US20100313323A1

US20100313323A1 - Body cover with retractable bottom portion

Info

Publication number: US20100313323A1
Application number: US12/482,381
Authority: US
Inventors: Wallace TENNELLE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-10
Filing date: 2009-06-10
Publication date: 2010-12-16

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a full body covering that comprises a top upper body garment and an extendable and retractable bottom portion. It supplies several unique components which offer distinct benefits to a person wearing it. One component is the complete full backing, so that similar to a pullover sweater or sweatshirt, the garment can provide complete upper body warmth and stay intact while attached to a person. A second component is the expandable bottom portion which extends over the front of a person's legs and is capable of wrapping around the person's legs. A third component is the integrated foot pockets within the bottom portion. In one embodiment, a pair of booties may also be attached to a pair of leggings found in the bottom portion of the garment. A fourth component is the fastening system which allows for the bottom portion to be rolled or folded up into the top portion and securely held in place, preferably at the waist level or around the abdomen. The hood attached to the top portion provides for an additional feature which allows for someone wearing the disclosed body covering to experience warmth from head to toe.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of apparel. More specifically, the invention relates to a full body covering with a retractable bottom portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Now more than ever, consumers are seeking products that satisfy more than one need. In the apparel market, they find themselves sifting through a barrage of products geared toward fulfilling full body warmth and comfort. However many of these products, while marketed for versatility, are actually singular in their use. A single product is needed which can provide full body warmth while alleviating the need for multiple articles of clothing or blankets and can be compressed into a compact design when in motion.
The most recent of products that remotely attempt too satisfy this need is the Snuggie®. Marketed as a blanket with sleeves, this product is essentially an oversized blanket which is made to be worn but only covers the frontal area of a wearer. More suited for stationary use, preferable in a house with clean floors, the Snuggle® does not fare well for mobile purposes. This is understandable in light of the amount of fabric one has to contend with when trying to move while wearing it. Also, depending on an individual's height, there will be an unsafe amount of fabric dragging on the floor that will pick up debris and germs, as well as pose a very real safety concern for those walking with hot beverages or up stairs.
Thus, with no existing solution on the market for a garment that converts from a stationary source of body coverage to a mobile source of body coverage, the present disclosure is presented. The present disclosure provides for a specific design of apparel which overcomes all of the foregoing problems and other drawbacks which have been known in the art for some time. Additionally, the present disclosure offers a unique solution that has not been suggested in the prior art and those skilled in the art have not been able to solve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides for a full body covering that comprises a top upper body garment and an extendable and retractable bottom portion. It supplies several unique components which offer distinct benefits to a person wearing it. One component is the complete full backing, so that similar to a pullover sweater or sweatshirt, the garment can provide complete upper body warmth and stay intact while attached to a person. A second component is the expandable bottom portion which extends over the front of a person's legs and is capable of wrapping around the person's legs. A third component is the integrated foot pockets within the bottom portion. In one embodiment, a pair of booties may also be attached to a pair of leggings found in the bottom portion of the garment. A fourth component is the fastening system which allows for the bottom portion to be rolled or folded up into the top portion and securely held in place, preferably at the waist level or around the abdomen. The hood attached to the top portion provides for an additional feature which allows for someone wearing the disclosed body covering to experience warmth from head to toe.
These and other objectives of the claimed invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the top portion of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the bottom portion of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the top portion of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the top portion of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure with the bottom portion rolled into it.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional rear view of the preferred embodiment of the top portion of the present invention with the bottom portion rolled into it.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional rear view of an alternate embodiment of the bottom portion of the present disclosure with integrated leggings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may still be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Now referring to FIG. 1, a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Full body covering 10 is shown including top portion 20 and bottom portion 30. In the preferred embodiment, top portion 20 is a long-sleeve, hooded pullover sweater or sweatshirt with ribbed waistline and cuffs. It is preferably constructed of cotton fleece, but in alternate embodiments could be constructed of other materials, such as wool, or other patterns of embroidery such as terrycloth or the like. The neckline style of top portion 20 is preferred to be crew-neck, but in alternate embodiments could include V-neck, swoop-neck, bateau-neck or turtleneck styles. Another alternate embodiment of top portion 20 could comprise a zippered front instead of being of a pullover variety. In another embodiment of top portion 20, sleeves could be cut shorter to any desired length. Finally, it could be envisioned that one embodiment of top portion 20 lacks a hood, ribbed waistline or ribbed cuffs. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, bottom portion 30 comprises a primarily flat piece of material that attaches and extends from the waist of top portion 20. Bottom portion 30 also preferably comprises a protectant layer along its bottom edge and foot pockets integrated into its inner side.
Now referring to FIG. 2, a front view of the preferred embodiment of the top portion of the present disclosure is shown. In this partial view of the present disclosure, top portion 20 comprises body section 22 and sleeve sections 21. Rood 23 and ribbed areas 25 are also shown. In this preferred embodiment, top portion 20 also comprises hand pockets 27 near its waistline. As mentioned, in the non-pullover embodiment, top portion 20 could include front closure means 26, which could be of a button, zipper or snap variety amongst others. In the hoodless embodiment, top portion 20 could also comprise collar or lapel 24. Additionally, in the hooded embodiment, hood 23 could further comprise a drawstring to tighten hood 23 around one's head.
Now referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the preferred embodiment of the bottom portion of the present disclosure is shown. In this partial view of the present disclosure, bottom portion 30 comprises layer 32, foot pockets 33 and protectant edge 34. Layer 32 connects to the front edge of top portion 20 and extends down to a person's feet. Protectant edge 34 is constructed of a more durable and preferably waterproof material in order to withstand possible wear from being dragged and be impermeable to dust and moisture. Foot pockets 33 are found on the inside of layer 32 near protectant edge 34. As their name suggests, foot pockets 33 provide comfort and warmth to a person's feet when bottom portion 30 is extended. In an alternate embodiment of bottom portion 30, layer 32 could be detachably connected to top portion 20.
Now referring to FIG. 4, a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the top portion of the present invention is shown. Again, body section 22 and sleeve sections 23 are shown on top portion 20. As best shown from this view, hood 23 can be seen hanging down. Also from this view it can be seen that top portion 20 comprises a complete, full length back portion that does not require the use of any attachment mechanisms or fasteners.
Now referring to FIG. 5, another front view of the top portion of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. However, in this view bottom portion 30 can be seen compacted into a lower region of body section 22, just above ribbed waistline 25. This compacting can be accomplished either by rolling or folding bottom portion 30 upward and tucking it into body section 22. In an alternate embodiment, bottom portion 30 could be more evenly distributed around the abdomen of a person wearing the present disclosure.
Now referring to FIG. 6, a cross sectional rear view of the preferred embodiment of the top portion of the present invention is shown with the bottom portion rolled into it. The inside of body section 22 can be seen comprising a pair of inner fasteners 36 and a corresponding pair of fastening straps 35. In this preferred embodiment, inner fasteners 36 could comprise hooks, button, snaps, Velcro® or any attachment means known in the art. Fastening straps are preferably elastic and attached to body section 22 just above ribbed waistline 25. However, in an alternate embodiment, fastening straps could also attach anywhere on bottom portion (not shown). Also, in an alternate embodiment, additional fasteners or straps could be used to hold bottom portion in place and be located in various positions. In this manner, the present disclosure allows someone wearing it to be mobile while bottom portion 30 is retracted and fastened. This could be a great benefit when viewing outdoor sporting events, camping or riding on a long car trip when one does not want to pack and carry a separate jacket, sweater, blanket, and hat. It can also prove beneficial while just sitting at home watching television when one wants to reduce their heating bill.
Now referring to FIG. 7, a cross sectional rear view of an alternate embodiment of the bottom portion of the present disclosure is shown with integrated leggings. In this embodiment, layer 32 can be seen extending downward and a pair of leggings 37 are shown in place of foot pockets (not shown). Leggings 37 further comprise booties 38 and protective soles 39. Leggings allow for additional comfort an warmth when more than just a foot pocket is needed. Similar to protectant edge 34, protectant soles 39 on the bottom of booties 38 are constructed of a more durable and preferably waterproof material in order to withstand possible wear from walking short distances and be impermeable to dust and moisture.
The present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalization thereof. While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described apparatus. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A full body covering comprising:

a top portion, the top portion further comprising a front body section, a front sleeve section, a back body section and a back sleeve section;

an extendable bottom portion attached to the top portion, the bottom portion further comprising at least one foot pocket; and

a fastening system located on an inner side of the front body section; the fastening system further comprising at least one fastening strap and at least one fastener.

2. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises a hood.

3. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises a collar or lapel.

4. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises at least one hand pocket.

5. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the front body section and the back body section further comprise a ribbed waistline.

6. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the front body section further comprises means for opening and closing front body section.

7. The body covering of claim 1, wherein each of the front sleeve section and the back sleeve section further comprise a ribbed cuff.

8. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is removably attached to the top portion.

9. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion further comprises a protectant edge.

10. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion further comprises a pair of leggings.

11. The body covering of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of leggings further comprises a bootie.

12. The body covering of claim 11, wherein each of the bootie further comprises a protectant sole.

13. The body covering of claim 1, wherein a majority of the top portion and bottom portion is constructed from at least one of the materials in the group consisting of cotton, wool, polyester, rayon and silk.

14. The body covering of claim 1, wherein a majority of the top portion and bottom portion is constructed in an embroidery pattern from at least one of the group consisting of weave, broadcloth, fleece, terrycloth, corduroy and knit.

15. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion retracts into a lower region of the top portion.

16. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is held in place in a lower region of the top portion by the fastening system.

17. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is held in place in a lower region of the top portion solely by means of a ribbed waistline.

18. The body covering of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion further comprises at least one fastening strap.

19. The body covering of claim 18, wherein the at least one fastening strap attaches to the at least one fastener located on the inner side of the front body section.

20. The body covering of claim 19, wherein the at least one fastening strap attaches to a fastener located on an outer side of the front body section.