U.S. patent application number 10/918537 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for climate control head cover.
Invention is credited to Harrison, Jone E., Walters, Letha D..
Application Number | 20050034215 10/918537 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34138931 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050034215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrison, Jone E. ; et
al. |
February 17, 2005 |
Climate control head cover
Abstract
A head scarf adapted to be worn typically beneath a motorcycle
helmet or other headgear includes an apron depending from its rear
beneath its headband. A pocket within the apron holds cooling or
warming elements against the wearer's neck to modulate wearer
comfort. Thin, baffle-stitched, comfort control packs fit within
the pockets, the packs containing water absorption crystals that
absorb and thermally treated water without substantial dripping or
rapid evaporation. A commercially available warming envelope may be
substituted for convenience when appropriate. A triangular tail
beneath the pocket helps hold the pocket in place against the neck,
and a pony-tail aperture above the pocket prevents a wearer's long
hair from interfering with the pocket's juxtaposition on the
wearer's neck.
Inventors: |
Harrison, Jone E.; (Flower
Mound, TX) ; Walters, Letha D.; (New Milford,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Guy V. Manning
405 Park Plaza Building
2501 Parkview Drive
Fort Worth
TX
76102
US
|
Family ID: |
34138931 |
Appl. No.: |
10/918537 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60494826 |
Aug 13, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/10 20130101; A42B
1/008 20130101; A42C 5/04 20130101; A42B 1/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/207 |
International
Class: |
A42B 005/00; A41D
003/08 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A personal comfort control system comprising a scarf adapted to
be worn on a wearer's head, the scarf having a top panel having a
front and a rear corresponding to the forehead and rear of the
wearer's head; two side panels extending on opposite sides of the
top panel and having a lower margin; a headband surrounding the
lower margin; and securing means for securing the scarf to the
wearer's head; an apron depending from the rear of the top panel
and having a top end proximate the top panel and a distal tip; a
waist disposed between the top end and the tip and defining a
maximum width of the apron; and a pocket disposed between the top
end and the tip and having an interior accessible through a mouth;
and a comfort control pack adapted to be received within the pocket
interior.
2. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 wherein
the apron further comprises a baffle coextensive with the waist and
forming a bottom of the pocket; and a tailpiece disposed below the
waist.
3. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 wherein
the securing means comprises tails extending from the headband
adjacent the rear of the top panel and adapted to be tied into a
knot over the apron.
4. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 wherein
the scarf includes stitching surrounding and defining an aperture
disposed above the pocket and adapted to receive at least a portion
of the wearer's hair.
5. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 wherein
the apron further comprises a triangular tailpiece disposed below
the pocket and adapted to anchor the apron against the wearer's
shoulders.
6. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 wherein
the comfort control pack further comprises a pouch having two
layers of water-permeable web material sealed together at their
perimeters to form an interior; compartment stitching separating
the interior into open regions; and water absorption means for
absorbing and retaining temperature controlled water.
7. The personal comfort control system according to claim 6 wherein
the pouch is substantially trapezoidal in shape and adapted to rest
within the pocket above a baffle extending across the apron.
8. The personal comfort control system according to claim 6 wherein
the apron includes a triangular tailpiece disposed below the waist;
and the pouch extends below the waist into the tailpiece.
9. The personal comfort control system according to claim 6 wherein
the water absorption means comprises a plurality of water absorbing
polymer crystals distributed among the open regions.
10. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 and
further comprising a brim coupled to the headband and extending
forward from the front of the scarf.
11. The personal comfort control system according to claim 1 and
further comprising closure means for affirmatively closing the
mouth of the pocket.
12. The personal comfort control system according to claim 11
wherein the closure means comprises hook and loop fastener strips
disposed within an interior lip of the mouth.
13. A personal comfort control system comprising a scarf adapted to
be worn on a wearer's head, the scarf having a front and a rear; a
top panel extending between the front and rear; two side panels
extending on opposite sides of the top panel and having a lower
margin; a headband surrounding at least a portion of the lower
margin; tails extending from the headband adjacent the rear and
adapted to be tied into a knot behind the wearer's head; an apron
depending from the top panel and having a top end proximate the top
panel and a distal tip; a transverse waist between the top end and
the tip; a tailpiece below the waist; and a pocket disposed above
the tip and having a pocket interior accessible through a mouth;
and a comfort control pack adapted to be received within the pocket
interior and having at least two layers of water-permeable web
material sealed together at their perimeters to form a pouch having
a pouch interior; compartment stitching separating the pouch
interior into open chambers; and a plurality of water absorbing
polymer crystals distributed among the chambers.
14. The personal comfort control system according to claim 13 and
further comprising button-hole stitching surrounding and defining a
hair slit above the apron.
15. The personal comfort control system according to claim 13 and
further comprising a brim coupled to the headband and extending
forward from the front of the scarf, and hook and loop fastener
closure strips disposed within an interior lip of the mouth.
16. A method of improving comfort for a motorcycle rider, the
method comprising providing a head scarf adapted to be worn on the
head of the rider, the scarf having a top panel flanked by side
panels forming a cover for the top of the rider's head; a headband
surrounding the panels at their lower margin; tails extending
rearward from the headband and adapted to be tied behind the
rider's head; an apron depending from the rear of the top panel
between the tails; a pocket disposed on the apron below the top
panel and having a horizontal opening disposed toward an interior
of the scarf and forming an access mouth for the pocket; providing
a plurality of comfort control packs adapted to be received within
the pocket; then selecting at least one comfort control pack and
storing the remaining comfort control packs for later use; then
inserting the selected comfort control pack it into the pocket;
then placing the scarf on the rider's head and securing it thereto
by tying the tails behind the rider's head over the apron; then
compressing the apron against the rider's neck to cause the comfort
control pack to conform thereto; then monitoring the temperature of
the comfort control pack and replacing it with one of the stored
comfort control packs as necessary to regulate the rider's comfort
to the rider's satisfaction.
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the scarf further
includes button-hole stitching surrounding and defining a hair exit
port disposed at the rear of the top panel above the apron; and the
method further includes the step of extending the rider's hair
through the hair exit port and disposing it atop the apron prior to
tying the tails behind the apron.
18. The method according to claim 16 wherein each comfort control
pack has a pouch having two layers of water-permeable web material
sealed together at their perimeters to form an interior;
compartment stitching separating the interior into open regions;
and a plurality of water absorbing polymer crystals distributed
among the open regions and adapted to absorb and hold
temperature-treated water; and the method includes the additional
step of soaking the comfort control packs in temperature controlled
water until the polymer crystals saturate with water before the
step of selecting one of said plurality of comfort control packs
for insertion into the pocket.
19. The personal comfort control system according to claim 16
wherein the head scarf further comprises a brim coupled to the
headband and extending forward from the front of the scarf; and
hook and loop fastener closure strips disposed within an interior
lip of the mouth.
20. The personal comfort control system according to claim 19
wherein the head scarf further comprises hook and loop fastener
closure strips disposed within an interior lip of the mouth.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to headgear and
particularly to scarves and other head wear intended to accompany
motorcycle helmets and other clothing. More particularly, this
invention relates to head wear incorporating comfort control
apparatus for cooling or warming the wearer. Still more
particularly, this invention relates to a head scarf having a
pocket depending from the rear of its headband which contains a
cooling or warming insert which the pocket positions and holds
against the wearer's neck.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Motorcycle helmets can become hot and uncomfortable,
especially in hot weather. Wearers commonly employ specialized
scarfs called "do-rags" to cover their scalps beneath their helmets
to absorb perspiration and deter chafing. The do-rags are fitted to
the head and include a headband surrounding a close fitting scalp
cover, the headband extending to the rear on either side into ties
adapted to be knotted behind the head. Some do-rags include aprons
depending from the headband to protect the wearer's neck below the
helmet from sunburn. Do-rags have developed into a fashion item for
motorcycle enthusiasts, and they come in many colors and
configurations but maintain the basic structure described
above.
[0005] Motorcycle and bicycle riding outdoors exposes riders to
elements, including sun and wind. Despite a constant breeze from
the bike's motion, sun can bear down and make riders very
uncomfortable. Merely soaking their do-rags in cold water is
unsatisfactory because it retards perspiration absorption and can
deteriorate helmet liners. Further, the back of the neck comprises
a primary pressure point that can help cool or warm the body by
working with the circulatory system. Means for cooling riders'
necks that take advantage of this factor would increase rider
comfort significantly and could help guard against sunstroke and
heat exhaustion. Likewise, during cold and wet weather, even the
most well bundled rider can become chilled from prolonged exposure
the elements. Means for holding a warming pad against the rider's
neck can substantially increase rider comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a
head scarf with means for regulating wearer comfort and safety.
[0007] It is another object of this invention to provide a
motorcycle head scarf with a pocket for positioning a comfort
control pack strategically to increase rider comfort.
[0008] It is another object of this invention to provide a
motorcycle head scarf including a rear apron which holds a comfort
control pack against the rider's neck.
[0009] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a head
scarf that manages a wearer's long hair to prevent interference
with a rear apron bearing comfort control packs.
[0010] The foregoing and other objects of this invention are
achieved by providing a head scarf adapted to be worn typically
beneath a motorcycle helmet or other headgear includes an apron
depending from its rear beneath its headband. A pocket within the
apron holds cooling or warming elements against the wearer's neck
to modulate wearer comfort. Thin, baffle-stitched, comfort control
packs fit within the pockets, the packs containing water absorption
crystals that absorb and thermally treated water without
substantial dripping or rapid evaporation. A commercially available
warming envelope may be substituted for convenience when
appropriate. A triangular tail beneath the pocket helps hold the
pocket in place against the neck, and a pony-tail aperture above
the pocket prevents a wearer's long hair from interfering with the
pocket's juxtaposition on the wearer's neck.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The novel features believed characteristic of the present
invention are set forth in appended claims. The invention itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objects and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts in front elevational view a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows in left rear perspective the present invention
of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows in left rear perspective the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1 tied onto the head of a wearer.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows in left side elevational view the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1 worn by a user.
[0016] FIG. 5 details in cut-away section view as indicated in FIG.
4 a portion of an apron appendage of the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a left side elevational view corresponding to
FIG. 4 of a user wearing an alternate embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIGS. 7A, 7B show two variations of a preferred embodiment
of a comfort control pack adapted for use with the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows in section view as indicated in FIG. 7B, and
typical also for FIGS. 7A, 9A, 9B, the open regions within the
comfort control packs of the present invention
[0020] FIGS. 9A, 9B show two variations of an alternate embodiment
of a comfort control pack adapted for use with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] With reference now to the figures, and in particular to
FIGS. 1-4, head cover 10 comprises two side panels 14 flanking top
panel 13 which together cover the head of wearer 1 (FIG. 3) above
headband 11. Separated by seams 16, panels 13, 14 extend from
wearer 1's brow to the back of his head, converging slightly toward
apron 20 at the rear of head cover 10. Headband 11 borders panels
14 at their lower perimeter and extends around wearer 1's forehead
and temples, terminating near apron 20 in rearwardly extending
tails 12. Tails 12 are adapted to be tied behind wearer 1's head
and over apron 20, thereby securing head cover 10 in place. Tails
12 urge apron 20 against the back of wearer 1's head and knot 17
comfortably rests at the top of wearer 1's neck just below his
skull. Referring also to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention includes brim 19 extending forward from headband
11 to shade wearer 1's eyes and brow.
[0022] Depending from top panel 13 at the rear of wearer 1's head,
apron 20 comprises a substantially diamond-shaped appendage
reaching downward below headband 11 to cover wearer 1's neck. Apron
20 terminates in tailpiece 21 which lays on wearer 1's shoulders.
Apron 20 attaches by known means near the rear of panel 13. At its
attachment to panel 13, apron 20 is substantially as wide as panel
13, a small gap 22 remaining between apron 20 and headband 11.
Apron 20 widens as it descends to a maximum width at waist 27,
disposed near wearer 1's shoulders, then converges in tailpiece 21
to tip 28. As best seen in FIG. 4, apron 20 lays against wearer 1's
neck 3, with tip 28 extending down wearer 1's shoulders beneath
waist 27. Preferably, for an average sized adult, apron 20 is
approximately five and three-fourths (53/4 in.) inches wide at
waist 27, narrowing to approximately four (4 in.) inches adjacent
gap 22. If substantially wider, wind will catch apron 20 and urge
it away from wearer 1's neck 3. Substantially narrower, and it may
fail to cover the back of neck 3.
[0023] Considering now also FIG. 5, apron 20 comprises two
laminations of cloth joined by stitching on three sides to create
pocket 23. Mouth 24 disposed at or just below gap 22 provides an
opening into pocket 23 inside head cover 10. Preferably mouth 24 is
substantially as wide as apron 20 and extends horizontally across
pocket 23. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
mouth 24 could have other configurations without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention, such as extending along
one or more sides (not shown) of pocket 23 instead of across its
top as depicted. Mouth 24 further may include closure means 25
(FIG. 5) such as hook-and-loop strips (commonly known by the trade
name Velcro), buttons, snaps, elastic or the like, but such closure
means are not considered critical to the operation of pocket
23.
[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1 and to FIGS. 7A, 7B, pocket 23
extends vertically from mouth 24 to baffle stitches 26 which
traverse apron 20 horizontally at its widest point at waist 27.
This imparts to pocket 23 a substantially trapezoidal shape defined
by the sides of apron 20 which diverge between mouth 24 and baffle
26. Pocket 23 thus is adapted to receive and hold comfort control
pack 30 (FIGS. 7A, 7B) discussed in more detail below. The length,
width and general shape of comfort control pack 30 and pocket 23
are chosen to reflect the overall shape of wearer 1's neck 3
between his shoulders and the base of his skull. When head cover 10
is worn as described above, pocket 23 rests against and
substantially covers the back of neck 3, thus maximizing the
engagement of comfort control pack 30 with neck 3.
[0025] Tailpiece 21 performs an important function in this process.
Though pocket 23 is somewhat thicker than most of head cover 10
because it contains comfort control pack 30, tailpiece 21 comprises
only two laminations of cloth, making it considerably thinner.
Tailpiece 21 lays flat against wearer 1's shoulders and tends to
adhere thereto when damp from perspiration or from moisture from
comfort control pack 30. This tendency to adhere to wearer 1's
shoulders helps hold apron 20 and comfort control pack 30 in place
despite movement of wearer 1's head.
[0026] As best seen in FIG. 1, head cover 10 further comprises a
central aperture 15 through apron 20 above mouth 24 of pocket 23.
As seen in FIGS. 3, 4, wearer 1 may have long hair which could
interfere with apron 20 holding comfort control pack 30 against
wearer 1's neck 3. With ordinary do-rags, wearer 1 simply allows
his hair 5 to depend down his neck 3 beneath apron 20, either
braided into a pony tail as depicted or allowed to spread out
unbraided (not shown). Aperture 15 allows wearer 1 to extend his
hair 5 through apron 20 so that it may lay on top of apron 20,
either above knot 17 as depicted or under knot 17 (not shown).
[0027] Aperture 15 preferably comprises a vertical slit
approximately three (3 in.) inches long, button-hole stitched to
prevent raveling and located either within top panel 13 or apron 20
approximately one-half to one ({fraction (1/2)}-1 in.) inches above
pocket 23. In such configuration, aperture 15 typically will be
visible but not obtrusively noticeable should wearer 1 have short
hair (not shown) confined beneath head cover 10, allowing aperture
15 to remain substantially closed rather than gaping open. One
having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the
exact configuration of aperture 15 may vary in orientation, shape,
position and size, including possibly a round, square or oval
opening rather than a simple button-hole stitched slit, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0028] As depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 9A, 9B, respectively,
comfort control packs 30, 130 differ by their bottom margins.
Comfort control pack 30 comprises a substantially trapezoidal shape
adapted to fit snugly within pocket 23 between mouth 24 and baffle
26 as described above. Comfort control pack 130, by contrast,
further comprises a substantially triangular bottom margin. Comfort
control pack 130 also fills apron 20 below waist 27 when transverse
baffle stitching 26 is omitted to create a pocket larger than
pocket 23 by the interior space within tailpiece 21. In addition to
laying against neck 3 of wearer 1, comfort control pack 130 lays
partially against wearer 1's shoulders and affects a larger area.
Selection between these two alternative configurations is a matter
of preference for wearer 1, and one having ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that in all other respects, comfort control
packs 30 within pocket 23, and comfort control pack 130 filling
apron 20 down into tailpiece 21 perform similarly.
[0029] Continuing with FIGS. 7A, 7B and 9A, 9B, comfort control
packs 30, 130 preferably comprise two thin layers 31, 32 and 131,
132 of flexible material stitched or otherwise sealed along their
perimeters to form an envelope or pouch adapted to lay flat.
Preferably, layers 31, 32, 131, 132 comprise thin cloth such as
satin, silk, cotton or the like which have a water permeable yet
relatively close weave, or mesh size. Preferably a four (4) thread
overlock finishing stitch is employed to both surround and seal the
edges of cloth layers 31, 32 and 131, 132 such that no gaps remain
which significantly exceed the mesh size of the cloth itself One
having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other
materials could comprise layers 31, 32, 131, 132, such as plastic
or paper, as long as the materials exhibit the required traits of
water permeability and relatively small mesh value for containing
polymer crystals 40 discussed below.
[0030] Comfort control packs 30, 130 are depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B
and 9A, 9B, respectively, as bearing internal stitching 33A, 33B,
133A, 133B which forms internal baffles dividing comfort control
packs 30, 130 into smaller, unconfined regions or chambers 35.
Crystals 40, discussed below, preferably are distributed
approximately evenly within chambers 35 but are free to migrate
between chambers 35, such as when pushed around by wearer 1 to
redistribute them. Stitching 33A, 33B, 133A, 133B preferably
comprises a simple, straight line, open stitch which does not
extend to the perimeter of comfort control packs 30, 130. As
depicted in FIGS. 7A, 9A, stitching 33A, 133A forms a continuous
barrier in the shape of an "S," whereas stitching 33B, 133B in
FIGS. 7B, 9B comprises three separate, substantially vertical
straight baffles. Though stitches 33A, 133A provide the advantage
of simplicity of manufacture, stitches 33B, 133B provide the
advantage of dividing packs 30, 130 vertically, making them easier
to conform the neck 3 of wearer 1, as discussed below.
[0031] Contained within comfort control packs 30, 130, a plurality
of water polymer crystals 40 is adapted to absorb and hold water
for a substantial amount of time. When comfort control packs 30,
130 are soaked in water, crystals 40 absorb the water and swell to
many times their dry volume. Further, crystals 40 retain the
original temperature of the water for a substantial amount of time.
Thus, if the water is cold, crystals 40 stay cold, and if the water
is hot, crystals 40 remain warm for sufficient time to achieve the
goals of the present invention, comfort control for wearer 1.
[0032] Crystals 40 preferably comprise one of a number of one to
two (1-2 mm) millimeter sized water polymer crystaline materials,
though the size may vary depending largely upon the mesh size and
stitching of packs 30, 130. When moistened, such crystals 40 absorb
as much as 400 times their weight in water, turning gelatinous and
swelling to many times their dry volume, and retain the water and
size for many hours. A sufficient quantity of crystals 40 is
contained within comfort control packs 30, 130 such that when
saturated with water, crystals 40 substantially fill comfort
control packs 30, 130. A suitable crystal 40 is catalog reference
number "WCP" available from The Artistic Shop, L.L.C. of Pewaukee,
Wis. (www.theartisticshop.com). Preferably, comfort control pack 30
contains approximately one-eighth ({fraction (1/8)} tsp.) teaspoon
of such crystals 40, and comfort control pack 130 contains
approximately one-fourth ({fraction (1/4)} tsp.) teaspoon of such
crystals 40. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that other materials in varying sizes and water absorbing
capacities will perform the function of crystals 40 as long as they
are capable of absorbing and holding cold water for a substantial
period of time, preferably at least two hours, and have the thermal
trait of remaining substantially at the temperature of the cold
water for at least similar period of time.
[0033] Head cover 10 preferably is made from a soft, relatively
thin and pliable cloth such as cotton, silk, linen, polyester or
blends thereof, cut and stitched into separate panels 13, 14,
headband 11 and tails 12 and apron 20. A suitable material for head
cover 10 is light to medium weight broadcloth; heavier materials
such as wool and canvas do not perform as well. Head cover 10 also
may be lined on its inner surface adjacent wearer 1's head for
added comfort. Preferably, pocket 23 also comprises the same
material as head cover 10, being either folded portions of one
lamination of apron 20 or a separate piece stitched thereto.
[0034] In operation, wearer 1 wishing to mitigate hot temperatures
first places a plurality comfort control packs 30, 130 into ice
water and soaks them for approximately one hour, or until crystals
40 cease to expand and substantially fill comfort control packs 30,
130. Wearer 1 then selects one comfort control pack 30, 130 and
stores the others for later use. Wearer 1 next flattens the
selected pack 30, 130 by mashing and pushing crystals 40 to be sure
they are evenly distributed. Wearer 1 then inserts comfort control
pack 30, 130 through mouth 24 into apron 20, keeping its bottom
margin directed toward tip 21. Comfort control pack 30, 130 may be
folded about a vertical axis slightly to ease insertion. Once
comfort control pack 30, 130 is inside mouth 24, wearer 1 again
flattens it, pushing its divergent sides to the edges apron 20. If
wearer 1 is employing the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, he
selects a comfort control pack 30 and inserts it such that its
bottom margin fits against baffle 26 and its top rests just below
mouth 24, making sure that its sides extend to fill pocket 23. If
wearer 1 employs the alternate embodiment having no baffle 26 at
waist 27 of apron 20 (FIG. 6), wearer 1 selects comfort control
pack 130 and inserts it through mouth 24 such that its bottom
margin fills tip 21, completely filling apron 20 beneath mouth
24.
[0035] Next, wearer 1 places head cover 10 on his head with apron
20 depending toward the back of his neck 3. If wearer 1 has long
hair and so desires, he may thread it, braided into a pony tail or
not, through aperture 15 from the inside of head cover 10 (as
viewed in FIG. 1). Next, wearer 1 situates headband 11 across his
forehead and along his temples above his ear 2 (FIGS. 3, 4) and
ties tails 12 at the top of his neck over apron 20. He may tie
tails 12 either under or over his hair, as he prefers. Next he
places his palm (not shown) atop apron 20 where comfort control
pack 30, 130 rests and compresses it against his neck 3 so that it
becomes concave forward and conforms to his neck 3, thereby
maximizing its effect. Wearer 1 then places his motorcycle helmet
or other headgear (not shown) over head cover 10 and proceeds to
engage in his desired activity. Alternately, wearer 1 may dispense
with additional headgear and just wear head cover 10 alone.
[0036] In either case, after a period of time, comfort control pack
30, 130 will lose its cooling or warming effect. Wearer 1 then may,
at his discretion, replace comfort control pack 30, 130 by opening
mouth 24 and removing pack 30, 130, replacing it with a fresh
comfort control pack 30, 130 which he earlier preferably stored in
insulating material to maintain its temperature. This replacement
operation may be performed without first removing head cover 10
from wearer 1's head, because apron 20 extends below gap 22
sufficiently far that mouth 24 may be accessed from the rear
without untying knot 17. The used comfort control packs 30, 130 can
be retained and reused many times.
[0037] In cold climate conditions, comfort control packs 30, 130
may be soaked in hot water and otherwise handled as described
above. Alternately, packs 30, 130 may be replaced with
self-contained warming packs (not shown) commercially available as
hand or pocket warmers. Such warming packs comprise plastic
envelopes containing one or more chemicals which, when activated
(by squeezing the package in some cases, and by simply opening it
in others) typically mix one or more chemicals to emit a small
amount of heat over a period of time, typically twenty (20 hr.)
hours or more. A suitable warming pack is catalog number 27920
available from Texsport of Houston, Tex. (www.texsport.com). Wearer
1 first selects one or more warming packs and activates them to
start the heating process. He then inserts them into apron 20 as
described above for comfort control packs 30, 130. The warming
packs may not fit quite as neatly within pocket 23 or apron 20 as
do comfort control packs 30, 130, but can be centered and
juxtaposed to neck 3. Wearer 1 also may compress the packs against
his neck 3 as described above to conform them thereto and maximize
the warming effect. Likewise, when they loses their warming effect,
he may open mouth 24 and replace one or both as discussed above for
comfort control packs 30, 130. Unlike comfort control packs 30.
130, however, commercially available warming packs typically are
not reuseable.
[0038] The present invention, described in either its preferred or
alternate embodiment, serves to modulate wearer 1's comfort in hot
or cold conditions, thus enhancing the enjoyment of a motorcycle
ride or other activity. Head cover 10 may be employed as described
by motorcycle and bicycle riders, hikers, construction workers,
fishermen or adults or children engaged in outdoor recreation or
other activity, either with or without other head gear such as
helmets, caps or hats.
[0039] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. For example, tails 12 could be
substantially shorter than shown in the figures and secured to each
other in the back of wearer 1's head with hook-and-loop fasteners
(not shown). Alternately, headband 11 could extend continuously
around wearer 1's head and comprise an elastic band or include
adjustability apparatus commonly appearing on baseball caps (not
shown), with apron 20 extending through an aperture (not shown)
left between top panel 13 and headband 11. Additionally, apron 20
has been discussed above as comprising a separate object attached
to top panel 13, but it could comprise an extension thereof, folded
into pleats to achieve the described shape. Pocket 23 further could
be formed of separate materials, or it could be formed by folding
the material apron 20 is made from to form a double layer of
material.
* * * * *