Patent Publication Number: US-7908676-B2

Title: Shacket™

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/895,577 filed on Aug. 27, 2007 now abandoned. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of multi-purpose and convertible garments. In particular, this invention relates to outerwear that may also function as a shelter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Temporary shelters, such as tents and canopies are used for a number of outdoor activities such as outdoor sports (e.g., hiking, hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking). Many outdoor activities occur in part at distances from home on trails, in fields, on a lake, or other remote location that may require the use of a shelter, sometimes under variable weather conditions. Additionally, many social activities such as spectator sports, rallies and conventions require protection from the elements, particularly rain, wind and sun. 
     Many sports require a user to have their hands free to participate them, and a user would be encumbered by carrying heavy gear. 
     It is desirable to have a convenient means of storing a sheltering device in a wearable, multipurpose outer garment so that an individual is not required to use their hands to carry the items. 
     It is further desirable to have a lightweight sheltering device and means for carrying a sheltering device that is carefully balanced on a user&#39;s body during transport so as not to interfere with the user&#39;s coordination or agility in participating in the outdoor activity. 
     Many portable sheltering devices are known in the art, as well as means to make transporting and carrying them easier. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,834 (Kester &#39;834) discloses a “convertible tent jacket” teaches an “interconvertible article of clothing which can be converted from a jacket form to a backpack form, the jacket having an oversized pocket concealed in the back panel of such jacket for holding a full size tent, a warning or signaling flag disposed on the tent pocket cover, a plurality of pockets on other areas of the jacket for storage of emergency blankets, first aid, and other survival necessities, and having shoulder straps and a waist belt for supporting and distributing the weight of the tent and carrying the backpack.” This device, although directed at the problem of transporting portable shelters as a component of an outer garment, does not teach or enable the use of a free-standing tent, or a method for transport other than an oversized pocket into which the canvas portion of a tent may be stored, and does not address the need for a light-weight portable framework to support a tent structure. 
     It is desirable to have a means for storing tent poles and other structural components of a portable sheltering device during transport. 
     It is further desirable to have a device which is multi-functional as a jacket and portable sheltering device, and easily assembled and disassembled. 
     It is further desirable to have a portable sheltering device that can be erected on a variety of surfaces, including grassy surfaces, sandy surfaces, fields, muddy surfaces and solid flooring. 
     It is also desirable to introduce a novel item into the marketplace which amuses and surprises a user by concealing its functionality of as portable sheltering device, and which has a stylish appearance as a “field jacket” rather than as poncho or tentlike structure. 
     GLOSSARY 
     As used herein, the term “sheltering device” means any tent, portable shelter, canopy, umbrella or other equipment that provides an overhead shelter or barrier from environmental elements. A sheltering device may be three-sided, four-sided, five-sided or multi-faceted, and may be constructed of any plastic, canvas, metallic fabric or other material known in the art. A sheltering device may be assembled can be erected on a variety of surfaces, including grassy surfaces, sandy surfaces, fields, muddy surfaces and solid flooring. 
     As used herein, the term “SHACKET™” means a convertible, multi-purpose device object constructed of fabric, plastic, canvas, or other material that can be worn on the body as a barrier or as a temperature-insulating device and containing lightweight structural components to assemble a portable sheltering device. 
     As used herein, the term “panel” means a component of a SHACKET™ that may be zipped, attached, separated or configured to be both a component of a jacket and a component of a sheltering device. A SHACKET™ may include one or more front side and back panels that are attached, configured, zipped, released and positioned to form jacket and sheltering device components. 
     As used herein, the term “placket” means a component for concealing and/or protecting a zipper or zippered pocket by covering it. A placket may be a flap or protective barrier of any shape or size, of the same or different material as the SHACKET™ body. 
     As used herein, the term “pole pockets,” may include loops, closures supports or other structures used to support and secure poles, or alternate materials and configurations which serve the function of pole pockets. 
     As used herein, the term “false hem” means the bottom border of a SHACKET™ in use as a jacket which gives the illusion of the end or border of a garment, but which actually contains additional fabric which is used as walls of a temporary shelter which is concealed. 
     As used herein, the term “sleeve tab” means an optional securing or closure mechanism on a sleeve cuff or lower portion of a sleeve. 
     As used herein, the term “separately assembled” means manufactured as separate components which may be jointed together at one or more seams or other attachment points. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a multi-functional, lightweight outerwear garment that transforms into a temporary freestanding shelter. It consists of waterproof, breathable material that is hemmed and formed so that excess fabric and pole components are compressed or hidden and a user may wear the object as an everyday garment. When desired, the excess fabric and pole components may be released and opened and a user may construct a temporary, freestanding shelter using the same material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of the SHACKET™ in use as a jacket. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of the SHACKET™ in use as a shelter. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the SHACKET™ in use as a jacket. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a back view of the SHACKET™ in use as a jacket. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front inside view of the SHACKET™ in use as a jacket, in which the SHACKET™ lining is exposed. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a fully erected front view of the SHACKET™ in use as a shelter, in which the entrance is closed. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a fully erected side view of the SHACKET™ in use as a shelter, in which the entrance is closed. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an inside view of the SHACKET™ in use as a shelter, in which the entrance to the shelter is open. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates pole segment in detached form for use in the SHACKET™. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the floor of a shelter, which may be used as the floor of a SHACKET™. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of the SHACKET™, only some of which are described herein. It should nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate those modifications such as more or fewer poles or support structures, or construction using varying materials as an outer garment or sheltering device component. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed apparatus or manner. 
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. 
     Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of a SHACKET™  100  in use as a jacket. When in use as a jacket, the functionality of SHACKET™  100  as a temporary sheltering device in concealed. The jacket appears highly stylized and does not restrict the activities of the wearer in any manner, or encumber the wearer with significant weight from the structural components for assembling SHACKET™  100  as a temporary shelter. In various embodiments SHACKET™  100  may include a detachable inner lining (not shown) of fleece, wool, nylon, cotton, Gortex™ or other functionally comparable material which may be worn by a user while SHACKET™  100  is being used in its capacity as a temporary structure. 
       FIG. 1B  shows a front view of the SHACKET™  100  in use as a shelter. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , SHACKET™  100  is formed of materials that may vary for jacket and temporary shelter component parts, such as polar fleece, quilted, or other suitable material providing adequate insulation and protection from elements (e.g., waterproofing). The materials selected for the jacket components of the SHACKET™  100  may be functional (e.g., insulation, warmth, sunscreen, ventilation, moisture barrier, camouflage) or have an aesthetic appeal (e.g., ornamental fabric, logo wear, decals and embellishment). The materials selected for the tent components of SHACKET™  100  will be lightweight, durable, weather resistant, and easily compressed to be stored or folded within SHACKET™  100  so as not to create undue bulk. Material used for the tent components of SHACKET™  100  includes canvas, nylon or any other fabric possessing these qualities. Zippers and other closure components will be selected for durability, weight (e.g., plastic rather than metal zippers) and resistance to outdoor elements. It is estimated that a SHACKET™  100  device and all component parts will not weigh more than four to twelve pounds, and the weight of such components (including the poles) will be distributed in a manner which will not affect a wearer&#39;s balance competitiveness or coordination in a particular sport. Elements visible in SHACKET™ include side panels  6 , front panels  9  and back panels  13 , placket  7 , sleeves  3  and sleeve tab  4 , further discussed infra. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the SHACKET™ in use as a jacket. As illustrated in  FIG. 2  SHACKET™  100  may include numerous outer garment components, including but not limited to sleeves  3 , one or more sleeve tabs  4 , one or more side panels  6 , one or more front panels  9 , one or more back panels  13 . Additional embodiments of SHACKET™  100  may include fewer or more panels, differently shaped panels, panels having different proportions, and panels having varying connection points and devices and not depart from the spirit of the invention. 
     SHACKET™  100 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may further include optional ornamentation such as epaulets  29 , and one or more pockets  5 , which may be on the outer surface of SHACKET™  100  or concealed within adjacent to lining  20  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). In various embodiments, SHACKET™  100  may further include various optional inner pockets (e.g., to hold food bars, compasses, maps, cell phone, matches, and other accessories and personal items). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , zippers or other closure devices  8  selectively join one or more side panels  6 , front panels  9 , one or more back panels  13 . Panels  6 ,  9  and  13  may conceal additional fabric, which serves to extend the surface area of SHACKET™  100  when panels  6 ,  9  and  13  are opened and closed. In various embodiments, other closure means for panels may be used, as an alternative to zippers, including hooks, Velcro, snaps, stitching, temporary or permanent adhesive, buttons and loop devices. In the embodiment shown, closure devices  8  are zippers, covered by plackets  7  which are flaps for covering zippered pockets that may be ornamental (e.g., to conceal zippers or protect zippers from debris and outdoor elements and prolong their useful life). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , SHACKET™  100  further includes false hem  18  (shown in phantom) which gives the appearance of a traditional jacket hemline, but which actually includes an additional four (4) to eight (8) feet of false hem fabric (not shown) which is converted to the sides and “walls” of a temporary structure when SHACKET™  100  is in use. In the embodiment shown, false hem fabric is sewn at the bottom of the jacket and folded and tucked up into the lining out of sight. In the embodiment shown, false hem fabric is held into place using various configurations and zippers and clips and is released to form walls of a temporary shelter. The false hem fabric may be any lightweight fabric suitable to outdoor use and providing varying degrees of wind resistance and insulation 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a back view of the SHACKET™ in use as a jacket. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , SHACKET™  100  may further include one or more plackets  7 . Plackets may be ornamental or functional. When included in an ornamental capacity plackets  7  give jacket a more stylized effect. Plackets  7  also serve the purpose of protecting closure device  8  and any other closure devices used in SHACKET™  100  from outdoor elements and debris, prolonging the useful life and functionality of the closure device. (As discussed infra, SHACKET™  100  may have multiple configurations of closure devices.) 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is a basic sleeve exhibiting no distortion.  FIG. 3  further includes sleeve tab  4 , which is located on the cuff portion of sleeve  3 . In the embodiment shown, sleeve tab  4  is adapted to selectively tighten or loosen sleeve  3  around the wearer&#39;s wrist, and to close apertures in the sleeves when SHACKET™  100  is in use as a temporary shelter. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , SHACKET™  100  further includes optional hood  2  and optional collar  1 , both of which provide further protection from the elements and stylistic enhancement when SHACKET™  100  is worn as a jacket and/or outer garment. Hood  2  and optional collar  1  may be detached, selectively attached or permanently attached. When not in use, in the embodiment shown, hood  2  and collar  1  may be folded, crushed, rolled or compressed to be inserted within storage compartment (not shown). In various embodiments, collar storage compartment may be a pocket, include snaps, Velcro, zippers or other closures. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , when SHACKET™  100  is worn as an outer garment, the garment gives the stylistic appearance of a jacket, and has closures and sleeves  3  to encase the body. If SHACKET™  100  is worn as an outer garment, it has a fitted appearance, rather than a “poncho” or tent like appearance, thus concealing its use as a garment which is convertible to a sheltering structure. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , SHACKET™  100  is constructed in a manner so as not to restrict mobility or activities of the wearer. 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates pole pouch  28  this is a simple pouch for holding pole components of SHACKET™  100 , discussed infra. In the embodiment shown, pole pouch  28  is located on back panel  13  of SHACKET™  100 , but in other embodiments may be located on panels  6  or  9  or in any location that maintains comfort to a wearer of SHACKET™  100  and substantially conceals poles. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the inner lining of SHACKET™  100 . In the embodiment shown, collar  1  and hood  2  (not shown) partially form the roof of SHACKET™  100  and channel pockets  29  which secure poles  26   
       FIG. 4  further illustrates floor pocket  22  which stores and conceals optional floor component  25  (not shown) to cover the ground or floor within SHACKET™  100  when it is used as a temporary structure. In the embodiment shown, floor component  25  is a 5×5 piece of material but can be of any suitable dimensions for a particular shelter embodiment of SHACKET™  100 . In the embodiment shown, floor pocket  22  is found in the top of the center back lining  20  and holds optional floor component  25  (not shown) out of the way when traveling. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , lining  20  stores and conceals triangular inserts  15  and  16  and false hem  18  by folding with clips, clasps, snaps or concealed pockets. In one exemplary embodiment, lining  20  is secured with a button to help hold the lining out of the way of the person sitting inside shelter formed from SHACKET™  100 . In various embodiments, lining  20  may further include dual pull buckles  23  and Velcro attachments  24  that attach lining  20  to false hem  18  or the jacket. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates SHACKET™  100  in use as a freestanding portable shelter. SHACKET™  100  is easily converted from a jacket to a portable shelter, and configures so that a user can follow a simple series of steps to unzip, unclip, pop up, and unfold SHACKET™  100 . To convert SHACKET™  100  to a portable shelter, triangular fabric inserts  15  and  16  of varying sizes are released and opened to allow hidden fabric to increase surface area of SHACKET  100 . Triangular fabric inserts  15  and  16  are selectively attached to front and back panels  6 ,  9  and  13 . When in use as a jacket in the embodiment shown, inserts  15  and  16  are stored by tucking, folding, crushing or compressing, within pockets or the lining of SHACKET™  100 . The embodiment shown is dome-shaped, but can, in other embodiments, be rectangular, triangular, square or rounded. Further embodiments may be adapted to shelter more than one person. When the jacket is transformed into the shelter hood  2  becomes the roof cover. 
     In various embodiments, SHACKET™  100  may be assembled as a freestanding shelter. SHACKET™  100  serves the same purpose as any portable shelter device with either the help of stability with stakes and poles, or with a cord from an outer ring that can get support from a tree branch (which would also create a freestanding shelter). SHACKET™  100  may further include fitting  14 , e.g., a plastic hardware ID-ring which provides an alternative form of stability when the SHACKET™  100  is used as a shelter. A rope, string, cord or other securing member may be fastened to fitting  14  and then secured to another object, (e.g., tied around a branch of a tree) to create an “A” frame shelter. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , various embodiments of SHACKET™  100  may include windows  17  (optional) that can be created in plastic, mesh or any other fabrics to allow light or air to enter the temporary shelter. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a fully erected side view of SHACKET™  100  in use as a shelter, in which the entrance is closed. In the embodiment shown, triangular insert  16  is shown below sleeve hem to allow consistent fabric levels when SHACKET™  100  is transformed from jacket to shelter. 
       FIG. 6  also illustrates stake loops  19 , which can optionally be used to secure SHACKET™  100  to the ground when in use as a shelter. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an interior view of SHACKET™  100  in use as a shelter, in which poles  26  support SHACKET™  100 . Poles  26  are tent poles that have an internal diameter up to 1.5 inches, and are constructed of lightweight material such as fiberglass, aluminum, bendable bands or any other material known in the art. In the embodiment shown, poles  26  create a freestanding skeletal structure for the dome shape shelter. The poles are 18″ long and fit into each of the other 5 sections. The two sets of poles are 90″ total in length. Poles slide into each other with male and female parts. Six poles (16 inches) fits along shoulder like a quiver from shoulder to waist. How many pieces form each unit (144 inches). 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates that SHACKET™  100 , when in use as a shelter, contains pole pockets  27  to hold poles  26  in an arc position, and are located at the bottom inner walls of SHACKET™  100 . Pole pockets  27  accept the ends of poles  26 , and when attached to fully erected and arced poles  26 , extend fabric and create an enclosed, usable shelter. Pole pockets  27  serve to securely position SHACKET™  100  when in use as a temporary shelter, as well as to provide support to the skeletal structure formed by poles  26 , and to aid a user in constructing the temporary shelter. In the embodiment shown, pole pockets  26  are made from nylon belting, but may be made be made with plastic securing members, snapping or interlocking parts, or other sturdy fabric adapted to receive and secure poles  26 . 
     For additional structural support, SHACKET™  100  may contain a plurality of securing loops  19 , as further shown in  FIG. 7 . Securing loops  19  may be attached along the bottom walls of SHACKET™  100  and may be staked or otherwise secured to the ground. In the embodiment shown, securing loops  19  are approximately 1 inch-wide nylon straps sewn at both ends to SHACKET™  100  but may alternatively be pockets, plastic securing members or snapping or interlocking parts. Securing loops  19  may be used in conjunction with stakes or with pole pockets  27 , which receive the ends of poles to secure the structure for use on solid flooring. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates multiple pole segments  33  in a partially detached position, which are connected by a bungee  35  (or other elastic-type shock cord) and fold like a hinge when detached. Pole  26  is formed from pole segments  33  by straightening pole segments  33  and securing ferrule  36  into aperture  36 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Pole segments are stored in pole pouch  28  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) which may extend across user&#39;s back and shoulder blades. 
     In the embodiment shown, fully erected poles  26  are inserted into pole pockets  27  (also not visible) and may be constructed of fiberglass, carbon fiber, flexible metal, or any other material sufficiently flexible so as to bend without snapping to form a curved structural element for SHACKET™  100 . In various embodiments, poles  26  may be tubular structures, hollow structures, strips or bands or constructed of one or multiple component parts which may be fixedly or selectively attached. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of floor component  25 , which serves as a floor mat inside the shelter and includes corner pockets  55 , into which poles  26  may be inserted to help in creating a sturdier shelter. Alternatively, SHACKET™ may be assembled as a floor mounted structure that does not need corner pockets  26 .