U.S. patent application number 11/022434 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for neck warmer and method for making same.
Invention is credited to Anthony G. Visco, Zachary R. Visco.
Application Number | 20060137072 11/022434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36609647 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060137072 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Visco; Anthony G. ; et
al. |
June 29, 2006 |
Neck warmer and method for making same
Abstract
A neck warmer has a flat, pliable, substantially rectangular
body. The rectangular body has first and second ends and top and
bottom edges, and further has first and second opposite exterior
surfaces, bounded by the first and second ends and top and bottom
edges. First fastening means are attached to the first surface of
the rectangular body proximate to the first end, and second
fastening means are attached to the second surface of the
rectangular body proximate to the second end. The first and second
ends of the rectangular body are removably fastenable to each other
at the first and second fastening means. The first and second
fastening means are positioned such that when the first end is
attached to the second end, the rectangular body forms a tube
having inner and outer circumferential surfaces provided by the
first and second exterior surfaces of the rectangular body. The
tube is dimensioned to fit around a wearer's neck.
Inventors: |
Visco; Anthony G.; (Chapel
Hill, NC) ; Visco; Zachary R.; (Chapel Hill,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACOBS & KIM LLP
1050 WINTER STREET
SUITE 1000, #1082
WALTHAM
MA
02451-1401
US
|
Family ID: |
36609647 |
Appl. No.: |
11/022434 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/20 20130101;
A41D 15/04 20130101; A41D 31/102 20190201; A41D 2400/14 20130101;
A41D 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/127 |
International
Class: |
A41B 1/12 20060101
A41B001/12 |
Claims
1. A neck warmer, comprising: a flat, pliable, substantially
rectangular body having first and second ends and top and bottom
edges, and further having first and second opposite exterior
surfaces, bounded by the first and second ends and top and bottom
edges; first fastening means attached to the first surface of the
rectangular body proximate to its first end; second fastening means
attached to the second surface of the rectangular body proximate to
its second end, the first and second ends of the rectangular body
being removably fastenable to each other at the first and second
fastening means, the first and second fastening means being
positioned such that when the first end is attached to the second
end, the rectangular body forms a tube having inner and outer
circumferential surfaces provided by the first and second exterior
surfaces of the rectangular body, the tube being dimensioned to fit
around a wearer's neck.
2. The neck warmer of claim 1, wherein the first and second
fastening means comprise complementary pieces of hook-and-loop
material.
3. The neck warmer of claim 2, wherein the first and second
fastening means comprise complementary strips of hook-and-loop
material that are substantially parallel to the first and second
ends of the rectangular body.
4. The neck warmer of claim 1, wherein the rectangular body
comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer
providing the first surface of the rectangular body and the second
layer providing the second surface of the rectangular body.
5. The neck warmer of claim 1, wherein the first and second layers
are formed by folding a single piece of material in half.
6. The neck warmer of claim 1, wherein the first and second layers
are formed by attaching together two separate pieces of
material.
7. The neck warmer of claim 6, wherein the first and second layers
are formed from materials having different colors.
8. The neck warmer of claim 6, wherein the first and second layers
are formed from two different materials.
9. The neck warmer of claim 3, wherein the first fastening means
comprises a plurality of substantially parallel strips of
hook-and-loop material, and wherein the second fastening means is
selectably fastenable to one of the plurality of substantially
parallel strips of hook-and-loop material, thereby adjusting the
size of the tube formed by the rectangular body.
10. The neck warmer of claim 1 further including a pocket attached
to an exterior surface of the rectangular body.
11. The neck warmer of claim 10, wherein the pocket includes pocket
closing means.
12. The neck warmer of claim 4, further including a pocket between
the first and second layers of the rectangular body.
13. The neck warmer of claim 12, wherein the pocket is accessible
through an opening in an edge of the rectangular body.
14. The neck warmer of claim 13, further including pocket closing
means along the length of the opening.
15. The neck warmer of claim 4, further including an inflatable
tube between the first and second layers.
16. The neck warmer of claim 15, wherein the inflatable tube
includes an inflation nozzle, and wherein the inflation nozzle is
accessible through a hole in a layer of the rectangular body.
17. The neck warmer of claim 15, wherein the neck warmer is
substantially flat and pliable when the inner tube is deflated and
wherein the neck warmer assumes a supportive shape when the inner
tube is inflated.
18. A method for making a neck warmer, comprising: providing a
rectangular sheet of pliable material; folding the sheet in half
along a central crease line to form a folded rectangle having first
and second ends and top and bottom edges, the top edge of the
folded rectangle being defined by the crease line, the folded
rectangle further having first and second opposite surfaces bounded
by the first and second ends and top and bottom edges; using an
L-shaped seam to close an end and the bottom edge of the folded
rectangle to form a pouch with an open mouth; reversing the tube
through the open mouth; folding a portion of the mouth inward to
form a finished edge; attaching a first fastening means to a first
exterior surface proximate to the first end and attaching second
fastening means to a second exterior surface proximate to the
second end, the attaching of the first fastening means also closing
the mouth of the pouch.
19. A method for making a neck warmer, comprising: placing a first
rectangular piece of material on top of a second piece of material
having substantially the same shape and size as the first piece of
material; using an U-shaped seam to attach together the top edge,
bottom edge and an end of the rectangular pieces of material to
form a tube with a pouch with an open mouth; reversing the tube
through the open mouth; folding a portion of the mouth inward to
form a finished edge; attaching a first fastening means to the
first exterior surface proximate to a first end of the pouch and
attaching second fastening means to a second exterior surface
proximate to the second end of the pouch, the attaching of the
first fastening means also closing the mouth.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first and second
rectangular pieces of material are different colors.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to improvements in
the field of cold weather apparel, and more particularly to
advantageous aspects of an improved neck warmer and method for
making same.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Although there are currently a number of different types of
apparel worn around the neck in cold weather, each has certain
disadvantages. For example, traditional scarves typically use
excess material, and can present a safety hazard. Other types of
cold weather neckwear typically lack versatility, and may be
awkward to use. For example, a collar-type article of clothing that
is pulled over a wearer's head may be difficult to pull on over a
hat, hood, or eyeglasses, and may disturb the appearance of the
wearer's hair. In addition, the clothing industry is highly
competitive, with typically narrow profit margins. There is thus an
ongoing need for clothing designs that combine economy and ease of
manufacture with ease of use and an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] These and other issues are addressed by the present
invention, a first aspect of which provides a neck warmer having a
flat, pliable, substantially rectangular body. The rectangular body
has first and second ends and top and bottom edges, and further has
first and second opposite exterior surfaces, bounded by the first
and second ends and top and bottom edges. First fastening means are
attached to the first surface of the rectangular body proximate to
its first end, and second fastening means attached to the second
surface of the rectangular body proximate to its second end. The
first and second ends of the rectangular body are removably
fastenable to each other at the first and second fastening means.
The first and second fastening means are positioned such that when
the first end is attached to the second end, the rectangular body
forms a tube having inner and outer circumferential surfaces
provided by the first and second exterior surfaces of the
rectangular body. The tube is dimensioned to fit around a wearer's
neck.
[0006] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent by reference to the following detailed
description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of a neck warmer according to
a first aspect of the invention.
[0008] FIGS. 2 and 3 show isometric views of the neck warmer shown
in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows an elevation view of a rectangular piece of
material used to construct the neck warmer shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the rectangular piece of
material shown in FIG. 4, folded along a central crease line.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the folded rectangular
piece of material shown in FIG. 5, after it has been partially
stitched together.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the open end of the
partially stitched piece of material shown in FIG. 6, after the
unfinished edges at that end have been folded inward.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of first and second pieces of
material used to construct a neck warmer according to a further
aspect of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows the pieces of material shown in FIG. 8, after
they have been partially stitched together.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the open end of the
partially stitched together pieces of material shown in FIG. 9,
after the unfinished edges at that end have been folded inward.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a finished neck warmer
according to the aspect of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
8-10.
[0017] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the neck warmer shown in FIG.
11.
[0018] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of the neck warmer shown in
FIG. 11, positioned around a wearer's neck.
[0019] FIG. 14 shows an elevation view of a neck warmer according
to a further aspect of the invention, in which the size of the neck
warmer is adjustable.
[0020] FIGS. 15-17 show elevation views of neck warmer according to
further aspects of the invention, in which the neck warmer includes
a pocket.
[0021] FIG. 18 shows an elevation view of a partially constructed
neck warmer according to a further aspect of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 19-21 show isometric views of a series of stages in
the construction of an internal pocket suitable for use with the
partially constructed neck warmer shown in FIG. 18.
[0023] FIG. 22 shows a top view of a completed internal pocket
suitable for attachment to the partially constructed neck warmer
shown in FIG. 18.
[0024] FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of a finished neck warmer
according to the aspect of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
18-22.
[0025] FIGS. 24 and 25 show isometric views of alternative
embodiments of an inflatable neck warmer according to a further
aspect of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 26 shows an isometric view of a folded piece of
material suitable for use in constructing the neck warmer shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0027] FIGS. 27 and 28 show isometric views of straight and curved
inner tubes suitable for use, respectively, in the neck warmers
shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0028] FIG. 29 shows a partially constructed neck warmer according
to the aspects of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 24-28.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an elevation view, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show
isometric views of a neck warmer 10 according to a first aspect of
the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the neck warmer 10 has a
substantially rectangular body, with top and bottom edges 12 and
14, and first and second ends 16 and 18. The neck warmer 10 further
includes a first exterior surface 20, and a second exterior surface
22 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is substantially identical to the
first exterior surface 20 in size and shape. The first and second
exterior surfaces 20 and 22 are substantially rectangular in shape
and are bounded by the top and bottom edges 12 and 14 and first and
second ends 16 and 18 of the neck warmer 10. As discussed further
below, according to a further aspect of the present invention, the
second surface 22 may be constructed from a different material from
the first surface 20, or may have a different color or aesthetic
appearance from the first surface 20.
[0030] The neck warmer 10 further includes fastening means 24 and
26 for removably fastening the first end 16 of the neck warmer 10
to the second end 18. According to the present aspect of the
invention, the fastening means 24 and 26 are provided by first and
second strips of hook-and-loop material. It should be noted that
other fasteners or fastening means may be used without departing
from the spirit of the invention. For example, it would be possible
to use a plurality of smaller patches of hook-and-loop material in
place of either or both of the continuous strips 24 and 26 shown in
FIGS. 1-3. These patches may be shaped as circles, squares, stars,
or the like. Also, it is possible to attach the fastening means to
the neck warmer 10 in a variety of ways without departing from the
spirit of the present invention. In the embodiments of the
invention described herein, the fastening means are attached to the
neck warmer by stitching them into position. However, it would also
be possible, for example, to use an adhesive to mount them into
place.
[0031] Hook-and-loop material typically includes a piece of "hook"
material that is selectably fastened to, or unfastened from, a
complementary piece of "loop" material. As used herein, the term
"hook-and-loop material" refers generally to a piece of either hook
material or loop material. The term "complementary" is used to
describe a second piece of hook-and-loop material that fastens to a
first piece of hook-and-loop material. If the first piece of
hook-and-loop material is hook material, then a complementary
second piece of hook-and-loop material would be loop material, and
vice versa. It should be noted that hook material typically has a
rougher texture than loop material. In constructing a neck warmer
10 according to the present invention, it may be desirable to
position the respective complementary strips of hook-and-loop
material in a configuration that maximizes wearer comfort.
[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the neck warmer 10
is provided with a first strip 24 of hook-and-loop fastening
material attached to the first surface 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the
first strip of hook-and-loop fastening material 24 is mounted to
the first exterior surface 20 of the neck warmer 10, proximate to
its first end 16. According to the present embodiment of the
invention, the first strip of fastening material 24 is positioned
such that it is substantially parallel to the first end 16, with a
small amount of clearance between the edges of the strip 24 and the
top and bottom edges 12 and 14 and the first end 16 of the neck
warmer 10.
[0033] As further shown in FIG. 1, the second, complementary strip
of hook-and-loop fastening material 26 is mounted to the second
surface 22 of the neck warmer 10, proximate to its second end 18.
As shown in FIG. 1, the second strip 26 of hook-and-loop material
is positioned with respect to the second end 18 in a configuration
that is substantially identical to the positioning of the first
strip 24 of hook-and-loop material relative to the first end 16.
Thus, it will be appreciated that the first and second exterior
surfaces 20 and 22 of the neck warmer 10 have substantially
identical appearances, differing in that one of the fastening
strips 24 or 26 is hook material and the other strip is loop
material.
[0034] The neck warmer 10 is constructed from a pliable material.
According to the present aspect of the invention, the material used
is polar fleece, although other materials may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. These materials
include, for example, knitted or woven materials, including
materials knitted or woven from different types of yarn, including
fuzzy yarns and specialty yarns. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
pliability of the neck warmer 10 allows it to be arranged in a
tubular configuration. In FIG. 3, the first and second strips 22
and 24 of hook-and-loop fastening material have been pressed
together to fasten them to each other. It will be seen that in
order to align the fastener strips 22 and 24 so that they can be
fastened to each other, the neck warmer's first end 16 overlaps the
second end 18. The neck warmer 10 is dimensioned such that when the
neck warmer 10 is arranged in its tubular configuration, it fits
comfortably around a wearer's neck. In its tubular configuration,
it will be seen that the hook-and-loop fastening strips 22 and 24
are sandwiched between the neck warmer's overlapping ends 16 and
18.
[0035] It will be seen that the neck warmer 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3
requires significantly less material to manufacture than a
traditional scarf. In addition, the neck warmer 10 is safer than a
traditional scarf. Traditional scarves have caused injury and death
when they are wrapped around a wearer's neck and become entangled
in machinery, door, tree branches, or the like. The neck warmer 10
shown in FIGS. 1-3 does not have any excess material that can
become entangled. Also, the neck warmer 10 has a safety release
feature. If the neck warmer 10 somehow becomes entangled in
something, the hook-and-loop fastener strips 24 and 26 will pull
apart, freeing the wearer.
[0036] In addition, it will be seen that the generally rectangular
shape of the neck warmer 10 facilitates the addition of corporate
logos, team names, or other designs. These designs, for example,
may be embroidered directly onto the neck warmer 10. Alternatively,
the designs may be placed onto labels that are then sewn or
otherwise attached to the neck warmer 10. If desired, a logo or
other design may extend across an entire interior or exterior
surface 20 or 22 of the neck warmer 10. It should further be noted
that because the neck warmer 10 is reversible, a wearer of the neck
warmer 10 may choose to wear it with the logo or design on the
outside or on the inside, depending upon the situation. In
addition, because the neck warmer 10 is reversible, it would be
possible to have a different logo or design on each side, thereby
increasing the versatility of the neck warmer 10.
[0037] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a technique for constructing the neck
warmer 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 shows an elevation view of a
rectangular piece of material 30, such as polar fleece, or the
like. According to the present aspect of the invention, the
rectangular piece of material has a height of approximately 13
inches. However, the height of the material may be modified without
departing from the spirit of the invention. The starting piece of
material 30 may be cut from a larger sheet or roll of material, and
may have rough, unfinished edges. Polar fleece and other fabrics
typically have a "right" side and a "wrong" side. In FIG. 4, the
right side of the material faces forward. Along the center of the
rectangular piece of material 30, there is shown a crease line 32,
which divides the rectangular piece of the material 30 into upper
and lower halves 30a and 30b, each having a height of approximately
6.5 inches.
[0038] In FIG. 5, the upper half 30a of the rectangular piece of
material 30 has been folded at the crease line 32 to overlay the
lower half 30b to form a folded rectangle, with the "right" side of
the material on the inside of the folded rectangle. The crease line
32 forms the top of the folded rectangle. The left, bottom, and
right edges of the folded rectangle are not yet attached to each
other, and have unfinished edges.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, an L-shaped seam 34 is stitched through
the upper and lower halves 30a and 30b of the folded rectangle 30
to close its left and bottom edges. It will be seen that with the
L-shaped seam 34 in place, the folded rectangle 30 now forms a
pouch with an open mouth 36.
[0040] The pouch now reversed through its mouth 36 to bring the
"right" side of the fabric to the outside. It will be seen that
after the pouch has been reversed, the bottom and left edges of the
pouch now have finished appearances. The unfinished edges at the
mouth of the pouch are finished by folding them towards the
interior of the pouch along crease line 38 and stitching them into
place. FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the mouth of the pouch
shown in FIG. 6 after the rough edges have been folded in at crease
line 38.
[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the closing
of the mouth 36 of the pouch is combined with attaching a
hook-and-loop fastener strip to that end. Returning to FIG. 1, it
will be seen that the first fastener strip 22 is affixed to the
neck warmer by a rectangular seam 40 that travels along the inner
perimeter of the fastener strip 22. Returning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the
unfinished edges of the mouth 36 of the pouch may be folded in and
held in place as the first fastener strip 22 is stitched into
position. At least part of the rectangular seam 40 passes through
the folded-in edges of the mouth 36 to hold the folded-in edges in
place. A second rectangular seam 42 is used to attach the second
fastener strip 26 to the second end 18 of the neck warmer 10. The
first and second fastener strips 24 and 26 may be attached to the
neck warmer 10 in any order without departing from the spirit of
the invention. In the present embodiment of the invention, in
attaching the fastener strips 24 and 26 to the neck warmer 10, a
clear, monofilament thread is loaded into the sewing machine's
bobbin, and a suitably colored multifilament thread is loaded onto
the sewing machine's upper spindle. In constructing the present
embodiments of the neck warmer, two thread combinations have been
used: (1) white multifilament and clear monofilament, for use with
white hook-and-loop strips, or (2) black multifilament and clear
monofilament, for use with black hook-and-loop strips. Given the
method of construction, the only visible thread is the stitching on
the hook-and-loop strips. Thus, neck warmers having different
colors or patterns may be assembled using the same thread and
bobbin, so long as the neck warmers all have the same color
hook-and-loop strips. However, it will be appreciated that
different types of threads may be used without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
[0042] From the above description of the invention, it will be
apparent that the neck warmer 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 has two layers
or plies, formed by the upper and lower halves 30a and 30b of the
rectangle 30 shown in FIG. 4. It will further be apparent that, if
desired, the space between the two layers may be filled with an
insulating material, such as down, synthetic filling, and the like.
The space between the two layers may also be filled with a
microwaveable, heat-retaining material, such as buckwheat, rice, or
the like. Filler material may be loaded directly between the two
layers and then permanently sewn or otherwise sealed between the
two layers. Filler material may be freely distributed between the
two layers, or may be loaded into defined compartments within the
neck warmer. Where the filler material is permanently sewn into the
neck warmer, the entire neck warmer would be placed in a microwave
oven to heat the filler material.
[0043] Alternatively, it would also be possible to load filler
material into a filler insert or a plurality of filler inserts (not
shown). The filler insert or inserts may further be installed in
the neck warmer such that they are removable by the wearer. In that
case, the wearer would be able to remove the filler insert or
inserts and place them into a microwave oven for heating, separate
from the rest of the neck warmer. Once heated, the filler insert or
inserts would then be reinstalled into the neck warmer, which would
then be placed around the wearer's neck.
[0044] It will further be apparent that because the fastener strips
22 and 24 are affixed to the neck warmer 10 in a substantially
symmetrical fashion, the neck warmer 10 is reversible. In other
words, the first surface 20 of the neck warmer may provide either
the inner or outer circumferential surface of the tubular
configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1-7, the reversibility feature may be
useful for a number of reasons. For example, one side of the neck
warmer 10 may become worn or stained. The wearer can then reverse
the neck warmer to hide the worn or stained portion.
[0045] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate the construction of an alternative
embodiment of a neck warmer 50 according to the present invention.
The finished neck warmer 50 is shown in FIG. 11. FIGS. 8-10 are a
series of drawings illustrating the construction of a neck warmer
50 according to this aspect of the invention. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, two separate rectangular pieces of material 52 and 54 are
used to construct the neck warmer 50. The two rectangular pieces 52
and 54 may be made out of the same material or different materials
and may have the same color or aesthetic appearance or different
colors or aesthetic appearances. The use of different materials or
materials having different appearances may serve a number of
different purposes. For example, it may be desirable for the inner
and outer surfaces of the neck warmer to have different colors or
designs, allowing the neck warmer to be reversed for coordination
with different outfits. Also, it may be desirable, for example, for
the outer surface of the neck warmer to be waterproof, but for the
inner surface of the neck warmer to be breathable. It may also be
desirable for one of the surfaces to be reflective.
[0046] In FIG. 9, the first rectangular piece of material 52 is
laid on top of the second piece of material 54, with their "right"
sides abutting each other. The two pieces are then sewn together at
their top, left, and bottom edges using a U-shaped seam 56 to form
a pouch with an open mouth 58. The pouch is then reversed through
the mouth 58, bringing the "right" side of the top and bottom
pieces of material 52 and 54 to the outside. The unfinished edges
at the mouth 58 of the pouch are then folded in at crease line 60.
FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the mouth 58 of the pouch after
the unfinished edges have been folded in.
[0047] The edges of the mouth 58 are then stitched into position to
present a finished appearance. Similar to the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the closing of the mouth 58 of
the pouch may be combined with attaching a hook-and-loop fastener
strip to that end. A complementary hook-and-loop fastener strip is
also affixed to the other end of the neck warmer 50. FIG. 11 shows
an isometric view, and FIG. 12 shows a top view, of the neck warmer
50 after it has been arranged in a tubular configuration, with its
ends fastened to each other. FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of the
neck warmer 50 in position around the neck of a wearer 62. The
position of the overlapping portion of the neck warmer 50 on the
wearer's neck may be freely varied for purposes of comfort or
appearance.
[0048] The neck warmers 10 and 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 each
are constructed to have two layers. However, it will be appreciated
that it would also be possible to construct a neck warmer according
to the present invention with only a single layer. For example, it
would be possible to construct a neck warmer using only one of the
two pieces of material 52 or 54 shown in FIG. 8. However, if only
one sheet of material is used, it would be desirable for all of the
unfinished edges of the material to be hemmed or otherwise
finished.
[0049] The neck warmers 10 and 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 are
designed to fit a neck of a particular size. Thus, it is
contemplated that these neck warmers 10 and 50 will be manufactured
in different sizes, such as small, medium, large, extra large, and
the like. However, it would also be possible, within the spirit of
the invention, to modify the design of the neck warmer such that
its size is adjustable.
[0050] FIG. 14 shows an elevation view of a neck warmer 70
according to a further aspect of the invention. The neck warmer 70
is similar to the neck warmers 10 and 50 shown in FIGS. 1-13.
However, the neck warmer 70 includes a plurality of fastener strips
72-76 at one end, with at least one complementary fastener strip 78
at the other end. It will be seen that the neck warmer 70 can be
adjusted to be worn by wearers having different neck sizes.
Fastening strip 78 to strip 72 results in a relatively narrow tube.
Fastening strip 78 to strips 74 and 76 results in progressively
wider tubes. This adjustability feature may also be useful if a
particular wearer chooses to wear another article of clothing, such
as a turtleneck collar, underneath the neck warmer 70. Also, a
wearer may wish to loosen or tighten the neck warmer during the
course of a day.
[0051] Other arrangements may also be used to allow a neck warmer
according to the present invention to be adjustable. For example,
it would be possible to use one wide strip of hook-and-loop
material, two wide strips, or other combinations thereof. Because
loop material is typically softer than hook material, it would be
desirable for the fastening means to be arranged such that if any
portion of the fastening means comes into contact with the wearer's
neck, that portion would be loop material.
[0052] FIGS. 15-17 show plan views of three neck warmers 80, 90 and
100 according to further aspects of the invention, in which the
neck warmers have been provided with pockets that can be used to
hold keys, credit cards, cash, or other small items. Thus, when
using a neck warmer according to this aspect of the invention, a
wearer is freed from having to carry items in pants pockets, shirt
pockets, or the like. This aspect of the invention may be
particularly useful when the neck warmer is used for running, or
other outdoor activities. It should be noted that although the neck
warmers shown in FIGS. 15-17 show only a single, substantially
rectangular pocket, it would be possible within the spirit of the
present invention to provide pockets of different shapes, or to
provide a plurality of pockets.
[0053] In the neck warmer 80 shown in FIG. 15, a pocket 82 has been
created by attaching a square patch of material 84 to an outer
surface of the neck warmer 80 using a U-shaped seam 86 that
attaches the left, bottom, and right edges of the square patch 84
to the neck warmer 80, leaving the top edge open. The open top edge
serves as the pocket opening. The edges of the patch 84 are
finished by turning them under and hemming them. As shown in FIG.
15, the pocket opening is secured by a pair of complementary
hook-and-loop fastener strips 88. One fastener strip is attached to
the surface of the neck warmer, and the other fastener strip is
attached to the inner surface of the square patch 84.
[0054] Alternatively, the neck warmer shown in FIG. 15 may be
modified by leaving the pocket open, that is, without hook-and-loop
fastener strips 88. Such a pocket would allow a wearer to gain easy
access to the pocket's contents. The pocket may be shaped to
accommodate a particular item.
[0055] It should be noted that other fastening means may be used to
allow the pocket opening to be closed. These include, for example,
snaps, hooks, zippers, and the like. Thus, as used throughout the
present description of the invention, the term "pocket closing
means" refers generally to these and other like arrangements used
to close a pocket.
[0056] The neck warmer 90 shown in FIG. 16 is similar to the neck
warmer 80 shown in FIG. 15. A flap 94 has been added at the top of
the pocket 92. Hook-and-loop fastener strips 96 are used to
removably fasten the flap 94 to close the pocket 92. Other pocket
closing means may also be used. The neck warmers 80 and 90 shown in
FIG. 15 and 16 may be worn with the pocket either inside or
outside. Depending upon the contents of the pocket, it may be
desirable to have the pocket on the outside for comfort, or on the
inside for security. It would also be within the spirit of the
invention to provide a plurality of pockets, and it would further
be possible to provide one or more pockets on both the inner and
outer surfaces of the neck warmer.
[0057] FIG. 17 shows a neck warmer according to a further aspect of
the invention in which a pocket 102 has been formed in the neck
warmer between its two layers. As shown in FIG. 17, an opening 104
has been provided at the top edge of the neck warmer 100, providing
access to the interior of the neck warmer 100. First and second
transverse seams 106 and 108 have been stitched across the neck
warmer 100, with one seam at each side of the opening 104. It will
be seen that each seam 106 and 108 defines one side of the pocket.
As shown in FIG. 17, the bottom of the pocket 102 is provided by
the bottom edge 110 of the neck warmer 100. However, it would also
be possible to provide a separate bottom seam (not shown) to define
a shallower pocket. If desired, a pair of hook-and-loop fastening
strips can be affixed between the two layers of the neck warmer 100
proximate to the opening 104 to allow a wearer to open and close
the pocket 102. Other pocket closing means may also be used for
this purpose.
[0058] FIGS. 18-22 illustrate a technique for constructing a neck
warmer 120 according to a further aspect of the invention. The
finished neck warmer 120 is shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 18 shows a
partially completed neck warmer 122, which resembles the neck
warmer 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, except that there is an opening 124
in the bottom edge. As shown in FIGS. 19-22, a pocket is formed
from two rectangular pieces of material 126 and 128 that are
stitched together using a U-shaped seam 130. It should be noted
that although two separate pieces of material 126 and 128 are shown
in FIGS. 19-22, it would also be possible within the spirit of the
present invention to construct a suitable pocket using a single
piece of material (not shown) that is folded in half, and sewn
accordingly.
[0059] A zipper or other pocket closing means is installed between
the two pieces of material 126 and 128, with flaps 132 and 134
extending outside of the pocket. The flaps 132 and 134 are used to
attach the pocket to the interior of the neck warmer. These flaps
132 and 134 may also be used in attaching a zipper across the mouth
of the pocket. If hook-and-loop strips are used to close the
pocket, they may suitably be attached to the inner surfaces of the
pocket, just within the pocket mouth.
[0060] FIG. 22 shows a top view of the pocket, illustrating the
installed zipper 136. Other pocket closing means may be used in
place of zipper 136. As shown in FIG. 23, the finished pocket 138
may be used to store small items 140, such as credit card, keys,
and the like. It should be noted that the material, shape, size,
fastening means, and location of the pockets shown in FIGS. 15-23
may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Also, the pocket may be used to hold other types of items
including, for example, medication, cosmetics, heating or cooling
pads, scented materials, or the like.
[0061] FIGS. 24 and 25 show isometric views of alternative
embodiments of an inflatable neck warmer 150 and 150' according to
a further aspect of the invention. According to this aspect of the
invention, the neck warmers 150 and 150' are provided with inner
tubes that may be inflated and deflated by a wearer. FIG. 24 shows
a neck warmer 150 that, when inflated, has a substantially straight
shape. FIG. 25 shows a neck warmer 150' that, when inflated, has a
curved shape. The shape of the inflated neck warmer may be varied
to provide support for the neck, the back, or other body part. When
the inner tube is deflated, the neck warmers 150 and 150' lie flat
and have a generally rectangular shape. The neck warmers 150 and
150' include complementary strips of hook-and-loop material 152 and
154, and 152' and 154', at each end. The inner tubes are pliable
when they are deflated. Thus, when the neck warmers 150 and 150'
are in their deflated configurations, they function in a manner
similar to that of the neck warmers shown in FIGS. 1-23 and
described above. When the neck warmers 150 and 150' are in their
inflated configurations, the neck warmers assume an inflated shape
that is sufficiently rigid to provide support to a wearer's neck or
other body part. The inflated neck warmer 150' shown in FIG. 25 is
curved so that it fits at least part of the way around a wearer's
neck, providing support to the wearer's head. This curved shape of
the inflated neck warmer 150' facilitates its use as a pillow, neck
support or back support for air travel or in other situations.
However, as shown in FIG. 24, the neck warmer 150 may have a
straight shape, or other shape, as desired.
[0062] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate a technique according to a further
aspect of the invention for constructing the neck warmer shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25. In FIG. 26, a rectangular sheet of suitable
material 160, such as polar fleece, is folded along a central
crease line, wrong side out. As shown in FIG. 26, the rectangular
sheet of material includes a small hole 162 that is used to provide
access to the inflation valve of an inner tube. FIGS. 27 and 28
show isometric views of inner tubes 164 and 164' suitable for use,
respectively, in the neck warmers 150 and 150' shown in FIGS. 24
and 25. FIG. 27 a "straight" inner tube 164, and FIG. 28 a curved
inner tube 164'. Each inner tube 164 and 164' includes an inflation
valve 166 and 166'. The inflation valves 166 and 166' include
nozzles 168 and 168' that protrude, respectively, out of inner
tubes 164 and 164' and are used to blow air into the inner tubes
164 and 164'. When the inner tubes 164 and 164' are fully inflated,
the nozzles 168 and 168' may be pushed into a recessed position so
that they no longer protrude out of inner tubes 164 and 164'.
[0063] Returning to FIG. 26, it will be seen that the hole 162 is
positioned so that is aligns with inflation valves 166 and 166'. As
shown in FIG. 29, the folded rectangular piece of material 160 is
stitched with an L-shaped seam 170 to form a pouch and is then
reversed through the mouth of the pouch. Similar to the neck warmer
shown in FIGS. 8-13, discussed above, the inflatable neck warmer
may be constructed using two separate pieces of material, using a
U-shaped seam. The inner tube 164 or 164' can then be inserted into
the pouch so that the inflation valve is properly located within
the hole 162, as shown in FIG. 29. The mouth of the pouch is then
folded in, and fastener strips 152 and 154, or 152' and 154', are
attached to the two ends of the neck warmer. If desired, the
material 160 shown in FIG. 26 may include extra sections to
facilitate the expansion of the neck warmer when it is inflated.
The extra sections of material may be arranged in pleats or other
suitable configurations.
[0064] It will be appreciated that a neck warmer according to the
present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art.
First, the neck warmer is versatile. Because it is reversible, the
neck warmer can present two different aesthetic appearances,
doubling its usefulness in a wardrobe. In addition, the neck warmer
can be used as general cold weather outerwear, but may also be used
for sports, like skiing, skating, winter running, or the like.
Second, the neck warmer does not have to be pulled over the head.
This feature can be significant where, for example, the wearer has
eyeglasses or a hat, or is concerned about his or her hair. In
addition, the neck warmer may be easily placed around a child's
neck.
[0065] As further described herein, further aspects of a neck
warmer according to present invention provide additional useful
features, including a pocket that can be used for storage of small
items, and an inflatable tube that allows the neck warmer to be
used as a travel pillow. Also, as mentioned above, the neck warmer
may include a material, such as buckwheat or rice, that can be
heated in a microwave. This material may be freely distributed
within the neck warmer or loaded into defined compartments within
the neck warmer. Alternatively, as discussed above, the material
may be contained in filler inserts that may be removable.
[0066] A neck warmer according to the present invention is also
significantly safer than a scarf. Wearing a scarf, there is a
danger that the scarf will get caught in machinery, in a door, or
the like. A neck warmer according to the present invention is
close-fitting, substantially reducing this risk. If the neck warmer
gets caught or pulled at, it will typically release, thereby
tending to prevent injury to the wearer.
[0067] It will further be appreciated that the neck warmer uses a
minimum of material, thereby saving on manufacturing costs. Because
the neck warmer is rectangular, it is easy to ship, store and
display. In addition, it folds easily for packing, or for placing
into a jacket pocket.
[0068] While the foregoing description includes details which will
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it
should be recognized that the description is illustrative in nature
and that many modifications and variations thereof will be apparent
to those skilled in the art having the benefit of these teachings.
It is accordingly intended that the invention herein be defined
solely by the claims appended hereto and that the claims be
interpreted as broadly as permitted by the prior art.
* * * * *