US20100170024A1

US20100170024A1 - Hood for apparel

Info

Publication number: US20100170024A1
Application number: US12/348,349
Authority: US
Inventors: Sharilyn Seter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-05
Filing date: 2009-01-05
Publication date: 2010-07-08

Abstract

Disclosed is a hood for an apparel for protecting a head of a user from weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind. The hood comprises a cover member adapted to enclose and protect at least a portion of the head of the user, and a plurality of support members coupled to the cover member in a manner such that the plurality of support members is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position. The plurality of support members enables the cover member to configure in a spaced apart manner in the unfolded position for enclosing at least a portion of the head of the user. Further, the plurality of support members enables the cover member to be stowed in the folded position of the cover member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparel, and, more particularly, to a hood for an apparel capable of gently protecting a head of a user from weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Use of apparatuses for protecting a head of a person from various weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind, is well known in the art. Mostly, individuals must provide manual support for holding such apparatuses upright in order to protect heads thereof from the weather elements. More often than not, the individuals need to hold the apparatuses using their hands, and accordingly, the individuals are incapable of utilizing the hands for other activities while using such apparatuses. For example, an umbrella may be held by a user in one hand for protecting his/her head from weather elements, such as rain. Further, the use of the umbrella may obstruct a vision of the user. Furthermore, the umbrella may blow away during a windy and stormy weather condition.
Alternately, a hood of apparel coupled thereto may be utilized by a user to cover and protect his/her head form the weather elements. However, the hood also tends to slip away from over the head towards a back portion during windy and stormy weather conditions. Accordingly, use of the hood also requires manual support for keeping the hood over the head during adverse weather conditions. Further, the hood is incapable of gently enclosing the head of the user. Specifically, the interior of a hood direct contacts hair of the user, thereby disturbing or distressing the user's hairstyle.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a hood for an apparel capable of gently protecting a head of a user from weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind, without disturbing a hairstyle of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a hood for an apparel, configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a hood for an apparel capable of enclosing a head of a user for protecting the head from weather elements, such as rain, snowfall and wind.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hood for an apparel capable of being worn by a user to protect his/her head from weather elements, such as rain, snow and wind, without disturbing a hairstyle of the user.
In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, a hood for an apparel is disclosed. The hood is capable of protecting a head of a user from weather elements. The hood comprises a cover member and a plurality of support members. The cover member is adapted to enclose and protect at least a portion of the head of the user. The plurality of support members is coupled to the cover member in a manner such that the plurality of support members is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position. The plurality of support members enables the cover member to configure in a spaced apart manner in the unfolded position for enclosing at least a portion of the head of the user. Further, the plurality of support members enables the cover member to be stowed in the folded position of the cover member.
This together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this invention. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hood for an apparel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular hood for an apparel, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.
Unless limited otherwise, the terms, “coupled,” “disposed” and variations thereof herein are used broadly, and may encompass direct and indirect couplings and arrangements, to define association among various elements.
The present invention provides a hood for an apparel to enclose and protect a head of a user from weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind. Specifically, the hood substantially encloses the head of the user for protecting the head from the weather elements. The term “apparel” used herein refers to a jacket, a coat, a sweatshirt, a pullover, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a hood 100 for an apparel (not shown) is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hood 100 includes a cover member 102. Further, the hood 100 may include a fastening mechanism, such as the fastening mechanism 104 configured on the cover member 102. Furthermore, the hood 100 includes a plurality of support members, such as support members 106 a, 106 b and 106 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “support members 106”), coupled to the cover member 102. The hood 100 of the present invention further includes a visor portion 108 configured on the cover member 102, and a strap member 110 coupled to the cover member 102.
The cover member 102 of the hood 100 is in the form of a head guard and is adapted to enclose at least a portion of a head of a user for protecting at least a portion of the head from various weather elements. More specifically, the cover member 102 is configured to assume a shape of a hollow enclosure adapted to substantially enclose a top portion, a back portion and side portions of the user's head. Accordingly, it should be understood that the term “at least a portion of the head,” as used herein, collectively refers to the top portion, the back portion and the side portions of the user's head. Further, it should be understood that the cover member 102 may enclose the hair and ears of the user for protecting the user's head from the weather elements. In the present embodiment, the cover member 102 encloses the head of the user in a spaced apart manner, which is further explained herein detail. Further, the cover member 102 is composed of a water resistant material for enabling the cover member 102 to protect the user's head from weather elements. Suitable examples of the water resistant material may include, but are not limited to, a plastic material and a rubber material.
As explained herein, the fastening mechanism 104 is configured on the cover member 102. More specifically, the fastening mechanism 104 is configured at a lower portion (not numbered) of the cover member 102. The fastening mechanism 104 may enable in coupling the cover member 102 with a collar portion of the apparel. In the present embodiment, the fastening mechanism 104 is configured on the cover member 102 for enabling a removable coupling of the cover member 102 with the apparel. More specifically, the fastening mechanism 104 is a hook and loop fastener arrangement configured at the lower portion of the cover member 102, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the hood 100, and more specifically, the cover member 102, may include any other fastening mechanism, such as a zipper arrangement and a snap-fit arrangement, for a removable coupling of the cover member 102 with the apparel.
Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that a portion of the fastening mechanism 104 needs to be configured on the collar portion of the apparel for enabling the removable coupling between the hood 100 and the apparel. For example, a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener arrangement may be configured on the cover member 102 of the hood 100 (as shown in FIG. 1) and a complementary hook portion of the hook and loop fastener arrangement may be configured on the collar portion of the apparel thereby enabling the removable coupling between the hood 100 and the apparel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fasting mechanism 104, particularly, the loop portion or the hook portion of the hook and loop fastener arrangement may be configured on a periphery (not numbered) of the lower portion of the cover member 102. Additionally, the other fastening mechanism, such as the zipper arrangement and the snap-fit arrangement may be configured on the hood 100 and the apparel for enabling a removable coupling therebetween. Use of the fastening mechanism 104 helps in an easy detachment of the hood 100 from the apparel for storage purposes.
As explained herein, the plurality of support members 106 is coupled to the cover member 102. Specifically, the plurality of support members 106 is coupled to the cover member 102 in a manner such that the plurality of support members 106 is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member 102 to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of support members 106 may be coupled to the cover member 102 with the help of stitches and glue. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, end portions of the plurality of support members 106 are coupled to connectors, such as a connector 112, configured on lower side portions (not numbered) of the cover member 102. The connector 112 enables a pivotal coupling of the end portions of the plurality of support members 106 to allow the plurality of support members 106 to be moved for enabling the cover member 102 to attain either the folded position or the unfolded position thereof.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of support members 106 is configured to assume a U-shaped structure for enabling the cover member 102 to configure the hollow enclosure, which is capable of substantially enclosing the head of the user therewithin. Further, the plurality of support members 106 enables the cover member 102 to configure in the spaced apart manner in the unfolded position for enclosing the at least a portion of the head of the user. More specifically, the cover member 102 is mounted on the plurality of support members 106 in order to be positioned substantially away from the head of the user, when present in the unfolded position. Accordingly, the plurality of support members 106 enable in avoiding a meshing of the cover member 102 with the user's hair thereby protecting the user's head from the weather elements without disturbing a hair style of the user.
In the present embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of support members 106 is in the form of a collapsible wire, which is soft and flexible. Accordingly, the plurality of support members 106 may be referred to as a plurality of collapsible support members, which enables the cover member 102 to easily attain either the folded position or the unfolded position, as and when desired by the user.
Further, as explained above, the cover member 102 is capable of enclosing and protecting the at least a portion, such as the hair and the ears, of the user. Face portions, such as eyes, nose and mouth, of face of the user may be protected from the weather elements by the visor portion 108 of the hood 100. In the present embodiment, the visor portion 108 is flipably configured on the cover member 102. Specifically, the visor portion 108 is configured on an upper portion (not numbered) of the cover member 102 such that the visor portion 108 is capable of being flipped to extend from the cover member 102 thereby protecting the face portions of the user from the weather elements. Further, the visor portion 108 may be flipped to assume a folded position after a use thereof. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the visor portion 108 is composed of a transparent water resistant material for enabling the user to have a clear vision therethrough. For example, the visor portion 108 may be composed of a clear plastic material, which helps in providing a clear vision to the user while using the visor portion 108.
As explained herein, the strap member 110 is coupled to the cover member 102. Specifically, the strap member 110 is coupled to the cover member 102 for enabling in retaining the cover member 102 in the unfolded position, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the hood 100 of the present invention may tend to blow in a backward direction during a windy and a stormy weather condition due to a high speed of wind, however, the strap member 110 enables in restricting a backward movement of the hood 100 during the windy and a stormy weather condition. In the present embodiment, a first end portion (not numbered) of the strap member 110 may be permanently affixed to the cover member 102 and a second end portion (not numbered) of the strap member 110 may be removably coupled to the cover member 102. Accordingly, the second end portion of the strap member 110 may be removably coupled to the cover member 102 depending on weather conditions.
The hood 100 of the present invention may be configured to assume the folded position after the use thereof. More specifically, the plurality of support members 106 may be moved to enable the cover member 102 to be stowed in the folded position thereof. Specifically, as explained herein, the plurality of support members 106 is coupled to the cover member 102, accordingly, upon pivotally moving the plurality of support members 106 in a backward direction, the cover member 102 gets stowed in the folded position thereof. When the cover member 102 attains the folded position, the hood 100 may then hung from a back portion of the apparel without disturbing an aesthetic appearance of the apparel.
The hood of the present invention, such as the hood 100, as described above, may be subject to many variations. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hood may be manufactured as an inherent part of apparel, such as the jacket, the coat, the sweatshirt, and the pullover. Accordingly, the hood may include a cover member, such as the cover member 102, adapted to enclose and protect at least a portion of the head of the user, and a plurality of support members, such as the plurality of support members 106, coupled to the cover member in a manner such that the plurality of support members is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position. The cover member is structurally, configurationally, and functionally similar to the cover member 102 of FIG. 1 in terms of configuration, functionality and material of manufacturing. The plurality of support members is structurally, configurationally, and functionally similar to the plurality of support members 106 of FIG. 1.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the hood of the present invention may be manufactured separately and may include a cover member, such as the cover member 102, adapted to enclose and protect at least a portion of the head of the user, a fastening mechanism configured on the cover member for enabling a coupling of the cover member with the apparel, and a plurality of support members, such as the plurality of support members 106, coupled to the cover member in a manner such that the plurality of support members is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position. Accordingly, the fastening mechanism may enable a permanent coupling of the cover member with apparel. A suitable example of the fastening mechanism for enabling the permanent coupling of the cover member with the apparel may be a plurality of stitches. Alternately, an adhesive may be used for permanently coupling the cover member with the apparel.
Various embodiments of the present invention offer the following advantages. The hood, such as the hood 100, for an apparel helps in protecting a head of a user from adverse weather conditions. Further, the hood is capable of effectively enclosing and protecting at least a portion of the user's head without disturbing a hairstyle of the user. Furthermore, the use of the hood of the present invention does not require manual support for retaining the hood over the head of the user during windy and stormy weather conditions. Such a property of the hood enables the user to have hands-free movement. Moreover, the use of the hood provides a cost effective solution for the protection of the user's head from weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind. Additionally, the hood of the present invention may be used in all seasons throughout the year. Further, the hood may be configured to have variety of sizes and designs, such that the hood has an aesthetic appearance, and may be worn by people of all age groups. In another exemplary embodiment, the hood may be made of disposable type of water resistant material for enabling the hood to be a disposable hood.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hood for an apparel to protect a head of a user from weather elements, the hood comprising:

a cover member adapted to enclose and protect at least a portion of the head of the user; and

a plurality of support members coupled to the cover member in a manner such that the plurality of support members is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position,

wherein the plurality of support members enables the cover member to configure in a spaced apart manner in the unfolded position for enclosing the at least a portion of the head of the user, and

wherein the plurality of support members enables the cover member to be stowed in the folded position of the cover member.

2. The hood of claim 1, further comprising a fastening mechanism configured on the cover member for enabling a coupling of the cover member with the apparel.

3. The hood of claim 2, further comprising a fastening mechanism configured on the cover member for enabling a removable coupling of the cover member with the apparel.

4. The hood of claim 3, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises at least one of a zipper arrangement, a hook and loop fastener arrangement, and a snap-fit arrangement.

5. The hood of claim 1, further comprising a visor portion flipably configured on the cover member, the visor portion capable of being flipped to extend from the cover member for protecting face portions of the user.

6. The hood of claim 5, wherein the visor portion is composed of a transparent water resistant material.

7. The hood of claim 1, further comprising a strap member coupled to the cover member for retaining the cover member in the unfolded position thereof.

8. The hood of claim 1, wherein the apparel comprises at least one of a jacket, a coat, a sweatshirt, and a pullover.

9. The hood of claim 1, wherein the cover member is composed of a water resistant material.