HEAD COVERINGS AND HOODED GARMENTS WITH INTEGRATED HOOD HOLDING INSERTS

Abstract

Head coverings and a hooded garment are disclosed. A head covering includes a first head covering portion and a band of material integrated therewith. The band extends across the opening in an area corresponding to a wearer's forehead. Another head covering includes a hood and a hood holding insert integrated therewith. The hood holding insert contacts the wearer's forehead when in use so as to hold the hood in position on the wearer's head. The hooded garment includes a body covering portion, a first hood, a second hood and a hood holding insert. The first and second hoods are disposed adjacent one another and are integrated with the body covering portion. The hood holding insert is integrated with the first hood and contacts the wearer's forehead when in use so as to securely hold the first and second hoods in position on the wearer's head.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention described herein relate to head coverings and hooded garments and, more particularly, to head coverings and hooded garments with integrated hood holding inserts.

BACKGROUND

People wear hooded garments for many purposes. For example, on a rainy or frigid day, one may wear a hooded rain coat or a hooded winter coat to keep their head, neck and body dry and warm. More recently, hooded garments (such as hooded sweatshirts or “hoodies”) have become stylish and, consequently, people now wear hooded garments both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions, and while performing a wide variety of different activities.

For purposes of comfort and fashion, hooded garments are usually worn with the hood resting loosely atop the wearer's head. Thus, in windy weather, for example, the hood may easily blow off the wearer's head, leaving his or her head exposed to the elements. It may also easily fall off the wearer's head or fall in front of the wearer's eyes while he or she is attempting to perform everyday activities, such as watching television, completing an assignment, operating a computer, driving a vehicle, and so on. This may become annoying, or in some situations even dangerous, to the wearer.

Some hooded garments include a cord strung through the hood around the face opening and exposed through two small openings in the garment. The wearer may pull on the exposed portions of the cord to pull the hood tightly around his or her face. While this may help to secure the hood in place on the wearer's head, it may also cause the hood to be pulled too tightly about the wearer's face, causing discomfort and obstructing the wearer's vision. Because of these and other disadvantages, many wearers prefer the inconvenience/danger of having the hood fall off their heads or fall in front of their eyes rather than using the cord to tighten the hood about their faces.

Other hooded garments may include scull caps, baseball caps and other full hats that are attachable to the hooded garments. While in some instances, these full hats may help hold the hood in place, they may also become cumbersome and may make the wearer overly warm (particularly when the hooded garment is used indoors).

SUMMARY

Head coverings and a hooded garment are disclosed.

A head covering may include a first head covering portion which may be configured to cover at least a region of a back and a top surface of a wearer's head and may include an opening for the wearer's face. A band of material may be integrated with the first head covering portion at one or more location and may extend across the opening in an area corresponding to a forehead of the wearer.

Another head covering may include a hood and a hood holding insert. The hood holding insert may be integrated with the hood and may be configured to contact at least a portion of a forehead of a wearer when in use so as to hold the hood in position on the head of the wearer.

The hooded garment may include a body covering portion which may include at least two sleeves and a neck opening. A first hood and a second hood may be disposed adjacent one another and may be integrated with the body covering portion at the neck opening. A hood holding insert may be integrated with the first hood and may be configured to contact at least a portion of a forehead of a wearer when in use so as to hold the first hood and the second hood in position on the wearer's head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, and other, features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention described below will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used for designating the same elements throughout the several figures, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a head covering according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a diagram of a head covering according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the head covering according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an integrated hood holding insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention described herein mitigate the above mentioned problems found with hooded garments and provide a practical, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing hood holding insert that secures the hood in place on the wearer's head so that the hood does not easily fall off the wearer's head or fall in front of the wearer's eyes. Also, the hood holding insert may be located in the hood such that it creates a desirable surface for the placement of trademarks/branding, logos, or icons that may increase the marketability of the designer's brand and further increase the aesthetic appeal of the garment.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a head covering 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated head covering 100a includes a first head covering portion (or first hood) 104 and a hood holding insert (or band) 108a integrated therewith. In FIG. 1A, the hood holding insert 108a is shown pulled away from the first head covering portion 104 so that an upper edge surface 118 of the hood holding insert 108a is not integrated with the first head covering portion 104. However, as described below, the upper surface 118 of the insert 108a may be integrated with the first head covering portion 104 either directly or via an extender portion (e.g., element 207 in FIG. 2, 300 in FIG. 3 or 406 in FIG. 4).

The illustrated head covering 100a is shown as part of a hooded garment including a neck portion 106 (with a neck opening that is not labeled) and in use on a wearer. The illustrated head covering 100a includes a face opening 103 for the wearer's face (corresponding to 102). While the illustrated head covering 100a is shown as part of a hooded garment, the head covering 100a may be any head covering used either alone or as part of any type of hooded garment. By way of example, when used alone, the head covering 100a may be a hood, a bonnet, or any other type of hood/hat/head covering (see, e.g., FIG. 2). When used as part of a hooded garment, the head covering 100a may be a hood integrated with any type of hooded garment (e.g., a hooded sweatshirt (or “hoody”)), a hooded jacket, a hooded sweater, a hooded rain coat, etc.).

The illustrated hood holding insert 108a is integrated with the first head covering portion 104 in such a way that it aids in holding the head covering 100a in place on the wearer's head. For example, the illustrated hood holding insert 108a extends across the wearer's forehead and, therefore, allows the first head covering portion 104 to rest loosely atop the wearer's head but also to be held securely to the wearer's forehead. Thus, the hood may still be worn loosely, comfortably and stylishly, but will not be easily blown off the wearer's head, will not easily fall off the wearer's head by the wearer's motion and will not easily fall in front of the wearer's eyes when properly in use. The hood holding insert 108a may be, for example, a separate band of material that is then integrated with the head covering 100a, or the head covering 100a and the hood holding insert 108a may be all one piece.

The hood holding insert 108a illustrated in FIG. 1A is a semi-circular-shaped band which has a semi-circular-shaped upper edge surface 118 and a straight lower edge surface 120. The upper edge surface 118 is integrated with the first head covering portion 104. The lower edge surface 120 is not integrated with the first head covering portion 104 but is left free. While the illustrated hood holding insert 108a has a semi-circular shaped upper edge surface 118 and a straight lower edge surface 120, the upper and lower edge surfaces may deviate slightly from a true semi-circular or straight shape (making them “substantially semi-circular” and “substantially straight,” respectively). By way of example, the hood holding insert 108a may be made from a flexible or stretchable material and, therefore, may wrinkle or deform slightly to form a slightly undulating or curved, but “substantially semi-circular” or “substantially straight,” surface. In other embodiments, the lower edge surface 120 may be curved, or the upper and/or lower edge surfaces may have any other shape that does not cause the hood holding insert 108a to interfere with the wearer's vision.

The illustrated hood holding insert 108a has three regions, a central region 112 surrounded on either side by a respective one of two side regions 110. The entire band 108a may be formed from a flexible material, thereby making the band adjustable for different sized heads and aiding in the band's ability to secure the head covering 100a to the wearer's forehead. In one embodiment, the side regions 110 may be formed from a more flexible material than the central region 110. For example, the side regions 110 may be formed from a ribbed flexible material or elastic, and the central region may be formed from velour or fleece. In this embodiment, the hood holding insert 108a still maintains the added advantage of adjustability and better ability to secure the head covering to the wearer's forehead, but the majority of the hood holding insert 108a may be made of a more aesthetically pleasing material (such as velour) to maintain the stylishness of the head covering. Further, the location of the hood holding insert 108a in the head covering 100a may be chosen for its desirability as a location for placement of trademarks/branding, logos and/or other icons and thereby increase the marketability of the designer's brand and further increase the aesthetic appeal of the garment.

FIG. 1B is a diagram of a head covering 100b according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated head covering 100b is similar to the illustrated head covering 100a of FIG. 1A, except that the hood holding insert (or band) 108b has a different shape. The illustrated head covering 100b has straight upper and lower surfaces (not labeled) and is integrated with the first head covering portion 104 at its side edges 105a and 105b. Similar to the hood holding insert 108a of FIG. 1A, the upper and lower surfaces of the hood holding insert 108b may be “substantially straight,” curved or have any other shape that does not cause the hood holding insert 108b to interfere with the wearer's vision. Also, similar to the hood holding insert 108a of FIG. 1A, the hood holding insert 108b may be made of a flexible material. It may alternatively include a more flexible material covered by a more stylish but less flexible material (such as velour). The illustrated upper and lower edge surfaces of the hood holding insert 108b are not integrated with the first head covering portion 104 but are left free.

The hood holding inserts 108a and 108b of FIGS. 1A and 1B are included simply as examples and are not to be construed as limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there are many different ways to change the shape of the hood holding insert and the method of integrating the hood holding insert with the head covering and still maintain the purpose of the hood holding insert (e.g., to aid in holding the head covering/hood to the wearer's head/forehead).

FIG. 2 is a side view of the head covering 100a according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. The illustrated head covering 100a covers at least a region of a back surface 204 and a top surface 206 of the wearer's head. The hood holding insert (band) 108a extends across the face opening 103 in an area corresponding to the forehead 200 of the wearer and contacts at least a portion of the forehead 200 of the wearer. Thus, as previously described, the first head covering portion may rest loosely atop the wearer's head but also be held securely to the wearer's forehead.

The head covering 100a illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes a cord 202 strung through the first head covering portion (first hood) 104 around the face opening 103 and exposed through two small openings (not labeled) in the garment. Thus, the wearer also has the option of pulling on the exposed portion of the cord to pull the hood tightly around his or her face if he or she so desires. Further, FIG. 2 illustrates an extender portion 207, which may optionally be included in the head covering 100a. The extender portion is described in more detail hereafter.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the integrated hood holding insert 108a of FIG. 1A. The illustrated insert 108a has a width w₁ (e.g., corresponding to the width of the bottom edge 120) and a width w₂ (e.g., corresponding to the width of the side region 110). By way of example, the width w₁ may be eight inches, and the width w₂ may be one inch.

The illustrated insert 108a is also attached to an extender portion 300 which has a depth d (e.g., 3.25 inches) and integrates the hood holding insert 108a with the first head covering portion (not labeled) at a top edge 304 of the extender portion 300. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4, the extender portion 300 extends out from first head covering portion (not labeled) over a portion of the wearer's forehead and, thereby, further aids the hood holding insert 108a in gripping the wearer's head. A trademark/branding region 302 is provided on the illustrated insert 108a for displaying a trademark/branding, logo or other icon. In the illustrated example, the trademark “Crown Holder” is displayed in the trademark/branding region 302.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a hooded garment 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated garment 400 has a body covering portion 402 which includes a neck opening 412 and at least two sleeves 414. The illustrated garment 400 also includes an optional zipper 416 (if desirable) which can extend fully or partially along the form of the garment 400.

The hooded garment 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 also includes a double hooded head covering 100c. The illustrated head covering 100c includes a first hood (first head covering portion) 406 disposed adjacent a second hood (second head covering portion) 404. The first hood 406 and the second hood 404 may be integrated with one another in at least one location (not shown) and may be integrated with the body covering portion 402, for example, at the neck opening 412.

The illustrated first hood 406 is disposed between the second hood 404 and the back and top surfaces of the wearer's head (not labeled) when in use. As illustrated, the first hood 406 forms a hood liner for the second hood 404 and also extends out from the second hood 404 over a portion of the wearer's forehead and, thereby, acts as the extender portion for the hood holding insert 410. Thus, the first hood 406 further aids in securely holding the second hood 404 on the wearer's head.

Although the features and elements of the present invention are described in the preferred embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the preferred embodiments or in various combinations with or without other features and elements of the present invention.

Claims

1. A head covering comprising:

a first head covering portion configured to cover at least a region of a back and a top surface of a wearer's head and including an opening for the wearer's face; and

a band of material integrated with the first head covering portion at one or more location and extending across the opening in an area corresponding to a forehead of the wearer.

2. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the first head covering portion is a hood.

3. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the band has a substantially semi-circular-shaped upper edge surface and a substantially straight lower edge surface and is integrated with the first head covering portion at the upper edge surface.

4. The head covering of claim 3, wherein the lower edge surface is not integrated with the first head covering portion.

5. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the band has substantially straight upper and lower edge surfaces and is integrated with the first head covering portion at its two side edges.

6. The head covering of claim 5, wherein the upper and lower edge surfaces are not integrated with the first head covering portion.

7. The head covering of claim 1, further comprising an extender portion, the band being integrated with the first head covering portion via the extender portion, the extender portion being configured to aid the band in gripping the wearer's head.

8. The head covering of claim 7, wherein the extender portion is approximately 3.25 inches in depth.

9. The head covering of claim 1, further comprising a second head covering portion integrated with the first head covering portion in at least one location.

10. The head covering of claim 9, wherein the second head covering portion is a hood.

11. The head covering of claim 10, wherein the first head covering portion is disposed between the hood and top and back surfaces of the wearer's head when the head covering is in use so as to form a hood liner and an extender for the band, the extender being configured to aid the band in gripping the wearer's head.

12. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the band is formed from a flexible material.

13. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the band comprises a central region surrounded on either side by a respective one of two side regions.

14. The head covering of claim 13, wherein the central region includes at least one of a trademark, a product brand, a logo and an icon.

15. The head covering of claim 13, wherein the central region is formed from velour.

16. The head covering of claim 13, wherein each of the two side regions is formed from a flexible material.

17. The head covering of claim 16, wherein the flexible material is a ribbed flexible material.

18. The head covering of claim 13, wherein the band is approximately eight inches wide and each of the side regions is approximately one inch wide.

19. A head covering comprising:

a hood; and

a hood holding insert integrated with the hood and configured to contact at least a portion of a forehead of a wearer when in use so as to hold the hood in position on a head of the wearer.

20. A hooded garment comprising:

a body covering portion including two sleeves and a neck opening;

a first hood and a second hood disposed adjacent one another and integrated with the body covering portion at the neck opening; and

a hood holding insert integrated with the first hood and configured to contact at least a portion of a forehead of a wearer when in use so as to hold the first hood and the second hood in position on a head of the wearer.

21. The hooded garment of claim 20, wherein the hood holding insert is positioned to extend across the forehead of the wearer when in use.

22. The hooded garment of claim 20, wherein the hooded garment is a hooded sweatshirt.

23. The hooded garment of claim 20, wherein the body covering portion includes a zipper.

24. The hooded garment of claim 20, wherein the hood holding insert has a substantially semi-circular-shaped upper edge surface and a substantially straight lower edge surface and is integrated with the first hood at the upper edge surface, leaving the lower edge surface substantially free.

25. The hooded garment of claim 20, wherein the hood holding insert comprises a central region surrounded on either side by a respective one of two side regions formed from a flexible material.

26. The hooded garment of claim 25, wherein the flexible material is a ribbed flexible material.

27. The hooded garment of claim 25, wherein the central region includes at least one of a trademark, a product brand, a logo and an icon.