Apparel – Body garments
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-31
2001-12-25
Hale, Gloria M. (Department: 3727)
Apparel
Body garments
C002S085000, C002S094000, C002S093000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332222
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to carriers for clothing.
BACKGROUND ART
In winter, department stores and other shops are maintained very warm, so that the temperature difference between the ambient air in the street, and the air in the shop, is often very great. Persons going shopping need to have heavy winter coats, but would like to take then off when in the shops. However, they find it inconvenient to carry their coats and are often reluctant to take coats off, even though it is generally desirable, when shopping, to have both hands free. In short, many people would like to be able to get rid of their heavy winter coat on entry to their chosen shop. They would like to have both hands free, while in the shop, they would prefer that their coat or jacket does not get creased during the time spent in the shop and they would like it to be quick and easy to take the coat off on arrival at the shop and put it on again, on departure from the shop.
The present invention addresses this problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for carrying a coat about the person, without wearing the coat, the device comprising:
1. an open-ended tube within which the coat is snugly received of dimensions such that the coat length lies lengthways within the tube, with the collar end of the coat towards one end of the tube, and the lower edge of the coat/jacket towards the other end of the tube, the tube being made of thin foldable material so as to have minimal bulk and weight for a person carrying the device; and
2. a link at each end of the tube, to enable the tube, containing a coat, to be carried about the person.
Preferably, the tube is provided with a drawstring, or other means of reducing the size of the opening at each end of the tube. Conveniently, a band is provided, in situ or for clipping or otherwise attaching to the opposite ends of the tube, thereby to form with the tube a complete loop which can be slung over the shoulder or head and shoulder of the user, or possibly around the waist. Preferably the length of the loop is adjustable, as by a buckle. Preferably the device is such that it can be readily packed down into a small volume, to be packed away inside a coat pocket or shopping basket. In another embodiment the tube could be fixed inside a coat and packed away there, for example, inside a hood of the coat.
One attractive feature of the device is that it provides a relatively large surface area, namely, the cylindrical surface of the tube, for placement of advertising messages or pockets. The device could be manufactured at low cost and could offer a convenient vehicle for marketing and advertising purposes.
In another embodiment, material forming the lining of a coat could serve as the material of the tube. The material could be located in the back panel of the coat, with a top edge coinciding with the collar area of the coat, a bottom edge parallel to the lower hem of the coat jacket, and two long side edges. For placement of the coat inside the “tube” the coat would be turned inside out, and the two long edges of the lining panel offered up to each other, for securing together by a fastening device such as Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners, poppers or a zip fastener. The lining of the coat would then include one of the said links, in the collar area of the coat, and another of the said links at the lower edge of the lining panel. If desired, a belt strand could be placed inside the lining, linking the two fasteners, one each end of the lining panel. When the coat is turned inside out and the long edges of the lining joined together, one would have formed a tube, and the in situ belt would complete the loop for slinging the coat and belt device over the shoulder.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how the same can be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3670340 (1972-06-01), Walker
patent: 3998304 (1976-12-01), Edgerton, Jr. et al.
patent: 4347629 (1982-09-01), Itoi
patent: 4351066 (1982-09-01), Pearsall
patent: 4944042 (1990-07-01), DeWan
patent: 5123117 (1992-06-01), Prendergast
patent: 5564125 (1996-10-01), Waldman et al.
patent: 5570473 (1996-11-01), Andries
patent: 5787504 (1998-08-01), Wu
patent: 5850634 (1998-12-01), Toombs
patent: 2085280 (1982-04-01), None
patent: 2312371 (1997-10-01), None
patent: 2333949 (1999-08-01), None
Dilworth & Barrese LLP
Hale Gloria M.
LandOfFree
Carrier for clothing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Carrier for clothing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Carrier for clothing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2586157