Abstract:
A wrap for a reader is disclosed which comprises a length of fabric for draping over the wearer&#39;s torso from the shoulders, the fabric also having a lateral extension at the middle for covering the neck of a wearer, and the fabric having an outer pocket on an inner pocket, the pockets being spaced away from the collar, and one of the pockets being sized to hold reading matter.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    1. Technical Field  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of garments used for warmth and relaxation.  
           [0003]    2. Background  
           [0004]    Many people like to “curl up with a good book” in a chair or couch or in bed. When the weather is cold, or the environment is chilly, it is hard for a reader to stay warm and comfortable without some added garment. Most items that come to mind for warmth tend to impede the person&#39;s ability to hold the book and read comfortably. For example, blankets are bulky and when wrapped around the person, a blanket usually makes it harder to turn pages. The bulkiness of most blankets also tends to make them less comfortable.  
           [0005]    Robes can be worn, but the arms are often too tight over winter-weight clothing or pajamas. Robes also tend to bunch up after a while and pull down on the neck, causing some discomfort to the reader.  
           [0006]    Shawls, which are essentially a single piece of fabric draped over the reader&#39;s shoulders, are more comfortable than the above, but they do not provide coverage for the neck, the back, and the forearms. While they may be more comfortable, they usually do not provide enough warmth, since the reader&#39;s neck and arms are still usually exposed to the chill.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    A wrap for a reader is disclosed which comprises a length of fabric for draping over the wearer&#39;s torso from the shoulders, the fabric also having a lateral extension at the middle for covering the neck of a wearer, and the fabric having an outer pocket on an inner pocket, the pockets being spaced away from the collar, and one of the pockets being sized to hold reading matter. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the wrap as worn by a model.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is front view of the wrap.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a rear view of the wrap.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is cutting diagram for the wrap.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of an additional embodiment of the wrap.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the wrap.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing of a double pocket of the wrap.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the double pocket of the wrap.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]    In FIG. 1, a model  10 , is shown wearing the wrap  01  of the present invention. In this embodiment, wrap  01  has a lateral extension shaped as a collar  04  attached at the neck so that the wearer&#39;s neck is kept warm. Also shown in this embodiment is double pocket  08 , attached to the front of wrap  01 . As can be seen, double pocket  08  is an outer pocket on top of an inner pocket.  
         [0017]    Turning now to FIG. 2, a front view of wrap  01  is shown, with the wavy lines indicating the interior back portion of wrap  01 . FIG. 3 shows the rear view of wrap  01 . In this view, it can be seen that wrap  01  is sufficiently long to cover most of the wearer&#39;s back, as well as the arms.  
         [0018]    With reference now to FIG. 5, the lateral extension of the wrap is a hood  05 . While most users of wrap  01  will probably prefer the embodiment with a collar, some individuals may prefer the additional warmth of hood  05 . Patients in hospital undergoing chemotherapy, for example, may find it more desirable.  
         [0019]    Returning to FIG. 1, it can be seen that in this embodiment wrap  01  has been draped to cover the reader&#39;s arms and extend below them, in this case nearly to the knee. In the embodiments shown, wrap  01  is made in this longer form or in a short form that is sufficient to cover the reader&#39;s arms, but not to extend past them.  
         [0020]    In the embodiments shown, the fabric used for wrap  01  is PolarFleece™ from Malden Mills, of Massachusetts, because it is a lightweight, lofty fleece that also provides warmth. In addition, this type of fleece tends to be non-slip, in the sense that one end of the fabric can be draped over the other shoulder and the fabric will “hold” in place easily, without slipping off. This, in turn, eliminates the need for fasteners for this embodiment of the invention. In addition, this particular brand of fleece also comes in widths that simplify the cutting of a length of fabric as shown in FIG. 4. Using this type of fleece, a wrap  01  can be cut from one piece of cloth doubled over as seen in FIG. 4, with the fold  03  showing. Cut line  02  will form the front opening of the length of fabric. However, if other materials are used, the length of fabric can be formed by seaming together separate widths or panels without deviating from the spirit of this invention.  
         [0021]    The invention can also be made using other fabrics, such as cashmere, wool, cotton, synthetics, etc. A lighter fabric may also be desirable for spring and summer evenings, when fleece is too warm. If a fabric is used which tends to be slippery, then fasteners can be placed on the fabric to allow fastening of the two front portions of wrap  01 .  
         [0022]    With reference now to FIG. 7, inner pocket  09  is shown containing two books  20 , while outer pocket  11  is shown having a separate compartment  12  within it for holding a pen  22 .  
         [0023]    Similarly, in FIG. 8, outer pocket  11  is shown having a flap  16  formed over it. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different configurations of the inner and outer pockets are possible.  
         [0024]    Returning to FIG. 1, it can be seen that wrap  01  is also useful in a hospital environment. In this configuration, without fasteners, it is easy for a patient&#39;s arm to be covered and uncovered by wrap  01  without disturbing intravenous tubes or other treatment devices. Similarly, pockets  08  also allow a patient to carry tissues and other items along with reading material and writing instruments. In addition, as can be seen from the embodiments shown, the individual&#39;s hands are free to turn the pages of a book or make notations using this invention. It is also well suited for nursing mothers, as it allows them to keep themselves and the infants warm during feedings.  
         [0025]    Turning now to FIG. 6 another embodiment is shown in which there are inner and outer pockets  08   a  on the outside of wrap  01  and another set of inner and outer pockets  08   b  on the inside of wrap  01 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the placement of pockets  08  can be varied without deviating from the spirit of this invention.  
         [0026]    For example, pockets  08  can be placed on the wearer&#39;s right hand side or on the left hand side.  
         [0027]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations can be made in the above embodiments without deviating from the spirit of this invention.