HK1115279A - Garment backpack - Google Patents

Description

Clothing type knapsack

Technical Field

The present invention relates to backpacks, including but not limited to backpacks used for carrying books, school supplies, and the like.

Background

Backpacks are known and commonly used. However, typical backpacks are supported on the user by the use of shoulder straps or belts. This leads to back strain and muscle fatigue.

With currently available backpacks, it is also typical to arrange for the items contained in the backpack to be generally contained at the back of the user, resulting in a large protrusion extending behind the user. Backpacks, as their generic name implies, allow the respective user to carry items on their back, but do not allow weight and items to be distributed toward the front of the user. This results in uneven weight distribution and uncomfortable transport of the items within the backpack.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a garment apparatus for use as a backpack. A preferred embodiment of the garment apparatus includes an anterior portion having an interior side and an exterior side, a surface area, the anterior portion being divided into a right half and a left half, each half having a top edge, a middle edge, a bottom edge, and a distal edge. The anterior portion further includes a releasable fastener to releasably fasten the medial edges of the right and left halves, and at least one pocket fixedly attached to the anterior portion. In an alternative embodiment, the right and left halves of the anterior portion are formed as a unitary structure having an interior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a top edge having a left side and a right side, a bottom edge, at least two side edges, and at least one pocket fixedly attached to the structure, the garment apparatus being worn by fitting over the head.

The garment apparatus also includes a rear portion having an interior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a right edge, a left edge, a top edge having a right side and a left side, and a bottom edge. The posterior portion includes at least one pocket fixedly attached thereto, the pocket covering about 1-50% of the surface area of the posterior portion and being disposed primarily adjacent to the upper half of the posterior portion. In a preferred embodiment, the posterior portion includes a second pocket fixedly attached thereto, the second pocket covering about 1-50% of the surface area of the posterior portion and being disposed primarily adjacent the lower half of the posterior portion.

The anterior and posterior portions are associated such that the top edge of the right half of the anterior portion is connected to the right side of the top edge of the posterior portion from a portion of the right edge of the posterior portion to the right side of the neckline portion, and the top edge of the left half of the anterior portion is connected to the left side of the top edge of the posterior portion from a portion of the left edge of the posterior portion to the left side of the neckline so as to leave an opening or hole surrounded by the neckline.

Preferably, the garment apparatus includes at least one elastic segment having a front edge and a back edge. The front edge is preferably releasably or fixedly attached to the front portion and the rear edge is preferably releasably or fixedly attached to the rear portion, the resilient section comprising a flexible and resilient material.

In one embodiment, the anterior portion includes three to four pockets, at least one of which is sized to receive and retain a cell phone. In addition, at least one pocket is sized to receive and enclose a camera or a CD or DVD player. Preferably, at least one pocket includes an internal port defining a passageway from an interior of the pocket to an interior surface of the garment.

Preferably, the garment apparatus further comprises a second releasable fastener configured and adapted to releasably fasten the left edge of the posterior portion to the distal edge of the left half of the anterior portion, and the second releasable fastener is further preferably configured and adapted to releasably fasten the right edge of the posterior portion to the distal edge of the right half of the anterior portion, or both. The second releasable fastener preferably comprises at least one of a snap, a button, a zipper, a hook and loop (hook and loop) fastener, an adjustable strap portion, or a strap knot.

Preferably, the garment apparatus further comprises at least one shoulder pad attached to the inner side of the front and back portions adjacent the joined top edges of the front and back portions, at least one cushioning material in at least one pocket, at least one inner liner associated with the garment apparatus, or a combination thereof. In addition, the apparatus preferably further includes a releasable fastener releasably securing at least one pocket to assist in transporting or replacing the articles contained in the pocket. More preferably, the releasable fastener comprises at least one of a zipper, a snap, a button, a hasp, a hook and loop fastener, a knot, and a drawstring.

In one embodiment, the first pocket fixedly attached to the posterior portion is located substantially adjacent to the top edge of the posterior portion. In another embodiment, a second pocket is fixedly attached to the posterior portion at a location that is primarily in the lower half, the second pocket being located substantially near the bottom edge of the posterior portion. In another embodiment, one of the pockets fixedly attached to the anterior portion is a cell phone pocket configured and dimensioned to substantially conform to a cell phone being loaded therein. Preferably, the total available pocket volume at the anterior portion is sufficient to balance with the total available pocket volume at the posterior portion.

A garment apparatus according to another preferred embodiment includes: an anterior portion having a medial side and a lateral side, a surface area, a top edge having a right side and a left side, a bottom edge, and at least two side edges, and having at least one pocket fixedly attached thereto; and a posterior portion having an interior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a right side, a left side, a top edge having a right side and a left side, and a bottom edge, and having at least one pocket fixedly attached to the posterior portion. The anterior portion and the posterior portion are related such that the right and left sides of the top edge of the anterior portion are connected adjacent the right and left sides of the top edge of the posterior portion so as to leave an opening between the anterior portion and the posterior portion. The at least one pocket includes a closable opening that provides access from an interior of the pocket to an interior side of the garment apparatus.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses a novel device that addresses many of the shortcomings of conventional backpacks.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a garment apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the garment apparatus of the present invention;

figure 3 shows a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the garment apparatus of the invention.

Detailed Description

A more ergonomic backpack has been found in which the pockets of such garments are distributed closer to the center of gravity of the wearer or user than by being provided on a garment unit, as compared to conventional backpacks. This advantageously allows the weight to move forward compared to a conventional backpack. In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the garment apparatus 10 comprises a garment having an anterior portion 20 and a posterior portion 30. Referring initially to fig. 1, the anterior portion 30 has an inner side or surface (not shown) and an outer side or surface 22 having a surface area. The anterior portion 20 is divided into a right half 24 and a left half 24 ', each having a top edge 34, 34', respectively; middle edges 36, 36'; distal edges 38, 38 'and bottom edges 27, 27'. As used herein, the terms "right" and "left" refer to the right and left sides, respectively, of a person wearing the garment apparatus.

Referring to fig. 3, the posterior portion 30 has an inner side or surface (not shown), an outer side or surface 31 having a surface area, a right edge 32, a left edge 33, a top edge having a right side 35 and a left side 35', a bottom edge 28, and a collar 15 having a right side 16 and a left side 17.

The anterior portion 20 and the posterior portion 30 are joined such that the top edge 34 of the right half 24 of the anterior portion 20 is joined, preferably fixedly, along a portion, preferably substantially or entirely, of the right side 35 of the top edge of the posterior portion 30 from the right edge 32 of the posterior portion 30 to the right side 16 of the collar 15. The front portion 20 and the back portion 30 are also joined, preferably fixedly joined, such that the top edge 34 'of the left half 26 of the front portion 20 is joined along a portion, preferably substantially or entirely, of the left side 35' of the top edge of the back portion 30 from the left edge 33 of the back portion 30 to the left side 17 of the collar 15.

The respective left and right top attachment areas of the front portion 20 and the back portion 30 define a right shoulder 11 and a left shoulder 12 that are preferably shaped to rest on the shoulders of a wearer wearing the apparatus. In one embodiment, the right and left shoulders 11, 12 include additional padding, preferably sewn in. Preferably, the padding is attached to the inner surface of both the front portion 20 and the back portion 30 proximate where the top edges 35, 35 'of the back portion 30 join the top edges 34, 34' of the front portion 20. In this position, the pad may be positioned on the wearer's shoulder to help cushion the load placed on the shoulder by the weight of the article contained in any pocket of the apparatus. Additional cushioning material may also be adjacent to or surrounding any or all of the pockets provided on the anterior or posterior portions. Additional cushioning material may also be provided in a portion of any or all of the pockets, such as a liner inside the pocket. This portion may be part or all of the pocket to help protect and cushion the contents of the pocket. The cushioning material may also or alternatively be an insulating material to reduce or prevent the transfer of heat, electricity or moisture from or to the pocket. Any suitable material having the desired characteristics may be included or used alone or in combination with any other suitable material for use as a cushioning material or an inner liner material for a garment apparatus.

In another embodiment, the garment apparatus may include an inner liner, preferably of a material compatible with or similar to the cushioning material, even though providing less cushioning effect than the cushioning material simply due to, for example, a thinner layer or a material with a fewer number of layers. The inner liner is preferably removably attached to one or more interior surfaces of the garment apparatus. Such a liner may advantageously provide one or more of the following advantages: warmers the wearer, removes moisture from the wearer, protects the wearer from sharp and protruding edges of the contents of the pocket, or any combination of these advantages. For example, the inner liner may be attached by a plurality of buttons or other fasteners strategically spaced through the inside of the garment apparatus, such as one fastener at each cuff, at least one fastener at the neck opening, and at least one fastener disposed in the lower half (preferably disposed substantially near the lower edge toward the apparatus).

The anterior portion 20 and the posterior portion 30 may also typically be joined such that the distal edge 38 of the right side 24 of the anterior portion 20 is joined or attached to a portion of the right edge 32 of the posterior portion. Similarly, the distal edge 38' of the left side 26 of the anterior portion 20 is attached or affixed to a portion of the left side 33 of the posterior portion 30. In one embodiment, the sections may be connected by one or more side connectors that laterally connect the front and rear sections. Preferably, each side attachment is secured, preferably by stitching or other permanent attachment material, to provide side support to the wearer of the garment apparatus. The side attachment members may be portions of material separate from the anterior and posterior portions. The side attachment members may be portions of material separate from the anterior and posterior portions or simply regions of permanent attachment of the anterior and posterior portions. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, side connector 60 may simply be a releasable engagement fastener, such as a zipper; one or more buttons, snaps, or snaps; a Velcro portion; a band knot; pulling the belt; or similar releasable fastening mechanism. In one embodiment, both right and left side attachments are present and include adjustable expansion fasteners (e.g., adjustable two-way zippers), which allow the user to control the degree of side attachment, thereby facilitating sizing of the garment apparatus to match the anatomy of the wearer. For example, the zipper can be adjusted so that the side attachments are complete, substantially complete, partially complete, or unfastened, thus advantageously allowing the apparatus to be worn over a large garment or on a more bulky wearer if desired. These fasteners also provide a way for the wearer to create a snug fit, which is advantageous for comfortably and ergonomically distributing the weight of the article in the garment apparatus.

The anterior portion 20 preferably includes an intermediate releasable fastening mechanism 40 for releasably securing the medial side 36 of the right half 24 to the medial side 36' of the left half 26. The fastening mechanism may include the above-mentioned components, which may be the same or different. Preferably, releasable fastener 40 is an adjustable zipper, such as a two-way zipper with fabric zipper strips, as shown in FIG. 1. In an alternative embodiment, the right and left halves of the anterior portion are formed as a unitary structure rather than fastening the right and left halves together, which allows the garment apparatus to be easily fitted to a wearer. In this embodiment, no releasable fastener is provided on the garment apparatus to secure the two entire halves.

The anterior portion 20 preferably includes at least one pocket fixedly attached to the exterior surface 22. In one embodiment, the pocket is releasably attached to the outer surface 22 by a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper, snaps, or snaps. Preferably, the anterior portion 20 includes at least one large pocket covering at least about 10-40% of the exterior surface 22 of the anterior portion 2, and more preferably at least about 20-35% of the exterior surface 22. The large pocket is preferably provided at the lower portion of the front portion 20 and includes a top releasable fastener which may be of the same type as or of a different type from that described above to provide easy and convenient access to the pocket contents by the wearer. The large pocket may have any shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, or asymmetric. Preferably, the large pocket is configured and dimensioned to accommodate relatively large and bulky items such as a CD player or a CD disc carrying case or a camera. The large pocket is also preferably made of a material sufficient to protect the contents from damage by external forces (e.g., scratching of the CD) or damage to the CD player. Preferably, one pocket is in the left half and the other pocket is in the right half, each pocket being provided primarily in the lower half of the anterior portion. These may each be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and if desired, may be mirror images of each other to help balance weight in a symmetrical manner regardless of the shape of the pocket. In another preferred embodiment, the anterior portion includes two such pockets and one cell phone pocket as described herein, and more preferably, the posterior portion includes at least two pockets, preferably at least three pockets, at least one of which is disposed primarily in the upper half of the posterior portion, preferably adjacent the top edge of the posterior portion.

In one embodiment, the large pocket includes an internal port (or passageway) that defines a passageway from inside the large pocket to the interior surface of the anterior portion 20. The internal port is preferably reversibly closable, such as by a fastener as described herein, so as to be closable when not in use. Advantageously, the internal port allows the earphone cord to be threaded therethrough so that one end of the cord can be connected to a device (e.g., a CD player) that is contained in the large pocket, while the remainder of the cord is disposed substantially between the body of the wearer and the inner surface of the anterior portion 20. The opposite end of the earphone cord may be placed inside the apparatus 10 near the neckline 15 so as to be placed near the ears of the wearer. This allows the user to safely wear the headphones when the CD player is in a large pocket, which prevents or substantially reduces the possibility of the headphone cord wrapping around external items that come into contact with the user.

In one preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes two asymmetrically configured large pockets 50, 50 'disposed about 0.25-2 inches from the bottom edges 27, 27' of the right and left sides 24, 26, respectively. Each large pocket 50, 50' preferably has a maximum height of about 7 inches near the medial side and a minimum height of about 4 inches, preferably about 5.5 inches, adjacent the distal side. Each pocket also has a width of about 4-7 inches and a depth from the outer surface 22 of about 1-2.5 inches, preferably 1.25-2 inches. Each large pocket 50, 50' includes a top zipper 58 with zipper strips of fabric to protect the contents therein.

As also illustrated in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the front section 20 also preferably includes two side hand pockets disposed in the lower portion of the front section 20 so that a user can comfortably insert both hands when the user's arms are in a relaxed position. Preferably, each side hand pocket is lined with a water-blocking or water-proof material, such as nylon, to help the user keep the hands inserted in the pocket warm. The side pocket also preferably includes releasable fasteners, which may be the same or different than those described herein, to secure items placed in the pocket other than the hand. In a preferred embodiment, side pockets are provided substantially at the location of each large pocket, between the large pocket and the inner surface of the anterior portion 20.

The anterior portion 20 preferably includes at least one small pocket covering about 1-10% of the exterior surface 22 of the anterior portion 20. Preferably, the small pocket is provided in the upper portion of the front portion 20 adjacent the shoulders 11, 12 and includes a top or side releasable fastener of the same or different type as described herein to facilitate access by the user to the contents of the pocket. The pouch can have any shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, or asymmetrical, and the structure is sized to hold one or more relatively small items, such as keys, coins, small DV tapes, memory sticks or cards, or food items (e.g., chewing gum, candy), etc.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a small pocket 54 disposed on the right side 24 of the anterior portion 20, approximately 2-3 inches from the top edge 34. The small pocket 54 has an asymmetrical configuration, preferably having a maximum height of about 5.5 inches adjacent the medial side and a minimum height of about 2.5 inches adjacent the distal side. The small pocket 54 has a width of about 1.5-4 inches, preferably about 2-3.5 inches, and a depth from the outer surface 22 of about 1-2.5 inches, preferably about 1.25-2 inches. The small pocket 54 includes a top zipper 59 with fabric zipper strips to protect the contents of the pocket.

The front portion 20 also preferably includes a cell phone pocket of sufficient size to fit a standard cell phone size, optionally with a cell phone case. In one embodiment, the cell phone pocket preferably covers about 1-8%, more preferably about 2-6%, of the exterior surface 22 of the anterior portion 20. Preferably, the cell phone pocket is made of a flexible material and is configured and dimensioned to have a substantially snug fit for cell phones of various sizes contained in the pocket. The handset pocket is also preferably located at an upper portion of the front portion 20 so that the handset contained in the pocket is relatively close to the user's head so that the user can easily hear the ring tone and reduce the need to remove the handset to answer. The upper phone pocket also allows for the use of shorter wires for wired earphones or microphones that the user may wear, as compared to the traditional pocket under the waist, at the lower edge of the front portion of the garment. Additionally, the cell phone pocket preferably includes a top or side releasable fastener as described herein. While the fastener of the cell phone pocket may be any of the fasteners described herein, it is preferably one or more snaps, or a hook and loop portion, to allow the user to quickly and frequently access the cell phone contained in the pocket.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a cell phone pocket 53 disposed on the left side 26 of the anterior portion 20 approximately 2-3 inches from the top edge 34'. The cell phone pocket 53 includes hook and loop fastener strips 52 that can be pulled apart over the top of the cell phone to secure the cell phone inside the cell phone pocket 53. The cell phone pocket preferably has a maximum height of about 4.5 inches, a maximum width of about 2.5 inches, and a maximum depth of about 1 inch. In one embodiment (not shown), the pockets may be individually sized for a particular model of cell phone to allow each wearer to customize the garment apparatus to the model of cell phone they are using.

The front portion 20 may also include a plurality of attachment portions disposed on an outer surface 22 of the front portion 20. Such attachment portions may include releasable or non-releasable loops, hooks, straps, loop snaps, etc. to provide ready access to items such as keys and gloves. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a fabric snap-securing strap 51 disposed on the upper right side 24 of the front portion 20, the strap having a length of about 0.5-2 inches.

The anterior portion 20 also preferably includes at least one, and preferably two, interior pockets, one on each of the left and right sides, disposed on the interior surface of the anterior portion 20. Preferably, such an inner pocket is configured and dimensioned to receive small items, such as wallets or identification cards, to provide a relatively secure location for such items. Optionally, but preferably, the inner pocket includes a releasable fastener of the type described herein to further secure and deter theft.

The posterior portion 30 includes at least one pocket fixedly attached to the exterior surface 31. In one embodiment, the pocket is releasably attached to surface 31 with a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper. The posterior portion 30 includes at least one upper back pocket disposed primarily in the upper half thereof, and preferably disposed entirely in the upper half of the posterior portion 30. In a preferred embodiment, the upper back pocket is proximate to the shoulders 11, 12. Preferably, at least one lower back pocket is also provided, predominantly and preferably entirely provided in the lower half of the posterior portion 30. Preferably, the at least one lower back pocket is proximate the bottom edge 28. The plurality of top and bottom pockets are preferably staggered with respect to each other, with one pocket being closer to the top or bottom than the other pockets of the same type. Each of the upper back pocket and the lower back pocket cover at least about 1% to 50%, preferably 5 to about 45%, more preferably 10% to about 40%, of the outer surface 31 of the posterior portion 30. For example, the upper back pocket may cover about 25-40% of the posterior portion, while the lower back pocket may cover about 15-30%. Preferably, the back pocket comprises a top releasable fastener of the type described herein. The upper back pocket and the lower back pocket may be sized to advantageously distribute the total pocket volume of the posterior portion among the plurality of pockets to reduce or prevent overfilling of either pocket.

Preferably, the upper and lower back pockets have a snug fit so that the contents of each pocket are supported close to the user's body and contained within the pocket to prevent substantial shifting of the weight, thereby reducing the load stress on the user or tipping over of items that must be transported in a particular direction (e.g., liquid containers that need to be loaded vertically). Preferably, the pocket is made of an elastic material that can retain its shape and return to its original shape if temporarily deformed to retain the items contained therein. The back pocket also preferably includes an adjustable fastening mechanism to further assist in securing the article snugly within the pocket, and preferably to keep portions of the pocket closer to and further away from the wearer contacting the articles in the pocket. The fastening mechanism preferably holds the article substantially adjacent or near the user's body as defined by the interior portion of the pocket adjacent the garment apparatus. In one embodiment, for example, the adjustable fastening mechanism comprises at least one hook and loop fastener with one end secured to a portion of the outer surface of the pocket and the other end secured to a portion of the outer surface of the posterior portion such that the outer surface of the pocket can be pulled and secured proximate the posterior portion. Numerous other easily accessible structures can be implemented by those skilled in the art in light of the above description.

The upper back pocket and the lower back pocket are preferably configured and dimensioned to hold relatively large items such as files, folders, books, brochures, kettles, and the like. The back pockets may also each include a divider and additional compartments to facilitate convenient and organized storage or retention of items in the back pockets. In addition, the total pocket volume available on the anterior portion 20 is preferably sufficient to balance with the total pocket volume available on the posterior portion 30 to provide greater comfort to the user wearing the apparatus. For example, pocket volumes within about 20 volume percent of each other, preferably within about 10 volume percent of each other, and more preferably within about 5 volume percent of each other are sufficient to equilibrate. Of course, balance is not necessarily required and is dependent in part on the density of the items the user places in the pocket.

In one embodiment, at least one back pocket (on the posterior portion), preferably a lower back pocket, may include an internal port (or passageway) defining a channel from the inside of the back pocket to the interior surface of the posterior portion. The internal port is preferably reversibly closable so that it can be closed from the inside or outside when not in use, for example by a fastener or a lensing mechanism (lensing mechanism) over the opening as described herein. Preferably, the inner port allows the user to conveniently access the items stored in the back pocket by simply reaching behind the inner surface of the garment and accessing the bag contents from the inner surface of the garment, rather than from an external releasable fastener or opening.

The inner opening may be a hole as wide as the outer opening that may be provided on the outer surface of each pocket. In one embodiment, the internal opening in at least one pocket may be only wide enough to allow 1-3, preferably 1-2, cords or wires to pass through to connect the contents of the pocket with the contents outside the pocket in close association with the user of the garment apparatus. For example, a CD player or iPod  machine may be placed in a pocket and a wire or pair of earphone cords may be threaded from a built-in device through the internal port to the inside of the garment apparatus (or between its internal layers) and then to the user's ears for recreation, without the cords becoming entangled elsewhere except, for example, between the neckline and ears of the garment apparatus, which may be several inches long at most. Alternatively, a cord may be tied or secured to an anchor in the pocket, such as cushioning material in the pocket or an item larger than the inner opening. The cord may be threaded through the internal port to connect with, for example, a valuable jewelry, hat, or glasses to help ensure or even prevent accidental loss or intentional theft of the item.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 3, the apparatus 10 includes two upper back pockets 55, 65 and two lower back pockets 66, 67. The two upper back pockets 55, 65 include a large pocket 55 and a small pocket 65, wherein the small pocket 65 is disposed on an outer surface of the large pocket 55. The large pocket 55 has a maximum height of about 10 inches, a maximum depth of about 4 inches, and the small pocket 65 has a maximum height of about 8 inches and a maximum depth of about 2.5 inches. The maximum width of both the large pocket 55 and the small pocket 65 is about 12 inches. Preferably, the top of the large pocket 55 is disposed within about 2 inches, preferably 0.1-1 inch, from the shoulders 11, 12, while the top of the small pocket 65 is disposed within about 2 inches, preferably 0.1-1 inch, from the top of the large pocket 55. The location of the upper back pockets 55, 65 on the rear portion 30 advantageously allows the user to more conveniently and quickly access the contents of the pockets on the user's shoulders. The two upper back pockets 55, 65 include a top zipper with fabric zipper strips for securing the contents therein.

The two lower back pockets 66, 67 include a large pocket 66 and a small pocket 67, with the small pocket 67 being provided on an outer surface of the large pocket 66. The large pocket 66 has a maximum height of about 10 inches and a maximum depth of about 4 inches, while the small pocket 67 has a maximum height of about 8.5 inches and a maximum depth of about 1.5 inches. The maximum width of both the large pocket 66 and the small pocket 67 is about 14 inches. Preferably, the bottom of the large pocket 66 is positioned about 1 inch from the bottom edge 28 of the anterior portion 30, while the top of the small pocket 67 is positioned about 4 inches from the top of the large pocket 66. The small pocket 67 includes a top zipper having fabric zipper strips for protecting the contents therein. An example upper pocket may be about 6 inches to 8 inches by 10 inches, while an example lower pocket is about 8 inches to 9 inches by 12 inches to 16 inches.

The large pocket 66 as shown includes a beveled top opening and an optional but preferred flap cover 64 extending from and covering the top of the large pocket 66. The flap cover 64 also covers the top of the small pocket 67 and is secured to the surface of the small pocket 67 by, for example, a releasable buckle mechanism 63 or other suitable fastener (not shown) as described herein. Preferably, the concave portion of the buckle mechanism 63 is fixedly attached to the central surface of the small pocket 67, while the convex portion of the buckle mechanism 63 is fixedly attached to the lower edge of the flap cover 64. In another embodiment, the flap cover may include a plurality of buckle mechanisms for securing the flap cover over the large and small pockets. In addition, the large pocket may also include a top zipper or drawstring to provide additional security to the contents.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment is for illustrative purposes only, and other suitable structures can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein, wherein the anterior portion 20 and the posterior portion 30 can include any combination of pockets on their surfaces having the appropriate locations, sizes, and fasteners described herein. For example, and not by way of limitation, the preferred embodiment in FIG. 1 shows three pockets of decreasing size in the direction from the medial edge to the distal edge of the anterior portion, but any or all of the pockets may have the same height or decreasing size in the opposite direction if desired. If it is not desired to have additional articles contained within the garment apparatus, any or all of the additional pockets on either the front or back portions (attached to each of the front and back portions) may be releasably removable by the fasteners described herein for removal. Additionally, the garment apparatus may be sized differently to fit different users, such as small, medium, large or oversized men or women, and the pocket (beside, for example, a cell phone pocket) may be proportionally larger or smaller depending on the space available on the garment apparatus.

The apparatus is preferably made of a waterproof or water-resistant, lightweight fabric to prevent or reduce overheating of the user wearing the apparatus. Preferably, the garment apparatus comprises a synthetic polymer, more preferably a nylon or neoprene containing material. In further embodiments, the apparatus may include heavier or thicker water resistant or water blocking materials to help the user retain additional heat when used on a cold day. The device may also include removable sleeves and a cap for use in cooler environments, although a cap is not preferred because it blocks the front upper pocket when the cap is present and not worn. Portions of the garment apparatus, such as one or more of the neckline, shoulders, sides, and cell phone pockets, may be made of a mesh material to increase ventilation for the user or the bag, but this prevents waterproofing or waterproofing of the location. In further embodiments, the garment apparatus or portions thereof are preferably made of fire retardant or fire retardant materials, which may be lightweight or heavy, to prevent or substantially reduce the exposure of the user wearing the apparatus to fire or extreme heat conditions. Preferably, the garment apparatus is made of a material that is water or water resistant, and fire or fire retardant, or is made of multiple layers of materials, each material having one of these properties.

In some embodiments, the outer pocket is made of a mesh material such that the contents of the pocket are at least partially visible from the outside through the mesh material. Preferably, the mesh material is flexible. In alternative embodiments, the exterior of the pocket may also be made of a material that is preferably rigid and transparent, opaque or translucent, to provide a "see-through" feature to the pocket. For example, the exterior of the pocket may be made of a substantially transparent plastic.

Additionally, portions of the garment apparatus may include elastic segments made of flexible and elastic materials, such as nylon and materials having similar elastic properties. Preferably, there are one or two elastic segments connecting the front and rear portions of the left and right sides. The resilient section may include a front edge and a back edge, the front edge being connected to the front portion and the back edge being connected to the back portion. In some embodiments, the resilient section is located proximate the side attachment and/or the shoulder. In other embodiments, substantially the entire garment apparatus includes the elastic section. The elastic segments comprising elastic material preferably provide a snug fit for a user wearing the garment apparatus. A "snug fit" advantageously distributes the weight or items contained in the pocket of the garment apparatus from an ergonomic point of view, and this term relates to garment apparatuses that conform to the body of the wearer, typically with some tension in the elastic segment portions, as this is where stretching is desired to facilitate conforming of the garment apparatus to the body of the wearer at any desired location.

The garment apparatus may also include reflective material disposed at one or more locations adjacent the outer surfaces of the front and back portions. In one embodiment, the entire garment apparatus is made of a reflective material. In further embodiments, the garment apparatus includes reflective material disposed on a portion of the edge, one or more fastening mechanisms, or on one or more patches on selected regions of the garment surface (e.g., on patch 70 on the front surface of the garment shown in FIG. 3). These reflective materials are preferably arranged and configured to increase the visibility of the wearer and the garment apparatus.

The term "about" as used herein should generally be understood to refer to corresponding numbers and numerical ranges. Moreover, numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers within the range.

The entire contents of U.S. non-provisional application N0.11/005,526 (filed 12/6/2004) are incorporated herein by reference.

While certain illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood that many modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Features of embodiments described herein may be combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments which come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. A garment apparatus, comprising:

an anterior portion having an interior side and an exterior side, a surface area, a top edge having a left side and a right side, a bottom edge, at least two side edges, and at least one pocket fixedly attached to the anterior portion; and

a posterior portion having an interior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a right side, a left side, a top edge having a left side and a right side, and a bottom edge, and having at least one pocket fixedly attached to the posterior portion, the pocket covering about 1-50% of the surface area of the posterior portion and being disposed primarily adjacent to the upper half of the posterior portion;

wherein the front portion and the rear portion are associated such that the right and left sides of the top edge of the front portion are connected adjacent to the right and left sides of the top edge of the rear portion so as to leave an opening between the front portion and the rear portion.

2. A garment apparatus, comprising:

an anterior portion having medial and lateral sides, a surface area, and being divided into right and left halves, each half having a top edge, a middle edge, a bottom edge, and a distal edge, and having a releasable fastener for releasably securing the middle edges of the right and left halves and having at least one pocket fixedly attached thereto; and

a posterior portion having an interior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a right side, a left side, a top edge having a right side and a left side, and a bottom edge, and having at least one pocket fixedly attached to the posterior portion, the pocket covering about 1-50% of the surface area of the posterior portion and being disposed primarily adjacent to the upper half of the posterior portion;

wherein the anterior portion and the posterior portion are associated such that the top edge of the right half of the anterior portion is connected to the right side of the top edge of the posterior portion from a portion of the right edge of the posterior portion to the right side of the neckline portion, and the top edge of the left half of the anterior portion is connected to the left side of the top edge of the posterior portion from a portion of the left edge of the posterior portion to the left side of the neckline portion, so as to leave an opening surrounded by the neckline portion.

3. A garment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, including at least one resilient section having a front edge and a rear edge, said front edge being releasably or fixedly attached to said front portion and said rear edge being releasably or fixedly attached to said rear portion, said resilient section comprising a flexible and resilient material.

4. The garment apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second releasable fastener configured and adapted to releasably fasten a left edge of the rear portion to a distal edge of the left half of the front portion, configured and adapted to releasably fasten a right edge of the rear portion to a distal edge of the right half of the front portion, or both, and wherein the second releasable fastener comprises at least one of a snap, a button, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, an adjustable strap portion, or a knot.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one shoulder pad attached to the top edge adjacent the connection of the front and back portions, inside the front and back portions, at least one cushioning material in the at least one pocket, at least one inner liner associated with the apparatus, or a combination thereof.

6. A garment apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a releasable fastener releasably securing at least one pocket to facilitate transport or replacement of articles contained in the pocket, or an internal port providing access from an interior of the front pocket to an interior of the garment apparatus, or both.

7. The garment apparatus of claim 6, wherein the releasable fastener comprises at least one of a zipper, a snap, a button, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a tie, and a drawstring.

8. A garment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one pocket fixedly attached to the rear portion is disposed substantially adjacent the top edge of the rear portion.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a second pocket fixedly attached to the rear portion, the second pocket being located primarily in a lower half of the rear portion.

10. The garment apparatus of claim 9, wherein one of the pockets fixedly attached to the anterior portion is a cell phone pocket, the cell phone pocket being configured and dimensioned to receive a cell phone and to substantially conform thereto.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a total volume of pockets available on the anterior portion is sufficient to balance a total volume of pockets available on the posterior portion, and wherein the anterior portion includes at least three pockets.

12. A garment apparatus, comprising:

an anterior portion having a medial side and a lateral side, a surface area, a top edge having a right side and a left side, a bottom edge, and at least two side edges, and having at least one pocket fixedly attached thereto; and

a posterior portion having an interior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a right side, a left side, a top side having a right side and a left side, and a bottom side, and having at least one pocket fixedly attached to the posterior portion; and is

Said front portion and said rear portion being associated such that right and left sides of a top edge of said front portion are connected adjacent to right and left sides of a top edge of said rear portion so as to leave an opening between said front portion and said rear portion,

wherein the at least one pocket includes a closable opening that provides access from an interior of the pocket to an interior side of the garment apparatus.