KNEE-NECKS®   -  What's New

Below is a news article that appeared in the
Hartford Courant on Feb. 28, 2008.

Connecticut 's Own

Getting A Leg Up

Wraps Protect In Snow And Rain

TONY PHILLIPS models a pair of quilted nylon chaps. The Suffield man has developed a whole line of clothing designed to make it easier to be outside in cold, snowy and wet conditions. (KEVIN HUNT / February 25, 2008)

By MARYELLEN FILLO | Hartford Courant Staff Writer

February 28, 2008

 Necessity was the mother of Tony Phillips' invention 10 years ago.

Snow removal from the roof of his Suffield home was the necessity. He did not want to put on heavy ski pants or leggings, but also did not want to end up in wet, cold bluejeans.

"Dragging a ladder around in the snow and trying to get the snow off the roof and dealing with wet pants wasn't very comfortable," said Phillips. "I didn't need or want snow pants ... just something that was easy to put on and would keep me dry while I took care of the snow."

So he improvised, duct-taping a couple of garbage bags around his legs. But then he took it a step further, formalizing the invention by creating his own line of outdoor wear called Knee-Necks and Wrap-Chaps.

Quilted ski-jacket material that could be wrapped around the leg and closed with Velcro made the most sense to Phillips, who spent months drafting patterns and making prototypes. By 1999 he had Knee-Necks that could be wrapped around the leg from the ankle to the knee and Wrap-Chaps, which wrap from the ankle to the thigh. Easy, lightweight, durable, get-the-job done protectors when it came to staying dry in the snow.

As he promoted them as snow-wear, however, something interesting happened along the way. It wasn't just winter souls who were interested in the product. Motorcyclists were also scooping them up.

"They loved them for when they were out riding in cold weather or just to protect their legs if they had shorts on," said Phillips, who has also designed a variation of the line being tested in the medical field for people with poor circulation in their legs. "There are just some die-hards who ride all year and these were a lot more portable, comfortable and easier to use than heavy pants."

Adult Nylon Knee-Necks are $29.95 per pair. Children's sizes are $14.95 a pair. Quilted nylon Wrap-Chaps are $74.95 per pair, unquilted black 1680 denier ballistic nylon $89.95 a pair, and leather $129.95 to $149.95 per pair, depending on the size. They are also offered in unquilted blue denim for $39.95 a pair. Shipping costs are not included.

For more information, visit www.kneenecks.com or www.wrapchaps.com.