each coupled to the convertible jacket system. By way of example, the head covering canopy may further include a bendable wire coupled to a fabric material such that the canopy may easily be popped open and then folded compactly enough to slide into a compartment coupled to a backside of the convertible jacket system. 
         [0004]    In one example of the invention, a convertible jacket system configurable between a wearable jacket and a personal sleeping environment includes a jacket portion and a sleeping bag compartment. The jacket portion is configured to be supported by a user&#39;s shoulders and extend substantially over the user&#39;s torso region. The sleeping bag compartment is coupled to the jacket portion and operates between a retracted configuration and a sleeping configuration. While in the sleeping configuration, the jacket portion is wearable by the user while at least a portion of the user&#39;s lower body is located in the sleeping bag compartment. 
         [0005]    In another example of the invention, a convertible jacket system configurable between a wearable jacket and a personal sleeping environment includes a jacket portion configured to be supported by a user&#39;s shoulders and extend substantially over the user&#39;s torso region. A sleeping bag compartment is coupled to the jacket portion and may be arranged into a retracted configuration and a sleeping configuration. In one embodiment, shoulder straps are coupled to the jacket portion proximate the sleeping bag compartment to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the sleeping bag compartment to the user&#39;s shoulders when the jacket system is used as a wearable jacket. 
         [0006]    In yet another example of the invention, a convertible jacket system is configurable between a wearable jacket and a personal sleeping environment. The jacket system includes a jacket portion configured to be supported by a user&#39;s shoulders and extend substantially over the user&#39;s torso region. A sleeping bag compartment is coupled to the jacket portion and may be arranged in a retracted configuration and a sleeping configuration. A head covering canopy is coupled to the jacket portion and includes a bendable member, such as a wire, coupled to a fabric member. The head covering canopy may also be arranged into a folded configuration and a sleeping configuration. In the folded configuration, the bendable member is folded over at least once upon itself and sized to fit into a pouch coupled to the jacket portion. In the sleeping configuration, the bendable member is arranged in an arcuate shape to support the fabric member in the sleeping configuration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings or images may not necessarily be to scale. For example, some elements may be arbitrarily enlarged or otherwise modified to improve clarity. Further, the illustrated shapes of the elements may not convey their actual shapes, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition. Various embodiments are briefly described with reference to the following drawings: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front, plan view of a convertible jacket system according to an illustrated embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front, plan view of the convertible jacket system of  FIG. 1  showing a sleeping bag compartment in a retracted configuration coupled to an interior surface of the system; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a front, plan view of the convertible jacket system of  FIG. 1  showing the sleeping compartment in an expanded or sleeping configuration; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a rear, plan view of the convertible jacket system of  FIG. 1  showing a compartment for holding a head covering canopy; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a front, plan view of the convertible jacket system of  FIG. 1  showing the head covering canopy in an expanded or sleeping configuration; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the convertible jacket system of  FIG. 5  showing the system in a fully expanded or sleeping configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the convertible jacket system of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a foldable wire system receivable in the head covering canopy of  FIG. 6 , the foldable wire system shown in an expanded or sleeping configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the foldable wire system of  FIG. 8  shown in a retracted or folded configuration; and 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10A-10D  are schematic diagrams showing the convertible jacket system in operation from a wearable configuration to a sleeping configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    One preferred example of the invention takes the form of a convertible jacket system that is convertible from a wearable configuration to a sleeping configuration. A wearable configuration generally means the jacket system is arranged to be worn generally as a jacket, coat, poncho or similar apparel item. A sleeping configuration generally means an expanded configuration that functions as a sleeping environment or at least a resting environment in which the user is able to lie down in generally a horizontal position. The convertible jacket system may function as an all-in-one survival jacket that may be used as a first response item in emergency situations providing temporary shelter to disaster victims. However, the convertible jacket system may be used for a variety of purposes to include, but not limited to, military missions, camping, climbing, fishing, hunting, boating, etc. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a convertible jacket system  100  in a wearable configuration having a jacket portion  102  and a hood portion  104 . The jacket portion  102  may include cinchable sleeve cuffs  106  and a fastening system  108 , which may take the form of a zipper, a plurality of snaps, or a hook and loop system (e.g., a VELCRO® fastening system). The sleeve cuffs  106  may be cinched using a hook and loop system or an elastomeric member (e.g., an elastic band located into a pocket or channel sewn into the cuff  106 ). In addition, the jacket portion  102  may include a waist tightening member  110  sewn into to the jacket portion  102 . By way of example, the waist tightening member  110  may take the form of an elastic member  112  ( FIG. 2 ) located into a pocket or channel  114  ( FIG. 2 ) sewn to the jacket portion  102 . Alternatively, the waist tightening member  110  may take the form of a drawstring that may be clamped at each end. In the wearable configuration, the jacket portion  102  may be worn by a user such that the jacket portion  102  is supported by the user&#39;s shoulders and extends substantially over the user&#39;s torso region. 
         [0020]    The convertible jacket system  100  may be made from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, at least the covering portions of the jacket system  100  are made from a spun polyester material that may include dyed yarns. However, the covering portions or other portions of the jacket system  100  may be made from flexible, waterproof and breathable fabrics such as a GORE-TEX® fabric. Moreover, the jacket system  100  may be made from rip-stop materials making it difficult to tear and withstand a high amount of stress and wear. In addition, a coating of urethane may be applied to the jacket system  100  to provide a combination of breathability and water repellency. By way of example and depending on the types of materials, coatings and features of the jacket system  100 , an overall weight of the jacket system  100  may be less than 2.0 pounds. Further, the jacket system  100  may be made in a variety of colors and may include various types of insulation. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a sleeping bag compartment  116  coupled to the jacket portion  102  of the convertible jacket system  100 . The sleeping bag compartment  116  is shown in a retracted or wearable configuration with straps or ties  118  maintaining the sleeping bag compartment  116  in the wearable configuration. In one embodiment, the sleeping bag compartment  116  is rolled up and held in situ with strap ends that connect together using hook and loop fastener devices (e.g., VELCRO® fastening straps). Preferably, the sleeping bag compartment  116  is positioned just above the user&#39;s hips such that at least a portion of the weight of the sleeping bag compartment  116  may be supported on the hips. In one embodiment, shoulder straps  120  have a first end coupled to a region of the jacket portion  102  proximate the sleeping bag compartment  116 . The shoulder straps  120  extend upward and have a second end coupled to a shoulder region of the jacket portion  102 . The shoulder straps  120  may be adjustable relative to the jacket portion  102  such that more or less of the weight of the sleeping bag compartment  116  may be supported by the shoulders in addition to or instead of the hips. The sleeping bag compartment  116  may be made out of the same material as the jacket portion  102 . Alternatively, the sleeping bag compartment  116  may be made from slighter heavier materials having textured polyester yarns with a urethane coating. The thickness of the coating may be varied depending on whether the convertible jacket system  100  is expected to be continually used in wet, damp or cold environments because a heavier coating will further reduce the wetting out from damp or wet ground. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  shows the convertible jacket system  100  with the jacket portion  102  and the sleeping bag compartment  116  in an extended or sleeping configuration. The sleeping bag compartment  116  may include a zipper or similar device  122  that permits the user to move their lower body in and out of the sleeping bag compartment  116 . Optionally, a flap or cover (not shown) may be attached to the sleeping bag compartment  116  to substantially overlap or cover the zipper  122 . The flap may be configured to reduce or prevent water from leaking through the zipper  122  when the sleeping bag compartment  116  is in the sleeping configuration. The flap may be made from the same material as the sleeping bag compartment  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, the jacket portion  102  may be worn by the user and remain coupled to the sleeping bag compartment  116  while the user&#39;s lower body is inside the sleeping bag compartment  116 . The sleeping bag compartment  116  may be sized to comport to the size of the jacket portion  102 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  shows the convertible jacket system  100  having a pouch or pocket  124  attached to a backside  126  of the jacket portion  102 . The pouch  124  is sized to receive and hold a hood covering canopy  128  ( FIG. 5 ) when it is in a retracted or folded configuration. An upper portion  128  of the pouch  124  may be open and closed using a hook and loop fastening system or a bendable member  130  that snaps open or closed depending on its design. Optionally, the pouch  124  may be covered with a flap (not shown). 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  shows the convertible jacket system in a fully expanded or sleeping configuration in which the sleeping bag compartment  116 , the jacket portion  102  and the head covering canopy  128  have been removed from their storage locations and arranged to create a sleeping environment. Note that the hood portion  104  and the jacket portion  102  may be worn by the user when the convertible jacket system is in the sleeping configuration. In one embodiment, the head covering canopy  128  may operate as a backpack cover when the jacket system  100  is in the wearable configuration. The head covering canopy  128  may be made out of the same material as the jacket portion  102 . Alternatively, the head covering canopy  128  may be made from slighter heavier materials having textured polyester yarns with a urethane coating. As noted above, the thickness of the coating may be varied depending on whether the convertible jacket system  100  is expected to be continually used in wet, damp or cold environments because a heavier coating will further reduce the amount of rain or other wetness attempting to penetrate from the outside. In one embodiment, at least some of the materials used to make the jacket system  100  may be certified to a vertical flame resistance standard; such as the standard that is used for camping tents. 
         [0025]    Further illustrated in  FIG. 5  are suspenders  132  coupled to an upper part of the jacket portion  102  and extending downward toward a waist portion of the jacket system  100 . The suspenders  132  include clamps  134  that may be attached to the user&#39;s trousers or belt. One purpose of the suspenders  132  and clamps  134  is that once clamped they relieve some of the weight from the head covering canopy  128  when it is stored in the pouch  124 . In some embodiments, the head covering canopy  128  may tend to pull the jacket portion  102  downward along the users back because of its weight and the weight of the jacket portion  102 . To alleviate this, the suspenders  132  and clamps  134  may be employed maintain the jacket portion  102  while efficiently and evenly distributing the weight of the jacket system  100  on the user&#39;s body. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the convertible jacket system  100  in the fully expanded or sleeping configuration. In  FIG. 6 , the jacket system  100  is laid out and ready for the user. In  FIG. 7 , the jacket system  100  is shown in use with the user&#39;s lower body located in the sleeping bag compartment  116 , their torso region covered by the jacket portion  102 , which may remain open or closed depending on the user, and the head covering canopy  128  deployed to sufficiently cover the user&#39;s head and even an upper portion of the user&#39;s torso. The head covering canopy  128  may include a visor  136  that extends from the canopy  128  to provide more shading, to prevent water or moisture from dripping onto the user&#39;s face, or to prevent or at least reduce the amount of wind or blowing snow that may tend to be swept up into the canopy  128 . In another embodiment, the head covering canopy  128  may include a mesh screen (not shown) that comes attached or may be attached to the canopy  128 . The mesh screen may be configured to sufficiently cover the opening created between the canopy  128  and the jacket portion  102  to substantially eliminate bugs and mosquitoes from moving near the user&#39;s facial area. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show a maneuverable wire  138  having a first end  140  and a second end  142 . The wire  138  may have generally an arcuate shape and is received into a channel formed around the periphery  144  ( FIG. 7 ) of the fabric  146  ( FIG. 7 ) that forms the canopy  128 . The wire  138  as shown in  FIG. 8  is in its expanded or sleeping configuration, which by design is a natural or unstressed state for the wire  138 . The wire  138  is sufficiently strong, yet flexible to be expended and retracted numerous times. By way of example, when the canopy  128  ( FIG. 5 ) is removed from the pouch  124  ( FIG. 4 ), the wire  138  will automatically begin to expand to its natural state, which in turn means the canopy  128  will tend to open automatically with little to no effort from the user once the canopy  128  is removed from the pouch  124  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0028]      FIG. 9  shows the wire  138  in a folded or retracted configuration. The wire ends  140 ,  142  are moved toward each other, which in turn causes the wire  138  to double loop or loop over onto itself, thus substantially decreasing its overall envelope size and configuring it to fit into the pouch  124  ( FIG. 4 ). In one example prototype, an approximate mean diameter of the double looped wire  138  in the retracted configuration was about  8 . 0  inches, but this mean diameter could be greater or less depending on the overall design and purpose of the convertible jacket system  100 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 10A-10D  show the convertible jacket system  100  in various stages of use. In  FIG. 10A , the jacket system  100  is shown in the wearable configuration on the user. As described above, the suspenders  132  may be used to support and evenly distribute the weight of the jacket system  100 .  FIG. 10B  shows the jacket system  100  in the initial stages of being converted to the sleeping configuration. The jacket system  100  is laid on the ground or other approximately horizontal surface and the sleeping bag compartment  116  is moved into its sleeping configuration. In  FIG. 10C , the hood covering canopy  128  is removed from the pouch  124  and permitted to expand or open by force of the wire  138 . Once open and in the sleeping configuration, the canopy  128  may be situated to adequately cover the user&#39;s face and upper body as illustrated.  FIG. 10D  shows the user setting up the canopy  128  using pairs of straps  148  that may be slid between the jacket portion  102  and the ground. Opposite ends of the pair of straps  148  attach to each other to help prevent the bottom of the canopy  128  from splaying outward and thus possibly causing the canopy  128  to collapse. The canopy  128  may include several pairs of the straps  148 . 
         [0030]    Many other changes can be made in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all types of jackets, coats, sleeping environments, bivouac systems, and survival systems that operate in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.