U.S. patent application number 12/157347 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for all weather protective hooded garment.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Fairchild Corporation. Invention is credited to Janine C. Luciano.
Application Number | 20100212061 12/157347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42629575 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100212061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luciano; Janine C. |
August 26, 2010 |
All weather protective hooded garment
Abstract
A weather-resistant, protective garment particularly for wear by
operators, occupants, and passengers of motor-sports vehicles, such
as motorcycles, snowmobiles, and open aircraft, includes a
water-proof garment shell provided with a pair of hoods. An inner
one of the hoods is wearable under a helmet, and provides
protection against water dripping into a neck opening of the
garment. The inner hood also provides additional warmth during cold
weather conditions. An outer one of the pair of hoods can be worm
without a helmet, and the pair of hoods can be worn together in
severe weather conditions as well.
Inventors: |
Luciano; Janine C.; (Tustin,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Terry L. Miller;Law Office of Terry L. Miller
24832 Via San Fernando
Mission Viejo
CA
92692
US
|
Assignee: |
The Fairchild Corporation
|
Family ID: |
42629575 |
Appl. No.: |
12/157347 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/84 ; 2/247;
2/87; 2/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2600/102 20130101;
A41D 27/28 20130101; A41D 2200/20 20130101; A42B 1/048
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/84 ; 2/87;
2/98; 2/247 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20060101
A41D003/08; A41D 3/04 20060101 A41D003/04; A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A41D 27/20 20060101 A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. A garment having a conformal, close-fitting hood for covering a
wearer's head and neck beneath a crash helmet, said garment
comprising: a garment shell made of waterproof material, said
garment shell defining a neck opening for passing a wearer's head
and neck; a hood disposed as said neck opening, wherein said hood
includes a lower portion formed of waterproof material, and an
upper portion formed of stretchy and conformal material fitting
closely to a wearer's head, whereby said lower portion provides a
wearer with protection against water dripping into said garment at
the neck opening, and said upper portion is sufficiently conformal
and close-fitting that a wearer may don a protective crash helmet
over said hood.
2. The garment of claim 1 wherein said upper portion is formed of a
tricot material.
3. The garment of claim 1 wherein said garment includes a collar
structure circumscribing said neck opening, and said collar
structure including a circumferential pocket receiving said hood in
a stowed position.
4. The garment of claim 3 wherein said circumferential pocket
includes a downwardly extending flap covering an opening of said
circumferential pocket, whereby said circumferential pocket opens
downwardly to exclude rain water.
5. A garment having a nested pair of hoods for protection of a
wearer's head in a variety of weather conditions, said garment
comprising: a garment shell made of water resistant or waterproof
material, said garment shell defining a neck opening and a pair of
sleeves; a collar structure at said neck opening, said collar
structure including an inner hood in a stowed position disposed
circumferentially about said collar structure, and in an unfurled
position said inner hood covering the wearer's head; and said
collar structure also including an outer hood in a stowed position
also disposed circumferentially about said collar structure, and in
an unfurled position said outer hood covering said wearer's head,
and also possibly covering said inner hood.
6. The garment of claim 5 wherein said collar structure defines a
pair of circumferential pockets, with an upper one of said pair of
circumferential pockets receiving said inner hood in its respective
stowed position, and a lower one of said pair of circumferential
pockets receiving said outer hood in its respective stowed
position.
7. The garment of claim 5 wherein said inner hood includes a lower
portion formed of waterproof or water resistant material, and an
upper portion formed of stretchy and conformal material, whereby
said lower portion of said inner hood provides a wearer with
protection against water dripping into said garment at the neck
opening, and said upper portion of said inner hood is sufficiently
conformal and close-fitting that a wearer may don a protective
helmet over said inner hood.
8. The garment of claim 7 wherein said upper portion is formed of a
tricot material.
9. The garment of claim 5 wherein each one of said pair of
circumferential pockets includes one of a pair of respective
downwardly extending flaps each covering a respective opening of
one of said pair of circumferential pockets, whereby said pair of
circumferential pockets both open downwardly to exclude rain
water.
10. An all-weather water-resistant garment having a nested pair of
hoods to protect a wearer's head in a variety of weather conditions
and in a variety of wear conditions, said garment comprising: a
water-proof shell having a front panel and a back panel
cooperatively providing a neck opening, and a pair of sleeves one
for each of the wearer's arms; said front panel, back panel, and
sleeves being formed of a water-proof material; a generally
vertically extending shell opening dividing said front panel into
two parts and allowing a wearer ingress and egress from said
garment; said garment further having a hood structure including a
pair of hoods for protection of a wearer's head in a variety of
weather conditions, said hood structure including: an inner hood in
a stowed position disposed circumferentially about an upper extent
of a collar of said garment, and in an unfurled position said inner
hood covering the wearer's head; and an outer hood in a stowed
position disposed circumferentially about a lower extent of a
collar of said garment, and in an unfurled position said outer hood
covering said wearer's head, and also possibly covering said inner
hood.
11. The garment of claim 10 wherein said collar of said garment
includes a pair of circumferential pockets, with an upper one of
said pair of circumferential pockets receiving said inner hood in
its respective stowed position, and with a lower one of said pair
of circumferential pockets receiving said outer hood in its
respective stowed position.
12. The garment of claim 10 wherein said inner hood includes a
lower portion formed of waterproof material, and an upper portion
formed of material which is conformal to a wearer's head, so that
said inner hood is sufficiently conformal and close-fitting that a
wearer may don a protective helmet over said inner hood.
13. The garment of claim 10 wherein each one of said pair of
circumferential pockets includes one of a pair of respective
downwardly extending flaps each covering a respective opening of
one of said pair of circumferential pockets, whereby said pair of
circumferential pockets both open downwardly to exclude rain
water.
14. A method of protecting at least the upper body, head, and neck
of a person from rain both while the person is aboard a motorcycle
and wearing a protective helmet, and while the person is off the
motorcycle and no longer wearing the protective helmet but is still
exposed to rain, said method comprising steps of: providing a
garment having a waterproof shell protecting the person's upper
body from rain, and defining a head opening for the person's head
and neck, and at said head opening providing a collar structure
with a nested pair of hoods for protection of a wearer's head and
neck; providing for said collar structure to include an inner hood
in a stowed position disposed circumferentially about said collar
structure, and in an unfurled position said inner hood covering the
wearer's head; and said collar structure also including an outer
hood in a stowed position also disposed circumferentially about
said collar structure, and in an unfurled position said outer hood
covering said wearer's head, and also possibly covering said inner
hood.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said collar structure is
configured to define a pair of circumferential pockets, providing
for an upper one of said pair of circumferential pockets to receive
said inner hood in its respective stowed position, and providing
for a lower one of said pair of circumferential pockets to receive
said outer hood in its respective stowed position.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein said inner hood is configured to
include a lower portion formed of waterproof material, and an upper
portion formed of stretchy and conformal material, and the inner
hood is utilized to provide a wearer with protection against water
dripping into the garment at the neck opening, and the upper
portion of the inner hood is structured to be sufficiently
conformal and close-fitting that a wearer may don a protective
helmet over the inner hood.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein each one of said pair of
circumferential pockets is configured to include a respective
downwardly extending flap covering a respective opening of one of
said pair of circumferential pockets, and said pair of
circumferential pockets are constructed to open downwardly to
exclude rain water.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a protective garment,
preferably configured as a jacket or coat, although the invention
is not so limited. That is, the garment may be configured as a
poncho or coverall, if desired. Most preferably, the garment is
especially configured and structured for wear by participants in
motor sports activities, who are thus exposed to the elements
outdoors. Participants in motor sports also need physical
protection for their person. Particularly, they need to wear a
helmet while operating or riding on a sports motor vehicle, such as
a motorcycle. The garment should also provide protection to the
body of the participant in the event of a crash or fall. The
present garment offers protection from the elements while the
person wearing the garment is also wearing a helmet, and also while
no helmet is being worn. Thus, the present inventive garment is
particularly well suited for use by motorcycle riders, and other
operators and passengers of motor sports vehicles.
[0003] During warm weather conditions, operators and passengers of
sports motor vehicles desire an adequate ventilation air flow. But,
during cold or wet weather conditions, operators and passengers of
motor sports vehicles also need protection from the wet and cold.
Such protection is needed both while the motor sports vehicle is in
operation and moving, and also after the operator or passenger
dismounts from the vehicle. In many respects, operators and
passengers of motor sports vehicles are engaged in an outdoor
activity, exposing them to the weather both while they are on the
sport motor vehicle and also after they dismount from the vehicle.
The present garment provides for all these differing wear
conditions and needs. Additionally, in the event of a mishap, such
as a spill from the sports motor vehicle, the garment also provides
important physical protections against impact and abrasion.
[0004] 2. Related Technology
[0005] Operators of motorcycles and other sports motor vehicles
have for years sought to protect themselves from injury in the
event of a mishap. Competition motorcycle riders have commonly worn
full "leathers", which are a full cover-all type of leather suit,
many having doubled leather in areas of high abrasion, or with
built in panels of protective body armor. For warm-weather wear,
such "leathers" made in part from perforated leather panels have
been available. These "leathers", are generally not practical for
wear by the street motorcycle rider. For example, these leather
suits, whether made of un-perforated or perforated leather, provide
virtually no protection against rain.
[0006] Nevertheless, street motorcycle riders have favored various
leather jackets and coats because of the abrasion resistance
provided by the leather in the event of a spill from the moving
motorcycle. Many of these conventional leather motorcycle jackets
traditionally do not have any form of body armor for the rider.
Some leather jackets have no particular provision for ventilation
to the rider in warm and hot weather. Particularly in hot weather
leather can be uncomfortably warm to wear. However, even in hot
weather some motorcycle riders endure the discomfort of a leather
jacket, not because it is needed for protection from the elements,
but because of concerns for personal safety and survival in the
event of a spill from the motorcycle at any speed. On the other
hand, in hot weather some cavalier motorcycle riders partially or
fully open the front zipper or snaps of their jacket in order to
allow the moving air stream to rush in. But, this greatly reduces
the protection offered by a leather jacket. In hot weather, really
foolish riders forgo the protection of a leather jacket and are
seen riding in a T-shirt.
[0007] However, these hot weather expedients are very unsafe
because a partially or fully open jacket billows or whips in the
air stream, possibly compromising the rider's ability to control
the vehicle, and certainly contributing to rider fatigue after a
period. Fatigue reduces the rider's situational awareness and may
be a contributing factor in many motorcycle accidents. Importantly,
in the event of a spill, an open jacket or coat is more likely to
slide up the wearer's torso, and provide little or no protection
against abrasion. Of course, a T-shirt offers no protection at
all.
[0008] Consequently, leather jackets and coats with provisions for
ventilation while closed and still providing adequate protection to
the wearer have been developed. Examples of leather coats and
jackets which are conventional are seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,715,
issued Sep. 2, 1986 to Richard Miller and John Wyckoff; in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,105,715, issued Apr. 21, 1992 to Paul Golde, and in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,507,042, issued Apr. 16, 1996 to Michael van der
Slessen. German patent publication No. DE 3818-566-A1 published
Dec. 7, 1989, provides another example of this conventional
approach to providing protection and ventilation to riders of
motorcycles.
[0009] However, leather has a significant shortcoming in use for
protection to motorcycle riders and other such sport vehicle
operators and occupants. This shortcoming was alluded to above with
respect to the leather suits generally worn by competition
motorcycle riders. That is, leather is not of itself very good at
protecting the wearer from the elements. In the event the wearer
encounters a rain storm while riding a motorcycle or other motor
sports vehicle, such as an open aircraft, for example, or
encounters wet snow or water spray in the event of a snowmobile or
boat operator or occupant, then the leather jacket or coat will
quickly soak up enough water to become sodden and heavy, and will
let water reach the wearer. Some very slight and generally
temporary increase in the water resistance of leather garments can
be achieved by treating them with a water repellant, such as
ScotchGuard.TM., for example. However, this expedient is really not
very long lasting and is not satisfactory. Consequently, motorcycle
riders and other motor sports vehicle operators have had to carry a
rain suit with them for use in foul-weather conditions.
[0010] A rain suit worn over a leather jacket does provide adequate
foul-weather protection (i.e., it protects the rider against rain
and vehicle water spray), and the rider still has the abrasion
resistance provided by the leather jacket, but ventilation is
completely cut off. Consequently, after the rain passes unless the
rider stops to take off the rain suit, he finds himself in a
virtual sauna of humidity trapped inside the rain suit with almost
no ventilation. Further, if the wearer is traveling on a day with
intermittent rain, the inconvenience of stopping to put on the rain
suit when rain is encountered and stopping again to take it off
again after the rain passes is very frustrating and time
consuming.
[0011] Some sport vehicle rain suits made of Gortex.TM. and similar
fabrics which are water-proof but breathable have been available
for some time. Some of these suits are simply snowmobile suits put
to this purpose. These snowmobile suits tend to have much more
insulation than is desirable for many conditions of motorcycle
riding. Other such fabric rain suits are made especially for
motorcycle riders, and have less insulation. In general, all of
these suits are worn over street clothes, and although some may
have protective features such as body armor sections, none are
known to provide ventilation for warm-weather wear.
[0012] Some garments have been developed which provide both rain
protection and ventilation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,045,243 discloses a
cold-weather garment intended for wear by military personnel. The
garment disclosed does appear to provide protection against both
rain and cold, and to allow ventilation when rain protection is not
needed. However, this garment would not be suitable for wear by a
motor sports vehicle occupant or operator. Such is the case because
of the garment's bulk, lack of physical protection features for the
wearer, and especially lack of protection against rain being driven
through the ventilation openings by the moving air stream
encountered by a sports vehicle operator or occupant.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,451, issued Apr. 30, 1985; and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,722,099, issued Feb. 2, 1988, appear to relate to garments
specifically intended for use by motorcycle riders and other sport
vehicle operators and occupants. The '451 patent appears to
disclose a ventilated suit. Ventilation is provided by opening
panels of the suit. This suit appears to provide no protection
against foul weather, and would require use of a rain suit also
under such conditions. The '099 patent appears to disclose a suit
made of real or synthetic leather, and having provisions for
supplying a ventilation air flow through the suit which varies with
speed. Again, this suit appears to provide no protection against
foul weather, and also would require use of a rain suit under such
conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In view of the deficiencies of the related technology, a
primary object of this invention is to avoid one or more of these
deficiencies.
[0015] More particularly, it is an object of this invention to
provide a protective garment for wear by operators and occupants of
sport vehicle, which will provide protection against water entering
the garment at the neck opening during wet weather.
[0016] Another object is to provide such a garment which has
provision for wearer's head and neck to be protected by a hood even
when the wearer is also wearing a motorcycle helmet.
[0017] Still another object is to provide such a garment which has
a duality of stowage areas located at a collar of the garment, with
one stowage area receiving a hood constructed and configured to be
worn under a motorcycle helmet, and with the other stowage area
receiving a protective hood constructed to be worn without a
motorcycle helmet.
[0018] Accordingly, the present invention according to one aspect
provides a garment having an outer shell made of water-impermeable
material, and having a nested pair of hoods for protection of a
wearer's head in a variety of conditions. The garment comprises a
garment shell made of water resistant or waterproof material, and
the garment shell defines a neck opening and a pair of sleeves. A
collar structure at said neck opening, said collar structure
including an inner hood in a stowed position disposed
circumferentially about said collar structure, and in an unfurled
position said inner hood covering the wearer's head. The said
collar structure also includes an outer hood in a stowed position
also disposed circumferentially about said collar structure, and in
an unfurled position said outer hood covering said wearer's head,
and also possibly covering said inner hood.
[0019] A better understanding of the present invention will be
obtained from reading the following description of a single
preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention when taken
in conjunction with the appended drawing Figures, in which the same
features (or features analogous in structure or function) are
indicated with the same reference numeral throughout the several
views. It will be understood that the appended drawing Figures and
description here following relate only to one or more exemplary
preferred embodiments of the invention, and as such, are not to be
taken as implying a limitation on the invention. No such limitation
on the invention is implied, and none is to be inferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 provides a fragmentary perspective view of a
motorcycle rider wearing a garment in the form of a coat or jacket
embodying the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2 and 2a respectively provide front and rear elevation
views of the garment seen in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 provides an enlarged fragmentary view of the shoulder
and collar portions of the garment seen in FIGS. 1-2a, with the
collar in a "dry weather" configuration;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged fragmentary view similar to FIG. 3,
but with an inner hood of the garment in an intermediate opening or
unfurling position toward a "wet weather riding" configuration;
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates the inner hood of the garment fully
opened or unfurled to the "wet weather riding" configuration;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged fragmentary view similar to FIG. 4,
but with an outer hood of the garment in an intermediate opening or
unfurling position toward a "wet weather" configuration; and
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates the outer hood of the garment fully
opened or unfurled to the "wet weather" configuration;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
[0027] Viewing first FIGS. 1, 2, and 2a in conjunction, a
motorcycle rider 10 is seen riding a motorcycle 12. Because of the
speed of movement of the motorcycle, the rider 10 is subjected to a
moving air stream, indicated on FIG. 1 by arrow 14. The rider 10 is
wearing a protective garment 16, which in this case takes the form
of a coat or long jacket. It will be understood that the invention
is not limited to its use by motorcycle riders, and that other
operators, passengers, and occupants of motor sports vehicles may
benefit from the use of this invention. Further, the invention is
not limited to embodiment in a jacket or coat, and may find
embodiment in a full cover-all type of riding suit, for example. In
the case illustrated in FIG. 1, the rider 10 is also wearing
protective gloves, boots, and a helmet (not individually referenced
in FIG. 1). The rider 10 may be wearing a pair of heavy denim
jeans, leather pants, or other protective pants.
[0028] Because the motorcycle 10 includes a protective fairing (not
numbered in the drawing Figures), so long as the motorcycle is
moving as some speed the air stream 14 will carry rain and traffic
mist past the rider's lower body, so that water-proof pants (i.e.,
the pants of a rain suit, for example) may not be required for the
rider's comfort. Alternatively, a rider of an un-faired motorcycle
or one who is going to be riding for some time in foul weather
conditions may choose to wear a pair of water or wind proof pants
or the pants of a rain suit over ordinary jeans, for example.
[0029] As is seen in FIG. 1 however, the rider's upper body is
substantially exposed to the air stream 14. Viewing FIG. 1, the
posture of the rider's body is of importance. As the rider operates
the motorcycle, the arms are generally extended in a forward and
downward direction from the shoulders. Further, the rider's upper
body or torso may be generally upright, or may be angulated forward
from the waist. On the other hand, some riders of cruiser style
motorcycles may have their upper body angulated somewhat rearwardly
from the waist.
[0030] In order to obtain multi-faceted protection, the rider is
wearing coat 16. This coat includes many features in combination
providing several different kinds of unique protection for the
rider 10. Viewing FIGS. 2 and 2a in combination with FIG. 1, it is
seen that this coat 16 generally includes an outer shell 18 formed
substantially of water-proof fabric material. The shell 18 may be
formed of a water-proof fabric material such as GORETEX.TM., for
example. Another possible choice for the material from which the
shell 18 may be formed is conventional waxed cotton canvas.
Cordura.TM. nylon fabric and other nylon fabrics are also available
with a waterproof membrane, and may be used to construct the shell
18. Such a waterproofing membrane may be polyurethane, for example.
Other waterproof fabric and fabric-with-membrane materials are
readily available in the market, and could be used to construct the
shell 18. Conventional construction practices including providing a
waterproof taping at seams of the jacket will apply also in making
the shell 18. It will be understood that many alternative materials
of construction for the jacket shell 18 are available and may be
utilized, and that the invention is not limited to any particular
material of construction for the jacket, or jacket shell 18. For
example, a waterproof flexible plastic sheet material (rather than
or in combination with a fabric) may be used to make all or a part
of the shell 18.
[0031] The shell 18 includes a front panel 20 divided into left and
right parts (20l and 20r) by a vertically extending opening 22
providing for the rider 10 to put the coat on and take it off. The
coat 16 also includes a back panel 24 (seen in FIG. 2a), a left
sleeve 26l, and a right sleeve 26r. The back panel 24 may include a
conventional ventilation opening, indicated with the numeral 24a.
The ventilation opening 24a is provided with a zipper type of slide
fastener (not seen in the drawing Figures) for controlling opening
and closing of this ventilation opening, and is also provided with
a conventional rain flap (seen in FIG. 2a) overlying the zipper and
its opening. The front panel 20 and back panel 24 each have
respective lower hems 20b and 24b.
[0032] Although it is not seen in the drawing Figures, it will be
understood that within the shell, the coat 16 may include an
insulating liner, or liners. In the case of a coat provided with
more than one such liner, the liners are conventionally of
differing weights, and the lighter one of these may be permanently
installed in the coat. A heavier inner liner for use in cold
weather may be installed into and removable from the coat, usually
by means of snaps or zipper attachments, according to the needs
dictated by weather conditions.
[0033] The panels 20 and 24 and a collar structure 28 cooperatively
form an opening 28b for the riders neck. In order to provide
physical protections to the rider 10, both against the
possibilities of abrasion and impact in the event of a spill, and
against traffic-thrown pebbles, rocks, other road debris, as well
as against impacts with large insects, the coat 16 includes a
rather tall band collar 28 (best seen in FIG. 3) secured to the
panels 20 and 24, and closed at 28a by a section of hook-and-loop
material (i.e., VELCRO.TM., for example), or by a snap closure (not
seen in the drawing Figures), and defining the neck opening
28b.
[0034] When it is closed across the wearer's throat, the collar 28
provides protection against pebbles, rocks and insects impacting
the rider's throat below the helmet. It is to be noted also that in
order to provide resistance against the coat 16 sliding up the
rider's arms or up the rider's torso during a slide following a
spill from the moving motorcycle, for example, the sleeves 26 are
provided with wrist bands 30 similarly secured with a hook-and-loop
type material, or with snaps or other fasteners (not seen in the
drawing Figures). The torso is provided with a waist band 32 which
may be adjustable or elasticized (or both) helping to keep the coat
16 at the rider's waist. This waist band helps contribute to
resistance of the coat 16 against billowing in the air stream
14.
[0035] Also, in order to provide protection against abrasion and
impacts, the coat 16 is provided at the elbows, shoulders, and back
with internal body armor panels, indicated generally on FIG. 1 with
arrowed numerals 34. At the elbows and shoulders, external
abrasion-resistant panels 36 of material such as high denier
ballistic nylon fabric, KEVLAR.TM. fabric, KEVLAR.TM. impregnated
plastic sheet material, or leather, for example, are attached to
the shell 18. These panels 36 generally overlie the body armor
panels 34, and provide in combination both a considerable impact
protection, and provide resistance for the coat 10 from being
abraded completely through to the skin of the rider in the event of
a spill and slide or tumble from high speed.
[0036] As is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in dry, mild-weather
conditions, the rider will likely wear the coat 16 with no
provision being utilized for additional protection from the
elements. In fact, in order to provide ventilation and improved
comfort for the rider in warm-weather and hot-weather conditions,
the coat 16 is provided with slit-like ventilation openings 38, 40
(best seen in FIG. 2) at the sleeves and torso, respectively. In
FIGS. 1 and 2, all of the ventilation openings 38 and 40 are shown
in their closed, fair-weather configurations. The differing
configurations of these vent openings provides when they are opened
for the wearer to receive cooling air flow on the arms and on the
torso as well.
[0037] Returning to a consideration of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 if the
rider 10 is riding in foul-weather conditions, with rain or traffic
mist being directed at the rider by air stream 14, then the rider
will have the ventilation openings 38, 40 closed. However, the ride
may find that in heavy rain or mist conditions, water will drip
from the helmet into the neck opening 28b. This dripping water can
be very uncomfortable, especially if the rider is in rainy
conditions for a considerable time. Accordingly, as is seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the rider may unfurl a first or inner hood 42 from
the collar 28 (indicated by the arrow on FIG. 4). Viewing FIGS. 3
and 4 in comparison to one another it is seen that in its stowed
position the first or inner hood 42 is disposed at an upper
circumferential portion 44 of the collar structure 28. The upper
portion 44 of collar 28 includes a circumferentially extending and
downwardly opening flap 46, covering an upper circumferential
pocket indicated with the numeral 46a. The flap 46 and inner hood
42 are held in their stowed position as seen in FIG. 3 by plural
snaps, each indicated with the numeral 48.
[0038] Thus, by undoing these snaps 48, the wearer may open the
flap 46 and withdraw the inner hood 42 downwardly from within
pocket 46a, and then may unfurl upwardly the upper part of the
inner hood 42 (see especially FIG. 4) so that the inner hood 42 is
opened to the position seen in FIG. 5. As will be noted on FIG. 5,
the inner hood 42 includes a lower portion 42a preferably formed of
the same waterproof material as the shell 18 of the coat 16. Above
the lower extent of the inner hood defined by the waterproof
portion 42a, the inner hood 42 includes a next circumferential
portion 50 which is preferably formed of a water-resistant but
air-permeable material. The portion 50 may be formed of Gortex.TM.
for example. The portion 50 provides water resistance, but
importantly is disposed circumferentially about at the elevation on
the wearer's head corresponding with the location of the wearer's
ears. Thus, the portion 50 because it is air-permeable is
also-sound permeable, and provides to the wearer the same degree of
hearing acuity the wearer would ordinarily have while wearing a
protective motorcycle helmet. That is, the inner hood 42 does not
interfere with the hearing, for example, of a motorcycle operator
or passenger.
[0039] Next, above the portion 50, the inner hood 42 is configured
to include a somewhat stretchy and conformal portion 52. This
portion 52 may be formed, for example, of a tricot material,
providing for the material of portion 52 to conform closely and
comfortably to the wearer's head under a helmet. That is, the
portion 52 of hood 42 is close-fitting to the wearer's head. The
tricot material of the portion 52 is not waterproof, but is
air-permeable and moisture-permeable. Accordingly, the portion 52
is "breathable" to allow perspiration to evaporate. Thus, it will
be understood that the wearer may comfortably don a helmet over the
inner hood as this hood is shown in FIG. 5. Although the portion 52
is breathable, the wearer still obtains a degree of warmth from the
hood 42, and also obtains complete protection against water
dripping from the helmet into the neck opening of the jacket
16.
[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 in combination, it is seen
that the jacket 16 also includes a second or outer hood 54, which
is preferably made entirely of the same waterproof material as the
shell 18 of the jacket 16. Viewing FIGS. 3 and 7 in comparison to
one another it is seen that in its stowed position the second or
outer hood 54 is disposed at a lower circumferential portion 56 of
the collar structure 28. The lower portion 56 of collar 28 includes
a second circumferentially extending and downwardly opening flap
58, covering a lower circumferential pocket indicated with the
numeral 58a. The flap 58 and outer hood 54 are held in their stowed
position as seen in FIG. 3 by plural snaps, each indicated with the
numeral 60. Accordingly, by undoing these snaps 60, the wearer may
open the flap 56, and withdraw the outer hood 54 downwardly from
within pocket 58a, and then may unfurl upwardly the upper part of
the outer hood 54 (see especially FIG. 6, and indicated by the
arrow) so that the outer hood 54 is opened to the position seen in
FIG. 7.
[0041] Because the outer hood 54 is made preferably of the same
waterproof material as the shell 18 of the jacket 16, the rider
will not wear a helmet over the hood 54. That is, the outer hood 54
is configured to be worn when complete weather protection is
needed, but while the wearer is not operating a motorcycle or other
sport motor vehicle. If desired, both the inner hood 42 and outer
hood 54 may be worn together for best warmth and protection.
[0042] A distinct advantage of the present invention resides in its
versatility. An operator, passenger, or occupant of a sport motor
vehicle may wear the garment with comfort in virtually any weather
conditions, and while also wearing a helmet. That is, the inner
hood 42 provides increased weather protection while the wearer is a
motorcycle rider, for example, and needs also to wear a helmet. On
the other hand, once the rider dismounts from a motorcycle, in bad
weather conditions, the outer hood 54 may be deployed in order to
obtain great weather protection, all with use of features of the
garment 16.
[0043] While the present invention has been depicted, described,
and is defined by reference to a single particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention, such reference does not imply a
limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be
inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification,
alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to
those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts. The depicted and
described preferred embodiment of the invention is exemplary only,
and is not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Consequently,
the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and
scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents
in all respects.
* * * * *