WO2017139458A1

WO2017139458A1 - Detachable foldable hood

Info

Publication number: WO2017139458A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/017167
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jennifer ROMANO
Original assignee: Shux Holdings, Llc
Priority date: 2016-02-09
Filing date: 2017-02-09
Publication date: 2017-08-17
Also published as: CA3013785A1; CN108882767A; US20210186136A1; EP3413736A4; EP3413736B1; EP3413736A1

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a detachable hood are provided that are portable, can attach to a jacket and/or can be folded into a pouch for easy portability. An apparatus can be provided having an article shaped and configured to cover at least a top portion of a user's head, and a pouch connected to the article having an opening, wherein the article is configured to be fully inserted into the pouch through the opening. An apparatus is further provided comprising a hood shaped article configured to cover a user's head, the hood shaped article having a top portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second portion each have a bottom portion having an inner portion and an outer portion separate from each other.

Description

DETACHABLE FOLDABLE HOOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/293,099 filed February 9, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a detachable hood, and more particularly, to a detachable hood that folds into an attached pouch.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] People often forget to carry umbrellas, and some choose not to do so because the umbrellas are often bulky and cannot fit in a small bag or purse. Additionally, often times jackets, even rain jackets, don't have hoods to protect the user's head from rain, snow or cold. Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus to protect a user's head that can help a user when she has a jacket without a hood or forgets to carry her umbrella, which apparatus is portable and does not consume a lot of storage space.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] At least some of the above described problems can be addressed by exemplary embodiments of the detachable hood according to the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of a detachable foldable hood can be provided so the user can easily carry a portable hood in case of rain, snow or cold. [0005] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided comprising an article shaped and configured to cover at least a top portion of a user' s head, and a pouch connected to the article having an opening, wherein the article is configured to be fully inserted into the pouch through the opening. The article can comprise a hood shape having a first side portion, a second side portion and a rear portion for covering the user's head. The apparatus can further comprise a visor portion extending out of the top portion.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise a first strap provided on the first side portion, and a second strap provided on the second side portion. The apparatus can further comprise a first magnet provided at the first strap, a second magnet provided at the second strap, a third magnet provided at the first side portion having an attraction to the first magnet, and a fourth magnet provided on the second side portion having an attraction to the second magnet. The first magnet can be provided within the first strap and the second magnet can be provided within the second strap, such that the first magnet and second magnet are not visible on an exterior of the article. The third magnet can be provided within the first side portion and the fourth magnet can be provided within the second side portion, such that the third magnet and fourth magnet are not visible on an exterior of the article.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the first magnet can be provided at a first end of the first strap and the first strap can be secured to the first side portion at a second end of the first strap opposite the first end of the first strap, and the second magnet can be provided at a first end of the second strap and the second strap can be secured to the second side portion at a second end of the second strap opposite the first end of the second strap. The first strap can be provided on an exterior portion of the first side portion and the second strap can be provided on an exterior portion of the second side portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the first strap can be provided on an interior portion of the first side portion and the second strap can be provided on an interior portion of the second side portion.

[0008] The apparatus can further comprise a zippered portion on the pouch to enclose the article within the pouch. In some exemplary embodiments, the pouch can be provided on an interior portion of the article and is sewn or integral with the article.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus can be provided comprising a hood shaped article configured to cover a user' s head, the hood shaped article having a top portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second portion each have a bottom portion having an inner portion and an outer portion separate from each other. The inner portion of the first side portion and the inner portion of the second side portion can be connected to provide an inner flap, and the outer portion of the first side portion and the outer portion of the second side portion can be connected to provide an outer flap, such that the inner and outer flaps are provided along an entire circumference of a bottom portion of the hood shaped article. The inner and outer flaps can extend upward approximately 1 inch to 10 inches from the bottom portion of the hood shaped article.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise a first securing mechanism for securing the inner portion of the first side portion to the outer portion of the first side portion, and a second securing mechanism for securing the inner portion of the second side portion to the outer portion of the second side portion. The first securing mechanism can comprise a first magnet provided at the outer portion of the first side portion and a second magnet having an attraction to the first magnet provided at the inner portion of the first side portion, and the second securing mechanism can comprise a third magnet provided at the outer portion of the second side portion and a fourth magnet having an attraction to the third magnet provided at the inner portion of the second side portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the first magnet can be provided within the outer portion of the first side portion, the second magnet can be provided within the inner portion of the first side portion, the third magnet can be provided within the outer portion of the second side portion, and the fourth magnet can be provided within the inner portion of the second side portion, such that the first, second, third and fourth magnets are not visible on an exterior of the hood shaped article.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise a first bungee cord provided at the inner portion or outer portion of the first side portion, and a second bungee cord provided at the inner portion or outer portion of the second side portion, wherein the first and second bungee cords are configured to tighten the hood shaped article around the user's head. In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise a pouch connected to the hood shaped article having an opening, wherein the hood shaped article is configured to be fully inserted into the pouch through the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing and other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is an illustration of a detachable hood according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 is an illustration of a front view of a detachable hood showing an attached pouch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 is an illustration of a detachable hood in a folded configuration within an attached pouch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [0016] Figure 4 is an illustration of a detachable hood having a bottom portion in a closed configuration;

[0017] Figures 5 and 6(a) are illustrations of a detachable hood having a bottom portion in an open configuration;

[0018] Figure 6(b) is an illustration of a detachable hood with a bottom portion fixed on a user's jacket;

[0019] Figure 7 is an illustration of a detachable hood having internal earmuffs according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are illustrations of a detachable hood being converted to a hat configuration;

[0021] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are illustrations of a detachable hood being converted to a folded scarf configuration;

[0022] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are illustrations of a detachable hood having elongated portions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) are illustrations of a detachable hood having a pull button according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF DISCLOSURE

[0025] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for various configurations of a detachable hood that can be attached to a jacket or other clothing article or worn without being attached. In some exemplary embodiments, the detachable hood can be folded into an attached pouch. Exemplary embodiments of the detachable hood will now be described with reference to the figures. The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0026] Figure 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a detachable hood 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is an illustration of a front view of a detachable hood showing an attached pouch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The detachable hood 100 can have a top portion 160, a rear portion 165, a first side portion 140 and a second side portion 150. The detachable hood 100 can have a visor 170 extending out of the top portion 160. The detachable hood 100 can have a first strap 110 on a first side portion 140 and a second strap 110 on a second side portion 150, which can be at a similar location on the second side portion 150 as the first side portion 140. The straps 110 can be connected to the detachable hood 100 at a proximal or top end 110a (e.g., fixed, sewn or integrated therewith).

[0027] Magnets 120 having a first polarity can be placed on the straps 110 at a distal or bottom end 110b of the straps 110. The magnets 120 can be visible (e.g., sewn or fixed to the straps 110), or can be secured within the distal ends 110b of the straps 110 so that they are not visible. Magnets 130 have a second polarity attracted to the magnets 120 having a first polarity, and each set of magnets 130 can be placed within the side portions 140, 150 at locations that correspond to the magnets 120 in the straps 110. This causes the distal ends 100b of the straps 110 to be held in place by the attraction of the magnets 120 in the straps 110 to the magnets 130 in the side portions 140, 150 of the detachable hood 100.

[0028] In use, a user can place the detachable hood 100 on her head. The lower portion 105 of the detachable hood 100 can be placed within or on an inside area of a user's article of clothing (such as but not limited to a jacket, vest, sweatshirt, shirt, etc.). The straps 110 are opened and placed on an outside area of the user's article of clothing, such that the user's article of clothing is placed between the outer portion of the side portions 140, 150 and the straps 110. The magnets 120 of the straps are then placed in proximity to the magnets 130 of the side portions 140, 150, to secure the detachable hood 100 to the user's article of clothing. In some exemplary embodiments, only one magnet in one strap can be provided and in some embodiments, more than two magnets and two straps may be used. For example, in some embodiments, a third strap with a magnet can be added along the bottom portion 105 of the detachable hood 100 behind the user's neck for more security.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, instead of magnets 130 having a second polarity placed within side portions of the hood, additional straps with magnets 140 having a second polarity can be placed on the inner side portions 140, 150 of the detachable hood 100. The additional straps can be placed along similar locations on both sides of the detachable hood 100, so that the magnets 120 on the straps 110 attract to and are secured to the magnets on the additional straps on the inner sides of the side portions 140, 150 of the detachable hood 100. In this manner, the hood can be "reversible" so that a different design can be provided on an outer portion and an inner portion of the detachable hood 100, and the detachable hood 100 can be worn either way. Bungee straps can be provided along both the inner and outer portions of the detachable hood 100 so that the hood can be cinched when worn either way. Various types of magnets can be used, such as strong and rare earth magnets that attach only to each other but not to jewelry or other articles worn around the neck or face, or "ribbon magnets" that can be made into a retractable cord.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, a pouch 180 can be provided along a bottom portion 105 of the detachable hood 100. The pouch 180 can have a zippered portion 185 and a hollow portion within the zippered portion 185 that can hold a zip handle. The pouch can be sewn or integrated with the detachable hood 100 along the three borders excluding the zippered portion 185. The detachable hood 100 can be folded and the pouch 180 can be inverted to hold the detachable hood 100 within the pouch 180, and the zip handle 190 can be sealed to enclose the detachable hood within the pouch 180. The pouch 180 can be provided along any portion of the detachable hood 100 and is not restricted to any position or location on the detachable hood 100. Any other sealing mechanism besides a zippered portion 185 can be provided on the pouch, such as a button, clip or other mechanical closing means. In some exemplary embodiments, a fold over version can be provided so that the pouch 180 does not need to be closed using a zipper or other sealing mechanism.

[0031] Figure 3 is an illustration of a detachable hood in a folded configuration within an attached pouch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the detachable hood 100 can be folded and the pouch 180 can be inverted so that the hollow area within the pouch 180 is the external portion of the pouch 180 as shown in Figure 3. The pouch 180 can be carried by a user and opened and used as a detachable hood 100 when needed. In some exemplary embodiments, the pouch 180 can have one or more compartments to store various items, like cash, credit cards or other items.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the pouch configuration of Figure 3 can be used for various other items besides detachable hoods as shown in Figures 1-2. For example, a pouch 180 can be provided on items such as hats, ponchos, rain coats, jackets, scarves, shawls, gloves, bandanas, sports rags, sarongs, cover ups, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, shirts, pants, night shirts, pajamas, slippers, shoes and sandals, where these items could be inverted and folded over into a pouch configuration as shown in Figure 3. In embodiments such as a gloves, sandals, shoes where there are multiple pieces, a pouch can be provided on each of the items, or it could be provided on a single pouch where the pouch would be large enough to incorporate two items (e.g., a pouch on a single glove that can hold both gloves).

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the detachable hood can have a bottom portion that can be elongated to be fixed to a user's jacket. Figure 4 is an illustration of a detachable hood having a bottom portion in a closed configuration. The first side portion 140 can be constructed to have a bottom portion having two separate portions, an outer portion 140a and an inner portion 140b. The second side portion 150 can also be constructed to have a bottom portion having two separate portions, an outer portion 150a and an inner portion 150b. The inner and outer portions of the first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150 can be separable to provide an inner flap and outer flap, respectively, and can extend generally halfway the height of the hood or generally from linch to 10 inches from the bottom of the hood 100. That is, the side portions 140 and 150 can be a unitary piece that are cut away at a bottom portion of the detachable hood to provide the inner and outer flaps, or the inner and outer portions of the first side portion 140 and second side portion 150.

[0034] The inner and outer portions of the first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150 (or inner and outer flaps, respectively) can be provided along the entire circumference of the bottom portion of the detachable hood 100 (i.e., the entire bottom portion of the first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150), as shown in Figure 6(a). One or more bungee straps 135 can be provided on one or more of the inner portions 140b and 150b and outer portions 140a and 150a to cinch the hood around a user's head.

[0035] Magnets 120 having a first polarity can be provided on the outer portions 140a and 150a, and magnets 130 having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity can be provided on the inner portions 140b and 150b. When engaged, as shown in Figure 4, the magnets 120, 130 can attach and cause the detachable hood to be in a closed configuration (i.e., the inner portions 140b and 150b are attached to the outer portions 140a, 150a, respectively). The magnets 120, 130 can be visible (e.g., sewn or fixed to the outer portions 140a, 150a and inner portions 140b, 150b), or can be secured within the outer portions 140a, 150a and inner portions 140b, 150b so that they are not visible.

[0036] Figure 5 is an illustration of a detachable hood having a bottom portion in an open configuration. When the magnets 120, 130 are disengaged, the detachable hood 100 can be provided in an open configuration (i.e., the inner portions 140b and 150b are not attached to the outer portions 140a and 150a). Figure 6(b) is an illustration of a detachable hood with a bottom portion fixed on a user's jacket. A user can provide the hood in an open configuration as shown in Figure 5 so that the outer portions 140a and 150a are provided on an outer portion of a jacket or jacket collar, and the inner portions 140b and 150b are provided on an inner portion of a jacket or jacket collar. The outer and inner portions of the first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150 can be provided along the entire circumference of the bottom portion of the detachable hood 100 as shown in Figure 6(a) (i.e., the entire bottom portion of the first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150), so that the inner portions 140b, 150b can be provided inside a jacket or jacket collar, and the outer portions 140a, 150a can be provided outside a jacket or jacket collar, as shown in Figure 6(b). The user can then engage the magnets 120, 130 so that the detachable hood is fixed on the user's jacket. Magnets have a sufficient strength can be provided such that the magnets can engage through a thickness of a winter jacket.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, extra magnets 120, 130 can be provided along the inner and outer portions (e.g., in an area in the middle around a user's neck) for more stability of the detachable hood so that it does not detach from a user's jacket. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the location or amount of magnets. Further, other attachment mechanisms may be used instead of magnets, such as clips, pins or other mechanical mechanisms.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the magnets described in Figures 1-6 can trigger a lighting action when engaged (e.g., when they are utilized in the connection process in attaching to the collar of a jacket, shirt etc.) The magnets can also trigger a lighting action when pulled apart. The magnets can vibrate or make a sound (which could be a clicking sound) to alert the user that the hood is attached. Any size or strength of magnets can be used, and the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular type or size of magnets.

[0039] As seen in Figure 7, the detachable hood 100 can also include earmuffs 125 which can be removable (e.g., connectable via fasteners, buttons, zippers, Velcro® or other attachments), or can be placed within the hood or on an inner portion of the hood. The earmuffs 125 can be sewn or attached via other mechanisms proximate to the portion of the hood that would be provided around the ears of a user.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the hood 100 can be converted to a hat 200. For example, attachments 141-144 can be provided on the first side portion 140 (similar attachments can also be provided on the second side portion 150). The first side portion 140 (and second side portion 150) can be folded over such that attachment 141 is placed over attachment 142, and attachment 143 is placed on attachment 144, providing a folded configuration resembling a hat, as shown in Figure 5(b). The attachments 141-144 can be any attachment mechanism, such as but not limited to magnets or Velcro^®. In some embodiments, the front visor 170 can fold upward such that attachment 145 is placed on attachment 146, providing a hat 200 without a visor portion 170. [0041] In some embodiments, the attachments 141-144 can be provided on an inner portion of the first side portion 140 (as well as the attachments on the second side portion 150) so that the first side and second side portions fold inward so that the folded portion is not visible. In some embodiments, the attachments 145 and 146 can be provided underneath the visor 170 and hood 100 such that the visor 170 folds inward underneath the hood so that it is not visible.

[0042] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the hood can convert to a scarf to be worn around the neck of a user 220. For example, the visor 170 can be folded over the hood 100 in a direction D, and attachments 141-144 provided on the first side portion 140 (and similar attachments can also be provided on the second side portion 150) are folded over such that attachment 141 is placed over attachment 142, and attachment 143 is placed on attachment 144, thus providing a long elongated scarf 210, as shown in Figure 9(b). The magnet 120 on the strap 110 can be used to loop around the scarf 210 to hold one face of the material to the other face. In some embodiments, the attachments on the first side portion 140 can connect to the attachments on the second side portion 150 to holds the scarf 210 closed around the wearer's neck. The hood fabric in the scarf embodiment can be made of a thin material such as cotton or silk.

[0043] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), elongated portions 230 can be provided along the first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150 providing a scarf look around the hood, so a user can wear the hood 100 along with the elongated portions 230 for a hood and scarf look. The elongated portions 230 can be provided inside internal pockets 240 provided within the inner portions of the first side portion 140 and second side portion 150 as shown so as to not be visible and removed when needed. In some embodiments, the elongated portions 230 can be folded within the hood 100 when not being used and kept in place using attachment mechanisms such as but not limited to fasteners, magnets, buttons, zippers, Velcro® or other attachments.

[0044] As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the hood can also include a pull out button 250 to aid in the pouch configuration described above with respect to Figure 3. A pull out button 250 can be provided on a top portion of the hood that can be used to grip the hood and remove it when in the pouch configuration. A pull button 260 can also be provided under the hood on an inner portion (e.g., underneath the pull out button 250) as shown to pull it back within the pouch. In some embodiments, a bungee cord can be used as the button to pull the hood out from the pouch and into the pouch. The pull out button 250 and/or pull button 260 can be provided on any items described above, and are not limited to the detachable hood, such as but not limited to hats, ponchos, rain coats, jackets, scarves, shawls, gloves, bandanas, sports rags, sarongs, cover ups, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, shirts, pants, night shirts, pajamas, slippers, shoes and sandals.

[0045] Various other modifications can be provided on the detachable hood 100. For example, the visor can be optional on the detachable hood 100. A pull bungee can be provided along opposite sides of a neck portion of the detachable hood 100 to adjust the detachable hood 100 around the neck. A pull bungee can also be provided to adjust the hoodie around a head portion. A single pull bungee can be provided to adjust the hoodie around the head and neck areas. The hood can have an option to pull the front portion down over a user's face and can include a cold air breathing filter to cover a user's face. The breathing filter can be lightweight, pliable and can easily fold into the hood and not visible when not being used. It can be removable (e.g., connectable via fasteners, magnets, buttons, zippers, Velcro® or other attachments), adjustable or can be sewn into the hood.

[0046] The detachable hood 100 can be made of various materials, such as a water proof, heat resistant, breathable and/or repellent material. The material utilized for the fabric to make the hood and/or the pouch can be of any weight and can be delicate and flexible to be durable, foldable and tear resistant. For example, the detachable hood 100 can be made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, paper, microfiber, suede and vinyl. The material may be machine washed and line or machine dried. The detachable hood can also be made of bullet-resistant material such as Kevlar^® or a structured polymer composite or multilayer graphene.

[0047] The hood can be made of a projection material onto which images or video can be projected. The projection material can be a white or green space where images can be projected onto it from an outside source or via a saved file included in a USB port provided within the detachable hood 100.

[0048] The detachable hood 100 can be of various sizes or a universal size and can include different designs or graphics. Various designs such as frill, lace, sequin, stones and rhinestones can be added to the hood. The hood fabric may be insulated or thermal with fur trim around the rim of the face. The detachable hood can have an inner layer of thermal material that is permanently affixed or removably affixed (via buttons, zippers, for use in the colder weather, which thermal material can have insulating properties and can also be breathable, such as Thinsulate®. It can be removable (e.g., connectable via fasteners, buttons, zippers, Velcro® or other attachments) or can be sewn into the hood. The hood can have a length such that a bottom portion of the hood is placed or sits on the back and shoulders of the user. The hood can also be provided with a corresponding jacket, which can have the same pattern or design as the detachable hood 100 or a different design or pattern.

[0049] Various portions or elements of the hood can be made to illuminate or glow in the dark, such as the fabric itself, the designs (such as sequin or rhinestones), the magnets or the pull-bungee cord. Material can be used that contains glow pigments such as photo luminescent glow pigment crystals or resins to ensure that the cleanest and brightest glow. The resin technology can be long lasting and durable so as to withstanding any weather conditions. The material can be chosen to provide extended periods of illumination, highlight an exclusive design element or add a visual safety feature. The glow in the dark features can be applied to all or individually to the hood, pouch, or other portions of the hood (e.g., key chain attachment, zipper, straps, clip, or hook). The glow in the dark material can be sewn, die cut, trimmed and/or stapled to conform to size. It may be in the form of a gel, threads, tubing, resin, rope, ribbon, rolls or glow sheets. Phosphorescent paint can also be used to decorate the fabric.

[0050] The fabric of the hood may contain a pigment in the middle or any portion of the fabric, which can be charged with any bright light source such as but not limited to a full sunlight, bright fluorescent light, or an incandescent bulb. The higher the ultraviolet emission of the bulb, the longer and brighter the fabric can glow. Any lights with "full spectrum" can be used to charge the fabric. Black lights, or ultraviolet lamps, can also charge the fabric. Any light charging of the pigments can be from 10 seconds to 30 minutes or longer. The glow may last up to hours at a time. The glow in the dark capability may be implemented as a glow in the dark coating which may be waterproof so water beads off if exposed to rain or excessive water outside or in marine environments. It may be applied to woven synthetic fabric types such as nylons and polyesters. The coated side of the fabric can be applied either on the inside facing the user or on the outside of the fabric away from the end user. In some embodiments, LED strips can be used and provided along portions of the hood. Waterproof coatings can also mitigate salt damage to the breathability function.

[0051] The hood fabric may be made of a light reflective material. The hood can have one or more reflectors on one or more portions of the hood for runners or joggers so that they are visible in the dark. The hood or a portion of the hood can also be made of a solar panel material such as solar modules that can use solar power to charge various elements of the hood (such as an earpiece, wireless technology, illuminating elements, etc.). The hood can include tubes to expand the size of the hood. The hood can have stainless steel or conductive, magnetized yarn or thread in it. The hood fabric or a portion of the hood fabric can be color changing (e.g., based on the intensity of the indoor or outdoor light), and the hood fabric may change or alter with the temperature, weather or the environment. The hood fabric can also include shape changing fabric (e.g., fabric that changes when exposed near electromagnetic fields), or fabric that can blend into backgrounds such as interactive fabric that can change color and/or pattern when heated or pressed. The detachable hood 100 can be made of a material that can have heating or cooling elements within the hood to provide a hot or cold hood, which can be activated by human contact and can be wireless and rechargeable.

[0052] Various fasteners can be used in the hood. Velcro® or other attachment material can be used in various portions of the hood. The detachable hood 100 can include snaps or other fasteners. The visor can include pliable wire for a stiff but bendable look. The visor may be the same material as the hood, including color and pattern, and can be transparent, or the visor can be made of different material than the hood. The hood and/or pouch can have an attachment mechanism such as a hook, strap, clip or other mechanical attachment to connect to or be part of, e.g., keychains, belt buckles, backpacks, suitcases, luggage, briefcases, handbags, purses, golf bags, sports bag, beach bags, travel bags, travel cases, toothbrush travel cases, makeup cases, jackets, clothing, umbrellas, shoes, books, strollers, hiking gear, military equipment, tool boxes, dog chains, pet chains, sports merchandise, souvenirs or other apparel or equipment. The attachment mechanism can be a long strap, which can be provided to be held across the body. The attachment mechanism may be retractable, such as a retractable chain, cord, string, etc. Other items, such as a pliable mirror and an extra change pocket, can be provided within the pouch. [0053] Electronic devices, such as ear buds using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ®, or a navigation system/GPS, USB or other electronic devices can be provided on the detachable hood 100 that can light up or vibrate when connected or on. The detachable hood 100 can have the ability to "talk" to another detachable hood, via Bluetooth ® or other technology. For example, ear buds can be placed in the detachable hood 100 as well as microphones for a user to speak into. The microphones and ear buds can be provided on the inner portions of the detachable hood 100 or can be placed inside the detachable hood 100. The detachable hood 100 can contain sensor activators, motion sensors or exercise recording devices. Lights can be provided in the detachable hood 100 along various portions of the detachable hood 100, such as the front portion to provide lighting. Various versions and designs of the detachable hood 100 can be provided, such as a fishing version, hunting version, construction version, military version, child version, pet version, adult version, male/female version, sports team version and a cartoon/character version.

[0054] All of the above variations described in the specification can be provided on various items including the detachable hood, such as but not limited to hats, ponchos, rain coats, jackets, scarves, shawls, gloves, bandanas, sports rags, sarongs, cover ups, skirts, dresses, t- shirts, shirts, pants, night shirts, pajamas, slippers, shoes and sandals.

[0055] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising:

an article shaped and configured to cover at least a top portion of a user's head; and a pouch connected to the article having an opening;

wherein the article is configured to be fully inserted into the pouch through the opening.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a hood shape having a first side portion, a second side portion and a rear portion for covering the user's head.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a visor portion extending out of the top portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a first strap provided on the first side portion; and

a second strap provided on the second side portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a first magnet provided at the first strap;

a second magnet provided at the second strap;

a third magnet provided at the first side portion having an attraction to the first magnet; and

a fourth magnet provided on the second side portion having an attraction to the second magnet.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first magnet is provided within the first strap and the second magnet is provided within the second strap, such that the first magnet and second magnet are not visible on an exterior of the article.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the third magnet is provided within the first side portion and the fourth magnet is provided within the second side portion, such that the third magnet and fourth magnet are not visible on an exterior of the article.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first magnet is provided at a first end of the first strap and the first strap is secured to the first side portion at a second end of the first strap opposite the first end of the first strap, and the second magnet is provided at a first end of the second strap and the second strap is secured to the second side portion at a second end of the second strap opposite the first end of the second strap.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first strap is provided on an exterior portion of the first side portion and the second strap is provided on an exterior portion of the second side portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first strap is provided on an interior portion of the first side portion and the second strap is provided on an interior portion of the second side portion.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a zippered portion on the pouch to enclose the article within the pouch.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pouch is provided on an interior portion of the article and is sewn or integral with the article.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a hood shaped article configured to cover a user's head, the hood shaped article having a top portion, a first side portion and a second side portion;

wherein the first side portion and the second portion each have a bottom portion having an inner portion and an outer portion separate from each other.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the inner portion of the first side portion and the inner portion of the second side portion are connected to provide an inner flap, and the outer portion of the first side portion and the outer portion of the second side portion are connected to provide an outer flap, such that the inner and outer flaps are provided along an entire circumference of a bottom portion of the hood shaped article.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inner and outer flaps extend upward approximately 1 inch to 10 inches from the bottom portion of the hood shaped article.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a first securing mechanism for securing the inner portion of the first side portion to the outer portion of the first side portion; and

a second securing mechanism for securing the inner portion of the second side portion to the outer portion of the second side portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first securing mechanism comprises a first magnet provided at the outer portion of the first side portion and a second magnet having an attraction to the first magnet provided at the inner portion of the first side portion, and the second securing mechanism comprises a third magnet provided at the outer portion of the second side portion and a fourth magnet having an attraction to the third magnet provided at the inner portion of the second side portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first magnet is provided within the outer portion of the first side portion, the second magnet is provided within the inner portion of the first side portion, the third magnet is provided within the outer portion of the second side portion, and the fourth magnet is provided within the inner portion of the second side portion, such that the first, second, third and fourth magnets are not visible on an exterior of the hood shaped article.

19. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a first bungee cord provided at the inner portion or outer portion of the first side portion; and

a second bungee cord provided at the inner portion or outer portion of the second side portion;

wherein the first and second bungee cords are configured to tighten the hood shaped article around the user's head.

20. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a pouch connected to the hood shaped article having an opening; wherein the hood shaped article is configured to be fully inserted into the pouch through the opening.