PERSONAL REFLECTIVE GARMENT

Abstract

A safety garment is provided for enhancing visibility to persons in dark conditions. The garment includes a front section covering the upper chest, extending to a rear section covering the upper back, and sleeves in varying lengths extending to cover the arms. The garment is preferably open in the underarm area. The base of the garment is preferably comprised of lightweight non-reflective fabric and is coupled with reflective fabric extending the length of the garment, providing 360 degrees of high visibility.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of design patent application Ser. No. 29475561 filed Dec. 4, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to safety garments and, more specifically, reflective safety garments.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Reflective materials, which help make people more visible, can make a life-saving difference.

[0005] Currently available reflective safety garments come in two typical styles. The first typical style is the commonly used safety vest worn by highway construction workers. That vest can be irritating to the skin and is very bulky for runners or bicycle riders, especially in the summer heat. The second typical style is a belt that with straps that extend over the shoulders and is buckled about the waist. These belts are commonly used by crossing guards. However, like safety vests, fabric from which safety belts are made can be irritating to bare skin so users need garments underneath the belt. Further, the buckles used to attach the belt around the waist are bulky and can rub against the skin of a runner or bicycle rider. Further, belts without the shoulder straps are seldom wide enough to provide sufficient reflective visibility at dusk and night.

[0006] There is also the issue of aesthetics. Safety vests and belts are often considered "ugly" and that discourages use.

[0007] Backpacks are another factor in safety vests not being worn. Reflective strips on the back of a vest are obscured when backpacks are worn. That discourages use of safety vests.

[0008] Further, because the currently available safety vests and belts are bulky and large, they are not easily transported in a backpack, pocketbook or purse.

[0009] If the problems that discourage use were solved, lives might be saved.

SUMMARY

[0010] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0011] A preferred first exemplary reflective sleeved safety vest comprises a first fabric panel that covers the upper chest, a second fabric panel that covers the upper back, a fabric left sleeve that extends at least to just a first point just above the left elbow, a fabric right sleeve that extends at least to a second point just above the right elbow, a first band of high visibility reflective material that extends from said first point diagonally upwardly across a front of said left sleeve thence across said first panel and thence diagonally downward across said right sleeve to said second point, and a second band of high visibility reflective material that extends from said first point diagonally upwardly across a rear of said left sleeve thence across said second panel and thence diagonally downward across a rear of said right sleeve to said second point, thereby to cover 360 degrees of the garment. Varying lengths of the arm with or without wrist closures are provided in alternative embodiments. An enlarged bottom opening is preferred to provide an open area below each armpit. An enlarged neck opening is provided in a preferred embodiment.

[0012] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first exemplary long sleeve safety garment 100.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a back view of garment 100.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a left side view of garment 100.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an underside view of garment 100.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a left side view of a second exemplary short sleeve safety garment 500.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a left side view of a third exemplary short sleeve safety garment 600

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view of a fourth exemplary long sleeve safety garment 700 worn over a coat.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a back view of garment 100 worn over a backpack.

[0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred exemplary embodiment safety garment 100 shown being worn by a cyclist 101. Cyclist 101 does not form any part of the invention and is shown only for context, and could be a jogger, walker, biker, motorcyclist, scooter rider, skateboarder, or other person. Garment 100 comprises a first fabric panel 102 that at least partially covers an upper chest 103 of cyclist 101, a second fabric panel 200 (see FIG. 2) that covers an upper back 201 of cyclist 101, a fabric right sleeve 104 that extends at least to just a first point 105 just above the right elbow 106, a fabric left sleeve 107 that extends at least to a second point 108 just above the left elbow 109, a first band 110 of high visibility reflective material that extends from point 105 diagonally upwardly across a front 111 of right sleeve 104 thence across panel 102 and thence diagonally downward across a front 112 of left sleeve 107 to point 108. A second reflective band 113 of high visibility reflective material begins at the inner right wrist 114 and extends diagonally across sleeve 104 to point 105, extends across panel 200 (see FIG. 2) to point 108 and then diagonally downward across sleeve 107 to the inner left wrist 115. Garment 100 has an enlarged bottom opening 118 (see also FIG. 4) that extends partially into and under right sleeve 104 and left sleeve 107 to provide a right underarm opening 116 and a left underarm opening 117 to provide ventilation and minimize soiling of garment 100 due to underarm perspiration. To show more of chest 103, shirt garment 120, or neck area 130, top opening 124 can be enlarged and lowered as shown.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a back view of garment 100. Second band 113 continues from point 105 (seen best in FIG. 1) and extends diagonally upwardly across a rear 202 of said right sleeve 104 thence across panel 200 and thence diagonally downward across a rear 203 of left sleeve 107 to point 108, thereby band 110 and band 113 combine to make a complete circle around cyclist 101 and cover 360 degrees of garment 100. First band 110 is seen to actually commence at a rear of right wrist 204 and extend upwardly and outwardly across rear 202 to point 105 and disappear from vision. However from FIG. 1, it is known that band 110 crosses band 113 at point 105 (see FIG. 3) and passes over front panel 102 and sleeve 107 to point 108. Band 110 crosses band 113 at point 108. From point 108 band 110 then extends across rear 203 to a rear of left wrist 205. This extension of band 110 and band 113 produces an X-pattern from a side view to increase visibility, as seen in FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a left side view of garment 100 showing band 110. Left side 300 of garment 100 has a distinctive X-pattern produced by the previously described crossing of band 110 and band 113 at point 108 just above left elbow 109 for increased side visibility. Since side 300 is of smaller width than front or rear, this crossing pattern allows increased reflective material from a side view to offset the smaller area and better protect cyclist 101.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an underside view of garment 100. The start of band 110 at left inner wrist 114 and band 113 at left rear wrist 204 are seen. After crossing at point 108 as described above, band 110 appears on front panel 102 and band 113 appears on rear panel 200. Bottom opening 118 is seen as is a naturally smaller upper neck or top opening 302. Also present are left underarm opening 116 and right underarm opening 117. Hook and loop fabric type closures 400 are provided to secure garment 100 about the wrist. Any suitable type of closure could be substituted, such as a snap, button, elastic band, or clip.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a rear view of garment 100, much like FIG. 2, except with garment 100 worn over a backpack 800 and over a hooded jacket 801. Band 113 is located near the bottom of the back panel 200 so that the hood 802 does not interfere with the reflective function of band 113. Garment 100 would be made of stretchable fabric so that it could stretch over most backpacks and still serve its reflective function. It is seen that the distinctive side X-band crossing of band 110 and band 113 is retained. The extra size of bottom opening 118 for open armpits in summer use allows for an easy fit over backpack 800.

Operation of First Exemplary Embodiment

[0029] Garment 100 can be easily made of stretchable fabric to conform to the body of cyclist 101 for excellent aesthetic appearance. While providing high visibility, in a distinctive 360 degree coverage, the shape of garment 100 does not obscure the person's form. As the cyclist 101 moves band 110 and band 113 move. If the cyclist 101 move his arms up and down, as she typically would in giving hand signals, band 110 and band 113 will move to instantly attract attention, helping such signals be seen. From the side, there would be the appearance of a moving X moving across the field of vision in an eye-catching fashion. Consequently garment 100 will attract attention and that will save lives. Garment 100 is deceptively sophisticated. The added thoughtful presence of underarm opening 116 and underarm opening 117 gives a functional and stylish flair to garment 100.

[0030] Garment 100 can serve as an overlay that can blend into an existing shirt garment 120 to look like there is reflective fabric already on that outer-garment. It is also an option to be worn without a coat or shirt. If a backpack 800 is worn, garment 100 can be pulled over backpack 800 to maintain visibility at dusk and at night.

[0031] Front panel 102 needs only be of sufficient height to hold band 110 so that band 110 can pass from one sleeve to the other to provide the 360 degree coverage desired. So, a height 121 of said panel 102 is within the range of from about 4 to about 8 inches at a center 122 of panel 102. Likewise, second panel 200 has a height 210 within a range of from about 4 to about 8 inches at a center 211 of said second panel. Panel 102 and 200 would typically be of different heights for best fit, but it could be desirable to have them be of the same height for reversibility of front and back.

[0032] Both full length sleeve 107 and short sleeve 507 are shown. It is to be understood that "short sleeve" is also intended to include any length less than full length, so that a three-quarter length sleeve (not shown), or any other mid-length sleeve would also be encompassed within the meaning of "short sleeve."

Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0033] FIG. 5 is a left side view of a second exemplary short sleeve safety garment 500. A shorter first band 510 joints a shorter band 513 in a V-pattern at point 508 on left sleeve 507 and a horizontal band 520 is added for increased side visibility.

Operation of Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0034] The operation of garment 500 is similar to that of garment 100, as all that is really changed is sleeve length and reflective band configuration on the arms. As the arms move the reflective bands move to enhance visibility.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

[0035] FIG. 6 is a left side view of a third safety garment 600 with a short left sleeve 607 which retains an X-pattern by raising crossing point 608 for shortened band 610 and shortened band 613 and having a horizontal band 620 for added visibility.

Operation of Third Exemplary Embodiment

[0036] The operation of garment 600 is similar to that of garment 100 and garment 500, as all that is really changed is sleeve length and reflective band configuration on the arms. As the arms move the reflective bands move to enhance visibility.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

[0037] FIG. 7 is a front view of a fourth exemplary long sleeve safety garment 700 worn over a coat 701. Garment 700 has a V shaped front panel 702 that provides access to make it easier to operate zipper 750 of coat 701 at both bottom 751 and and top 752. Reflective band 710 is V-shaped to conform to panel 702. Right band 730 and right band 731 cross at point 705 to form an X-pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 3. Likewise left band 740 and left band 741 cross at point 708 to form an X-pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

Operation of Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

[0038] The operation of garment 700 is similar to that of garment 100 and garment 500, as all that is really changed is front panel configuration and reflective band configuration on front of the arms. As the arms move the reflective band 730, reflective band 731, reflective band 740 and reflective band 741 move to enhance visibility. The top 703 of panel 702 is lowered to allow better access of top 752 of zipper 750.

[0039] With respect to the above exemplary description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure. The exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.

[0040] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] The claims below describe portions of a person wearing the garment for better clarity, but no portion of the person forms part of the claimed invention. Rather anatomical portions are for purposes of defining how the garment would appear when worn as being the best way of defining the garment, since the garment is intended to be worn and to have an eye-catching appearance when worn to enhance safety. It is intended that the garment itself is being claimed exclusive of the wearer.

Claims

1) A personal reflective garment configured such that when worn by a person having an upper chest, upper back, right elbow, and left elbow, said garment comprises: a first fabric panel that covers the upper chest, a second fabric panel that covers the upper back, a fabric left sleeve that extends at least to a first point just above the left elbow, a fabric right sleeve that extends at least to a second point above the right elbow, a first band of high visibility reflective material that extends from said first point upwardly across a front of said left sleeve thence across said first panel and thence downward across said right sleeve to said second point, and a second band of high visibility reflective material that extends from said first point upwardly across a rear of said left sleeve thence across said second panel and thence downwardly across a rear of said right sleeve to said second point, thereby to cover 360 degrees of the garment.

2) The garment of claim 1 wherein the height of said front panel is within the range of from about 4 to about 8 inches at a center of said front panel.

3) The garment of claim 2 wherein the height of said second panel is within the range of from about 4 to about 8 inches at a center of said second panel.

4) The garment of claim 1 wherein the height of said second panel is within the range of from about 4 to about 8 inches at a center of said second panel.

5) The garment of claim 1 wherein said sleeves are short sleeves.

6) The garment of claim 1 wherein said sleeves are full length sleeves.

7) The garment of claim 1 further comprising closures at an end of said sleeves.

6) The garment of claim 1 wherein said first and second reflective band cross to form an X-shaped pattern on said right and left sleeve, said X-shaped pattern being visible from right and left side, respectively, for enhanced visibility.

7) The garment of claim 1 having an enlarged lower opening to provide an open upper underarm below a left and right armpit of a wearer.

8) The garment of claim 6, wherein said first and second reflective bands cross just above the elbow.

9) A reflective garment, comprising a front panel, a rear panel, left sleeve, right sleeve, and reflective band, said front panel extending from a neckline down to a bottom opening at just below the height of a wearer's armpits.

10) The garment of claim 9, wherein said bottom opening extends along a bottom of said sleeves to a point above an elbow of a wearer so as to form an open armpit.

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