Garment and clothing set

Abstract

Clothing, in particular as daytime service clothing for fire brigades, with reflective elements (1) arranged on the clothing, wherein the reflective elements (1) are arranged on the clothing in such a way that they are not visible in a first wearing state of the clothing and are visible in a second wearing state of the clothing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a garment, in particular as day-duty clothing for fire departments, as well as a clothing set. When it comes to workwear for firefighters, a distinction is made between the operational clothing worn by the emergency personnel during rescue operations and the day-duty clothing. The latter is worn by the emergency personnel outside of rescue operations, at the station, or in other everyday work. This includes, for example, vehicle and equipment maintenance, fire (safety) inspections, fire safety consultations, operational planning, and administrative tasks.

[0002] Firefighter turnout clothing consists of protective clothing designed specifically for the intended purpose, meeting the various requirements and complying with the applicable regulations. Such protective clothing, such as jackets, trousers, shirts, or overcoats, is typically equipped with reflective stripes to ensure adequate visibility for emergency personnel in hazardous areas, even at dusk or in the dark. This differs from standard day-duty clothing, which, by comparison, is designed to be more simple and functional and even explicitly dispenses with reflective elements, as this is not permitted under the regulations governing day-duty clothing for firefighters.Such day-wear clothing doesn't necessarily have to be insulating or flame-resistant; functionality and comfort are the most important considerations. Clothing for general duty is usually dark blue, but can have pockets and attachments in various colors.

[0003] The disadvantage is that the range of applications for conventional day-wear is limited.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of creating a garment which, as daily service clothing, on the one hand complies with the required regulations, but on the other hand also offers expanded application possibilities, in particular an optimal protective function for the emergency services off-duty, for example in road traffic.

[0005] To achieve this object, the invention teaches a garment with reflective elements arranged on the garment, wherein the reflective elements are arranged on the garment in such a way that they are not visible in a first wearing state of the garment and are visible in a second wearing state of the garment.

[0006] The reflective elements applied to the garment are thus arranged in such a way that the person wearing the garment can decide whether they are visible or not and can switch between these two wearing states using simple measures. The garment can be worn in a first wearing state in which the reflective elements are not visible, i.e. covered, or in a second state in which the reflective elements are, in contrast, visible, i.e., easily recognizable and operational. The design according to the invention enables better visibility, especially at dusk or in the dark, without having to forego the option of wearing the garment in accordance with regulations without visible reflective elements.

[0007] The invention is based on the realization that, in common practice, the problem with existing day-wear for emergency personnel such as firefighters is that they are difficult or impossible to see in the dark. This is because, due to the prescribed regulations, day-wear does not include reflective elements on the garments, which would improve visibility in the dark or at dusk. The present invention builds on this and creates a way to design day-wear with reflective elements in such a way that they can be seen in normal everyday work or at night.when used as intended, comply with the regulation and are not visible and can be modified, for example on the way home, so that the reflective elements on the garment are visible, especially when illuminated by light, such as the headlights of passing cars.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflective elements are retroreflective. Retroreflective means that the light is reflected in the direction from which it strikes the reflective elements. This enables good visibility at dusk or in the dark, for example, in road traffic, to minimize the risk of an accident, such as a collision. When emergency personnel are on their way home in their daytime workwear, they can convert the item(s) of clothing so that the reflective or retroreflective elements are visible, allowing them to be recognized and perceived by passing vehicles even in the dark.

[0009] The reflective elements or retroreflective elements are preferably designed as reflective strips. This means that they have a strip-shaped, preferably rectangular geometry. This design allows for particularly good adaptation to the geometry of the garment or to the body of the person wearing the garment. However, the invention is not limited to the strip-shaped design. Square, triangular, round, or customer-specific designs, for example in the form of a logo, are also conceivable.

[0010] In one embodiment, the reflective elements can be arranged on the garment in such a way that they become visible by folding over one or more areas of the garment. The reflective elements are not visible in the first wearing state and are preferably located on the inside relative to the worn state of the garment. By folding over one or more areas of the garment, the garment is converted into the second wearing state in which the reflective elements are visible. The ability to make the reflective elements visible by simply folding them over makes it particularly easy to change the wearing state of the garment. This makes the garment very user-friendly, and the person wearing the garment can adjust it easily, quickly, flexibly, and at any time without the need for additional tools.

[0011] The second, visible, wearing position can optionally be fixed using one or more fastening devices, e.g. using a snap fastener or Velcro. This secures the wearing position and prevents the visible reflective elements from being covered again, which would pose a safety risk. For example, the fastening device can be used to prevent the folded over section of the garment from "folding back" into its original shape. The folded over, unfolded or raised position can be secured using a snap fastener or Velcro, for example. This ensures that the reflective elements are not covered again, even during movements made by the emergency worker and due to the resulting vibrations, for example.However, within the scope of the invention, fixation can also be achieved without additional fixing means, simply by folding or standing up the areas of the garment.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective elements can be sewn, flocked, patched, or attached to the garment or daily workwear using a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows the reflective elements to be attached to a garment in any desired manner. Furthermore, this ensures that the reflective elements are sufficiently secured to withstand the application and prevent them from becoming detached from the garment, e.g., during washing or dry cleaning. The reflective elements are thus arranged or attached to the fabric or outer material of the garment. For example, "patched" means that the reflective element is pressed into the fabric and thus attached very flat and not raised. This also means that the flexibility of the material and thus mobility when wearing the garment are not restricted.

[0013] In one embodiment, the garment can be designed as a jacket, e.g. a turnout jacket, with a chest area on the front of the jacket, a back area on the back of the jacket as well as two shoulder areas and two sleeves. The sleeves can have a cuff at the end, i.e. in the area of ​​the hands. The jacket can be opened and closed using a zipper. Alternatively or additionally, buttons can also be used to close the jacket. The jacket can be weatherproof and insulating and can also be flame-retardant or flame-resistant. The outer material of the jacket can be made of a single-layer or multi-layer fabric. Possible materials include polyester, cotton, aramid, viscose and mixtures of these materials. In addition, the jacket can contain a certain proportion of elastane for greater comfort. The jacket can also have a polyamide trim.The jacket can be dark blue, but alternative colors are also possible. The design, especially the color scheme, can be adapted to the regulations for daily duty clothing for fire departments in the various federal states. The design of the garment as a jacket, e.g., a turnout jacket, also includes, among other things, a blouson, e.g., a turnout blouson, and a softshell jacket. Overall, however, the term "jacket" is not limited to a specific jacket shape or intended use, and various designs and applications with the features described above are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0014] Furthermore, the jacket can preferably have one or more pockets, located, for example, in the chest and / or stomach area and / or on the sleeves. The pockets can have chest flaps. The pockets can be designed in a wide variety of colors.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective elements are attached to the sleeves of the garment, e.g. on the inside, preferably over the entire circumference of the sleeves, in such a way that they become visible when the sleeves are folded over. The reflective elements can be arranged, for example, on the inside at the (end) cuff of the sleeves. When first worn, the internal reflective elements are not visible. However, the sleeves can be folded over, making the internal reflective elements visible to the outside. The reflective elements can, for example, be arranged as retroreflective strips over the entire circumference of the sleeves, on the cuff. However, only a partial circumference or several partial areas of the sleeves can be equipped with reflective elements.The person wearing the jacket can easily and quickly fold down the ends of the sleeves at any time without any additional tools in order to transfer the jacket from the first wearing state to the second wearing state and to make the reflective elements visible.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the reflective elements can be attached to the pockets of the garment, in particular to a waistband of the pocket, in such a way that they become visible when the pockets are opened or closed. The pockets have an opening at the top into which objects can be inserted in order to ensure a carrying or stowing function. The jacket can have a flap above this pocket opening which closes the opening or the pocket. The closed position can be additionally secured by a fixing device such as a snap fastener or a Velcro fastener. The pocket can be provided with a reflective element on the upper edge or a waistband, i.e. immediately below the opening. When first worn, the flap lies over this reflective element and the pocket and thus closes the opening. This means that the reflective element is not visible.However, the pocket can be opened by lifting the flap. The flap can be tucked into the pocket opening to reveal the reflective element. Tucked in the flap also allows for simple and efficient securing of the second wearing position, so that the reflective element remains visible even when the wearer moves. The two wearing positions can be switched between by opening or closing the pockets. Alternatively, the reflective elements can be located inside or on the underside of the flap and made visible by folding them up. The flap can be held in the open position using one or more fasteners.

[0017] The jacket can preferably have a collar to which the reflective elements are attached in such a way that they become visible when the collar is raised. The reflective elements can be arranged on the side or above the back area on the collar, which is located in the neck area of ​​the emergency worker. In a first wearing state, the collar is folded down and covers the reflective elements so that they are not visible. By folding up or raising the collar, the reflective elements underneath become visible and thus transferred to the second wearing state. Due to the choice of material and the design of the jacket, the collar remains in the raised position. Raising the collar is quick and easy for the emergency worker and offers sufficient flexibility when reconfiguring the garment.

[0018] Furthermore, the jacket can have a lapel and can be designed in such a way that the reflective elements are attached to the inside of the lapel of the jacket in such a way that they become visible when the jacket is at least partially opened. The lapel is preferably located in the chest area of ​​the jacket on the front, whereby when closed, which can be secured e.g. by means of a snap fastener, the inside of the lapel is covered. Reflective elements can be attached to the inside of the lapel and extend along a zipper on the jacket downwards to the stomach area. When the jacket is opened, the inside of the lapel becomes visible and thus also the reflective elements. By selecting the size of the area of ​​the jacket that is opened and thus visible, the amount of the reflective elements visible can be varied.This offers the user a quick and easy way to achieve the second wearing state with visible reflective elements.

[0019] The various options for designing the jacket or equipping the jacket with reflective elements on the different parts of the jacket can be used either individually or in combination, i.e. several of the described reflective elements can be attached to different parts of the jacket.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the garment is designed as trousers, e.g., combat trousers, with a waistband and (two) trouser legs. The trouser legs can have a waistband at the lower, open end. The upper attached waistband, which serves as an entry into the trousers, can also have belt loops. In addition, a button and a matching buttonhole can be arranged in the waistband for opening and closing the trousers. To improve the hold of the trousers and ensure good comfort when worn, an adjustable elastic band can be incorporated into the back waistband. In addition, the trousers can have a pleat on the front and / or back (on each trouser leg), primarily for aesthetic reasons. There can also be a zipper in the fly of the trousers to completely close the trousers and open them again for easier removal. The trousers can be designed to be weatherproof and insulating, in particular resistant to rain.A flame-retardant or flame-resistant material can also be used. The outer fabric of the trousers can be made of a single-layer or multi-layer fabric. Possible materials here include polyester, cotton, aramid, and viscose, as well as a proportion of elastane for improved comfort. The trim of the trousers can be functional and include, for example, polyamide. The trousers can be designed in dark blue for everyday work on duty, for example, but other colors are also possible. In particular, the trousers can be adapted to the regulations for the design of daily duty clothing for fire departments in the respective federal states. Overall, the term "trousers" is not limited to a specific style of trousers or intended use, and various designs and applications with the features described above are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0021] Preferably, the trousers have one or more pockets, e.g., on the legs and / or on the waistband. Back pockets on the back of the trousers are also conceivable. The pockets and other attachments can also be dark blue or in an alternative color.

[0022] In one embodiment, the reflective elements can be attached to the trouser legs of the garment, e.g., on the inside, preferably over the entire circumference of the trouser legs, in such a way that they become visible when the trouser legs are folded over. The reflective elements can, for example, be applied to the inside of the trouser legs, e.g., on the (end) waistband. As a result, the internal reflective elements are not visible when first worn. However, the trouser legs can be folded over in the foot area to bring the reflective elements from the inside to the outside and thus make them visible. The reflective elements, e.g., retroreflective stripes, can be arranged over the entire circumference of the trouser legs, on the lower waistband. However, only certain areas of the trouser legs can be equipped with reflective elements on the inside.Folding the ends of the trouser legs is a quick and easy way for the emergency worker to make the reflective elements visible at any time and thus to convert the trousers from the first wearing state to the second wearing state.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the trousers have one or more pockets, with reflective elements attached to the pockets of the garment in such a way that they become visible when the pockets are opened or closed. The pockets can be arranged on the side of the trouser leg and have an opening at the top through which the pocket can be filled with various items. A flap can be arranged on the trouser leg above the pocket or opening, which covers the opening of the pocket and thus closes the pocket. The closed position can be additionally secured by a fixing device such as a snap fastener or Velcro. Reflective elements can be arranged at the top of the pocket above the opening. When the trousers are first worn, the flap lies over the reflective elements and the pocket opening and thus closes them. Accordingly, the reflective element is not visible.The pocket can be opened by folding up the flap. The flap can then be inserted into the pocket opening to expose the reflective element. Inserting the flap also allows for easy and efficient securing of the second wearing mode, so that the reflective element remains visible even when the emergency worker is moving and the trousers are exposed to shocks. Opening or closing the pockets toggles between the two wearing modes, or the visibility and invisibility of the reflective elements.

[0024] The various options for designing the trousers or equipping the trousers with reflective elements on the different parts of the trousers can be used either individually or in combination, i.e. several of the described reflective elements can be attached to different parts of the trousers.

[0025] The invention further encompasses a clothing set consisting of a jacket and a trouser. The set thus fully equips the emergency responder with suitable daytime clothing. The combination of a jacket and trousers with appropriately arranged reflective elements or stripes on both garments ensures optimal (full) body contour recognition in the dark.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, which merely represent exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1a: a garment according to the invention in the embodiment of a jacket in the first wearing state in a front view Fig. 1b: the garment according to the invention in the embodiment of a jacket in the first wearing state in a rear view Fig. 2a: the garment according to the invention in the embodiment of a jacket in the second wearing state in a front view Fig. 2b: the garment according to the invention in the embodiment of a jacket in the second wearing state in a rear view Fig. 3a: a garment according to the invention in the embodiment of trousers in the first wearing state in a front view Fig. 3b: the garment according to the invention in the embodiment of trousers in the second wearing state in a front view

[0027] The figures depict a garment with reflective elements 1 arranged on the garment. According to the invention, these reflective elements 1 are arranged on the garment in such a way that they are not visible in a first wearing state of the garment and are visible in a second wearing state of the garment.

[0028] In Fig. 1a shows an article of clothing according to the invention in the form of a jacket 2. The jacket 2 is shown in a first wearing state in a front view. The jacket 2 has a chest area 3 and two shoulder areas 5 as well as two sleeves 6. The sleeves 6 have a cuff at the lower opening through which the hands protrude. In addition, the jacket 2 has (jacket) pockets 7 in the chest area 3, which can be covered or closed with a flap. The jacket 2 also has a collar 8 in the area of ​​the neck opening and a lapel 9. The reflective elements 1 according to the invention are in the wearing state shown. Fig. 1 not visible.

[0029] The Fig. 1b shows the jacket 2 according to the invention Fig. 1 in a rear view. Shown are the shoulder areas 5 and the sleeves 6. The collar 8 is also visible, although it is folded down. The jacket 2 also has a back area 4. The reflective elements 1 are covered and not visible due to the way the jacket is worn.

[0030] In the Fig. Figure 2a shows the item of clothing according to the invention in the form of a jacket 2 in the second wearing state, in which the reflective elements 1 are visible. Reflective elements 1 can be seen on the two sleeves 6, in the area of ​​the waistband of the sleeves 6, whereby these have become visible by folding or turning the sleeves 6 over from the inside to the outside. The reflective elements 1 are designed as reflective strips and extend over the entire circumference of the sleeves 6, i.e. along the waistband all the way around the arm. The pockets 7 each have a reflective strip 1 directly below the opening of the pocket or on the waistband of the pocket, which is visible after the flap of the pocket 7 is folded up. In order to fix the visible, second wearing state, the flaps are inserted into the opening of the pocket 7. Fixing can alternatively also be achieved using fixing means, e.g. a snap fastener or a hook and loop fastener.In addition, the collar 8 of the jacket 2 is raised or folded up.

[0031] The Fig. 2b shows the Fig. 2a shows the corresponding rear view of jacket 2, with the raised collar 8, on which the reflective elements 1 can be seen, which have become visible when the collar is raised. The collar 8 automatically maintains its raised position thanks to a suitable material selection. Also visible are the circumferential reflective stripes 2 on the sleeves 6 of jacket 2.

[0032] In the Fig. Figure 3a shows a front view of an article of clothing according to the invention in one embodiment as trousers 10. The trousers 10 have a waistband and two trouser legs 11, which also have a waistband at the lower leg opening. Furthermore, the trousers 10 have side pockets 12 that are closed with a flap. The trousers 10 are in the first wearing state, so no reflective elements 1 are visible.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 3b shows the trousers 10 according to the invention in the second wearing state with visible reflective elements 1. Reflective elements 1 arranged over the entire circumference of the trouser legs 11 are visible. These elements are designed as reflective stripes and run all the way around the leg. These are now visible when folded over. The side pocket 12 also has a reflective strip 1, which is visible when the flap is inserted into the pocket 12. The flap can alternatively be held in its open position by a fixing means.

Claims

[1] Item of clothing, in particular as daily service clothing for fire brigades, with reflective elements (1) arranged on the item of clothing, wherein the reflective elements (1) are arranged on the item of clothing in such a way that they are not visible in a first wearing state of the item of clothing and are visible in a second wearing state of the item of clothing. [2] Clothing according to claim 1, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are retroreflective. [3] Clothing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are designed as reflective strips. [4] Clothing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are arranged on the garment in such a way that they become visible by folding over one or more areas of the garment. [5] Clothing according to claim 4, characterized bythat the second, ie the visible, wearing state can be fixed by means of one or more fixing means, e.g. by means of a snap fastener or by means of a Velcro connection. [6] Clothing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are sewn on, flocked or patched on or attached by means of Velcro. [7] Garment according to one of claims 1 to 6 in the embodiment as a jacket (2) with a chest area (3), a back area (4), two shoulder areas (5) and two sleeves (6). [8] Clothing according to claim 7, characterized by that the jacket (2) has one or more pockets (7), e.g. in the chest and / or stomach area (3) and / or on the sleeves (6). [9] Clothing according to claim 7 or 8, characterized bythat the reflective elements (1) are attached to the sleeves (6) of the garment, e.g. inside, preferably over the full circumference of the sleeves (6), in such a way that they become visible when the sleeves (6) are folded over. [10] Clothing according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are attached to the pockets (7) of the garment in such a way that they become visible when the pockets (7) are opened or closed. [11] Clothing according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by that the jacket has a collar (8) to which the reflective elements (1) are attached in such a way that they become visible when the collar (8) is raised. [12] Clothing according to claim 7, characterized by that the jacket (2) has a lapel (9) and that the reflective elements (1) are arranged inside the lapel (9) of the jacket (2) in such a way that they become visible by at least partially opening the jacket (2). [13] Garment according to one of claims 1 to 6 in the embodiment as trousers (10) with a waistband and two trouser legs (11). [14] Clothing according to claim 13, characterized by that the trousers (10) have one or more pockets (12), e.g. on the trouser legs (11) and / or on the waistband. [15] Clothing according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are attached to the trouser legs (11) of the garment, e.g. inside, preferably over the full circumference of the trouser legs (11), in such a way that they become visible when the trouser legs (11) are folded over. [16] Clothing according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the reflective elements (1) are attached to the pockets (12) of the garment in such a way that they become visible when the pockets (12) are opened or closed. [17] Clothing set consisting of a jacket (2) according to one of claims 7 to 12 and trousers (10) according to one of claims 13 to 16.

Images