HOODED GARMENT

Abstract

A hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer includes a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket. The hood has a front portion defining an opening and a back portion. The hood includes a securing structure to couple the hood to the head of the wearer. The securing structure has a suspension connected to the hood to translate forces from movement of the head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

Description

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to hooded garments. More particularly, this disclosure relates to hooded garments having a stretch component adapted to at least: secure the hood to the wearer's head; allow air circulation around the wearer's head; and/or, move the hood conjointly with the wearer's head.

BACKGROUND

Typically, hooded garments (for example, hooded jackets/coats) are configured to cover the torso, arms and head of the wearer to protect the wearer from the elements, such as cold, wind, snow, and rain. More specifically, typical hooded jackets/coats include a body for covering the torso of the wearer, sleeves extending outward from the sides of the body for covering the arms of the wearer, and a hood for covering the head of the wearer. Often the hood of known hooded jackets/coats can be selectively restrained about the head of the wearer using, for example, a drawstring. In some such embodiments, the drawstring of the hood can be selectively cinched to draw the hood against or in close proximity to the wearer's face. However, cinching or otherwise bringing the hood against the head of the wearer inhibits air circulation within the hood and body heat from the head of the wearer from escaping the hood. As the temperature of the wearer's head increases, the wearer's body may attempt to lower the temperature by undesirably perspiring.

Some wearers of hooded jackets/coats may not tighten the drawstring of the hood about their face thereby allowing air circulation inside the hood. As a result, however, the hood rests on top of the wearer's head and is not positively connected to the head. Thus, the hood stays stationary as the wearer turns his/her head. Often with the wearer's head turned to the side, a side portion of the hood will block or otherwise inhibit the wearer's vision.

Accordingly, a need exists for a hooded garment that allows air circulation between the hood and the head of the wearer while holding the hood of the garment in rotational relation with respect to the wearer's head during movement of the head.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer is provided. The hooded garment includes a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket. The hood has a front portion defining an opening and a back portion. The hood includes a securing structure to couple the hood to the head of the wearer. The securing structure has a suspension connected to hood to translate forces from movement of the head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

In another aspect, a hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer is provided. The hooded garment includes a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket. The hood has a front portion and a back portion. The hood includes an inner shell and a securing structure mounted on the inner shell to couple the hood to the head of the wearer. The securing structure has a suspension in the form of a liner to maintain the inner shell in at least partial spaced relation to the head to facilitate air circulation between the head and the inner shell.

In yet another aspect, a hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer is provided. The hooded garment includes a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket and extending therefrom. The hood has a front portion defining an opening and a back portion. The hood includes an inner shell and a securing structure mounted to the inner shell for attaching the hood to the head of the wearer. The securing structure has having a suspension which is configured to maintain the inner shell in at least partial spaced relation to the head to facilitate air circulation between the head and the inner shell and configured to translate forces from movement of the head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

In still yet another aspect, a hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer is provided. The hooded garment includes a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket. The hood has a front portion defining an opening and a back portion. The hood includes a liner adapted to receive at least a portion of the wearer's head to translate forces from movement of the wearer's head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects, alone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial front perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving a head of a wearer;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 1 showing the inside of the hood;

FIG. 2 a is a partial perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a hood;

FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving the head of the wearer;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 3 showing the inside of the hood;

FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial front-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is a partial back-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is a partial front perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving a head of a wearer;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 8 showing the inside of the hood;

FIG. 9 a is a partial perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a hood;

FIG. 10 is a partial side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 10 a is a partial perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a hood;

FIG. 11 is a partial front-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 8-10;

FIG. 12 is a partial back-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 8-11;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of still another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving a head of a wearer;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of still yet another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving a head of a wearer;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving a head of a wearer;

FIG. 16 is a partial front-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial back-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment having a jacket and a hood with a suspension for receiving a head of a wearer;

FIG. 19 is a partial front-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partial back-side perspective view of the hooded garment of FIGS. 18 and 19; and

FIG. 21 is a prospective view of one exemplary embodiment of a compression hood for use with the hood of the hooded garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein relate to a hooded garment that can easily and efficiently adapt to different temperatures. Moreover, the embodiments relate to a hooded garment that allows air circulation between the hooded garment and the head of the wearer. Additionally, the embodiments relate to holding the hood of the garment in rotational relations with respect to the wearer's head during movement of the head. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a suspension connected to the hood and configured to translate forces from movement of the head to the hood. It should be understood that the descriptions and figures that utilize a jacket as the garment are examples only. The exemplary hooded garment can be used with other garments and clothing types.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, one exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment is designated in its entirety by reference number 100. The illustrated hooded garment 100 includes a jacket 110 comprising a body 114 (partially shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a pair of sleeves 116 (partially shown in FIG. 2) extending outward from the sides of the body 114, and a hood 120 attached to and extending from the jacket 110. As seen in FIG. 2, the body 114 can be selectively opened to facilitate donning of the hooded garment by a wearer 112. The body 114 can include a suitable fastener (for example, a slide fastener) to selectively close the body 114 when the hooded garment 100 is donned to thereby enclose the torso of the wearer 112 in the garment 100. It is understood that the fastener can include other types of suitable fasteners including, for example, hook and loop, snaps, buttons, magnets. It is also understood that in some embodiments, the fastener can be omitted (for example, a pull over garment) or that the fastener can extend less than the entire length of the jacket (for example, a ¼ or ½ zip jacket). It is further understood that in some exemplary embodiments of the hood garment (for example, a vest), the sleeves 116 can be omitted.

With reference to FIG. 1, the hood 120 of the hooded garment 100 has a front portion 122, a back portion 126, a right side portion 128, a left side portion 130, and a top portion 132. The illustrated hood 120 includes an outer shell (or outer layer) 140, an inner shell (or inner layer) 141, and a securing structure 150 mounted on the inner shell 141. The securing structure 150 is adapted to couple the hood 120 of the hooded garment 100 to the head 118 of the wearer 112. The outer shell 140 and/or the inner shell 141 may be constructed by stitching together a back panel 142, a right panel 144, a left panel 146, and a top panel 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the right panel 144, the left panel 146, and the top panel 148 of the outer shell 140 cooperatively define an opening 124 in the hood 120. The opening 124 can include an adjustable size and shape or a fixed size and shape.

The securing structure 150 includes a suspension 160 for capturing at least a portion of the wearer's head 118 to thereby couple the wearer's head 118 to the hood 120. The illustrated suspension 160, which is a head band, is connected (for example, stitched) to the inner shell 141 in the front portion 122 and the back portion 126 of the hood 120. Alternatively, the suspension 160 can removably connect to the inner shell 141 such as, for example only, by a slide fastener or hook and loop fastener. As the wearer 112 moves his/her head 118, the suspension 160 moves with the head 118. Via its connection with the inner shell 141 of the hood 120, the suspension 160 transfers the wearer's head movement to the hood 120 so as to not block or otherwise inhibit the wearer's vision during movement of the head 118. More particularly, the suspension 160 distributes and transfers the forces caused by movement of the wearer's head to the front portion 122 and the back portion 126 of the hood 120. The transferred forces act on and move (i.e., rotate) the front portion 122 and the back portion 126 in opposite directions. In the exemplary embodiment, the opening 124 is configured to rotate with the front portion 122.

The suspension 160 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is made of an elastic material. The elastic material can comprise a variety of materials that are suitably soft, flexible, breathable, and stretchable. Additionally, the elastic material is stain resistant and odor resistant. In one exemplary embodiment, the suspension 160 has an initial inner diameter sized smaller than the anticipated diameter of the wearer's head 118. The elastic material allows the suspension 160 to expand upon placement of the hood 120 on at least a portion of the head 118, automatically adjusting or increasing the inner diameter to the size and shape of the wearer's head 118 without distorting the hood 120. Accordingly, the suspension 160 is adapted to create a compression force about at least a portion of the head 118.

In one exemplary embodiment, the suspension 160 allows air circulation about the head 118 of the wearer 112 by maintaining the inner shell 141 of the hood 120 in at least partial spaced relation to the head. More particularly, the suspension 160 is configured to suspend the inner shell 141 relative to the wearer's head 118 to facilitate creating a space 169 between the inner shell 141 and at least a portion of the head 118. The space 169 is configured to facilitate air circulation within the space 169 and/or air circulation between the head 118 and the inner shell 141. The spaced relation of the head 118 and the inner shell 141 facilitates cooling and reducing or eliminating perspiration of the wearer 112 since the air circulation within the space 169 facilitates heat transfer, via at least by convection, from the head 118 and into the space 169. Accordingly, the suspension 160 is configured to easily and efficiently cool the wearer 112 for thermal benefits such as cooling and less perspiration which enhances comfort and durability of the hooded garment 100.

The head band of the suspension 160 is sized to accept the head 118 of the wearer 112 by the wearer 112 inserting their head 118 into the head band. The head band is stretched, which creates a compression force about the head 118 of the wearer 112. In an embodiment, the compression force of the suspension 160 is created without an adjuster such as, but not limited to, a cord lock and hook and loop fastener. In one exemplary embodiment and in order to increase or decrease the compression force exerted by the head band, the suspension 160 has an adjustable connection 168 for adjusting the initial inner diameter of the suspension 160. The adjustment connection 168 may be a buckle, hook and loop, slide fastener, snaps, buttons, magnets, or other suitable fastening mechanism. It is understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the adjustable connection 168 can be omitted.

The securing structure 150 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of rear tabs 170 (two rear tabs 170 being illustrated in FIG. 2) for attaching the suspension 160 to the inner shell 141 in the back portion 126 of the hood 120. As seen in FIG. 2, one end of each the rear tabs 170 is attached (for example, stitched) to the suspension 160 and the opposite end of each of the tabs is attached (for example, stitched) to the inner shell 141 of the hood 120. A plurality of forward tabs 172 (two forward tabs 172 being illustrated in FIG. 2) are also provided for attaching the suspension to the inner shell 141 in the front portion 122 of the hood 120. As seen in FIG. 2, one end of each the forward tabs 172 is attached (for example, stitched) to the suspension 160 and the opposite end of each of the tabs 172 is attached (for example, stitched) to the inner shell 141 of the hood 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward tabs 172 and the rear tabs 170 are shown in diametrically opposed locations. It is understood, however, the rear tabs 170 and the forward tabs 172 can have any suitable arrangement. It is also understood that the securing structure 150 can include any suitable number of rear and forward tabs 170, 172. Moreover, the rear tabs 170 and the forward tabs 172 can be removably connected to the inner shell 141.

FIG. 2 a is a partial perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the hood 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the suspension 160 includes a substantially linear configuration. The suspension 160 includes opposing straps or tabs which are substantially parallel which are configured to facilitate ease of fitting, use of comfort, and lower cost.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-7, another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment is designated in its entirety by reference number 200. The hooded garment 200 includes a jacket 210 and a hood 220 for covering the head 118 of the wearer 112. The hood 220 has a front portion 222 defining a face opening 224, a back portion 226, a right side portion 228, a left side portion 230, and a top portion 232. The hood 220 includes an outer shell 240, an inner shell 241, and a securing structure 250 mounted on the inner shell 241 to secure the hood 200 to the head 118 of the wearer 112. The securing structure 250 is adapted to couple the hood 220 of the hooded garment 200 to the head 118 of the wearer 112.

In an embodiment, the securing structure 250 comprises a suspension 260 in the form of a head band made from a continuous strip of elastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and back portions of the head band are stitch to the front portion 222 and back portion 226 of the inner shell 241, respectively. Alternatively, the head band can be removably connected to the front portion 222 and the back portion 226. The suspension 260 is sized to accept the head 118 of the wearer 112 by the wearer inserting their head into the head band. The head band is stretched, which creates a compression force about the head 118 of the wearer 112. In an embodiment, the suspension 260 can include the adjustment mechanism 168 as previously described.

As the wearer moves his/her head, the suspension 260 moves with the head. Via its connection with the inner shell 241 of the hood 220, the suspension 260 transfers the wearer's head movement to the hood 200. More particularly, the suspension 260 distributes and transfers the forces caused by movement of the wearer's head 118 to the front portion 222 and the back portion 226 at the hood 220 so as to not block or otherwise inhibit the wearer's vision. The transferred forces act on and move (i.e., rotate) the front portion 222 and the back portion 226 in opposite directions. The opening 224 rotates with the front portion 222. Moreover, the suspension 260 allows air circulation about the head 118 of the wearer 112 by maintaining the inner shell 241 of the hood 220 in at least partial spaced relation to the head. More particularly, the suspension 260 is configured to suspend the inner shell 141 relative to the wearer's head 118 to facilitate creating the space 169 between the inner shell 141 and at least a portion of the head 118. The space 169 is configured to facilitate air circulation within the space 169 and/or air circulation between the head 118 and the inner shell 141. The spaced relation of the head 118 and the inner shell 141 facilitates cooling and reducing or eliminating perspiration of the wearer 112 since the air circulation within the space 169 facilitates heat transfer, via at least by convection, from the head 118 and into the space 169. Accordingly, the suspension 260 is configured to easily and efficiently cool the wearer 112 for thermal benefits such as cooling and less perspiration which enhances comfort and durability of the hooded garment 100.

With reference to FIGS. 8-12, another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment is designated in its entirety by the reference number 300. The illustrated hooded garment 300 includes a jacket 310 and a hood 320 attached to and extending from the jacket 310 for covering the head 118 of the wearer 112. The hood 320 includes a front portion 322 defining a facial opening 324, a back portion 326, a right side portion 328, a left side portion 330, and a top portion 332. The hood 320 includes an outer shell 340, and inner shell 341 and a securing structure 350 for attaching the hood 300 to the head 118 of the wearer 112.

The securing structure 350 of this embodiment includes a suspension 360 in the form of a liner that is substantially coextensive with the inner shell 341 and is sized to accept and capture the head 118 of the wearer 112 by the wearer 112 inserting their head 118 into the liner. The liner is thereby stretched, which creates a compression force about the head 118 of the wearer 112. As the wearer moves his/her head, the suspension 360 moves with the head 118. Via its connection with the inner shell 341 of the hood 320, the suspension 360 transfers the wearer's head movement to the hood 300. More particularly, the suspension 360 distributes and transfers the forces caused by movement of the wearer's head to the front portion 322 and the back portion 326 the hood 320 so as to not block or otherwise inhibit the wearer's vision. The transferred forces act on and move (i.e., rotate) the front portion 322 and the back portion 326 in opposite directions. The opening 324 rotates with the front portion 322. In an embodiment, the suspension 360 can include the adjustment mechanism 168 as previously described.

Moreover, the suspension 360 allows air circulation about the head 118 of the wearer 112 by maintaining the inner shell 341 of the hood 320 in at least partial spaced relation to the head. More particularly, the suspension 360 is configured to suspend the inner shell 141 relative to the wearer's head 118 to facilitate creating the space 169 between the inner shell 141 and at least a portion of the head 118. The space 169 is configured to facilitate air circulation within the space 169 and/or air circulation between the head 118 and the inner shell 141. The spaced relation of the head 118 and the inner shell 141 facilitates cooling and reducing or eliminating perspiration of the wearer 112 since the air circulation within the space 169 facilitates heat transfer, via at least by convection, from the head 118 and into the space 169. Accordingly, the suspension 360 is configured to easily and efficiently cool the wearer 112 for thermal benefits such as cooling and less perspiration which enhances comfort and durability of the hooded garment 100.

FIG. 9 a is a partial perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 8 showing the inside of the hood 300. In the exemplary embodiment, the suspension 360 includes straps or tabs which are substantially linear, and which are configured to facilitate ease of fitting, comfort of use, and lower cost.

FIG. 9 a is a partial perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 8 showing the inside of the hood 300. In the exemplary embodiment, the suspension 360 includes straps or tabs which are substantially linear, and which are configured to facilitate ease of fitting, comfort of use, and lower cost.

FIG. 10 a is a partial perspective view of the hooded garment of FIG. 8 showing the inside of the hood 300. In the exemplary embodiment, the suspension 360 includes straps or tabs which are substantially linear, and which are configured to facilitate ease of fitting, comfort of use, and lower cost.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 and 14, other exemplary embodiments of a hooded garment are designated in their entirety by reference numbers 400 and 500, respectively. The hooded garments 400, 500 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 are substantially the same as the hooded garment 300 illustrated in FIGS. 8-12 except that the hooded garments of FIGS. 13 and 14 include a plurality of vent openings 464, 564 in the respective liner of the suspension 360. The vent openings 464 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 are generally circular and the vent openings 564 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 are generally rectangular (and more specifically square). It is understood, however, that the vent openings 464, 564 can have any suitable size and/or shape. The size, shape, number, and/or orientation of the vent openings 464, 564 are configured to facilitate heat transfer from the wearer's head 118 and into the space 169 between the suspension 360 and the outer shell 140 or inner shell 141. Moreover, the liner of the securing structures 450, 550 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 include a facing 480, 580 for covering at least a portion of the face of the wearer during use of the hooded garment 400, 500.

Moreover, the suspension 360 allows air circulation about the head 118 of the wearer 112 by maintaining the inner shell 341 of the hood 320 in at least partial spaced relation to the head. More particularly, the suspension 360 is configured to suspend the inner shell 141 relative to the wearer's head 118 to facilitate creating the space 169 between the inner shell 141 and at least a portion of the head 118. The spaced relation of the head 118 and the inner shell 141 facilitates cooling and reducing or eliminating perspiration of the wearer 112 since the air circulation within the space 169 facilitates heat transfer from the head 118 and into the space 169. Accordingly, the suspension 360 is configured to easily and efficiently cool the wearer 112 for thermal benefits such as cooling and less perspiration which enhances comfort and durability of the hooded garment 100.

With reference to FIG. 15-17, another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment is designated in its entirety by the reference number 600. Again, this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the hooded garment 300 illustrated in FIGS. 8-12. In this embodiment, however, the liner of the suspension 660 comprises a plurality of straps. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the suspension 660 includes a top strap 672, a middle strap 674, and a bottom strap 676, extending from a right side portion 628 of the opening 624 to a second side or left side portion 630 of the opening. The straps 672, 674, 676 are interconnected through a common strap 678. The straps 672, 674, 676, 678 of the suspension 660 are made from an elastic material. The elastic material allows the suspension 660 (i.e., liner) to expand upon placement of the hood 620 on the head 118, automatically adjusting or increasing the inner diameter to the size and shape of the wearer's head. The size, shape, number, and/or orientation of the straps 672, 674, 676, 678 are configured to facilitate heat transfer from the wearer's head 118 and into the space 169 between the suspension 660 and the outer shell 140 or inner shell 141. Although four straps 672, 674, 676, and 678 are shown, the suspension 660 can include less than four straps or more than four straps. In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 168 can connect to at least one of the straps 672, 674, 676, 678.

Moreover, the suspension 660 allows air circulation about the head 118 of the wearer 112 by maintaining the inner shell 341 of the hood 320 in at least partial spaced relation to the head. More particularly, the suspension 660 is configured to suspend the inner shell 141 relative to the wearer's head 118 to facilitate creating the space 169 between the inner shell 141 and at least a portion of the head 118. The space 169 is configured to facilitate air circulation within the space 169 and/or air circulation between the head 118 and the inner shell 141. The spaced relation of the head 118 and the inner shell 141 facilitates cooling and reducing or eliminating perspiration of the wearer 112 since the air circulation within the space 169 facilitates heat transfer, via at least by convection, from the head 118 and into the space 169. Accordingly, the suspension 660 is configured to easily and efficiently cool the wearer 112 for thermal benefits such as cooling and less perspiration which enhances comfort and durability of the hooded garment 100.

With reference to FIGS. 18-20, another exemplary embodiment of a hooded garment is designated in its entirety by the reference number 700. Again, this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the hooded garment 300 illustrated in FIGS. 8-12. However, in this embodiment, the suspension 760 (or liner) includes a top strap 772 and a bottom strap 776 extending from a first side or right side portion 728 of the opening 724 to a second side or left side portion 730 of the opening. The straps 772, 776 are interconnected through an opening closure 780 that extends about the circumference of the opening 724. The suspension 760 further includes a crown portion 782 for conforming to and capturing a crown of the head. The crown portion 782 is connected with both the top strap 772 and the opening closure 780. The straps 772, 776, opening closure 780, and crown portion 782 are made from an elastic material. The elastic material allows the suspension 760 to expand upon placement of the hood 720 on the head, automatically adjusting or increasing the inner diameter to the size and shape of the wearer's head. The size, shape, number, and/or orientation of the straps 772, 776 and crown portion 782 are configured to facilitate heat transfer from the wearer's head 118 and into the space between the suspension 660 and the outer shell 140 or inner shell 141. Although two straps 772, 776 and one crown portion 782 are show, the suspension 760 can include one strap or more than two straps and more than one crown portion. In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 168 can connect to at least one of the straps 772, 776 and crown portion 782.

Moreover, the suspension 760 allows air circulation about the head 118 of the wearer 112 by maintaining the inner shell 341 of the hood 320 in at least partial spaced relation to the head. More particularly, the suspension 760 is configured to suspend the inner shell 141 relative to the wearer's head 118 to facilitate creating the space 169 between the inner shell 141 and at least a portion of the head 118. The spaced relation of the head 118 and the inner shell 141 facilitates cooling and reducing or eliminating perspiration of the wearer 112 since the air circulation within the space 169 facilitates heat transfer from the head 118 and into the space 169. Accordingly, the suspension 760 is configured to easily and efficiently cool the wearer 112 for thermal benefits such as cooling and less perspiration which enhances comfort and durability of the hooded garment 100.

FIG. 21 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a liner, indicated generally at 800, for use with the various hooded garments and, more specifically, the various suspensions of the hooded garments described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner is in the form of a compression hood 802 adapted to cover most of the head (not shown) of the wearer (not shown) including a substantial portion of the wearer's face (not shown). During use, the hood 802 is stretched about the wearer's head thereby creating a compression force about a significant portion (for example, more than 50 percent) of the head 118 of the wearer 112.

As seen in FIG. 21, the hood 802 includes a facial cutout 804 for exposing at least a portion of the user's face including the eyes of the wearer. It is contemplated that the facial cutout 804 can have any suitable size or shape. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the facial cutout 804 can be a relatively small slot or slit for allowing the eyes of the wearer to be exposed during wear. In another exemplary embodiment, the facial cutout 804 can be relatively larger and adapted to extend, in height, from slightly above the wearer's eyebrows to about one inch above his/her chin and, in width, from about one of the wearer's temples to the other. In one exemplary embodiment, the facial cutout 804 is sized and shaped for allowing between about 1 percent and about 75 percent of the wearer's face to be exposed during wearer, and more suitably, between about 5 percent and about 50, and even more suitably, between about 10 percent and 25 percent. In an exemplary embodiment, the facial cutout 804 is sized and shaped to prevent or eliminate a wind force from blowing or forcing the hood 802 off of the head of the wearer.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

The references to “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower”, and “right side” and “left side” are used for convenience in describing relative position of parts, and apply when the hooded garment is in ordinary use as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. However, these and other positional terms used herein do not require the hooded garment to be maintained in any particular orientation to fall within the scope of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments of a hooded garment are described herein. The methods and assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of assemblies and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with other assemblies and methods, and are not limited to practice with only the assemblies and methods described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented and utilized in connection with many other garments such as, for example only, jackets, pull overs, and coats.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or assemblies or systems and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer comprising a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket, the hood having a front portion defining an opening and a back portion, the hood including a securing structure to couple the hood to the head of the wearer, the securing structure having a suspension connected to hood to translate forces from movement of the head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

2. The hooded garment set forth in claim 1, wherein the suspension is made of an elastic material.

3. The hooded garment set forth in claim 1, wherein the hood includes an inner shell and the suspension is configured to connect to the inner shell along diametrically opposed locations.

4. The hooded garment set forth in claim 1, wherein the hood includes an inner shell and the securing structure includes a plurality of tabs which is configured to connect the suspension to the inner shell.

5. The hooded garment set forth in claim 1, wherein the suspension is a head band.

6. The hooded garment set forth in claim 1, wherein the suspension includes a plurality of straps.

7. The hooded garment set forth in claim 6, wherein the suspension has an adjustment connection configured to adjust an inner diameter of the suspension.

8. The hooded garment set forth in claim 1, wherein the hood includes an inner shell and the suspension is directly attached to the inner shell.

9. A hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer comprising a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket, the hood having a front portion and a back portion, the hood including an inner shell and a securing structure mounted on the inner shell to couple the hood to the head of the wearer, the securing structure having a suspension in the form of a liner to maintain the inner shell in at least partial spaced relation to the head to facilitate air circulation between the head and the inner shell.

10. The hooded garment set forth in claim 9, wherein the hood includes a pair of opposing side and the suspension is attached to at least one of the front portion, the back portion, and a side of the pair of opposing sides.

11. The hooded garment set forth in claim 9, wherein the liner includes a facing.

12. The hooded garment set forth in claim 9, wherein the liner is substantially coextensive with the inner shell.

13. The hooded garment set forth in claim 9, wherein the suspension includes a plurality of vent openings extending there through.

14. The hooded garment set forth in claim 13, wherein at least one of the vent openings is generally circular.

15. The hooded garment set forth in claim 13, wherein at least one of the vent openings is generally rectangular.

16. A hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer comprising a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket and extending therefrom, the hood having a front portion defining an opening and a back portion, the hood including an inner shell and a securing structure mounted to the inner shell for attaching the hood to the head of the wearer, the securing structure having a suspension which is configured to maintain the inner shell in at least partial spaced relation to the head to facilitate air circulation between the head and the inner shell and configured to translate forces from movement of the head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

17. The hooded garment set forth in claim 16, wherein the suspension includes at least one strap for encircling the head of the wearer.

18. The hooded garment set forth in claim 16, wherein the suspension includes a crown portion for capturing a crown of the head of the wearer.

19. The hooded garment set forth in claim 16, wherein the suspension includes a plurality of interconnected straps.

20. The hooded garment set forth in claim 16, wherein the suspension is adapted to create a compression force about at least a portion of the head of the wearer.

21. A hooded garment for at least partially covering a head of a wearer comprising a jacket and a hood connected to the jacket, the hood having a front portion defining an opening and a back portion, the hood including a liner adapted to receive at least a portion of the wearer's head to translate forces from movement of the wearer's head to the hood to prevent view blockage of the wearer during movement of the head.

22. The hooded garment set forth in claim 21 wherein the liner is a compression hood adapted to create a compression force about a portion of the head of the wearer.

23. The hooded garment set forth in claim 22 wherein the compression hood includes a facial cutout for exposing the wearer's eyes during wear.

24. The hooded garment set forth in claim 23 wherein the facial cutout is sized and shaped for allowing between about 1 percent and about 75 percent of the wearer's face to be exposed during wear.

25. The hooded garment set forth in claim 23 wherein the facial cutout is sized and shaped for allowing between about 5 percent and about 50 percent of the wearer's face to be exposed during wear.

26. The hooded garment set forth in claim 23 wherein the facial cutout is sized and shaped for keeping the hood on the wearer.