WO2008073087A1

WO2008073087A1 - Travel/sport vest

Info

Publication number: WO2008073087A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/047544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barad Beverly; C. Jacobs Mark
Original assignee: Barad Beverly
Priority date: 2006-12-12
Filing date: 2006-12-12
Publication date: 2008-06-19

Abstract

A unisex overlay garment to provide aid and comfort to the wearer. The vest-like garment has reflective surfaces, and includes a plurality of special purpose pockets, loops and tabs for the stowage and carrying of desired items. Pockets may be permanently or removably attached to the garment. Provision is made for the attachment of a key ring, a dog leash holder, a flashlight, and a writing instrument among other items. The garment body is mesh adjacent the skin and a lightweight washable film for the pockets and other areas. Protection from rain is also provided.

Description

TRAVEL/SPORT VEST

Technical Field

This invention relates to a vest that can be worn by joggers, walkers, bicyclists, hunters, runners, and other sports persons of all ages and both genders.

Background Art

Applicant is a dog owner, mother of three teenagers, and is interested in physical fitness. As such she jogs, and takes her dog for long walks. Unfortunately in today's society one, especially a woman must exercise extreme caution particularly when walking or jogging alone be it in the city or in suburbs.

Applicant found that she needed places for all the things that accompanied her on these soj ourns. Unfortunately a large hand or beach bag she found to be burdensome as like any lady's purse, specific items become difficult to find when needed. This frustration can be amplified when the need is or for mace or pepper spray on a moment's notice.

She was familiar with the vest concept and found heavy hunters vests that were perfect for cold weather while sitting in a duck blind. But these were not suitable for the mild climate during much of the year in northern California. She also found photographers' vests again primarily for outdoor wear as a true garment with carrying ability limited to a few boxes of film or memory cards. When she did not find what she needed, applicant decided to invent an overgarment, not meant for warmth, but intended primarily for personal safety and secondarily for convenience in carrying an assortment of items either necessary for or just desired on a walk, run or jog by members of today's active society.

Accordingly the multi-pocket, accessorizable vest of this invention was created.

The invention accordingly comprises the device possessing the features, properties, the selection of components which are amplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the appended claims. For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

An overlay garment to provide safety to the wearer by providing reflective surfaces, a minimum of weight, a maximum of comfort, and having specific pockets sized to shape for the storage of specific items. Provision is made for the attachment of accessories at several locations, such as a newly designed key ring, and a newly designed dog leash holder. The vest is lightweight and machine washable, while the provision of a rain bonnet or hood affords additional utility in inclement weather.

It is a first object to provide a unisex overvest suitable for inclement weather for use by fitness minded persons.

It is a second object to provide a vest that carries a multiplicity of pockets, loops and tabs for storage of specific personal comfort items and safety items.

It is a third object to provide a vest that fits over the head, is lightweight and connects easily between front and back.

It is a fourth obj ect to provide an overvest most of which surface is mesh material thereby permitting it to be worn directly over the skin if desired.

It is a fifth object to provide an overvest which can be accessorized by attachment of features by snaps or hook and loop closure material to the main body of the vest.

It is a sixth object to provide a vest suitable for wear in daylight, twilight, and even at night in all weather.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a front view of a PRIOR ART vest.

Figure 2 is an exterior surface plan view of the front and rear of this device. Figure 3 is an interior surface plan view of the front and rear of this device.

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the upper exterior surface device.

Figure 5 is a lower front perspective view thereof.

Figure 6 is a top perspective view of part of the front and part of the rear of this device.

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the exterior front side of this device.

Figure 8 is a right side perspective view of this device as seen on a user.

Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of this device, seen on a user.

Figure 10 illustrates a hemming technique employed in the construction of the vest of this invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a common strap adjustment means employable herein.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a hook and aperture engagement means for body strap engagement.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a quick release closure for body strap engagement.

Figure 14 is a closeup view of a safety attachment for use with the device of this invention.

Figure 15 is a closeup view of a portion of the invention seen in Figure 1.

Figure 16 is aperspective view of a leash holder that attaches to the vest of this invention.

Figures 17A and 17B are front and back perspective views of a key holder attachment for this vest.

Figure 18 is a front perspective view of an alternate key holder for use hereon.

Figure 19 is an attachment to hold a tubular object for mounting on the vest of this invention.

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic illustration of anothermode of pocket attachment to the vest.

Figure 21 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a removable mounting mode for pocket attachment.

Figure 22 is a closeup diagrammatic view showing construction of attachment loops employed on the vest.

Figure 23 is a closeup view of the upper rear of the vest of this invention showing the bonnet pocket which when raised serves as a collar.

Figure 24 is an elevational view of a rain bonnet forming a part of this invention. Brief Description of Drawings

The vest seen in Figure l is a prior art vest available in the marketplace which is intended primarily for photographers. It is made from fabric such as denim and mesh. The user places his/her hands through the arm holes and zips the front middle zipper. The plurality of pockets are single layered only and are fixedly attached at the locations shown with no rear pockets and no tabs or loops anywhere, available to the user.

For ease of understanding it should be understood that the exterior surface of the device is the surface away from the body, be it the front or rear. The interior surface of the vest is adjacent the wearer's chest in the front and the wearer's back and shoulders in the rear.

As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the vest of this invention is laid out flat. The EXTERIOR surface 11 consists of the front panel 13 and back panel 13', as seen by a viewer, and is shown in Figure 1. The surface that is worn next to clothing or the body itself is deemed the INTERIOR surface 12, and refers to both the front portion and the rear portion taken together as seen in Figure 2.

The front portion is the part of the vest that overlays one's chest, while the rear portion is disposed adjacent the wearer's back and shoulders.

Previously Figure 1 was mentioned to be a prior art vest that buttons up or is closed in the front by snaps or a hook and eye closure. These are intended to be utilized to provide warmth to the wearer. In contrast the vest 10 of this invention is not intended to provide warmth to the wearer. In contrast this vest 10 is intended to provide safety and convenience.

The reader is invited to view Figure 2, the exterior, or outside of the vest 10 taken as a whole. The exterior surface of the device 10 is formed of a series of pockets 16, tabs and loops disposed upon a body of mesh material 14. Thus the front of the mesh body, designated 18, is bound on the edges as will be described infra; -by banding 30 on the left rear, banding on the right rear as seen by the viewer, and 24 across the bottom rear. The front merely has a bottom band 20 with the sides being bound by safety banding 23 on the left and right sides, and safety banding 28 and location spaced up from the bottom band 20. The front also has a preferably "scoop" neckband 26 that connects to the collar (described infra) and is spaced in from the front surface side safety bands.

The front neckline is formed by banding 26 while the rear neckline is formed of hood retainer 21 made of soft fabric such as nylon or polyester. This hood retainer may also be referred to as a bonnet pocket. Details on the hood pocket will be recited infra.

The mode of sewing the conventional edge banding such as 23 can take place in one of two modes. It can be overlaid and sewn to the mesh by stitching conventionally. Or the banding can be folded in half and stitched with the edge of the mesh 14 overlaid in between, as a sandwich. For strength, the second mode is preferred because a single band can be used to wrap the entire outside edge of the mesh fabric to maintain strength and sanctity of using but one continuous member. Then the safety band which is flat is oversewn on the conventional nylon or polyester or cotton banding where shown.

The safety bands 23,28,33, etc., are plastic light reflective material that will glow when impacted by vehicle headlights, flashlights, or any light source. These bands are available in the marketplace from 3M Company among other vendors in several colors, such as safety yellow, safety orange, and safety lime green among others. Rear safety band 35 also includes spaced accessory tabs 50.

Lower pocket 27 may be fixedly attached to the reflective surface of safety band 28 which is disposed horizontally between the spaced outer safety bands (per Figure 2). This large pocket may also be attached either fixedly as by stitching to the mesh 14, or removably by use of either a hook and eye closure or Velcro® or a series of spaced snaps, disposed on the mesh. Snaps are preferred here and elsewhere as the attachment mode, as snaps survive home washing machines better than Velcro® and other related closure materials. Such snaps are conventional and would be placed one half beneath a flap of safety band 28 and one half on the rear of the pocket itself.

Reference is made to Figure 5, wherein lower pocket 27 includes a top positioned flap 27F which has an exterior overlay reflective safety strip 33, which may be used to close the pocket, via unseen snap(s) or hook and loop closure. An optional business card slot pocket 41, generally available in the marketplace with a clear plastic window 43 is a suitable place to carry identification without the necessity of carrying a wallet. See Figure 15, where this item is shown in an enlarged format.

Lower pocket 27 is attached preferably only along its upper edge either permanently as by stitching or removably. In Figure 3, the rear face of the lower pocket, 27R is seen to be spaced away from the mesh fabric 14 and thus is not attached other than at the top edge of the pocket.

Not seen in Figure 5, but disposed under the film flap 27R is a hook and loop closure strip to keep the pocket closed. See in Figure 5 only, due to size limitations, is a pair of spaced optional elastic circular members stitched to the exterior portion of the film in line with the closure strip which strip serves as a reinforcement for the stitches holding the circular members in place with their horizontal openings. A writing instrument may be snugly carried laterally within the spaced pair of elastic circles.

Adjacent to pocket 27, back in Figure 2, is an openable loop of Velcro brand closure material, formed by the junction of a conventional hook tab on the underside of one elongated piece of elongated material, and a loop tab on the top side of a second elongated piece of material which are overlaid and stitched into position. See Figure 22 for the detail showing section 19A with the hook tab 19H and the second piece of material 19B with the loop tab 19L. This loop which can be made as tight as possible by portion separation and re-attachment can serve to retain a rolled towel or washcloth, or even a rolled up plastic bag for doggie doo collection.

The viewer is requested to note the next upward area of mesh and film designated the mid-area 29. In point of fact this area 29, which lies between the two transverse safety bands 28, is a plurality of pockets. Designator 40 relates to a full-width pocket disposed between the side safety bands 23 beneath pocket 32. See also Figure 4. Pocket 40 has a front face 4OF and a rear face 4OR, this last seen in Figure 3, through the mesh 14. This pocket 40 is accessed by full- width zipper 34 disposed just below the middle safety band 28 and adjacent the right safety band 23. While shown opening right to left, the zipper can also be installed to open left to right. Also in Figure 4, mounted to a hook and loop tab, unseen is a ring of a hook and loop closure strip that can hold a plastic bag for animal waste when empty, a key on a ring, a leash not on an animal, etc., other accessories can also be mounted on the unseen tab.

One's attention is drawn to hook and loop tab 80 which features a full closure, to prevent fraying of the loop portion of the closure. This peelable closure is not intended to form a loop as discussed elsewhere herein but rather is intended to be peeled apart such that the hook portion 8OH and the loop portion 80L can be employed in the manner to be discussed infra in connection with Figure 14.

Overlaid on the front panel 40F is larger pocket 32. This pocket has a rear panel 32R not seen, and a front panel 32 with a top opening flap 32F. Flap 32F may be secured to the front panel of said pocket by hook and loop fabric closure, such as Velcro brand, or snaps or hook and eye Pocket 32 is attached at least along its top edge to film formed pocket 40. Large mid-area pocket 32 maybe sewn along the left vertical edge to the rear face 4OF of the mostly hidden from view pocket 40. By only sewing pocket 32, in a small area designated 45 on its right side, as seen by a wearer, in Figure 4 to the front panel 4OF of the full- width pocket, an open space behind the rear panel 32F is created.

If pocket 32 is stitched along its bottom edge to the front of the full-width pocket 40, as is preferred, then a hidden side opening pocket is created, such as to keep the right hand of the wearer warm or dry as the case may be or for another use as will be discussed in connection with Figure 14. Alternatively pocket 32 may be solely attached by hook and loop closure placed on the rear panel 32R to matingly engage hook and loop closure on the front face of hidden pocket 40. If this attachment mode is employed, then again, it is preferred to keep the right side unattached again for the reason to be discussed infra. Such attachment by Velcro brand material is readily understood in the art today.

Pocket 32 may also be attached to the front face of pocket 40 along one or both vertical edges of pocket 32, as well as optionally, but preferably along the bottom edge of pocket 32. If the bottom edge of pocket 32 is sewn or otherwise secured to the front face of pocket 40 and some of the right side wall of pocket 32 is not attached to the pocket 40, therebeneath, then a side opening pocket is formed. See Figure 20 for this detail, wherein 32S is the stitching and 4OF is the front face of the hidden full- width pocket 40 with the zipper opening 34.

Overlaid to the left of the pocket 32 is the smaller pocket to the right in the drawing which is designated 39. It has a front panel 39F, and an unseen rear panel 39R and further includes a flap 39F at the top opening. Pocket 39 is sized specifically for the carrying of small items such as a point and shoot camera, cigarettes, or a candy bar for man or beast. The flap 39F, serves to close off the pocket in the same manner as set forth for the larger mid-area pocket 32. Pocket 39 is attached to the pocket 40 behind it, on pocket 40's front face. The line of attachment is underneath the top of the flap 39F to the top of the front panel of pocket 40. The bottom of the pocket may also be attached as by sewing to the front face of pocket 40. While in Figure 1 and elsewhere the larger pocket 32 is shown on the left as viewed in the drawings, with smaller pocket 39 on the right in Figure 1, no reason is seen why these cannot be reversed in position. The two pockets could be mounted in a reverse position utilizing any of the mount modes previously discussed.

As alluded to earlier, one or both of pockets 32 and 30 may be retained to pocket 40 by hook and loop closure material available in the marketplace. See Figure 21 for such a variant. One such way is to use horizontal strips of hook and loop closure 32V to removably attach pocket 32 in place and vertical strips of similar material to mount smaller pocket 39.

Supra, an openable loop 19 which may serve as a leash loop or key loop has been described, and shown in detail in Figure 22. A second such loop for a ring of keys is made in like manner and designated loop 42. Whereas loop 42 is attached to the front face of full- width pocket 40, the loop 19 is stitched to safety band 28. See Figure 17 discussion infra.

Moving one's eyes upwardly, seen above safety strip 28 is more mesh of the solid sheet of mesh 14. A front neckband 28 is formed of a 1-inch or piece of ribbed material, folded in half and stitched to itself with the mesh in between, to form a sandwich and to keep the mesh from fraying.

The rear neckband is not just a neckband, but a bonnet pocket 21 , seen also in Figures 6 and 9. Bonnet pocket 21 is formed by overlaying a widthwide elongated strip of mesh with a properly sized sheet of flexible nylon film More film is attached to the mesh to engage the mesh and form an elongated pocket. A second zipper 34-2 closes off the bonnet. By making the rear face of what is essentially a pocket, face inwardly, the rear face 21R acts as a collar, per Figures 6 and 9 and can be raised up with the pouch's zipper 34-2 being in an inverted position with the bonnet 44 inside the bonnet pocket 21. See Figure 23. It is also within the scope of the invention to have the bonnet pocket totally removable by making the line of stitching 21SL of Figure 23, a zipper attached to an elongated piece of material.

Disposed inside the bonnet pocket 21 is a bonnet 44. Seen in Figure 24, is the bonnet 44 extended. This bonnet comprises two layers, an outer layer of nylon film 14 and an inner layer of mesh 15. A hem 46 is formed by folding the layer of nylon 14 over the layer of mesh 15 and stitching the overlaid part back onto itself to form a hem 46. As is seen the bonnet is generally a conventional triangular shape cover with an optional drawstring, not shown, wherein the lower surface is sewn into the interior of the pocket 44-1 to make for easy folding of the rain bonnet into pocket 21. Such triangular bonnets 44 are deemed conventional and are readily available on jackets and coats available in the marketplace.

A pair of front tie straps 38F of the same nylon or other film 14, are used in conjunction with rear tie straps 67R to tie the left rear to the left front and the right rear to the right front sections of the garment, close to the body of the wearer as per Figure 8.

The discussion now moves to the outer back of the vest panel 13', as seen in Figure 2, as opposed to the interior surface of the vest as seen in Figure 3. The vest rear 48 is seen also in Figure 8 in part, and in Figure 9. The upper rear is composed of a sheet of mesh 14 designated 18R. It is generally rectangular and is bounded on the top by the combination neckband, bonnet holder 21, bounded laterally by two spaced nylon film strips 52,54, and at its lower edge by reflective safety band 35. It is also within the scope of the invention to have the two side bands be safety reflective material as well as the one across the middle of the back 35, but such is generally not necessary, as most walkers, joggers, runners move contrary to traffic flow and thus face oncoming traffic.

The lower rear 18LR is defined on two sides and the bottom by nylon filml 5. It is bound on the top edge by safety band 35 aforesaid. Lower rear 18LR is in fact two pieces of spaced mesh of the same size, 18LR-1 and 18LR-2, and hemmed together on the sides to form a pocket large enough to carry a magazine, train schedule or other printed matter. The zipper is formed of two pieces of nylon film 22 with a zipper fastener 47 disposed therebetween. One section of film 22 may be sewn in place beneath safety strip 35 and is also sewn to the rear of the two spaced mesh sections, which section is designated 18LR- 2. The lower part of the zipper is sewn to the front mesh section 18LR1, thus defining the pocket. Element 18LR-2 may also be seen in Figure 3, the rear elevational view of this invention. Tabs 80" will be discussed infra.

In Figure 3, a total of eight straps are seen for securing the front of the vest to the back. As noted these are designated 38F for the four front ones and 38R for the rear ones. It is to be understood that while it may be helpful to utilize upper and lower body straps, in point of fact only one pair is needed but 2 pair are preferred for a better fit.

Also, seen in Figure 3 is the film rear surface 4OR of the full- width pocket 40. This pocket surface is visible through mesh 14 of the back of the vest.

Figure 4 is a closeup view of the trio of pockets at the front middle of the vest. Thus one can readily see the full-width pocket 40 upon which is overlaid and attached the two pockets 32 and 393.

Releasable upper loop 42 seen also in Figures 20 and 21 , is shown in its construction in Figure 22. This upper loop 42 may be used to carry a rolled up towel such as towel 56 shown in Figure 22 or even a rolled up baseball cap not shown.

Releasable lower loop 19 is intended for the attachment of a folded dog leash to keep one's hands free for weight training while running, or for the carrying merely of a set of keys that can be easily removed, or even a small lock for use at a locker. Figure 5 is a closeup illustration of the lower pocket, 27 and more specifically the identification pocket 41 with the clear window 43 for the carrying of a business card, or driver's license or gym admission card. Note also the optional D ring 57 mounted to strap 38 for the facilitation of the tying of the body straps. The use of D rings for this purpose is conventional.

In Figure 6 a closeup view of the bonnet pocket 21 with the rain bonnet 44 partially recessed and partially out of the pocket 21. A brand label 58 is also seen in this closeup view, where it is attached to what is the inside surface (the raised collar) section of bonnet pocket 21, I.E., adjacent the wearer's shoulders below the neck. See Figure 9. Also, in Figure 9, the zipper area 22 adjacent safety band 35 is seen.

Figure 7 is a total front elevational view of this vest and is presented for ease of understanding of the reader only. The elements set forth hereon have been referred to previously with respect to Figures 2,4,5 & 6.

Figure 10 is provided to indicate the technique for binding the mesh body section 18 with the side band 30 which is folded along arrow directional line to form a sandwich for seaming.

In Figure 11, a size adjusting means such as is used in fanny packs and purses, 75, is shown. It may be employed to help achieve a neater securement of the straps 38, especially for small bodied persons. Figure 12 illustrates a hook and aperture connection by the engagement of front strap 38F's element 77's hook with an aperture 78 of the rear strap 38R. In Figure 13, the quick release side snap type closure 71 comprised of male portion 72 and female portion 73 as used for fanny packs may be employed as a closure for the engagement of front body strap 38F to a rear body strap 38R instead of tying them together. Hemline 74 is formed by inserting the strap through the above member and sewing the strap to itself.

Reference is now made to Figures 2, 5 and 14. Figure 2 is the general view, Figure 5 is a view of the mid-area pocket 40 and those overlaid pockets associated therewith. Figure 14 however, is a bird's eye view of but one small section of what is seen in Figure 5. The reader is again referred to the discussion concerning pocket 32 in Figure 1 supra. Turning now to Figure 14, it is seen that the hook and loop closure 80, designated the whistle holder tab, has both male and female portions, I.E., hook and loop areas, 80H and 8OL respectively which are hinged together as by stitching preferably on the left vertical edge, along line 80VH. The whistle holder per se, 90 comprises an elastic band 91, terminated on one end by a pair of hook and loop tabs, one female and one male, 92H and 92L respectively. The pocket 27 and 29 have been omitted for ease of understanding. The opposite end of the elastic terminates at a connector 93 which has a transverse loop of elastic 94, passing there through generally normal to the axis of elastic band 91. Whistle 94 is secured to the whistle holder 90 by this second elastic band 94. Whistle holder tab 80 differs in structure from flat accessory tabs 50 shown at several locations.

The holder 90 is installed by engaging the female portion of tab 92 the loop, 92L to the male portion 80H of whistle holder tab 80 and then folding and engaging the female portion 80L of the tab 80 to the male portion 92H of tab 92 on the whistle holder. Rather than let the whistle dangle down while running or walking. Whistle holder 90 shown surrounding whistle 91 can be mounted at this location, and then placed on its tether within the area behind pocket 39, out of sight, neatly tucked into the previously discussed side opening pocket 60 seen in Figure 5, but not shown in Figure 1 to avoid overloading the first Figure. By providing for a means to detach the whistle, and holder, washing of the vest is simplified.

The discussion now returns to Figure 1, and to Figure 3 where tabs 80" can be seen spaced apart on the back of the vest at about the middle of the back of the wearer. These are each a female or loop tab of Velcro brand closure or equal. When not in use, they may be covered over by a male tab of like size to prevent a loss of gripability. The purpose of thee rear positioned spaced tabs 80" is to retain the leash holder seen in Figure 16; or any other rear reaching accessory for the vest.

Leash holder 105 is worn in front of the vest and attaches behind the vest at tabs 80', somewhat analogous to putting on a fanny pack. The leash holder 105 comprises a web band 106 terminating at each end with a male hook closure segment each of which is adapted to engage one of the female tabs 80". Gender reversal of the tabs and terminations on the leash holder are also contemplated.

As an alternative leash holder 105 can be adapted by suitably extending the length of band 106 for the terminal tab to attach to each other such that the leash holder is not attached to the rear panel 13', if desired.

Mounted in any conventional mode to the webbing 106 is aU-barmade of metal, plastic or wood, that resembles a toilet tissue holder. U-bar 108 has a flat rear 108R and two forward extending spaced side members or arms, each designated 108S. The inward facing surfaces of each of the side members has a bored recess 109 therein, and each side member is adapted to receive therein an end of a spring-loaded roller 110. Such spring-loaded rollers are well-known in the toilet paper dispenser art and need not be discussed at length. Optionally disposed on one or both sides of the U-bar is a small pocket 111 which may be employed to carry a doggie treat or plastic film glove for doggie doo cleanup as is required in many localities.

For use, the leash holder is first attached behind the body, and then the spring-loaded roller 110 is removed, and inserted through the hand end of the dog leash. The roller 110, preferably coated with a non-stick agent such as Teflon brand, is replaced into the two recesses in the arms 108s. As the dog moves to either side of the wearer, during its walk, the leash floats rom side to side on the roller, such that the walker-user can continue on a substantially straight path with hands unencumbered.

In Figures 17A and 17B there is seen another attachable accessory 116; namely a key holder for the user. Key holder 116 comprises a generally rectangular planar member 117, of metal or plastic about one to two inches in length, to which is attached a retainer 118 configured as an elongated interrupted tubular member. This may be glued or otherwise attached to the substrate 117. A conventional split ring retainer 119 used for key retention is placed through the tubular member 118 and subsequently a key 121 or keys is placed on the split ring retainer. Loops 120 may be spaced and screwed, glued or otherwise attached to the rear of substrate 117. each with a preferably horizontal opening. Loops such as 19 or 42 can then be opened and closed through the spaced loops 120 to secure the key holder 116 in position on the vest. Of course it is within the scope of the invention to use another type of key mount, such as a spiral wound spring-loaded string, instead of a conventional split ring, and to secure the retainer for such other key mount to the substrate 117 for vest mounting in like manner.

See Figure 18. While a use for the tab 80 on the right side of the vest has been discussed, it is beneficial to have another such foldable tab 80 on the left side of the vest. See Figure 4. In Figure 19, a retainer for lip balm, lipstick or small mace or pepper spray can is seen with a tube of such 128. Mount member 121 maybe made of webbing or can also comprise a sheet of rigid plastic. An elongated stretchable tube 122 is attached to the substrate 121 as by stitches, or glue, dependent upon the nature of the material of element 121. On one face of this mount member 121, is a male Velcro brand or equal tab and on the opposite side is a female such tab not seen. An elastic tube is sewn or otherwise attached at a convenient location disposed horizontally to the mount member 121. Seen disposed within such elastic tube 123 is a lipstick tube 128, or other tube such as mace, eyeglass cleaner, or lip balm so a female user can be at her appearance best or be protected as she so choices. For attachment to the vest 10, the mount member is sandwiched in between the two faces of mounting tab 80, preferably on the left area of the front of the device 10 of this invention. It is seen that I have developed a multifunctional vest, suitable for the dog walker, the ^■bicyclist, the jogger, runner, and the hiker to use in all temperatures as an overgarment or for men in place of a shirt. Provision has been made for the ability to carry many things that one actually needs, such as a house key, as well as items that might be nice to have or items that may be needed, such as sunglasses. The actual items to be carried will of course vary with the user. For example, a bug photographer, could carry a tiny tripod in one of the loops.

The carrying ability falls into two categories necessity/device and safety. This retaining means for mace/pepper spray is provided, as well as the ability to attach a dog leash such that the user's hands remain free. In one of the small pockets a pocketknife could be carried to use either for self-protection, cutting flowers, or even as assistance in obtaining food, such as wild berries.

As to the necessity items, keys, a pen, sunglasses, reading glasses, or a magnifying glass for reading maps, snack foods, and of course a flashlight, and matches can be carried, tabbed into position, or be loop retained.

A most important feature is if of course the provision of personal safety by the inclusion of light reflective surfaces, which not only enables persons running or walking on roads to be seen, by auto drivers, and in worse case scenario, to provide information to searchers in case of injury to the vest user or for search aircraft in the case of lost hikers. The reflective surfaces also serve to advise hunters that the wearer is not a moose or elk.

While mounting tabs and loops have been shown at specific locations, additional loops and/or tabs may also be added to the film area or the mesh area of the vest as may be desired.

It is seen that the vest of this invention is a multipurpose vest in that it can be used by people of all ages, for a plurality of purposes. Thus the vest finds utility with runners, animal walkers, photographers, campers, outdoor sportsmen such as hunters and fishermen, and bicyclists among others, both old and young, of both sexes. The above enumerated persons and others can make use of this item in both daytime and night time.

The fabric for the vest body is impervious to cold water or hot water, and does not contribute to the overall comfort or discomfort of the weather being mesh. The many pockets and attachments let each user almost customize the vest to their specific need. It is also worth mentioning that the fluorescent bands catch the attention of a passerby as well as motorists or fellow sportsmen and as such accidents and incidents are avoided.

While we have referred to the term FILM as the material used for the non-mesh portions of the vest, it is to be understood, that finely woven material of polyester, nylon, or other suitable fabric of high denier can also be utilized for the non-mesh aspects of this vest.

In today's world it is deemed within the skill of art how to make closed loops, or penable loops out of strips of hook and loop closure material by suitable adhesive attached strips of velcro or equal.

It is to be noted that accessory tabs 80 maybe attached to either mesh, in which case an interior face reinforcement patch is suggested to relieve strain on the mesh, or the tabs may be attached to bands or safety bands as well.

Since certain changes maybe made in the described device without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

Claim 1. An overlay garment resembling a pullover vest and which garment has a front panel connected at the neck to a back panel, and a head opening therebetween at the points of connection, each panel being made of mesh material and having an interior surface and an exterior surface; each panel having spaced and aligned means at the edges of the panel for connecting the front panel to the back panel; the front panel having a series of special purpose pockets, loops and hook and loop attachable tabs for storage and carrying of specific items; each of said front and back panels including light reflective surfaces.

Claim 2. An overlay garment resembling a pullover vest, and which garment has a front mesh panel integrally connected to a rear mesh panel; said garment having a head cutout defining a front and a rear neckline; a bonnet pocket disposed along the rear neckline of the back panel; a series of spaced straps along the both edges of each of the front and back panels, to connect the panels together; wherein the material outer edges of at least the front the panel have safety bands of light reflecting material; and wherein the front panel has a front lower pocket spaced up a few inches from the bottom edge thereof; and further wherein the front panel has a front upper pocket spaced down slightly from the front neckline, and a series of spaced hook and loop closure tabs for the attachment of accessories.

Claim 3. The garment of claim 2 wherein the front lower pocket has a width of the front panel, and is attached at its top to a safety band of light reflective material that is disposed laterally across the mesh panel.

Claim 4. The garment of claim 3 wherein the lower pocket also contains a business card slot with a clear plastic front.

Claim 5. The garment of claim 3 wherein a loop formed of two engageable members of hook and loop closure are attached to the safety band to which the lower front pocket is attached between said pocket and the material safety band edges of said panel.

Claim 6. The garment of claim 5 wherein the straps for connecting the front panel to the back panel each have complementary engageable hook and loop engageable members thereon.

Claim 7. The garment of claim 2 wherein the upper front panel pocket comprises a safety band having one of a complementary hook and loop engageable member on a rear surface thereof, with the other complementary hook and loop engageable member being disposed laterally across the mesh front panel with a larger and smaller pocket disposed side- by-side to the safety band.

Claim 8. The garment of claim 7 wherein each of the side-by-side pockets each have a pocket flag overlying the opening of the respective pocket.

Claim 9. The garment of claim 7 wherein there is at least one lateral safety band across the back panel of the garment.

Claim 10. The garment of claim 1 where the light reflective bands include at least one safety band disposed laterally across the back panel, and at least one such band disposed laterally across the front panel.

Claim 11. The garment of claim 10 further including a bonnet holder attached to said back panel at the head opening.

Claim 12. The garment of claim 5 further including a bonnet disposed in and attached to said bonnet holder attached to said back panel, said bonnet holder having a zipper closure.

Claim 13. The garment of claim 1 further including a hook and loop mountable whistle holder attached to said front panel, said whistle holder comprising an elastic loop attached to one end of an elongated elastic member, the other end of said elongated elastic member being attached to a hook and loop closure tab on said front panel, and several horizontally aligned spaced hook and loop closure on the rear panel.

Claim 14. The garment of claim 13 further including a hook and loop mountable leash holder, which encircles the body of a wearer attached to the horizontally aligned spaced hook and loop closure tabs on the rear panel of said vest.

Claim 15. The garment of claim 2 further including horizontally aligned hook and loop closure tabs disposed along the back panel of said vest approximate to waist of most wearers; and a hook and loop mountable leash holder which encircles the body of wearer and is matingly engaged to the hook and loop closure tabs on the back panel of said vest.

Claim 16. The garment of claims 14 and 15 wherein the leash holder an elongated section of elastic webbing to which is attached a U-bar having a removable spring-mounted roller disposed therein, said roller being adapted to pass through the hand receiving loop of a conventional dog leash, the termini of said elongated section of elastic webbing having hook and loop closure tabs thereon for mating engagement to each other or to said tabs on the back panel of said vest.

Claim 17. The garment of claim 16 further including a coin pocket mounted adjacent said U-bar on said webbing.

Claim 18. The garment of claim 2 further including a key holder attached to a front panel hook and loop closure tab.

Claim 19. The garment of claim 2 wherein the straps along the edges of the front and back panels terminate in mattingly engageable quick release side snap closure members.

Claim 20. The garment of claim 2 wherein the straps along the edges of the front and back panels terminate in mattingly engageable hook and aperture connection members.

Claim 21. The garment of claim 2 wherein the series of hook and loop tabs includes tabs mounted on safety bands and tabs mounted on the mesh of the panels.

Claim 22. An overlay garment resembling a pullover vest and which garment has a front mesh panel integrally connected to a rear mesh panel at about the midpoint of said garment; said garment having a head cutout defining a front and rear neckline; said neckline having banding running around the periphery of said head cutout and having banding , some of which is light reflective safety banding around the periphery of each panel; a series of spaced straps, disposed along the two side edges of both the front panel an back panel to connect the panels; at least one lateral safety banding disposed across the back panel of said, garment, and at least one safety band disposed laterally across the front panel thereof; a main front pocket, comprised of a plurality of individual pocket fixedly attached to said front panel; and a lower front pocket removably attachable to said front panel below the main front pocket; and at least the front panel having a series of spaced hook and loop attachable loops and tabs for attaching accessories to said at least the front panel.

Claim 23. The garment of claim 22 further including a bonnet pocket disposed along the back panel neckline, said bonnet pocket having a bonnet disposed therein, and also having a zipper closure.

Claim 24. The garment of claim 22 wherein the front panel has an upper front pocket, and a lower front, the upper pocket comprising a series of pockets, and the lower pocket having means for display of a business card, each pocket having a flap over the opening thereof, said lower pocket also having a strip of safety banding thereon.

Claim 25. The garment of claim 23 further including a key storage accessory attached thereto, and a tubular member encircling means attached to a tab on said panel.