SYSTEMS FOR SECURING AND RETAINING POSITIONS OF LAYERED OUTERWEAR

Abstract

There is provided a system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, the system comprising a garment including a hood and a hood-securing element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the hood-securing element affixed to the hood by the second side in a position on an inside of the hood proximate to a top of the hood, the hood-securing element having an aperture in the first side defining an opening to a cavity, the cavity defining a volume for engaging a hat button of a hat such that the cavity substantially encloses a hat button of a hat when the securing element is installed the hat, further comprising at least one retention element extending from an edge of the aperture towards a center of the aperture, the retention element for engaging the hood-securing element with the hat button of the hat.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to a U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/971,892, filed Feb. 7, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to systems for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

In other embodiment, the system comprises a garment including a hood and a hood-securing element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the hood-securing element affixed to the hood by the second side in a position on an inside of the hood proximate to a top of the hood, the hood-securing element having an aperture in the first side defining an opening to a cavity, the cavity defining a volume for engaging a hat button of a hat such that the cavity substantially encloses a hat button of a hat when the hood-securing element is installed the hat.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises at least one retention element extending from an edge of the aperture towards a center of the aperture, the retention element for engaging the hood-securing with the hat button of the hat.

In another embodiment, the hood-securing element includes a plurality of apertures on the first side of the hood-securing element each of the plurality of apertures is positioned to secure the hood in a corresponding position relative to the hat.

In another embodiment, the plurality of apertures includes at least one corresponding retention element.

In another embodiment, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a grid having at least one row and at least one column.

In another embodiment, the hood-securing element secures the hood laterally and allows rotation of the hat without moving the hood.

In another embodiment, the cavity extends at least part way through a height of the securing element.

In another embodiment, the hood-securing element includes a track extending from a first edge of the hood-securing element through a portion of a depth of the hood securing element.

In another embodiment, the track includes at least a retention element extending from a side of the track towards a center of the track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a diagram depicting a cross section of a system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows another system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the system of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of another system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the system of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of another system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the system of FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a diagram of a cross-section of another exemplary system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows an image of an exemplary system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 shows a detail image of the system of FIG. 13, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary embodiments. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present application are generally not to scale and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

Wearing layers of clothing can create challenges in movement for the individual wearing the clothing, especially when the different layers of the clothing interfere with each other. For example, the friction between an inner item of clothing and an outer layer of clothing may cause the inner layer to twist, move, or become disarranged underneath that outer layer. Similarly, the outer layer of clothing may twist, move, or become disarranged over underlayers of clothing. Additionally, the friction and movement may cause some of the individual's clothing to become disarranged and remain disarranged even when the individual returns to his/her previous position.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system may be useful for securing and maintaining outwear in place. In some embodiments, the system my include a device for securing the hood of a hooded shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket in place when the hood is worn over a baseball cap style hat. As shown in FIG. 1, individual 101 is depicted wearing a sweatshirt with hood 102. The system includes securing element 120 with aperture 130 attached to hood 102. Securing element 120 may be used to hold hood 102 in place when hat 110 is worn by individual 101. Aperture 130 may engage hat button 115 to secure hood 102 in place. In some embodiments, securing element 120 may provide lateral security while allowing rotational freedom.

As shown in FIG. 1, hat 110 has a curved bill with a rounded crown that includes a plurality of vent holes and is topped by hat button 115. Hat button 115 may be located at the convergence of various panels forming the rounded crown of hat 110. In some embodiments, the various panels may be formed from fabric, such as cotton, polyester, wool, or blended fabrics, or the various panels may be formed from netting. In some embodiments, the hat may be formed using panels of different types of material, such as cloth for the front panels and netting used for the side and back panels.

Securing element 120 may have a width, a length, and a depth. As shown in FIG. 1, securing element 120 is rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, securing element 120 may be round, oblong, or circular. Securing element 120 may include one or more mounting locks. The mounting locks may be a volume defined by a cavity in securing element 120. In some embodiments, the cavity may be approximately the dimensions of hat button 115 on the top of hat 110. The cavity may allow securing element 120 to be installed over and around hat button 115 on the top of hat 110 to restrict the front-to-back and side-to-side motion of securing element 120. When securing element 120 is affixed to hood 102, the motion restriction will cause hood 102 to stay in place over hat 110.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram depicting a cross section of a system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, individual 201 wears hat 210. Securing element 220 is mounted in hood 202 and engages hat button 215. In some embodiments, securing element 220 may be included in hood 202 of the apparel during manufacture of the apparel or securing element 220 may be installed in the apparel. In some embodiments, securing element 220 may be temporarily installed, such as by using a semi-permanent adhesive, tape, a hook-and-loop fastener, or other semi-permanent attachment method. In some embodiments, securing element 220 may be permanently installed in hood 202, such as by gluing securing element 220 to the hood with a permanent adhesive or sewing securing element 220 to the fabric of the hood using thread.

In some embodiments, securing element 220 may include a cavity defining a volume. The cavity may be larger than hat button 215 such that when securing element 220 is installed over hat button 215, the cavity may leave a space surrounding hat button 215 as shown by gap 240. Gap 240 may allow securing element 220 to hold hood 202 in place over hat 210. Installing securing element 220 over hat button 215 may allow securing element 220 to maintain hood 202 laterally, such that hood 202 will remain substantially in place in a font-to-back position on the head of individual 201 and side-to-side on the head of individual 201. In some embodiments, gap 240 may allow hat 210, and the head of individual 201, to rotate underneath hood 202 without turning, dragging, or disarranging hood 202. Freedom of rotational movement may allow individual 201 to participate in various activities, such as driving, playing sports, or exercising, without interference from hood 202.

In some embodiments, securing element 220 may be made from polystyrene foam, such as Styrofoam®, plastic, felt, or other appropriate materials. In some embodiments, securing element 220 may fit inside the top of a hooded sweatshirt, allowing the hood to securely fasten to the top of hat 110. In some embodiments, securing element 220 may include a plurality of apertures (not shown) enabling the hood to be secured in one of a plurality of positions, allowing the individual to adjust the position of the hood to multiple desired lengths atop the hat. The system may keep the hood in place by virtue of “smooth lock” technology keeping the hat button secure inside the securing system, while allowing the hat to be worn straight or angled in other desired orientations.

FIG. 3 shows another system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Securing element 320 has a width, a depth, and a height. Aperture 330 defines an opening in one side of securing element 320 opening to a cavity defining a volume in securing element 320. In some embodiments, the cavity may extend partially through the height of securing element 320. In other embodiments, the cavity may extent through the height of securing element 320, defining an opening on the second side of securing element 320. Aperture 330 may have a diameter about the equal to the diameter of hat button 115. In some embodiments, the diameter of aperture 330 may be slightly larger than the diameter of hat button 115. Securing element 320 may include “smooth lock” technology, where “smooth lock” technology includes one or more retention elements 331. As shown in FIG. 3, securing element 320 includes four retention elements comprising triangular tabs extending from the edge of aperture 330 towards the center of aperture 330.

The retention elements may be formed from a flexible or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the retention elements may be sufficiently flexible to allow passage of hat button 115 from one side of securing element 320 through aperture 330. During installation of securing element 320, the prongs of the retention elements may flex to accommodate the circumference of the hat button, allowing the hat button to pass through the retention element until the prongs of the retention element are underneath hat button 115 securing element 320 in place. The retention elements may rest between hat button 115 and the top of hat 110. Such an arrangement may allow the retention elements to retain securing element 320 on hat button 115 while allowing rotational motion of hat 110 under hood 102 without the motion of hat 110 inducing motion, displacement, or disarrangement of hood 102. In other embodiments, the retention element may include a magnet to create a magnetic connection with hat button 115 if the hat button includes a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic element.

In some embodiments, aperture 330 may have a circumference approximately equal to or slightly larger than the circumference of hat button 115 such that the sidewalls of the cavity are in contact with the circumference of hat button 115 when installed on hat 110. This contact may enable secure restriction of securing element 320 and affixed hood by friction between securing element 120 and the hat button. In other embodiments, aperture 330 may have a circumference slightly larger than the circumference of hat button 115. The difference in circumference of the cavity and the hat button may allow for easier installation and removal of securing element 320 on the hat button of the hat. The larger circumference of the cavity may also facilitate movement of the hat without causing movement of the hood. The larger circumference of the cavity will allow the individual to turn her/his head from side to side, and because securing element 120 has room to move around the hat button, the hood may stay in place facing forward while the individual's head and the hat rotate.

In some embodiments, securing element 320 may include a plurality of apertures (not shown) defining a corresponding plurality of securing positions. This allows the individual to install securing element 320 in hood 102 and select a preferred position in which to secure hood 102 over hat 110. Each aperture may include corresponding retention elements.

In some implementations, individual 101 may select to install securing element 320 in hood 102 along a front-to-back axis of hood 102, allowing the individual to select how far forward the hood falls on the front of the hat. For example, by securing hood 102 with the securing option closest to the face-opening of the hood, the individual may choose to keep the hood farther back on hat 110 making the front of hat 110 and any decoration displayed on hat 110 more exposed and visible to others. In other implementations, the individual may use a middle or rear securing option and have hood 102 fall father over the front of hat 110. Such an arrangement may allow the individual to stay warmer by enclosing more of the individual's head and face in hood 102.

In other implementations, securing element 320 may include a plurality of apertures and a corresponding plurality of cavities. Individual 101 may install securing element 320 in hood 102 in a configuration across the head of individual 101, spanning in a direction extending from ear to ear. Such an arrangement may allow individual 101 to wear hat 110 in a cockeyed position, i.e., tilted off to a side, but still use securing element 320 to position hood 102 in the center of individual 101's head.

In some embodiments, securing element 320 may include a single securing option or a plurality of securing options. For example, securing element 320 may include one securing option for securing the hood in place. In other embodiments, securing element 320 may include two or more securing options. Securing element 320 may include a plurality of securing options arranged in a row. In other implementations, securing element 320 may include a plurality of securing options arranged in rows and columns, such as a configuration including nine options arranged as three rows of three securing options each. Such a configuration would allow for nine unique positions for hood 102 to be chosen by individual 101 without removal and reinstallation of securing element 320.

As shown in FIG. 3, securing element 320 has a width, depth, and height. In some embodiments, the height of securing element 320 may be slightly taller than the height of hat button 115 extending above hat 110. Securing element 320 includes aperture 330 defining an opening through which hat button 115 of hat 110 may pass. Aperture 330 may be an opening to a cavity.

In some embodiments, aperture 330 may be a circular aperture and may have a circumference slightly larger than the circumference of hat button 115. In some embodiments, aperture 330 is an opening to cavity, where the cavity defines a volume in securing element 320.

In some embodiments, the cavity may have a volume slightly large than hat button 115 allowing securing element 320 to surround and include hat button 115 and allow hat 110, including hat button 115, to rotate underneath securing element 320. The gap between hat button 115 and aperture 330 of securing element 320 may allow rotation without sufficient friction to cause movement of hood 102 when individual 101 turns her/his head.

In some embodiments, the cavity may extend through the height of securing element 320 such that aperture 330 is on a first side of securing element 320 and the cavity extends through the second side of securing element 320, defining an aperture on the second side (not shown). In some embodiments, the cavity may be shaped to accommodate hat button 115, with a small gap between hat button 115 and the walls of the cavity.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the system of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows securing element 420 with aperture 430. Aperture 430 defines an opening through which hat button 115 may pass, allowing securing element 420 to connect hood 102 to hat 110. As shown in FIG. 4, securing element 420 includes retention elements 431. Retention elements may be optionally included as a feature of securing element 420 and may enable securing element 420 to make a more secure connection between hood 102 and hat 110. In some embodiments, aperture 430 may extend partially through securing element 420, or aperture 430 may extend from the first side of securing element 420 through to the second side of securing element 420 defining a bore.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, securing element 520 includes aperture 530 (not visible) on the underside of securing element 520. Cavity 533 in shown extending partially through the height of securing element 520. When installed on hat 110, cavity 533 may substantially enclose hat button 115 securing hood 102 in place laterally over hat 110.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of another system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, securing element 620 includes aperture 630 defining the opening to track 633. Track 633 may have a width approximately equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of hat button 115. In some embodiments, track 633 may extend from a front side of securing element 620 part of the way through the length of securing element 620. In some embodiments, track 633 may include a plurality of retention elements spaced at positions along the length of track 633. In such an embodiment, installation of securing element 620 on hat button 115 may be performed by engaging the front of track 633 with hat button 115 and sliding hat button 115 into track 633. The retention elements may allow individual 101 to control the position of hood 102 on hat 110. In some embodiments, track 633 may be configured to fit around hat button 115 to allow hat button 115 to slide along the track, and a lower track portion extending underneath the circumference of hat button 115 to prevent securing element 620 from being easily removed, such as by a gust of wind. In some embodiments, track 633 may allow individual 101 to control the position of hood 102 over hat 110.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the system of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, aperture 730 extending through the length of securing element 720 and defining the opening of track 733. FIG. 8 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, track 833 extends part of the way though the height of securing element 820 and part of the way through the length of securing element 820.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of another system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, securing element 920 includes aperture 930, retaining elements 931, and mounting portals 937. In some embodiments, securing element 920 may include two mounting portals 937 or four mounting portals 937. In other embodiments, securing element 920 may include one or more mounting portals 937. Mounting portals 937 may be used to affix securing element 920 to a garment, such as hood 102. Mounting portals 937 may be used to affix securing element 920 to a garment using, for example, thread or fabric tape.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the system of FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, aperture 1030 is located approximately in the center of securing element 1020. Retaining element 1031 extend from the edge of aperture 1030 towards the center of aperture 1030. Securing element 1020 is shown including four mounting portals 1037. In other embodiments, securing element 1020 may have any number of mounting portals. FIG. 11 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, securing element 1120 is a thin profile securing element and may have a profile that substantially fits between hat 110 and hat button 115.

FIG. 12 shows a diagram of a cross-section of another exemplary system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, securing element 1220 is a circular element. Securing element 1220 includes mounting element 1251 and mounting element 1253 defining mounting channel 1252. In some embodiments, securing element 1220 may be installed in hood 102 with mounting element 1251 disposed on an outside of the hood, such as the side of the hood that faces hat 110. The material of hood 102, or a layer of material of hood 102, engages securing element 1220 in mounting channel 1252 thereby holding securing element 1220 in place in hood 102. In some embodiments, securing element 1220 may be a two-part element, the two portions being thread ably engaged allowing securing element 1220 to be disassembled and reassembled for ease of mounting securing element 1220 in hood 102.

In other embodiments, securing element may be a two-part element including a snap-fit or pressure fit assembly allowing securing element 1220 to be disassembled and reassembled for ease of mounting securing element 1220 in hood 102. In other embodiments, securing element 1220 may be formed from a single piece, such as by a molded plastic. The fabric used to form hood 102 may be stretched around mounting element 1251 or mounting element 1253 to engage in mounting channel 1252.

As shown in FIG. 12, securing element 1220 includes a plurality of retention elements 1231. Retention elements 1231 may be flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid tabs for installing securing element 1220 on hat button 115. As shown in FIG. 12, securing element 1220 includes a plurality of retention elements 1231. In other embodiments, retention element 1231 may be a circular gasket, such that retention element 1231 may flex to accommodate passage of hat button 1251 through the aperture of securing element 1220.

FIG. 13 shows an image of an exemplary system for securing and retaining positions of layered outerwear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13, hood 1302 includes securing element 1320. FIG. 14 shows a detail image of the system of FIG. 13, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, securing element 1420 is mounted in hood 1402 and includes retention elements 1431.

From the above description, it is manifest that various systems and devices can be used for implementing the systems and devices described in the present application without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the systems and devices have been described with specific reference to certain implementations and embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those improvements. As such, the described implementations and embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the present application is not limited to the particular implementations and embodiments described above, but many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a garment including a hood and a hood-securing element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the hood-securing element affixed to the hood by the second side in a position on an inside of the hood proximate to a top of the hood, the hood-securing element having an aperture in the first side defining an opening to a cavity, the cavity defining a volume for engaging a hat button of a hat such that the cavity substantially encloses a hat button of a hat when the hood-securing element is installed the hat.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one retention element extending from an edge of the aperture towards a center of the aperture, the retention element for engaging the hood-securing element with the hat button of the hat.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the hood-securing element includes a plurality of apertures on the first side of the hood-securing element each of the plurality of apertures is positioned to secure the hood in a corresponding position relative to the hat.

4. The system of claim 3, where each of the plurality of apertures includes at least one corresponding retention element.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged in a grid having at least one row and at least one column.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hood-securing element secures the hood laterally and allows rotation of the hat without moving the hood.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity extends at least part way through a height of the securing element.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the hood-securing element includes a track extending from a first edge of the hood-securing element through a portion of a depth of the hood securing element.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the track includes at least a retention element extending from a side of the track towards a center of the track.