Garment

[Problem] For a garment having a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey sewn to a round-neck main body of the garment, the problem is to maintain the predetermined wearing position of the turtle-neck portion of the jersey while lying in bed. [Means to Solve the Problem] The garment consists of a funnel-like body 20 of jersey with a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, a size of the maximum circumference of the tubular part being larger than the circumference of the wearer's head by about 10% to 20%, and the minimum circumference of the tubular part being approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's head or smaller than the circumference by about 10%, and a round-neck main body of the garment 10 of cotton jersey sewn together with the funnel-like body. The funnel-like body 20 of jersey is formed by sewing together two texture portions of the front collar portion 21 and a rear collar portion 22 of the jersey texture having a high elasticity longitudinally and being double-folded. The top end portion of the funnel-like body 20 is provided with a pair of ear-hooking holes 23, 23.

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Description
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a garment capable of keeping the neck warm comfortably, mainly to the garment suitable for wearing on while asleep.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

It is well known that preventing the nose and the throat from becoming dry while in bed is effective for preventing a cold, and to this end, keeping the neck warm appropriately while sleeping is also an efficient means for doing so. Neck warmers of various textures such as wool, fleece, cotton, etc. are available in the market. These commercially available neck warmers consist of a roughly tubular body whose circumference is substantially equal to or smaller by about 10% than the circumference of the wearer's neck. The above-mentioned roughly tubular body is closely stuck to the wearer's neck utilizing the high elasticity of the texture when it is worm, so that the neck warmer is held in the wearing position. However, the commercially available neck warmer is not appropriate as a warming tool while asleep because it constricts the wearer's neck and the warming effect is excessive. The neck warmers disclosed in Japanese Utility Model No. 3105978 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Utility Model No. 3105271 (Patent Document 2), and Japanese Utility Model No. 3099460 (Patent Document 3) also do not seem to be used as a warming tool while in bed due to the above reasons.

Commercially available knit turtle-neck wool sweaters, 100% cotton rib stitch turtle-neck sweaters, cotton jersey and turtle-neck inner wears are provided with a turtle-neck portion whose circumference is approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's neck and whose length is approximately double that of the wearer's neck. The above-mentioned turtle-neck portion comes into close contact with the wearer's neck by utilizing the high elasticity of the texture, and is held in position. These turtle-neck sweaters and turtle-neck inner wears are comfortable for a wearer as a garment in cold weather, but are not usually worn while in bed. The reason thereof is that they constrict the wearer's neck.

Nevertheless, some people wear cotton jersey turtle-neck inner wears while in bed, but it is unreasonable to conclude that this prevents the wearer from catching a cold. The reason for the above is that comfortable warming of the entire neck, which is considered to be an effective method for preventing a cold, cannot be achieved by wearing the cotton jersey turtle-neck portion because it cannot cover the upper portion of the neck.

A turtle-neck pajama having a turtle-neck portion of fleece sewn together with a round-neck pajama body of fleece is also available in the market. The above-mentioned turtle-neck portion of fleece whose circumference is large and about the same as the circumference of the wearer's neck, but fits loosely around the neck. Because of the above characteristic, it is impossible for the above-mentioned turtle-neck portion of fleece to closely come into contact with the wearer's neck and retains its original intended position by utilizing the high elasticity of its texture when worn. Nevertheless, the reason why the above-mentioned turtle-neck portion of fleece is held in position roughly equal to the circumference of wearer's neck when it is worn is that the length thereof is as short as about a half of the wearer's neck and the structure thereof is hard to be withered because it is formed by doubling a relatively thick fleece texture. Because the above-mentioned turtle-neck portion of fleece is formed in such a manner that it stretches in the lateral direction though the relatively thick double-folded fleece texture thereof, the circumference of the tubular part approximately equal to the circumference of wearer's head is enlarged by an extent as much as 30 to 40% when it is put on or taken off. Consequently, the conventional turtle-neck pajama is easy to put on or take off and does not constrict the wearer's neck while being worn.

However the conventional turtle-neck pajama cannot keep the neck warm comfortably. The reason for the above is that a roughly cylindrical clearance surrounding the neck completely, particularly a roughly cylindrical clearance whose one end is open, is formed between the turtle-neck portion of fleece and the wearer's neck when the conventional turtle-neck pajama is put on. That is to say, the roughly cylindrical clearance with one open end has a maximum length of approximately 30 mm to 40 mm, so that the shoulder side of the wearer is closed but the jaw side of the wearer is exposed. Therefore, cool outside air can enter the roughly cylindrical clearance through the neighboring position under the wearer's jaw, and deteriorates the heat reservation effect of the turtle-neck portion of fleece, which results in an inefficient method for preventing the wearer from catching a cold when the conventional turtle-neck pajama is worn while sleeping.

  • [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model No. 3105978
  • [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model No. 3105271
  • [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model No. 3099460

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment that can comfortably keep the wearer's neck warm while in bed, with regard to the garment having a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey sewn to the body of the round-neck garment. The loose size turtleneck portion in this specification means the turtle-neck portion in which the circumference of the tube thereof is not smaller than the circumference of the wearer's head.

The second problem to be solved by the present invention is to securely hold the turtle-neck portion of jersey in a predetermined wearing position while in bed, with regard to the garment with a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey sewn to the body of the round-neck garment. The predetermined wearing position in this specification means the wearing position at which the turtleneck position of jersey covers at least the wearer's jaw and neck simultaneously.

Means to Solve the Problems

The first garment that solves the problems mentioned above is a garment having a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, with a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey sewn to the body of the round-neck garment, wherein the loose size turtle-neck portion is a funnel-like body of jersey, which is made of a jersey texture having longitudinally high stretching capacity and is double-folded.

The second garment that solves the problems mentioned above is a garment having a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, with a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey sewn to the body of the round-neck garment, wherein the loose size turtle-neck portion is a funnel-like body of jersey, which is made of jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and is double-folded, and a pair of ear-hooking holes are formed on the top end portion of the funnel-like body of jersey.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention could provide a garment having a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, with a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey, wherein the garment could be easily put on or taken off, giving the wearer a comfortable wearing experience without any sense of constriction, and furthermore comfortably keeping the wearer's neck warm while asleep.

In addition, the garment in accordance with the present invention provides a warming, moisturizing and humidifying effect, an effective means for preventing colds, and thereby enhances the sleeping experience for the wearer.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

The garment according to the present invention comprises a funnel-like body of jersey with a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, a size of the maximum circumference of the tubular part thereof being larger than the circumference of the wearer's head by about 10% to 20%, and the minimum circumference of the tubular part thereof being approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's head or smaller than the circumference by approximately 10%, and a round-neck main body of the garment of cotton jersey sewn together with the funnel-like body, wherein the funnel-like body of jersey is made of jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded, and a pair of ear-hooking holes are formed on the top end portion of the funnel-like body.

Embodiment 1

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the garment of the embodiment 1 according to the present invention comprises a garment 1 having a round-neck main body of the garment 10 of cotton jersey sewn together with a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey, wherein the turtle-neck portion of jersey is a funnel-like body 20 of jersey made of jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded. Additionally, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey has a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, a size of the maximum circumference of the tubular part being larger than the circumference of the wearer's head by about 10% to 20%, and the minimum circumference of the tubular part being approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's head, and is made of the cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded. Furthermore, a pair of ear-hooking holes is provided on the top end portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey.

The funnel-like body 20 of the jersey made of a cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded can essentially maintain the original shape of the funnel-like body of cotton jersey because the circumference thereof provides greater resistance to losing its shape, even with repeated wearing and washing.

The funnel-like body 20 of jersey is fabricated in such a manner that the corresponding right and left side end portions of both the front side collar portion 21 and the rear side collar portion 22 are sewn together by superimposing each margin to the seam, and moreover the upper end portion of the front side collar portion 21 and the upper end portion of the rear side collar portion 22 are sewn together by turning back each margin to the seam to about 10 mm.

The cotton jersey texture is quadruplicated at the portions where right and left margins to the seam of the front side collar portion 21 and the rear side collar portion 22 are superimposed and sewn together, i.e. the collar portion is sewn to portions 20b, 20b. In addition, the cotton jersey texture is also quadruplicated at the upper side opening end portion 20a of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey.

In the embodiment 1, the right and left top ends of the front side collar portion 21 are provided with a pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 respectively because the front side collar portion 21 is approximately double the rear side collar portion 22. On the contrary, the right and left top ends of the rear side collar portion 22 are provided with a pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 respectively if the rear side collar portion 22 is approximately double the front side collar portion 21. In other cases, the upper portions of the collar portion sewn to portions 20b, 20b are provided with a pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 respectively if the front side collar portion 21 is larger than the rear side collar portion 22 by about 20%.

In the embodiment 1, the pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 is laterally lengthened ellipsoids. A buffer portion 23a is formed on the periphery of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23. The buffer portion 23a is formed by a cushion material such as a rubber cord attached thereon. Because the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is made of a cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded, it can essentially maintain the original shape of the funnel-like body of cloth, even with repeated wearing and washing, so that relative position of the pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 does not change. In addition, the pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 may be circular or laterally elongated in a rectangular fashion.

The length of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is equal to the length from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, for example 22 cm. Furthermore, the maximum circumference of the tubular part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is larger than the circumference of the wearer's head by approximately 10% to 20%, e.g. 70 cm. In addition, the minimum circumference of the tubular part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's head, e.g. 58 cm. The funnel-like body 20 of jersey is a funnel-like body whose circumference of the tubular part is the largest at the top side opening end portion 20a and gradually decreases toward the bottom side opening end portion 20c. However, it is not a complete funnel-shape, but a quasi-funnel for about the upper half thereof and a quasi-tube for the lower half thereof. Moreover, the quasi-tubular shape of the lower half is a quasi-tube for the upper half thereof and a reverse quasi-funnel for the lower half thereof. Therefore, the minimum circumference of the tubular part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is the circumference of the tubular part of the quasi-tubular portion, i.e. the portion that covers the wearer's neck while it is worn. In short, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is a turtle-neck portion incomparably bigger than a turtle-neck portion of other commercially available turtle-neck sweaters.

The main body 10 of the round-neck garment, which can prevent the funnel-like body 20 of jersey from shifting upward, is formed by a cotton jersey texture that has a high elasticity in the transversal direction and is a single fold. It is a round-neck garment of cotton jersey that comprises the main body 11 of the garment, the neckline 12, and the shoulder cover portions 14, 14 extending up to the proximity of the joint of the arm. The bottom end portion 15 thereof reaches the proximity of the hip of the user 2. At the bottom end portion 15 thereof, the cotton jersey texture is folded as a margin to seam the by about 10 mm, and sewn together.

The garment according to the embodiment 1 is completed upon sewing the bottom side opening end 20c of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey fabricated like the above to the neckline 12 of the main body 10 of the garment. Consequently, the structure and fabricating processes of the garment are simple, and can be produced at a low cost. In addition, though the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is made of pure cotton jersey texture in the embodiment 1, a cotton blending jersey texture can also be used. Furthermore, a synthetic fabric texture having the longitudinal and transversal elasticity similar to that of the cotton jersey texture, and a silk jersey texture can also be employed.

Characteristic effects of the garment according to the embodiment 1 will be explained hereinafter.

(Putting On and Taking Off the Garment)

The garment is usually worn over a pajama top as shown in FIG. 5. The funnel-like body 20 of jersey is made of a cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and is double-folded, so that it hardly expands in the transversal direction and the circumference of the tubular part thereof retains its original shape when it is put on or taken off. Furthermore, putting on and taking off the garment is extremely simple. Putting on the garment used is completed when the wearer 2 puts on the garment from his/her head and then his/her ears are inserted into the pair of the ear-hooking holes 23, 23 after the upper half of his/her face has passed through from the funnel-like body 20 of jersey. As soon as this process is completed, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is held in its initial predetermined wearing position. In addition, the worn garment is also easily taken off. That is to say, it is only necessary for the wearer 2 to take off the pull-on/pull-off type garment 10.

(Holding the Funnel-Like Body of Cotton Jersey in the Predetermined Wearing Position)

Observing the wearer from the side when he/she puts on the garment of the embodiment 1 and is lying on the bed on his/her back, the upper edge of the front side portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey rests under the eyes of the wearer as shown by the perspective view in FIG. 5. Namely, the garment does not obstruct the eyes of the wearer 2. The reason for the above is that the upper half of the front side of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is held by the jaw of the wearer 2 though the pair of ear-hooking holes 23, 23 of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey that are hooked on both of the ears 3, 3 of the wearer 2. The upper half of the front side of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is, so to speak, supported by the three points, i.e. both of the ears and the jaw of the wearer. When the wearer has just fallen asleep, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey not only covers the jaw and the neck of the wearer simultaneously but also continuously covers both of the cheeks, the mouth and the nose of the wearer all together as shown in FIG. 5. The wearing position is hereafter called ‘original predetermined wearing position’ if necessary. On the condition that the pair of ear hooking holes 23, 23 of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey are being hooked on both of the ears of the wearer 2, only the nose or both the nose and the mouth can easily be exposed upon pulling the front side of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey down toward the neck side.

Meanwhile, the pair of the ear hooking holes 23, 23 occasionally come unhooked from the ears while asleep even though he/she goes to bed upon hooking the pair of ear hooking holes 23, 23 of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey on his/her ears. In some cases, the wearer may intentionally unhook them. If the pair of the ear hooking holes 23, 23 slip off or are unhooked from the ears while in bed, the garment of the embodiment 1 is functionally the same as the garment of the embodiment 2.

That is to say, the front side portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey cannot be supported by the three points i.e. both of the ears and the jaw when the ear hooking holes are unhooked, so that the funnel-like body 20 of jersey covers in such a manner to cover the whole of the mouth, both of the cheeks and the neck of the wearer 2 like the perspective view of FIG. 6 for the embodiment 2. The reason for the above is that the central part of the front side portion holds itself over the wearer by its own weight because the funnel-like body 20 of jersey has a loose size and circumference of the tubular part.

Even if the wearer moves due to e.g. roll over in his/her sleep when the ear hooking holes are unhooked, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey never deviates from the predetermined wearing position. The reason thereof is that the rear side of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is pressed between a pillow 6 by the back of the wearer's head when he/she is lying on his/her back, and by the side of the wearer's head when he/she is lying on his/her side respectively. On the other hand, the reason thereof is that the front side part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosens partially, but the upper end part of the front side thereof only moves up to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and jaw.

Namely, if the wearer moves due to e.g. roll over in his/her sleep when the ear hooking holes are unhooked, the front side part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey, on which the neckline 12 of the garment body 10 is sewn to the lower opening end 20c thereof, moves in the direction of the wearer's shoulder, but the front side upper end portion thereof only moves up to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and jaw even if it loosens to its maximum point. The lower half portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is a tubular part with the minimum circumference of the tubular part, whose circumference of the tubular part is the same degree as the circumference of the wearer's head, e.g. 58 cm. On the contrary, the circumference of the wearer's neck to be covered is, for example 35 cm. Because there is a large difference of 23 cm between the circumference of the tubular part and the circumference of the neck, the front side lower half portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey forms about two to four large wrinkles around the wearer's neck if the wearer lies on a bed on his/her back while the ear hooking holes are being unhooked. On the other hand, the upper half portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey has a size of the circumference of the tubular part between the maximum circumference of the tubular part and the minimum circumference of the tubular part. The front side thereof comes into soft contact with the wearer's face and does not wrinkle or loosen at the contact position. This is the reason why the funnel-like body 20 of jersey only moves to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and jaw even if it loosens to its maximum point. Another reason thereof is that the loose size funnel-like body 20 of jersey is difficult to loosen.

The fundamental reason why the loose size funnel-like body 20 of jersey is difficult to loosen is that the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is made of a cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and is double-folded. It is also conceivable that the reason why the loose size funnel-like body 20 of jersey is difficult to loosen is that the funnel-like body has the maximum circumference of the tubular part at the upper opening end portion 20a and the circumference of the tubular part thereof is gradually decreasing toward the direction of neck. Furthermore, the portion where the front side collar portion 21 and the rear side collar portion 22 are sewn together by superimposing the right and left edge portions thereof, i.e. the collar portion sewn-together portions 20b, 20b conceivably act as the core of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey in the longitudinal direction, so that the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is possibly further difficult to loosen. The collar portion sewn-together portions 20b, 20b of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey are longitudinally elongated thick seams where the cotton jersey texture is quadrupled, and located in the vicinity of the rear of the wearer's ears when the garment is put on.

As mentioned above, the front side upper end portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey only moves up to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and the jaw even if the funnel-like body 20 of jersey of the garment in the embodiment 1 loosens while asleep. Namely, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey covers the jaw and the neck of the wearer simultaneously and continuously by the front side portion thereof even if the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosens to its maximum point. Therefore, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is steadily held at the predetermined position with respect to the garment of the embodiment 1 even if it loosens.

(Heat-Preserving Function of the Garment)

Comfortable heat-preserving function of the garment in the embodiment 1 is achieved mainly by a tubular closed clearance formed between the funnel-like body 20 of jersey and the wearer's neck, which completely surrounds the neck and closes at both the shoulder side end and the jaw side end of the wearer. The tubular closed clearance mentioned above has a length equal to the length of wearer's neck. The distance thereof is unrestrained, but is approximately 20 mm at the maximum. Air confined in the tubular closed clearance surrounds the wearer's neck entirely in such a manner that cold air does not directly reach the wearer's neck, and maintains a temperature close to the wearer's own body temperature. In other words, the comfortable heat-preserving function of the garment in the embodiment 1 is primarily accomplished by the tubular air layer formed between the funnel-like body 20 of jersey and the wearer's neck.

In addition, the comfortable heat-preserving function of the garment in the embodiment 1 is achieved more effectively by the funnel-like body 20 of jersey forming the tubular air layer completely surrounding the wearer's neck, and by the remaining part thereof covering both of the cheeks and the jaw of the wearer without constricting them.

Because the garment has the comfortable heat preserving function mentioned above, cold outside air does not enter the neck area and moisture does not escape through the neck side when the garment is worm. From the viewpoint of the above, it is considered that the funnel-like body 20 of jersey of the garment contributes to performing a comfortable heat preserving effect for the whole body and an appropriate humidity retention effect for both of the cheeks and the jaw. Furthermore, cold outside air does not enter from the shoulder or the back because the garment 10 acts as a shoulder cover and a belly band.

In addition, the funnel-like body 20 of the jersey is hooked on both of the ears by the pair of ear hooking holes 23, 23 when the garment of the embodiment 1 is put on, so that it not only performs as a neck warmer covering the neck and the jaw closely but also performs as a face mask which covers the nose, the mouth and both of the cheeks. Therefore, the wearer's own warm and moist exhalation is trapped by the funnel-like body 20 of jersey as is illustrated by FIG. 5. Thanks to these functions, the effect of keeping moisture on the neck, the jaw and both of the cheeks was noted by a female trial participant.

(Feeling of Wearing the Garment)

Because the garment of the embodiment 1 has the shape and the size that minimizes constriction of the wearer's body, it gives the wearer 2 a comfortable clothing experience. That is, when the wearer is lying on a bed or a futon with the pair of the ear hooking holes 23, 23 of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey hooked on both of ears 3, 3, the front side upper half of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is supported by three points, i.e. both of the ears and the jaw. However, this does not constrict the area around the wearer's face. Additionally, because the front lower half of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosely covers the neck using its own weight, it never constricts the wearer's neck. When the wearer is lying on a bed or a futon with the pair of ear hooking holes 23, 23 of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey are slipped off from both of the ears 3, 3, the front side portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosely covers over the face and the neck by using its own weight, it never constricts the wearer's face and neck. Consequently, most of the trial participants experienced a feeling of relief and warmth. However, some complaints about humidity and heat were anticipated. In fact, two participants sensitive to heat complained about humidity and heat when the trial period was carried out to test the effectiveness of the garment as a method for preventing colds, as shown in table 1.

(Effective Means for Preventing Colds)

As shown in the table 1, the result of the trial to test the effectiveness of the garment 1 as a method for preventing colds was that seven of the eighteen participants who submitted test results answered that the garment had an excellent effect for preventing colds. They were persons who implemented some measure for preventing colds because they were apt to cause inflammation on the throat or to catch a cold in the nose. Several participants were satisfied with the trial results as they paid no visits to the doctor last winter. Though eleven of the eighteen trial participants were those who seldom caught colds, they also noted the garment's potential to serve as a means for preventing colds. The reason for such a remarkable effect according to doctors is that the immune system defenses may be enhanced, because the funnel-like body 20 of the jersey keeps the neck and the jaw, where many lymph nodes are concentrated, comfortably warm. In addition, two participants from whom test results were not obtained are those who chose not to participate they experienced increased humidity and heat after wearing the garment. The period of the trial varied depending on each participant, ranged from 3 months to 6 months.

TABLE 1 Result of the trial test of the garment for bedtime Cold Improve- Wearing pre- ment for No. Age Sex experience vention sleeping Remarks 1 88 female very ⊚ ⊚ Dosage I comfortable 2 77 male comfortable ◯ — 3 77 female very ◯ ⊚ Dosage I, comfortable Sensitive to the cold 4 76 female comfortable ⊚ — 5 73 male comfortable ◯ — 6 70 male very ⊚ ⊚ Inflamed comfortable throat, Sensitive to the cold 7 68 female very ◯ ⊚ Dosage I comfortable 8 68 female comfortable ◯ ◯ Dosage I 9 67 female very ⊚ ⊚ Dosage II comfortable 10 65 female comfortable ◯ — 11 63 female very ⊚ ⊚ Inflamed comfortable throat, Sensitive to the cold 12 63 male comfortable ◯ — 13 60 female stuffy Sensitive to the heat 14 60 female very ⊚ ◯ comfortable 15 59 male comfortable ◯ — 16 56 female very ◯ ⊚ Sensitive to comfortable the cold 17 56 female stuffy Sensitive to the heat 18 48 male very ◯ ⊚ Dosage II, comfortable Internist 19 42 female very ⊚ ◯ comfortable 20 40 male comfortable ◯ — Dentist (Explanatory Note) ⊚: quite effective ◯: Effective —: No obstruction for sleeping Dosage I: taking a sleeping pill consistently Dosage II: taking a sleeping pill sometimes

(Effect of Improvement for Sleeping)

Unpredictable improvement for sleeping was noted during the trial of the garment for its effective prevention of colds. Namely, as shown in Table 1, eleven participants, with the exception of seven participants who are able to have a sound sleep, reported ‘We were able to fall into a deep sleep.’ Furthermore, eight out of eleven participants have expressed extraordinary opinions, e.g. ‘I was able to fall asleep very easily.’, ‘We were able to fall into a deep sleep.’, ‘I was able to wake up refreshed in the morning.’, ‘The number of times I need to get up to go to the bathroom has decreased.’, ‘My feet seemed to warm naturally, even without wearing socks.’, etc. Three participants who always take sleeping pills have dramatically decreased the frequency of taking them, and two participants who often take sleeping pills stopped taking them altogether. The medical reason why the garment of the embodiment 1 improves one's sleep could not be scientifically identified by a doctor, even though the effect was recognized and documented.

(Improvement of Nasal Respiration)

When the garment of the embodiment 1 is worn, the upper half of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey functions as a large face mask to cover the nose, the mouth and both of the cheeks, or functions as a large face mask to cover the mouth and both of the cheeks. The face mask mentioned above is supported stably by the three points, i.e. both ears and the jaw. Consequently, the front portion of the upper half of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey produces a lifting effect on the lower jaw of the wearer 2. With proper use, the garment holds the mouth closed naturally. Therefore, the wearer 2 experiences an improvement in nasal respiration while asleep and is generally considered to be a healthy effect.

Embodiment 2

The garment of the embodiment 2 according to the present invention is a garment 1 in which a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey is sewn with a round-neck main body of the garment 10 of cotton jersey as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, wherein the turtle-neck portion of jersey is the funnel-like body 20 of jersey formed with jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded. The funnel-like body 20 of jersey has a length corresponding to the distance from the wearer's shoulder to the proximity of the wearer's ear, a size of the maximum circumference of the tubular part being larger than the circumference of the wearer's head by about 10% to 20%, and the minimum circumference of the tubular part being approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's head, and is made of the cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and being double-folded. That is to say, the structure, shape and size of the garment of the embodiment 2 are fundamentally the same as those of the garment of the embodiment 1, so that the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

Characteristic actions and effects of the garment of the embodiment 2 will be explained hereinafter.

(Putting On and Taking Off the Garment)

The garment of the embodiment 2 can be very simply put on or taken off as well as the garment of the embodiment 1.

(Holding the Funnel-Like Body of Cotton Jersey in the Predetermined Wearing Position)

If observed from just beside the wearer who puts on the garment of the embodiment 1 and is laying in a bed on his/her back, the top edge of the front side portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey rests under the eyes of the wearer as shown by the perspective view in FIG. 6. Both of the cheeks, the mouth and the neck of the wearer are covered continuously and simultaneously though it is difficult to cover the nose of the wearer because the ear hooking holes are not provided, unlike the embodiment 1. The reason for the above is that because the funnel-like body 20 of jersey has a loose size of circumference of the tubular part, the front portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey places itself over the wearer using its own weight.

Even if the wearer moves due to e.g. roll over in his/her sleep, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey never deviates from the predetermined wearing position. The reason thereof is that the rear side of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is pressed between a pillow 6 by the back of the wearer's head when he/she is lying on his/her back, and by the side of the wearer's head when he/she is lying on his/her side respectively. On the other hand, the reason thereof is that the front part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosens partially, but the upper end part of the front side thereof only moves up to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and jaw.

Namely, if the wearer moves due to e.g. roll over in his/her sleep, the front part of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey, on which the neckline 12 of the garment body 10 is sewn to the lower opening end 20c thereof, moves in the direction of the wearer's shoulder, but the front upper end portion thereof only moves up to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and the jaw even if it loosens to its maximum point. The lower half portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is a tubular part having the minimum circumference of the tubular part, whose circumference of the tubular part is about the same as the circumference of the wearer's head, e.g. 58 cm. On the contrary, the circumference of the wearer's neck to be covered is, for example 35 cm. Because there is a large difference of 23 cm between the circumference of the tubular part and the circumference of the neck, the front lower half portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey forms about two to four large wrinkles on the wearer's neck if the wearer is lying on a bed on his/her back as shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, the upper half portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey has a size of the circumference of the tubular part between the maximum circumference of the tubular part and the minimum circumference of the tubular part. The front side thereof comes into contact softly with the wearer's face and does not wrinkle or loosen at the contact position. This is the reason why the funnel-like body 20 of jersey only moves to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and jaw even if it loosens to its maximum point. Another reason thereof is that the loose size funnel-like body 20 of jersey does not loosen easily.

The fundamental reason why the loose size funnel-like body 20 of jersey retains its shape is that the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is made of a cotton jersey texture with a high elasticity in the longitudinal direction and is double-folded. It is also conceivable that the reason why the loose size funnel-like body 20 of jersey retains its shape is that the funnel-like body has the maximum circumference of the tubular part at the upper opening end portion 20a and the circumference of the tubular part thereof is gradually decreasing toward the direction of neck. Furthermore, the portion where the front collar portion 21 and the rear collar portion 22 are sewn together upon superimposing the right and left edge portions thereof, i.e. the collar portion sewn to portions 20b, 20b conceivably act as the core of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey in the longitudinal direction, so that the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is possibly more resistant to losing its shape. The collar portion sewn to portions 20b, 20b of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey are longitudinally elongated thick seams where the cotton jersey texture is quadrupled, and located in the vicinity behind the wearer's ears when the garment is worn.

As mentioned above, the front upper end portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey only moves up to the proximity of the position between the wearer's mouth and the jaw even if the funnel-like body 20 of jersey of the garment in the embodiment 2 loosens while asleep. Namely, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey covers the jaw and the neck of the wearer simultaneously and continuously by the front portion thereof even if the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosens to its maximum point. Therefore, the funnel-like body 20 of jersey is steadily held at the predetermined position in the garment of the embodiment 2 even if it loosens to its maximum point.

(Wearing Experience the Garment)

Because the garment of the embodiment 2 has a shape and size that do not constrict any part of the body, it gives the wearer 2 a comfortable wearing experience as well as the embodiment 1. That is to say, when the wearer is lying on a bed or a futon, the front portion of the funnel-like body 20 of jersey loosely covers the face and neck using its own weight, it never constricts the wearer's face and neck. Consequently, the majority of the trial participants felt relief and warmth, as if they were loosely covered a marginally thicker, soft cloth.

(Effective Means for Preventing Colds)

A trial test was not carried out with regard to the embodiment 2 and its effectiveness for preventing colds. However, it can be safely assumed that the garment of the embodiment 2 provides an effective means for preventing colds because it has the same structure as that of the embodiment 1. In addition, both the nose and the mouth cannot be simultaneously covered with it as a face mask but only the mouth can be covered therewith. Therefore, warm and humid exhalation air from the wearer is trapped in the funnel-like body 20 of jersey.

(Effect of Improvement for Sleeping)

When one goes to bed with the garment of the embodiment 2 worm, an improved sleeping effect was noted. This is because wearing the garment of the embodiment 2 is the same as the condition in which the garment of the embodiment 1 is worn with the ear hooking holes being unhooked from the ear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the garment of the embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the garment of the embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the garment of the embodiment 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the garment of the embodiment 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wearer who is lying on a bed on his/her back while he/she puts on the garment of the embodiment 1 observed from the side.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wearer who is lying on a bed on his/her back while he/she is wearing the garment of the embodiment 2 as observed from the side.

 EXPLANATION OF THE MARKS

1: a garment

2: a wearer

3: an ear

5: a bed

6: a pillow

10: the main body of garment

11: the main body portion

12: the collar line portion

13: the sleeve line portion

14: the shoulder cover portion

20: the funnel-like body of jersey

20a: the upper side opening end

20b: a portion of collar sewn together

20c: the lower side opening end

21: the front side collar

22: the rear side collar

23: an ear hooking hole

23a: a buffer portion

Claims

1. A garment having a loose size turtle-neck portion of jersey sewn to a round-neck main body of the garment, wherein the turtle-neck portion of jersey comprises a funnel-like body of material made of a jersey texture having a high elasticity longitudinally and being double-folded, a length of the funnel-like body of jersey corresponding to a distance from a wearer's shoulder to a proximity of the wearer's ear, a maximum circumference of a tubular part thereof being larger than a circumference of the wearer's head by a degree of 10% to 20%, and a minimum circumference of the tubular part thereof being a size approximately equal to the circumference of the wearer's head.

2. The garment as set forth in claim 1, wherein a pair of ear hooking holes are formed at an upper end portion of the funnel-like body of jersey.

3. The garment as set forth in claim 1, wherein the funnel-like body of jersey is formed by sewing together at least two portions of texture of a front side collar and a rear side collar of a jersey texture having a high elasticity longitudinally and being double-folded.

4. The garment as set forth in claim 3, wherein a pair of ear hooking holes are formed on either of the texture portions of the front side collar and the rear side collar.

5. The garment as set forth in claim 2, wherein the ear hooking hole comprises a laterally lengthened ellipsoid.

6. The garment as set forth in claim 2, wherein the ear hooking hole is provided with a buffer portion at a periphery thereof.

7. The garment as set forth in claim 1, wherein the jersey texture comprises a cotton jersey texture.

8. The garment as set forth in claim 1, wherein the garment comprises cotton jersey.

9. The garment as set forth in claim 4, wherein the ear hooking hole comprises a laterally lengthened ellipsoid.

10. The garment as set forth in claim 4, wherein the ear hooking hole is provided with a buffer portion at a periphery thereof.

11. The garment as set forth in claim 5, wherein the ear hooking hole is provided with a buffer portion at a periphery thereof.

12. The garment as set forth in claim 3, wherein the jersey texture comprises a cotton jersey texture.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090307823
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 4, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 17, 2009
Applicant: SELF SECURITY CO., LTD. (Yokohama)
Inventors: Noriko Matsushita (Yokohama), Mibo Uchida (Yokohama)
Application Number: 12/457,250
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Attached Collars (2/116)
International Classification: A41B 1/00 (20060101); A41B 3/00 (20060101);