U.S. patent application number 11/746048 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for head covering with magnetic closure.
Invention is credited to Ellen Siegel Ulrich.
Application Number | 20070266476 11/746048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38710580 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070266476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ulrich; Ellen Siegel |
November 22, 2007 |
Head Covering With Magnetic Closure
Abstract
A head covering is formed having a full size hood portion
coupled with a magnetic closure structure in the overlapping layers
around the neck. The bottom of the head covering, located in the
user's neck region, includes two extensions, one on each side of
the hood portion. These extensions may be elongated so that they
overlap and surround the user's neck. The two extensions are
attached by a two-part magnetic closure. The fabric drape is such
that the head covering keeps its shape. The magnets may be firmly
set in place. This closure may be located off the center line of
the hood which increases the ease of use and decreases the
likelihood that the closure will open accidentally. The closure,
extensions and drape may be designed so that the fastening is quick
and easy, without the need for the user to look into a mirror, or
be in the light, or use both hands. In another preferred embodiment
the hood portion of the covering may be retracted to a position off
the head without unfastening the closure.
Inventors: |
Ulrich; Ellen Siegel;
(Bronxville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KILE GOEKJIAN REED & MCMANUS
1200 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, NW, SUITE 570
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
38710580 |
Appl. No.: |
11/746048 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60746696 |
May 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 1/002 20130101;
A42B 7/00 20130101; A42B 1/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/202 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/04 20060101
A42B001/04 |
Claims
1. A head covering comprising, a hood portion designed to cover the
head of a user; a bottom portion with two extensions designed to
overlap around the neck of the user; a set of closures located on
each of said extensions, said closures positioned such that when
the extensions overlap around the neck of the user the closures
will attract and fasten the two extensions together thus holding
the extensions around the neck of the user; wherein the head
covering is designed so that the shape of the head covering is
maintained under normal conditions.
2. The head covering of claim 1 wherein said shape is maintained by
the proper fabric drape.
3. The head covering of claim 2 wherein said set of closures are
magnetic closures located such that in the fastened position the
closures are located off center.
4. The head covering of claim 3 wherein said set of closures are
located, from the user's perspective, left of center.
5. The head covering of claim 1 wherein said set of closures
comprises a plurality of closures on each of said extensions
wherein said plurality of closures are spaced such that the
tightness around the user's neck can be adjusted.
6. The head covering of claim 1 wherein said hood portion further
comprises an opening that extends vertically from the user's
forehead to the chin area and extends horizontally to the entire
width of the user's face.
7. The head covering of claim 1 wherein said head cover comprises
at least two layers of material and said closures are sewn in
between two layers.
8. The head covering of claim 7 wherein said closures are secured
within separate individual fabric pockets with stitching tightly
contoured around the shape of each closure and said fabric pockets
are secured between two layers of material with a second stitching,
said second stitching being tightly contoured around the shape of
each closure.
9. A head covering comprising, a hood portion designed to cover the
head of a user; a bottom portion with two extensions designed to
overlap around the neck of the user; a set of magnetic closures
located on each of said extensions, said closures positioned such
that when the extensions overlap around the neck of the user the
closures will attract and fasten the two extensions together thus
holding the extensions around the neck of the user; wherein the
head covering is designed so that the shape of the head covering is
maintained by fabric drape.
10. The head covering of claim 9 wherein said closures, when viewed
in the fastened position, are located off center.
11. The head covering of claim 1 wherein said hood portion further
comprises an opening that extends vertically from the user's
forehead to the chin area and extends horizontally to the entire
width of the user's face.
12. The head covering of claim 10 wherein said hood portion is
shaped so that it fits around the user's head at a distance close
enough to allow protection from the weather and to prevent the wind
from blowing the hood back off of the users head; but far enough
away so that the user can in a one hand operation fold the top of
the hood back off of the user's head.
13. The head covering of claim 9 wherein said head cover comprises
at least two layers of material and said closures are sewn in
between two layers.
14. The head covering of claim 12 wherein said closures are secured
within separate individual fabric pockets with stitching tightly
contoured around the shape of each closure and said fabric pockets
are secured between two layers of material with a second stitching,
said second stitching being tightly contoured around the shape of
each closure.
15. The head covering of claim 9 wherein all portions of said head
covering are made with materials designed for cold weather
protection.
16. The head covering of claim 14 wherein said materials for cold
weather protection comprise three layers.
17. The head covering of claim 15 wherein said three layers are: an
interior layer having a smooth and light material having the
property of not mussing the hairstyle of the user, a middle layer
having insulating properties, and an exterior layer with water
repellent properties.
18. The head covering of claim 9 wherein said head covering is
designed for use in environments selected from the group consisting
of: warm weather, hot weather, sunlight, ultraviolet light.
19. The head covering of claim 9 wherein all portions of said head
covering are made in three layers.
20. The head covering of claim 9 wherein all portions of the head
covering are made in two layers.
21. The head covering of claim 9 wherein said head covering is
constructed of materials designed primary for protection against
rain.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/746,696, filed May 8, 2006, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to articles of clothing and more
particularly to articles of clothing to be worn about the head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There has been a long felt need to protect the appearance of
hair and hairdos in a variety of climate conditions and
temperatures, whether indoors or outdoors. Those in need are
typically individuals with curly hair, large amounts of hair, new
hairdos, new permanent hair treatments and the like. The need is
particularly acute under harsh weather conditions such as high
wind, rain, snow, excessive heat and humidity etc. Another long
felt need exists for a head covering that does not require being in
front of a mirror or in light, or having both hands free, to adjust
or fasten in the ideal position around the head and neck. Children,
persons with disabilities, the visually impaired, or people working
with their hands or in poor lighting conditions, or carrying bags
like while shopping or running errands, could all benefit from a
head covering having these helpful properties. Finally, those
having long pony tails, braids, or pig-tails have difficulty
finding appropriate head coverings that fit. These individuals have
a significant amount of hair around the back of their necks which
makes most head coverings inconvenient and uncomfortable to
wear.
[0004] Prior art head coverings are not ideal. Typical head
coverings are hoods. Hoods, however, are seen as components
attached to outerwear garments, such as raincoats, ponchos hoodies
and other types of outerwear. Other head coverings include hats,
ear muffs, higabs, scarves, kerchiefs etc.
[0005] These head coverings do not adequately meet the long felt
need; they have various shortcomings. Many of these prior art head
coverings are too hot for certain conditions. Moreover, head
coverings may be comfortable while the user is walking in cold
weather; but, after the user transfers to another mode of
transportation, a taxi, a subway, or a car, the head covering will
become uncomfortable. Hoods attached to garments tend to fall off
the user's head, or press on the user's hair, or throat, as pulled
by the weight of the user sitting on the attached garment. Other
head coverings, such as kerchiefs, need to be tied tightly around
the user's neck to remain securely in place therefore mussing the
hairstyle of the user, and require the use of both hands to be tied
and untied. In other cases the coverings, once removed, cannot be
readily stored. They are too bulky to fit inside a handbag.
Furthermore, when the user's hands are full it will be inconvenient
to remove the head covering. Moreover, the coverings press down on
the hair too much resulting in a crushed hairdo or producing "hat
head," for example. Some elderly individuals, arthritis sufferers,
persons with reduced hand or fingers mobility due to permanent or
temporary disability, visually impaired individuals, persons in
poor lighting conditions, or without a mirror, or children, lack
the manual dexterity or the visual ability or attention required to
adjust or fasten many prior art head coverings.
[0006] Some types of outerwear garments are equipped with removable
hoods. However, should the user attempt to use the removable hood
without the body portion of the garment, the result would be
non-functional, and aesthetically unappealing. The hood will not
properly close or protect the head. The pattern from which these
fabrics are cut does not result in the proper size and shape to
function independently of the body portion of the garment.
Furthermore, the bottom portion of the hood is not designed to hold
the hood in place without attachment to the top portion of the body
component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of the present head covering in place
of a user's head;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present head covering in place
of a user's head with overlapping layers around the neck;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of a fastened head covering showing
the locations of the two-part magnet A and overlapping layer B;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view of an unfastened head covering
showing the locations of the two-part magnet A on both sides of the
neck overlapping layers.
[0011] FIGS. 5-7 represent fabric panels that were used to make up
one prototype of a head covering (not drawn to scale).
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative version of FIG. 7 (not
drawn to scale).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The following summary, for edificational purposes only,
outlines some embodiments of the disclosed invention and is not
meant to limit the invention in any way. A head covering is formed
having a full size hood portion coupled with a magnetic fastening
structure in the overlapping layers around the neck. The full size
hood portion has an opening that extends vertically from the user's
forehead to the chin area and extends horizontally to the entire
width of the user's face.
[0014] The bottom of the head covering, located in the user's neck
region, includes two extensions, one on each side of the hood
portion. These extensions are elongated so that they overlap and
surround the user's neck. In an embodiment, the two extensions are
attached by a two-part magnetic closure. When one part of the
closure is brought near the other, the magnets attract and thus
fasten the two extensions together. The closure and extensions are
designed so that the fastening is quick and easy, without the need
for the user to look into a mirror, or be in the light, or use both
hands. In a preferred embodiment, this closure is specifically
located off center because this location increases the ease of use
and decreases the likelihood that the closure will open
accidentally. In another preferred embodiment the hood portion of
the covering can be retracted to a position off the head without
unfastening the closure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The head covering is typically worn over the user's head as
set forth in FIGS. 1-4. The invention can be arbitrarily divided,
for description purposes only, into a "hood" portion designed to
fit around the user's head, and a "bottom" portion designed to wrap
comfortably but securely around the user's neck as shown in the
figures.
[0016] The head covering is designed with a particular shape and
with fabric having a certain "drape" so as to maintain certain
desired shapes as described below. Fabric drape may be defined as a
description of the deformation of the fabric produced by gravity
when only part of the fabric is directly supported. In the present
invention, the fabric drape must resist the effects of gravity
enough so that certain shapes are maintained. The specific shapes
to be maintained depending on the particular embodiment under
consideration.
[0017] The "hood" portion is designed with a particular curvature
so that it fits around the user's head at a particular distance.
The hood portion cannot be too close to the head. Not only would
this "crush" certain delicate hairstyles but also it will feel
"heavy" on the user's head. When the curvature is properly designed
and in connection with additional properties described below, the
hood portion feels very "light" on the user's head. In addition,
the hood portion may be made loose enough so that the user can--in
a simple one-hand operation-pull the hood portion backwards off the
top of the user's head so that the hood portion folds backward onto
a position around the back of the user's neck. Tests of prototypes
show that the head covering according to the present invention is
surprisingly resistant to being "blown off" the head and onto the
neck by the wind. Yet at the same time even a child can, if the
child desires, manually pull the head covering back on and off the
neck and head with very little effort.
[0018] On the other hand, the hood portion cannot be too loose. For
example, the hood portion would not properly protect the user's
head from the elements. Also, the hood portion would have a
tendency to rotate and dangerously obscure the user's vision (e.g.,
during driving or crossing the street) and the wind could blow the
hood portion off of the top of the user's head.
[0019] Another feature is the shape and size of the opening of the
hood portion of the head covering. In one preferred embodiment, the
opening extends vertically from the top of the user's forehead to
below the user's chin. It extends horizontally to expose the entire
width of the user's face. Also, the shape of the hood portion at
the opening should be, in certain embodiments, slightly but
significantly concave. This helps to maintain the proper optimal
distance between head covering and the user's head all along the
inner surface of the head covering. This helps to maintain both the
"light feel" and wind resistance described above.
[0020] In addition to the design of the "hood" portion, the bottom
portion features extensions which wraps around the user's neck and
help to ensure proper functioning. In one embodiment shown in FIG.
1 (front view) and FIG. 2 (side view) these extensions are fastened
together with a set of magnetic closures. The closures are
positioned so that when fastened the closures are located on the
left side of the user's neck.
[0021] The inventor contemplates that the head covering is
available in several different sizes to comfortably fit a wide
variety of users of different ages and body types.
[0022] In an alternate configuration, a plurality of magnets may be
employed to enable adjustable fastening around the user's neck. In
this alternative configuration, the user need not be satisfied with
the "preset" tightness of the neck region of the head covering, but
rather can adjust the tightness according to the user's desires.
More than a single magnetic closure element may be provided on one
or both extensions of the bottom portion of the head covering, for
such purpose.
[0023] In an alternate configuration, the magnets can be hidden,
for safety or aesthetic reasons, by being sewn inside the material
of the head covering. An additional reason for this configuration
is that the magnets can be sewn securely into a specific position
on the garment. This improves the ease with which the magnetic
closures can be fastened. If left free to move around within the
fabric layers, magnets tend to shift position as a result of
magnetic forces.
[0024] Also, experimentation has shown that the following operation
helps to keep the magnets in position. First the magnets are sewn
into separate individual fabric pockets with stitching tightly
contoured around the shape of each magnet. Then, the same tight
stitching around the shape of each magnet is repeated when these
fabric pockets are sewn into place on the garment. This double
application of contour stitching helps keep the magnets in a more
stable position than would be the case with only a single
application. The increased stability, in turn, improves the ease of
fastening making the garment more convenient. The user can more
readily take off and put on the head covering with the simple
movement of one hand. The requirement in this preferred embodiment,
is that the magnets be secured in place. The inventor contemplates
that any mechanisms that can be used to secure the magnets in place
would function in the claimed invention.
[0025] The inventor specifically defines "magnetic closures" as
used in this disclosure to mean either a pair of magnets or a
single magnet paired with an element made of ferrous material or
other material capable of magnetic attraction.
[0026] The inventor contemplates that all ranges of magnets could
be useful in the claimed invention, in all sizes and shapes, from
weak to strong, from expensive to inexpensive. Both permanent
magnets and electromagnets can be used. Moreover, the invention is
not dependent on magnetic attraction per se, but only the ease with
which magnetic closures can be fastened and unfastened.
Accordingly, the inventor specifically contemplates that any and
all types of closures will function in the invention, even those
arising after the filing date of this invention, so long as those
closures have generally similar properties to the magnetic closures
described.
[0027] Proper location of the closures adds an additional advantage
to the invention. When the head covering is viewed from the front,
the closures should not be directly in the center of the neck
region, just below the chin, but rather offset to one side.
Experimentation has shown that the closures are significantly more
likely to become accidentally unfastened when placed in the
center.
[0028] It has also been determined that this configuration is more
comfortable for the user. With the closures in the center, the user
feels a weight or pressure against the middle of the neck. Also,
the center position makes closing the head covering more difficult
and time consuming than the off centered position. More
specifically, right handed users were able to close the head
covering more easily when the closures were located on the left
side as against models with closures located in the center. The
inventor contemplates that head-coverings designed for left-handed
users could use the mirror-image configuration.
[0029] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-2, in a preferred embodiment,
the closures are offset at least 1/2 inch from the center of the
neck when the closures are fastened together. In another preferred
embodiment, the closures are anywhere in the range from 1/2 inches
to 11/2 inches from the center. In still another embodiment, the
closures are anywhere in the range from 3/4 inches to 11/4 inches
from the center. In yet another embodiment, the closures are about
1 inch from the center.
[0030] The location of the closures, as well as other features of
the invention, can be seen in FIGS. 5-7. These figures represent
one preferred embodiment of the invention, which incorporates
several of the advantages of the invention into one specific
prototype. Accordingly, the inventor does not intend that the
invention be limited in any way by the illustration of this
prototype. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the outer surfaces of a suitable
prototype. More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a left panel (as
viewed from the user wearing the head cover). FIG. 6 illustrates a
back panel; and FIG. 7 illustrates a right panel of a suitable
prototype. For clarity sake, these figures have been greatly
simplified when compared to formal sewing patterns. The figures do
not attempt to take into account, for example, the actual cuts into
raw fabric needed for sewing the garment. Also left out of these
drawings are modifications for routine sewing operations, such as
hemming and the like. The figures are designed merely to represent
the general shape of the various components and the way that the
components are combined to form a prototype head cover.
[0031] The panels are sewn together as follows. The left panel is
connected to the back panel by connecting the edge in FIG. 5 from
501 clockwise to 502 to the edge in FIG. 6 from 601 to 602.
Similarly the right panel is connected to the back panel by
connecting the edge in FIG. 7 from 710 counter-clockwise to 711 to
the edge in FIG. 6 from 610 to 611. The magnetic closures are
located in the left panel at 503 and in the right panel at 703.
[0032] The location of the closures is determined, in part, by the
relative lengths of the extensions build into the bottom of the
head covering. See for example FIGS. 5, 503 and FIG. 7, 703. The
version shown in FIGS. 5-7 is designed so that closures are located
on the user's left side when the head covering is worn. The
extension on the user's right side (see FIG. 7) is longer than the
extension on the user's left side (see FIG. 5). As explained above,
this has been determined to be the optimal configuration for
right-handed users. Of course, head coverings designed for
left-handed users would use the mirror-image configuration.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative placement of one of the
closures. In some embodiments, particularly those in which the
closures are sewn inside of the head covering, the user will prefer
the closure to be located somewhat closer to the end of the
extension. Compare FIG. 8, 803 with FIG. 7, 703. This alternatively
placed closure can be easier to use, for example, when the user is
receiving only tactile clues to the location of this closure (like,
for example, when the user cannot look in a mirror, or is in poor
lighting conditions, or is visually impaired). There are, however,
sometimes advantages to the placement of the closure illustrated in
FIG. 7, 703, further from the end. The terminal portion of the
extension beyond the closure is a useful handle that the user can
grip when unfastening the closures.
[0034] In order to maintain these functions the fabric panels must
not only be cut into the proper shape, but must also have the
desired degree of stiffness or "drape" to maintain these shapes.
The curvature of the hood portion, the proper location of the
magnets and ease of fastening cannot be properly maintained with
fabric that does not have the proper "drape." If the fabric is too
thin and flexible, for example, the bottom extensions containing
the magnets will "flop around" rather than extend at predetermined
locations. This will make fastening more difficult and thus disable
an important feature of the invention.
[0035] The proper drape can be established using any of several
methods known in the garment field. As described below, different
methods are appropriate depending on whether the head covering is
primarily for children, or adults, for cold weather protection, for
wet weather protection, for excessive heat or sunlight protection,
or whether it is designed to accessorize formal or casual
outfits.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the configuration for a cold
weather head covering is typically made of 3 layers. The interior
layer has a satin finish that could be achieved by using silky
polyester, or other suitable smooth and light material having the
advantage of not mussing the hairstyle of the user.
[0037] A middle layer is a thin flexible drapeable, insulating
layer which may be formed of Thinsulate.RTM., or other suitable
insulating materials.
[0038] The exterior layer can be made with a water repellent
treated fabric, which may be ultrasuede, velvet, wool challis or
poly/cotton twill, or other suitable water repellent materials.
[0039] In another configuration for cool or rainy weather the head
covering has 3 layers. The interior layer has a satin finish,
achieved by using silky polyester, or other suitable smooth and
light material providing the advantage of not mussing the hairstyle
of the user. The middle layer is a lightweight flexible drapeable,
non-insulating layer, used not for additional warmth but to provide
proper shape and drape or to affix the magnets. The exterior layer
has a water repellent treated fabric, which may be lightweight
poly/cotton twill, or suede polyester, or other suitable water
repellent materials.
[0040] In an alternate configuration, the head covering for cold
weather or conditions could be made with only 2 layers, provided
that the exterior layer has enough thickness to hold its shape and
provides sufficient warmth for cold temperatures, Suitable
materials for the exterior layer may include fur, faux fir, boiled
wool, Loden wool, or other similar full-bodied fabrics. The
interior layer has a satin finish that could be achieved by using
silky polyester, or other suitable smooth and light material having
the advantage of not mussing the hairstyle of the user.
[0041] In an alternate embodiment, a 2-layer configuration for warm
weather or conditions may use materials having sufficient weight
and drape but that do not provide warmth. The interior layer has a
satin finish that could be achieved by using silky polyester, or
other suitable smooth and light material having the advantage of
not mussing the hairstyle of the user.
[0042] The present invention is also designed for use in a wide
variety of additional environments, including warm weather, hot
weather, sunny weather or in the presence of ultraviolet waves.
[0043] The present invention, when incorporating a selection of the
features above, provides a quick and easy head covering that does
not require full manual dexterity to be used by members of senior
or baby boomer markets, young children, visually impaired
individuals, or anyone with arthritis or other physical conditions
that affect hands or fingers.
[0044] A combination of its roomy design and magnetic closure
enables the user to put the head covering on or off or just draped
in back while it is left around the user's neck, in a matter of
seconds. Whether the user is in and out of a car or public
transportation, the user does not have to be too hot or too cold,
or wet instead of dry. In addition, the soft, drapeable fabric can
easily be shifted in any direction on the user's head or neck to
accommodate different hairstyles, while maintaining the desired
degree of protection for the user's head, neck and face.
[0045] In addition, the present invention provides a way to
eliminate "hat hair" problems, by preserving the hairstyle of the
user through the combination of: a satiny interior layer that
glides over the hair; and, a roomy design, lightweight construction
allowing easy handling.
[0046] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a non-bulky, thin, drapeable head covering which can be
easily folded and fit into a handbag, tote, briefcase, a large
pocket, etc.
[0047] The present invention may be machine or hand washable
(depending on outer fabric and any embellishments, like button,
brooch/applique detail). The insulating material and inner smooth
satin-finish polyester may be machine washable.
[0048] The present invention provides a stylish and flattering head
covering for different age groups. It can be composed of any
variety of exterior fabrics, combined with colored/printed fashion
linings, for the sophisticated consumer. It can also be
manufactured with trendy fabrications and details for a younger
demographic. Fabrics, colors and details can also be tailored to
pre-teens and children.
[0049] The present invention presents a head covering with a hood
style which is universally flattering to different features, face
shapes and ages. In an alternative embodiment an optional
"brooch/button/applique" at neck adds to fashion appeal.
[0050] The invention is also suitable for a variety of hair styles,
from short hair to long hair and, unlike many prior art head
covers, is even comfortable and practical to users having long pony
tails, braids, or pig-tails.
* * * * *