Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02879259 2015-01-20
HOOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a hood that covers a head
and part or all of a neck,
and, more particularly, relates to a hood that that is independent of a
garment and includes an
extending collar for coverage of the neck area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is well known that a "hoody" is an article of clothing that includes
a sweatshirt with a hood
that is designed to provide both function and fashion, while also covering the
head, neck, and parts
of the face. The hood of the hoody generally has a drawstring to adjust the
hood opening. The hoody
may have a vertical zipper down the center, similar to a windbreaker style
jacket.
[0004] Typically, the hood permanently attaches to the rest of the hoody
garment. 'The hood is to be
used to cover the head of the user, making the head partly enclosed, but
leaving the face exposed to
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the environment. The hood can be pulled up over the head when needed, or left
to hang down the
back when not in use.
[0005] Some hoods exist that are detachable from the hoody, or any upper
garment. Fasteners, such
as buttons or zippers, on a lower edge of the hood, enable this type of
detachable function. At the
junction point, the lower edge of the hood generally aligns with a collar area
on the garment to form
a detachable single piece. However, when the hood is detached and worn with
other garments, a gap
exists between the back lower edge of the hood and the back upper edge of the
garment.
[0006] Additionally, even while joined, the hood and the garment give the
appearance of two
separate units. The fasteners are often visible at the junction point, and
thereby detract from a
smooth aesthetic look for the overall hoody. The colors and textures often do
not match.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as
discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides a hood that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned
disadvantages of
the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that
provides a lower extending
portion that overlaps the user's upper body garment.
[0009] A hood is arranged to at least partially cover the head, neck, and
face. The hood includes a
body portion that detachably joins a garment, such as a sweatshirt or upper
body garment. The body
=
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portion is configured to match the garment, and thereby give the appearance of
a single unit. The
body portion comprises a front section having a facial port for enabling the
face to partially remain
uncovered. A rear section forms the back side of the body portion. A collar
extends down from an
edge of the rear section and integrates with a garment neck port. The collar
tucks inside the garment
neck port to form an overlap there between. The body portion can quickly
detach from the garment
and be removed and/or matched with other garments. A circumferential cinch
mechanism, such as a
drawstring, adjustably sizes the body portion. The body portion can function
independently of the
garment.
[0010] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in
accordance with the
invention, a hood including a head-covering portion sized and shaped to at
least partially cover a
head of a user, leaving a face of the user exposed; and a collar portion
coupled to and extending
downward from a rear portion of the head-covering portion, the collar portion
not being coupled to
any other garment.
[0011] In accordance with another feature, the head-covering portion defines
an opening that
exposes the user's face.
[0012] In accordance with another feature, head-covering portion includes a
drawstring operable to
adjust the size of the opening.
[0013] In accordance with yet another feature, the collar portion is sized and
shaped to cover a
user's neck.
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[0014] In accordance with a further feature, the collar portion further
includes a downwardly
curving lower edge.
[0015] In accordance with another feature, the head-covering portion is of a
fleece material.
[0016] In accordance with yet another feature, the head-covering portion is of
a terry cloth material.
[0017] In accordance with another feature, the head-covering portion further
includes a pair of
fasteners operably configured such that the hood covers a user's neck and a
user's chin when the pair
of fasteners are fastened to one another.
[0018] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the
collar portion is sized and
shaped to extend into a neck hole of a garment.
[0019] In accordance with another feature, the collar portion is sized and
shaped to receive a
resistive force from the garment when extended into the neck hole of the
garment, the resistive force
preventing separation of the collar portion from the garment.
[0020] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present
invention includes a
method of wearing a hood, the method including providing a hood having a head-
covering portion
sized and shaped to at least partially cover a head of a user, leaving a face
of the user exposed; and a
collar portion coupled to and extending downward from a rear portion of the
head-covering portion,
the collar portion not being coupled to any other garment; and placing a
garment having a neck
opening on an upper body of a user. The method further includes placing the
hood on the head of a
user; and inserting the collar portion of the hood into the neck opening of
the garment.
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In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the method
further includes fastening a
pair of fasteners .coupled to the hood such that the hood covers a user's neck
and a user's chin.
[0021] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied
in a hood, it is,
nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various
modifications and
structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of
the invention and within
the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known
elements of exemplary
embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be
omitted so as not to obscure
the relevant details of the invention.
[0022] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention
are set forth in the
appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
exemplary of the
invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
structural and functional
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as
a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to
variously employ the present
invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the
terms and phrases used
herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an
understandable description of the
invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features
of the invention that
are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration
of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which
like reference
numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to
scale.
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[0023] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be
understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as
one or more than one.
The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The
term "another," as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including"
and/or "having," as used
herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled,"
as used herein, is
defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically.
[0024] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all
numeric values, whether or
not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers
that one of skill in the art
would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same
function or result). In many
instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest
significant figure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to
identical or functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the
detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further
illustrate various
embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance
with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. I is. a perspective view of an exemplary hood, in accordance with
the present invention;
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[0027] FIG. 2 is a elevational front view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance
with the present
= invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance
with the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance with
the present invention;
and
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary collarless hood, in
accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of
the invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood
from a consideration of
the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which
like reference numerals
are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of
the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
[0033] The present invention provides a novel and efficient hood 100 arranged
to at least partially
cover the head, neck, and face. The hood 100 detachably joins a garment (not
shown), such as a
sweatshirt, jacket, or an upper body garment. The hood 100 can be configured
to match the garment,
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and thereby give the appearance of a single body. In some embodiments, the
hood 100 integrates
with a garment neck port (not shown), forming a protective collar 114 over the
neck. The hood 100
may detach from the garment with a slight pulling force. A circumferential
cinch mechanism 116
adjustably sizes the hood 100 over the head. The hood 100 can also function
independently of the
garment.
[0034] Embodiments of the invention enable the hood 100 to be worn separately
from the garment.
The hood 100 is preferably a stand-alone hood, separate from and independent
of an upper body
garment. However, the hood 100 may also integrate into the garment, forming a
unitary protective
cover. In this manner, the hood 100 and the garment may create a visual
appearance of being
permanently joined. In one embodiment, the hood 100 integrates with the
garment to form a
protective collar 114 over the neck. The collar 114 forms sufficient overlap,
such that external
elements are restricted from entering the garment.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is
shown in a detailed
perspective view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present
invention, but, as will
be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes,
combinations of features
and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first
example of a hood
100, as shown in FIG. 1, provide a hood 100 that at least partially covers a
head, neck, and face. The
hood 100 is operable to cover and uncover the head with a minimal pulling
force. The hood 100 is
sized and dimensioned to comfortably fit over a variety of head sizes and hair
styles. In one
embodiment, the hood 100 may be shaped as a generally rounded contour that
conforms to the shape
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of the head. However, in other embodiments, the hood 100 may be somewhat
rigid, comprising a
polymer, or other semi-rigid material.
[0036] In addition, embodiments of the invention provide for the hood 100 to
be fabricated from
numerous material types. The materials may be fabricated, dyed, and textured
to match a specific
garment, and thereby create a desired aesthetic. The hood 100 may also be
fabricated for more
functional uses, .such as forming a protective barrier from the environment.
In some embodiments,
the material composition of the hood 100 is efficacious for inhibiting
moisture, sunlight, wind, and
debris from contacting the head and neck. However, in other embodiments, the
hood 100 may be of
a netted material to enable ventilation. Suitable materials for the hood 100
may include, without
limitation, a fleece material, cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, silk, leather,
and many others. In one
embodiment, the hood 100 may include terry cloth to aid in the absorption of
sweat and provide
protection from the sun.
[0037] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the hood 100 includes a body portion
102 that conforms to
the head, neck, and face for providing a protective cover thereto. The body
portion 102 may
detachably join, with a garment to provide cover against external elements.
The garment may
include, without limitation, a sweater, a jacket, a shirt, and an upper body
garment. However, the
body portion 102 may be configured to cover the head independently from the
garment, forming an
independent head and neck cover. In either case, the characteristics of the
body portion 102 enable
the head and neck to be covered and uncovered without removing additional
garments. The hood
100 may also be configured to be sufficiently malleable and compactable for
facilitated storage and
portability.
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[0038] In some embodiments, the body portion 102 comprises an interior surface
104 that engages
the head and neck. The interior surface 104 may include a soft, comfortable
material. An exterior
surface 106 forms a barrier against exterior elements, such as rain, snow,
sunlight, and wind. The
exterior surface 106 may include various indicia, such as text, images, or a
logo.
[0039] The body portion 102 further comprises a front section 108. The front
section 108 orients
towards the face, forming a facial port 110 that enables partial passage of
the face for visibility. The
facial port 110 may comprise a nylon material which contracts to fit the face
and expands to
accommodate inner protrusions, such as glasses which may be worn on the face.
[0040] Additionally, the facial port 110 may be lined by a circumferential
cinch mechanism 116
configured to cinch around the face, and thereby adjust the size of the body
portion 102 on the head.
The circumferential cinch mechanism 116 is configured to be operable to
adjustably cinch the front
section 108 around the face. In one embodiment, the collar 114 circumnavigates
the lower end of the
body portion 102, extending from both the front section 108 and the rear
section 112. In one
embodiment, the circumferential cinch mechanism 116 comprises a drawstring
arranged to extend
along a periphery of the facial port 110. The drawstring comprises a pair of
terminal ends arranged
to extend from opposite ends of the facial port 110 for enabling manipulation
of the drawstring. The
drawstring can be pulled away from the front section 108 to cinch the facial
port 110 more closely to
the face and head.
[0041] In some embodiments, the hood 100 can further include a pair of
fasteners 120. The pair of
fasteners 120 can be formed as mating fasteners, such as snap fasteners, hook
and loop fasteners,
clips, buttons, and the like. Each of the pair of fasteners 120 is preferably
coupled to opposing sides of
the body portion 102, proximate the facial port 110, such that when the pair
of fasteners 120 is fastened
together and the circumferential cinch mechanism 116 is cinched, both the neck
and a chin of the user
are covered. In other embodiments, the pair of fasteners 120 can be positioned
higher such that a mouth
and a nose are covered, as well, with only the user's eyes exposed to an
external environment. The
positioning of the fasteners 120 provides additional protection of the user's
face against environmental
elements, as well as, additional privacy and identity concealment for the
user. Advantageously,
providing a stand-alone hood 100 with the pair of fasteners 120 operably
configured and positioned to
allow for selective concealment of a substantial portion of the user's face
gives the user the ability to, at
any time and without the need for an additional garment, conceal the user's
identity, protect the user's
face against environmental elements, and provide heat retention within the
hood 100.
[0042] FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the hood in FIG. 1 and shows a
rear section 112 on the
body portion 102. The rear section 112 orients away from the face, opposite
from the front section 108.
In some embodiments, the rear section 112 may terminate with a collar 114. The
collar 114 forms a
generally rounded protrusion that extends from a lower end of the body portion
102. The collar 114
provides a protective extension for the neck and a portion of the head. The
collar 114 is effective for
providing protection while joined with the garment, or independently. The
collar 114 may be fabricated
from the same materials as the rear section 112, or may be fabricated form a
more rigid, thicker
material. In one embodiment, the hood includes a circumferential seam 300
connecting a bottom
perimeter 302 of the rear section 112 to the collar 114. The collar 114 can
taper to a point on each side
of the body portion 102 at locations 304 along the circumferential seam 302
behind the front portion
108. Thus, the collar 114 can have a widest point from the circumferential
seam 302 at a midpoint 306
of the collar 114 at the rear 112 of the body portion 102.
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[0043] In some embodiments, the collar 114 is configured to at least partially
integrate with a
garment's neck port. The garment neck port includes an opening in the garment
that enables passage
of the neck. In one embodiment, the collar 114 is configured to be operable to
wedge between the
neck and the garment neck port, thereby forming a protective seal against the
exterior elements. In
another embodiment, the collar 114 overlaps the garment neck port. However,
when the body
portion 102 is worn independently from the garment, the collar 114 still forms
a protective overlay
to the neck.
[0044] In another embodiment of the rear section 112, the collar 114 and the
garment neck port form
a more permanent attachment through a fastener, such as a hook and loop
fastener, a zipper, buttons,
a magnet, and more. In any case, the body portion 102 can be detached from the
garment through the
application of a slight pulling force that disengages the collar 114 from the
garment neck port.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the hood in FIG. 1 and shows an exterior
surface 106 of the body
portion 102. The exterior surface 106 provides both functional and aesthetic
characteristics to the
body portion 102. The exterior surface 106 forms a barrier against exterior
elements, such as rain,
snow, sunlight, and wind. The exterior surface 106 may be fabricated form a
slick material that
repels rain for example. The exterior surface 106 may also include various
indicia, such as text,
images, or a logo. The color of the exterior surface 106 can match a garment,
such that the body
portion 102 and the garment appear as a single unit.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hood in FIG. 1 and shows an
interior surface 104 of the
body portion 102. The interior surface 104 engages the head and neck. The
interior surface 104 may
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include a soft, comfortable material efficacious for a comfortable adornment.
In one alternative
embodiment, the interior surface 104 can include multiple layers that detach
to change the size and
shape of the body portion 102.
[0047] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, a collarless hood 200 provides many
of the same
functionalities as the hood 100. except for that the collar 114 described
above is not included.
Consequently, the neck is offered less protection. However, the lack of a
collar 114 does enable the
collarless hood 200 to be more portable since the overall size is generally
smaller than the hood 100.
The collarless hood 200 detachably joins with a garment to provide at least
partial cover to the head,
neck, and face against external elements. The collarless hood 200 may also
cover the head, and
partially cover the neck and face independently from the garment by forming an
independent cover
from the garment.
[0048] In one embodiment, the collarless hood 200 comprises a body portion 202
that conforms to
the head. The body portion 202 includes an interior section 204 for engaging
the head, and an
exterior section 206 that provides a protective surface against the elements.
A front section 208
forms a facial port 210 that cooperates with the face. A rear section 212
extends down to the
shoulders. However, the rear section 212 in the collarless hood 200 does not
include a protruding
section, such as the collar 114 described above. In some embodiments, the
front section 108
comprises a circumferential cinch mechanism 216 for adjusting the size of the
body portion 202 on
the head.
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