Multi-purpose scarf

Abstract

A multiple-purpose scarf which may be worn draped around the neck which in some embodiments includes one or more pockets. Game items such as programs, ticket stubs, and binoculars can be kept in pockets for ready access. It is contemplated that readable matter and/or a graphics may be located at one or more ends of the article of clothing facing away from wearer. Alternatively, or in addition, readable matter may be included on the inverse side of the scarf and may be displayed by holding the scarf above the wearer's head. One or more hand grasping elements may be provided along the scarf to aid the user in raising the scarf above the wearer's head. A hood may be included, which may be located within an envelope created within the center of the scarf. When not in use, the article of clothing may be rolled up and stuffed into one of the pockets, if desired.

Description

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/496,954, filed on Aug. 21, 2003, and entitled, “MULTI-PURPOSE SCARF”.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to the field of apparel, and more particularly, to outer apparel such as scarves that are worn by individuals.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a scarf, and more particularly, to a scarf that provides multiple functions. In one illustrative embodiment, the scarf not only may be used to keep a wearer's neck warm, but may also include one or more pockets for storing items and/or keeping a wearer's hands warm. In some embodiments, at least selected pockets include a closure mechanism for selectively opening and closing the pocket.

For some embodiments, printable and/or readable matter may be provided on the scarf. For example, and in one illustrative embodiment, printable and/or readable matter, such as a team logo, may be placed on one or both ends of the scarf such that the logo is visible when the scarf is worn by the user. Alternatively, or in addition, printable and/or readable matter may be placed on the inside (or outside) surface of the scarf, along at least part of the length of the scarf. When the printable and/or readable matter is placed along the inside length of the scarf, the wearer may grasp the scarf when the scarf as draped over the wearer's neck. The wearer may then raise the scarf above the wearer's head, which may invert the scarf such that the printable and/or readable matter along the inside length of the scarf becomes visible for display. In some embodiments, one or more grasping elements may be provided at one or more locations to help the wearer grasp and invert the scarf. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention may include other features and/or functions, as further described below.

BEE DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein with reference to the drawings. A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a front view of the illustrative embodiment of a scarf in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the illustrative scarf of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the illustrative a scarf of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back side of one end of the illustrative scarf of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front side of another illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention draped around the wearer's neck;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the illustrative scarf of FIG. 6 draped over the wearer's neck;

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a wearer using illustrative scarf grasp elements in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8b is a perspective view of a wearer using the illustrative scarf grasp elements of FIG. 8a to display printable and/or readable matter placed along at least part of the length of the scarf;

FIG. 8c is a perspective view of a wearer using the illustrative scarf grasp elements of FIG. 8a to further display printable and/or readable matter placed along at least part of the length of the scarf;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing how the scarf grasp elements may be used by the wearer to display printable and/or readable matter;

FIG. 10a is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the scarf is being rolled up;

FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10a with the scarf further rolled up;

FIG. 10c is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 10a and 10b, with the scarf rolled up and stuffed into a pocket;

FIG. 10d is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 10c, showing a team logo displayed on the outside of the pocket;

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment that includes a noise making object inserted into the pockets or otherwise attached to the scarf for the purpose of creating noise when banged together;

FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 11a, with the noise making object inserted into a pocket of the scarf;

FIGS. 12a-12b are perspective views of a wearer wearing the scarf and banging the noise making objects together for the creation of noise;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a another illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention that includes an illuminating trim;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a wearer wearing a scarf that includes a drinking container;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the scarf of FIG. 14, and further shows a pocket for holding a drinking container, as well as a straw channeled through the scarf material;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention which includes a retractable hood;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wearer wearing the illustrative scarf of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged detailed view of the envelope or pocket opening for the retractable hood of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention which includes a retractable hood with one or more decorative elements featured on the hood;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a wearer wearing the illustrative scarf of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21a shows another illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention which includes one or more detachable pockets, which may serve as pennants;

FIG. 21b is an exploded view of an illustrative mating feature for mating the detachable pockets to the remainder of the scarf;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a wearer holding one of the detachable pockets of FIG. 21a as a pennant; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a wearer wearing another illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention, wherein the scarf includes a double access pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and turning now to the Figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various Figures. FIG. 1 is a front view of the illustrative embodiment of a scarf in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a back view. In some illustrative embodiment, the front of the scarf may correspond to the outside surface of the scarf when the scarf is draped around a wearer's neck, and the back of the scarf may correspond to the inside surface. However, this may be reversed in some embodiments.

As can be seen, the illustrative scarf includes a length and a width, and two spaced ends. In some embodiments, the scarf includes two or more lengths of material stitched or adhered together. This is shown in FIG. 3, which shows a front side material 10 and a back side material 20 stitched together along the edges. In some embodiments, the scarf may include a single length of material, or more than two lengths of material, as desired. In some cases, one of the lengths of material may be selected to be more comfortable on the neck. Also, two or more colors may also be used if so desired.

Any suitable fabric or fabrics may be used including, for example, cotton, wool, fleece, linen, knits, woven, non-woven fabrics, or any other suitable fabrics, as desired. In some embodiments, the fabrics may include an insulating fabric, including, but not limited to wool, microfiber, fleece, padded fabrics, Thinsulate™, or any other suitable insulating fabric or any combination thereof. Additional suitable fabrics may include, for example, silk, rayon, velvet, cashmere, camel hair, or any combination thereof. The desired fabric may be selected depending on the intended use and cost of the scarf. For example, in cooler climates, a denser fabric with a deeper fleece may be desired to keep the wearer comfortably warm. A thinner, lighter weight fabric may be more appropriate in warmer or indoor climates. It is recognized that by varying the material weight, the draping characteristic as well as the warmth of the scarf may change. This may allow the function of the scarf to be varied depending on the intended use of the scarf. Increasing the weight of the material may stiffen the fabric and reduce drapability. However, this may be desirable in some applications, depending on the function and intended use.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrative embodiment may include pockets 14A and 14B. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of one end of the scarf 4, and shows a side opening 12A into to pocket 14A. In some embodiments, the pocket openings are sealed with fasteners such as hook and loop of the Velcro™ family (as shown in FIG. 2, 12A and 12B), snaps, clips, zippers, buttons or any other closure or trim, at about the or along the scarf's edges. The interiors of pocket 14A and/or 14B as seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, may also contain an interior coin/key pocket 16A and/or 16B, preferably, in the deepest anterior portion of pockets 14A and/or 14B to additionally help ensure the security of the contents. FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment where the pocket opening 12A is at an angle relative to the length of the scarf 4, and does not extend entirely along the length of the scarf. FIG. 5 also shows a key ring 35, which may be provided inside pocket 14A, to secure a key or set of keys for ready access.

As shown in FIG. 1, an emblazed indicia, logo, slogan, or team emblem 22A and/or 22B may be located close to the respective ends of the scarf 4 on side 10. This may allow the wearer 40 to readily identify his or herself as having a particular affinity for a team, corporation, individual, character or other entity. It will be appreciated that in certain instances, a photo luminescent ink may be used so that the logo, name, slogan, or indicia may be illuminated. For example, a rock band's name or picture might be printed with a photo luminescent ink (e.g. glow in the dark ink) for visibility in a darkened arena.

As depicted in FIG. 2, another pocket 24 may be located on scarf side 20. This pocket is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 4. The pocket may have a flap 26 shown with a hook and loop fastener 34 of the Velcro™ family closure. Pocket flap tab 28 may allow for quick access to the contents of the pocket. For example, a cell phone could be placed in the pocket during a game and readily accessed, if desired. Alternatively, or in addition, this pocket may be insulated with any type of material used for the purpose of keeping a beverage container hot or cold. While the pocket is depicted on only one side of the scarf, it may be located on both or either side, and the closure, if provided, may include any suitable closure mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows a wearer 40 with the scarf draped traditionally around the neck. The emblazed indicia, logo, slogan, or team emblem 22A on side 10 can readily be viewed, and identifies the wearer as a fan. The color of the material used may also be an attribute that identifies the wearer 40 with a particular affiliation.

The usage of pockets 14A and 14B is shown in FIG. 7. The wearer 40 may insert each hand through pocket openings 12A and 12B and into pockets 14A and 14B respectively. In the FIG. 7, side 10 of FIG. 1 faces outward allowing the emblazed indicia, logo, slogan, or team emblem 22A and/or 22B located close to the respective ends of the scarf 4 to be seen by an onlooker.

FIG. 8a-8c shows how the illustrative embodiment may be used. In the illustrative embodiment, and as also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 above, two hand grasp elements 18A and 18B may be located on side 10 of the scarf, just above the pockets 14A and 14B. When, for example, the wearer's 40 thumbs are inserted through each of the two hand grasp elements (shown in more detail in FIG. 9), and the wearer raises each hand in tandem above his or her head, the team's or entity's readable matter 32 located on side 20 of the scarf 4 as shown in FIG. 8C may be revealed. In this example, the University of Minnesota is used for illustrative purposes and the word “Minnesota” is revealed. In the illustrative embodiment, the position of the hand grasp elements 18 may allow the pockets 14A and 14B to drape downward when the scarf is raised above the wearer's head, keeping the contents within. While the hand grasp elements 18A and 18B may be used for insertion of the thumbs or forefingers, any finger may be used or the wearer 40 may simply grip the scarf 4 along the edge, if desired. As depicted in FIG. 9, a left hand and thumb are shown using hand grasp element 18B. It will be appreciated that the wearer's 40 right hand and/or thumb may also be used to pull the material taut for display of readable matter 32.

The ability to transport the scarf in a convenient and compact manner is shown in FIGS. 10A-10D. As shown in FIG. 10A, with side 20 of the scarf 4 facing up or outward, the wearer 40 may roll the scarf inward upon itself. As the wearer 40 continues to roll the scarf as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the wearer 40 inserts the rolled portion of the scarf 4 into the interior portion of pocket 14B through pocket opening 30B located on side 20 as illustrated in FIG. 10C. By rolling one end of the scarf in upon itself, the rolled scarf may be stuffed into the opening 30 and thus be conveniently carried within it's own pocket 14B when not in use. FIG. 10D illustrates how the team or entity logo or slogan, in this example, the University of Minnesota's Golden Gopher logo, is shown even when the scarf is in the rolled-up configuration. This may also be useful for the purpose of retail display.

Spectators at sporting or public events often prefer to become involved in the event they are watching by cheering and/or applauding. FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate how noise making devices 70A and 70B may be inserted through opening 30B and 30A into the interior of pockets 14A and 14B, or simply attached to the outside of the scarf for the purpose of amplifying the sound of applause and/or to create additional noise.

FIG. 12a illustrates how a wearer 40 inserting his hands through openings 12A and 12B positioning his or her hands on the exterior surface of the noise making devices 70A and 70B located inside of pockets 14A and 14B. As shown in FIG. 12b, when the wearer brings his or her hands toward one another as though clapping, noise may be created. It will be appreciated that the wearer 40 may also bring the scarf ends in contact with some other hard object such as a bench or the wearer's knee for the purposes of noisemaking, if desired. In some embodiments, the noise making devices 70A and 70B may be inflatable devices, dense foam, metal, or any other suitable material or device, as desired.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment with a light emitting trim 90. This embodiment shows the trim following the outer edge of the scarf and, in some embodiments, has a power source 90 located in inside pocket 16A or 16B. In some embodiments, the light emitting trim 90 is attached to the stitched seam by an adhesive or by stitching. The light emitting trim is shown extending from power source 92, and may circle some or the entire outer perimeter of the scarf. In some embodiments, the light emitting trim 90 may be positioned anywhere along the scarf, and in some cases, is provided in a design pattern or may spell out a word or phrase. It will be appreciated that the light emitting trim 90 may be an electro luminescent wire (commercially available from Elam Corporation, www.elamusa.com), electro luminescent strips, side emitting fiber, or any other suitable light emitting element, as desired. In some cases, the light emitting trim 90 may be a glow in the dark member, and thus may not require an active external power supply such as a battery.

Often, fans become thirsty during the course of an event. FIG. 14 shows a frontal view of wearer 40, as shown in FIG. 7, wearing an illustrative scarf in accordance with the present invention. A tube 80, which may be flexible plastic, vinyl, rubber or any other suitable tube, may be placed in the wearer's mouth with the opposite end extending into container 82 which may be filled with the wearer's beverage of choice. This may allow the wearer 40 to enjoy a beverage, which in the embodiment shown, is contained in a plastic bottle 82 but may be any type of container that can reside in pocket 24 as shown in FIG. 15. In the illustrative embodiment, tube 80 is enclosed within a channel 81 located on the inner side of scarf when worn by the wearer 40. The tube 80 may exit the channel 81 close to the upper portion of pocket 24 and inserts through an opening in container 82. The opposite end of tube 80 may exit the channel 81 in close proximity to the wearer's 40 mouth. In some embodiments, the tube 80 does not extend through a channel in the scarf.

During adverse weather conditions a hood may be provided for protection from cold, wind, rain or snow. FIG. 16 shows a hood 44, which is enclosed in the anterior portion of the scarf 4 and is accessed within envelope or pocket 42. In the illustrative embodiment, hood 44 is located at substantially the longitudinal center at the top of scarf 4 when worn by wearer 40. A drawstring 46 may be provided to keep the hood snug about the wearer's 40 head during particularly adverse weather, in essence, and with particular reference to FIG. 16, the current illustrated embodiment may include a hood 44 of flexible material which may feature a drawstring 46 at a particular location thereon. The drawstring may be attached to the hood 44 extended through a channel 45 created through the perimeter of the hood. FIG. 17 illustrates the wearer 40 with the scarf 4 draped over each shoulder with hood 44 being worn but with drawstring 46 not being drawn tight. As shown in FIG. 18, the envelope opening 42 may include a zippered closure, but any suitable closure mechanism may be used to secure the hood 44 inside the envelope when not in use.

As shown in FIG. 19, the hood 44 may be adorned with ornamental attachments such as horns in 48A and 48B. The ornamental attachments may be made from fabrics including, for example, cotton, fleece, linen, knits, woven, non-woven fabrics, or any other suitable fabric, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, the ornamental attachments may be made from plastic or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the ornamental attachments may be inflatable. FIG. 20 illustrates how horns 48A and 48B may reinforce the wearer's affinity for the NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings, by mimicking the helmet of their logo and mascot.

Spectators at sporting events often become involved in the event they are watching by cheering, yelling and waving objects such as pennants. Referring to FIGS. 21-22, two pennants can be provided by allowing the respective pockets 14A and 14B to be detachable from the body of the scarf as illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 21a-21b, the scarf 4 is shown from side 10, and is attached to pocket 14A by a zipper or any other suitable attachment mechanism. Channel 93 of pocket 14A may accommodate a stick 95, as shown in FIG. 22, forming a pennant. As detailed above, the pocket 14A may include an emblazed indicia, logo, slogan, or team emblem 22A, and the stick 95, which is grasped by the hand of wearer 40 may be waved about over the head of the wearer 40. It should be appreciated that while FIG. 22 shows only one pocket being detached and used as a pennant, it is contemplated that both ends of scarf may be detachable and used as pennants, if desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the scarf may have a hand pocket located at one end of the scarf that is accessible by two openings 98A and 98B. This illustrated embodiment may allow the wearer to keep the opposing half of the scarf wrapped about the wearer's neck for protection and warmth during adverse weather conditions.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings found herein may be applied to yet other embodiments within the scope of the claims hereto attached.

Claims

1. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having a length, a width, and two opposing ends, the elongated body further having a first major side and a second opposing major side;

a first readable and/or graphical indicia on the first major side; and

a second readable and/or graphical indicia on the second major side.

2. The scarf of claim 1 wherein the first readable and/or graphical indicia is provided along an intermediate region of the first major side between the two opposing ends.

3. The scarf of claim 2 wherein the second readable and/or graphical indicia is provided near one of the opposing ends of the second major side.

4. The scarf of claim 3 wherein the first readable and/or graphical indicia includes lettering.

5. The scarf of claim 4 wherein the second readable and/or graphical indicia includes a logo.

6. The scarf of claim 1 wherein the first readable and/or graphical indicia is printed onto the first major side.

7. The scarf of claim 1 wherein the first readable and/or graphical indicia includes material that is sewn onto the first major side.

8. The scarf of claim 1 wherein the second readable and/or graphical indicia is printed onto the first major side.

9. The scarf of claim 1 wherein the first major side is adapted to be worn toward the wearer of the scarf, and the second major side is adapted to be worn away from the wearer of the scarf.

10. The scarf of claim 1 wherein at least part of the first readable and/or graphical indicia is glow in the dark.

11. The scarf of claim 1 wherein at least part of the second readable and/or graphical indicia is glow in the dark.

12. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having a first major side and a second opposing major side;

a first readable and/or graphical indicia on the first major side; and

grasping means accessible from the second major side.

13. The scarf of claim 12 wherein the grasping means comprises a loop of material secured to the second major side of the scarf.

14. The scarf of claim 13 wherein the loop of material is sized to accommodate a finger of a wearer.

15. The scarf of claim 12 wherein the first readable and/or graphical indicia is provided along an intermediate region of the first major side between the two opposing ends, and the grasping means includes a first grasping means adjacent one side of the first readable and/or graphical indicia and a second grasping means adjacent the other side of the first readable and/or graphical indicia.

16. The scarf of claim 15 further comprising a second readable and/or graphical indicia provided near one or both of the two opposing ends of the second major side.

17. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having a length, a width, and two opposing ends;

a pocket positioned along an intermediate region between the two opposing ends of the scarf; and

a retractable hood having a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the hood is retracted and secured within the pocket of the scarf, and in the second position at least part of the hood is protracted out of the pocket for use by the wearer of the scarf.

18. The scarf of claim 17 wherein the hood includes a draw string.

19. The scarf of claim 17 wherein the hood is adorned with one or more ornamental attachments.

20. The scarf of claim 17 wherein the pocket includes a closure means for securing the hood within the pocket.

21. The scarf of claim 20 wherein the closure means includes a zipper.

22. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having a length, wherein the length is defined by two opposing longitudinal edges, the elongated body further having two opposing ends each with an end longitudinal edge;

a pocket extending into the elongated body, wherein the pocket has a pocket opening that extends along at least part of at least one of the two opposing longitudinal edges; and

wherein the end longitudinal edge of at least one of the two opposing ends is not normal to at least one of the two opposing longitudinal edges of the elongated body.

23. The scarf of claim 22 wherein the pocket is at least partially defined by the end longitudinal edge that is not normal to the at least one of the two opposing longitudinal edges of the elongated body.

24. The scarf of claim 23 further comprising pocket closure means for selectively opening and closing the pocket.

25. The scarf of claim 22 wherein both of the end longitudinal edges of the two opposing ends are not normal to at least one of the two opposing longitudinal edges of the elongated body.

26. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body;

a pocket extending into the elongated body; and

a key ring secured to the elongated body inside of the pocket.

27. The scarf of claim 26 further comprising pocket closure means for selectively opening and closing the pocket.

28. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having two opposing ends;

a first pocket positioned adjacent a first one of the two opposing ends of the elongated body; and

a second pocket, separate from the first pocket, also positioned adjacent a first one of the two opposing ends of the elongated body.

29. The scarf of claim 28 further comprising first pocket closure means for selectively opening and closing the first pocket.

30. The scarf of claim 29 further comprising second pocket closure means for selectively opening and closing the second pocket.

31. The scarf of claim 28 wherein the second pocket is located within the first pocket.

32. The scarf of claim 28 wherein the second pocket is not located within the first pocket.

33. The scarf of claim 28 wherein the first pocket is adapted to accept a hand of a wearer of the scarf.

34. The scarf of claim 33 wherein the second pocket is adapted to accept a cell phone.

35. The scarf of claim 33 wherein the second pocket is adapted to accept a beverage container.

36. The scarf of claim 35 wherein the second pocket is insulated.

37. The scarf of claim 35 further comprising a channel that is adapted to retain the position of at least part of a tube the goes from at or near the second pocket to a location intermediate between the two opposing ends of the elongated body.

38. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body;

a readable and/or graphical indicia on the elongated body; and

wherein at least part of the readable and/or graphical indicia is glow in the dark.

39. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having a length and a width, wherein the length is defined by two opposing longitudinal edges; and

a pocket having a pocket opening, the pocket opening extending along at least part of the width of the elongated body and generally along an axis that is not normal to at least one of the two opposing longitudinal edges.

40. The scarf of claim 39 further comprising pocket closure means for selectively opening and closing the pocket.

41. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body; and

a pocket having a first pocket opening and a second pocket opening, the first pocket opening facing a first direction and the second pocket opening facing a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

42. The scarf of claim 41 wherein the pocket is positioned near one end of the elongated body.

43. The scarf of claim 41 wherein the first pocket opening is adapted to receive a first hand of a wearer of the scarf, and the second pocket opening is adapted to receive a second hand of a wearer of the scarf.

44. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body; and

a pocket having a pocket opening, wherein the pocket and pocket opening are adapted to accept a major portion of the elongated body.

45. The scarf of claim 44 wherein the pocket and pocket opening are adapted to accept a major portion of the elongated body when the major portion of the elongated body is rolled up and stuffed into the pocket.

46. The scarf of claim 44 further comprising a readable and/or graphical indicia that is visible when the major portion of the elongated body is rolled up and stuffed into the pocket.

47. A scarf comprising:

an elongated body having a removable end region, wherein the removable end region can be selectively removed from the elongated body; and

wherein the removable end region includes a channel for receiving a stick or the like such that the removable end region can be used as a pennant.

48. The scarf of claim 47 wherein the removable end region includes a pocket and a pocket closure means for selectively opening and closing the pocket.

49. The scarf of claim 47 wherein the removable end region includes a readable and/or graphical indicia thereon.