Abstract:
Outerwear garment systems are disclosed having separate components that provide protection from environmental conditions and easy access to protective equipment and accessories for military and non-military uses.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 61/586,213, filed Jan. 13, 2012. the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to garment systems. More particularly, the invention relates to outerwear garment systems having separate components that provide protection from environmental conditions and easy access to protective equipment and accessories for military and non-military uses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Outerwear for inclement weather protection is typically in the form of a jacket or parka for the upper portion of the body and pants or bibs for the legs. Some forms of ponchos are also used but they do not offer the mobility needed for most users, especially those in the military. The use of a traditional military parka by personnel in combat roles is problematic, especially since most personnel generally wear some form of body armor. In addition to protection, the front of the torso body armor serves as a carrier for ammunition and other equipment that must be readily accessible. If the user wears the parka under the body armor, then the user finds it cumbersome, if not impossible, to quickly and easily don and doff the parka. With changing exertion levels and climate conditions, this is a major shortcoming of the garment system. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a garment system that protects the user while providing flexibility based on mission, exertion, and climate conditions. The garment systems of the present invention are directed toward these, as well as other, important ends. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention relates generally to outerwear garment systems having separate components that provide protection from environmental conditions and easy access to protective equipment and accessories for military and non-military uses, such as security personnel, police personnel, firefighting personnel, ski patrol, utility personnel, rescue personnel, and industrial personnel. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising: 
         [0000]    a torso covering member; and
       a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;   wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a releasable member, such as releasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member.       
 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising: a plurality of torso covering members, each torso covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials: and 
         [0010]    a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials; 
         [0011]    wherein each torso covering member is optionally formed from a material the same as or different from each of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member; 
         [0012]    wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a releasable member between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and wherein each one of said torso covering member can be used with any of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of quickly releasing body armor, comprising: 
         [0000]    donning a garment system, comprising:
       an optional torso covering member;   a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;   a releasable wherein said releasable body armor member is located between said torso body armor comprising a quick release mechanism;   covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and wherein said releasable body armor may be released from said garment system without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said torso covering member;       
 
         [0018]    doffing said releasable body armor by using said quick release mechanism without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said optional torso covering member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional releasable body armor. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1B  is a back perspective view of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional releasable body armor. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view in exploded form of a garment system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , shown with the optional releasable body armor. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional collar. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3B  is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the optional collar. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view in exploded form of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the optional releasable body armor. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of the upper back and shoulder covering member of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional head covering member. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a back perspective view of the upper back and shoulder covering member of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the optional head covering member. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5C  is a front perspective view of the upper back and shoulder covering member of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with the optional head covering member. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the releasable body armor of a garment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system and optional releasable body armor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7B  is a front perspective view in exploded view of the torso covering member of a garment system and optional releasable body armor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view in exploded view of the upper back and shoulder covering member and optional releasable body armor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the torso covering member of a garment system with optional leg covering members in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to present a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the garment systems depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Garment systems as disclosed herein, will have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    As employed above and throughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings. 
         [0036]    As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
         [0037]    As described in greater detail below, the present invention is directed to a garment including a torso covering member and an upper back and shoulder covering member. In certain preferred embodiments, a garment system includes a plurality of torso covering members and upper back and shoulder covering members. The members may have different configurations, allowing different combinations of these elements to provide garments having, for example, a variety of aesthetic designs, different weather protecting characteristics and various levels of thermal protection. Thus, a user can have a single garment system capable of adapting to a variety of conditions or uses. 
         [0038]    Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising: 
         [0000]    a torso covering member; and
       a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;   wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a releasable member, such as releasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof, between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member. The garment systems provides flexible protection from the climate conditions, permits ready access to necessary equipment and supplies (such as weapons, ammunition, harnesses, first aid supplies, and other critical equipment), yet permits the wearer to quickly and easily don and doff the releasable member (such as releasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof), if worn. The releasable member is removable by a user without removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.       
 
         [0041]    In other embodiments, the invention is directed to garment systems, comprising: 
         [0000]    a plurality of torso covering members, each torso covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials: and
       a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member optionally formed from a different material or a combination of different materials;       
 
         [0043]    wherein each torso covering member is optionally formed from a material the same as or different from each of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member; 
         [0044]    wherein said garment system is adapted to incorporate a releasable member between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and
       wherein each one of said torso covering member can be used with any of said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member.       
 
         [0046]    The system permits a user to switch out the torso covering member and/or the external upper back and shoulder covering member depending upon the environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and/or wind) and use conditions (such as use under high exertion conditions or use in the poor light). 
         [0047]    In preferred embodiments, the garment systems further comprise a releasable member, such as releasable body armor, gear, or a combination thereof The releasable member is removable by a user without removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. In embodiments with the releasable body armor, the wearer may remove the body armor by pulling a device on the armor, usually a handle made of webbing, disconnecting its joining points at the shoulder and sides, making the individual panels of the armor fall to the ground. This quick-releasability and a garment system which accommodates the releasable body armor are critical for the wearer&#39;s safety. For example, if a soldier, who is wearing body armor, especially one loaded with ammunition and equipment, falls into the water, he or she is likely to drown unless the soldier can drop the heavy body armor. 
         [0048]    In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member comprises two sleeve portions connected by a yoke portion incorporating a neckhole. The sleeves may be long sleeves or partial sleeves. In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises a head covering member, such as a hat or protective helmet, attached to at least a portion of said neckhole. The head covering member may be releasably attached or permanently attached to said neckhole, using, for example releasably connected fasteners and permanent fasteners, such as, for example, zipper, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop, grommets, stitching, screw and bolt, and the like and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, there is no head covering member, such as, for example, when the user is wearing a separate protective helmet. In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises at least one storage member, such as a pocket to hold equipment and accessories. In certain embodiments, the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member further comprises a releasable fastener, such as, for example, zipper, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop, and combinations thereof). In certain embodiments, the releasable fastener releasably may connect two portions of the yoke section together. The yoke sections may be substantially symmetric or may be asymmetric. 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments, the torso covering member comprises a front portion and a back portion. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member further comprises at least one fastener, including releasably connected fasteners and permanent fasteners, such as, for example, zipper, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop, grommets, stitching, screw and bolt, and the like and combinations thereof). In certain embodiments, the torso covering member further comprises a collar. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member comprises has a storage member (for example, a pocket with or without a releasable connector, that is configured to receive upper back and shoulder covering member to provide for storage of upper back and shoulder covering member when not in use. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member further comprises leg covering members, such a pant legs, which may or may not be detachable. 
         [0050]    The torso covering member and the upper back and shoulder covering member may be made from a variety of materials depending upon the conditions of the environment and end uses. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member may be made from different materials than the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. In certain embodiments, the torso covering member may be made from the same materials as the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. 
         [0051]    In systems with a plurality of torso covering members, it is preferred that each torso covering member is made from a different material that each of the other torso covering members. Likewise, in systems with a plurality of separate external upper back and shoulder covering members, it is preferred that each separate external upper back and shoulder covering member is made from a different material than each of the other separate external upper back and shoulder covering member. 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments, the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member may be made of a material that is water-resistant, waterproof, wind-resistant, or a combination thereof, to provide either moisture or wind protection appropriate for the climate and use conditions. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, latex, waterproof heavy-duty cotton drill or poplin, wool gabardine, animal skin, and the like. Examples of materials include those conventionally used in softshells (wind resistant, highly breathable and often water resistant) and winter parkas or anoraks (warmth and wind resistant). 
         [0053]    In certain embodiments, the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering may be made of a material that provides thermal protection, i.e., to provide warmth appropriate for the climate and use conditions. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, fleece, wool, animal skin, fur, faux fur, and the like. Examples of materials include those conventionally used in rain gear (waterproof and wind resistant) and winter parkas or anoraks (warmth and wind resistant). 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have a torso covering member that provides thermal protection and a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member that provides water-resistance and wind-resistance. 
         [0055]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have a torso covering member and a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member having, at least a 20% difference in a selected property, such as thermal resistance. For example, the torso covering member may have an R value of about 0.1 m 2  ° C./W and the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member may have an R value greater than about 0.12 m 2  ° C./W. 
         [0056]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have the torso covering member and/or the upper back and shoulder covering member made from fabrics and/or fibers that provide tire resistance, arc protection, moisture management (water release rate, wicking, and drying time), abrasion resistance antistatic, and/or no melt-no drip properties. 
         [0057]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from fabrics and/or fibers that provide comfort, such as compositions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,914 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,555, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0058]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from fabrics and/or fibers that incorporate odor control. 
         [0059]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferably to provide the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from materials that provide infrared reflectance or absorbance. 
         [0060]    In certain embodiments, it may be preferably to provide the torso covering member and/or the separate external upper back and shoulder covering member made from materials that are colored, dyed (such as with a high visibility dye), or printed (such as with camouflage). 
         [0061]    In certain embodiments, a method quickly releasing body armor, comprising: 
         [0000]    donning a garment system, comprising:
       an optional torso covering member;   a separate external upper back and shoulder covering member;   a releasable body armor comprising a quick release mechanism;   wherein said releasable body armor member is located between said torso covering member and said separate upper back and shoulder covering member; and   wherein said releasable body armor may be released from said garment system without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said torso covering member;   doffing said releasable body armor by using said quick release mechanism without first removing said separate external upper back and shoulder covering member or said optional torso covering member.       
 
         [0068]    A preferred embodiment of a garment system  2  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1A . The back view of the garment system  2  with optional releasable body armor  8  and optional hood  13  is shown in  FIG. 1B . Garment system  2  is shown in exploded view in  FIG. 2 . Garment system  2  may include a torso covering member  4 , an upper hack and shoulder covering member  6 , and an optional releasable body armor  8 . In the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 1A , torso covering member  4  includes an optional collar  8 . In the illustrated embodiment, upper back and shoulder covering member  6  includes sleeves  10   a  and  10   b,  shown here as long sleeves, yoke portion  11 , optional storage portions  12   a,    12   b  or pockets, and an optional head covering member  13 , shown here as a hood attached to the neckhole  14 . It is to be appreciated that each of torso covering members  4  could have short sleeves, long sleeves, partial sleeves or no sleeves at all. It is to be further appreciated that each back and shoulder covering member  6  could have short sleeves, long sleeves, or partial sleeves. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , the torso covering member  4  is worn by an individual as a shirt, jacket, or vest, substantially covering his or her torso and, in the embodiment illustrated with the optional collar  9  and without sleeves. In a preferred embodiment, torso covering member  4  has a pocket  16  that is configured to receive upper back and shoulder covering member  6  to provide for storage of upper back and shoulder covering member When not in use. In  FIG. 3B , the torso covering member  4  is shown without the optional collar. 
         [0070]    In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , torso covering member  4  has a pocket  11  that is configured to receive upper back and shoulder covering member  6  to provide for storage of upper back and shoulder covering member  6  when not in use. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket  11  is positioned on the back of torso covering member  4 . It is to be appreciated that pocket  11  can be located elsewhere on torso covering member  4 , e.g., on the back. 
         [0071]    Upper back and shoulder covering member  6  is configured to be worn on top of torso covering member  4 , as described in greater detail below, as shown without the optional releasable body armor  8 , in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0072]    Shown individually with optional hood  13  in  FIG. 5A , upper back and shoulder covering member  6  provides a second layer of material for at least the upper back and shoulders of an individual and for at least a portion of the aims of the individual as well. The yoke portion  11  may be secured with a releasable fastener  15 , such as hook and loop fastener(s), button(s), snap(s), magnet(s), tie strings, and the like releasable fasteners. The upper back and shoulder covering member  6  is shown in  FIG. 5B  without the optional head covering member. The back view of the upper back and shoulder covering member  6  with optional head covering member  13  is shown in  FIG. 5C . 
         [0073]    Optional releasable body armor  8  is shown in  FIG. 6 . When it is worn, it is positioned over the torso covering member  4 , as shown in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  (exploded view), and positioned under the upper back and shoulder covering member  6 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  shows an alternate embodiment where the torso covering portion includes optional leg covering members  16   a,    16   b.    
         [0075]    When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecular weight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, all combinations, and subcombinations of ranges specific embodiments herein are intended to be included. 
         [0076]    The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
         [0077]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.