Protective garment with expandable shoulder portion

Abstract

A coat comprising a garment portion having: a body portion configured to cover a torso of a wearer; and a pair of sleeves coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the arms of the wearer. The coat also includes a pleat positioned adjacent one of the sleeves wherein the pleat is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position. The jacket also has at least one elastic material coupled to the garment portion and configured to bias the pleats to the retracted position.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 436,197, filed on December 30, 2022, entitled “Protective Garment with Expandable Shoulder Portions,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to protective garments, and more particularly, to a protective outer garment having expandable shoulder portions. Background Art

[0003] Protective clothing or hazardous work clothing is used in a variety of industries and environments to protect the wearer from hazardous conditions, such as heat, smoke, cold, sharp objects, chemicals, liquids, fumes, etc. Such protective clothing or hazardous work clothing is often used in adverse conditions, such as when facing high heat or flames or when exposed to smoke or chemicals, etc. In addition, the wearer of such clothing is often put under physical strain due to carrying heavy equipment and equipment and performing difficult tasks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention is a protective outer garment comprising an expandable shoulder portion to provide ease of movement for the wearer. More particularly, in one embodiment, the present invention is an outer garment comprising a garment portion having a body portion configured to cover the wearer's torso and a pair of sleeves coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the wearer's arms. The outer garment further comprises a pleat positioned adjacent one of the sleeves, wherein the pleat is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position. The outer garment further comprises at least one piece of elastic material coupled to the garment portion and configured to bias the pleat into a contracted position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the jacket with portions of the layers cut away for illustrative purposes;

[0006] Figure 2 is a side rear perspective view of one embodiment of a coat with arm portions removed for illustrative purposes and with the pleats / shoulders in a retracted position;

[0007] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 a jacket wherein the pleats / shoulders are in an expanded position;

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side front perspective view of the jacket;

[0009] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 5 , showing the pleats in a retracted position;

[0010] Figure 5A Shown Figure 5 the pleat portion in an expanded position;

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A rear view of the jacket in a retracted position;

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 a rear view of the jacket with the shoulders / pleats in an expanded position;

[0013] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross section of line 8-8;

[0014] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A cross section of line 9-9;

[0015] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A side rear perspective view of one embodiment of a moisture barrier for a jacket, wherein the pleats / shoulder portions are in a retracted position;

[0016] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross section of line 11-11;

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A side front perspective view of the lining; and

[0018] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A cross section of line 13-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 Protective garment or hazardous work apparel is shown in the form of a firefighter garment or coat, generally designated 10. The coat 10 may include a body or body portion 12 having a left front panel 14, a right front panel 16, and a back panel 18 ( Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7). The left front panel 14 and the right front panel 16 may be releasably attached by fasteners 20, such as zippers, buckles, buckles, clips, hook and loop fastening materials (e.g. The outer garment 10 may further comprise a plurality of sleeves 24, each of which may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10. The outer garment 10 may further comprise a plurality of sleeves 24, each of which may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10. The plurality of sleeves 24 may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10. The plurality of sleeves 24 may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10. The plurality of sleeves 24 may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10. The plurality of sleeves 24 may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10. The plurality of sleeves 24 may be configured to fit over the outer garment 10 and to fit over the outer garment 10.

[0020] The outer shell 10 may include different layers throughout its thickness to provide the outer shell 10 with various heat, moisture, and / or abrasion resistant qualities so that the outer shell 10 may be used as protective clothing, hazardous work clothing, and / or firefighter clothing. Figure 1 The outer garment 10 may include an outer shell, layer, or exterior material portion 26; a vapor barrier 28 positioned within and adjacent to the outer shell 26 (e.g., positioned between the outer shell 26 and the trunk cavity 22); a thermal liner or thermal barrier 30 positioned within (or outside) and adjacent to the vapor barrier 28; and an inner lining or face cloth 32 (such as a striped fabric) positioned within and adjacent to the thermal barrier 30.

[0021] The housing 26 can be made of or include a variety of materials, including flame retardant materials, heat resistant materials, and wear resistant materials, such as a tightly woven fabric of aramid fibers and / or polybenzimidazole fibers. Commercially available aramid materials include NOMEX fibers and KEVLAR fibers (both trademarks of EI Du Pont De Nemours & Co. Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware), and commercially available polybenzimidazole fibers include PBI fibers (a trademark of PBI Performance Fabrics of Charlotte, North Carolina). Thus, the housing 26 can be an aramid material, a mixture of aramid materials, a polybenzimidazole material, a mixture of polybenzimidazole fibers, a mixture of aramid and polybenzimidazole materials, a poly-phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) material, a thermally stable organic polymer material such as the one sold by Kennel SAS of Colmar, France. materials, mixtures of any of the above materials, or other suitable materials.

[0022] If desired, the housing 26 may be coated with a polymer such as a durable, water-resistant treatment or coating (i.e., a perfluorocarbon treatment such as that sold by EI DuPont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware). The material of the housing 26 may have a strength of, for example, about 5 ounces per square yard (oz / yd 2 ) to 10oz / yd 2 Additionally, the housing 26 may have a self-decontaminating treatment or coating or other coating applied thereto, if desired.

[0023] The vapor barrier 28 and the thermal barrier 30 may be generally coextensive with the outer shell 26, or may be slightly spaced inwardly relative to the outer edges of the outer shell 26 (i.e., slightly spaced inwardly relative to the outer ends of the sleeves 24, the collar 34, and / or slightly spaced inwardly relative to the lower edge or bottom edge of the outer shell 10) to provide vapor and thermal protection throughout the outer shell 10. The vapor barrier 28 may include a semipermeable membrane layer 28a and a backing 28b.

[0024] The membrane layer 28a can be generally permeable to water vapor, but is generally impermeable to liquid water vapor. The membrane layer 28a can be made of or include expanded polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), such as GORE-TEX or CROSSTECH materials (both are trademarks of WL Gore & Associates, Inc., Newark, Delaware), STEDAIR membrane materials sold by Stedfast, Inc., located in Quebec, Canada, polyurethane-based materials, neoprene-based materials, cross-linked polymers, polyamides, or other materials. The membrane layer 28a can have tiny openings that allow water vapor (such as water vapor) to pass through, but prevent liquids (such as liquid water) from passing through. The membrane layer 28a can be made of a microporous material that is either hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or intermediate between hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The membrane layer 28a can also be monolithic and can allow water vapor to be transmitted through the membrane layer 28a by molecular diffusion. The membrane layer 28a may also be a combination of a microporous material and a monolithic material (referred to as a two-component moisture vapor barrier) in which the microporous material or the monolithic material are layered or interwoven.

[0025] The membrane layer 28a can be bonded, adhered, or otherwise coupled to a backing 28b of flame-retardant and heat-resistant material to provide structure and protection to the membrane layer 28a. Thus, the membrane layer 28a can be considered to constitute the vapor barrier 28 alone, or the membrane layer 28a and the vapor barrier backing 28b can be considered to constitute the vapor barrier 28 in combination. The backing 28b can be or include aramid fibers similar to the aramid fibers of the outer shell 26, but the backing 28b can be thinner and lighter. The backing 28b can be a woven material, a nonwoven material, a spunlace material, or other material. In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane layer 28a is positioned between the outer shell 26 and the backing 28b. However, the orientation of the vapor barrier 28 can be reversed so that the backing 28b is positioned between the outer shell 26 and the membrane layer 28a.

[0026] The thermal barrier 30 can be made of virtually any suitable flame retardant material that provides adequate thermal insulation. In one embodiment, the thermal barrier 30 can include a bulk material layer 30 in the form of a relatively thick (i.e., between about 1 / 16"-3 / 16") batting, felt, or a needle punched nonwoven bulk or batting material. The bulk material 30a can include aramid fiber batting (such as NOMEX batting), aramid needle punched material, aramid nonwoven material, aramid blend needle punched material, aramid blend batting material, aramid blend nonwoven material, foam (open or closed cell), or other suitable thermal insulating material. The bulk material 30a can entrap air and have sufficient loft to provide heat resistance to the outer garment 10.

[0027] The bulk material 30a can be sewn or otherwise coupled to the thermal barrier's surface fabric 30b, which can be a woven fabric of a lightweight aramid material. Thus, the bulk material 30a can be considered to constitute the thermal barrier 30 alone, or the bulk material 30a and the thermal barrier's surface fabric 30b can be considered to constitute the thermal barrier 30 in combination. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal barrier bulk material 30a is positioned between the outer shell 26 and the thermal barrier's surface fabric 30b. However, the orientation of the thermal barrier 30 can be reversed so that the thermal barrier's surface fabric 30b is positioned between the outer shell 26 and the bulk layer 30a. If desired, the thermal barrier 30 can be treated with a water-impermeable or waterproof treatment. In one embodiment, the thermal barrier 30 (and / or the entire jacket 10) can have a thermal protective performance ("TPP") of at least about twenty, as specified in the 1986 revision of the National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA") 1971, Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting Standards, and the jacket 10 as a whole can have a TPP of at least about thirty-five, although TPP values can vary.

[0028] Although the vapor barrier 28 is shown as being positioned between the outer shell 26 and the thermal barrier 30, the positions of the vapor barrier 28 and thermal barrier 30 may be reversed so that the thermal barrier 30 is positioned between the outer shell 26 and the vapor barrier 28, or additional vapor barriers 28 and / or thermal barrier layers 30 may be utilized, or various other orientations or configurations may be used.

[0029] The outer fabric 32 may be the innermost layer of the outer shell 10, positioned within the thermal barrier 30 and the vapor barrier 28. The outer fabric 32 provides a comfortable surface for the wearer and protects the thermal barrier 30 and / or the vapor barrier 28 from wear and damage. The outer fabric 32 may be sewn to an adjacent layer (i.e., the thermal barrier 30 in the illustrated embodiment). However, the outer fabric 32 is optional and may be omitted if desired. Furthermore, in some cases, the outer shell 10 may not necessarily include the vapor barrier 28 and / or the thermal barrier 30.

[0030] Each layer of the outer shell 10 disclosed herein, including the layers and components described above and below, as well as the outer shell 10 as a whole, can meet the National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA") 1971 standard for protective clothing for firefighting ("Protective Clothing for Structural Firefighting"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as of the filing date of this application. The NFPA standard specifies various minimum requirements for heat resistance, flame retardancy, and tear strength. For example, to meet the NFPA standard, the outer shell 26, vapor barrier 28, thermal barrier 30, and face fabric 32 must be able to prevent ignition, combustion, melting, dripping, separation, and / or shrinkage of more than 10% in any direction after exposure to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for at least five minutes. In addition, to meet the NFPA standard, the combined layers of the outer shell 10 must provide a TPP rating of at least thirty-five.

[0031] Alternatively or in addition to the NFPA 1971 standard, the jacket 10 and other components disclosed herein may meet the standards of other countries or regions, including European standards ("EN") for firefighting clothing developed by the European Committee for Standardization (also known as the European Committee for Standardization ("CEN"). These standards include EN 469:2005 Class 1 and Class 2 certifications. The entire contents of the European standards for firefighting and protective clothing in effect as of the filing date of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] refer to Figures 2 to 9 , the outer shell 10 may include a pair of opposing pleats 36, wherein each pleat 36 is positioned at or adjacent a shoulder of the outer shell 10 at the location where the associated arm portion 24 is coupled to the body portion 12. Each pleat 36 may include an inner portion 38 (the inner portion 38 is "inner" relative to the thickness of the outer shell 10 when the pleat 36 is in the retracted position, as described below) and an outer portion 40. The inner portion 38 and the outer portion 40 of the pleat 36 may be made of the same material, and in the illustrated embodiment are made of the outer shell material 26. The inner portion 38 and the outer portion 40 (when the pleat 36 is in the retracted position, relative to the transverse direction or relative to the outer shell material) may be made of the same material, and in the illustrated embodiment, may be made of the outer shell material 26. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The inner edges of the fold or joint 41 are directly connected to each other at the fold or joint 41, or are directly connected to each other along the fold or joint 41 (see Figure 3 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment, a coupling mechanism 42, such as stitching, bonding, or the like that forms a seam in one case, is located at and / or extends across the inner edges (in the transverse direction or in the left-to-right direction) of the inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40 to couple the inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40 together. The coupling mechanism 42 may be located at or adjacent to (or define) the fold 41. The pleated portion 36 (e.g., the inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40) may be made from the same one-piece seamless piece of material, and in such a case, the coupling mechanism 42 may bias the inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40 at least in the vicinity of the coupling mechanism 42. Figure 2 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 The folded or collapsed configuration shown, or Figure 2 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 The folded or collapsed configuration shown is biased to help bias the pleats 36 into the collapsed position of the pleats 36 .

[0033] Making the pleat portion 36 / inner portion 38 and outer portion 40 from the same, one-piece, seamless piece of material helps ensure a secure connection and eliminates seams. Additional seams can cause additional seam failures, so reducing seams can reduce the failure rate. Furthermore, making the inner portion 38 and outer portion 40 from the same, one-piece, seamless piece of material may be counterintuitive, as making the inner portion 38 and outer portion 40 from separate pieces of material may be more cost-effective, ensuring that all parts and components of the purchased fabric material are effectively utilized. Therefore, making the inner portion 38 and outer portion 40 from the same, one-piece, seamless piece of material may be less efficient from a material usage and efficiency perspective, but may offer certain performance advantages.

[0034] The inner layer 38 (when the pleat 36 is in the contracted position) has a width relative to the transverse direction or Figure 6 and Figure 8 The outer edge of the sleeve 38 is connected to the outer shell portion 26 of the outer shell 10, and the inner layer portion 38 forms the outermost layer of the associated sleeve 24. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 7 to 9 ), the inner portion 38 of each pleat 36 and the outer shell 26 of the sleeve 24 are manufactured from separate pieces of outer shell material that are joined together by a coupling mechanism 44. However, if desired, the inner portion 38 and the sleeve 24 can be manufactured from the same one-piece seamless piece of material.

[0035] The outer layer portion 40 (relative to the transverse direction, or relative to Figure 6 and Figure 8 The outer edges of the outer layer portion 40 (and inner layer portion 38, if desired) and back panel 18 are connected to back panel 18, which, as the outermost layer of the outer shell 10, forms the back of the outer shell 10 or extends over the back of the outer shell 10. A connecting mechanism 46 is located at and / or extends through the outer edges of the outer layer portion 40 and back panel 18 to connect the outer layer portion 40 and back panel 18 / body portion 12 together. In one embodiment, the outer layer portion 40 (and inner layer portion 38, if desired) and back panel 18 are made of the same one-piece seamless piece of material, and the connecting structure 46 helps to keep the outer layer portion 40 and back panel 18 in the vicinity of the connecting mechanism 46. Figure 2 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 folded configuration as shown. Making the outer portion 40 (and inner portion 38, if desired) and back panel 18 from the same, one-piece, seamless piece of material provides the same or similar advantages as making the inner portion 38 and outer portion 40 from the same, one-piece piece of material, as described above, but may also depart from conventional manufacturing methods as described above. However, if desired, the outer portion 40 (and / or inner portion 38) and back panel 18 need not be made from the same, one-piece, seamless piece of material.

[0036] Reference Figures 2 to 4 Each pleat 36 can extend generally circumferentially around the associated sleeve or arm portion 24 at the shoulder of the outer garment 10. Each pleat 36 can be configured to have a generally inverted "U" shape when viewed from the side, with the two lower ends 48 of the "U" positioned below the shoulder. Thus, in one embodiment, each pleat 36 can extend circumferentially around the associated sleeve 24 for at least about 150 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment, for about 180 degrees, to provide enhanced flexibility and mobility, as will be described in more detail below. In another embodiment, one or each pleat 36 can be located at least partially on the back of the outer garment 10, or can be located at least partially on both the back and front of the outer garment 10. It has been found that this arrangement of pleats 36 can provide significantly improved mobility and freedom of movement for the wearer. In particular, pleats 36 located only on the back of the outer garment can provide the wearer with freedom of movement when the wearer extends their arms forward. However, the pleats 36 positioned in the manner disclosed herein may provide the wearer with freedom of movement to extend the wearer's arms forward, straight up, and / or rearward.

[0037] Each pleat 36 may be formed as follows. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 The contracted position shown is similar to that shown in Figure 3 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 Move between the expanded positions shown in . Figure 8 , when the associated pleats 36 are in the retracted position, the inner portion 38 is positioned closer to the torso cavity 22 in the thickness of the outer shell 10, and the outer portion 40 is positioned outside of and substantially covers the inner portion 38 in the thickness direction 43. The inner portion 38 and the outer portion 40 can be substantially aligned and substantially parallel (in one embodiment, forming an average angle of less than about twenty degrees between the inner portion 38 and the outer portion 40, or in another embodiment, forming an average angle of less than about thirty degrees). In addition, when in the retracted position, the inner portion 38 and the outer portion 40 substantially overlap in the thickness direction, or at least partially overlap in the thickness direction, so that in the thickness direction ( Figure 8 A line extending in the vertical direction of the outer shell 10 (see arrow 43) extends through the two layer portions 38, 40. The outer layer portion 40 can be positioned farther from the torso cavity 22 in the thickness direction than the inner layer portion 38, so that the inner layer portion 38 is positioned between the outer layer portion 40 and the torso cavity 22 in the thickness direction of the outer shell 10.

[0038] When each pleat 36 is in the Figure 7 and Figure 9 In the expanded position shown, the inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40 are misaligned or substantially misaligned, but can be substantially parallel. When in the expanded position, as in the collapsed position, the outer layer portion 40 can be positioned farther from the torso cavity 22 in the thickness direction than the inner layer portion 38 is from the torso cavity 22, such that the inner layer portion 38 is positioned between the outer layer portion 40 and the torso cavity 22 in the thickness direction of the outer shell 10. The inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40 can be substantially misaligned in the thickness direction (or overlap less than when the pleats 36 are in the collapsed position - for example, Figure 8 The threads 43 do not extend through both layers 38, 40), in this way the pleats 36 / inner layer 38 and outer layer 40 can be configured and moved in the manner of an accordion type material.

[0039] When the pleats 36 are in the expanded position, the inner layer 38 and the outer layer 40 do not overlap at all in the thickness direction (such that a thickness direction ( d ) extending through both layers 38, 40 cannot be drawn). Figure 9Alternatively, the inner layer portion 38 and the outer layer portion 40 can partially overlap (such that, for example, a first line can be drawn that overlaps both layer portions 38, 40 in the thickness direction, and a second line drawn in the same direction that does not overlap both layer portions can be drawn). In addition, when in the expanded position, the pleat 36 and each of its inner layer portion 38 and / or outer layer portion 40 can be located in a laterally outward position compared to when in the contracted position. In this way, because the inner layer portion 38 can be positioned so as to be in a laterally outward position when in the expanded position, the outer layer portion 40 can be stretched taut in the thickness direction compared to when the pleat 36 is in the contracted position ( Figure 9 dimension d), closer to the torso cavity 22.

[0040] The ability of the outer shell 10 / pleats 36 to move to the expanded position provides enhanced mobility and comfort for the wearer. In particular, when each pleat 36 is in the expanded position of the pleats 36, the outer shell 10 / back panel 18 has a greater width dimension (or effective width) e in the transverse direction (see FIG. Figure 9 ), thereby providing additional space in the lateral direction within torso cavity 22. Thus, outer garment 10 is configured to provide a tighter fit about wearer 10 when pleats 36 are in the retracted position and a looser fit when pleats 36 are in the expanded position, automatically and without any action or manual manipulation by the user / wearer. This additional space can help provide the wearer with greater space and maneuverability, for example, when the wearer raises their arms or moves their arms forward or backward, and helps ensure that outer garment 10 does not constrict the wearer or restrict their freedom of movement.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 6 to 9 , the outer shell 10 may include at least one elastic material piece 50 coupled to the body portion 12 and configured to bias at least one pleat 36 or both pleats 36 into a contracted position. The elastic material piece 50 may be positioned interior (with respect to the thickness direction) of the back panel 18 / shell 26 such that the elastic material piece 50 is configured to be positioned between the back panel 18 / shell 26 and the torso cavity 22 / wearer of the outer shell 10, and in one instance between the vapor barrier 28, the thermal barrier 30, and the face fabric 32 (if used, as shown). Figure 1 As shown). Figure 8 and Figure 9, the piece of elastic material 50 can have opposing first and second ends 52, 54, with one end 52 coupled to one of the pleats 36 by a first coupling mechanism 56 and the other end 54 coupled to the other pleat 36 by a second coupling mechanism 58. In this configuration, the piece of elastic material 50 extends continuously between the two pleats 36 and extends completely or substantially completely over the back panel 18 of the outer shell 10.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the piece of elastic material 50 is coupled to the inner layer portion 38 of each pleat 36 at or adjacent to the coupling mechanism 42 at a laterally inner portion. However, the piece of elastic material 50 may instead be coupled to or additionally coupled to the outer layer portion 40. In one embodiment, the piece of elastic material 50 terminates at or adjacent to one or more coupling mechanisms 56 / 58 / 42 and does not extend laterally to the pleats 36 and does not completely cover the pleats 36, the inner layer portion 38, and / or the outer layer portion 40. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the piece of elastic material 50 is not positioned in or on the sleeves 24 of the outer shell 10, or in or on any portion of the outer shell 10, thereby conserving material and increasing ease of movement of those portions of the outer shell 10.

[0043] The elastic material 50 is expandable / stretchable (the term "elastic" is used herein to encompass both terms). In one embodiment, the elastic material 50 is elastic so that the elastic material 50 can be stretched in a transverse direction ( Figures 6 to 9 In one embodiment, the elastic material 50 is configured to extend in length without breaking, but is biased back or requires / applies a force to return to the original, unbiased shape / length of the elastic material 50. In one embodiment, the elastic material 50 is capable of being stretched by at least about 2% in one embodiment, or by at least about 5% in another embodiment, or by at least about 10% in yet another embodiment when a stretching force is applied, and the elastic material 50 is configured to return to the original, undeformed shape / position of the elastic material 50 when the stretching force is no longer applied. In one embodiment, the elastic material 50 is or includes a product sold by DuPont Safety & Construction, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware. Nano-flexible material positioned between two layers of fire-resistant knitted material.

[0044] The elastic material 50 can be configured such that: when one or both pleats 36 are in the expanded position, the elastic material 50 is in tension; and when one or both pleats 36 are in the contracted position, the elastic material 50 is in less tension, or the elastic material 50 is relaxed / untensioned, than when one or both pleats 36 are in the expanded position. In this manner, the elastic material 50 automatically biases the pleats 36 to the contracted position of the pleats 36 without requiring any manual manipulation or input from the wearer. The elastic material 50 thereby ensures that the pleats 36 do not remain in the expanded position when not necessary (e.g., when the wearer is not raising or extending their arms), and instead the pleats 36 move away from the expanded position of the pleats 36 toward or into the contracted position to ensure a better fit around the wearer, avoid excessive bulk, and present a more streamlined appearance / aesthetic. The elastic material 50 can thus automatically pull the pleats 36 to or toward the retracted position without requiring any user action or manual manipulation.

[0045] In this manner, the piece of elastic material 50 is directly coupled to each of the pleats 36 at opposite ends of the piece of elastic material 50, and the piece of elastic material 50 is configured to bias the two pleats 36 into the contracted position of the pleats 36. The piece of elastic material 50, in one instance, has a height that is at least about 20% of the height of the two pleats 36 that may extend along the back of the outer shell 10, and / or the piece of elastic material 50 has a height that is at least about 50% of the height of the outer shell 10 to ensure that the pleats 36 are properly biased into the contracted position of the pleats 36.

[0046] Figures 6 to 9 An embodiment is shown in which a single piece of elastic material 50 biases each pleat 36 into the contracted position of the pleat 36. However, if desired, the outer shell 10 may include two (or more) separate pieces of elastic material, wherein each or at least one piece of elastic material 50 is coupled to an associated pleat 36 at one end and to the outer shell 10, such as to the body portion 12 / shell 26 and / or layers 28 / 30 / 32, at another end to bias each pleat 36 individually.

[0047] refer to Figure 3 , in the embodiment shown and in Figures 6 to 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the inner portion 38 of each pleat 36 located on the back of the outer shell 10 can constitute or be defined / formed by the inner portion of the section 37 (which can be formed as an integral / seamless portion with the back panel 18) that is generally located below the sleeves 24. However, as in Figure 3 and Figure 7 As can be best seen in FIG, section 37 has a width that decreases in an upward direction (in a left to right direction), with section 37 ultimately tapering to a point 39 (at or adjacent to the top of the shoulder of the jacket 10) such that section 37 does not continue to the front of the jacket 10.

[0048] In this case, as in Figure 4 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 5A As shown in FIG, the portion of pleat 36 located on the front portion of outer shell 10 may include an inner portion 38' that is not formed by segment 37 but rather is defined or formed by the axially inner portion of sleeve 24. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, inner portion 38' and outer portion 40 are not formed from a single, unitary piece of material. Instead, in this embodiment, inner portion 38' / sleeve 24 is joined to outer portion 40 via a stitching / joining mechanism 42. In this instance, seams 42, 44 (spaced from the portion of pleat 46 located on the back of outer shell 10) overlie or overlap the portion of pleat 36 located on the front portion of outer shell 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portion of pleat 36 / outer portion 40 located on the front portion of outer shell 10 and front panel 16 / body portion 12 may not be formed from a unitary / seamless portion (unlike the portion of pleat 36 located on the back of outer shell 10 in the illustrated embodiment). In this case, the outer layer portion 40 may be coupled to the front panel 16 via a coupling mechanism 46 .

[0049] Thus, while the pleat 36 may extend continuously from the back of the jacket 10 to the front of the jacket 10, the pleat 36 may be manufactured from a single, unitary piece of material on the back of the jacket 10 and from two / three separate pieces of material joined together at the seams 42 / 46 on the front of the jacket 10. Due to the additional width provided by the sections 37, the portion of the pleat 36 on the back of the jacket 10 may provide more expansion capability than the portion of the pleat 36 on the front of the jacket 10. However, the jacket 10 typically has less expansion requirements on the front of the jacket 10 and, therefore, the portion of the pleat 36 on the front of the jacket 10 may provide sufficient expansion capability. It should also be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, there is no elastic material piece 50 on or across the front of the jacket 10 and, therefore, the elastic material piece 50 is not present on the front of the jacket 10. Figure 5 and Figure 5A However, the portion of the pleat 36 located on the front of the outer shell 10 may still be biased to the retracted position of the pleat 36 by the elastic material 50 and / or the natural shape of the pleat 36 due to, for example, the stitching / connection mechanism 42.

[0050] also, Figures 6 to 9 The description above shows pleats 36 formed in shell 26 as a garment portion. However, alternatively or additionally, pleats 36 may be formed as a garment portion in vapor barrier 28, thermal barrier 30, surface fabric 32, and / or other layers of outer shell 10. In this case, elastic material 50 may be omitted, or if elastic material 50 is used, elastic material 50 may be coupled to each pleat 36 in the associated layer 28, 30, or 32, and pleats 36 / elastic material 50 may be constructed and operated as shown and described above. Furthermore, while outer shell 10 is shown as including two pleats 36, in one embodiment, only a single pleat 36 may be used if desired.

[0051] Reference Figures 10 to 13 When pleats 36 are formed in vapor barrier 28 and / or thermal barrier 30 and / or face fabric 32, in one embodiment, pleats 36 may generally have the same configuration as pleats 36 in outer shell 26, as described above, and pleats 36 may or may not be provided with elastic material 50. In some cases, when pleats 36 are formed in vapor barrier 28, pleats 36 may be provided without coupling mechanisms 42, 46 to reduce the number of locations where vapor barrier 28 may be breached / penetrated, thereby improving the structural integrity and operational characteristics of vapor barrier 28 and thereby limiting water vapor penetration through vapor barrier 28. Furthermore, if desired, elastic material 50 may be omitted from use with pleats 36 of vapor barrier 28 to further limit water vapor penetration through vapor barrier 30 due to coupling mechanisms 56, 58 coupling elastic material 50.

[0052] However, if Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the pleats 36 of the vapor barrier 30 may still be biased to the retracted position of the pleats 36. In particular, the pleats 36 of the thermal barrier 30 and / or adjacent or other layers of the outer shell 26 may include coupling mechanisms 42, 46 and / or associated elastic material pieces 50, thereby being biased to the retracted position of the pleats 36. Thus, the frictional engagement between the layers 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 thereby pulls the pleats 36 of the vapor barrier 28 to the retracted position.

[0053] like Figure 12 As shown, the pleats 36 of the vapor barrier 28 may be arranged on / across the front of the outer shell 10 to a different extent than the pleats 36 of the other layers, such as Figure 4However, the vapor barrier 30 may have some substantial / excess material 50 at or adjacent the sleeves 24 that naturally folds to provide a loose blousing and thereby provide some expansion capability when the sleeves 24 are lifted forward by the wearer.

[0054] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A coat, comprising: a garment portion comprising a body portion configured to cover a wearer's torso and a pair of sleeves coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the wearer's arms; and a pleat positioned adjacent one of the sleeves, wherein the pleat is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position; and At least one piece of elastic material is coupled to the garment portion and is configured to bias the pleats into the contracted position.

2. The outerwear of claim 1 , further comprising an additional pleat coupled to the other of the sleeves, wherein: The additional pleats are movable between an expanded position and a contracted position.

3. The outer cover according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the pieces of elastic material is directly coupled to each of the pleats at opposite ends of the piece of elastic material and is configured to bias both of the pleats into a collapsed position of the pleats.

4. The outer cover according to claim 3, wherein: The piece of elastic material is configured to automatically bias the two pleats into the collapsed position of the pleats without requiring any manual manipulation.

5. The outer cover according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the pieces of elastic material is directly coupled to the pleats, and wherein the cover further comprises an additional piece of elastic material directly coupled to the additional pleats and configured to bias the additional pleats into the retracted position.

6. The outer cover according to claim 1, wherein: The outer shell has a greater effective width across the back of the outer shell when the pleats are in the expanded position than when the outer shell is in the contracted position.

7. The outer garment according to claim 1, wherein: The pleated portion includes an inner layer portion and an outer layer portion, wherein the pleated portion is constructed so that: when the pleated portion is in the contracted position, the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion are substantially overlapped in the thickness direction; and when the pleated portion is in the expanded position, the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion are substantially non-overlapping, or the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion overlap less than when the pleated portion is in the contracted position.

8. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: In both the retracted position and the expanded position, the inner portion and the outer portion are oriented generally parallel.

9. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: The inner layer portion and the outer layer portion are directly coupled to each other along a seam portion.

10. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: The inner portion and the outer portion are manufactured from a single, one-piece, seamless piece of material.

11. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: The inner portion and the outer portion are manufactured from separate pieces of material coupled together by a coupling mechanism.

12. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: Portions of the inner and outer portions are manufactured from a single, one-piece, seamless piece of material, and further portions of the inner and outer portions are manufactured from separate pieces of material coupled together by a coupling mechanism.

13. The outer cover according to claim 12, wherein: The portions of the inner and outer portions made from a single, one-piece, seamless piece of material are located on the back of the outer shell, and wherein the portions of the inner and outer portions made from separate pieces of material are located on the front of the outer shell.

14. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: The pleat includes a fold positioned between the inner and outer portions, and wherein the outer cover includes a coupling mechanism positioned at or adjacent the fold to bias the pleat into a collapsed position of the pleat.

15. The outer cover according to claim 7, wherein: The accordion portion includes a fold positioned between the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion, and wherein the outer cover does not have a coupling mechanism positioned at or adjacent the fold.

16. The outer cover according to claim 2, wherein: The body portion includes a shell having a back panel extending continuously between the pleat and the additional pleat, wherein the back panel, the portion of the pleat located on the back of the shell, and the portion of the additional pleat located on the back of the shell are manufactured from a single, one-piece seamless piece of material.

17. The outer cover according to claim 16, wherein: The pleat and the additional pleat each include an inner portion and an outer portion, and wherein the inner portion and the outer portion of portions of all of the back panel, the pleat, and the additional pleat are manufactured from a single, one-piece, seamless piece of material.

18. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The body portion includes an outer shell having a front panel, wherein the front panel and a portion of the pleat located on the front of the outer shell are fabricated from separate pieces of material coupled together by a coupling mechanism.

19. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The outer shell is configured to form a tighter fit on the wearer when the pleats are in the contracted position, and the outer shell is configured to form a looser fit on the wearer when the pleats are in the expanded position.

20. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleat extends generally circumferentially around one of the sleeves at a shoulder of the outer shell.

21. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleated portion is configured to be generally in an inverted "U" shape when viewed from the side.

22. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleats extend generally circumferentially such that at least a portion of the pleats are positioned on a back of the outer shell and at least a portion of the pleats are positioned on a front of the outer shell.

23. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleat extends generally circumferentially at least about 150 degrees around one of the sleeves at a shoulder of the outer shell.

24. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleat includes an inner portion and an outer portion, and wherein at least one of the elastic material pieces is coupled to the inner portion of the pleat.

25. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleat is directly coupled to the body portion at one end of the pleat and directly coupled to an associated sleeve at the other end.

26. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The pleated portion includes an inner portion and an outer portion, and wherein the inner portion is directly coupled to one of the sleeves, and wherein the outer portion is directly coupled to a back panel or a front panel of the outer shell.

27. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the pieces of elastic material does not completely overlap the pleat.

28. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the pieces of elastic material is not positioned in or on one of the sleeves.

29. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The piece of elastic material has a height of at least about 20% of the height of the outer shell.

30. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The elastic material is capable of stretching at least about 5% in an associated particular stretch direction when a stretching force is applied, and is configured to return to an original position when the stretching force is no longer applied.

31. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The garment portion is an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material that resists ignition, burning, melting, dripping, or separation when exposed to a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes, and wherein at least one of the elastic material pieces is positioned within the outer shell such that at least one of the elastic material pieces is configured to be positioned between the outer shell and a wearer of the outer shell.

32. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein: The garment portion is a thermal barrier having a TPP of at least about thirty-five, and wherein the thermal barrier is positioned within an outer shell of the outer garment such that the thermal barrier is configured to be positioned between the outer shell and a wearer of the outer garment.

33. The outer garment of claim 1 , further comprising a vapor barrier positioned within the garment portion such that the vapor barrier is configured to be positioned between the garment portion and a wearer when the garment is worn, wherein The vapor barrier is fabricated from a material that is generally liquid-impermeable and generally water vapor vapor-permeable, wherein the vapor barrier includes a body portion configured to cover a wearer's torso, a pair of sleeves coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the wearer's arms, and a vapor barrier pleat positioned adjacent one of the sleeves, wherein the vapor barrier pleat is movable between a contracted position and an expanded position.

34. A coat, comprising: A garment portion comprising a body portion and a pair of sleeves, the body portion being configured to cover a wearer's torso, the sleeves being coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the wearer's arms, and at least one pleat positioned adjacent one of the sleeves, wherein the pleat is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position, wherein the pleat extends circumferentially at least about 150 degrees around one of the sleeves at a shoulder of the jacket.

35. The outer garment of claim 34, wherein: The pleated portion is configured to be generally in an inverted "U" shape when viewed from the side.

36. The outer garment of claim 34, wherein: The pleated portion includes an inner layer portion and an outer layer portion, wherein the pleated portion is constructed so that: when the pleated portion is in the contracted position, the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion are substantially overlapped in the thickness direction of the outer jacket; and when the pleated portion is in the expanded position, the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion are substantially non-overlapping in the thickness direction, or the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion overlap less than when the pleated portion is in the contracted position.

37. The outer garment of claim 34, further comprising at least one piece of elastic material coupled to the garment portion and configured to bias the pleats into the contracted position.

38. The outer garment of claim 34, further comprising an additional pleat coupled to another of the sleeves, wherein: The additional pleat is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position, and wherein the additional pleat extends generally circumferentially at least about 150 degrees around the other of the sleeves at the shoulder of the outer shell.

39. A coat, comprising: A garment portion comprising a body portion and a pair of sleeves, the body portion being configured to cover a wearer's torso, the sleeves being coupled to the body portion and being configured to cover the wearer's arms, and a pleat positioned adjacent one of the sleeves, wherein the pleat is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position, wherein at least a portion of the pleat is located on a back of the jacket and at least a portion of the pleat is located on a front of the jacket.

40. The outer garment of claim 39, wherein: The pleat extends generally circumferentially at least about 150 degrees around one of the sleeves at a shoulder of the outer shell.

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