Patent Application
20240358095
The present invention relates generally to the field of clothing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a garment that provides greater visibility for a user wearing the hooded article of clothing. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in clothing devices. Generally, wearing an article of clothing that contains a hood can be a convenient option, however, the sides of the hood can block a user's peripheral vision and can create a potential safety hazard. Thus, wearing a hooded article of clothing may make users unaware of their surroundings and cause them to accidentally wander into traffic, bump into people, and the like.
Hooded garments generally may provide a hood enclosure which allows a user of the garment to selectively cover or enclose their head, i.e., to protect from the elements, such as rain or sun. Known hooded garments typically employ fabrics or other materials which by their nature are not transparent. Indeed, the purpose of such garments is typically to protect from outer elements, provide cover, and also provide a desired look or style. Additionally, since hooded garments usually enclose a user's head entirely or substantially, the user's field of vision is often restricted by the hood when it is deployed over the user's head. While the user may desire the protection afforded by the hood enclosure, the hood enclosure restricts the user's field of vision. As hooded garments have become more popular in athletic or sports training wear, the restricted field of vision has become particularly disadvantageous. Thus, the restricted field of view of the user with the hood deployed may result in possible discomfort or an increased safety risk. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved hooded garment that addresses the above disadvantages.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved clothing device that provides greater visibility while wearing an article of clothing with a hood. More particularly, there is a demand for an improved clothing device that features a transparent cut-out on both sides of the hood to expand a user's field of vision.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that provides users with greater visibility while wearing an article of clothing that contains a hood. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that features a transparent lens on both sides of the hood that expands the field of vision. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that eliminates having to remove the hood while walking or performing any activity that requires peripheral vision. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents accidents or falls that could occur when vision is restricted. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that allows a user to be able to still see while wearing a hoodie even though it partly covers their eyes. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that can be implemented into different configurations.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a clothing device. The device allows users to be able to still see while wearing a hoodie, even though it partly covers their eyes. The clothing device comprises a hood component with a transparent piece of plastic or other suitable material, positioned on each side of the hood component, that allows a user to see side to side while wearing the hood component. Thus, users are able to maintain optimal awareness of their surroundings to prevent injuries and accidents. Further, the plastic material may be implemented into the hood component in different configurations to suit all user needs and preferences.
In this manner, the clothing device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides visibility for users wearing a hoodie. The device is a transparent, plastic material positioned on either side of the hood. The device can be manufactured of any suitable transparent material.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a clothing device. The device allows users to be able to still see while wearing a hoodie, even though it partly covers their eyes. The clothing device comprises a hood component with a transparent side component positioned on each side of the hood component, that allows a user to see side to side while wearing the hood component. Thus, users are able to maintain optimal awareness of their surroundings to prevent injuries and accidents. Further, the plastic material may be implemented into the hood component in different configurations to suit all user needs and preferences.
The present invention generally relates to the field of garments that comprise clothing articles having hoods, such as sweatshirts, outwear, coats, jackets, vests, down jackets, ski wear, etc. Generally, the hood is a fabric material hood covering a user's head. More particularly, the present invention relates to such garments having a hood with peripheral or side components.
In one embodiment, the clothing device comprises a body component and a hood component. While the clothing device is described as a pullover-style garment with long sleeves, i.e., which extend to a position proximate to the wrists of the user, any other style of the hooded garment may be employed, including, but not limited to, short sleeve or sleeveless garments. Additionally, exemplary garments may have full or partial openings allowing for selective closure with zippers or buttons, i.e., a standard torso zipper profile, in full or quarter-zip configurations.
In one embodiment, the hood component extends from an upper portion of the body component to generally provide an enclosure. The enclosure provided by the hood component generally allows a user of the garment to selectively cover the user's head. The overall fitting profile of the garment can be any that is convenient, i.e., the garment may be tight, fitted, regular, or loose.
In one embodiment, the hood component includes a main portion and at least one side component. The main portion may generally provide cover from the elements, such as sun, rain, wind, etc. Specifically, the hood component can be any suitable fabric material hood that will cover a user's head and face with a typical hood having roughly two lateral sides, and a top and a back component contiguous with and connecting the sides and back. The hood component will have an inside and an outside and substantially mirror image lateral sides having a front hood edge, a top center, and a pair of side components.
Moreover, the main portion of the hood component may be opaque. In some examples, the main portion is colored or has graphics, designs, logos, or other styling features. In one embodiment, the outside of the hood component comprises any suitable design, logo, symbol, trademark, or simply art for enhancing the hood component. Furthermore, the hood component will take the contour of a user's head, can be of any color/design, and is designed to support the pair of side components embedded in the hood component at substantially the user's eye level or slightly below the user's eye level.
Specifically, the hood component includes two side components, which are positioned on opposite sides of the hood component. The side components have a greater transparency than the main portion. Accordingly, a user of the garment may generally see through the side components, at least to a greater extent than through the main portion. The side components are positioned at or around the eye level of the user when the hood component is deployed. In this manner, the user's field of vision is enhanced by the ability to see through the side components, at least to a greater degree than afforded by the material of the main portion of the hood component. Thus, the user has an unobstructed view of the front and sides, while the hood component obscures a user's head and face while wearing the clothing device.
In one embodiment, the hood component comprises a pair of transparent side components, positioned on each side of the hood component. The pair of side components can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Specifically, the pair of side components, embedded on each lateral side of the hood component, will be more or less similar in construction and shape, and positioned more or less at a user's eye level. Further, the side components have at least one effective width of between 1 mm to 12 cm and a length measured at least 1 mm from a hood component edge and extending towards the rear or back of the hood component with a length of between 1 mm and 25 cm. Further, the flexible edges of the side components will more or less structurally support the embedding fabric of the hood component to maintain the hood material from tearing through regular use, while providing the clothes device users an unimpaired view out the front and sides while the hood component obscures a user's face.
In one embodiment, the side components are positioned along a forward edge of the hood component. In this manner, the relative transparency provided by the side components is positioned as forwardly as possible relative to the user, to maximize the enhanced peripheral vision. Additionally, the side components have a maximum height along the forward edge, which narrows to a smaller height at a rearward end of the side components. This exemplary shape may reduce the overall size of the side components, while maximizing the field of view, especially vertically upwards and downwards from the position of the user's eyes.
In one embodiment, the side components may generally allow some transparency from within the enclosure of the hood component outwardly, without allowing a significant view into the interior of the hood component, and also without destroying the structure of the hood component or the ability of the hood component to protect the user.
In one embodiment, the clothing device with a hood component comprises a pair of side components with stitched edges for stiffening and maintaining the side components in the hood component. Specifically, the side components can be of reinforced patch construction or embedded structural rigid components coupled to the edges for strengthening the side components' structural stability in the hood component.
In one embodiment, each side component will have a fabric reinforcement surrounding each side component. The fabric reinforcement can be sewn or coupled by adhesive and structurally embedded on the inside or outside of the hood fabric. The fabric reinforcement surrounding and supporting the side components can have various shapes. In one embodiment, a grommet-like edge reinforcement may be used around the side components. Further, the side components may have fabric structural reinforcements with a channel for pressure coupling the component with the surrounding edge fabric. The structural reinforcements can be of a lightweight material, such as plastic, composite, metal, or combinations. The structural reinforcements are coupled to the hood component through clamping of the hood edge fabric in the channel and closing the channel gap, thus providing a grip pressure securing the structural reinforcements to the fabric surrounding the edge. Further, the side components with reinforced patching coupled to the edges also serves for maintaining the side component stability to resist wear and tear in the hood fabric.
In one embodiment, the side components include a stitched construction. As in the patch construction, the stitched edge border of the side components, not unlike a knitted shirt or jacket buttonhole, can be of various and alternate stitching patterns, thread, and polygonal shapes/sizes.
In one embodiment, the side components comprise a cover of see-through fabric or flexible plastic of various colors. The see-through fabric can be stitched, glued, or otherwise coupled to the side components without obscuring the user's side vision.
In one embodiment, the side components comprise a washable mesh, a veil, netting, and semi-transparent or synthetic fabric covers for the side components. The mesh, veil, netting, synthetic fabrics, or layered combination, provide some physical barrier and additional shielding from incoming light or weather from outside the hood component. In addition, the mesh, veil, or netting covers add fabric strength and integrity to the hood component for a more durable garment.
In one embodiment, the side components have a mesh pattern or material defining a plurality of apertures. For example, a mesh pattern or material may have apertures as a result of a woven material defining the mesh pattern, or as a result of material being removed to define the apertures. The mesh may be a generally fine mesh pattern. In one example, the side components allow a user to generally see out through the side components while restricting others from seeing through the side components from outside the hood component into the interior of the hood enclosure. Any pattern or mesh material may be used to define the side components. The side components need only create enough transparency to increase peripheral vision when wearing the hooded pullover, i.e., by allowing at least some ability to see through the side components. In one embodiment, a fine mesh material is employed where the apertures comprise approximately 50% of the surface area of the side components. Moreover, any other mesh density or relative transparency of the side components may be employed that is convenient.
In one embodiment, the side components can be integrated with the main portion of the hood component in any manner that is convenient. In one example, the side components may be integrated with the main portion of the hood component, such that the main portion and one or both of the side components are formed of a single monolithic piece. For example, a seamless circular or warp knitted construction may be used, such that the targeted mesh jacquard is integrated seamlessly with the main portion of the hood component of the garment. In another example, a material removal or cutting process, such as a laser cutting process may be employed to form apertures in the hood component, thereby creating a mesh or aperture pattern in the side components of the hood component.
In other embodiments, the side components are formed separately and later joined to the main portion of the hood component. For example, a “Cut n′ sew” pullover construction may be employed, whereby the side components are formed separately from the main portion and are subsequently sewn to the main portion of the hood component. In another embodiment, a separately formed side component may be glued, bonded, or welded to the main portion of the hood component.
In one embodiment, the materials used for the manufacture of the garment, including the body component, the hood component, and portions thereof, such as the main portion and the side components may be any that is convenient. In one example, any synthetic or natural fibers may be used, i.e., nylon, polyester, spandex, or any blends thereof. In another example, a fleece material may be employed. Furthermore, the materials used for the manufacture of the side components may be transparent plastics, acrylic, tempered glass, etc., or any other suitable transparent materials as is known in the art.
In yet another embodiment, the clothing device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of wearing an article of clothing with a hood while still maintaining visibility is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a clothing device comprising a hood component with a pair of transparent side components. The method also comprises positioning one of the pair of transparent side components on either side of the hood component, at eye level. Further, the method comprises putting on the clothing device with the hood component. Finally, the method comprises securing the hood component around a user's head while still maintaining visibility.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that provides users with greater visibility while wearing an article of clothing that contains a hood. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that features a transparent lens on both sides of the hood that expands the field of vision. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that eliminates having to remove the hood while walking or performing any activity that requires peripheral vision. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents accidents or falls that could occur when vision is restricted. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that allows a user to be able to still see while wearing a hoodie even though it partly covers their eyes. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing device that can be implemented into different configurations.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel clothing device. The device allows users to be able to still see while wearing a hoodie, even though it partly covers their eyes. The clothing device comprises a hood component with a transparent piece of plastic or other suitable material, positioned on each side of the hood component, that allows a user to see side to side while wearing the hood component. Thus, users are able to maintain optimal awareness of their surroundings to prevent injuries and accidents. The present invention also includes a novel method of wearing an article of clothing with a hood while still maintaining visibility. The method includes the steps of providing a clothing device comprising a hood component with a pair of transparent side components. The method also comprises positioning one of the pair of transparent side components on either side of the hood component, at eye level. Further, the method comprises putting on the clothing device with the hood component. Finally, the method comprises securing the hood component around a user's head while still maintaining visibility.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Accordingly, the present invention generally relates to the field of garments that comprise clothing articles having hoods, such as sweatshirts, outwear, coats, jackets, vests, down jackets, ski wear, etc. Generally, the hood is a fabric material hood covering a user's head 112. More particularly, the present invention relates to such garments having a hood with peripheral or side components 104.
Generally, the clothing device 100 comprises a body component 114 and a hood component 102. While the clothing device 100 is described as a pullover-style garment with long sleeves, i.e., which extend to a position proximate to the wrists of the user 110, any other style of hooded garment may be employed, including, but not limited to, short sleeve or sleeveless garments. Additionally, exemplary garments may have full or partial openings allowing for selective closure with zippers or buttons, i.e., a standard torso zipper profile, in full or quarter-zip configurations.
Furthermore, the hood component 102 extends from an upper portion 116 of the body component 114 to generally provide an enclosure. The enclosure provided by the hood component 102 generally allows a user 110 of the garment to selectively cover the user's head 112. The overall fitting profile of the garment can be any that is convenient, i.e., the garment may be tight, fitted, regular, or loose.
Additionally, the hood component 102 includes a main portion 118 and at least one side component 104. The main portion 118 may generally provide cover from the elements, such as sun, rain, wind, etc. Specifically, the hood component 102 can be any suitable fabric material hood that will cover a user's head 112 and face with a typical hood having roughly two lateral sides 120, and a top 122, and a back component 124 contiguous with and connecting the sides 120 and back 124. The hood component 102 will have an inside 126 and an outside 128 and substantially mirror image lateral sides 120 having a front hood edge 130, a top center 122, and a pair of side components 104.
Moreover, the main portion 118 of the hood component 102 may be opaque. In some examples, the main portion 118 is colored or has graphics, designs, logos, or other styling features. In one embodiment, the outside 128 of the hood component 102 comprises any suitable design, logo, symbol, trademark, or simply art for enhancing the hood component 102. Furthermore, the hood component 102 will take the contour of a user's head 112, and can be of any color/design, and is designed to support the pair of side components 104 embedded in the hood component 102 at substantially the user's eye level 108 or slightly below the user's eye level 108.
Specifically, the hood component 102 includes two side components 104, which are positioned on opposite sides 106 of the hood component 102. The side components 104 have a greater transparency than the main portion 118. Accordingly, a user 110 of the garment may generally see through the side components 104, at least to a greater extent than through the main portion 118. The side components 104 are positioned at or around an eye level 108 of the user 110 when the hood component 102 is deployed. In this manner, the user's field of vision is enhanced by the ability to see through the side components 104, at least to a greater degree than afforded by the material of the main portion 118 of the hood component 102. Thus, the user 110 has an unobstructed view to the front and sides, while the hood component 102 obscures a user's head 112 and face while wearing the clothing device 100.
As shown in
Furthermore, the side components 104 are positioned along a forward edge 130 of the hood component 102. In this manner, the relative transparency provided by the side components 104 is positioned as forwardly as possible relative to the user 110, to maximize the enhanced peripheral vision. Additionally, the side components 104 have a maximum height along the forward edge 130, which narrows to a smaller height at a rearward end of the side components 104. This exemplary shape may reduce an overall size of the side components 104, while maximizing the field of view, especially vertically upwards and downwards from the position of the user's eyes 108.
Additionally, the side components 104 may generally allow some transparency from within the enclosure of the hood component 102 outwardly, without allowing significant view into the interior of the hood component 102, and also without destroying the structure of the hood component 102 or the ability of the hood component 102 to protect the user 110.
As shown in
Furthermore, each side component 104 can have a fabric reinforcement 404 surrounding each side component 104. The fabric reinforcement 404 can be sewn or coupled by adhesive and structurally embedded on the inside or outside of the hood fabric. The fabric reinforcement 404 surrounding and supporting the side components 104 can have various shapes. In one embodiment, a grommet-like edge reinforcement 406 may be used around the side components 104. Further, the side components 104 may have fabric structural reinforcements 404 with a channel 408 for pressure coupling the component 104 with the surrounding edge fabric. The structural reinforcements 404 can be of a lightweight material, such as plastic, composite, metal, or combinations. The structural reinforcements 404 are coupled to the hood component 102 through clamping of the hood edge fabric in the channel 408 and closing the channel gap, thus providing a grip pressure securing the structural reinforcements 404 to the fabric surrounding the edge 400. Further, the side components 104 with reinforced patching coupled to the edges 400 also serves for maintaining the side component 104 stability to resist wear and tear in the hood fabric.
In another embodiment, the side components 104 comprise a cover 410 of see-through fabric or flexible plastic of various colors. The see-through fabric cover 410 can be stitched, glued, or otherwise coupled to the side components 104 without obscuring the user's side vision. Specifically, the side components 104 can comprise a washable mesh, a veil, netting, semi-transparent, or synthetic fabric covers 410 for the side components 104. The mesh, veil, netting, synthetic fabrics, or layered combination, provide some physical barrier and additional shielding from incoming light or weather from outside the hood component 102. In addition, the mesh, veil, or netting covers 410 add fabric strength integrity to the hood component 102 for a more durable garment.
In yet another embodiment, the side components 104 have a mesh pattern 412 or material defining a plurality of apertures. For example, a mesh pattern 412 or material may have apertures as a result of a woven material defining the mesh pattern 412, or as a result of material being removed to define the apertures. The mesh 412 may be a generally fine mesh pattern. In one example, the side components 104 allow a user 110 to generally see out through the side components 104 while restricting others from seeing through the side components 104 from outside the hood component 102 into the interior of the hood enclosure. Any pattern or mesh material may be used to define the side components 104. The side components 104 need only create enough transparency to increase peripheral vision when wearing the hooded pullover, i.e., by allowing at least some ability to see through the side components 104. In one embodiment, a fine mesh material 412 is employed where the apertures comprise approximately 50% of the surface area of the side components 104. Moreover, any other mesh density or relative transparency of the side components 104 may be employed that is convenient.
As shown in
In other embodiments, the side components 104 are formed separately and later joined to the main portion 118 of the hood component 102. For example, a “Cut n ‘sew” pullover construction may be employed, whereby the side components 104 are formed separately from the main portion 118 and are subsequently sewn to the main portion 118 of the hood component 102. In another embodiment, a separately formed side component 104 may be glued, bonded, or welded to the main portion 118 of the hood component 102.
Furthermore, the materials used for the manufacture of the garment, including the body component 114, the hood component 102, and portions thereof, such as the main portion 118 and the side components 104 may be any that is convenient. In one example, any synthetic or natural fibers may be used, i.e., nylon, polyester, spandex, or any blends thereof. In another example, a fleece material may be employed. Furthermore, the materials used for the manufacture of the side components 104 may be transparent plastics, acrylic, tempered glass, etc., or any other suitable transparent materials as is known in the art.
In yet another embodiment, the clothing device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The hood component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the hood component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be a hoodie, garment, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “clothing device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the clothing device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the clothing device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the clothing device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/462,737, which was filed on Apr. 28, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63462737 | Apr 2023 | US |
