Patent Publication Number: US-6907619-B2

Title: Apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present patent application is a continuation patent application that claims benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/109,337, filed on Mar. 28, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,385. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric relative to another layer of fabric or other material. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Insulated and multi-layered garments are well-known in the art, and are commonly used by people in a variety of activities. For example, insulated garments such as jackets or vests are frequently used by athletes to retain body heat while exercising outdoors, playing in sports, hiking, running, snow skiing, fishing or any of a variety of other outdoor activities that take place in a cold ambient temperature. The purpose of wearing such clothing is to protect the user from loss of core body temperature and to therefore maintain the desired safety and comfort by the user. 
   These insulated garments are important to keep the individual warm when in a cold environment, in that the garments will conserve an individual&#39;s body heat. In particular, approximately ninety percent of the heat of any person&#39;s body is produced in the torso area via the major organs and muscle groups, which is conserved by such garments. However, as the individual engages in physical activity or as the ambient temperature increases, the amount of heat generated by the body will also increase. In order to maintain a constant core temperature as desired, the individual&#39;s body must either give up or retain this heat as necessary. The reaction of the body is largely dependent on the ambient temperature and humidity surrounding the individual. 
   It is commonly known that the choice of clothing can help control heat when it comes to physical activity. One of the most common suggestions to athletes and the general public is to wear multiple articles of clothing when exercising or when the temperature is expected to fluctuate significantly. By wearing multiple articles of clothing, the user can remove the outermost articles as necessary to adjust to the ambient temperature. Preferably, the closest layer to the skin would direct sweat away from the skin, and each additional article would trap air that is warmed by the body to help keep the user at a comfortable and desirable temperature. 
   While layered clothing provides the user with an opportunity to control body heat, this solution raises additional problems. For example, one problem in wearing multiple articles of clothing is that the user often retains too much heat around the core of the body, in which case the user must either remove the unneeded article or articles, or otherwise risk overheating. For the user to be able to remove one layer, either the user has to fasten the garment to another portion of the user&#39;s body to reduce the heat surrounding the user&#39;s body (such as to tie the garment around the user&#39;s waist), or the user must completely discard the garment to be recovered later. In most cases, neither of these options for managing the article of clothing is desirable to the user since they result in a significant inconvenience for the user. 
   Several garment devices have been developed to answer the problem of body heat control that is experienced by athletic persons and non-athletic persons alike. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,638, a design is taught to provide a vest with a heating element to keep the user&#39;s body warm as needed. Clearly, this complicated design will overheat the user&#39;s body while on, and it is further difficult to cool down once the heating element has been in use. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,149 teaches the use of a vest having pockets in which to insert heat packs. Once again, this design fails to provide a convenient means for heating a person&#39;s torso while also providing a means to allow the user to cool down. 
   What is desired, then, and not found in the prior art, is an apparatus providing an adjustable layer of fabric that may be positioned in an expanded or retracted manner as desired by the user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric of the present invention includes a lining that may be extended to substantially the full width or length of the fabric, or contrarily be retracted and compressed into one area of the fabric. In the extended position, the lining substantially surrounds a portion the user&#39;s torso so that the lining will aid the user in retaining the core heat of from the user&#39;s torso. When the lining is in the retracted position, it will be compressed to one location of the fabric to reduce the area surrounding the user. As a result, the heat is allowed to dissipate from the user&#39;s body, thereby allowing the core temperature of the user&#39;s body to fall to a desirable level. 
   The apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric additionally includes a control assembly for easily moving the lining between the extended position and the retracted position. The control assembly preferably includes a plurality of extension cords and a plurality of retraction cords that are all attached to the proximal end of the lining, with the extension cords being positioned opposite to the respective retraction cords. One end of each of the extension cords is connected to the proximal end of the lining, and the extension cords extend from the lining to a collection member, where each extension cord traverses the collection member to connect with an extension grip. Similarly, the retraction cords are also attached to substantially the proximal end of the lining, with each retraction cord extending proximate the lining to engage a collection member. Each retraction cords traverse the collection member to connect with a retraction grip. 
   In operation of the present invention, the lining is initially in the extended position such that the lining stretches around a substantial portion of the torso of the user and the extension cords hang from the collection member. In this position, the lining will help to maintain the core temperature of the user at a desired level. However, when the user needs to release some of the heat, the user will pull the retraction grips. By pulling the retraction grips, the proximal end of the lining will be moved toward the distal end of the lining. As a result, the lining will be compressed into one location, such that the lining substantially does not surround the user. To return the lining to the extended position, the user will pull the extension grips, and the proximal end of the lining will move away from the distal end of the lining. The lining will once again be stretched around the torso of the user. 
   These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric or lining. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     An apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric or lining embodying the features of the present invention is depicted in the accompanying drawings which form a portion of this disclosure and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a garment having the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric, with a portion of the apparatus being illustrated in phantom; 
       FIG. 2  is a rear elevational view of a garment having the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric, with a portion of the apparatus being illustrated in phantom; 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric of the present invention, with the apparatus being attached to a garment in phantom in an extended position; 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , with the apparatus being in a retracted position; 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the present invention, with the lining being in the extended position; 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the present invention, with the lining being in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the present invention, with the lining being in the extended position; 
       FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the present invention, with the lining being in the retracted position; 
       FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are magnified views of the cord collection members; 
       FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are magnified perspective views of the intersection of the extension cord and retraction cord with the collection member of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a magnified perspective view of the positioning brackets of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  are front elevational views of a second embodiment of the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Looking now to  FIGS. 1 through 4  for a greater understanding of the present invention, the present invention of an apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric or other lining  10  is shown attached to two sides a garment  12  or textile shell, such as a vest or jacket. The apparatus  10  is attached to the garment  12  to provide a means for controlling the core body heat of the user. In the preferred embodiment, two separate versions of the apparatus  10  are attached to opposing sides of the garment  12 , with each apparatus  10  including a lining  14 . As a result, the lining  14  will be joined to the garment  12  such that the lining  14  may be extended to substantially the full width of the garment  12  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 ), or such that the lining  14  may be retracted and compressed (as shown in FIG.  4 ). In the extended position, the lining  14  will substantially surround the torso of the user such that the lining  14  aids in retaining the core heat of from the torso of the user. To the contrary, when the lining  14  is in the retracted position, the lining  14  will be compressed longitudinally to one area, thereby significantly reducing the area that the lining  14  covers the user. As a result, the heat is allowed to dissipate from the user&#39;s body, thereby allowing the core temperature of the user&#39;s body to fall to a desirable level. 
   Looking to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the lining  14  of the apparatus  10  includes a series of baffled, insulated panels  16  that are flexible to be easily stretched or compressed. The lining  14  preferably is a rectangular sheet of an insulating material having a proximal end  18  and a distal end  20 , although the lining  14  can be any shape desired by the user. Moreover, the lining  14  may be made of any natural or synthetic material having the properties desired by the user, with the preferred embodiment being made of a synthetic material commonly known by the trademark POLARGUARD®. 
   Looking at  FIGS. 3 through 6 , the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric  10  further includes a control assembly as a means for moving or sliding the lining  14  between an extended or covering position (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) and in a retracted or exposing position (as shown in FIGS.  4  and  6 ). In the preferred embodiment, the control assembly includes a plurality of extension cords  22  and a plurality of retraction cords  24 . Both the extension cords  22  and the retraction cords  24  may be made of any natural or synthetic material having the properties desired by the user, with the preferred embodiment being made of a synthetic material commonly known by the trademark DYNEEMA®. Looking particularly to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , both the extension cords  22  and the retraction cords  24  are attached to the proximal end  18  of the lining  14 , with the extension cords  22  being positioned opposite to the respective retraction cords  24 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, one end of each of the extension cords  22  is connected to the proximal end  18  of the lining  14  and extends from the lining  14  to a proximal collection member  26 . Looking at  FIGS. 6 and 10   a , the extension cords  22  engage the proximal collection member  26  and traverse the proximal collection member  26  to connect with an extension grip  28 . The proximal collection member  26  is preferably connected with the garment  12 , and the connection may be completed in any of numerous ways known in the art, such as being sewn to the garment  12  or attached by glue. The proximal collection member  26  serves to collect the various extension cords  22  as desired by the user. Moreover, it should further be noted that while the preferred embodiment of the proximal collection member  26  is cylindrical, other embodiments for collecting the extension cords  22 , such as rings, brackets, mesh cloth, or related devices, could be use in place of the embodiment shown in FIG.  6 . 
   Looking to  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  7 , and  8 , the retraction cords  24  are also attached to substantially the proximal end  18  of the lining  14 . However, unlike the extension cords  24 , the preferred embodiment of the present design includes two retraction cords  24  attached to opposite sides of the lining  14  at substantially the same position on the respective sides, with each retraction cord  24  traveling across the opposing side of the lining  14 . The retraction cords  24  will either intersect the lining  14  at respective points, or they will traverse positioning brackets  32  or loops that are attached to the lining  14  as shown in FIG.  11 . In the preferred embodiment, the positioning brackets  32  will verify that each retraction cord  24  is substantially parallel to the other respective retraction cords  24 , which assures that the lining  14  will be retracted in an even fashion. The retraction cords  24  further extend from the lining  14  to engage a distal collection member  34  (see  FIGS. 8 and 10   b ). The retraction cords  24  thereby engage the distal collection member  34  and traverse the distal collection member  34  to connect with a retraction grip  36 . The distal collection member  34  is preferably integrated with the garment  12 , and serves to collect the various retraction cords  24  as desired by the user. Moreover, as discussed with the proximal collection member  26  above, it should further be noted that while the preferred embodiment of the distal collection member  34  is a cylindrical tube, other embodiments for collecting the cords, such as various independent rings, brackets, or mesh, could be use in place of the embodiment shown in FIG.  6 . 
   In operation of this embodiment, the lining  14  is initially in the extended position such that the lining  14  substantially stretches around the torso of the user and the extension cords  22  hang from the proximal collection member  26 . In this position, the lining  14  will help to keep heat near the user and therefore maintain the core temperature of the user at a desired level in a cold ambient environment. However, when the user needs to release some of the heat, the user will pull the retraction grips  36 . By pulling the retraction grips  36  as shown in  FIG. 5 , the proximal end  18  of the lining  14  will be moved toward the distal end  20  and the extension cords  22  will be moved in the direction of the pulling force. As a result, the lining  14  will be compressed into one location as shown in  FIG. 6 , such that the lining  14  will minimally engage and surround the user. Preferably, the retracted panels  16  of the lining  14  are positioned inconspicuously proximate the arms of the user, such as under or behind the arms of the user. As a result, the lining  14  will not be in the position to prevent heat from being released through the garment  12 , thus lowering the core temperature of the user. 
   To return the lining  14  to the extended position, the user will simply pull the extension grips  28 . At this point, the proximal end  18  of the lining  14  will move away from the distal end  20  of the lining  14 , and the lining  14  will once again be stretched around a substantial portion of the torso of the user. In addition, the retraction cords  24  will be moved in the direction of the pulling force. 
   Looking to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , the apparatus  10  may additionally include a cord collection member  40  in place of the extension grips  28  or the retraction grips  36  for controlling the loose line of either the extension cord  22  or the retraction cord  24 . The cord collection member  40  preferably includes a collection cylinder  41  having a first cylindrical segment  42  and a second cylindrical segment  44 , with the collection cylinder  41  being rotatably mounted on a shaft  46  within a bracket  48 . The first cylindrical segment  42  of the cord collection member  40  abuts the second cylindrical segment  44 , and the first cylindrical segment  42  has a first diameter while the second cylindrical segment  44  has a second diameter. The diameter of the second cylindrical segment  44  is substantially greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical segment  42  (see  FIG. 9   b ). A pull cord  50  is connected to the collection cylinder  41  and is wound around the second cylindrical segment  44 . Either the extension cord  22  or the retraction cord  24  will be attached to the collection cylinder  41  such that the extension or retraction cord  22 ,  24  will loop over the first cylindrical segment  42  (see  FIG. 9   a ). As a result, the user is able to draw the pull cord  50  and wind the loose extension or retraction cord  22 ,  24  around the second cylindrical segment  44 . Moreover, wrapping the cord around the first cylindrical segment  42  will reduce the looseness of any cord hanging from the garment  12 . Since the diameter of the first cylindrical segment  42  is smaller than that of the second cylindrical segment  44 , the cords will wrap around the first cylindrical segment  42  more quickly than the pull cord  50  will be unwound from the first cylindrical segment  42 . 
   In addition to the first embodiment for the control assembly described above, other similar embodiments are to be expected. For example, a second embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b , wherein the control assembly includes a series of extension cords  52  and an equal number of retraction cords  54 . In this embodiment, rather than have unattached ends of the extension cords  52  and retraction cords  54  as in the previous embodiment, the extension cords  52  are connected to respective retraction cords  54 . As a result of the connection between the extension cords  52  and retraction cords  54 , a section  56  of the cords  52 ,  54  can extend outside of the garment  12  to be controlled by the user. Hence, one pulling motion will adjust both sets of cords  52 ,  54  to move the lining  14  between the extended position and the retracted position. More importantly, by connecting the extension cords  52  with the retraction cords  54 , the user is able to adjust the lining  14  without having problems with loose and unattached ends of the extension cords  52  and the retraction cords  54 . 
   It should further be explained that the garment  12  shown in the preferred embodiment is a vest, although the present invention could be used with or in essentially any other type of garment. Moreover, it should also be noted in garments  12  having an inner shell and an outer shell, the apparatus  10  can be incorporated in the garment  12  between the inner shell and the outer shell. In this case, the lining  14  would be sandwiched between the inner shell and the outer shell. In contrast, the lining  14  may be attached to either shell as desired by the manufacturer of the garment  12 . It should further be noted that the garment  14 , or the shells of the garment  14 , may be made of any type of fabric or material, including natural textiles and cloths, as well as synthetic materials, such as plastic materials. In addition, the apparatus  10  may be added to preexisting garments  12  by simply attaching the apparatus  10  to the inner surface of the garment  10 . 
   In addition to the embodiments described above with garment items, the apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric  10  may be incorporated into other articles to provide easy control of an insulation layer, breathable layer, waterproof layer, etc., using the layer of fabric or lining  14 . For example, the apparatus  10  may be included with a sleeping bag to allow the user to control the position of the lining  14  within the sleeping bag. Furthermore, the present invention may affixed to items such as coolers or wheelchair seatbacks to allow the user to control the varying encirclement of the item by the lining. In addition to these examples, it is foreseeable that the present apparatus  10  could be employed with a wide variety of other items that benefit from a lining providing protective or insulating layer. 
   Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING A LAYER OF FABRIC, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.