Outdoor protective garment-like device

A protective device for maintaining body temperature in a living being is provided. The inventive protective device comprises a first sheet member having a left portion and a right portion. The first sheet member has a left edge and a right edge. A first channel member defines structure defining a first channel. The first channel member defines structure which is secured to and overlies a first portion of the left portion of the first sheet member and overlies a first portion of the right portion of the first sheet member. A second channel defining structure defines a second channel, the second channel defining structure secured to and overlying a second portion of the left portion of the first sheet member and overlying a second portion of the right portion of the first sheet member. Each of the channels have a first side and an opposite side opposite the first side. A variable length member is disposed on and extends along the length of each of the channels. There is a connection structure positioned proximate the left edge; and a mating connection structure positioned proximate the right edge.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to outdoor protective clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although some companies sell warm weather wraps for withstanding cold and windy weather while in an outdoor stadium, these can be ineffective in relatively cold weather and cumbersome during transport. Wraps also often only offer partial coverage and fall off when the wearer is standing up or moving, unless the wearer takes steps to hold them in place, for example by tightening an edge around the body and holding it against itself. Also, blankets generally do not offer protection from any of the elements, such as rain or snow.

While protective devices such as ponchos, do stay in place, they offer limited protection and, except in the head area, provided that a hood with a tightening mechanism is included, are relatively ineffective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for an improved covering that better protects the wearer from the cold weather. A solution to the problem of an easier method of transporting the protective device would also be desirable. These are provided by the present invention. The inventive protective device provides an integral pocket. Moreover, attachments are provided at the peripheral edges of the inventive protection device to ensure that it remains in place during movement. Thus, the present invention meets the above and other needs.

Generally, the inventive device comprises an insulative pliable sheet of material dimensioned to be wrapped around the human body and incorporating structure for securely closing around the body. The insulative pliable sheet is provided with elastic members to allow it to be snuggly disposed around the body of the user. The insulative pliable sheet has a small dimension at the bottom of the insulative pliable sheet as compared to the top of the insulative pliable sheet.

A corner fastener may be disposed proximate a lower corner of the device, and a mating fastener secured and disposed at a higher position on the device. The mating fastener mates with the corner fastener, allowing a corner of the wrap to be pulled up for freedom of movement and/or ventilation.

The device may further comprise a second corner fastener disposed proximate a second lower corner of the device, with the second corner fastener mating with said mating fastener secured and disposed at the higher position on the device.

Optionally, the insulative pliable sheet of material may have a waterproof or water resistant outside surface, and an additional mating corner fastener.

In accordance with the invention, a protective device for maintaining body temperature in a living being, such as a human, is provided. The inventive protective device comprises a first sheet member having a left portion and a right portion. The first sheet member has a left edge and a right edge. A first channel member defines structure defining a first channel. The first channel member defines structure which is secured to and overlies a first portion of the left portion of the first sheet member and overlies a first portion of the right portion of the first sheet member. A second channel defining structure defines a second channel, the second channel defining structure secured to and overlying a second portion of the left portion of the first sheet member and overlying a second portion of the right portion of the first sheet member. Each of the channels have a first side and an opposite side opposite the first side. A variable length member is disposed on and extends along the length of each of the channels. There is a connection structure positioned proximate the left edge; and a mating connection structure positioned proximate the right edge.

The first and second channel defining structures are secured to and extend from the left portion of the first sheet member, and are secured to and extend from the right portion of the first sheet member. The first and second channel defining structures each comprise a continuous structure extending from the left portion of the first sheet member to the right portion of the first sheet member.

The first and second channels may be defined between (i) a second sheet member; (ii) the first sheet member, the second sheet member being in facing relationship to the first sheet member; (iii) an elongated first area of attachment extending along the first side of each of the channels; and (iv) an elongated second area of attachment extending along the first opposite side of each of the channels. The first sheet member may comprise a flat planar member or a textile material. The first sheet member may also be insulative and the second sheet member may be substantially waterproof or water resistant. Each of the variable length members may comprise an elastic member or a slidably mounted cord and length reducing structure.

Each of the variable length members may comprise an elongated cord and at least one catch member for shortening the available length of cord in its respective channel, whereby, when the protective device is wrapped around the body and the cordtightened, the protective device takes a tubular configuration. The circumference is that smaller than the length of the cord and snuggly grips the body.

The channel defining structures may comprise a continuous elongated member extending from the left portion of the first sheet member to the right portion of the first sheet member and the sheet may be configured and dimensioned to be wrapped around a human body.

The inventive protective device may comprise a third channel defining structure defining a third channel and an additional variable length member disposed in the third channel. In principle, additional channel defining structures and variable length members may also be provided. The connection structure may be a loop connection structure and the mating connection structure may be a hook connection structure. The hook connection structure may be of the type more likely to connect only to mating loop material, and not other fabric and materials in the environment.

In accordance with the invention, it is recognized that convective heat transfer is governed by:
Q=hcAdt,

where q is the heat transferred per unit time (W, Btu/hr), A is the heat transfer area of the surface (m2, ft2), hcis the convective heat transfer coefficient of the process (W/(m2K) or W/(m2° C.), Btu/(ft2h° F.)), and dT is the temperature difference between the surface and the bulk fluid (K or ° C., F).

As air flow changes (wind speed) changes from low to moderate the heat transfer coefficient changes by tenfold. In accordance with the invention it has been recognized that this means the convective heat loss from the body is ten times more with a moderate wind versus a low wind speed.

On a cool, cold, or rainy day a person exposed to the elements will suffer from heat losses associated with convection, conduction, and radiation. Convective heat loss is the body's exposure to cooler moving air. Conductive heat loss is from direct contact with a colder solid more fluid which acts as a heat sink. This could be air which is not moving or it could be an object such as an aluminum bench. Radiation heat losses follow from the body giving off infrared radiation that are dissipated into the air.

The present invention is directed toward the minimization of heat transfer from the body taking advantage of the thermodynamics and physics to essentially eliminate convective heat loss from the human body. By adjusting the air velocity and exposed surface area, the body's heat loss and warmth retention can be adjusted.

Convective heat loss is transfer of heat by the movement of air or water against the body. The body warms the boundry layer of air or water next to the skin by conduction. Movement of the air or water disrupts the boundry layer carrying away the warm boundry layer of air and replacing it with colder air or water, thus maintaining the difference between ambient temperature in the body and exacerbating the loss of body warmth. The amount of heat carried away is relative to the surface area, the wind velocity and the temperature differential.

Since the heat transferred is a multiple of surface area, temperature differential and velocity of the air and the lower body is over 40% of the human body, the lower body loses a large amount of heat to convective heat loss.

The advantage of the invention compared to existing products is essentially elimination or at least drastic minimization of convective heat loss, a major source of heat loss on a cool breezy day.

Thus, the present invention has as its object forming an essentially sealed tubular structure to prevent air movement and convective heat loss from the sides. Structure is provided which essentially seals the top and bottom of the tubular structure against the body preventing air movement and convective heat transfer (loss) from the ends of the tubular structure. In accordance with the invention, elastic members the hold the blanket tight against the body for essentially the entire length of the tubular structure preventing air movement and convective loss within the tubular structure.

At the same time the inventive structure elastically conforms to the human body to allow free movement and flexing such as sitting and standing.

It is preferred that the inventive stadium wrap or covering have an external barrier comprised of a tightly woven flexible fabric such as nylon or polyester that blocks wind and air movement from the outside. Likewise, an external moisture/rain/snow barrier comprised of a flexible tightly woven fabric or one that is coated with a water repelling component such as polyurethane is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

An inner layer, made of fleece, artificial fur, or the like, acts as a conductive and convective heat loss prevention member. It is typically a fibrous flexible fabric such as fleece material made from polyester. It could also be a high loft light weight material such as goose down in nylon fabric pockets. The use of nylon cords create a larger barrier to conductive and convective heat loss due to the convolutions of the insulating layers creating undulations as the elastics within the fabric layers are tightened. The undulations create a thicker barrier of insulating material between the body and the outside air or cold structure such as a stadium bench. The product can be closed to any length along the edge of the tube to allow any amount of airflow or warming desired. For example at the beginning of use it could be closed around the waist only, providing a minimal amount of warmth and as the weather gets colder the tube could be closed further down the edge towards the feet. Then as it gets even colder, the product can be closed down to the ankles and tightened to bring it in contact with the body to provide the warmest protection.

In accordance with the invention, the tightness of the product at the ankles can be adjusted to Barry the air entering the bottom of the tube formed by the inventive wrap. The less air entering, the warmer it will be. You can also be used with almost any late forming a tube and the rest open. Likewise the wrap can be adjusted for snugness around the length of the tube by adjusting and changing the circumference of the tube which open or closes the interior voids where bigger voids allow more airflow and heat loss. This is accomplished by a narrow strip of hook attachment material which can be positioned at any point along the width of a wider, for example 1 foot wide, strip of loop attachment material.

Sealing is provided by elastics, such as an elastic cord member, at the top and bottom of the of the tube close and seal the ends of the tube around the waist and feet preventing wind and outside airflow to entering the tube. The objective of the inventive structure is to seal the tube completely from the top to the bottom of the inventive stadium wrap and thus minimize the effects of wind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, there being contemplated such alterations and modifications of the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as disclosed herein, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

FIG.1is a bottom plan view of a preferred embodiment of the protective device10of the present invention, optionally taking the form of a stadium wrap100. In this specification, the example of a stadium wrap100is given. InFIG.1, stadium wrap100is pulled taut, as such, the stadium wrap is made of a material which is rectangular in shape but presents with a bit of an hourglass shape because of the action of elastic members as detailed below.

Moreover, it is to be understood that the inventive protective device may take other forms, for example, a blanket to be wrapped around athletes competing in a competition. Likewise, the inventive protective device10may take the form of a device to be worn during other activities which occur outdoors, such as camping, hiking, fishing, watching games which do not occur in a stadium (such as golf), attending an outdoor concert or other event, and so forth. Likewise, it is contemplated that when not worn, the inventive protective device10may be used like a conventional blanket, or be wrapped around the body and secured in place without tension.FIG.1illustrates the inside of stadium wrap100, that is that portion of wrap100that faces the body of the user when worn.

In the illustrated embodiment, stadium wrap100comprises multiple layers including an inner layer102which may be made of any comfortable suitable fabric102, such as fleece, cotton flannel, or linen. One of the layers is desirably provided with a thermal characteristics which causes it to function as an insulator. For example, inner layer102may be an insulative textile fabric to increase warmth of a wearer. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, inner layer102has a face102awhich is comfortable when worn in contact with the skin. For example, face102amay be fleece, cotton flannel or linen.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive stadium wrap100includes a second layer which may take the form of a weather protection fabric103, such as a textile material which has been treated with a waterproofing compound. Alternatively, or in addition, any waterproof material may be used, such as vinyl or vinyl coated textile. Still yet another alternative is the interposition of a waterproof material between layers102and103, for example a waterproof material which breathes (for example polymeric material), such as Gortex™ material. In accordance with the invention, fabric layer103overlies and is in facing relationship to inner layer102. Layers102and103form opposite sides of the inventive stadium wrap100. Weather protection fabric103may be any one of numerous materials which will provide protection from wind, water and other environmental conditions. For example, tightly folded parachute nylon fabric which has been treated with a waterproofing agent will effectively block wind, air leakage during movement, and water.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, all of the layers which comprise inventive wrap100are, optionally, made of breathable material to promote comfort without allowing cold or wind to penetrate.

Optionally, inventive stadium wrap100may take a wide range of sizes and shapes. For example, a height of 1 m and width of 1.2 m will function well in a wide variety of circumstances, and for users having a range of different heights. In addition, the relatively large width allows the inclusion of elastic cords which effectively shorten the width of the stadium wrap, allowing it to snuggly extend around the user when in use, while providing insulative air pockets.

Optionally, a layer of water protective material, such as Gore-Tex™, may be introduced between weather protection fabric103and inner comfortable fabric layer102. Optionally, an additional insulative material may also be introduced between weather protection fabric103and inner layer102for further protection against the cold.

Optionally, in accordance with the invention, a layer of reflective material may be provided.

In accordance with the invention, when the inventive stadium wrap100is being used, it is wrapped around the user. The inner layer102faces inward towards the user while stadium wrap100is in use. In its construction, inner layer102is secured to outer weather protection layer103, for example by being sewn with cotton or cotton and nylon thread107. Multiple rows of stitching may be employed.

Stadium wrap100has a top longitudinal edge104and a bottom longitudinal edge105that run parallel to one another and represent the outermost edge of inner layer102and outer layer103. Perpendicular to top longitudinal edge104and bottom longitudinal edge105is outermost left edge106and outermost right edge109. Left edge106and right edge109represent the outermost height of wrap100and its inner layer102and outer layer103.

Top longitudinal edge104, bottom longitudinal edge105, left edge106, and right edge109are bound together by stitching as noted above. The result is that inner layer102and outer layer103are securely positioned with respect to each other, by being bound with, for example, a running stitch or a binding stitch107.

Along left edge106is a wide patch of hook fastener material108(secured to the outside of layer103) that mates with loop fastener material111positioned adjacent right edge109and configured as a narrow strip and sewn to inner layer102. Connection of material108to fastener material111is done at a position which results in stretching elastic cord members as described more fully below, thus resulting in a snug fit. This allows right edge109to be connected adjacent left edge106. Thus, the stadium wrap100is attached to the user securely disposed around the user, when the user stands, sits, or is in motion. Hook and loop fastener materials108and111may comprise material of the sort sold under the Velcro trademark.

Alternatively, in place of hook and loop fasteners, other types of fasteners may be used, more particularly any fastener that will allow a user to partially or fully enclose stadium wrap100around the body, such as Velcro™ fastener material or a slidingly engaging fastener, such as a sewn on metal hook and a metal loop, or a plurality of the same. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the strip of loop material is much wider than the strip of hook material thus allowing selective closing of the inventive stadium wrap with varying degrees of tightness.

Hook and loop fastener materials108and111are optionally, but preferably, configured to fasten along the entire left and right edges of left connecting edge106and the right edge109, as illustrated inFIGS.1and2, where it can be seen that the hook and loop fastener materials108and111extend from the top edge104to the bottom edge109.

However, the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1and2may be used to connect partially along the length of the right and left edges, allowing for greater movement of the user's legs while wearing stadium wrap100(as shown inFIG.3). This may be achieved by simply not engaging the hook fastener material with the loop fastener material. See for exampleFIG.3, where the user is seen walking or running with plenty of room for unconstricted leg movement.

Stitched in between inner layer102and outer layer103are three elastic cords112-114, whose function is to allow the width of the inventive stadium wrap100to be varied from full width, for example 1.2 meters, to a smaller width substantially equal to the width of the elastic cords plus the width115of the non-elastic portion of stadium wrap100. More particularly, in accordance with the invention a top elastic cord112, a middle elastic cord113, and a bottom elastic cord114are provided.

Top elastic cord112runs parallel with top longitudinal edge104. Top elastic cord112lies closer to top longitudinal edge104than to middle elastic cord113. Middle elastic cord113lies roughly in the middle of inner layer102and outer layer103and runs parallel to top longitudinal edge104and bottom longitudinal edge105. Middle elastic cord113may be positioned closer to bottom elastic cord114than top elastic cord112. Bottom elastic cord114runs parallel to bottom longitudinal edge105. Bottom elastic cord114lies closer to bottom longitudinal edge105than to middle elastic cord113. Top elastic cord112, middle elastic cord113, and bottom elastic cord114are long enough to result in stadium wrap100extending around and snugly gripping the user, optionally, a user of very petite or skinny stature.

Elastic cords112,113and114are slidably mounted within the elongated channels defined between facing stitching pairs115a-c. Stitching115a-cis of any length and width necessary to secure top elastic cord112, middle elastic cord113, and bottom elastic cord114in place. SeeFIG.7.

Top elastic cord112, middle elastic cord113, and bottom elastic cord114are comprised of material that will elastically expand under the application of tension and contract to its original shape when the tension is released. Such elasticity is provided in order to enable the three elastic cords to secure stadium wrap100securely and comfortably snug around the user. Elastic cords112are any diameter necessary to rest slidably within channels defined between stitching pairs115a-c. Elastic cords112are thus held in place by stitching pairs115a-c.

The ends of elastic cords112,113and114are secured to the inside layer102and outside layer103by tacking threads116. Accordingly, tightly wrapping stadium wrap100around the body of the user puts elastic cords112,113and114in tension.

Elastic cords112prevent heat loss by keeping stadium wrap100closer to the user. The result is a smaller air gap between the user and the inside of wrap100. This reduces heat loss caused by air convection in the space between the user and wrap100. At the same time, while ruffles are formed, these ruffles tend to form independent and smaller compartments which are not in substantial convective communication with the user's body, and thus act as insulative ruffle pockets. These ruffle pockets effectively thicken the insulative material and the protective nature of the inventive stadium wrap. The combination of these effects results in substantial protection from the cold.

As shown inFIGS.1and4, a rectangular fabric panel118which defines a pocket and functions as a bag for containing the stadium wrap100is illustrated inFIG.1. Fabric panel118defines a pocket120. A single handle122is secured adjacent opening123of pocket120. In the packed position of wrap100, fabric pocket120defined by fabric panel118fully contains stadium wrap100, into which it may be stuffed, as shown inFIG.5by turning pocket120inside out. Handle122may comprise any material suitable for a strap, such as textile fabric, leather or combinations thereof. The fabric bag formed by panel118may be closed by using hook and loop fastening materials125and127. After stadium wrap100has been stuffed into the pocket as illustrated inFIG.5, it may be easily carried using handle122. Alternatively, a pair of handles may be used.

FIG.2is a top plan view of stadium wrap100. Stadium wrap100is displayed in a natural state as longitudinal edges104are slightly compressed by elastic cords112. The outside layer103of stadium wrap100may comprise weather protection fabric. The weather protection fabric may be any material suitable for repelling water and retaining heat.

FIG.3is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment partially enclosing the user. Stadium wrap100is shown with the hook and loop fasteners108and111only partially engaged and the wrap thus partially closed.FIG.3illustrates the ease of movement, even during running, afforded by only partially closing hook and loop fasteners108and111.

FIG.6shows a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment partially open, allowing some movement but still providing substantial protection, useful for walking a short distance or sitting. Alternatively, depending upon the shape of the user, the stadium wrap100may be expanded at any point along its height or restricted at any point along the height to accommodate different body types and shapes. The same is achieved through the use of a narrow engagement fabric strip108which may be positioned along any portion of a wide fabric engagement patch111. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the width of fabric engagement patch111is about 30 cm.

in accordance with the invention, the inventive stadium wrap100may be secured using the hook and loop fasteners in the position illustrated inFIG.3orFIG.6, thus allowing for a stable wrap configuration suitable for either minimum movement or for more extreme movements such as running. If desired, clips or snaps may be provided in addition to the hook and loop fastener material.

FIG.5is a perspective view showing stadium wrap100being stuffed into fabric bag118. Stadium wrap100may be folded in any manner that allows for convenient carry when completely folded into fabric bag formed by panel118. The same may be achieved by randomly stuffing the planar portion of the stadium wrap into the bag formed by turning the pocket inside out. Alternatively, the body of the stadium wrap100may be folded carefully and slid into the pocket defined by panel118, thus resulting in a relatively flat configuration. Still yet another alternative is to stitch a bag into the inside of wrap100.

In another preferred embodiment, depicted inFIG.8, an inventive stadium wrap200has an unsymmetrical shape. Stadium wrap200generally defines top side290a, vertical side290b, foot side290c, and curved side290d. In this embodiment sides290aand290care approximately parallel and intersect side290bat approximately a right angle. Additionally, side290ais longer than side290c. In an exemplary embodiment side290ais 47 inches in length and side290cis 35 inches in length.

It is additionally contemplated that sides290aand290cmay be longer or shorter to accommodate different sizes of the stadium wrap to accommodate different sized people wearing the wrap and/or the use of the stadium wrap with other warm clothing for cold weather and/or different gate measurements. For example, side290cof the stadium wrap may measure 28, 35, 45, or 52 inches and side290aof the wrap may measure the same for all sizes or may change depending on the desired fit, by way of example side a may measure 47, 50, 60 or 70 inches.

Further, side290dis configured to curve from the longer side290ato the shorter side290c. This curve may be a large s shape or a more gentle s shaped curve. The shape of side290dis specifically designed to lay adjacent to the bodily curves of the wearer. As such, the curve of side290dmay change based on the size of the stadium wrap and it is specifically contemplated that the curve of side290dwould be shallower if side290ameasured 60 inches and side290cmeasured 52, as compared to the configuration where side290ameasures 60 inches and side290cmeasures 28 inches.

The stadium wrap ofFIGS.8-9are composed of materials the same as those disclosed in reference toFIG.1above, or equivalent materials as are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specifically, in an embodiment, the stadium wrap200comprises multiple layers including an inner layer202which may be made of any comfortable suitable fabric202, such as fleece, cotton flannel, or linen. The inner layer is configured to increase warmth of a wearer and to be comfortable to be worn on the body. It is additionally contemplated that this fabric may be a light weight moisture wicking material designed to retain heat, light weight material with heat reflective properties or other light weight material that is specifically designed for warmth.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive stadium wrap200includes a second layer which takes the form of a weather protection fabric203. In accordance with the invention, fabric layer203overlies and is in facing relationship to inner layer202. Layers202and203thus form opposite sides of the inventive stadium wrap200. Weather protection fabric203may be any one of numerous materials which will provide protection from wind, water and other environmental conditions. For example, tightly woven parachute nylon fabric which has been treated with a waterproofing agent will effectively block wind, air leakage during movement, and water. Other fabrics that are specifically contemplated are polyurethane laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane, ripstop nylon fabric, nylon taffeta, laminated cotton, poplin, water resistant polyester fleece, treated microfiber, treated and nontreated wool, vinyl, pleather, various polymer based fabrics, plastic, and any other fabric capable of providing water resistance and wind resistance.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the Stadium wrap200includes cords similar to these described in the embodiment disclosed in reference toFIG.1. Specifically, Stitched in between inner layer202and outer layer203are three elastic cords whose function is to allow the width of the inventive stadium wrap200to be varied from full width, for example 1.2 m to a smaller width substantially equal to the width of the elastic cords plus the width115of the inelastic portion of stadium wrap200. More particularly, in accordance with the invention a top elastic cord212, a middle elastic cord213, and a bottom elastic cord214are provided. Top elastic cord212runs parallel with top longitudinal edge204. Top elastic cord212lies closer to top longitudinal edge204than to middle elastic cord213. Middle elastic cord213lies roughly in the middle of inner layer202and outer layer203and runs parallel to top longitudinal edge204and bottom longitudinal edge205. Bottom elastic cord214runs parallel to bottom longitudinal edge205. Bottom elastic cord214lies closer to bottom longitudinal edge205than to middle elastic cord213. Top elastic cord212, middle elastic cord213, and bottom elastic cord214are long enough to result in stadium wrap200extending around and snugly gripping the user, optionally a user of very petite or skinny stature.

Elastic cords212,213and214are slidably mounted within the elongated channels defined between respective facing stitching pairs, similar to the structure ofFIG.7.

Top elastic cord212, middle elastic cord213, and bottom elastic cord214are comprised of material that will elastically expand under the application of tension and contract to its original shape when the tension is released. Such elasticity is provided in order to enable the three elastic cords to secure stadium wrap200securely around the user. Elastic cords212are any diameter necessary to rest slidably within channels defined between the stitching pairs which maintain them in position in a matter similar to that illustrated inFIG.7. Elastic cords212are thus held in place by respective stitching pairs similar to those illustrated inFIG.7

The ends of elastic cords212,213and214are secured to the inside layer202and outside layer203by tacking threads in the manner similar to the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7. Accordingly, tightly wrapping stadium wrap200around the body of the user puts elastic cords212,213and214in tension.

Elastic cords212prevent heat loss by keeping stadium wrap200closer to the user. This reduces convective heat loss. At the same time, ruffles are formed, but these ruffles tend to form independent compartments and are not in substantial convective communication with the user's body, and thus act as insulative ruffle pockets.

In another preferred embodiment, depicted inFIGS.10-11, a stadium wrap300has a more acute shape. Stadium wrap300is generally comprised of sides390a,390b,390c, and390d. In this embodiment sides390aand390care approximately parallel and intersect side390bat approximately a right angle. Additionally, side390ais longer than side390c. In an exemplary embodiment side390ais 47 inches and side390cis 35 inches. It is additionally contemplated that sides390aand390cmay be longer or shorter to accommodate different sizes of the stadium wrap to accommodate different sized people wearing the wrap and/or the use of the stadium wrap with other warm clothing for cold weather. For example, side390cof stadium wrap may measure 28, 35, 45, or 52 inches and side390aof the wrap may measure the same for all sizes or may change depending on the desired fit, by way of example side390amay measure 47, 50, 60 or 70 inches.

Further, side390dis configured to connect the longer side390ato the shorter side390c.390dis optionally a straight line from390ato390cmaking the angle of the fabric less than 90 degrees. The shape of side390dis designed to be bigger at the waist and smaller at the ankles, corresponding with the general anatomy of a person. As such, angle of the relationship between side390aor390cand390dmay change based on the size of the stadium wrap.

A feature in at least one embodiment according to the above descriptions is a multi-use pocket. The pocket may be configured to be accessible while the stadium wrap is closed and store the stadium wrap while not in use. In some embodiments the pockets are small and designed to hold everyday items, such as car keys, wallet, money clip, cell phone. Alternatively, the pocket is designed to be turned inside out and thus allow the wrap to be contained in the pocket for easy storage and transport.

The stadium wrap is designed such that the material wraps around the waist of the wearer. The wearer then uses the closing mechanism to attach the material to itself. Then, the wearer does this down their body until the stadium wrap is fully connected on itself. This is done depending upon on the preference and tightness of the stadium wrap against the wearer's body.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the wearer can begin to put on the inventive wrap by placing the wrap behind themselves. Then, the wearer wraps side390aaround themselves and brings fastener material adjacent side390dinto engagement with fastener material adjacent side390b.

In another preferred embodiment, depicted inFIGS.12-13, a stadium wrap400with a rectangular shape, multiple pockets and a carabiner holding cord is illustrated. Stadium wrap300has four sides, namely the top side312, a bottom side314, the left side316and a right side318. In an exemplary embodiment sides312and314are 56 inches long, and sides316and318are 40 inches in length. An elongated Velcro® type member320has a width of approximately three quarters of an inch is secured to the inside surface321of wrap300(made of fleece or any other insulative material), while a mating 13 inch wide mating hook and loop fastener member322is secured to outside surface324, as illustrated inFIG.13.

Two large pockets326and328are provided. Smaller pockets330,332and334of varying sizes complete a five pocket arrangement. Optionally, one of the pockets, for example a small pocket may be close with a zipper for security.

To provide for ventilation, a pair of blue type fastener patches336and338are provided and which mate with a hook type fastener patch340to provide for ventilation by folding up the corner of the inventive wrap300. As in the above embodiments, visiting members320and322are brought into contact with each other to close the wrap. Varying levels of ventilation may be achieved by having different lengths closed. This also provides for movement.

Elastic cords342,344and346which had unstretched length of 20 inches are provided to span the 40 inches between the edge of loop fastener member322and site318. Optionally, cord342may be separated from cord344by seventeen inches. One or more additional pockets348, of various designs, may be provided on the outside surface of the inventive wrap300.

Optionally, a cord carrying handle350, dimensioned to hang on the shoulder of the user, may be provided adjacent inner pocket328, and provided with a carabiner352for easy carrying, for example on the belt of the user, or clipped to a backpack. In order to stow the inventive blanket, inner large pocket328is turned inside out and the protruding portions of the blanket are neatly folded and positioned inside pocket328. Alternatively, carabiner352may be used to carry the user's keys.

An alternative embodiment of the inventive stadium wrap500is illustrated inFIG.14. This embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.12and13except that its width512is reduced to 54 inches, and the lower corners of the material have been removed up to a height of 18 inches to better accommodate the smaller width needed about the ankles. In this embodiment the reduction in width is taken out of the elastic portion of wrap500. Accordingly, the top and middle cords are reduced in length by one inch. Likewise, the bottom cord is reduced in length. The lights of the cords are selected in such a manner that they stretch to twice there unstretched length. The narrow with needed around the feet is accommodated by the two chamfered bottom corners. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, bottle edge516is 42 inches long.

In a manner similar to the embodiment ofFIGS.12-13, a corner retaining patch of hook fastener material540, and mating corner patches of loop fastener material536and538may be provided to allow a corner of the wrap500to be pulled up for freedom of movement and/or ventilation.

Similarly, additional patches of hook material542and544may be provided to allow the entire bottom of the inventive wrap to be pulled up and secured at the waist, thus reducing its height by about fifty percent.

The functioning of the present invention may be understood with reference toFIGS.15to17. More particularly,FIG.15is a schematic representation of the inventive stadium wrap500loosely open over a portion of its length, for example from the waist to the ankles. This allows air549to freely circulate around the legs550of a user. Referring toFIG.16, the wrap may be closed along its entire length but loosely by, for example, adhering narrow 1 inch wide hook material strip554to the edge555of stadium wrap500, by engaging the edge of 12 inch wide loop attachment material strip556, optionally along the entire length of the stadium wrap. This results in closing out the air but leaving some space in between the user's legs550and the inside of wrap500, thus allowing some circulation of air. Referring toFIG.17, the inventive wrap500may be wrapped tightly around the legs550of the user, substantially eliminating the space for the circulation of air. This configuration may be secured in place by 1 inch wide hook material strip554being placed in engagement with loop material536at the inside edge of loop material566.

Optionally, a loop fabric patch may be provided on the outside of the inventive wrap300, which may be used to receive mating patches, for example advertising material, and the like, such as a favorite team logo.

In accordance with the invention, the elastic cords may be provided with adjustments. The wearer may then adjust the elastic cords to tighten around their body creating insulating ruffles were the material is close to the surface of the body between cords that are next to the surface of the body. These pockets are effective for keeping air that is warmed by body heat.

As an alternative to elastic cords, one or more of the fabric members, may be made in whole or in part from a textile fabric incorporating elastic fibers, yarns or the like.

In addition, it is possible to use the stadium wrap of the present invention by securing it only adjacent the top of the wrap, proximate to the waist of the user.

Additional modifications to each of the preferred embodiments are contemplated at the time of the disclosure. One of these include varied number of elastic cords. The elastic cords may be used to secure wrap around the waist, knees, and ankles or may include a variation of these locations, for example around the waist and ankles only or around the waist and knees only. Further, the wrap may include a relatively large number of cords disposed across the full height of the inventive wrap. This configuration may increase the versatility of the wrap and increase the ability to wear the wrap while walking by accommodating different stride lengths, for example where a relatively large amount of length is provided adjacent the legs of the wearer.

Additionally, additionally, such a structure may allow the wrap may vary in width to accommodate various sized people and additional clothing in the colder months. Alternatively, the widths may correspond with general clothing sizes in inches or slightly bigger. Further, the wrap may come as a one size fits most. Another variation may be the length of the wrap. The wrap my come in several lengths to accommodate people of different heights including petite, regular, and tall variations. In addition, while the above disclosure illustrates the invention with reference to a wrap which extends from the waist to the ankles, the length of the wrap may be varied in accordance with the invention, for example, it may extend from the ankles to under the the armpits or even up to the chin or even eyes of the person wearing it. Such variation may be selected as a matter of comfort, weather, convenience, aesthetic appearance or any other factors deemed important by the user.

It is also understood that many different types of fasteners may be used in addition to hook and loop fasteners. These may include steps, clips, buttons and so forth.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations may be made within the scope of the invention, which is limited and defined only by the appended claims. No limitation with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.