Apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric

• US 20040194190A1
• Filed: 12/29/2003
• Published: 10/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stephen A. Gathings Jr
• Original Assignee: Stephen A. Gathings Jr
• Inventors: Gathings, Stephen A. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 6,907,619 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 2/97
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/04 Removable linings
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 3/02 Overcoats
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 31/06 Thermally protective, e.g. insulating

Abstract

An apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric attaches to a garment to manage the body heat of the user. The apparatus includes a lining that may be extended to substantially the width of the garment worn by the user or retracted to reduce the area surrounding the user. The apparatus includes controllers for moving the lining between the extended position and the retracted position, which include extension cords and retraction cords connected to the lining. The extension cord is connected between a proximal end of the lining and an extension grip. The retraction cord is connected between the proximal end of the lining and a retraction grip. In the extended position, the lining surrounds a substantial portion of the user. When the retraction grips are drawn, the proximal end of the lining will be moved toward the distal end of the lining. To return the lining to the extended position, the user will pull the extension grips and the proximal end of the lining will move away from the distal end of the lining.

Claims

1. An adjustable lining apparatus affixed to a shell, said apparatus comprising:

a lining having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end coupled to the shell; and

moving means for repositioning said lining material between a covering position disposed substantially along the shell from said distal end, and an exposing position disposed over a small portion of the shell proximal said distal end, said moving means connected to a proximal end of said lining.

2. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said moving means comprises at least one extension cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said at least one extension cord is connected to said proximal end of said lining.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said moving means comprises at least one retraction cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said at least one retraction cord is connected to said proximal end of said lining.

4. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said moving means further comprises:

a first retraction cord attached to said proximal end of said insulating material and crossing said insulating material toward said distal end wherein said first retraction cord is substantially orthogonal to said proximal end and said distal end;

a second retraction cord attached to said proximal end of said lining and crossing said lining toward said distal end wherein said second retraction cord is substantially orthogonal to said proximal end and said distal end, and said second retraction cord is substantially parallel to said first retraction cord;

a plurality of first support brackets connected to said lining in a first row, wherein said first retraction cord traverses said first support brackets; and

a plurality of second support brackets connected to said lining in a second row, wherein said second retraction cord traverses said second support brackets.

5. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said lining is breathable.

6. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said lining is insulating.

7. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said lining is waterproof.

8. In a flexible construction, the improvement of an adjustable lining apparatus comprising:

a lining having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end coupled to the construction; and

moving means for selectively repositioning said lining material between a covering position substantially conforming to a portion said construction, and an exposing position covering a smaller portion of the construction than said covering position, said moving means connected to a proximal end of said lining.

9. The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said moving means comprises at least one extension cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said at least one extension cord is connected to said proximal end of said lining.

10. The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said moving means comprises at least one retraction cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said at least one retraction cord is connected to said proximal end of said lining.

11. The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said moving means further comprises:

a first retraction cord attached to said proximal end of said lining and crossing said lining toward said distal end wherein said first retraction cord is substantially orthogonal to said proximal end and said distal end;

a second retraction cord attached to said proximal end of said lining and crossing said lining toward said distal end wherein said second retraction cord is substantially orthogonal to said proximal end and said distal end, and said second retraction cord is substantially parallel to said first retraction cord;

a plurality of first support brackets connected to said lining in a first row, wherein said first retraction cord traverses said first support brackets; and

a plurality of second support brackets connected to said lining in a second row, wherein said second retraction cord traverses said second support brackets.

12. The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said lining is breathable.

13. The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said lining is insulating.

14. The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said lining is waterproof.

15. A fabric construction containing at least one layer of fabric wherein the improvement comprises a second layer of fabric having a proximal side and a distal side, said distal side affixed to said at least one layer of fabric at a predetermined location, for selective gathered of said second layer adjacent said distal side, and means affixed to said proximal side for gathering and displacing said second layer relative to said first layer with said second layer remaining in substantially continuous abutting relationship with said first layer.

16. The fabric construction as described in claim 15, wherein said gathering means comprises:

at least one extension cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said at least one extension cord is connected to said proximal end of said lining.

17. The fabric construction as described in claim 15, wherein said gathering means comprises at least one retraction cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said at least one retraction cord is connected to said proximal end of said lining.

18. The fabric construction as described in claim 15, wherein said moving means further comprises:

a first retraction cord attached to said proximal end of said lining and crossing said lining toward said distal end wherein said first retraction cord is substantially orthogonal to said proximal end and said distal end;

a second retraction cord attached to said proximal end of said lining and crossing said lining toward said distal end wherein said second retraction cord is substantially orthogonal to said proximal end and said distal end, and said second retraction cord is substantially parallel to said first retraction cord;

a plurality of first support brackets connected to said lining in a first row, wherein said first retraction cord traverses said first support brackets; and

a plurality of second support brackets connected to said lining in a second row, wherein said second retraction cord traverses said second support brackets.

19. The fabric construction as described in claim 15, wherein said second layer of fabric is breathable.

20. The fabric construction as described in claim 15, wherein said second layer of fabric is waterproof.