Face Shield Attachment for Winter Jacket Hoods

Abstract

The concept of adding a transparent flip-up face shield to be worn with a hooded winter jacket in order to protect the wearer's face against the elements. This is achieved by removably attaching the shield to a stiffened cap, which is then worn on the head. The hood of the jacket is then pulled up over the cap, substantially protecting the wearer's head and face. The shield may be flipped up and out of the way when desired.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

EFS ID             11952259
Application Number 61592200

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to cold weather apparel, and more particularly to addition of a face shield to a winter jacket for protecting the wearer's face from wind and other weather-related elements.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A large number of clothing articles are readily available for protecting the wearer from the effects of cold weather, such as jackets for the body, a hood for the head and gloves for the hands. For protecting the face, the selection is more limited, and includes balaclavas, ski masks, and goggles or shades for the eyes. Some people may also wear warm scarves to cover the areas left open by other winter apparel. Such apparel either do not cover the entire face, leaving parts exposed to the weather, or require several cumbersome articles to be worn.

Specialized face masks (such as Cold Weather Face Mask U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,100) are available which offer more complete face protection, however these are generally only suitable for use by people engaged in activities in extreme cold weather such as military personnel stationed in the Arctic.

Full-head hoods (such as Protective Hood U.S. Pat. No. 8,037,547) are intended for use in hazardous or contaminated environments, and feature a fixed face shield.

Full-face masks (such as Cold Weather Mask U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,290) are not intended to be part of a hood, and do not include protection for the eyes.

Yet other face masks (such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,563 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,240) are designed specifically for demanding cold-weather sports, such as snowmobiling and skiing.

Yet other head garments (such as Head and Face Protector U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,740) describe a foldable fabric hood with a mesh screen as a viewing area in front of the eyes.

The average person may consider such articles cumbersome to wear, costly, aesthetically unappealing and therefore unpractical for normal daily winter activity such as walking or working outdoors.

A need therefore exists for a face shield that can be readily worn with a typical winter jacket, which overcomes the limitations of the prior art in an affordable, practical and appealing form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention introduces the concept and describes a method of attaching a flip-up transparent face shield to a modified cap, such that when the cap is worn under the hood of a cold-weather jacket garment, the wearer's face is better protected from the effects of cold weather and environmental elements. The face shield, commonly known as a “flip-up face shield”, is commercially available for attaching to open-face motorcycle helmets. Such a face shield commonly features either 3 or 5 female snap buttons affixed to a pair of bands capable of being rotated against each other.

In the preferred embodiment, the face shield is removably attached to a cap using the standard snap buttons provided on the shield assembly. The cap is then worn on the head, and the hood of the jacket is pulled up over the cap. The face shield can be rotated down to cover some or most or all of the face area, as desired. When desired, the face shield can be rotated up into a protective gap between the cap and the hood.

The present invention may also be used in any activity that benefits from protecting the face against the elements or wind-borne debris, such as while cycling, gardening or hunting.

In one embodiment, the cap is fabricated from cloth, and provided with an adjustable strap at the rear, so as to permit the cap to fit snugly over the wearer's head.

In another embodiment, the cap is made of woven material.

In yet another embodiment, the cap is removably attached to the inside of the hood of the jacket.

A wide range of face shields are commercially available for open face motorcycle helmets. The removable attachment design of this invention allows the user to select a face shield to suit the user's purpose, such as a clear or tinted shield, and a short or long shield. This removable design also permits easy replacement of scratched or otherwise damaged shields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in final deployed position

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the face shield assembly

FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of the cap

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the cap

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cap, looking up

FIG. 6 is a perspective-view showing assembly of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention with the hood down

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention with the hood being pulled up

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention with the shield being pulled down

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate full face shield assembly

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attachment detail of the cap to the hood—alternate embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Description of Referenced Numerals

• 10=typical hooded winter jacket
• 11=hood of typical winter jacket
• 12=pull string for tightening the hood around the face, normally found in typical winter jacket
• 20=clear face shield
• 21=upper (rotating) plastic band, normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 22=lower (fixed) plastic band, normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 23=hinge point between band 21 and band 22 (two locations), normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 24=rivets for attaching shield 20 to band 21 (three locations), normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 25=slot for adjustably sliding snap button 26 (two locations), normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 26=side snap buttons, female portion, normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 27=center snap buttons, female portion, normally available as part of face shield assembly
• 30=cap made of fabric
• 31=seams in cap for forming fabric into shape of cap
• 32=snap button, male portion, to mate with 26
• 33=pocket for locating front end of stiffener, 34
• 34=plastic stiffener
• 35=pocket for locating rear end of stiffener, 34
• 36=adjustable strap for suitably tightening cap on head
• 50=male “Velcro” strip—alternate embodiment
• 51=female “Velcro” strip—alternate embodiment
• 52=clear face shield—alternate embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring now to the present invention in more detail;

FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment. There is shown a typical hooded winter jacket 10, with a partial face shield 20 deployed so as to cover much of the facial area otherwise left exposed by the hood 11. The pull string 12 may be used to tighten the hood 11 around the face shield 20 to a lesser or greater extent, depending on the exposure and comfort requirements or the user.

FIG. 2 depicts one of several face shield assemblies commercially and commonly available for attaching to open face motorcycle helmets. Such assemblies are commonly referred to as “flip-up shields for half face helmets” or “flip-up visor shields for open face motorcycle helmets” or “flip-up face shields for vintage motorcycle helmets” or some version thereof.

The essential components of the assembly depicted in FIG. 2 are as follows: a face shield 20, affixed to the upper plastic band 21 with three rivets 24. The upper plastic band 21 rotatably attached to the lower plastic band with hinges 23 at the two extremities. The lower plastic band 22 containing three female snap buttons 26 and 27. Two of these snap buttons 26 are located in slotted holes 25. The center snap button 27 is either affixed directly to plastic band 22, or optionally affixed in a short vertically slotted hole (not shown) in plastic band 22.

The face shield 20 is made of clear resilient semi-rigid plastic material, commonly polycarbonate. The inside surface is optionally treated with an anti-fog coating.

Since these shields are made for use with motorcycle helmets, they inherently have good mechanical strength, good optical quality, and good impact resistance. They are also available in a variety of styles both in terms of shape ranging from partial face to full face, and tints ranging from clear to dark.

The plastic bands 21 and 22 are commonly about 25 mm (1 inch) wide, and about 355 mm (14 inches) long, and made of resilient plastic material. Holes and slots 25 are made in these bands to accommodate the snap buttons 26 and 27, and the hinges 23.

The slotted holes 25 are approximately 25 mm (1 inch) to 38 mm (1.5 inches) long, and 1.5 mm ( 1/16 inch) wider than the stem of the female snap button 26. They are intended to permit some lateral adjustment when aligning with the corresponding male snap buttons 32 depicted on FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

Snap buttons 26 and 27, also commonly known as snap fasteners, are generally 10 mm (⅜ inch) in size. This size is a measurement of the diameter of the male portion of the snap button. Some versions of the face shield assembly feature five snap buttons. The three button (26 and 27) version depicted in FIG. 2 however, is more commonly available.

Each of the two hinges 23 consists of a small rivet, similar to rivet 24. The clamping force from the rivet provides sufficient resistance to prevent the two plastic bands 21 and 22 from moving freely, and thus allows the face shield 20 to be rotated to any desired position, and be held in place by the friction from the clamping force. Some commercially available face shield assemblies feature a ratchet mechanism at the hinges 23, which allows the shield 20 to be held in place in any desired position by a more positive lock. In any case, the hinge clamping force or ratchet action is such that the upper band 21 can be rotated against the lower band 22 with minimal application of force, yet be sufficient to retain the plastic bands 21 and 22 in desired location during normal use.

FIG. 3 depicts the cap that the face shield assembly (FIG. 2) attaches to. The cap is made of fabric or other wearable material, such as denim, or a stretchable woven material. For non-stretchable material, six shaped panels are sown together at two of their edges 31 to from the cap. A regular “baseball cap” can also be used for this purpose, with the “bill” removed. Three male snap buttons 32 are attached to the bottom edge of the cap, to correspond with the location of the female snap buttons 26 and 27 on the face shield assembly (FIG. 2). In practice, with a six equal panel cap, the button locations co-incide with the seams 31. Attaching the buttons 32 at the seam 31 location increases mechanical strength of the attachment. The snap buttons 32 are attached to the cap using a special manual or automatic tool commercially available for the purpose.

FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict the central stiffener 34 located on the underside of the cap. This stiffener 34 consists of a strip of flexible plastic, approximately 25 mm (1 inch) wide. In terms of stiffness, the plastic may be compared to the material from which relatively firm plastic bottles are made. The purpose of the stiffener 34 is to help retain the cap in place as the face shield 20 is being pushed up. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the stiffener 34 is retained in place by placing the ends in open ended pockets 33 and 35 sewn into the front and the rear of the cap. The length of the stiffener is determined so as the stiffener 34 fits snugly between the front and rear pockets 33 and 35, while remaining in contact with the curve of the cap.

FIG. 4 depicts fit adjustment straps at the rear of the cap. Strips of Velcro can be affixed to these straps to allow the cap circumference to be adjusted to fit the wearer's head. Alternately, a buckle or other mechanism can be utilized to provide similar adjustment capability.

FIG. 5 depicts a view looking at the underside of the cap. All features have been elaborated in previous paragraphs.

FIG. 6 depicts how the face shield assembly FIG. 2 attaches to the cap assembly FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 depicts the preferred embodiment, with the cap and shield assembly worn separately over the head. The winter jacket 10 is also shown, with the hood 11 down.

FIG. 8 depicts the hood 11 being pulled up over the cap and shield assembly.

FIG. 9 depicts the shield 20 being pulled down to cover the face. Tightening the pull string 12 reduces or eliminates any gaps between periphery of the face shield 20 and the edge of the hood 11.

FIG. 10 depicts another commercially available embodiment of the face shield assembly that may be used with the present invention. This is an alternate to the assembly shown in FIG. 2, and depicts a full-face-shield assembly. Such an assembly provides increased protection from the elements, however it also increases the potential for condensation on the inside of the face shield 52.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment. Attached to the top of the cap are male “Velcro” strips 50. Corresponding in location to these male strips are female “Velcro” strips 51 attached to the inside of the hood 11. The ideal dimensions of these strips are a function of the strength of “Velcro” used. The use of regular strength Velcro strips approximately 50 mm (2 inches) by 20 mm (¾ inch) provide adequate holding power for normal use. Where an improved seal between the cap and hood is desired, either longer or continuous strips of “Velcro” may be utilized as an alternate to strips 50 and 51. This alternate embodiment allows the cap and shield assembly depicted in FIG. 6 to be removably attached to the hood 11. Other attachment devices, such as snap buttons or zippers may also be utilized to secure the cap 30 to the hood 11.

The advantage of this alternate embodiment of FIG. 11 is that the face shield, cap and jacket may be carried around as one assembly. The disadvantage of this embodiment is that jacket hoods must be specifically manufactured to include the “Velcro” or other attachment device.

FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 depict typical uses of the present invention for protection of the face during winter, during cycling and during garden work respectively. These Figures are included as examples, and in no way intended to limit the uses of the present invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

When worn with a typical hooded winter jacket, the advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, an increased feeling of comfort while walking or working outdoors in cold weather. This is achieved by;

• • reducing or eliminating direct wind-chill effects on the face area
  • retention of heat emanating from the face
  • channeling heat rising from the body, from within the winter jacket, to the space between the face shield and the face
  • protecting the wearer's face from wind-borne debris

Without the cap and shield assembly, when the when wearer turns his or her head sideways, he or she would find his or her visibility partially obscured by the hood remaining in a substantially forward facing direction. An additional benefit of the present invention is that when the wearer turns his or her head, the hood is substantially turned in the same direction. Side-to-side visibility is thus enhanced. In addition, the present invention mitigates a common problem of the hood not staying in the desired position and “drooping” over the front of the face.

The use of commonly available motorcycle helmet flip-up face shield assemblies allows the user to select an assembly that suits his or her purpose or personality. The modular design of the present invention permits the user to purchase the face shield assembly and the cap separately if desired, and to use these assemblies with an existing hooded jacket.

In addition, face shields with anti-fog coatings on the inside surface are also commonly available, which help mitigate build-up of condensation on the face shield. Also, since the face shield assembly is designed for use in rough conditions, it is inherently robust enough for everyday use.

The above considerations enhance the present invention's practicality.

While certain novel features and typical uses of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. The addition of a transparent flip-up face shield to a hooded winter jacket with intent to substantially protect the wearer's face against the elements, said face shield being removably attached to a cap using snap buttons, such that when cap and face shield are worn on the wearer's head, the winter jacket hood can be pulled over the cap, providing substantial protection to the wearer's face when the face shield is pulled down to cover the face, as well as providing a gap between the cap and hood to allow the face shield to slide in when the face shield is pushed up to expose the face.

2. A method of attaching face shield of claim 1 to a cap using male snap buttons attached to the cap, positioned to mate with female snap buttons attached to the face shield assembly.

3. A cap of claim 2 constructed with stiffeners such that when the flip-up face shield of claim 1 is pushed up to expose the face, the cap resists distortion.