Multipurpose garment

Abstract

An multi-purpose garment is provided for use by a wearer in a plurality of interchangeable configurations. The multipurpose garment includes a circumferential band for encircling a portion of a wearer's head and a first releasable attachment mechanism. A shawl portion is provided having a second releasable attachment mechanism, wherein the first and second releasable attachment mechanisms are engageable to secure the shawl portion to the circumferential band. The multipurpose garment is easily adaptable to a plurality of configurations to protect the wearer from overexposure to dangerous ultraviolet solar rays, rain, sleet, hail, dust, cold, wind and other extreme weather conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/267,732 filed on Feb. 9, 2001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to a multipurpose garment which can be worn by a user in a plurality of different configurations and, in particular, to a multipurpose garment which includes a circumferential band for being worn on a user's head and a releasably attachable shawl component which can be attached thereto in to allow a user to wear the garment in a plurality of differing configurations.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Workers and athletes engaged in strenuous activities or who work and play in warm environments often find it desirable to remove the sweat from their head and face, both for comfort and to keep sweat from getting into their eyes. A variety of sweatbands and visor-type hats and other garments have been previously developed in order to divert or absorb sweat from a wearer's face. Additionally, it is common for workers and sportsmen to carry absorbent towels which can be used to daub sweat from their head and face.

[0006] These prior art methods of controlling or removing sweat from a wearer's head and face each suffer from some disadvantages. A traditional absorbent sweatband has a relatively small absorbent area and can quickly become saturated with sweat. Likewise, an ordinary towel provides an additional object for a worker or sportsman must keep track of, and if placed loosely about the head or shoulders may likely fall off. Additionally, neither of these alternatives is entirely aesthetically pleasing. Clearly there is a need for a sweat controlling garment which has a large absorbent surface area, is aesthetically pleasing, and can be securely worn in a variety of configurations by a wearer.

[0007] Similarly, a variety of hats, caps, and ski masks have been developed for use by individuals in cold climates to reduce the loss of heat from the head and face. However, due to the inherent variations in weather, including temperature, wind and precipitation, the particular type of hat, cap or ski mask needed may change rapidly. Accordingly, it would also be desirable to provide a garment that may be used in a wide variety of conditions and which may be quickly altered by the wearer to optimize the garment for use in a particular set of conditions.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a garment that can be securely worn by a wearer and which is easily adaptable for use to absorb sweat from the wearer's head and face.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment which is easily adjustable by a wearer to provide optimal comfort in a wide variety of conditions.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a garment that can quickly and easily be converted to a number of different configurations to allow the wearer to alter their aesthetic appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The above objectives and others which will become clear in the following specification are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a multipurpose garment including a circumferential band for encircling a portion of a wearer's head and a first releasable attachment mechanism. A shawl accessory is provided having a second releasable attachment mechanism, wherein the first and second releasable attachment mechanisms are engageable to secure the shawl accessory to the circumferential band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The device designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with the salient features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a three dimensional perspective view of a multipurpose garment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a circumferential band and a shawl accessory.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a three dimensional perspective view of a circumferential band having a single arcuate crossover strap in an “I” configuration.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a three dimensional perspective view of a circumferential band having a tripartite crossover strap in a “T” configuration.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a three dimensional perspective view of a circumferential band having a dual crossover straps in an “X” configuration.

[0017] FIGS. 5 A-I illustrates a plurality of basic patterns which a shawl accessory may be cut into in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which the multipurpose garment of the present invention may be worn.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary configuration in which the multipurpose garment of the present invention may be worn.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary configuration in which the multipurpose garment of the present invention may be worn.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another an exemplary configuration in which the multipurpose garment of the present invention may be worn.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. FIG. 1 illustrates the basic structural elements of a multipurpose garment A in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The multipurpose garment A includes a circumferential band 10 and a shawl accessory 12. Circumferential band 10 carries a first plurality of releasable fasteners 14 which are releasably engageable with a plurality of second releasable fasteners 16 carried by shawl accessory 12. First and second releasable fasteners 14 and 16 are engageable in differing combinations, to attach shawl accessory 12 to circumferential band 10 in a wide variety of configurations.

[0024] In the most basic embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, circumferential band 10 includes a plain circumferential band sized to comfortably encircle a wearer's head. Circumferential band 10 may be of a variety of widths, but optimally will be sized to allow a wearer to at least cover their ears for use in cold climates. Circumferential band 10 preferably includes an elastic element to ensure a snug and comfortable fit when worn on the wearer's head. Indicia may be optionally be included on the surface of circumferential band 10 for communicating brand information or slogans to those viewing the wearer.

[0025] Releasable fasteners 14 are preferably carried by circumferential band 10 in at least a plurality of discrete positions. Releasable fasteners 14 preferably include at least one component of a hook and loop fastener system for allowing easy attachment and removal of accessories. However, in alternative embodiments, releasable fasteners 14 may also include snaps, ties, zippers, pins, adhesive or other conventional releasable attachment devices. If a hook and loop fastener is used, then releasable fastener 14 may be disposed substantially around the periphery of circumferential band 10, or may even cover the entire exterior surface of circumferential band 10.

[0026] As shown in for example and not limitation in FIGS. 2 through 4, circumferential band 10 may also carry one or more crossover straps which are positionable to span the wearer's head as illustrated. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment having a single crossover strap in an “I” configuration which spans the dome of a users head, effectively bisecting circumferential band 10. FIG. 3 illustrates a “T” tripartite crossover strap assembly having a first crossover strap which spans the users head and an additional lateral strap which connects the midpoint of the first crossover strap to another location on circumferential band 10. FIG. 4 illustrates an “X” crossover strap assembly wherein two intersecting crossover straps span the dome of the users head at right angles to one another. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other configurations of crossover straps might be likewise utilized in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. Whatever the configuration, the crossover straps may bear additional releasable fasteners 18 which serve as additional potential attachment sites for shawl accessory 12.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, detachable crossover straps 20 may be included for being affixed to circumferential band 10 using releasable fasteners 22 to allow a single circumferential band to be adaptable for use in a number of different crossover strap configurations. Detachable crossover straps 20 preferably attach to circumferential band 10 using a hook and loop fastener, although other releasable fasteners such as ties, snaps, zippers or pins could also be used as attachment means. Additionally, if a hook and loop fastener is used, then releasable fastener 22 may be disposed substantially along the length of the detachable crossover strap, or may even cover the entire exterior surface of the detachable crossover strap.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment particularly suited to sporting and/or working uses in warm climates, circumferential band 10 and any integral or detachable crossover straps may be constructed from an absorbent, soft material such as, for example, terry cloth. In a more preferable embodiment, an elastic terry cloth similar to that used in conventional sweatbands may be used to ensure that circumferential band 10 snugly fits the head of the wearer. By using an absorbent cloth such as a terry cloth, circumferential band 10 is useful for passively absorbing sweat from the wearers brow before it drips onto their face or neck. For non-sweat retention applications, circumferential band 10 may also be constructed from any of a wide range of other materials such as: cotton fabric, linen, rayon, polyester or nylon. For use in cold climates, circumferential band 10 may advantageously be constructed from a from a polyester fleece or faux fur, such as are commonly used in winter garments. In either instance, shawl accessory 12 may also be used to protect the wearer from overexposure to harmful solar ultraviolet rays.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 5 A-I, shawl accessory 12 may be cut into any of a wide variety of shapes and sizes, allowing attachment to circumferential band 10 in an almost unlimited number of configurations. In the presently preferred embodiment, shawl accessory 12 will be cut in the semi-circular shape shown in FIG. 5A. However, shawl accessories 12 may be provided in an almost unlimited number of shapes, a few of which are illustrated in FIGS. 5B-5I, including for example: a circle, a star, a triangle, a regular polygon, a square, a rectangle, a club or a heart. Indicia may be optionally be included on the surface of shawl accessory 12 for communicating brand information or slogans to those viewing the wearer.

[0030] Whatever its basic shape, shawl accessory 12 should carry a plurality of releasable fasteners 16 which are complementary to and releasably engageable with releasable fasteners 14 carried by circumferential band 10. In a presently preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5A-5I releasable fasteners 16 are located at a plurality of positions disposed about the periphery of shawl accessory 12. In alternative embodiments, releasable fasteners 16 may be disposed within the interior regions of shawl accessory 12, or about the entire periphery of shawl accessory 12. When releasable fasteners 14 and 16 are complementary hook and loop fasteners, it may be desirable to cover the entire surface of shawl accessory 12 with the respective complementary fastener. Additionally, it may be desirable to include a subset of self-complementary fasteners on shawl accessory 12 for allowing a portions of shawl accessory 12 to be interlinked, greatly increasing the number of variations in which multipurpose garment A may be worn.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment particularly suited to sporting or working uses in warm climates, shawl accessory 12 may be constructed from an absorbent, soft material such as, for example, terry cloth. By using an absorbent cloth such as a terry cloth, shawl accessory is useful for passively absorbing sweat from the wearers brow before it drips onto their face or neck. Additionally, shawl accessory 12 may be removed and utilized by the wearer to actively wipe or daub sweat from his head, neck or other body portion. For non-sweat retention applications, shawl accessory 12 may also be constructed from any of a wide range of other materials such as: cotton fabric, linen, rayon, polyester, leather, nylon, plastic or a water repellent material such as gortex.

[0032] For use in cold climates, shawl accessory 12 may advantageously be constructed from a from a polyester fleece or faux fur, such as are commonly used in winter garments. As illustrated in FIG. 7-9, it is possible to cover a significant portion of the wearer's head with shawl accessory 12 in order to provide protection from the cold and elements. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, shawl accessory 12 may even be detached entirely from circumferential band 10 and worn in a bandanna like style across the exposed areas of the face and neck to provide protection from extreme weather conditions and harsh elements.

[0033] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a number of exemplary ways in which the multipurpose garment may be worn. As illustrated in FIG. 6, shawl accessory 12 may be placed over the wearer's head and circumferential band 10 placed about the exterior thereof to hold shawl accessory 12 on the wearer's head, producing a look similar to that of a traditional fishing hat. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, circumferential band 10 may be worn directly upon the wearer's head and shawl accessory 12 may be attached thereto in a variety of hood-like configurations. As illustrated in FIG. 7, circumferential band 10 may even be worn on the wearer's head while shawl accessory 12 is worn around the wearer's face and/or shoulders to provide additional protection from the elements.

[0034] It should be realized that the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 are presented only as examples of a few of the many configurations in which multipurpose garment A may be worn. Depending upon the actual shapes of circumferential band 10 and shawl accessory 12, one of ordinary skill in the art will multipurpose garment A may be worn in an almost unlimited number of other ways individually selectable and customizable by the wearer.

[0035] In another potential alternate embodiment, hook and loop fasteners disposed upon circumferential band 10 and/or shawl accessory 12 may be used in conjunction with a ball bearing the complementary hook and loop fastener, to allow the wearer to participate a game of skill. The wearer and/or other participants may toss the ball into the air or at one another and attempt to cause the ball to stick to the hook and loop fasteners carried by circumferential band 10 or shawl accessory 12.

[0036] Thus it can be seen that an advantageous method may be had, according to the present invention, for providing a multi-purpose hat suitable for use in sporting applications and/or extreme weather conditions. The multipurpose hat is maneuverable into an almost unlimited number of configurations by attaching shawl accessory 12 to the circumferential band 10 in different configurations.

[0037] What have been described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of methodologies for purposes of describing the present invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations, permutations and modifications of the present invention are possible. Therefore, all such possible combinations, permutations and modifications are to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A multipurpose garment comprising:

a circumferential band for encircling a portion of a wearer's head, said circumferential band having a first releasable attachment mechanism;

a shawl portion having a second releasable attachment mechanism;

wherein said first and second releasable attachment mechanisms are engageable to secure said shawl portion to said circumferential band.