Wearable Shelter Device

[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63/745,654 filed on January 15, 2025.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a wearable tarp. More specifically, the present invention is a device that can be configured to form a rain poncho, hammock, tarp shelter, waterproof hood, ground sheet, or an emergency sleeping bag.

[0003] Outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, traveling, and survival require versatile and reliable shelter solutions. Traditional options often involve carrying multiple items such as rain ponchos, tarps, hammocks, ground sheets, and “emergency sleeping bag”, resulting in increased weight and bulk or needing to choose what stays and what goes. Additionally, conventional designs lack the adaptability to seamlessly transition between various shelter forms, leading to inefficiencies and limited functionality in adverse weather conditions. There is a need for an innovative, all-in-one outdoor shelter solution that addresses these challenges, providing comprehensive protection against sun, wind, rain, and snow, all year-round while ensuring ease of use and versatility.

[0004] Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide users with a multipurpose outdoor tarp that provides shelter to the user in a variety of settings. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that functions as a rain poncho, hammock, ground sheet, emergency sleeping bag, or bivy sack. In order to accomplish that, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a square shaped tarp formed by two rectangular tarp sections. Further, the left and right tarp section combine to form the square shaped tarp which may then be configured into various devices. Thus, the present invention is a multi-purpose outdoor device that provides shelter in various conditions and easily transitions between a rain poncho, hammock, ground sheet, tent, emergency sleeping bag, or bivy sack.

[0005] The present invention is a multi-purpose outdoor shelter device configured to serve as a rain poncho, hammock, ground sheet, tent, emergency sleeping bag, or bivy sack. The device includes a square-shaped tarp formed by a left rectangular section and a right rectangular section, each featuring a pass-through hole that allows the device to be worn as a garment when used as a poncho. These sections are joined by numerous attachments and seams that facilitate its transformation between configurations. This structural design ensures versatility and ease of use, enabling the device to be reconfigured quickly and securely to suit varying outdoor conditions and user needs. The present invention provides a compact and integrated solution for outdoor and emergency shelter applications, addressing a wide range of environmental and functional requirements.

[0016] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0017] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 9, the present invention is a wearable shelter device that can be rearranged into different configurations in order to serve different outdoor purposes. The present invention is also configured to be easily compressible so that the present invention is storable and portable. Thus, the present invention comprises a square-shaped tarp 2 and a plurality of interlocking fasteners 3. The square-shaped tarp 2 is preferably configured into a pair of rain ponchos, a hammock, a ground sheet, a tent, an emergency sleeping bag, or an emergency bivy sack, but the square-shaped tarp 2 can alternatively be configured into another kind of outdoor item based on a user’s outdoor needs. Moreover, the square-shaped tarp 2 comprises a left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and a right rectangle shaped piece, which preferably are two manufacturing halves to make up the square-shaped tarp 2. The left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 each comprise a piece body 8 and a neck hole 26. The piece body 8 is the flat structural body of a rectangle-shaped piece and provides a base for other components of the present invention to be connected together. The piece body 8 is made of a water-resistant fabric that is strong enough to hold an average human’s weight range. The piece body 8 is preferably made of ripstop nylon fabric. More specifically, the piece body 8 would be made of ripstop nylon fabric with 210 threads per square inch of fabric (i.e., 210T ripstop nylon fabric). The plurality of interlocking fasteners 3 allows the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 to be attached to each other on other portions specified by a user. The plurality of interlocking fasteners 3 is preferably hook-and-loop fasteners but can alternative be snaps, buttons, or other kinds of interlocking fasteners. The neck hole 26 is used to receive a user’s head and neck through the piece body 8 and allows the piece body 8 to rest upon the user’s shoulders if either the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 or the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 is used as a rain poncho. The neck hole 26 can be, but is not limited to, a circular hole or an ovular hole.

[0018] Reference components for the present invention are required to define the arrangement of some of its functional components. Thus, the piece body 8 comprises a plurality of lateral edges 10, a distal face 20, and a proximal face 20. The distal face 20 is the flat surface of the piece body 8 that is positioned the furthest from a user while using the present invention, and the proximal face 20 is the flat surface of the piece body 8 that is positioned the closest to the user while using the present invention. The plurality of lateral edges 10 is the edges of the rectangular shape for the piece body 8. Moreover, the plurality of lateral edges 10 comprises a first lengthwise edge 12, a second lengthwise edge 14, a first widthwise edge 16, and a second widthwise edge 18. The first lengthwise edge 12 and the second lengthwise edge 14 are the two longer opposing edges of the rectangular shape for the piece body 8, while the first widthwise edge 16 and the second widthwise edge 18 are the two shorter opposing edges of the rectangular shape for the piece body 8.

[0019] The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to be configured into a variety of different outdoor items. Thus, the neck hole 26 is centrally integrated into the piece body 8 so that, if either the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 or the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 is used as a rain poncho, then the respective piece body 8 can evenly rest upon a user’s shoulders. Moreover, each of plurality of interlocking fasteners 3 is integrated along a corresponding lateral edge from the plurality of lateral edges 10, which allows different portions of the square-shaped tarp 2 to be attached to each other dependent on the intended configuration of the present invention. As an example, if specific interlocking fasteners positioned along the first lengthwise edge 12 of the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 are attached to other interlocking fasteners positioned along the second lengthwise edge 14 of the right rectangle-shaped piece 6, then the first lengthwise edge 12 of the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the second lengthwise edge 14 of the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 would be attached to each other by those interlocking fasteners. This example would be useful in configuring the present invention into an emergency sleeping bag or an emergency bivy sack. Furthermore, the second lengthwise edge 14 of the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the first lengthwise edge 12 of the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 are hermetically stitched along each other so that the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 preferably function as a non-separable water-resistant square-shaped tarp in all of the different configurations of the present invention.

[0020] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 9, the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 may each further comprise a first sleeve 28 and a second sleeve 30. The first sleeve 28 is used to receive a first elongated piece of flexible material 54 (e.g., a strap or a cord), while the second sleeve 30 is used to receive a second elongated piece of flexible material 56 (e.g., another strap or another cord). The first sleeve 28 is integrated along the first widthwise edge 16, while the second sleeve 30 is integrated along the second widthwise edge 18, which allows the piece body 8 to be uniformly tensioned from its opposing edges. Thus, if the present invention is configured into a hammock, then the first elongated piece of flexible material 54 needs to be tethered through the first sleeve 28 of left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and through the first sleeve 28 of the right rectangle-shaped piece 6, which allows the first elongated piece of flexible material 54 to be tied around a first tree, and then the second elongated piece of flexible material 56 needs to be tethered through the second sleeve 30 of left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and through the second sleeve 30 of the right rectangle-shaped piece 6, which allows the second elongated piece of flexible material 56 to be tied around a second tree (i.e., offset from the first tree). Moreover, the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 may each further comprise at least one first seam 32 and at least one second seam 34, which are preferably used to form the first sleeve 28 and the second sleeve 30. More specifically, the first sleeve 28 is formed by looping the first widthwise edge 16 back onto the proximal face 20 and stitching the first widthwise edge 16 against the proximal face 20 with the at least one first seam 32. Likewise, the second sleeve 30 is formed by looping the second widthwise edge 18 back onto the proximal face 20 and stitching the second widthwise edge 18 against the proximal face 20 with the at least one second seam 34.

[0021] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 9, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of anchoring features 58, which are used to tie down a perimeter of the square-shaped tarp 2 if the present invention is configured into a tent or another kind of collapsible shelter. Thus, the plurality of anchoring features 58 needs to be perimetrically connected to the square-shaped tarp 2 so that the entire perimeter of the square-shaped tarp 2 can be tied down with the plurality of anchoring features 58. The plurality of anchoring features 58 also needs to be evenly distributed around the square-shaped tarp 2 so that the square-shaped tarp 2 is uniformly tied down along its entire perimeter. Moreover, each of the plurality of anchoring features 58 is preferably a nylon-webbing tie-out.

[0022] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 9, the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 may each further comprise a hood 36, which is used as a head covering if the present invention is configured into at least one rain poncho. The hood 36 comprises a head-inserting rim 38 and a face-opening rim 40. The head-inserting rim 38 is positioned around the opening of the hood 36 that allows a user’s head and neck to enter into the hood 36. Thus, the head-inserting rim 38 needs to be positioned around the neck hole 26 and needs to be connected onto the distal face 20. The face-opening rim 40 is positioned around the other opening of the hood 36 that allows a user to see out of the hood 36. Thus, the face-opening rim 40 needs to be positioned offset from the neck hole 26 and is preferably positioned perpendicular to the head-inserting rim 38. Moreover, the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 may each further comprise a drawstring 42, which is used to readily narrow or widen the face opening outlined by the hood 36. Thus, the drawstring 42 is operatively integrated about the face-opening rim 40 so that the drawstring 42 is used to adjust a face-opening diameter across the face-opening rim 40. The face-opening rim 40 is preferably integrated with a sleeve to receive the drawstring 42 and with two grommets to input and output the drawstring 42 through the sleeve. Furthermore, the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 may each further comprise a tubular crawl 44 and at least one crawl fastener 50. The tubular crawl 44 is used to hermetically seal the neck hole 26 by rolling or folding a few times onto itself. The tubular crawl 44 comprises a proximal open end 46 and a distal open end 48. The proximal open end 46 is the open end of the tubular crawl 44 located the closest to a user’s torso wearing the present invention as a rain poncho. Thus, the proximal open end 46 needs to be connected around the head-inserting rim 38. The distal open end 48 is the other open end of the tubular crawl 44 located the furthest to a user’s torso wearing the present invention as a rain poncho. Thus, the distal open end 48 needs to be positioned within the hood 36. After rolling or folding the tubular crawl 44 onto itself in order to hermetically seal the neck hole 26, the at least one crawl fastener 50 is used to lock the tubular crawl 44 in place. Thus, the at least crawl fastener needs to be laterally connected to the tubular crawl 44, adjacent to the distal open end 48.

[0023] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the left rectangle-shaped piece 4 and the right rectangle-shaped piece 6 may each further comprise at least one reflective feature 52, which is used to make the present invention visible to oncoming manmade illumination devices. For example, if a user loses the present invention walking back to the present invention at night, then the user can shine a flashlight in different directions in order to locate the present invention through its reflected light. Thus, the at least one reflective feature 52 needs to be integrated into the distal face 20 so that the at least one reflective feature 52 is located on an outwardly-positioned surface of the present invention. Moreover, the at least one reflective feature 52 can be, but is not limited to, at least one reflector mounted onto the distal face 20 or a reflective coating applied across the distal face 20.

[0024] As can be seen in FIG. 10, the present invention may further comprise a storage bag 60, which is used to retain the square-shaped tarp 2 while not in use. Thus, the square-shaped tarp 2 is enclosed within the storage bag 60.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-10, the present invention is a multipurpose wearable outdoor shelter solution. An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a device that may configure into multiple other shelter and outdoor devices. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that compresses to allow the present invention to be easily transported or stored. To accomplish this the present invention comprises a square shaped tarp. The square shaped tarp is formed by two rectangular sections enabling the present invention to provide at least two rain ponchos to the user via the singular square shaped tarp. The left rectangular section is mechanically coupled to the right rectangular section to form the square shaped tarp. Thus, the present invention is a multi-purpose outdoor device that provides shelter in various conditions and easily transitions between a rain poncho, hammock, ground sheet, tent, sleeping bag, or bivy sack.

[0026] The present invention may form a variety of outdoor shelter solutions with the square shaped tarp. The square shaped tarp comprises a left rectangular section, a right rectangular section, a plurality of hoods, a plurality of seams, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. In its preferred embodiment the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section are mechanically coupled to form the square shaped tarp. The square shaped tarp is designed with a flexible material such as 210T ripstop nylon. Furthermore, the square shaped tarp may be designed with a thicker material or a reflective material depending on the usage, setting and season. Each of the plurality of hoods is positioned centrally along the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section as shown in FIG. 3. The positioning of the plurality of hoods enables the front and rear of the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section to drape down along a user while the head of the user is encompassed by the one of the plurality of hoods. This enables the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section to be utilized as separate rain ponchos for the user. The plurality of hoods further comprises a plurality of clips or buckles, opening, drawstring and a crawl. The opening is an ovular or circular shaped hole that traverses through the material of the square shaped tarp, enabling a user to place their head through the opening. The crawl is a flexible material that extends upwards along the circumference of the opening. The drawstring is integrated into the hood enabling the tightening and loosening of the opening. Further, the clips or buckles are secured along the end of the crawl opposite the opening. Furthermore, the plurality of hoods may be opened or closed to provide ventilation or create a waterproof seal. This is accomplished by aligning the clips and strips along the opening. Roll the top of the crawl at least 3-4 times, this may or may not including also rolling the hood in conjunction with the crawl. Each fold creates a barrier against water by compressing the material effectively blocking potential entry points of moisture. After rolling, the end of the crawl is brought together and clipped securely. This locks the roll in place, maintaining the water-tight seal. The plurality of seams is integrated along the ends of the square shaped tarp. The plurality of seams traverses along the front bottom end and the rear bottom end of both the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section, providing an opening through the width of the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section. Each of the plurality of seams further could accommodate the passing of a cord or strap as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Each cord or strap traverses through each of the plurality of seams enabling the ends of the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section to be secured in a straight line for a tarp shelter or gathered and secured around a tree or mounting area, to be utilized as a hammock. The plurality of fasteners is positioned along the edges of the share shaped tarp. The plurality of fasteners are nylon webbing tie-outs that are utilized as attachment points when the square shaped tarp is in a tent, hammock, or tarp shelter configuration. Furthermore, the plurality of hook and loop fasteners is positioned along the edges of the left rectangular section and the right rectangular section, enabling each side to be folded up into an emergency sleeping bag or bivy sack configuration. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment standard fasteners, cordage, or buttons may be utilized to form the sleeping bag or bivy sack configuration. It should be further noted that, the square shaped tarp can be created in many various shapes and sizes and utilize various materials while still staying within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] The square shaped tarp may further be utilized as a ground sheet when folded or laid flat. This provides a protective barrier between the user and the ground. Furthermore, the square shape tarp may be utilized as an emergency sleeping bag or a bivy sack. The square shaped tarp is folded in half and secured along the edge to encompass the user and provide warmth and a barrier from the elements in emergency scenarios. As shown in FIG. 10 in its preferred embodiment the square shaped tarp is designed to be lightweight and compressible, enabling the user to easily store or transport the present invention while not in use as a hammock, tent, tarp shelter, ground sheet, sleeping bag, bivy sack or rain poncho. The present invention utilizes the left and right rectangular sections, plurality of hoods, plurality of seams, plurality of fasteners and plurality of hook and loop fasteners to provide the user with a device that is configurable to meet various outdoor shelter and comfort needs. With all the components working in tandem with each other it can be seen that, the present invention is a multi-purpose outdoor wearable device that provides shelter in various conditions and easily transitions between a rain poncho, hammock, ground sheet, tent, sleeping bag, or bivy sack.

[0028] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.