Patent Publication Number: US-2022218046-A1

Title: Stowable garment system with quick release mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application, having attorney docket number 383501/150520US04CON and entitled “Stowable Garment System with Quick Release Mechanism,” is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/597,101 (entitled “Stowable Garment System with Quick Release Mechanism;” filed Oct. 9, 2019), which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/040,943 (entitled “Stowable Garment System with Quick Release Mechanism;” filed Jul. 20, 2018; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,477,905 on Nov. 19, 2019), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/677,790 (entitled “Stowable Garment System with Quick Release Mechanism;” filed May 30, 2018). The entireties of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects herein relate to a stowable garment system with a quick-release mechanism that enables rapid deployment and donning of a garment that is in a stowed state. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditional stowable garment systems generally require the wearer to carry out two or more steps to convert the garment from a stowed state to a worn state. These steps may be cumbersome and time consuming thus preventing rapid deployment and donning of the garment. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings figures, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an example method of donning an upper-body garment stowed within an example pouch positioned on a front aspect of an example belt structure in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the upper-body garment of  FIGS. 1-4  in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a back view of the upper-body garment of  FIG. 5  in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the belt structure of  FIGS. 1-4  in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a close-up view of the pouch of  FIG. 7  with the pouch in a closed state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the pouch of  FIG. 8  with the pouch in a partially open state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the pouch of  FIG. 8  with the pouch in an open state and with the upper-body garment removed in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative construction for the belt structure comprising two pouches in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIGS. 12-15  illustrate an example method of donning an upper-body garment stowed within an example pouch having an alternative construction in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a front view of the upper-body garment of  FIGS. 12-15  in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a back view of the upper-body garment of  FIG. 16  in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates the belt structure comprising the alternative configuration for the pouch of  FIGS. 12-15  where the pouch is in a closed state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates the belt structure of  FIG. 18  with the pouch in an open state and with the upper-body garment removed in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an example belt structure having a second alternative configuration for a pouch useable for stowing an upper-body garment in accordance with aspects herein; and 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for transitioning an upper-body garment from a stowed state to a worn state in accordance with aspects herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated. 
     At a high level, aspects herein are directed to a stowable garment system that allows for quick deployment and donning of an upper-body garment that is stowed within a pouch located on the front of a belt structure configured to encircle the waist of a wearer. In aspects, the deployment and donning of the upper-body garment may be executed in a single continuous movement by a wearer. In aspects, the upper-body garment comprises at least a front section and a back section, where a portion of the front section is attached to the pouch. The upper-body garment further comprises a first tab extending from a bottom margin at a first side of the back section and a second tab extending from the bottom margin at a second opposite side of the back section. 
     Continuing, when the pouch is in a closed state, it may comprise a first opening and a second opening. When the upper-body garment is stowed within the pouch, the first tab extends through the first opening and the second tab extends through the second opening of the pouch. The stowable garment system further comprises a quick-release mechanism that enables the pouch to quickly open when tension is exerted on the tabs extending through the openings in the pouch. As explained further below, the quick-release mechanism may comprise a cord and hook system, a cord and clasp system, a slider system on the pouch, a snap system on the pouch, and the like. 
     In one aspect, to deploy the upper-body garment from the pouch, a wearer can exert a generally forward or anterior tension on the tabs extending through the pouch openings. The tension exerted on the tabs causes the quick-release mechanism to actuate, and the pouch to quickly open. The wearer can continue to exert tension on the tabs to pull the upper-body garment over the head and torso of the wearer thereby donning the garment. Once donned, the bottom margin of the front portion of the upper-body garment covers the pouch opening thereby preventing, for instance, precipitation from entering the open pouch. The ability to quickly deploy a garment from a stowed state to a worn state in one continuous motion may be useful in weather conditions that rapidly change such as a rain shower or snow shower or in cold or cool weather conditions. 
     Accordingly, aspects herein are directed to a stowable garment system comprising a belt structure having a pouch positioned on a front aspect of the belt structure, and an upper-body garment comprising a front section, a back section, and a bottom margin. A portion of the front section is attached to the pouch, and the back section comprises a first tab extending from the bottom margin at a first side of the back section and a second tab extending from the bottom margin at a second opposite side of the back section. 
     In another aspect, a stowable garment system is provided. The stowable garment system comprises a belt structure having a first pouch positioned on a front aspect of the belt structure. The first pouch comprises a second component of a quick-release mechanism effective to open and close the first pouch. The first pouch further comprises at least a first opening and a second opening. The stowable garment system further comprises an upper-body garment configured to be stowed within the first pouch. The upper-body garment comprises at least a front section, a back section, and a bottom margin, where a portion of the front section is attached to first pouch. The back section of the upper-body garment comprises a first tab extending from the bottom margin at a first side of the back section and a second tab extending from the bottom margin at a second side of the back section. The first tab comprises a first component of the quick-release mechanism. When the upper-body garment is stowed within the pouch structure, the first tab extends through the first opening of the pouch and the first component of the first tab is configured to releasably mate with the second component located on the pouch. Further, the second tab of the upper-body garment extends through the second opening of the pouch. 
     In yet another aspect, a method for transitioning an upper-body garment from a stowed state to a worn state is provided. With respect to this aspect, the upper-body garment comprises a front section, a back section, a bottom margin, a first tab extending from the bottom margin at a first side of the back section and a second tab extending from the bottom margin at a second side of the back section. The method comprises stowing the upper-body garment in a pouch located on a front aspect of a belt structure configured to be worn around a waist of a wearer. The pouch comprises a quick-release mechanism effective to open and close the pouch. A portion of the front section of the upper-body garment is attached to the pouch, the first tab of the upper-body garment extends through a first opening in the pouch, and the second tab of the upper-body garment extends through a second opening in the pouch. The method further comprises exerting a tension force on the first tab and the second tab of the upper-body garment to cause the quick-release mechanism to actuate, the pouch to open, and the upper-body garment to be deployed from the pouch. The method additionally comprises positioning the upper-body garment over a head and torso portion of the wearer by continuing to exert the tension force on the first tab and the second tab. 
     Positional terms as used herein to describe an upper-body garment, the belt structure, and/or the pouch such as “front,” “back,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “inner-facing surface,” “outer-facing surface,” and the like are with respect to an appropriately sized upper-body garment, pouch, and/or belt structure being worn as intended and as shown and described herein by a wearer standing in an upright position. The term “about” when used in relation to measurements means within ±10% of a designated value. Terms such as “attached,” “secured,” “affixed,” and the like may mean elements that are releasably attached to one another using, for example, snap systems, slider systems, hook-and-loop closure systems, releasable adhesives, buttons, hooks, and the like. These terms may further mean elements that are fixedly attached to one another using, for example, stitching, bonding, welding, and the like. 
     Continuing, the term “quick-release mechanism” as used herein is meant to encompass a variety of different mechanisms that enable the pouch to quickly open and the upper-body garment to be deployed from the pouch. Some example quick-release mechanisms may be located solely on the pouch and/or belt structure. Examples of these may include slider systems, snap systems including magnetic snap systems, hook-and-loop closure systems, and the like. Other example quick-release mechanisms may be located partially on the upper-body garment and partially on the pouch and/or belt structure. For instance, and as will be explained more fully below, the pouch may comprise a second component of a quick release mechanism and the upper-body garment may comprise a first component of the quick release mechanism where the first component is configured to releasably mate with the second component when the pouch is in a closed state and the upper-body garment is stowed within the pouch. In one aspect, the first component may comprise a first looped cord segment, and the second component may comprise a second looped cord segment. A loop portion of the first cord segment may be configured to extend through a loop portion of the second looped cord segment before being releasably secured to a hook extending from the pouch. In other aspects, the first component may comprise a female part of a snap, and the second component may comprise the male part of a snap. Other examples include a hook component and a loop component of a hook-and-loop fastener system, a quick-release buckle system, and the like. 
     Continuing still, the term “closed state” used when describing the pouch may describe a pouch that is at least about 80% closed but that still has one or more openings. In other words, the term “closed state” as used herein is not meant to imply that the pouch is 100% closed such that there are no openings remaining. In line with this, the terms “first opening” and “second opening” used when describing openings in the pouch may mean two separate openings separated from each other by portions of the pouch or it may mean two different locations within a single opening. For instance, when there is a single opening, the term “first opening” may refer to a left-hand side of the opening and the term “second opening” may refer to a right-hand side of the opening. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-4 , an example method of quickly deploying and donning an upper-body garment that is part of a stowable garment system is provided in accordance with aspects herein. With respect to  FIG. 1 , a wearer  1  is shown wearing a belt structure  100  around a waist area of the wearer  1 . The belt structure  100  comprises a pouch  110  positioned on a front aspect of the belt structure  100 . As will be explained more fully below, in aspects, the pouch  110  comprises a first flap  112  positioned generally at the top of the pouch  110  and having a hole extending therethrough, a second flap  114  positioned generally on a first side of the pouch  110  and having a hole extending therethrough, a third flap  116  positioned generally on a second opposite of the pouch  110  and having a hole extending therethrough, and a fourth flap  118  positioned generally on the bottom side of the pouch  110 . In aspects, the fourth flap  118  comprises a second looped cord segment  120  (i.e., a second component of a quick-release mechanism). When the pouch  110  is in a closed state, flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  at least partially overlap each other so that the holes in the first, second, and third flaps  112 ,  114 , and  116 , are aligned or are in registration with each other. 
     Continuing, in aspects, when the pouch  110  is in the closed state, the fourth flap  118  may be positioned so as to be closest to the belt structure  100  (or the wearer  1  or the stowed upper-body garment) with the first, second, and third flaps  112 ,  114 , and  116  interchangeably positioned next. With this configuration, the second looped cord segment  120  extends through the holes in the first, second, and third flaps  112 ,  114 , and  116  before exiting and being positioned on an outer-facing surface of the pouch  110 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , a first tab  122  may extend through a first opening  124  in the pouch  110 , and a second tab  126  may extend through a second opening  128  in the pouch  110 . In aspects, the first opening  124  and the second opening  128  may be formed between, for instance, the first flap  112  and the second and third flaps  114  and  116  respectively as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, first and second openings may be formed between the fourth flap  118  and the second and third flaps  114  and  116  respectively. As will be explained further below, the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  may be attached to the upper-body garment stowed within the pouch  110 . In aspects, the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  may be releasably secured to the pouch  110  when not in use. Example structures used to releasably secure the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  to the pouch  110  may comprise, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, a snap system, and the like. Further, in aspects, the first tab  122  may comprise a first looped cord segment  130  (i.e., a first component of the quick-release mechanism) whose loop portion is threaded through the loop portion of the second looped cord segment  120  after it extends through the holes in the first flap  112 , the second flap  114 , and the third flap  116 . The loop portion of the first looped cord segment  130  may be temporarily and releasably secured to the pouch  110  using, for instance, a hook  131  attached to the pouch  110  by a tab  133 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts the wearer  1  beginning to exert a tension force on the first tab  122  and the second tab  126 . In aspects, this may occur after the wearer  1  unsecures or releases the tabs  122  and  126  from the pouch  110  and after the wearer  1  releases the looped portion of the first looped cord segment  130  from the hook  131 . More specifically, the wearer  1  exerts tension on the first tab  122  using the wearer&#39;s right hand and exerts tension on the second tab  126  using the wearer&#39;s left hand. Exerting tension on the first and second tabs  122  and  126  causes the first looped cord segment  130  to be pulled free from the second looped cord segment  120 . Once the second looped cord segment  120  is disengaged from the first looped cord segment  130 , continued tension on the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  causes the flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  to extend anteriorly or outward (i.e., away from the belt structure  100  and away from the stowed upper-body garment). This is because the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  are part of the stowed upper-body garment and, as such, tension on the first and second tabs  122  and  126  causes the stowed upper-body garment to exert an anterior or outward force on the flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  thereby causing the flaps to open. Upon the flaps  112 ,  114  and  116  opening, the second looped cord segment  120  is drawn back through the holes in the first flap  112 , the second flap  114 , and the third flap  116 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts the wearer  1  continuing to exert tension on the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  to deploy the upper-body garment (indicated by reference numeral  132 ) from the pouch  110  and to pull the upper-body garment  132  over the wearer&#39;s head and upper torso. As seen, the first tab  122  extends from a bottom margin of the upper-body garment  132  at a first side of the back section of the upper-body garment  132 , and the second tab  126  extends from the bottom margin of the upper-body garment  132  at a second opposite side of the back section of the upper-body garment  132 . By positioning the tabs  122  and  126  in these areas, the wearer  1  can easily draw the upper-body garment  132  over the wearer&#39;s head by moving his or her arms in an upward and backward direction. In aspects, the movement to deploy the upper-body garment  132  from the pouch  110  and to pull the upper-body garment  132  over the wearer&#39;s head may be accomplished in a single action as opposed to multiple separate actions as with some traditional stowable garment systems. 
       FIG. 3  further depicts an attachment area between the upper-body garment  132  and the pouch  110 . More specifically, an attachment flap  155  is positioned on an inner-facing surface of the front section of the upper-body garment  132 . The free edge of the attachment flap  155  may be releasably or securedly affixed to an attachment area  1034  on an inner aspect of the pouch  110 . This maintains an attachment point between the upper-body garment  132  and the pouch  110  even when the upper-body garment  132  is donned. By attaching the upper-body garment  132  to the pouch  110 , inadvertent misplacement of the upper-body garment  132  may be avoided. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the wearer  1  with the upper-body garment  132  in an as-worn configuration. The upper-body garment  132 , in aspects, may comprise a poncho construction with a hood. Because ponchos are generally open along the sides, this construction may allow for easier and quicker donning as opposed to more typical constructions with sleeves and/or sleeve openings that require the wearer to locate the sleeve opening and then insert his or her arms through the openings. The attachment flap  155  is shown as a series of dashed lines to indicate it is positioned on the inner-facing surface of the front section of the upper-body garment  132  and, therefore, is generally hidden from view. The attachment flap  155  is positioned so that the bottom margin of the front section of the upper-body garment  132  covers the pouch  110  and at least part of the belt structure  100  thereby, for instance, preventing precipitation from contacting the pouch  110  when the upper-body garment  132  is donned. 
     Turning now to more detailed views of the stowable garment system described herein,  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict front and back views respectively of the upper-body garment  132  in accordance with aspects herein. In aspects, the upper-body garment  132  may be formed from a lightweight or ultra-lightweight tightly woven material constructed using, for example, polyester and/or nylon yarns. The material may comprise a weight from about 25 grams/square meter (GSM) to about 150 GSM. In one aspect, the material may comprise a weight less than about 100 GSM. In aspects, the material may be treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) on one or both of its surfaces to help make the upper-body garment  132  resistant to water penetration. 
     In aspects, the upper-body garment  132  may comprise a front section  134  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), and a back section  136  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), each having a bottom margin  138 , where the bottom margins of each help to define a waist opening  139 . As used herein, the term “bottom margin” may comprise a discontinuous margin comprised of a bottom margin associated with the front section  134  and a bottom margin associated with the back section  136 . It is also contemplated herein, that the term bottom margin may comprise a continuous margin that extends continuously from the front section  134  to the back section  136 . Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. Continuing, the front section  134  and the back section  136  may define a neck opening  140 . In aspects, an optional hood  142  may extend from the neck opening  140 . Although not described in detail herein, the upper-body garment  132  may comprise additional features such as cord locks to tighten the hood opening, pockets, and the like. 
     The upper-body garment  132  may comprise a poncho construction in aspects and as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . When configured as a poncho, the front section  134  may extend from the back section  136  at shoulder regions  144  of the upper-body garment  132  but may be unattached from the back section  136  along the sides of the upper-body garment  132 . It is also contemplated herein that the upper-body garment  132  may assume a more traditional construction where the front and back sections  134 / 136  extend from each other along the shoulder regions  144  of the upper-body garment  132  and along the sides of the upper-body garment  132 . In this aspect, the front and back sections  134 / 136  may further define sleeve openings from which sleeves may extend. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
     Continuing, and with respect to  FIG. 5 , when the upper-body garment  132  is configured as a poncho, the upper-body garment  132  may comprise first closure mechanisms  146  of a reversible closure system where the first closure mechanisms  146  are positioned on an inner-facing surface of the front section  134  (as indicated by the dashed lines) adjacent to (within about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm) side margins  147  and  148  of the front section  134 . In aspects, the first closure mechanisms  146  may be further positioned generally equidistant (± about 0.5 cm to about 15 cm) between upper and lower ends of the side margins  147  and  148 . With respect to  FIG. 6 , the upper-body garment  132  may comprise second closure mechanisms  150  of the reversible closure system, where the second closure mechanisms  150  are positioned on an inner-facing surface of the back section  136  (as indicated by the dashed lines) adjacent to (within about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm) side margins  151  and  152  of the back section  136 . In aspects, the second closure mechanisms  150  may be further positioned generally equidistant (± about 0.5 cm to about 15 cm) between upper and lower ends of the side margins  151  and  152 . 
     In aspects, the first closure mechanisms  146  and the second closure mechanisms  150  of the reversible closure system are complementary to each other. Examples include male and female parts of a snap system, hook and loop components of a hook-and-loop closure system, buttons and buttons holes, and the like. The first closure mechanisms  146  are configured to be releasably mated to the second closure mechanisms  150  when the upper-body garment  132  is donned thereby creating arm holes through which the wearer&#39;s arms may extend. The use of the first and second closure mechanisms  146  and  150  may help to further secure the upper-body garment  132  to the wearer when donned. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 5 , and as previously described, the front section  134  of the upper-body garment  132  may comprise the attachment flap  155  located on an inner-facing surface of the front section  134  (the use of dashed lines indicates that the attachment flap  155  may be hidden from view), where the attachment flap  155  is attached to the attachment area  1034  located on the inner aspect of the pouch  110 . In aspects, the attachment flap  155  may be fixedly attached (e.g., by stitching, bonding, welding, and the like) to the attachment area  1034  located on the inner aspect of the pouch  110  or it may be releasably attached to the attachment area  1034 . Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. In aspects, the attachment flap  155  may be in a generally parallel alignment with the bottom margin  138  of the front section  134  (i.e. in a generally horizontal orientation) and may be spaced superior to the bottom margin  138  from about 5 cm to about 30 cm. Moreover, the attachment flap  155  may be from about 15 cm to about 40 cm in length. 
     Use of the attachment flap  155  to maintain an attachment between the upper-body garment  132  and the pouch  110  when the upper-body garment  132  is stowed or is worn, may help to prevent inadvertent misplacement of the upper-body garment  132  when not in use. Further, by positioning the attachment flap  155  a predefined distance superior to the bottom margin  138 , the portion of the front section  134  positioned between the attachment flap  155  and the bottom margin  138  may help to cover the pouch  110  and/or part of the belt structure  100  when the upper-body garment  132  is donned thereby reducing the risk of precipitation from entering the pouch  110  and or contacting the belt structure  100 . 
     Additionally with respect to  FIG. 6 , the upper-body garment  132  further comprises the first tab  122  and the second tab  126 . In aspects, the first tab  122  extends from the bottom margin  138  of the back section  136  at a first side of the back section  136 . The first tab  122  may be positioned from about 0.01 cm to about 10 cm from the side margin  151  of the back section  136 . The second tab  126  extends from the bottom margin  138  of the back section  136  at a second opposite side of the back section  136 . The second tab  126  may be positioned from about 0.01 to about 10 cm from the side margin  152  of the back section  136 . 
     In aspects, each of the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  may comprise a fastener  154 , where the fastener  154  is configured to releasably mate with a complementary second fastener located on the pouch  110  as detailed below. The fasteners  154  may be located on a front-facing side of the tabs  122  and  126  as seen in  FIG. 5 . In aspects, the fasteners  154  may comprise a hook component or a loop component of a hook-and-loop closure system although other fasteners are contemplated herein such as complementary snaps and the like. Stitching used to secure the fasteners  154  to the tabs  122  and  126  is shown in  FIG. 6  although it is contemplated herein that the fasteners  154  may be fixedly affixed to the tabs  122  and  126  in other ways besides stitching. 
     With respect to the first tab  122 , in aspects the first tab  122  may comprise a first component of a quick-release mechanism of the stowable garment system. In the aspect shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first component may comprise the first looped cord segment  130  fixedly attached to the first tab  122 . The first looped cord segment  130 , may interact with the second looped cord segment  120  (i.e., the second component of the quick-release mechanism) located on the pouch  110  to help maintain the pouch  110  in a closed state and to enable the pouch  110  to quickly open when tension is exerted on the first tab  122 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a front view of the belt structure  100  is depicted in accordance with aspects herein. The belt structure  100  is configured to encircle the waist of a wearer and may comprise a buckle component  710  at each of a first end  712  and a second end  714  of the belt structure  100 , where the buckle components  710  are configured to mate with each other and to optionally allow the wearer to adjust the girth of the belt structure  100 . In aspects, the first end  712  and the second end  714  of the belt structure  100  are configured to be positioned at the back of the wearer when the belt structure  100  is worn. It is contemplated herein that the buckle components  710  may comprise any number of buckle types known in the art. 
     The belt structure  100  further comprises the pouch  110  located at a front aspect of the belt structure  100  when the belt structure  100  is worn around the waist of a wearer. A close-up view of the pouch  110  is provided in  FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 .  FIG. 8  depicts the pouch  110  in a closed state,  FIG. 9  shows the pouch  110  as it begins to open, and  FIG. 10  illustrates the pouch  110  completely open and with the upper-body garment  132  removed to better illustrate features of the pouch  110 . With respect these figures, and more particularly with respect to  FIG. 10 , the pouch  110  comprises the first flap  112  having a free end  1014  and a flap edge  1010  extending from the top of a back panel  1012  of the pouch  110 . The first flap  112  comprises a somewhat triangular shape with the free end  1014  comprising one of the vertices and the flap edge  1010  comprising the opposite base. The first flap  112  further comprises an aperture or hole  1016  extending through the first flap  112 . The hole  1016  is located adjacent to (within about 0.01 cm to about 2 cm) of the free end  1014 . In aspects, the hole  1016  may be reinforced with, for instance, a metal or plastic grommet or other type of surface treatment. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 9 , the first flap  112  further comprises fasteners  914  that are complementary to the fasteners  154  located on the first tab  122  and the second tab  126 . The fasteners  914  are positioned on an outer-facing surface of the first flap  112  (with respect to the first flap  112  being in a closed state) and are positioned generally adjacent to the flap edge  1010  on opposing sides of the flap edge  1010 . In aspects, the fasteners  914  may comprise complementary hook or loop material that is complementary to the hook or loop material of the fasteners  154 . The fasteners  914  may also comprise complementary snaps (magnetic or standard) and the like. 
     Continuing with respect to  FIG. 10 , the pouch  110  further comprises the second flap  114  having a free end  1020  and a flap edge  1018  extending from a first side of the back panel  1012 . The second flap  114  also comprises a somewhat triangular shape with the free end  1020  comprising one of the vertices and the flap edge  1018  comprising the opposite base. The second flap  114  further comprises an aperture or hole  1022  extending through the second flap  114  adjacent to the free end  1020 . Like the hole  1016 , the hole  1022  may be reinforced with a grommet or other type of surface treatment. 
     Additionally, the pouch  110  comprises the third flap  116  having a free end  1026  and a flap edge  1024  extending from a second opposite side of the back panel  1012 . The third flap  116  comprises a somewhat triangular shape as well with the free end  1026  comprising one of the vertices and the flap edge  1024  comprising the opposite base. The third flap  116  also comprises an aperture or hole  1028  extending through the third flap  116  adjacent to the free end  1026 , where the hole  1028  may be reinforced with a grommet or other type of surface treatment. 
     In a similar way, the pouch  110  comprises the fourth flap  118  having a free end  1032  and a flap edge  1030  extending from a bottom side of the back panel  1012 . The fourth flap  118  additionally comprises a somewhat triangular shape with the free end  1032  comprising one of the vertices and the flap edge  1030  comprising the opposite base. The fourth flap  118  comprises the second looped cord segment  120  affixed to, for example, an outer-facing surface of the fourth flap  118  as best seen in  FIG. 9 . With respect to  FIG. 10 , the back panel  1012  of the pouch  110  comprises the attachment area  1034  which is where the attachment flap  155  of the front section  134  of the upper-body garment  132  attaches to the pouch  110 . 
     In aspects, each of the flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  may comprise separate pattern pieces that are attached to the back panel  1012  along their respective flap edges using, for instance, stitching, bonding, welding, and the like. It is also contemplated herein that the back panel  1012 , the first flap  112 , the second flap  114 , the third flap  116 , and the fourth flap  118  may comprise a single pattern piece that is cut to shape. In this aspect, there would not be a seam line between the respective flap edges and the back panel  1012 . Moreover, it is contemplated herein that instead of the pouch  110  comprising four flaps, the pouch  110 , instead, may comprise a top flap (similar to the first flap  112 ) and a bottom flap (similar to the flap  118 ). In this aspect, the second looped cord segment  120  would extend through a hole in the top flap before receiving the first looped cord segment  130 . Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
     With emphasis now on  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  are configured to at least partially overlap each other when the pouch  110  is in a closed state. More specifically, at least the free ends  1014 ,  1020 ,  1026 , and  1032  are configured to overlap each other so that the holes  1016 ,  1022 , and  1028  are at least partially aligned or are in registration with each other. It is contemplated herein that the flap  118  be closed first. That is, the flap  118  is positioned to be closest to the back panel  1012 , and/or the belt structure  100 , and/or the stowed upper-body garment  132  when the flap  118  is closed. The remaining flaps  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be positioned next in any order. For instance, the order may comprise fourth flap  118 , second flap  114 , third flap  116 , and first flap  112 . Or fourth flap  118 , third flap  116 , second flap  114 , and first flap  112 . Or fourth flap  118 , first flap  112 , second flap  114 , and third flap  116 . Or fourth flap  118 , first flap  112 , third flap  116 , and second flap  114 . Because the fourth flap  118  is positioned posterior to the remaining flaps  112 ,  114 , and  116 , the second looped cord segment  120  can be threaded through the holes  1016 ,  1022 , and  1028  when the pouch  110  is in a closed state. 
     It is contemplated herein that openings may be formed in areas where the flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  overlap with each other. For instance, with respect to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the first opening  124  may be formed in the space between the first flap  112  and the second flap  114  and the second opening  128  may be formed in the space between the first flap  112  and the third flap  116 . Additionally, a third opening  910  may be formed in the space between the second flap  114  and the fourth flap  118 , and a fourth opening  912  may be formed in the space between the third flap  116  and the fourth flap  118 . 
     As previously mentioned, when the upper-body garment  132  is stowed and the pouch is in a closed state, the first tab  122  may extend through the first opening  124  and the second tab  126  may extend through the second opening  128 . Alternatively, the first tab  122  may extend through the third opening  910  and the second tab  126  may extend through the fourth opening  912 . The fasteners  154  located on the first and second tabs  122  and  126  may be mated with the fasteners  914  located on the first flap  112  of the pouch  110 ;  FIG. 8  shows the fasteners  154  and  914  mated, and  FIG. 9  shows the fasteners  154  and  914  unmated. Securing the first and second tabs  122  and  126  when not in use helps to prevent the tabs  122  and  126  from distracting the wearer and improves the safety of the stowable garment system. 
     Now with particular respect to  FIG. 8 , when the pouch  110  is in a closed state and the tabs  122  and  126  of the upper-body garment  132  extend through the openings  124  and  128 , the loop portion of the first looped cord segment  130  may be releasably threaded through the loop portion of the second looped cord segment  120 . The loop portion of the first looped cord segment  130  may be further releasably secured to the pouch  110  using the hook  131 , where the hook  131  is attached to the pouch structure by the tab  133 . Securing the first looped cord segment  130  using the hook  131  may improve the safety of the stowable garment system and prevent the free end of the first looped cord segment  130  from distracting the wearer. 
     Continuing, before deploying the stowed upper-body garment  132 , the first looped cord segment  130  may be first disengaged from the hook  131 . Next, the first looped cord segment  130  may be further disengaged or pulled from the second looped cord segment  120  in response to a wearer exerting a tension force on the first tab  122 . Once the first looped cord segment  130  is disengaged from the second looped cord segment  120 , a continued anterior tension force on the first tab  122  and the second tab  126  causes the stowed upper-body garment  132  to expand anteriorly and the second looped cord segment  120  to be drawn posteriorly through the holes  1016 ,  1022 , and  1028  as the flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  expand outward effectively causing the pouch  110  to open. 
     Although the first looped cord segment  130  is shown as being positioned on the first tab  122 , it is contemplated herein that the first looped cord segment  130  may be positioned on the second tab  126 . This configuration, for instance, may be more suitable for left-handed wearers. Similarly, although the hook  131  is shown as being positioned adjacent to the third flap  116 , it may be positioned adjacent to the second flap  114  when the first looped cord segment  130  is positioned on the second tab  126 . Further, although a hook  131  is shown for temporarily securing the first looped cord segment  130 , it is contemplated herein that other mechanisms may be used such as a quick-release clasp that receives the loop portion of the first looped cord segment  130 . Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative configuration for the belt structure  100  where a second pouch  1100  is positioned between the pouch  110  and the belt structure  100 . The second pouch  1100  may comprise a more traditional construction with one or more resealable openings  1112  for stowing items. In aspects, the back panel  1012  of the pouch  110  may be secured to a front panel of the second pouch  1100  along its perimeter edges. In turn, the belt structure  100  may be secured to the back panel of the second pouch  1100  at opposing sides of the back panel of the second pouch  1100 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 12-14 , an example method of quickly deploying and donning an upper-body garment that is part of a second alternative stowable garment system is provided in accordance with aspects herein.  FIG. 12  depicts a wearer  12  wearing a belt structure  1200  around a waist area of the wearer  12 . The belt structure  1200  comprises a pouch  1210  positioned generally on a front aspect of the belt structure  1200 . The pouch  1210  comprises a horizontally oriented opening  1212  with a first fastening means  1214  positioned adjacent a first edge of the opening  1212  and a second fastening means (not visible) positioned adjacent to a second opposite edge of the opening  1212 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the first fastening means  1214  is coupled to the second fastening means at a general mid-point of the opening  1212 . That is, the first fastening means  1214  and the second fastening means are located generally equidistant from a first end  1213  and a second end  1215  of the opening  1212 . In aspects, the first fastening means  1214  and the second fastening means may comprise a magnetic snap assembly. Other example fastening means may comprise a traditional snap assembly, a hook-and-loop closure system, a releasable adhesive, and the like. The positioning of the first fastening means  1214  and the second fastening means creates a first opening  1218  between the first end  1213  and the first fastening means  1214  and the second fastening means when fastened and a second opening  1220  between the second end  1215  and the first fastening means  1214  and the second fastening means when fastened. 
     Continuing, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a first tab  1222  extends through the first opening  1218 , and a second tab  1224  extends through the second opening  1220 . In aspects, the first tab  1222  and the second tab  1224  may be releasably secured to the pouch  1210  when not in use. Similar to the stowable garment system of  FIGS. 1-10 , the first tab  1222  and the second tab  1224  may be part of an upper-body garment that is configured to be stowed within the pouch  1210 . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 13 , the wearer  12  is shown with the wearer&#39;s right hand grasping the first tab  1222  and the wearer&#39;s left hand grasping the second tab  1224 . The wearer  12  exerts at least an anterior or forward tension on the tabs  1222  and  1224  to cause the first fastener means  1214  to disengage from the second fastener means (indicated in  FIG. 13  by reference numeral  1216 ). In aspects, the use of a magnetic snap system facilitates the quick disengagement of the fastening means  1214  and  1216  when tension is exerted on the first and second tabs  1222  and  1224 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts the wearer  12  continuing to exert tension on the first tab  1222  and the second tab  1224  to deploy the upper-body garment (indicated by reference numeral  1226 ) from the pouch  1210  and to pull the upper-body garment  1226  over the wearer&#39;s head and upper torso. As seen, the first tab  1222  extends from a bottom margin of the upper-body garment  1226  at a first side of the back section of the upper-body garment  1226 , and the second tab  1224  extends from the bottom margin of the upper-body garment  1226  at a second opposite side of the back section of the upper-body garment  1226 . By positioning the tabs  1224  and  1224  in these areas, the wearer  12  can easily draw the upper-body garment  1226  over the wearer&#39;s head by moving his arms in an upward and backward direction. Similar to the stowable garment system of  FIGS. 1-10 , the movement to deploy the upper-body garment  1226  from the pouch  1210  and to pull the upper-body garment  1226  over the wearer&#39;s head may be accomplished in a single action as opposed to multiple separate actions as with some traditional stowable garment systems. 
       FIG. 14  further depicts an attachment area between the upper-body garment  1226  and the pouch  1210 . More specifically, an attachment flap  1236  is positioned on an inner-facing surface of the front section of the upper-body garment  1226 . The free edge of the attachment flap  1236  may be releasably or securedly affixed to an attachment area located on an inner aspect of the pouch  110  (better seen in  FIG. 19  and indicated by reference numeral  1910  in  FIG. 19 ). 
       FIG. 15  depicts the wearer  12  with the upper-body garment  1226  in an as-worn configuration. Similar to the upper-body garment  132 , the upper-body garment  1226 , in aspects, may comprise a poncho construction with a hood. The attachment flap  1236  is shown by dashed lines to indicate that it is located on an inner-facing surface of the front section and is generally hidden from view. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  depict front and back views respectively of the upper-body garment  1226 . In general, aspects of the upper-body garment  1226  are similar to the upper-body garment  132 . For instance, the upper-body garment  1226  may be formed from a lightweight or ultra-lightweight tightly woven material formed, for example, using polyester and/or nylon yarns, where one or both surfaces may be treated with a DWR finish. Further, the upper-body garment  1226  comprises a front section  1228  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) and a back section  1230  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) extending from the front section  1228  at shoulder regions of the upper-body garment  1226 . Each of the front section  1228  and the back section  1230  comprises a bottom margin  1232 . The upper-body garment  1226  further comprises a hood  1234 . The upper-body garment  1226  may comprise a reversible closure system (indicated by reference numeral  1235 ) located on the inner-facing surfaces of the front and back sections  1228  and  1230  adjacent to side margins of each, where the reversible closure system  1235  may be used to create arm holes after the upper-body garment  1226  has been donned. 
     The front section  1228  of the upper-body garment  1226  comprises the attachment flap  1236  located on the inner-facing surface of the front section  1228  (as indicated by the dashed lines), where the attachment flap  1236  is attached to the attachment area  1910  located on the inner aspect of the pouch  1210 . Similar to the attachment flap  155 , the attachment flap  1236  may be fixedly or releasably attached to the attachment area  1910 . The placement, orientation, and dimensions of the attachment flap  1236  are similar to that described for the attachment flap  155  and, as such, will not be repeated here for brevity&#39;s sake. 
     With respect to the back view of the upper-body garment  1226  shown in  FIG. 17 , the first tab  1222  is shown extending from the bottom margin  1232  of the back section  1230  at a first side of the back section  1230 , and the second tab  1224  is shown extending from the bottom margin  1232  of the back section  1230  at a second opposite side of the back section  1230 . Unlike the first tab  122  of the upper-body garment  132 , the first tab  1222  does not comprise a looped cord segment. To describe this in a different way, instead of the quick-release mechanism being located on both the upper-body garment and the pouch as described for the stowable garment system of  FIGS. 1-10 , the quick-release mechanism of the stowable garment system of  FIGS. 12-19  is located just on the pouch  1210 . The front view shown in  FIG. 16  illustrates a fastener  1238  located on the forward-facing surface of each of the first tab  1222  and the second tab  1224 , where the fastener  1238  is configured to releasably mate with a complementary second fastener located on the pouch  1210  as described below. In this aspect, the fastener  1238  is shown as a snap although it is contemplated herein that other types of fasteners may be used. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a front view of the belt structure  1200  in accordance with aspects herein. The belt structure  1200  is configured to encircle the waist of a wearer and may comprise a buckle component  1810  at each of a first end  1812  and a second opposite end  1814  of the belt structure  1200 , where the buckle components  1810  are configured to mate with each other and to optionally allow the wearer to adjust the girth of the belt structure  1200 . In aspects, the first end  1812  and the second end  1814  are configured to be positioned at the back area of the wearer when the belt structure  1200  is worn. Similar to the buckle components  710 , it is contemplated herein that the buckle components  1810  may comprise any number of buckle types known in the art. 
     The belt structure  1200  further comprises the pouch  1210  located at a front aspect of the belt structure  1200  when the belt structure  1200  is worn as intended and as described herein. 
     The pouch  1210  is shown in a “closed” state and with the upper-body garment  1226  stowed within the pouch  1210 . More particularly, the first fastening means  1214  is shown mated to the second fastening means  1216  to close the pouch  1210  and to create the first opening  1218  and the second opening  1220 . The first tab  1222  is illustrated extending through the first opening  1218 , and the second tab  1224  is shown extending through the second opening  1220 . The first and second tabs  1222  and  1224  are further shown secured to the pouch  1210  by way of the fasteners  1238  located on the tabs  1222  and  1224 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the belt structure  1200  and the pouch  1210  in an open state and without the stowed upper-body garment  1226  in accordance with aspects herein. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the interior of the pouch  1210  includes the attachment area  1910  which is where the attachment flap  1236  of the front section  1228  of the upper-body garment  1226  attaches to the pouch  1210 .  FIG. 19  further illustrates fasteners  1912  that are complementary to the fasteners  1238  located on the first tab  1222  and the second tab  1224 . The fasteners  1912  are positioned on an outer-facing surface of the pouch  1210  adjacent to the first edge of the opening  1212  (within about 1 cm to about 6 cm of the first edge forming the opening  1212 ) and located on either side of the fastening means  1214 . It is also contemplated herein that the fasteners  1912  may be positioned on the outer-facing surface of the pouch  1210  adjacent to the second edge of the opening  1212  and located on either side of the fastening means  1216 . Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a belt structure  2000  with an alternative pouch  2010  in accordance with aspects herein. The belt structure  2000  and the pouch  2010  are similar to the belt structure  1200  and the pouch  1210  except for the quick-release mechanism. Instead of using a snap system, the pouch  2010  includes a slider assembly  2012  to quickly open and close the pouch  2010 . More specifically, the slider assembly  2012  may comprise a first slider body  2014  and a second slider body  2016  each having a slider mouth that oppose each other. The slider assembly  2012  further comprises a first set of slider elements  2018  positioned along a first edge of a horizontally oriented opening and a second set of slider elements  2022  positioned along a second opposite edge of the opening where the first and second slider bodies  2014  and  2016  are engaged with the slider elements  2018  and  2022  at one or more areas. In aspects, the first and second slider bodies  2014  and  2016  may not comprise a stopper such that the slider bodies  2014  and  2016  freely move along the slider elements  2018  and  2022  when subjected to a minimal force. 
     Continuing, to “close” the pouch  2010 , the slider bodies  2014  and  2016  are moved toward each other but a space is maintained between the slider bodies  2014  and  2016  to create an opening  2024  through which a first tab  2026  and a second tab  2028  of an upper-body garment extend. In aspects, the opening  2024  may be from about 10 cm to about 20 cm in length. To “open” the pouch  2010 , a wearer may exert at least an anterior or outward tension force on the first tab  2026  and the second tab  2028 . Because the tabs  2026  and  2028  are connected to the upper-body garment, exerting an anterior or outward tension of the tabs  2026  and  2028  causes the upper-body garment to exert a force on the slider bodies  2014  and  2016  causing the slider bodies  2014  and  2016  to move away from each other (due to a lack of a stopping mechanism) thereby expanding the opening  2024  and enabling the upper-body garment to be withdrawn from the pouch  2010  and donned. 
     It is contemplated herein that the stowable garment system shown in  FIG. 20  may comprise some of the same features as the stowable garment system shown in  FIGS. 14-19  such as features associated with the upper-body garment, fasteners located on the tabs of the upper-body garment and the complementary fasteners located on the pouch to secure the tabs when not in use, and the like. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 21  depicts a flow diagram of an example method  2100  for transitioning an upper-body garment from a stowed state to a worn state. The upper-body garment may comprise the upper-body garment of the stowable garment system of  FIGS. 1-11 ,  FIGS. 12-19 , or  FIG. 20 . In aspects, the upper-body garment comprises a front section, a back section, a bottom margin, a first tab extending from the bottom margin at a first side of the back section and a second tab extending from the bottom margin at a second side of the back section. 
     The method comprises, at a step  2110 , stowing the upper-body garment in a pouch located on a front aspect of a belt structure configured to be worn around a waist of a wearer. In aspects, at least the pouch comprises a quick-release mechanism effective to open and close the pouch. Moreover, a portion of the front section of the upper-body garment is attached to the pouch, the first tab extends through a first opening in the pouch and the second tab extends through a second opening in the pouch. At a step  2112 , a tension force is exerted on the first tab and the second tab of the upper-body garment to cause the quick-release mechanism to actuate, the pouch to open, and the upper-body garment to be deployed from the pouch. Next, at a step  2114 , the upper-body garment is positioned over a head and torso portion of the wearer by continuing to exert the tension force on the first tab and the second tab. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.