STORM HOODED GARMENT

BACKGROUND

Coats, jackets and other garments are frequently provided with hoods for covering and protecting the head of the person wearing the garment. Some garments include what is known as a drop hood where the garment comprises a collar and a separate largely detached or independent hood. Some garments include what is known as a storm hood where the hood extends and closes about a front of the person's neck to serve as both a collar and a hood. Storm hoods may offer better coverage of the person's head and higher comfort when the hood is being used. Current storm hoods may offer less protection and create greater discomfort when the hood is not being used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the storm hooded garment of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the example storm hooded garment of FIG. 3 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment with extended front neck portions of a storm hood.

FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating the example storm hooded garment of FIG. 12 with retracted front neck portions of the storm hood of an example storm hood.

FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an example storm hooded garment being worn with a closed front and an undeployed storm hood.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the example storm hooded garment of FIG. 15 with an opened front and the undeployed storm hood.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an inner side of the example storm hooded garment while opened and spread apart.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the storm hooded garment of FIG. 17 illustrating connection of a front side of a collar to a front neck portion of the storm hood.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the storm hooded garment of FIG. 17 illustrating the connection of the front side of the collar to the front neck portion of the storm hood.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the storm hooded garment of FIG. 17 illustrating the connection of the front side of the collar to the front neck portion of the storm hood.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the example storm hooded garment of FIG. 15 being worn by a person while the storm hood is deployed.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the example storm hooded garment of FIG. 15 being worn by a person with a front of the garment being opened and with a brim of the storm hood being upturned.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the example storm hooded garment of FIG. 15 being worn by a person with a front of the garment being opened and with an example drawstring being pulled to constrict portions of the storm hood.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a 3-point bending stiffness test based on ISO Standard 5628.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed are garments with storm hoods (hereinafter “storm hooded garments”) that may be more comfortable to wear during times that the hood of the garment is not being used or is undeployed. When not being deployed, the hood often hangs towards a rear of the garment. When the front of the garment is closed, the weight of the hood may cause front neck portions of the storm hood to uncomfortably press against a front of the neck of the person wearing the storm hooded garment. When the front of the storm hooded garment is open, the front neck portions of the storm hood tend to collapse inwardly or outwardly.

The example storm hooded garments comprise both a collar and a storm hood. Unlike drop hoods, the collar is directly connected to front neck portions of the storm hood above a neck opening of the garment so as to vertically support the front neck portions. As result, when the front of the storm hooded garment is closed and the storm hood is undeployed, the collar supports the front neck portions to inhibit the front neck portions from being drawn back against the neck of the person wearing the storm hooded garment. When the front of the storm hooded garment is open and the storm hood is undeployed, the collar holds the shape and body of the storm hood to inhibit the front neck portions from collapsing.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate portions of an example storm hooded garment 20. Storm hooded garment 20 is configured to be more comfortable to wear during times that the hood of the garment is not being used or is undeployed. Storm hooded garment 20 comprises a torso portion 24, a storm hood 28 and a collar 32.

Torso portion 24 comprises that portion of garment 20 configured to cover and protect the torso of the person wearing garment 20. Torso portion 24 may or may not support sleeves. Torso portion 24 comprises a neck opening 34 through which a person's neck and head may extend. In the example illustrated, torso portion 24 has a split or separable front forming a left breast portion 36 and a right breast portion 38 which are releasably connectable to one another by a connector 40 (schematically illustrated) along a juncture 42.

Connector 40 releasably joins left and right breast portions 36 and 38. In one implementation, connector 40 comprises a zipper extending along substantially in entirety of the junction of the left and right breast portions 36 and 38. In some implementations, the zipper forming connector 40 further extends upward for releasably connecting opposite side portions of storm hood 28 and collar 32. In some implementations, connector 40 may comprise hook and loop connectors, snaps, buttons or other forms of connectors. In some implementations, connector 40 may comprise combinations of multiple different types of connectors. For example, connector 40 may comprise an elongate zipper with an overlying flap or panel securable by a hook and loop connector. In some implementations, torso portion 24 may comprise a pullover garment, wherein left or right breast portion 36, 38 are not separable from one another and wherein connector 40 may be omitted.

Storm hood 28 comprises a hood extending from torso portion 24 about neck opening 34. Storm hood 28 comprises a left side 44, a right side 46, a top 48, a left front neck portion 50-1 and a right front neck portion 50-2 (the left and right front neck portions 50-1 and 50-2 being collectively referred to as neck portions 50). Left side 44 and right side 46 project upwardly from neck opening 34 and have lower edges joined to torso portion 24 by stitching, welds, adhesives or like. Although not shown, storm hood 28 may have a rear portion which is likewise affixed to torso portion 24 by stitching, welds, adhesives or the like. Top 48 provides a cover for the person's head and extends between left side 44 and right side 46. Cover 48 may terminate along a brim 52. In some implementations, the left and right sides 44, 46 as well as the rear portion of storm hood 28, may be releasably connected to torso portion 24 by hook and loop connectors, snaps, zippers or the like, permitting storm hood 28 to be detached from torso portion 24.

Left front neck portion 50-1 extends to the right from left side 44. Likewise, right front neck portion 50-2 extends to the left from right side 46. Front neck portions 50 inwardly project from the front edges of sides 44 and 46 and across or into the front opening of hood 28. In some implementations, front neck portions 50 are configured to project inwardly towards one another below the jaw and possibly the chin of the person wearing garment 20. Front neck portions 50 comprise panels having a height and a length so as to extend in front of the neck of the person wearing garment 20. In some implementations, neck portions 50 have a height so as to substantially cover the person's neck to a location at or just below the person's chin. In some implementations, neck portions 50 each have a height of at least 2 inches above torso portion 24 or above those portions of torso portion 24 that rest upon a person's shoulder.

Left and right front neck portions 50-1 and 50-2 are separable from one another along a juncture 56. In some implementations, juncture 56 may coincide with juncture 42, such as when connector 40 comprises a zipper that continuously extends along both junctures 42 and 56. In some implementations, lower edges 58 of front neck portions 50 are affixed to or are integral with left and right breast portions 36, 38, respectively, of torso portion 24. As result, separation of front neck portions 50, away from juncture 56 and release of connector 40 may permit both left and right breast portion 36, 38 and front neck portions 50 to be pulled apart. Stated another way, left and right front neck portions 50-1 and 50-2 move with the movement of left and right breast portions 36, 38, respectively, of torso portion 24.

As shown by FIG. 1, in some implementations, storm hooded garment 20 may comprise an additional connector 60 (schematically illustrated) distinct from connector 40, for releasably connecting front neck portions 50. Connector 60 may comprise a separate zipper, hook and loop fastener, snaps, hooks or the like. As discussed above, in some implementations where connector 40 comprises a zipper that further extends along juncture 56, connector 60 may be omitted.

Collar 32 comprises a tubular structure (when closed) extending from torso portion 24 about neck opening 34 and within storm hood 28. In some implementations, collar 32 has a height of at least 2 inches. In some implementations, collar 32 has a vertical stiffness that is greater than the vertical stiffness of the front neck portions 50. For example, in some implementations, collar 32 is formed by one or more panels of water-resistant material, such as Gore-tex®. In other implementations, collar 32 may have other dimensions and may be formed from other materials, such as, for example, a nylon.

The lower edges of collar 32 are affixed by stitching, welds, adhesives or the like to torso portion 24. Collar 32 comprises a left front side 64-1 and a right front side 64-2 (collectively referred to as front sides 64) which are releasably connectable to one another along juncture 56. In some implementations, connector 60 connects front sides 64. In some implementations where connector 40 further extends along juncture 56, connector 40 may releasably connect front side 64. For example, in some implementations, a single zipper may releasably connect breast portions 36, 38 along juncture 42 and also releasably connect front neck portions 50 and front sides 64 along juncture 56.

Front sides 64-1 and 64-2 of collar 32 are directly connected to front neck portions 50-1 and 50-2 of storm hood 28, respectively, so as to vertically support the front neck portions 50 when storm hood 28 is no longer being deployed, when storm hood 20 may be hanging to the rear of garment 20. In the example illustrated, front sides 64-1 and 64-2 of collar 32 are directly connected to front neck portions 50-1 and 50-2, by connectors 68-1 and 68-2, respectively (connectors 68-1 and 68-2 being collectively referred to as connectors 68). Connectors 68 directly connect front sides 64 to front neck portions 50 along continuous connection lines that extend from a top edge 70 of front neck portions 50 to a bottom edge of front neck portions 50, proximate to neck opening 34.

As shown by FIG. 1, in some implementations, connectors 68-1 and 68-2 extend along respective axes that are parallel to the vertical axis of juncture 56 and juncture 42. Connectors 68-1 and 68-2 extend along respective axes that are adjacent to juncture 56. In implementations where connectors 40 and 60 are provided by a single zipper, adjacent edges of front side 64-1 and front neck portion 50-1 may be directly connected to one another along and adjacent to a left side of the zipper. Likewise, adjacent edges of front side 64-2 and front neck portion 50-2 may be directly connected to one another along and adjacent to a right side of the zipper.

The direct connection of front sides 64 of collar 32 to front neck portions 50 of storm hood 28 serves to vertically support the front neck portions 50. As result, when the front of the storm hooded garment 20 is closed by connector 40 (and possibly connector 60) and the storm hood 28 is undeployed (hanging to the rear), the collar 32 supports the front neck portions 50 to inhibit the front neck portions 50 from being drawn back against the neck of the person wearing the storm hooded garment 20. When the front of the storm hooded garment 20 is open (connector 40 and possibly connector 60 are in an unconnected state) and the storm hood 28 is undeployed, the collar 32 holds the shape and body of front neck portions 50 of the storm hood 28 to inhibit the front neck portions 50 from collapsing.

In some implementations, connectors 68 are each lines of stitching having threads passing through both neck portions 50 and front sides 64. For example, connectors 68 may be at locations where the edges of front neck portions 50 and front sides 64 are in seamed into their respective sides of zipper serving as connector 40. In other implementations, connectors 68 may be in the form of material welds (fusing or melting of adjacent surfaces), lines of adhesive or the like. In some implementations, connectors 68 each have a vertical length of at least 2 inches along their respective axes.

In some implementations, as shown by FIG. 2, storm hood 28 may comprise at least one drawstring 54 (schematically illustrated by broken a line). The at least one drawstring 54 may be threaded through a sleeve along brim 52, along interior passages provided in front neck portions 50, through openings formed on inner surfaces of front neck portions 50, and through front sides 64 of collar 32. The ends of the at least one drawstring 54 may hang along an inner side of collar 32. When drawn, the at least one drawstring 54 serves to constrict brim 52 and sides 44, 46 of storm hood 28 about the head or face of the person wearing garment 20. Although such constriction changes the shape and dimensions of storm hood 28, pulling of the at least one drawstring 54 does not alter the shape of collar 32. Since the at least one drawstring 54 merely passes through collar 32, largely perpendicular to the two opposing faces of collar 32, pulling on the drawstring 54 does not alter the shape of collar 32, permitting collar 32 to continue to function as a support for front neck portion 64.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment 120. Storm hooded garment 120 is similar to storm hooded garment 20 described above except that garment 120 additionally comprises an inner hood 128 and comprises connectors 168-1 and 168-2 (collectively referred to as connectors 168) in place of connectors 68-1 and 68-2, respectively.

Inner hood 128 comprises a head covering extending upwards from collar 32 within storm hood 28. In some implementations, inner hood 128 is formed from a different material than that of storm hood 28. For example, inner hood 128 may be formed from a softer or warmer and breathable material while storm and 28 may be formed from a material more impervious to the elements such as wind and rain. In some implementations, inner hood 128 may be elastic so as to tightly fit about the person's head. In some implementations, as shown by broken lines, inner hood 128 may be selectively constricted through the use of an inner drawstring 154 having terminal ends 155 that may be drawn or pulled to constrict portions of inner hood 128 against the head of the person wearing storm hooded garment 120. In some implementations, inner hood 128 is affixed to collar 32, wherein collar 32 and inner hood 128 are formed from different materials such a collar 32 has a greater stiffness than that of inner hood 128. In some implementations, inner hood 128 may be releasably connected to collar 32, permitting inner hood 128 to be detached from collar 32 when not desired. Such releasable connection may be facilitated by a zipper, a hook and loop fastening mechanism, snaps, buttons, hooks or the like. In some implementations, inner hood 128 may be omitted.

Connectors 168 are similar to connector 68 except that connectors 168 are transversely spaced from juncture 56 and spaced from connector 40 or connector 60 which extends along juncture 56. In some implementations, connectors 168 remain sufficiently close for enhanced support of front neck portions 50. In some implementations, connectors 168 are transversely spaced from one another by a distance no greater than 1 inch and transversely spaced from juncture 56 by distance no greater than 0.5 inch.

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate various alternatives for the connectors directly connecting front neck portions 50 of storm hood 28 to front sides 64 of collar 32. Each of such connectors may comprise lines of stitching having threads passing through both neck portions 50 and front sides 64. Each of such connectors may also be in the form of material welds (fusing), lines of adhesive or the like. FIGS. 5-9 further illustrate the example garments with a slightly different neck opening 234.

FIG. 5 illustrates portions of an example storm hooded garment 220. Garment 220 is similar to garment 120 described above except that garment 220 comprises connectors 268-1 and 268-2 (collectively to as connectors 268). Connectors 268-1 and 268-2 extend downwardly from top edges 70 of front neck portions 50 and front side 64 but terminate prior to reaching the lower edges 269 of collar 32 or the lower edges of front neck portions 50. In such implementations, connectors 268 have a length of at least 2 inches.

FIG. 6 illustrates portions of an example storm hooded garment 320. Storm hooded garment 320 is similar to storm hooded garment 120 described above except that garment 320 comprises connectors 368-1 and 368-2 (collectively referred to as connectors 368). Connectors 368-1 and 368-2 comprise multiple individual connection spots or locations which are spaced from one another. At least one connection spot or location of each of connectors 368 may be located at no greater than 2 inches from the top edge 70 of collar 32. At least one of connection spots or locations of each of connectors 368 is at least 0.5 inch above a neck opening 234 or above the base or lower edge of collar 32. At least one of the connection spots or locations of each of connectors 368 is transversely spaced from juncture 56 by no greater than 1 inch. Such locations facilitate enhanced support of front neck portions 50 by collar 32.

FIG. 7 illustrates portions of an example storm hooded garment 420. Storm hooded garment 420 is similar to storm hooded garment 120 described above except that garment 420 comprises connectors 468-1 and 468-2 (collectively to as connectors 468). Connectors 468-1 and 468-2 extend upwardly from a lower edge or base 269 of collar 32 or that of front neck portions 50 but terminate prior to reaching the top edge 70 front neck portions 50 or front sides 64. In such implementations, connectors 268 have a length of at least 1 inch.

FIG. 8 illustrates storm hooded garment 420 with connectors 488-1 and 488-2 (collectively referred to as connectors 488) in place of connectors 488-1 and 488-2, respectively. As shown by FIG. 8, the connectors directly connecting front neck portions 50 of storm hood 28 to front sides 64 of collar 32 may be horizontal rather than vertical. In such implementations, connectors 488 are spaced no greater than 1 inch from the top edge 70 of front neck portions 50 and are transversely spaced from inner sides 71 of front neck portions 50 by no greater than 2 inches to facilitate collar 32 vertically supporting front neck portions 50 when storm hood 28 is undeployed or hanging rearward from garment 420.

FIG. 9 illustrates storm hooded garment 420 with connectors 498-1 and 498-2 (collectively referred to as connectors 498) in place of connectors 468-1 and 468-2, respectively. As shown by FIG. 9, the connectors directly connecting front neck portions 50 of storm hood 28 to front sides 64 of collar 32 may extend along angles or diagonal lines rather than being vertical.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate examples of how the front neck portions 50 of storm hood 128 and the front sides of collar 32 may have different heights. FIG. 8 illustrates portions of an example storm hooded garment 520. Garment 520 is similar to garment 20 described above except that front neck portions 50 have a height greater than the height of front sides 64 of collar 32. FIG. 9 illustrate portions of an example storm hooded garment 620. Garment 620 is similar to garment 20 described above except that front sides 64 of collar 32 have a height greater than the height of front neck portions 50 of storm hood 28.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an example of how the front neck portions may be constructed so as to be folded back or withdrawn from collar 32 for enhanced ventilation. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating portions of an example storm hooded garment 720. Garment 720 is similar to garment 620 except that front neck portions 50 have lower edges 58 that are detached from torso portion 24, that are releasably connected to front sides 64 by connectors 768-1, 768-2 (collectively referred to as connectors 768). Garment 720 may additionally comprise side retainers 780.

Connectors 768 directly connect front neck portions 50 to front sides 64 but permit front neck portions 50 to be disconnected from front side 64. As a result, front neck portions 50 may be pulled away from front sides 64 and moved outwardly to expose collar 32. Side retainers 780 are formed along the sides of storm hood 28 and are configured to releasably retain front neck portions 50 to the sides of collar 32, out from in front of collar 32. Although illustrated as being provided on the exterior of sides 44 and 46 of storm hood 28, in other implementations, side retainers 780 may alternatively be formed on or attached to the interior of sides 44 and 46 or on the exterior transverse outer sides of collar 32 such that the panels or flaps serving as front neck portions 50 may be retained or stored within outer hood 28, between outer hood 28 and collar 32 rather than along the exterior of storm hood 28.

In some implementations, connectors 768 may comprise hook and loop fasteners such as where front faces of front sides 64 comprises one of a hook and a loop material while the back faces of front neck portions 50 comprise the other of the hook and loop material. In some implementations, connectors 768 may comprise snaps, hooks, buttons or other releasable connectors. In some implementations, side retainer 780 may comprise one of a hook and loop material while faces of front neck portions 50 comprise the other of the hook and loop material. In some implementations, side retainers 780 and front neck portions 50 may comprise other cooperating releasable connection mechanisms such as snaps, hooks, buttons or the like. In some implementations, retainer 780 may be omitted.

As shown by FIG. 13, front neck portions 50-1 and 50-2 may be detached and separated from front sides of collar 32 and may be rolled or folded outwardly prior to being secured to side retainers 780. Side retainers 780 retain front neck portions 50 away from collar 32, providing enhanced ventilation.

FIG. 14 illustrates portions of an example storm hooded garment 820. Garment 820 is similar to garment 720 except that front neck portions 50 fully cover the front of the person's neck when closed together along juncture 56 by connector 40. As discussed above, connector 40 may comprise a zipper that extends along both juncture 42 and juncture 56. In other implementations, connector 40 may comprise other forms of connectors for releasably connecting breast portions 36, 38 of torso portion 24 and front neck portions 50 along junctures 42 and 56.

As further shown by FIG. 14, front sides 64 are releasably closed or connected together along juncture 56 by connector 60. In such an implementation, connector 60 only connects front sides 64 of collar 32 inside of storm hood 28. Connector 60 may comprise a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a hook, a snap, quick release buckle or other connector.

In other implementations, connector 60 may extend along both junctures 42 and 56, wherein connector 40 lies outside connector 60 and only connects front neck portions 50 in front of connector 60. In such an implementation, connector 60 may comprise a continuous zipper that extends along juncture 42 and juncture 56 (inside of connector 40 and front neck portions 50), wherein front neck portions 50 extend outside of collar 32. In such implementations, breast portions 36 and 38 of torso portion 24 may be coplanar, integral with or joined directly to collar 32.

FIGS. 15-23 illustrate an example storm hooded garment 920. Storm hooded garment 920 is an example implementation most closely approximating storm hooded garment 20 described above. Storm hooded garment 920 comprises a torso portion 924, a storm hood 928, a collar 932, a connector 940 and a drawstring 954 (shown in FIG. 19).

Torso portion 924 comprises that portion of garment 920 configured to cover and protect the torso of the person wearing garment 20. Torso portion 924 supports sleeves 927. Torso portion 924 comprises a neckline or neck opening 934 through which a person's neck and head may extend. In the example illustrated, torso portion 924 has a split or separable front 925 forming a left breast portion 936 and a right breast portion 938 which are releasably connectable to one another by a connector 940 (along a juncture 942).

Connector 940 releasably joins left and right breast portions 936 and 938. In the example illustrated, connector 940 comprises a zipper extending along substantially in entirety of the juncture 942 of the left and right breast portions 936 and 938. In the illustrated example, the zipper forming connector 940 further extends upward for releasably connecting opposite side portions of storm hood 928 and collar 932.

In other implementations, connector 940 may comprise hook and loop connectors, snaps, buttons or other forms of connectors. In some implementations, connector 940 may comprise combinations of multiple different types of connectors. For example, connector 940 may comprise an elongate zipper with an overlying flap or panel securable by a hook and loop connector. In some implementations, torso portion 924 may comprise a pullover garment, wherein left or right breast portion 936, 938 are not separable from one another and wherein connector 940 may be omitted.

Storm hood 928 comprises a hood extending from torso portion 924 and upwardly from neck opening 934. Storm hood 928 comprises a left side 944, a right side 946, a top 948, a left front neck portion 950-1 and a right front neck portion 950-2 (the left and right front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 being collectively referred to as neck portions 950). Left side 944 and right side 946 project upwardly from neck opening 934 and have lower edges joined to torso portion 924 by stitching, welds, adhesives or like. Although not shown, storm hood 928 may have a rear portion which is likewise affixed to torso portion 924 by stitching, welds, adhesives or the like. Top 948 provides a cover for the person's head extends between left side 944 and right side 946. Cover 948 may terminate along a brim 952. In some implementations, the left and right sides 944, 946 as well as the rear portion of storm hood 928 may be releasably connected to torso portion 924 by hook and loop connectors, snaps, zippers or the like, permitting storm hooded 928 to be detached from torso portion 924. In some implementations, storm hood 928 may be integrally formed with torso portion 924, wherein adjacent portions of torso portion 924 and storm hood 928 are both formed from an unbroken or uninterrupted panel.

As shown by FIG. 21, left front neck portion 950-1 extends to the right from left side 944. Likewise, right front neck portion 950-2 extends the left from right side 946. Neck portions 950 comprise panels having a height and a length so as to extend in front of the neck of the person wearing garment 20 when storm hood 928 is being deployed and when storm and 928 is undeployed (hanging to the rear). In some implementations, neck portions 950 have a height so as to substantially cover the person's neck to a location at or just below the person's chin. In some implementations, neck portions 950 each have a height of at least 2 inches above neck opening of torso portion 924 or a height of at least 1 inch above the surface is 927 corresponding to the top of the person's shoulders adjacent neck opening 934. In other implementations, neck portions 950 can each have a height of at least 3 inches above neck opening of torso portion 924 or a height of at least 2 inches above the surface is 927 corresponding to the top of the person's shoulders adjacent neck opening 934.

Left and right front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 are separable from one another along a juncture 956. In the example illustrated, juncture 956 coincides with juncture 942, such that the zipper serving as connector 940 may continuously extend along both junctures 942 and 956. In the example illustrated, lower edges 958 of front neck portions 950 are affixed to or are integral with left and right breast portions 936, 938, respectively, of torso portion 924. As result, separation of front neck portions 950, away from juncture 956 and release of connector 940 may permit both left and right breast portion 936, 938 and front neck portions 950 to be pulled apart. Stated another way, left and right front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 move with the movement of left and right breast portions 936, 938, respectively, of torso portion 924.

Collar 932 comprises a tubular structure (when closed) extending from torso portion 924 about neck opening 934 and within storm hood 928. FIG. 17 illustrates an inside of garment 920 when garment 920 is opened (when connector 940 is disconnected and breast portions 936 and 938 are pulled apart). As outlined in FIG. 17, collar 932 may be formed by a continuous panel (formed from one or more layers) affixed to torso portion 924 along neck opening 934. In the example illustrated, the panel forming collar 932 is affixed to torso portion 924 by stitching. In other implementations, the panel may be affixed to torso portion 924 by welds, adhesives or the like. In other implementations, collar 932 may be formed from multiple panels.

In some implementations, the panel or panels forming collar 932 have a vertical stiffness that is greater than the vertical stiffness of the left and right front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2. In other implementations, the panel or panels forming collar 932 have a vertical stiffness that is at least two times the vertical stiffness of the left and right front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2. In other implementations, the panel or panels forming collar 932 have a vertical stiffness that is at least three times the vertical stiffness of the left and right front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2.

The vertical stiffness, or bending stiffness, of the panels forming the collar and the front neck portions can be measured in accordance with International Standard No. ISO 5628:2019, “Determination of Bending Stiffness—General Principles for Two-point, Three-point and Four-point Methods”. The three-point testing method of ISO 5628:2019 can be utilized, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 24. ISO Standard 5628 provides test methods to enable the bending stiffness to be measured and described in a consistent way, despite variations in material type and instrument design. For low thickness specimens, the three-point bending test method is provided. ISO Standard 5628 defines bending stiffness as resistance that a test piece offers to bending, in the region of elastic deformation. FIG. 24 replicates FIG. 3 of ISO 5628:2019 in which a test piece is supported close to each end and is subjected to a force, 2F, in the center of the test piece and acting perpendicular to the surface of the test piece at the start of the test. The test pieces can be specimens constructed in the same manner as the collar 932 and of the front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 of the storm hood 928. The distance between the end support locations 2l, with l being the bending length. The linear deflection, f, of the test piece is the shift in the point of application of the force in the direction in which it acts. The bending stiffness, Sb, is calculated using the following formula. b is per unit sample thickness of the test piece (in the direction of the bending axis).

$Sb = (F / f) \cdot (I 3 / 3 b)$

The bending stiffness, Sb, of 10 test pieces of the outer brim portion 460 and 10 test pieces of the inner brim portion 462 can be measured using the three-point bending test method of ISO 5628:2019. The materials used to produce the collar 932 and of the front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 can be used to form test specimens having a length and a width of 102 mm. The linear deflection, f, was 15 mm and the bending length, l, was 38.1 mm. The sample thickness (b) of the samples of the collar 932 and of the front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 ranged from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The bending stiffness Sb of the outer brim portion test specimens and the inner brim portion test specimens can be measured and the bending stiffness, or vertical stiffness of the test piece formed of the same construction as the collar 932 can have a greater bending stiffness than the bending stiffness of the front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2. The bending stiffness Sb of test specimens built in the same manner as the collar 932 and test specimens built in the same manner as the front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 and the inner brim portion test specimens can be measured and the bending stiffness, or vertical stiffness, of the test piece formed of the same construction as the collar 932 can have bending stiffness that is at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, greater than the bending stiffness of the front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2.

In the example illustrated, collar 932 is formed of one or more of the layers forming the outer weather resistant layers. In some implementations, two or more layers of the outer weather resistant layers can be laminated together to provide additional vertical stiffness the collar 932. In some implementations, the outer weather resistant layer(s) of the collar 932 can comprise a breathable water-resistant material such as Gore-Tex™. In other implementations, the outer weather resistant layer(s) of the collar 932 can include a nylon, such as a 70 Dernier ripstop nylon. In other implementations, the outer weather resistant layer(s) of the collar 932 can be formed from other materials or material combinations.

As further shown by FIG. 17, collar 32 comprises a central portion 963, a left front side 964-1 and a right front side 964-2 (collectively referred to as front sides 964). Central portion 963 forms a rear and sides of collar 932. Front sides 964 are integral with and extend from opposite sides of central portion 963. Front sides 964 are joined to the opposite side portions of the zipper forming connector 940 which releasably connects front sides 964 along juncture 956.

In the example illustrated, collar 932 has a varying height. For example, rear portions 937 have a reduced height, whereas side portions 964 have a greater height, accommodating the forward drop of neck opening 934 and matching the height of front neck portions 950. In other implementations, collar 932 may have an unchanging height as it largely encircles neck opening 934 (when closed along juncture 956). In some implementations, collar 932 may have no height along the back side or rear side of garment 920. For example, sides of collar 932 may start along the sides of neck opening 934, wherein collar 932 begins to ramp upwardly and forwardly from the neck opening 934 adjacent to sides 944 and 946 of storm hood 928.

As shown by FIGS. 18-20, front sides 964-1 and 964-2 of collar 932 are directly connected to front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2 of storm hood 928, respectively, so as to vertically support the front neck portions 950 when storm hood 928 is no longer being deployed, when storm hood 980 may be hanging to the rear of garment 920. In the example illustrated, front sides 964-1 and 964-2 of collar 932 are directly connected to front neck portions 950-1 and 950-2, by connectors 968-1 and 968-2, respectively (connectors 968-1 and 968-2 being collectively referred to as connector 968). Connectors 968 directly connect front sides 964 to front neck portions 950 along continuous connection lines that extend from a top edge 970 of front neck portions 950 to a base of front neck portions 950, proximate to neck opening 934.

As shown by FIG. 22, connectors 968-1 and 968-2 extend along respective axes that are parallel to the vertical axis of juncture 956 and juncture 942. Connectors 968-1 and 968-2 extend along respective axes that are adjacent to juncture 956. Adjacent edges of front side 964-1 and front neck portion 950-1 may be directly connected to one another along and adjacent to a left side of the zipper serving as connector 940. Likewise, adjacent edges of front side 964-2 and front neck portion 950-2 may be directly connected to one another along an adjacent to a right side of the zipper serving as connector 940. In the example illustrated, collar 32 is only connected to torso portion 924 along neck opening 934 and is connected to front neck portions 950 along edges 933 and the zipper serving as connector 940; collar 32 is detached from storm hood 928 at all other locations along its length. As result, when storm hood 928 is not deployed and is hanging rearwardly from torso portion 924, collar 32 is more likely to remain upright about the neck of the person wearing garment 920 and continues to support and space front neck portions 950 from the front of the neck of the person wearing garment 920. In other implementations, collar 932 may be tethered at particular locations to portions of storm hood 928.

The direct connection of front side 964 of collar 932 to front neck portions 950 of storm hood 928 serves to vertically support the front neck portions 950. As result, as shown by FIG. 15, when the front of the storm hooded garment 920 is closed by connector 940 and the storm hood 928 is undeployed (hanging to the rear), the collar 932 supports the front neck portions 950 to inhibit the front neck portions 950 from being drawn back against the neck of the person wearing the storm hooded garment 920. As shown by FIG. 16, when the front of the storm hooded garment 920 is open (connector 940 is in an unconnected state and the storm hood 928 is undeployed), the collar 932 holds the shape and body of front neck portions 950 of the storm hood to inhibit the front neck portions 950 from collapsing.

In the illustrated example, each of connectors 968 are lines of stitching having threads passing through both neck portions 950 and front sides 964. For example, connectors 968 may be locations where the edges of front neck portions 950 and front sides 964 are in seamed into their respective sides of zipper serving as connector 940. In other implementations, connectors 68 may be in the form of material welds (fusing), lines of adhesive or the like. In some implementations, connectors 968 each have a vertical length of at least 2 inches along their respective axes.

In some implementations, connectors 968 may be at other locations or have other configurations such as described above with respect to connectors 168, 268, 368, 468, 488 and 498. In other implementations, front neck portions 950 and front sides 964 may have other configurations such as those described above with respect to garments 520 and 620 described above. In some implementations, garment 920 may have front neck portions similar to those described above with respect to garments 720 and 820 and with the addition of side retainer 780.

As shown by FIGS. 17 through 23, storm hood 928 may comprise at least one drawstring 954. The at least one drawstring 954 may be threaded through a sleeve 955 along brim 952, along interior passages provided in front neck portions 950, through openings formed on inner surfaces of front neck portions 950, and through an opening 956 formed on the interior side of front side 964 of collar 32. The routing of drawstring 954 is shown in FIG. 23 by arrows 957 The ends of the at least one drawstring 954 may hang along an inner side of collar 932 as shown in FIG. 17. The drawstring 954 is not visible on the exterior of the storm hooded garment 920. The drawstring 954 is routed within the sleeve 955 that extends from the opening 956 on one of the front neck portions 950 through the sleeve 955 extending along interior passages provided in the front neck portions and the brim to the other opening 956 in the other front neck portion 950. Accordingly, when the storm-hooded garment 920 is worn with the hood deployed, the drawstring 954 not visible on the exterior of the storm-hooded garment 920. The ends of the drawstring 954 are conveniently accessible on the interior surfaces of the collar 932 approximate the openings 956 in the collar.

When drawn, the at least one drawstring 954 serves to constrict brim 952 and sides 944, 946 of storm hood 928 about the head or face of the person wearing garment 920. Although such constriction changes the shape and dimensions of storm hood 928, pulling of the at least one drawstring 954 does not alter the shape of collar 9932. Since the at least one drawstring 54 merely passes through collar 932, collar 932 maintains the shape and continues to function as a support for front neck portions 950.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.

STORM HOODED GARMENT

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