TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention generally relates to a clothing element, and more particularly, to a head garment with a removable and inflatable insert.
BACKGROUND
Head garments are conventionally worn to protect the wearers from weather elements, such as cold, sun, wind, etc. The head garments can be integrated as hoods in clothing elements such as sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. The wearers of these clothing elements are often travelers and outdoors enthusiasts. While traveling and being outdoors, these wearers may need some cushioned support for their head, not just at the neck, for example, while resting on a plane, a train, or a car, without having to carry an extra head support or a pillow.
It is therefore desirable to provide a head garment with a removable and inflatable insert that can be integrated with a clothing element and that provides advantages heretofore unknown in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Provided herein are embodiments of a head garment that can be inflated for use in resting or sleeping. In some embodiments, the head garment includes an inner layer and an outer layer, each having a front seam, and a neck seam. The inner layer and the outer layer are coupled to form an inner space, or chamber, therein. In some embodiments, the inner layer of the head garment includes a first vertical elongated aperture positioned substantially in the center of the inner layer. The first vertical elongated aperture is sized for receiving an inflatable insert, or bladder. The inflatable insert includes an air valve having a stem for inflating and deflating the inflatable insert. The inner layer includes a second annular aperture positioned in proximity of the neck seam. The second annular aperture is sized for receiving the stem of the air valve extending through the second annular aperture when the inflatable insert is positioned within the inner chamber. The inflatable insert includes two or more first attachment features, for example, Velcro patches. The inner layer includes two or more second attachment features, for example, corresponding Velcro patches, for attaching to the two or more first attachment features, the two or more second attachment features are positioned for removably attaching the inflatable insert to the head garment.
When the inflatable insert is fully inserted, or positioned, in the inner chamber, and is in an inflated state, it substantially fills the entire interior space, or inner chamber, of the head garment.
In some embodiments, the head garment includes an element coupled to the front edge of the inner layer. The coupling includes, or creates, a vertical elongated aperture positioned in proximity of the second annular aperture, such that the vertical elongated aperture provides access to the air valve which extends through the second annular aperture.
In some embodiments, the head garment includes another element coupled to the front edge of the inner layer. The coupling includes, or creates, a diagonal elongated aperture positioned in proximity of the second annular aperture, such that the diagonal elongated aperture provides access to the air valve which extends through the second annular aperture.
In some embodiments, the inflatable insert has a shape substantially of a half circle, and is fabricated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
In some other embodiments, the head garment includes an inner layer and an outer layer, each having a front seam, and a neck seam. The inner layer and the outer layer are coupled to form an inner space, or chamber, therein. The inner layer includes an horizontal elongated aperture positioned in proximity of the top and the center of the inner layer. The horizontal elongated aperture is sized for receiving an inflatable insert, or bladder. The inflatable insert includes an air valve having a stem for inflating and deflating the inflatable insert. The inner layer includes a second annular aperture positioned in proximity of the neck seam. The second annular aperture is sized for receiving the stem of the air valve extending through the second annular aperture when the inflatable insert is positioned within the inner chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the best mode embodiments of the present invention. In such drawing(s):
FIG. 1 illustrates a front, left side, perspective view of a head garment according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the head garment of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates an inflatable insert according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the head garment of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a right side, sectional view of the head garment of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates another right side, sectional view of the head garment of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of a vertical elongated aperture providing access to a valve of the inflatable insert of the head garment of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the head garment of FIG. 1 with the inflatable insert in an inflated state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates a front, left side, perspective view of another head garment according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the head garment of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the head garment of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 illustrates a right side, sectional view of the head garment of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates another right side, sectional view of the head garment of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 illustrates a close-up view a diagonal elongated aperture providing access to a valve of the inflatable insert the head garment of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 illustrates a view of the head garment of FIG. 9 with the inflatable insert in an inflated state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 illustrates a front, right side, perspective view of another head garment according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 illustrates another front, right side, perspective view of the head garment of FIG. 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 illustrates another front, right side, perspective view of the head garment of FIG. 16 with the top flap not attached to the bottom flap according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 illustrates a view of a head garment being used as a headrest or pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 20 illustrates a view of the inflatable insert being inserted or removed from a head garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The below described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. All features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment unless otherwise stated. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the present invention and its method of use.
In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including, but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.
As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.
FIGS. 1-20 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a head garment. In these illustrated embodiments, the head garment is a hood, for example, of a sweatshirt. The head garment generally includes a covering and an open area. The covering may cover the top, back and sides of the head of a person wearing the head garment. The covering opens, at the open area, to the face of the person wearing the head garment. The covering may include an interior space, or chamber, that may receive an inflatable insert, or bladder, through a first opening on an inner layer of the covering. The inner layer of the covering may also include a second opening for receiving a valve stem of a valve integrated with the inflatable insert. The person wearing the head garment may inflate or deflate the inflatable insert using the valve. In an inflated state, the head garment may be used as a head cushion, or a headrest. It is noted that the inflatable insert may be used independently of the other components of the head garment as a cushion for, for example, inside a luggage while traveling, back support, leg support, and wherever a cushion is desirable.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front, left side, perspective view of a head garment 100. The head garment 100 includes a covering 101 and an open area 102. The head garment 100 may include an inner layer 110 and an outer layer 120. The inner layer 110 and the outer layer 120 may be coupled, for example, sewn together respectively, at a front seam 130 and a neck seam 140. As a result, an interior space, or chamber, 150 (as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6) may be formed in-between the inner layer 110 and the outer layer 120.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front view of the head garment 100. The front seam 130 includes a left seam 131 and a right seam 132. The inner layer 110 may include an elongated aperture, or opening, 112 sized for inserting and removing an inflatable insert, or bladder, 500 (as illustrated in FIG. 3). The elongated aperture 112 may be positioned vertically, in approximately equal distance between the left seam 131 and the right seam 132. The inner layer 110 may include a left side 114 and right side 115, also illustrated in FIG. 4. The left side 114 and right side 115 may be coupled, for example, sewn together at an inner center seam 116. The elongated aperture 112 may be positioned along the center seam 116. In some embodiments, the elongated aperture 112 may be positioned in proximity to the center of the inner layer 110. In some embodiments, the lower end 113 of the elongated aperture 112 may be positioned approximately 2 inches from the neck seam 140. In some embodiments, the elongated aperture 112 may be approximately 9 inches long.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable insert 500 in a non-inflated state. The inflatable insert 500 is sized to fit in the interior space 150 of the head garment 100. In an inflated state, the inflatable insert 500 may substantially fill the entire interior space 150. The shape of the inflatable insert 500 may resemble a half-circle. The inflatable insert 500 includes a valve 510 positioned in proximity to the bottom, right corner of the inflatable 500. In some embodiments, the inflatable insert 500 may include a first annular attachment feature 514, for example, a first Velcro patch, positioned at the base of the valve 510, and a second attachment feature 516, for example, a second Velcro patch, positioned at the bottom, left corner of the inflatable 500, opposite of the first attachment feature 514. As will be described in more detail herein, the attachment features 514, 516 will be attached to corresponding attachment features, for example, corresponding Velcro patches, coupled to, or integrated with, the interior surface of the inner layer 110. The attachment features keep the inflatable insert 500 removably attached to the inner layer 110. Although Velcro is illustrated as an example, other suitable attachment features may also be used.
The inflatable insert 500 may be fabricated with a durable material, for example, vinyl, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, TPU may be used because of its light weight and malleable characteristics. TPU having consistency of approximately 0.10 to 0.15 may be used in some embodiments. The valve 510 may be fabricated with a durable material, for example, plastic or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the valve 510 may be a two-way valve (which can be used to inflate and deflate the insert 500) known in the art of inflatable products. In other embodiments, a one-way pump known in the art may be used.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exploded view of the head garment 100, including the outer layer 120, the inflatable insert 500 in a non-inflated state, and the inner layer 110. As illustrated, the inner layer 110 includes the left side 114, the right side 115, and the front layer element 125. The left side 114 and the right side 115 may be coupled, for example, sewn together at edge 117 and edge 117′ respectively, forming the inner center seam 116. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the seam 116 may include an aperture 112. The front element 125 includes a front edge 126 and a rear edge 127.
In some embodiments, the edge 118 of the left side 114 and the edge 118′ of right side 115 may be coupled to the front layer element 125 at, or in the proximity of, the rear edge 127 of the front element 125. As will be described herein in more detail, in some embodiments, the coupling of the front layer element 125 to the right side 115 may include, or create, an elongated aperture 128, providing access to an annular aperture 119 positioned in the right side 115. The front edge 126 of the front layer element 125 may be coupled to the front edge 121 of the outer layer 120, forming the front seam 130.
In some other embodiments, also illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the edge 118 of the left side 114 and the edge 118′ of right side 115 may be coupled to the front layer element 125 at the front edge 126 of the front layer element 125. The rear edge 127 of the front layer element 125 may then be coupled to the left side 114 and right side 115 distally from the edge 118 and edge 118′ of the left side 114 and right side 115 respectively. The coupling of the front layer element 125 to the right side 115 may include, or create, an elongated aperture 128, allowing access to an annular aperture 119 positioned in the right side 115.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a right side, sectional view of the head garment 100. As described above, the outer layer 120 and inner layer 110 of the head garment 100 are coupled to form the interior space 150. As will be illustrated in more detail herein, the inflatable insert 500 may be positioned in the interior space 150. For example, the inflatable insert 500 may be inserted into the interior space 150 by a person through the elongated aperture 112 (as illustrated in FIG. 20).
FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the right side, sectional view of the head garment 100 with the aperture 128 being in an open position, revealing a stem 512 of an inflation/deflation air valve 510 of the inflatable insert 500.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the elongated aperture 128. In an exemplary operation, the stem 512 of the valve 510 may be pushed and/or pulled through the annular aperture 119 positioned in the right side 115 of the inner layer 110. As noted herein, the valve 510 may be integrated with the inflatable insert 500. The attachment feature 514, for example, an annular Velcro patch, may also be integrated at the base of the valve 510. The attachment feature 514 will be attached to a corresponding attachment feature, for example, a corresponding Velcro patch 520 coupled to, or integrated with, the right side 115 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). The attachment features keep the inflatable insert 500 removably attached to the inner layer 110.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the head garment 100 shown with the inflatable insert 500 positioned in the interior space 150, and in an inflated state. In the inflated state, the inflatable insert 500 may substantially fill the entire interior space 150. As mentioned herein, in this state, the head garment 100 may be used as a head cushion, or a headrest.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front, left side, perspective view of a head garment 200. The head garment 200 includes a covering 201 and an open area 202. The head garment 200 may include an inner layer 210 and an outer layer 220. The inner layer 210 and the outer layer 220 may be coupled, for example, sewn together respectively, at a front seam 230 and a neck seam 240. As a result, an interior space, or chamber, 250 may be formed in-between the inner layer 210 and the outer layer 220.
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front view of the head garment 200. The front seam 230 includes a left seam 231 and a right seam 232. The inner layer 210 may include an elongated aperture, or opening, 212 sized for inserting and removing an inflatable insert, or bladder, 500. The elongated aperture 212 may be positioned vertically, in approximately equal distance between the left seam 231 and the right seam 232. In some embodiments, the inner layer 210 may include a left side 214 and right side 215, also illustrated in FIG. 10. The left side 214 and right side 215 are coupled, for example, sewn together at an inner center seam 216. The elongated aperture 212 may be positioned along the center seam 216. In some embodiments, the elongated aperture 212 may be positioned in proximity to the center of the inner layer 210. In some embodiments, the lower end 213 of the elongated aperture 212 may be positioned approximately 2 inches from the neck seam 240. In some embodiments, the elongated aperture 212 may be approximately 9 inches long.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exploded view of the head garment 200, including the outer layer 220, the inflatable insert 500 in a non-inflated state, and the inner layer 210. As illustrated, the inner layer 210 includes the left side 214, the right side 215, and a pocket element 225. The left side 214 and the right side 215 may be coupled, for example, sewn together at edge 217 and edge 217′ respectively, forming the inner center seam 216. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the seam 216 may include an aperture 212. The pocket element 225 includes a front edge 226, a bottom edge 227, and a top edge 228.
In some embodiments, front edge 226 of the pocket element 225 may be coupled, for example, sewn, to the front edge 218′ of the right side 215. The bottom edge 227 of the pocket element 225 may be coupled to the bottom edge 231 of the right side 215. As a result, a triangular pocket 229 is formed, having the opening at the edge 228. The pocket 229 provides access to an annular aperture 219 positioned in the right side 215.
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a right side, sectional view of the head garment 200. As described above, the outer layer 220 and inner layer 210 of the head garment 200 are coupled to form the interior space 250. As will be illustrated in more detail herein, the inflatable insert 500 may be positioned in the interior space 250. For example, the inflatable insert 500 may be inserted into the interior space 250 by a person through the elongated aperture 212 (as illustrated in FIG. 20).
FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the right side, sectional view of the head garment 200 with the aperture 128 being in an open position, revealing a stem 512 of an inflation/deflation air valve 510 of the inflatable insert 500.
FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the pocket 229. In an exemplary operation, the stem 512 of the valve 510 may be pushed and/or pulled through the annular aperture 219 positioned in the right side 215 of the inner layer 210. As noted herein, the valve 510 may be integrated with the inflatable insert 500. An attachment feature 514, for example, an annular Velcro patch, may also be integrated at the base of the valve 510. The attachment feature 514 will be attached to a corresponding attachment feature, for example, a corresponding Velcro patch 522 coupled to, or integrated with, the interior surface of the right side 215. The attachment features keep the inflatable insert 500 removably attached to the inner layer 210. Although Velcro is illustrated as an example, other suitable attachment features may also be used.
FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the head garment 200 shown with the inflatable insert 500 positioned in the interior space 250, and in an inflated state. In the inflated state, the inflatable insert 500 may substantially fill the entire interior space 250. As mentioned herein, in this state, the head garment 200 may be used as a head cushion, or a headrest.
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a head garment 300. The head garment 300 includes a covering 301 and an open area 302. The head garment 300 may include an inner layer 310 and an outer layer 320. The inner layer 310 and the outer layer 320 may be coupled, for example, sewn together respectively, at a front seam 330 and a neck seam 340. As a result, an interior space, or chamber, 350 may be formed in-between the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 320. The inner layer 310 may include a horizontal, elongated aperture 312 positioned in proximity of the top of the head garment 300. The elongated aperture 312 is sized for receiving the inflatable insert 500 (shown inserted in the interior space 350).
The elongated aperture 312 includes a top flap 370, and a bottom flap 372. The bottom flap 372 includes an attachment feature 360, for example, a first Velcro patch. The top flap 370 includes an attachment feature 361, for example, a second Velcro patch, that will attach to the attachment 360 when the aperture 312 is in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Although Velcro is illustrated as an example, other suitable attachment features may also be used.
FIG. 18 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a head garment 300. In this embodiment, when the top flap 370 is not attached to the bottom flap 372, the top flap 370 may operate as a visor.
In at least some exemplary modes of operation, the head garment 100, 200, or 300 may be worn as a hood, for example, of a sweat shirt, a sweater, or a jacket. The wearer may cover his or her head with the head garment 100, 200, or 300. The wearer may access the valve stem 512 while the head garment 100, 200, or 300 is either covering, or not covering his or her head. The wearer may inflate the inflatable insert 500 by blowing or pumping air into the valve stem 512. In the embodiments where a pump may be integrated with the inflatable insert 500, the wearer may use the pump to inflate the inflatable insert. In the inflated state, the head garment 100, 200, or 300 may be used as a pillow, a headrest, or a head support, for example, for resting or sleeping while traveling on a plane, a train, a car, or the like, as illustrated in FIG. 19. As noted above, the inflatable insert 500 may be used independently of other components of the head garment as a cushion for, for example, inside a luggage while traveling, back support, leg support, and wherever a cushion is desirable.
It is noted that when the inflatable insert 500 is in the inflated state, and substantially filling the entire interior space 150, 250, or 350 of the head garment 100, 200, or 300, the head garment 100, 200, or 300 provides a head support that may cover the back and both sides of the head of the wearer.
In some other exemplary modes of operation, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the user may insert or remove the inflatable insert 500 whenever she or he desires. Although shown as being in a non-inflated state, the inflatable insert 500 may be inserted or removed while being in either inflated or non-inflated state.
In some embodiments, the insert 500 may be a layer of memory foam. In these embodiments, the insert 500 does not include a valve.
The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.
The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.
Changes from the described subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.
The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims, if any, and it is made clear, here, that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what is intended to be patented.
Patent Application
20170265554
