FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the protection of the neck from environmental elements such as inclement weather. The present invention more particularly pertains to an adjustable sleeve worn around the neck and can be referred to as a neck gaiter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A neck gaiter is a sleeve worn around the neck, often for warmth, that can be pulled up over the nose and mouth to function as a face covering in addition to covering the neck. Over the years there have been many different types and kinds of neck gaiters with various circumferences, lengths, and thickness.
One of the issues with existing neck gaiters is the problem of people's varying neck sizes. No two persons have the same body measurement, which means they will have varying neck dimensions. The typical solution today is to buy a neck gaiter that fits the precise neck measurement. The problem with this approach is the need for people to shop around for a suitable neck gaiter that fits their exact neck size that can also stretch over their heads. Moreover, multiple neck gaiters may be necessary in order to provide tighter or looser fits as needed for use in different environments as well as being worn with different clothing.
Another issue is negotiating a neck gaiter on and off to adapt to varying temperatures as a person enters and exits controlled environments. Today, there is no solution other than donning and doffing the neck gaiter over the head, subjecting it to overstretching. Because the neck gaiter is slipped on and off over the head, makeup and hair can be affected in an undesired manner by placement or removal of the neck gaiter.
Overstretching is also an issue with neck gaiters. Overstretching wears out neck gaiters. The only solution to an overextended neck gaiter is to purchase a new one. Sometimes, especially with children, the neck gaiter will become too small due to the child or a person's neck growing in circumference. There is no solution to overcome this problem other than buying a larger in circumference neck gaiter.
In view of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a neck gaiter that can be adjusted in size. It would be further advantageous to provide a neck gaiter that can be placed and removed without affecting hairstyle and makeup. It would be further advantageous to provide an adjustable neck gaiter that is aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and relatively cost effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An adjustable neck gaiter is disclosed and includes an elongated body that has a fabric covering and configurable to form a tubular shape to form an adjustable neck gaiter, or sleeve, worn around the neck, that can include a scarf that can extend to cover the lower part of the face, including the nose and mouth, or can be worn open draped around the back of the neck. In a preferred embodiment, elongated fasteners having magnetic elements, such as metallic collar stays, are located inside the fabric at one end of the gaiter body, and reciprocal fastener having magnetic elements, such as magnets, are located on the opposite end of the gaiter body to facilitate the fastening of the adjustable neck gaiter, and for the adjustment of the circumference of the gaiter in use to accommodate different sized necks, and the wearing of different clothing.
To achieve the adjustable diameters of the gaiter, a preferred embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention includes a rectangular-shaped fabric body. The rectangular fabric body has a first end and a second end and a top and bottom edge. The elongated fasteners are positioned inside the material panel of the rectangular body proximate to the top and bottom of the first end, and aligned to be substantially parallel with the top and bottom edges. The reciprocal fasteners are positioned inside the fabric of the rectangular body proximate to the top and bottom edges near the second end. The elongated fasteners and the reciprocal fasteners are removably attachable to each other. By placing the reciprocal fasteners adjacent to the elongated fastener, varying diameters of the sleeve can be created such that the varying diameters of the sleeve fit around wearers' different neck sizes, as well as allowing for varied tightness of the sleeve around a single wearer's neck and face.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable neck gaiter in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the adjustable neck gaiter of FIG. 1 in an open configuration;
FIG. 3 shows a diagram of the placement of magnets and metallic collar stays in the adjustable neck gaiter of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a corner of a preferred embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter, in which a medallion detachable from the magnet is illustrated;
FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter in an open configuration;
FIG. 6 shows a diagram of the placement of magnets, metallic collar stays, and mesh lining an alternative embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter;
FIG. 7 shows a diagram of alternative embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter showing the placement of magnets, metallic collar stays, and mesh lining covered with a number of panels to maintain proper positioning of the components; and
FIG. 8 shows another alternative embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter with the placement of magnets, metallic collar stays, and mesh lining held in place with a single panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable neck gaiter in accordance with the present invention is shown in its open configuration and generally designated 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable neck gaiter 100 has a substantially rectangular body 100A, with upper and bottom edges 101 and 102, and first and second ends 103 and 104. The adjustable neck gaiter 100 further includes an exterior surface, or panel, 105 and a second exterior surface, or panel, 106, as shown in FIG. 1, having the same size and shape as the first outer surface 105. The first and second exterior surfaces 105 and 106 are substantially rectangular-shaped and bounded by the upper edge 101 and bottom edge 102, and the first end 103 and second end 104. In some embodiments, first panel 105 and second panel 106 use the same material, but in other embodiments the first surface material 105 is constructed from a different material from the second surface 106 or has a different color or aesthetic appearance from the second surface 106, or both. Suitable materials for panels 105 and 106 can include, but are not limited to, cotton, flannel, felt, faux fur, or any other material which would be suitably warm, aesthetically pleasing, and preferably easy to launder.
As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the adjustable neck gaiter 100 further includes fasteners 200A and 200B, such as magnetic elements that removably attach to a linear array of reciprocal magnetic elements 300A, 300B, 301A, 301B, 302A, and 302B, such as metallic collar stays, fastening the first end 103 of the adjustable neck gaiter 100 to the second end 104, as shown in FIG. 1, allowing for adjustment of diameter 400 by movement of first end 103 along second end 104 as depicted by arrow 500.
It should be noted that other fasteners may be used without departing from the spirit of the adjustable neck gaiter 100. For example, it would be possible to use snaps, buckles, ties, a plurality of vertical or horizontal hook-and-loop strips, or other fasteners placed between the upper edge 101 to bottom edge 102 to connect the first end 103 to the second end 104.
When fastened, the adjustable neck gaiter 100 effectively forms a sleeve around a wearer's neck. As a result of fastening the first end 103 to the second end 104, there is some overlap 110 of the body 100A of the adjustable neck gaiter 100, with the first end 103 being placed over the second end 104, or in some embodiments, the second end 104 being placed over the first end 103. The amount of overlap can be adjusted. For instance, in a preferred embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention, a number of elongated fasteners may be positioned end-to-end, such as the three metallic collar stays 300A, 301A, and 302A placed in a row proximate the upper edge 101, and three metallic collar stays 300B, 301B, and 302B placed in a row proximate the bottom edge 102. By positioning the reciprocal fastener at various positions along the elongated fasteners to adjust the amount of overlap, the adjustable neck gaiter 100 is adaptable to the size of the wearer's neck and the desired tightness for a particular use case.
FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the adjustable neck gaiter 100 of the present invention in a closed configuration and having a detachable scarf 116. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the fasteners are within the interior of the body 100A of the adjustable neck gaiter 100. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, magnets 200A and 200B, and metallic collar stays 300A, 300B, 301A, 301B, 302A, and 302B are positioned within the body 100A, such as by stitching them into symmetrical positions. These fasteners are stitched in the interior of the adjustable neck gaiter 100 between first exterior surface 105 and the second exterior surface 106. Alternative attachment methods can be used to secure the fasteners 200 and 300, 301 and 302 in place. For instance, fasteners may be adhesively secured in place, or encapsulated within pouches sewn into the proper positions within body 100A.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a plan view of the adjustable neck gaiter 100 is illustrated in an unfastened, open configuration illustrating the first exterior surface 105. The adjustable neck gaiter 100 is provided with a pair of fasteners such as magnets 200A and 200B proximate the first end 103 as well as the upper edge 101 and bottom edge 102, respectively. Reciprocal fasteners, such as fastening strips 300B, 301B, and 302B are shown and positioned to be adjacent fasteners 200 when the adjustable neck gaiter 100 is in the shape to be worn.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, fastening strips 300A, 301A, and 302A are rectangular with a length greater than the diameter of magnet 200A. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, fastening strips 300B, 301B, and 302B are rectangular with a length greater than the diameter of magnet 200B. As a result, magnet 200A can be moved relative to the fastening strip 300A, 301A, or 302A to which it is attached—and likewise magnet 200B can be moved relative to fastening strips 300B, 301B, or 302B—while the adjustable neck gaiter 100 is in a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, without disconnecting magnet 200A or 200B from its connected fastening strip. This allows a wearer to fasten the adjustable neck gaiter 100 to the size of the wearer's neck and adjust for the desired tightness after fastening it into the closed configuration by sliding fasteners 200 along reciprocal fasteners 300, 301 and 302.
Also provided in FIG. 2, is a length 140 comprising each row of metallic collar stays, which is a portion of the length of the adjustable neck gaiter 100. Specifically, length 140 is the length of the upper row of fasteners 302A, 301A, and 300A, which is equal in length to its parallel, bottom row of metallic collar stays 302B, 301B, and 301B. It is to be appreciated that any number of reciprocal fasteners may be included in the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention. Specifically, by increasing the length 140 of the fasteners, the range of diameter 400 of FIG. 1 may be increased. Conversely, if the length 140 of fasteners is decreased, the range of diameter 400 will be decreased. In some embodiments, there may be only a single reciprocal fastener providing for a small measure of adjustability. Another alternative embodiment included a single flexible elongated reciprocal fastener 300 that will adjustably attach to fastener 200.
Referring to FIG. 2, a cutout 105A shows a portion of the first exterior surface 105 removed for clarity, revealing the interior of the adjustable neck gaiter 100. The cutout 105A reveals a stuffing or insulative layer 130 within the interior of the body 100A, such as insulation material. This insulation material 130 may be simply another cloth or material panel sized as panels 105 and 106, or it may be an insulating foam panel or quilted panel that will provide additional thermal insulation as well as provide additional rigidity to body 100A when in use to maintain the adjustable neck gaiter in a tubular shape to most efficiently protect the wearer's neck.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram of fasteners 200A and 200B and reciprocal fasteners 300A, 300B, 301A, 301B, 302A and 302B in the fabric of the adjustable neck gaiter 100 are illustrated. The adjustable neck gaiter 100 is provided with a first pair of reciprocal fasteners, such as ferrous fastening strips 300A and 300B. Suitable and readily available reciprocal fastener components are metallic collar stays. As shown in FIG. 2, the first pair of reciprocal fasteners 300A and 300B, the second pair 301A and 301B, and the third pair 302A and 302B are all mounted securely inside the body 100A of the adjustable neck gaiter 100, proximate to the second end 104. The first pair of reciprocal fasteners 301A and 301B are positioned farther away from the second end 104 than the second pair of reciprocal fasteners 300A and 300B, but closer to the second end 104 than the third pair of reciprocal fasteners. According to the present embodiment of the invention, all pairs of fastening strips 300A, 300B, 301A, 301B, 302A, and 302B are positioned in two parallel rows such that they are substantially parallel to the upper edge 101 and bottom edge 102. Finally, As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of magnets 200A and 200B and all pairs of fastening strips 300A, 300B, 301A, 301B, 302A, and 302B are positioned at the same distance apart 108 so that when the adjustable neck gaiter 100 is in the closed position as shown on FIG. 1, fasteners 200A and 200B align with one of the pairs of reciprocal fasteners 300A, 300B, 301A, 301B, 302A, and 302B.
Returning now back to FIG. 1, the adjustability of the adjustable neck gaiter 100 of the present invention can be more fully described. As stated above, the gaiter may be adjusted to a smaller or larger diameter 400 by moving or sliding fasteners 200 along reciprocal fasteners 300, 301 and 302 in direction 500 to the left or right to adjust the adjustable neck gaiter 100 to have a smaller or larger diameter.
As shown in FIG. 1, the present embodiment of the invention includes the pair of fasteners 200A and 200B connected to the pairs of reciprocal fasteners 301A and 301B, respectively. This connection is the middle position. The adjustable neck gaiter 100 can be adjusted to a smaller diameter by connecting fasteners 200A and 200B to reciprocal fasteners 302A and 302B, respectively. This connection is the smallest diameter position. On the other hand, the adjustable neck gaiter 100 can be adjusted with a larger diameter by connecting fasteners 200A and 200B to reciprocal fasteners 300A and 300B, respectively. This connection is the largest diameter position.
Referring now to FIG. 4, in preferred embodiments of the adjustable neck gaiter 100, a magnetic snap and socket base 210 is attached to the body 100A. The magnetic snap and socket base 210 further includes a detachable medallion 212 as the male snap end or cover, a face 214 labeled on the medallion 212, and a female socket base 216. The female socket base 216 is proximate the upper edge 101 and is mounted onto the second exterior surface 106 of the adjustable neck gaiter 100. In most embodiments, the face 214 includes a design or logo. Since medallion 212 is detachable from socket base 210, it is interchangeable with other medallions (not shown) in order to change the appearance of the magnetic snap and socket base 210.
The wearer can replace medallion 212 with another medallion 212 having a different face 214. Exemplary faces 214 contain simple designs, provide artistic flair, artwork, or a logo or design associated with an institution or cause, such as a sports team, resort, national or regional flag, university, or other design meaningful to the wearer, or simply prominent product branding. Thus, a detachable and interchangeable medallion 212 functions in a manner analogous to a cufflink for the neck, combining the operational use of magnets 200A and 200B with an additional use in style and messaging.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the adjustable neck gaiter 100 further includes a detachable scarf 116 that is readily attachable to a fastener 112 on the second exterior surface 116, such as a shown in FIG. 2. The size, shape and material of scarf 116 may complementary to the materials of surfaces 105 and 106, and includes a complementary fastener (not shown) to fastener 112 that may be easily removed and reattached using fastener 112. A snap is shown as fastener 112, however, it is to be appreciated that a magnetic fastener may be positioned where fastener 112 is located and within body 100A, and a corresponding magnetic element may be formed into or on scarf 116 such that scarf 116 may be easily attached, removed, and reattached simply by placing the corresponding magnetic element adjacent fastener 112. This would create a clean panel 106 without any additional visible fasteners making the adjustable neck gaiter more aesthetically pleasing when a scarf 116 is not in use.
An alternative embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 and generally designated 600. As shown, adjustable neck gaiter 600 extends from a first end 603 to a second end 604 along its length and an upper edge 601 and bottom edge 602 along its width. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the adjustable neck gaiter 600 further includes an exterior surface, or panel, 605 and a second exterior surface, or panel, 606, having the same size and shape as the first outer surface 605. The adjustable neck gaiter 600 includes a set of three fasteners 700A, 700B, and 700C proximate the first end 603, and three sets of reciprocal fasteners 800A, 800B, and 800C, and 801A, 801B, and 801C, as well as 802A, 802B, and 802C proximate the second end 604. Fasteners 700A, 700B, and 700C, such as circular magnets, are visible underneath a mesh lining 702 on exterior surface 605 to form a pocket in which the fasteners may be secured in position. Mesh lining 702 provides for a strong magnetic force between fasteners 700 and reciprocal fasteners 800, 801 and 802. However, alternatively, a thin cloth membrane may also be used in place of mesh lining 702. Also shown in FIG. 6, the alternative embodiment of the adjustable neck gaiter 600 includes a fastener 612 on the second exterior surface 606, that may be readily attachable to a scarf 116.
As shown, a first set of three reciprocal fasteners, such as metallic collar stays, 800A, 800B, and 800C are adjacent to the second end 604 and equally spaced apart from the upper to bottom edges 601 and 602. Another set of reciprocal fasteners 801A, 801B, and 801C are positioned farther away from the second end 604 than fasteners 800A, 800B, and 800C but closer to the second end 604 than 802A, 802B, and 802C. Yet another set of reciprocal fasteners 802A, 802B, and 802C are positioned further away from the second end 604 than reciprocal fasteners 801A, 801B, 801C. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, all sets of reciprocal fasteners (800A, 800B, 800C), (801A, 801B, 801C) and (802A, 802B, 802C) are positioned in three parallel rows such that they are substantially parallel to the upper edge 101 and bottom edge 102.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, alternative embodiments of the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention are shown in which the magnetic elements 800ABC, 801ABC and 802ABC are held in place with an over membrane. More specifically, referring to FIG. 7, magnetic elements may be covered with a membrane 650 which cover magnetic elements 800B, 801B and 802B to hold them securely in place on panel 605. Similarly, magnetic elements may be covered with a membrane 651 which cover magnetic elements 800C, 801C and 802C to hold them securely in place on panel 605. In an alternative embodiment, magnetic elements may be covered with individual membranes 652, 653 and 654 which cover magnetic elements 800A, 801A and 802A, respectively, to hold them securely in place on panel 605. In another alternative embodiment, a single large membrane may be used to secure all fastener elements in place. For instance, in FIG. 8, fasteners 800ABC, 801ABC, and 802ABC are all secured in place with a single membrane 660 as the perimeter 662 of membrane 660 surrounds all fasteners.
As described herein, membranes 650, 651, 652, 653, 654 and 660 are made from materials which are flexible and will bend along with panels 605 and 606 while the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention is in use. Moreover, in preferred embodiments, these membranes may be adhesively attached to the panels 605 and 606 so as to closely seal the various fasteners to the panels 605 and 606. The membranes may be a plastic membrane having an adhesive layer on the side contacting the panels to adhesively secure the fasteners in place. Alternatively, the membranes may be a cloth material either adhesively, heat-bonded or sewn to panels 605 and 606 to maintain the position of the various fasteners in place.
Throughout this description, fasteners and reciprocal fasteners have been described has having a cooperative attraction to each other in order to secure the adjustable neck gaiter of the present invention in place. Magnetic fasteners are used in a preferred embodiment, and can include magnet fasteners and ferrous reciprocal fasteners. However, it is to be appreciated that either the fastener or the reciprocal fastener may be magnetic, with the other being simply metallic or ferrous so as to attract itself to the magnetic element. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a suitable fastener is a circular or button magnetic, and a corresponding reciprocal fastener is an elongated rectangular metal panel, such as a metallic collar stay such as those used in dress shirts to maintain collar stiffness. These examples are merely exemplary of suitable fasteners, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable fasteners will suffice.
While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Patent Application
20230255284
