SALON GARMENT CONFIGURATION FOR BETTER NECK ACCESS

Abstract

Methods and systems are presented to protect clothing of a wearer using a first collar structure and draping structure that are separately adjustable and releasable. In some variants the draping structure may include magnetic or other positioning elements to accommodate wearers of various sizes. Likewise the collar structure may include magnetic or other positioning elements that are indirectly and effectively supported by the still-closed draping structure while undergoing a transition through a range of unstable positions thereof between stable open and closed positions thereof. This allows a stylist to uncover and re-cover the wearer's neck much more frequently and quickly, for example, during a hair dye or style treatment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments, presented in a closed position on a wearer.

FIG. 2 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in a mechanically stable closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in an open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in an open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in a coiled position.

FIG. 6 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in a mechanically stable closed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in a mechanically stable open position.

FIG. 8 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in a mechanically stable open position.

FIG. 9 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implement one or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in a mechanically stable open position.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow that may implement one or more embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.

“Alternatively,” “adjacent,” “adjusted,” “allowed,” “both,” “before,” “bistable,” “central,” “closed,” “comprising,” “configurable,” “covered,” “curled,” “distal,” “draped,” “during,” “elastic,” “elongate,” “end,” “engaging,” “extending,” “flexible,” “folded,” “fourth,” “guiding,” “hard,” “incorporated,” “interstitial,” “inward,” “longer,” “magnetic,” “mechanical,” “moved,” “open,” “outward,” “over,” “overlapping,” “performed,” “projecting,” “protective,” “quickly,” “remaining,” “retracted,” “revealed,” “separate,” “stable,” “stable,” “styling,” “through,” “under,” “wearable,” “wearing,” “while,” “within,” “without,” “wrapped,” or other such descriptors herein are used in their normal yes-or-no sense, not merely as terms of degree, unless context dictates otherwise. In light of the present disclosure those skilled in the art will understand from context what is meant by “long,” “wide,” and by other such positional descriptors used herein.

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While embodiments are described in connection with the drawings and related descriptions, there is no intent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In alternate embodiments, additional devices, or combinations of illustrated devices, may be added to, or combined, without limiting the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a garment system 100 configured to cover the body of a wearer 110 during a hair coloring or other styling procedure. Garment system 100 includes a fastenerless collar more than 0.5″ tall, less than 0.5″ thick, and 20 to 25″ long. As shown in a mechanically stable closed position, collar structure 130 may (optionally) provide one or more circumferential adjustment features as described below (with reference to one or more of FIGS. 2-9) is sufficiently conforming and continuously adjustable so that a gap between the structure and the neck can be maintained at less than 5 millimeters even with anatomical irregularities (an Adam's apple, e.g.). As shown in FIG. 1, collar structure 130 is also affixed along most or all of its lower edge with one or more waterproof sheets 140 configured to prevent dye, hair cuttings, or other materials from coming into contact with (clothing on) the wearer's body. Although collar structure 130 has one or more circumferential adjustment features allowing it to conform to the wearer's neck 103, it is “fastenerless” insofar that no hooks, snaps, buttons, or other such mechanical couplers are used to hold it in place. Instead, first and second end portions of collar structure 130 may include flux-guiding elements as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively or additionally, collar structure 130 may be configured as a spring so that a stylist stretches it open to put it on and the spring deformation causes the collar structure 130 to gently bear against the wearer's neck 103 when released so as to hold it fastenerlessly in place during a styling operation (coloring or blowing, e.g.). In some variants, a cooling element (affixed to sheet 140 or a salon chair 180, e.g.) is maintained against the wearer's body during such operations. In some variants, moreover, the one or more sheets 140 may be held closed by conventional fasteners or magnetic elements during use.

FIG. 2 depicts a garment system 200 that optionally implements the garment system 100 of FIG. 1 (incorporating one or more of the features depicted therein). Collar structure 230 thereof includes a central portion (described below) from which two or more distally projecting elements (e.g. overlays 221A or underlays 221B) extend at opposite ends thereof. Each distally projecting element is configured to be adjusted manually generally as described below. This allows structure 230 to accommodate a smaller wearer or a larger wearer. Some or all of a lower edge of the central portion is directly or otherwise affixed to a draping structure 240 that tapers outward to form one or more layered capes as shown, separately attachable and adjustable to accommodate different wearers. Draping structure 240 includes at least a draping overlay 251 having an element 288 (comprising a reference point thereon, e.g.) and a draping underlay 252 configured to allow the overlay element 288 to be moved generally laterally adjacent a range of positions along the underlay 252 so as to allow the draping structure 240 to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. for small child) and a most extended draping structure configuration (e.g. by adjusting a strap assembly 242 affixed to the overlay 251 with a clip 241). In some variants, collar structure 230 may include one or more diagonal hinges or other directional-bend-guiding features 228 that effectively facilitate an inward, outward, or other specific desired bending of the one or more collar overlays 221A or underlays 221B (or both). In some variants, for example, one or more distally projecting elements of collar structure 230 may be configured to transition from a mechanically stable elongate shape (a longer shape as shown in FIG. 2) through a range of mechanically unstable interstitial states to a mechanically stable curled retracted shape (a shorter shape as exemplified in FIG. 3) or to other mechanically stable shapes in which more of the wearer's neck 103 becomes revealed.

FIG. 3 depicts a garment system 300 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-2). A collar structure 330 thereof (optionally configured as a variant of a collar structure described above, e.g.) includes a central portion 325 from which distally projecting elements (e.g. overlays 321A or underlays 321B) extend at opposite ends thereof. Each distally projecting element is configured to be adjusted manually generally as described below, allowing the collar structure to accommodate a smaller wearer or a larger wearer (i.e. closely enough that there is no chafing on the neck or gaps through which the wearer's clothing may be affected). Some or all of a lower edge 327 of the central portion 325 is directly or otherwise affixed to a draping structure 340 so that a stylist or other worker 301 can more easily manipulate the system 300 to protect and selectively expose portions of a neck 103 of the wearer 110. A ferromagnetic or other magnetic-flux-guiding element 337A may be in or on an endmost portion (less than 4 centimeters of the end) of overlays 321A or underlays 321B (or both) to reinforce/permit a stable open position or closed position (or both) such as by engaging penultimate portions 332 (adjacent a corresponding endmost portion) of the collar structure of which they are a part, as further described below. Some variants, overlay 321A or underlay 321B (or both) may include other positioning features such as segments of flexible bistable spring band. In some variants, collar structure 330 may include one or more diagonal hinges or other directional-bend-guiding features that effectively facilitate an inward, outward, or other specific desired bending of the one or more collar overlays 321A or underlays 321B (or both). In some variants, for example, one or more distally projecting elements of collar structure 330 may be configured to transition from a mechanically stable elongate shape (as shown in FIG. 3) through a range of mechanically unstable interstitial shapes to a mechanically stable curled retracted shape (as exemplified in FIG. 3) or to other mechanically stable shapes in which more of the wearer's neck 103 becomes revealed.

FIG. 4 depicts a garment system 400 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-3). Collar structure 430 thereof includes a central portion 425 from which first and second distally projecting elements 421A-B extend at opposite ends thereof. An entirety of a lower edge 427 of central portion 425 is affixed with one or more waterproof sheets 440 that taper outward to form a cape as shown. Each distally projecting element 421 includes an elongate flux-guiding element 422A-B extending along the collar structure, one or both of which is a magnet so that when the collar structure 430 is positioned around a wearer's neck 103 distally projecting elements 421A-B are positioned to overlap and engage one another magnetically.

FIG. 5 depicts a garment system 500 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-4). In a variant in which collar structure 530 implements a flexible bistable spring band (like a snap bracelet, e.g.), for example, collar structure 530 may be configured to transition easily between a coiled stable state (like that of FIG. 5) and an extended stable state (like that shown in FIG. 2) and back. Such a bistable spring band may be made of stainless steel, for example, or a similar semi-rigid material. In some variants, for example, such a structure may include a metallic core sealed within a waterproof cover (of a silicone or plastic, e.g.). In some variants, moreover, an interior (wearer-facing) surface of collar structure 530 may include a thin cushion layer 523 (an open- or closed-cell sponge layer less than ⅛″ thick, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, (some or all of) an exterior surface of collar structure 530 may include a hard outer work surface 524 (optionally made of acrylic or a similarly hard polymer, higher than 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, e.g.). In some variants, for example, a smooth hard outer work surface 524 may cover most or all of the outer surface (of at least the distally projecting elements 521, e.g.) so as to allow a stylist to cut hair overlaying the work surface 524 (between a straight razor blade and the work surface, e.g.).

FIG. 6 depicts a garment system 600 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-5). Collar structure 630 may comprise a central portion 625 shorter than 20″, for example, and a distally projecting element 621 at each end that is longer than an inch. In some variants collar structure 630 may be configured to fit the wearer 110 loosely enough to allow garment system 600 to be rotated 360 degrees. But in some contexts it may be preferable that the collar structure 630 be slightly tighter so as to make direct and continuous contact about an entire circumference of the wearer's neck 103. To accommodate such structure, the one or more protective flaccid sheets 640 may (optionally) include fasteners or other modes of engagement so that the collar structure 630 can open selectively without opening the one or more protective flaccid sheets 640. For example a flux-guiding element 641 affixed near an edge of a flap 651 of the sheet(s) 640 may be constructed and arranged to attract and hold a corresponding overlapped flux-guiding element 642 affixed at an underlying portion 652 (by virtue of one or both being a magnet, e.g.) of the sheet(s) 640 to maintain same in a closed configuration irrespective of the collar structure 630 that supports them.

FIG. 7 depicts a garment system 700 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-6), in which a draping structure comprising one or more sheets 740 or other layers are releasably held (e.g. by one or more magnets or hook-and-loop elements on respective portions). Collar structure 730 may comprise a central portion 325, 425, 625 as described above, for example, and distally projecting element 721A-B at each end. In a variant in which collar structure 730 has a “closed” position (like that of FIG. 4, e.g.) that engages the wearer's neck 103 too tightly to allow garment system 700 to be rotated, for example, collar structure 730 also has a quickly-configurable “open” position. In some variants, for example, an opening 729 in the collar structure can be longer than 1″ as shown. This can be implemented, for example, in a context in which distally projecting element 721A-B the collar structure 730 has been configured to fold or curl inward (toward the wearer's neck 103 as shown) without damage. Alternatively one or both distally projecting elements 721A-B the collar structure 730 may be configured to fold or curl outward or downward into a stable configuration without damage in respective embodiments. In any case the curled or folded ends of the distally projecting elements 721A-B will not interfere with the closure of the assembled one or more sheets 740 (in which a flap 751 is separately fastened to an underlying portion 752 generally as described above, e.g.).

This can occur, for example, in a context in which the collar structure 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more covered by the collar structure 730 when the collar structure 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 2 and 6) with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the collar structure 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof (as shown) at least the collar overlay 221A, 321A, is separated from the collar underlay 221B, 321B such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered and in which a worker 301 would otherwise have difficulty ensuring that all of the hair on the neck 103 could undergo a chemical treatment (a perm or dye treatment, e.g.).

FIG. 8 depicts a garment system 800 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-7). For example a collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 may comprise a central portion 325, 425, 625 as described above, for example, and include one or more distally projecting element collar overlays 221A, 321A, 821A and one or more collar underlays 221B, 321B, 821B. Such collar structure elements may include or otherwise support one or more releasable fasteners or other positioning elements (slots, e.g.) configured to allow a collar overlay element of the collar overlay to engage a collar underlay element at any position along a range (e.g. by sliding along each other) so as to allow the collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted configuration and a most extended configuration. See FIG. 9.

As shown garment system 800 also includes one or more draping structures 240, 340 such as draping overlays 251, 851; draping underlays 252, 852; or interleaved elements that are both at once. An underlying portion 252, 652, 752 or other draping underlay 252, 852 may (optionally) be configured to allow an overlay element (within or otherwise coupled to draping overlay 251, 851) to be moved adjacent a range of engagement or other reference positions along the draping underlay so as to allow the draping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration (to accommodate a small wearer) and a most extended draping structure configuration (e.g. to accommodate a larger wearer) by magnetically or otherwise engaging the draping overlay element with respective reference positions of the draping underlay.

FIG. 9 depicts a garment system 900 that optionally implements one or more features or designs as described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-8). As shown a collar structure thereof includes at least one collar overlay 921A having a collar overlay element 922A and at least one collar underlay 921B configured to allow the collar overlay element of the collar overlay to be moved (between respective engagement positions) along a range 977 of reference positions 971-972 along the collar underlay so as to allow the collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collar structure configuration and a most extended collar structure configuration.

As shown garment system 900 also includes one or more draping structures 940 such as draping overlays 951 having one or more adjustable draping overlay elements matchable adjacent various positions of draping underlays 952 (using hook-and-loop, magnetic, or other elongate strips at least somewhat aligned (i.e. within 30 degrees) with a steepest direction of draping structure size adjustment and longer than 5 cm. For example this may allow the draping overlay element of the draping overlay 951 to be moved adjacent a range 987 of numerous reference positions 981-982 along the draping underlay 952 so as to allow the draping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 981 to accommodate a small wearer) and a most extended draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 982 to accommodate a larger wearer) by engaging the draping overlay element with at least two respective (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 of the draping underlay 252, 852, 952.

FIG. 10 depicts an operational flow 1000 that may be used in conjunction with some variants of garment systems such as those described above (incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-9). Operation 1010 thereof describes beginning a hair coloring or other styling procedure. Operation 1025 describes configuring the garment system to cover a wearer's body. Operation 1040 describes engaging a collar of the garment system around the wearer's neck; wherein (at least) a central portion of the collar supports a side of the protective sheet and wherein the collar is wrapped around the wearer's neck while the protective sheet remains draped over the wearer's body. Operation 1050 describes opening the collar of the garment system so that the collar releases the wearer's neck while maintaining the protective sheet in a closed position (with fasteners or other closure elements of respective portions thereof in engagement with each other, e.g.).

Operation 1060 describes revealing a portion of the wearer's neck rotating the garment system about the wearer while maintaining the protective sheet in the mechanically stable closed position and while maintaining the collar in the open position. Operation 1070 describes performing a styling operation upon the revealed portion of the wearer's neck (using distal projecting elements at opposite ends of the central portion of the collar as alignment structures for a comb, e.g.). Operation 1080 describes closing the collar of the garment system so that the collar engages the wearer's neck again. Operation 1090 describes completing the hair coloring or other styling procedure.

With this or other operational flows (omitting one or more of the depicted operations or varying the sequence, e.g.), disclosed herein is a garment system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 comprising a collar (implementing features of one or more collar structures described above, e.g.) having a central portion extending between first and second distal projecting elements at opposite ends of the central portion. The first and second distal projecting elements provide an inner surface configured to conform with the wearer's neck and a hard outer work surface (optionally made of a common acrylic or other polymer or higher than 3 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, e.g.). The garment system also includes one or more protective flaccid sheets (waterproof fabric, e.g.) configured to drape over the wearer's body and be fastened along the central portion of the collar but not along the first and second distal projecting elements of the collar. In some variants the collar may comprise one or more bistable elements or one or more magnetic elements configured to implement some or all of the above-described features.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may be applied for configuring or using mechanical elements with suitable properties or actions as described herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,440 (“Sleeved styling cape”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,667,614 (“Hairstylist cape device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,664 (“Warming salon cape”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,264 (“Protective cape”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,263 (“Cape having an expandable transparent compartment”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,064 (“Salon cape with adjustable magnetic channel closure”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,996,918 (“Haircutting cape with front closure”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,735 (“Under cape protector”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,149 (“Personal care cape”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,383 (“Neck and clothing protector and method of using same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,791 (“Apparatus for a salon cape water guard”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,116 (“Article with magnetic collar closure”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,744 (“Protective covering for clothing”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,597 (“Method and apparatus for hair treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,100 (“Collar, choker, or neck band”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,777 (“Top cover accessory to be worn about the neck during hair dressing”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,420 (“Shampoo cape with splash guard”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,364 (“Packaged disposable chemical capes”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,052 (“Protective arrangement for beauty salon patron”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,961 (“Cape for dealing with the hair”); U.S. Pub No. 20170258209 (“Cape with detachable or concealable sleeves”); U.S. Pub No. 20170172286 (“Hairdressing cape”); U.S. Pub No. 20170007007 (“Hairdressing cape and fastening”); U.S. Pub No. 20150374102 (“2 in 1 salon cape having clear viewing windows”); U.S. Pub No. 20100100996 (“Protective cape for salon clients”); U.S. Pub No. 20080092264 (“Combination wetness prevention cape/neck guard”).

With respect to the numbered clauses and claims expressed below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise. Also in the numbered clauses below, specific combinations of aspects and embodiments are articulated in a shorthand form such that (1) according to respective embodiments, for each instance in which a “component” or other such identifiers appear to be introduced (with “a” or “an,” e.g.) more than once in a given chain of clauses, such designations may either identify the same entity or distinct entities; and (2) what might be called “dependent” clauses below may or may not incorporate, in respective embodiments, the features of “independent” clauses to which they refer or other features described above.

CLAUSES

• • 1. (Independent) A wearable system configured to protect clothing of a wearer 110 generally as depicted in one or more of FIGS. 1-9, comprising:
  • a first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 that includes a first (distally projecting element 421A or other) collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A having a first collar overlay element 222A, 322A, 822A, 922A (comprising a flux-guiding element 422A-B, e.g.) and a first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B configured to allow the first collar overlay element of the first collar overlay to be moved along a range 977 of (engagement or other) reference positions 971-972 along the first collar underlay so as to allow the first collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collar structure configuration and a most extended collar structure configuration by engaging the first collar overlay element with at least two respective reference positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B; wherein said first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 includes a central portion 325, 425, 625 (directly or indirectly affixed or otherwise) coupled to both the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A and the first collar underlay; and
  • a first draping structure 340, 940 that includes a first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 having a first draping overlay element (comprising a covering or a contact position thereon, e.g.) and a first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 (e.g. underlying portion 652, 752) configured to allow the first draping overlay element of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 to be moved adjacent a range 987 of (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 along the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 so as to allow the first draping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 981) and a most extended draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 982) by engaging the first draping overlay element with at least two respective (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 of the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952; and wherein said central portion 325, 425, 625 affixed to both the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A and the first collar underlay is also affixed to said first draping structure 340, 940.
  • 2. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure includes one or more bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward an endmost tip of the overlay element comprising a cross curve torsion spring.
  • 3. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure includes one or more bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward an endmost tip of the overlay element comprising stainless steel having a nominal thickness greater than 0.005 inches.
  • 4. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure includes one or more bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward an endmost tip of the overlay element comprising stainless steel having a nominal thickness less than 0.010 inches.
  • 5. The system of any of SYSTEM CLAUSES 2-4; wherein more than half of a surface area of a first one of the one or more bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward the endmost tip of the overlay element is coated with an elastomeric coating.
  • 6. The system of any of SYSTEM CLAUSES 2-4; wherein more than half of a surface area of a first one of the one or more bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward the endmost tip of the overlay element is coated with urethane.
  • 7. The system of any of SYSTEM CLAUSES 2-4; wherein more than half of a surface area of a first one of the one or more bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward the endmost tip of the overlay element is coated with a die cast coating.
  • 8. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position (e.g. like that of FIGS. 2 and 6) using one or more magnetic elements 937 configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position.
  • 9. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position and wherein at least a first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements magnetically couples with at least a first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position.
  • 10. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a third element 937B of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; and wherein the first and third elements 937 are on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 11. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a third element 937B of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein the first and third elements 937 are on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein the first and third elements 937A-B are both magnets.
  • 12. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a third element 937B of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein the first and third elements 937 are on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; wherein the second and fourth elements 936A-B are both magnets; wherein the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B comprises both the second element 936B and third element 937B longitudinally separated by at least 1 cm of non-magnetic material (e.g. vinyl or a similar material that nominally has no influence on magnetic flux); and wherein the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A comprises both the first element 937A and fourth element 936A longitudinally separated by at least 1 cm of non-magnetic material.
  • 13. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 permanently magnetized and polarized so as to maintain the mechanically stable closed position (releasably and) without any fasteners; wherein at least a first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B permanently magnetized and polarized so as to maintain the mechanically stable closed position (releasably and) without any fasteners; wherein at least a third element 937B of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein the first and third elements 937A-B are magnets on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein the second and fourth elements 936A-B are both magnets polarized (not to repel and thereby) to maintain the mechanically stable closed position.
  • 14. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements magnetically couples with at least a first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically stable closed position, and wherein the first element 937A disengages from at least the first element 936B and instead engages a second element 936A when undergoing a manual transitioning from the mechanically stable closed position to a mechanically stable open position (e.g. like that of FIG. 8).
  • 15. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with the draping underlay during a first transition that includes the collar structure moving between a first engaged position in which the first collar overlay element is in contact with the collar underlay and a first retracted position in which the first collar overlay element reveals a portion of the wearer's neck 103 by creating a lateral gap wider than 3 centimeters between the first collar overlay element and (a closest point of) the collar underlay.
  • 16. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with the draping underlay during a first transition that includes the collar structure moving between a first engaged position in which the first collar overlay element is in contact with the collar underlay and a first retracted position in which the first collar overlay element comes into contact with itself and thereby reveals a portion of the wearer's neck 103 by creating a lateral gap wider than 3 centimeters between the first collar overlay element and the collar underlay.
  • 17. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 2 and 6) with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 7-9) at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more weighted elements 937 (i.e. having enough mass that an end-most portion 931 thereof has a mass greater than 5 grams) of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open position by gravity.
  • 18. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more flux guiding elements 937 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open position by magnetism.
  • 19. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more magnetic elements 937 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open position by magnetism.
  • 20. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more weighted magnetic elements 937 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open position by magnetism.
  • 21. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be at least slightly more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than 1%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered.
  • 22. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be at least slightly more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than 1%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 2 and 6) with no mechanical couplers other than two or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 7-9) at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3 cm such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered.
  • 23. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be substantially more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than 5%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than two or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3 cm such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered.
  • 24. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 has one or more circumferential size adjustment features allowing the collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 to conform to a neck 103 of the wearer but wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be substantially more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than 5%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than two or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3 cm such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less-than-substantially covered.
  • 25. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 has one or more circumferential size adjustment features allowing the collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 to conform to a neck 103 of the wearer but wherein the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be substantially covered (i.e. more than 70%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than two or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3 cm such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less-than-substantially covered (i.e. causing a transition in which at least 10% of a surface area of skin of the neck 130 goes from being inaccessible to a worker 301 to being accessible to the worker 301).
  • 26. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first draping overlay element includes a waterproof coating.
  • 27. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a weight majority of the first draping structure 340, 940 consists of a waterproof sheet 440.
  • 28. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a weight majority of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 consists of a flap 651, 751.
  • 29. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein some of the first draping structure 340, 940 is wrapped around a central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 30. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130 is stitched along more than half of a lower edge 327, 427 thereof to the first draping structure 340, 940.
  • 31. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein first and second penultimate portions 932A-B of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are supported by the first draping structure 340, 940 only through a central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 32. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein first and second penultimate portions 932A-B of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are supported by the first draping structure 340, 940 only through a central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; wherein a first end-most portion 932A of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is supported by the first draping structure 340, 940 only through the first penultimate portion 932A of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein a second end-most portion 932B of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is supported by the first draping structure 340, 940 only through the second penultimate portion 932B of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 33. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein at least a portion 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is configured as one or more flexible bistable spring bands each constructed and arranged to have a stable first shape (e.g. curled as shown in FIG. 3) in which a neck 103 of a wearer 110 is more exposed and a stable second shape in which the neck 103 of a wearer 110 is less exposed as a bend-guiding feature of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 34. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are each configured as a flexible stainless steel bistable spring band.
  • 35. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are each configured as a flexible stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein another portion 931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 includes a permanent magnetic element 937 configured to engage the flexible stainless steel bistable spring band when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.
  • 36. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a first portion 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is configured as a first flexible stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein another portion 931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 includes a first permanent magnetic element 937 configured to engage the first flexible stainless steel bistable spring band when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.
  • 37. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a first portion 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is configured as a first flexible stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein a second portion 931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 includes a first permanent magnetic element 937 configured to engage the first flexible stainless steel bistable spring band when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.
  • 38. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are each configured as a flexible stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein an opposite portion 931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 (i.e. at or near a farthest end of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 from the flexible stainless steel bistable spring band) includes a permanent magnetic element 937 configured to engage the flexible stainless steel bistable spring band when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.
  • 39. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are configured as one or more flexible stainless steel bistable spring bands each constructed and arranged to have a stable first shape (e.g. curled as shown in FIG. 3) in which a neck 103 of a wearer 110 is more exposed and a stable second shape in which the neck 103 of a wearer 110 is less exposed as a bend-guiding feature of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 40. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are configured as two or more flexible stainless steel bistable spring bands each constructed and arranged to have a stable first shape (e.g. curled as shown in FIG. 3) in which a neck 103 of a wearer 110 is more exposed and a stable second shape in which the neck 103 of a wearer 110 is less exposed as a bend-guiding feature of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.
  • 41. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a first and second portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are configured respectively as first and second flexible stainless steel bistable spring bands and wherein third and fourth portions 931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 respectively include (at least) first and second permanent magnetic elements 937 each configured to engage a respectively nearer one of the first and second portions 332, 932 in an open position revealing a neck 103 of a wearer 110 and to engage a respectively farther one of the first and second portions 332, 932 in a closed position adjacent the neck 103 of the wearer 110 when transitioning between the closed and open positions.
  • 42. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein an end-most portion 931A (extending distally by up to 3 cm) of the first collar overlay 921A includes one or more (flux-guiding, weighting, or other) positioning elements 937A; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932A of the first collar overlay 921A directly supports the end-most portion 931A of the first collar overlay 921A and includes one or more diagonal or other (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228; wherein an end-most portion 931B (extending distally by up to 3 cm) of the first collar underlay 921B likewise includes one or more (flux-guiding, weighting, or other) positioning elements 937B; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932B of the first collar underlay 921B directly supports the end-most portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B and includes one or more diagonal or other bend-guiding features 228, 828; and wherein (at least one of) the one or more diagonal bend-guiding features 228, 828 of the penultimate portions 932A-B are configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collar configuration during which the first draping structure 340, 940 remains closed (e.g. as depicted in FIGS. 8-9).
  • 43. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein an end-most portion 931A of the first collar overlay 921A includes one or more weighting elements 937A exceeding 5 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932A of the first collar overlay 921A directly supports the end-most portion 931A of the first collar overlay 921A and includes one or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228; wherein an end-most portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B likewise includes one or more weighting elements 937B exceeding 5 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932B of the first collar underlay 921B directly supports the end-most portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B and includes one or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228 (as shown); and wherein the diagonal bend-guiding features 228 of the penultimate portions 932A-B are configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collar configuration during which the first draping structure 340, 940 remains closed.
  • 44. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein an end-most portion 931A shorter than 2 cm of the first collar overlay 921A includes one or more weighting elements 937A exceeding 10 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932A of the first collar overlay 921A directly supports the end-most portion 931A of the first collar overlay 921A and includes one or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228 (not shown); wherein an end-most portion 931B shorter than 2 cm of the first collar underlay 921B likewise includes one or more weighting elements 937B exceeding 10 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932B of the first collar underlay 921B directly supports the end-most portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B and includes one or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228 (as shown); wherein the penultimate portions 932A-B are supported by the first draping structure 340, 940 only through the central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein the diagonal bend-guiding features 228 of the penultimate portions 932A-B are configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collar configuration during which the first draping structure 340, 940 remains closed.
  • 45. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar overlay element 222A, 822A, 922A and the first collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B are configured to allow the first collar overlay element of the first collar overlay to be moved across the range 977 of reference positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay so as to allow the first collar structure to be adjusted manually between the most retracted collar structure configuration (e.g. at a position 971 to accommodate a smaller wearer, one whose neck 103 has a 13-14″ circumference) and the most extended collar structure configuration (e.g. at a position 972 to accommodate a larger wearer 110, one whose neck 103 has a 17-18″ circumference) by engaging the first collar overlay element with the at least two respective reference positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B that are more than 5 centimeters (cm) apart and wherein the first draping overlay element (comprising the coating or other covering or the contact position thereon, e.g.) and the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 (e.g. underlying portion 652, 752) configured to allow (a point 988 on) the first draping overlay element of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 to be moved adjacent the range 987 of (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 along the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 so as to allow the first draping structure to be adjusted manually between the most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 981 to accommodate the small wearer) and the most extended draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 982 to accommodate the large wearer) by engaging the first draping overlay element with at least two respective (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 of the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 that are more than 5 cm apart.
  • 46. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the first collar overlay element 222A, 822A, 922A and the first collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B are configured to allow the first collar overlay element of the first collar overlay to be moved across the range 977 of reference positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay so as to allow the first collar structure to be adjusted manually between the most retracted collar structure configuration (e.g. at a position 971 to accommodate a smaller wearer, one whose neck 103 has a 13-14″ circumference) and the most extended collar structure configuration (e.g. at a position 972 to accommodate a larger wearer 110, one whose neck 103 has a 17-18″ circumference) by engaging the first collar overlay element with the at least two respective reference positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B that are more than 10 cm apart and wherein the first draping overlay element (comprising the coating or other covering or the contact position thereon, e.g.) and the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 (e.g. underlying portion 652, 752) configured to allow (a point 988 on) the first draping overlay element of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 to be moved adjacent the range 987 of (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 along the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 so as to allow the first draping structure to be adjusted manually between the most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 981 to accommodate the small wearer) and the most extended draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 982 to accommodate the large wearer) by engaging the first draping overlay element with at least two respective (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 of the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 that are more than 10 cm apart.
  • 47. A method comprising steps of configuring a system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES as described herein.
  • 48. A method comprising steps of using a system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES as described herein.

While various system, method, article of manufacture, or other embodiments or aspects have been disclosed above, also, other combinations of embodiments or aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. The various embodiments and aspects disclosed above are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the final claim set that follows.

Claims

1. A wearable system configured to protect clothing of a wearer, comprising:

a first collar structure that includes a first collar overlay having a first collar overlay element and a first collar underlay configured to allow said first collar overlay element of said first collar overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positions along said first collar underlay so as to allow said first collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collar structure configuration and a most extended collar structure configuration by engaging said first collar overlay element with at least two respective reference positions of said first collar underlay that are more than 3 centimeters (cm) apart; wherein said first collar structure includes a central portion coupled to both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlay; and

a first draping structure that includes a first draping overlay having a first draping overlay element and a first draping underlay configured to allow said first draping overlay element of said first draping overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positions along said first draping underlay so as to allow said first draping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration and a most extended draping structure configuration by engaging said first draping overlay element with at least two respective reference positions of said first draping underlay that are more than 3 cm apart; wherein said central portion coupled to both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlay is also coupled to said first draping structure; wherein said first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with said first draping underlay during a damage-free transition that includes said first collar structure moving between a mechanically stable closed position in which said first collar overlay element is in contact with said first collar underlay and a mechanically stable open position in which said first collar overlay element comes into contact with itself and thereby reveals a portion of a neck of the wearer by creating a lateral gap wider than 3 cm between said first collar overlay element and said first collar underlay; wherein said first collar overlay includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said first collar overlay also includes a penultimate portion longer than 5 cm that directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar overlay and that includes one or more bend-guiding features configured to allow said first collar structure to undergo said damage-free transition; wherein an entire length of said penultimate portion of said first collar overlay is configured to include at least a portion of a first flexible bistable spring band as one of said one or more bend-guiding features; and wherein said first flexible bistable spring band is configured to have a mechanically stable curled retracted shape and a mechanically stable elongate shape.

2. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein said first collar underlay likewise includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said first collar underlay likewise includes a penultimate portion longer than 5 cm that directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar underlay and that includes one or more bend-guiding features configured to allow said first collar structure to undergo said damage-free transition; wherein an entire length of said penultimate portion of said first collar underlay is configured to include at least a portion of a second flexible bistable spring band as one of said bend-guiding features; and wherein said second flexible bistable spring band is configured to have a mechanically stable curled shape in which the neck of the wearer is more exposed and a mechanically stable elongate shape in which the neck of the wearer is less exposed.

3. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein a metal strap contiguously spanning said central portion of said first collar structure includes a first stainless steel portion as said first flexible bistable spring band and a second stainless steel portion as a second flexible bistable spring band as a penultimate portion of said first collar underlay; wherein said first collar underlay likewise includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion of said first collar underlay include a permanent magnet configured to engage said penultimate portion of said first collar overlay magnetically and thereby to maintain said first collar structure in said mechanically stable closed position; and wherein said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion of said first collar overlay likewise include a permanent magnet configured to engage said penultimate portion of said first collar underlay magnetically and thereby to reinforce said first collar structure in said mechanically stable closed position.

4. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein said first collar structure includes a first stainless steel portion as a component of said first flexible bistable spring band and a second stainless steel portion as a component of a second flexible bistable spring band in a penultimate portion of said first collar underlay; wherein said first collar underlay also includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion of said first collar underlay include a permanent magnet configured to engage said penultimate portion of said first collar overlay magnetically and thereby to maintain said first collar structure in said mechanically stable closed position; and wherein said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion of said first collar overlay likewise include a permanent magnet configured to engage said penultimate portion of said first collar underlay magnetically and thereby to reinforce said first collar structure in said mechanically stable closed position.

5. A wearable system configured to protect clothing of a wearer, comprising:

a first collar structure that includes a first collar overlay having a first collar overlay element and a first collar underlay configured to allow said first collar overlay element of said first collar overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positions along said first collar underlay so as to allow said first collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collar structure configuration and a most extended collar structure configuration by contacting said first collar overlay element with at least two respective reference positions of said first collar underlay that are more than 3 centimeters (cm) apart; wherein said first collar structure includes a central portion supporting both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlay; and

a first draping structure that includes a first draping overlay having a first draping overlay element and a first draping underlay configured to allow said first draping overlay element of said first draping overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positions along said first draping underlay so as to allow said first draping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration and a most extended draping structure configuration by contacting said first draping overlay element with at least two respective reference positions of said first draping underlay that are more than 3 centimeters apart; wherein said central portion supporting both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlay is also coupled to said first draping structure; wherein said first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with said first draping underlay during a first transition that includes said first collar structure moving between a mechanically stable closed position in which said first collar overlay element is in contact with said first collar underlay and a mechanically stable open position in which said first collar overlay element reveals a portion of a neck of the wearer by creating a lateral gap between said first collar overlay element and said first collar underlay.

6. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar overlay includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said first collar overlay also includes a penultimate portion longer than 3 cm that directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar overlay and that includes one or more bend-guiding features configured to allow said first collar structure to undergo said damage-free transition; wherein an entire length of said penultimate portion of said first collar overlay is configured to include at least a portion of a first flexible bistable spring band as one of said one or more bend-guiding features; and wherein said first flexible bistable spring band is configured to have a mechanically stable curled retracted shape, a mechanically stable elongate shape, and a range of mechanically unstable shapes therebetween.

7. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements configured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position and wherein at least a first element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements magnetically couples with at least a first element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closed position.

8. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements configured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a first element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a first element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a third element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a fourth element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closed position; wherein said first and third elements are on respective opposite end-most portions of said first collar structure; and wherein said first and third elements are both magnets.

9. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements permanently magnetized and polarized so as to maintain said mechanically stable closed position without any fasteners; wherein at least a first element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a first element of said one or more flux-guiding elements permanently magnetized and polarized so as to maintain said mechanically stable closed position without any fasteners; wherein at least a third element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a fourth element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closed position; wherein said first and third elements are magnets on respective opposite end-most portions of said first collar structure; and wherein said second and fourth elements are both magnets polarized to maintain said mechanically stable closed position.

10. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure can be maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements configured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a first element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements magnetically couples with at least a first element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closed position, and wherein said first element disengages from at least said first element and instead engages a second element when undergoing a manual transitioning from said mechanically stable closed position to a mechanically stable open position.

11. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with said first draping underlay during a first transition that includes said collar structure moving between a first engaged position in which said first collar overlay element is in contact with said first collar underlay and a first retracted position in which said first collar overlay element reveals a portion of a neck of the wearer by creating a lateral gap wider than 3 cm between said first collar overlay element and said first collar underlay; wherein an end-most portion of said first collar overlay includes one or more weighting elements exceeding 5 grams and wherein an end-most portion of said first collar underlay likewise includes one or more weighting elements exceeding 5 grams.

12. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein an end-most portion of said first collar overlay includes one or more positioning elements; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collar overlay directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar overlay and includes one or more diagonal bend-guiding features wherein an end-most portion of said first collar underlay likewise includes one or more positioning elements; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collar underlay directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar underlay and includes one or more diagonal or other bend-guiding features; and wherein said diagonal bend-guiding features of said penultimate portions are configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collar configuration during which said first draping structure remains closed.

13. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein one or more weighted magnetic elements of said first collar structure are configured to maintain a mechanically stable open position by gravity and by magnetism and wherein said first collar structure is fastenerless.

14. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure is fastenerless such that a neck of the wearer is more covered by said first collar structure when said first collar structure is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position but when said first collar structure is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least said first collar overlay is separated from said first collar underlay such that the neck of the wearer is less covered; wherein one or more weighted magnetic elements of said first collar structure maintain said mechanically stable open position by magnetism.

15. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure is fastenerless such that a neck of the wearer can be substantially more covered by said first collar structure when said first collar structure is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than two or more magnetic elements configured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position but when said first collar structure is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least said first collar overlay is separated from said first collar underlay by more than 3 cm such that the neck of the wearer is less covered.

16. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein first and second penultimate portions of said first collar structure are supported by said first draping structure only through a central portion of said first collar structure; wherein a first end-most portion of said first collar structure is supported by said first draping structure only through said first penultimate portion of said first collar structure; and wherein a second end-most portion of said first collar structure is supported by said first draping structure only through said second penultimate portion of said first collar structure.

17. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein one or more portions of said first collar structure are each configured as a flexible stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein an opposite portion of said first collar structure includes a permanent magnetic element configured to engage said flexible stainless steel bistable spring band when said first collar structure is in a closed position adjacent a neck of the wearer.

18. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm of said first collar overlay includes one or more weighting elements exceeding 10 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collar overlay directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar overlay and includes one or more diagonal bend-guiding features; wherein an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm of said first collar underlay likewise includes one or more weighting elements exceeding 10 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collar underlay directly supports said end-most portion of said first collar underlay and includes one or more diagonal bend-guiding features; wherein said penultimate portions are supported by said first draping structure only through said central portion of said first collar structure; and wherein said diagonal bend-guiding features of said penultimate portions are configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collar configuration during which said first draping structure remains closed in system.

19. A method of configuring a wearable system, comprising:

configuring a first collar structure that includes a first collar overlay having a first collar overlay element and a first collar underlay so as to allow said first collar overlay element of said first collar overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positions along said first collar underlay so as to allow said first collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collar structure configuration and a most extended collar structure configuration by contacting said first collar overlay element with at least two respective reference positions of said first collar underlay that are more than 3 centimeters (cm) apart; wherein said first collar structure includes a central portion supporting both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlay; and

configuring a first draping structure that includes a first draping overlay having a first draping overlay element and a first draping underlay so as to allow said first draping overlay element of said first draping overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positions along said first draping underlay and so as to allow said first draping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted draping structure configuration and a most extended draping structure configuration by contacting said first draping overlay element with at least two respective reference positions of said first draping underlay that are more than 3 cm apart; wherein said central portion supporting both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlay is also coupled to said first draping structure; and wherein said first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with said first draping underlay during a first transition that includes said first collar structure moving between a mechanically stable closed position in which said first collar overlay element is in contact with said first collar underlay and a mechanically stable open position in which said first collar overlay element reveals a portion of a neck of the wearer by creating a lateral gap between said first collar overlay element and said first collar underlay.