HOOD

Abstract

A hood includes 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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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 the environment. The hood can be pulled up over the head when needed, or left to hang down the back when not in use.

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.

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.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

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 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.

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.

In accordance with another feature, the head-covering portion defines an opening that exposes the user's face.

In accordance with another feature, head-covering portion includes a drawstring operable to adjust the size of the opening.

In accordance with yet another feature, the collar portion is sized and shaped to cover a user's neck.

In accordance with a further feature, the collar portion further includes a downwardly curving lower edge.

In accordance with another feature, the head-covering portion is of a fleece material.

In accordance with yet another feature, the head-covering portion is of a terry cloth material.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary hood, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a elevational front view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hood in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary collarless hood, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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, 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.

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.

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 of the head. However, in other embodiments, the hood 100 may be somewhat rigid, comprising a polymer, or other semi-rigid material.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Claims

1. A hood comprising: a head-covering portion sized and shaped to at least partially cover a head of a user, leaving a face of the user exposed; anda 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.

2. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the head-covering portion: defines an opening that exposes the user's face.

3. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the head-covering portion comprises: a drawstring operable to adjust the size of the opening.

4. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the collar portion: is sized and shaped to cover a user's neck.

5. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the collar portion further comprises: a downwardly curving lower edge.

6. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the head-covering portion: is of a fleece material.

7. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the head-covering portion: is of a terry cloth material.

8. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the head-covering portion further comprises: 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.

9. The hood according to claim 1, wherein the collar portion: is sized and shaped to extend into a neck hole of a garment.

10. The hood according to claim 9, wherein 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.

11. A method of wearing a hood, the method comprising: 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; anda 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;placing a garment having a neck opening on an upper body of a user;placing the hood on the head of a user; andinserting the collar portion of the hood into the neck opening of the garment.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the head-covering portion: defines an opening that exposes the user's face.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the head-covering portion comprises: a drawstring operable to adjust the size of the opening.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the collar portion: is sized and shaped to cover a user's neck.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the collar portion further comprises: a downwardly curving lower edge.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the head-covering portion: is of a fleece material.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the collar portion: is sized and shaped to extend into a neck hole of a garment.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein 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.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the head-covering portion: is of a terry cloth material.

20. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: fastening a pair of fasteners coupled to the hood such that the hood covers a user's neck and a user's chin.