U.S. patent application number 12/077376 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper.
Invention is credited to Sean Curtis Johnston, Leontine Marie Klem.
Application Number | 20090235426 12/077376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41087424 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090235426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnston; Sean Curtis ; et
al. |
September 24, 2009 |
Hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a
zipper
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a hooded garment.
More particularly, the invention encompasses a hooded garment, such
as, a hoodie, with an integrated turtle neck or tubular collar
having a zipper. The invention further includes the option of the
garment having one or more content sleeves and/or one or more
pouches or pockets.
Inventors: |
Johnston; Sean Curtis;
(Poughquag, NY) ; Klem; Leontine Marie; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AHSAN & ASSOCIATES
P.O. BOX 251
HOPEWELL JUNCTION
NY
12533
US
|
Family ID: |
41087424 |
Appl. No.: |
12/077376 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/84 ; 2/129;
2/139; 2/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 3/005 20130101;
A41D 27/18 20130101; A41D 2200/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/84 ; 2/139;
2/129; 2/247 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20060101
A41D003/08; A41B 3/04 20060101 A41B003/04; A41B 3/00 20060101
A41B003/00; A41D 27/20 20060101 A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. A garment, comprising: (a) a garment body having a neck opening
and sleeves; (b) a retractable hood attached by stitching to said
garment body; (c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous
enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom
edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of
the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a
sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in
a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck
in a second position; and (d) wherein said stretchable tubular
collar has at least one zipper extending along a vertical path from
a first position to a second position, so that said stretchable
tubular collar is in an first position when said zipper is in a
first position, and said stretchable tubular collar is in a second
position when said zipper is in a second position, and wherein said
first position of said zipper is different than said second
position of said zipper.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein said first position of said
zipper is selected from a group consisting of an open position, an
intermediate position, and a closed position.
3. The garment of claim 1, wherein said second position of said
zipper is selected from a group consisting of an open position, an
intermediate position, and a closed position.
4. The garment of claim 1, wherein said first position of said
zipper is selected from a group consisting of an upper edge of said
tubular collar, a lower edge of said tubular collar, an
intermediate position along said tubular collar, an upper edge of
said body portion, a lower edge of said body portion, and an
intermediate position along said body portion.
5. The garment of claim 1, wherein said second position of said
zipper is selected from a group consisting of an upper edge of said
tubular collar, a lower edge of said tubular collar, an
intermediate position along said tubular collar, an upper edge of
said body portion, a lower edge of said body portion, and an
intermediate position along said body portion.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein said sleeve has a stretchable
cuff.
7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the material for said garment is
selected from a group consisting of a wool material, a cotton
material, a nylon-type material, a fire-retardant material, a
moisture absorbing material, a synthetic material, and a fleece
material.
8. The garment of claim 1, where the material for said stretchable
tubular collar is different than the material for said retractable
hood.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one
pocket.
10. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one
pocket and wherein said pocket has at least one re-closeable means,
and wherein said re-closeable means is selected from a group
consisting of a zip, a Velcro, a snap-type button, and a
slider.
11. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one
drawstring, and wherein said drawstring adjustably opens and closes
a portion of said retractable hood.
12. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one
drawstring, and wherein said drawstring adjustably opens and closes
a portion of said garment.
13. The garment of claim 1, wherein said stretchable tubular collar
is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck of a
wearer.
14. The garment of claim 1, wherein said stretchable tubular collar
is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least
a portion of the face of a wearer while said retractable hood is
extended over a user's head.
15. The garment of claim 1, wherein said stretchable tubular collar
is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least
a portion of the face of a wearer while said retractable hood is
retracted from a user's head.
16. The garment of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of said
retractable hood is attached to the garment body along the entire
neck opening.
17. The garment of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of said
stretchable tubular collar is attached to the garment body along
the entire neck opening.
18. The garment of claim 1, wherein said zipper is attached along
the entire vertical length of said tubular collar.
19. The garment of claim 1, wherein said zipper is attached along
the entire vertical length of said tubular collar, and as well as
along at least a portion of said garment body.
20. A hooded sweatshirt, comprising: (a) a garment body having a
neck opening and sleeves; (b) a retractable hood, adapted to be
worn over a user's head, attached by stitching to the garment body;
(c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous enclosed
surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom edge
attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of the
circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a
sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in
a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck
in a second position; and (d) wherein said stretchable tubular
collar has at least one zipper extending along a vertical path from
a first position to a second position, so that said stretchable
tubular collar is in an first position when said zipper is in a
first position, and said stretchable tubular collar is in a second
position when said zipper is in a second position, and wherein said
first position of said zipper is different than said second
position of said zipper.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a hooded garment.
More particularly, the invention encompasses a hooded garment, such
as, a hoodie, with an integrated turtle neck or tubular collar
having a zipper. The invention further includes the option of the
garment having one or more content sleeves and/or one or more
pouches or pockets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Since of advent of time human beings have worn various types
of clothing to protect themselves from the elements. Some of these
clothing have been directed to a cold weather climate, while others
to hot weather conditions, and still others to moderate or
intermediate temperature environments.
[0003] It is well know in the art that many types of cool or cold
weather apparel exist for protecting a wearer's body, especially,
the upper torso, including coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other
similar outerwear. In many cases, different items of apparel may be
worn together, such as a coat and a hat, to improve the overall
protection for the wearer. Similarly, certain apparel may combine
features, such as a coat liner or removable hood, to increase the
circumstances in which the apparel might be appropriately used.
[0004] It is also well known that a significant percentage of a
person's body heat is radiated through his or her head. For this
reason, various apparel exist that are designed to cover the head
and neck when worn. Among these various items of apparel include
face mask, hats, caps, knitted hats, and others. As discussed
generally above, at least some of these head and neck protections
have been combined with coats and jackets.
[0005] In addition to separate apparel, in some designs, outerwear
may include combinations of protective elements in an integrated
design. For example, some coats, jackets, sweaters, include a hood
that is integrally formed or is removable. This allows the user to
cover the head and neck when exposed to the elements and lower (or
remove) the hood when not needed.
[0006] In addition to the face and head, protection of the neck is
also a desired objective in cool and cold weather garments. For
example, scarves are traditionally worn to protect the neck of a
wearer during cool or cold weather. The combination of a scarf with
a jacket has proven effective in creating a wind barrier for
protecting the entire upper torso of a user and to maintain body
heat within the combination.
[0007] In this same regard, circular knitted fabric collars,
commonly known as "turtleneck" collars have been used in other
apparel for similar purposes. In essence, the collar comprises a
tube formed of porous stretchable knitted fabric connected to a
primary garment which covers the torso of the wearer. Not
withstanding the collar's stylistic desirability, the turtleneck,
similar to the scarf, provides a barrier to prevent wind and other
elements from the neck and torso of the user.
[0008] However, current apparel designs require wearing
combinations of multiple cool and cold weather protection since one
garment alone may not be comfortably worn or provide the desired
protection needed in a range of temperatures. Depending on the
circumstances, users may combine face masks, hooded garments,
scarves, turtleneck shirts, long underwear and other garments in
combination as a defense against the elements. This is both
inconvenient and expensive.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,269,491 (Paul Snyder), the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a sports
sweater which may be worn under a coat and has a collar which
stands up and fits snugly about the neck.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,302,710 (Thomas, et al.), the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a garment for
protecting the head and neck of a user including a garment body
with a neck opening. A hood attached to the garment body. A
stretchable tubular knitted collar, attached to the garment body
approximate to the neck opening of the garment body and inside at
least a portion of the hood.
[0011] Even with these improvements, a need exists for an improved
hooded garment.
[0012] Thus a need exists for a hooded garment that has features
that protect the neck area as desired by a user or wearer.
[0013] This invention overcomes the problems of the prior art. The
invention provides a hooded garment that has a retractable hood and
an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a
zipper.
PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention is a novel hooded garment.
[0015] Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a
novel hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated
stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper.
[0016] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a hooded
garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable
tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper and has at least
one sleeve or pouch or pocket for contents.
[0017] Yet another purpose of this invention is to have a hooded
garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable
tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper where the zipper
extends from a first position to a second position along the front
of the hooded garment.
[0018] Still, yet another purpose of this invention is to have a
hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated
stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper, where
a pocket or pouch is provided along a portion of the inside of the
hooded garment.
[0019] Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a hooded
garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable
tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper, where at least one
pouch or pocket is provided along at least one sleeve of the hooded
garment.
[0020] Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a garment,
comprising:
[0021] (a) a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves;
[0022] (b) a retractable hood attached by stitching to said garment
body;
[0023] (c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous
enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom
edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of
the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a
sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in
a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck
in a second position; and
[0024] (d) wherein said stretchable tubular collar has at least one
zipper extending along a vertical path from a first position to a
second position, so that said stretchable tubular collar is in an
first position when said zipper is in a first position, and said
stretchable tubular collar is in a second position when said zipper
is in a second position, and wherein said first position of said
zipper is different than said second position of said zipper.
[0025] In another aspect this invention comprises a hooded
sweatshirt, comprising:
[0026] (a) a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves;
[0027] (b) a retractable hood, adapted to be worn over a user's
head, attached by stitching to the garment body;
[0028] (c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous
enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom
edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of
the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a
sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in
a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck
in a second position; and
[0029] (d) wherein said stretchable tubular collar has at least one
zipper extending along a vertical path from a first position to a
second position, so that said stretchable tubular collar is in an
first position when said zipper is in a first position, and said
stretchable tubular collar is in a second position when said zipper
is in a second position, and wherein said first position of said
zipper is different than said second position of said zipper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The features of the invention that are novel and the
elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The drawings are for
illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore,
like numbers represent like features in the drawings. The invention
itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best
be understood by reference to the detailed description which
follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated
tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated
tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated
tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated
tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated
tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] FIG. 1 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated
stretchable tubular collar 20, having a zip portion or zipper 22,
which is used to illustrate a first embodiment 23, of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, which is a front view of a hoodie or
a hooded garment 10, the hooded garment 10, has an integrally
formed stretchable tubular collar 20, and a retractable hood 18.
The hooded garment 10, also has sleeves 12, preferably long sleeves
12, attached to a central body portion or garment body 11.
[0037] The garment body 11, is designed to cover a substantial
portion of the wearer's upper torso (not shown) and the arms of the
wearer (not shown) are protected with the two long sleeved portions
12, for each arm. Each sleeve 12, has a sleeve opening that is well
known in the art. It is preferred that one end of the long sleeves
12, is attached to a stretchable cuff 14, while the opposite end is
attached to a portion of the garment body 11.
[0038] In one preferred embodiment, the hooded garment 10, may be
formed of a tubular knitted fabric, such as a 2-end or 3-end
fleece. Various patterning may be used to form the constitute
elements of the hooded garment 10. For example, the garment body
11, may have front and rear main panels that are sewn together.
Once combined, each of the sleeves 12, may be formed and sewn for
later attachment to the combined front and rear panels.
[0039] The hooded garment 10, preferably has four openings, two
openings for each of the two arms, a stretchable bottom opening 16,
near the wearer's waist, and a neck opening for receiving the
wearer's neck and head. The cuffs 14, and/or bottom opening 16,
could have a material possessing sufficient elasticity to snugly,
but not uncomfortably, fit a wearer.
[0040] A retractable hood 18, is preferably separately formed and
is connected to the garment body 10, at around the front and back
of the wearer. The hood 18, preferably has two openings: one for
receiving the head and neck of the wearer, and a face opening for
allowing the wearer to see through from the front of the hood
18.
[0041] The retractable hood 18, preferably includes at least one
drawstring 26, which is routed through at least one sleeve or
passage or channel along the periphery of the face opening of the
hood 18. The wearer may reduce the effective size of the face
opening of the hood 18, by merely pulling the drawstring 26, and
closing the frontal opening of the retractable hood 18. This
reduction of the frontal opening of the retractable hood 18,
provides a greater form of protection to the wearer.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the garment 23, also includes a
stretchable tubular collar 20, having an integrated zipper 22. The
stretchable tubular collar 20, can be formed of a circular knitted
fabric that may be the same fabric used to form the hood 18, and/or
body portion 11, and/or long sleeves 12. It is also possible for
the tubular collar 20, to be of a different fabric or material. For
example, the tubular collar 20, could be formed of a material
having a softer feel than the remainder of the garment 23. An
important feature of the stretchable tubular collar 20, is that it
possesses sufficient elasticity to snugly, but not uncomfortably,
fit about the neck (and/or face) of the wearer, especially, when it
is in its full extended position. Another important feature of the
stretchable tubular collar 20, is that it has at least one zipper
22, that originates at a first position 29, such as, from the
bottom portion or edge of the tubular collar 20, and terminates at
a second position, such as, the upper portion or edge of the
tubular collar 20.
[0043] Once created, the retractable hood 18, and the tubular
collar 20, are positioned about the entire neck opening and sewn in
place such that the zip portion 22, of the tubular collar 20, faces
the frontal opening of the retractable hood 18. As shown in FIG. 1,
a portion of the retractable hood 18, about the neck opening
overlaps with tubular collar 20, such that a V-shaped opening 19,
in the body portion 11, overlaps and covers the end portion 29, of
the tubular collar 20, and the zipper 22. It is preferred that the
stretchable tubular collar 20, is attached to at least a portion of
the garment body 11, around the neck opening area and inside at
least a portion of the retractable hood 18, such that the upper
portion of the hooded garment 10, has only one neck opening for the
passage of wearer's head, face and neck.
[0044] This invention allows the wearer to cover their head and
neck but still see through a face opening or to open the front
portion of the tubular collar 20, or any other similar combination.
The retractable hood 18, is dimensioned such that the wearer may
place the hood 18, on their head, and completely extend the tubular
collar 20, around the neck and a portion of the face, and it would
still not interfere with the ability of the user to clearly see
through the face opening in the retractable hood 18.
[0045] The tubular collar 20, is dimensioned to extend between a
retracted position and an extended position. This retraction and
extension of the tubular collar 20, can be done with the zip
portion 22, either in the open or close position. As shown in FIG.
1, the tubular collar 20, is in an extended position below the face
of a wearer and about the wearer's neck. The combination of having
the retractable hood 18, in an up position with the tubular collar
20, in a extended position, protects the wearer's head and neck,
while leaving the face of the wearer exposed.
[0046] A person skilled in the art can fully appreciate that the
retractable tubular collar 20, and the retractable hood 18, may be
used in various combinations to expand the acceptable range of
usage for the inventive garment 23.
[0047] The body portion 11, of the hooded garment 10, could
optionally have a central pocket or sleeve 25, having openings 27,
28, attached to the front of the garment 10, for placing of
contents, such as, for example, hands.
[0048] FIG. 2 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated
stretchable tubular collar 30, having a zip portion or zipper 32,
which is used to illustrate a second embodiment 33, of the present
invention. The hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23,
shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper 32, extends along the body
portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position 39,
such as, the bottom opening 39, or the bottom edge 36, of the
hooded garment 10, to a second position, such as, upper edge of the
tubular collar 30. As one can see that the tubular collar 30, is
joined to the body portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, around the
neck area 34. For some applications the body portion 31, could have
pockets or pouches or sleeves 25, having openings 37, 38, for
contents, such as, hands.
[0049] FIG. 3 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated
stretchable tubular collar 40, having a zipper or zip portion 42,
which is used to illustrate a third embodiment 43, of the present
invention. The hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23,
shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper 42, extends along the body
portion 11, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position 49,
such as, the upper middle area of the body portion 11, or the
wearer's chest area of the hooded garment 10, to a second position,
such as, upper edge of the tubular collar 40. As one can see that
the tubular collar 40, is joined and integrated with the body
portion 11, of the hooded garment 10, below the neck area 49, such
that both V-shaped opening 19, and the first position 49, of the
zipper 42, overlap and integrate around area 19 and 49. For some
applications the body portion 11, could have at least one pocket or
pouch or sleeve 46, having at least one flap 45, for at least one
opening 41, for contents. The opening 41, could also have a
re-sealable closure 41, such as, for example, a zipper 41, Velcro
41, a snap-type button 41, a slider 41, to name a few. The pocket
46, could optionally have openings 47, 48, for the placement of
contents, such as, for example, a wearer's hands.
[0050] FIG. 4 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated
tubular collar 30, having a zipper 32, which is used to illustrate
a fourth embodiment 53, of the present invention. The hooded
garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23, shown in FIG. 1,
except that the zipper 32, extends along the body portion 31, of
the hooded garment 10, from a first position 39, such as, the
bottom opening 39, or the bottom edge 36, of the hooded garment 10,
to a second position, such as, upper edge of the tubular collar 30.
As one can see that the tubular collar 30, is joined to the body
portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, around the neck area 34. For
some applications the body portion 31, could have pockets or
pouches or sleeves 57, 58, having openings from the top, for
contents. One could also have at least one pocket or pouch or
sleeve 55, which is strategically placed inside the hooded garment
10. For some applications it may be desirable to have at least one
pocket or pouch or sleeve 51, which is strategically placed along
the sleeve 12, of the hooded garment 10.
[0051] FIG. 5 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated
tubular collar 60, having a zipper or zip portion 62, which is used
to illustrate a fifth embodiment 63, of the present invention. The
hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23, shown in FIG.
1, except that the zipper 62, extends along the body portion or
garment body 61, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position
69, such as, above a pocket or sleeve 66, to a second position,
such as, upper edge of the stretchable tubular collar 60. As one
can see that the tubular collar 60, is joined and integrated with
the body portion 61, of the hooded garment 10, at around area 69,
such that the V-shaped opening 19, of the hooded garment and the
area 69, allow the zipper 62, to travel from a first position 69,
of the zipper 62, which is around the integrated area 19 and 69, to
a second position which is to the upper edge of the tubular collar
60. For some applications the body portion 61 or garment body 61,
could have at least one pocket or pouch or sleeve 66, having at
least one ornamental-type opening 67, 68, for contents. The pocket
or pouch or sleeve 66, could also have a second zipper 2, along at
least one edge of the pocket or sleeve 66. For some applications
one could also have a belt 64 or at least one second drawstring 64.
It is preferred that the second drawstring 64, is below the end 69,
of the zipper 62, so as to further allow a more loose or snug
fitting of the lower portion of the hooded garment 10, as desired
by a wearer, and this could be done by drawing the ends of the
second drawstring 64, closer for a tighter fit or loosening the
ends of the second drawstring 64, for a more looser fit.
[0052] The material for the hooded garment 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 could
be selected from a group comprising, a wool material, a cotton
material, a nylon-type material, a fire-retardant material, a
moisture absorbing material, a synthetic material, fleece material,
to name a few.
[0053] It should be appreciated that in one application the
combination of the retractable hood 18, with a stretchable tubular
collar 20, enables the wearer to cover a substantial portion of
their head and neck and also to prevent migration of cold air,
rain, snow or other elements from entering the neck opening. While
in a another application the combination of the retractable hood
18, with a stretchable tubular collar 20, enables the wearer to
lower or open the zipper 22, to allow the exposure of the neck area
to the elements. While in yet another application the combination
of the retractable hood 18, with a stretchable tubular collar 20,
enables the wearer to lower or open the zipper 22, and retract the
retractable hood 18, so as to allow the exposure of the neck, face
and head area to the elements.
[0054] For some applications the retractable hood 18, could have a
brim of a cap so as to allow a user a greater protection of their
face.
[0055] The retractable hood 18, and the circular or tubular collar
20, could be created as an integral unit and then attached to the
garment body 11, or the tubular collar 20, could be positioned
inside the retractable hood 18, and the combination of the two
elements could be sewn about the neck opening of the main body
portion of the garment 10.
[0056] For some applications the tubular collar 20, could be
positioned within the retractable hood 18, prior to the sewing
operation, and the combination could be sewn to the garment body
11, about the neck opening in a single step which would save time
and would be more cost efficient.
[0057] This invention having an integrally formed combination of a
garment body 10, 11, a stretchable tubular collar 20, and a
retractable hood 18, allows a user to adjust the garment 23, for
wearing in a wider range of conditions and temperatures than
conventional apparel.
[0058] It should be appreciated that the garment body 11, sleeves
12, stretchable cuffs 14, stretchable bottom 16, retractable hood
18, stretchable tubular collar 20, zipper 22, and pocket 25, could
be of the same color or of a different color or a combination
thereof. Similarly, the material for the various components of the
hooded garment 23, could be of the same material or of a different
material or a combination thereof.
[0059] As stated earlier, the first position of the zipper could be
selected from a group comprising of an open position, an
intermediate position, and a closed position. Similarly, the second
position of the zipper could be selected from a group comprising of
an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position,
to name a few.
[0060] Similarly, the first position of the zipper could be
selected from a group comprising of an upper edge of the tubular
collar, a lower edge of the tubular collar, an intermediate
position along the tubular collar, an upper edge of the body
portion, a lower edge of the body portion, and an intermediate
position along the body portion, to name a few. However, for some
applications the second position of the zipper could be selected
from a group comprising of an upper edge of the tubular collar, a
lower edge of the tubular collar, an intermediate position along
the tubular collar, an upper edge of the body portion, a lower edge
of the body portion, and an intermediate position along the body
portion, to name a few.
[0061] It should be appreciated that the stretchable tubular collar
is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least
a portion of the face of a wearer while the retractable hood is
extended over a user's head. Similarly, the stretchable tubular
collar is also dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck
and at least a portion of the face of a wearer while the
retractable hood is retracted from a user's head.
[0062] It is preferred that the bottom edge of the retractable hood
is attached to the garment body along the entire neck opening,
while for some applications the bottom edge of the stretchable
tubular collar could be attached to the garment body along the
entire neck opening.
[0063] For most applications the zipper is attached along the
entire vertical length of the tubular collar. However, for some
applications the zipper could be attached along the entire vertical
length of the tubular collar, and as well as along at least a
portion of the garment body.
[0064] For some applications the pocket 51, could include at least
one device which is capable but is not limited to: GPS, electrical,
positional, inertial, gravitational, magnetic, radiation,
temperature, light, conventional radio communications, other radio
frequency or electromagnetic radiation based communications and
networking, conventional networking of the above, to name a
few.
[0065] Similarly, for some applications the pocket 51, could
include at least one device which is capable but is not limited to:
health status (i.e. heart rate, temperature, skin conductivity,
alive/dead, among others), and navigational awareness which can be
incorporated by the inclusion of, for example, biological signs,
inertial sensors, GPS receivers, to name a few.
[0066] While the present invention has been particularly described
in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing
description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims
will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as
falling within the true scope and spirit of the present
invention.
* * * * *