U.S. patent application number 15/410585 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for utility scarf.
The applicant listed for this patent is Donis Leathers. Invention is credited to Donis Leathers.
Application Number | 20170208881 15/410585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59360980 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170208881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leathers; Donis |
July 27, 2017 |
UTILITY SCARF
Abstract
A scarf assembly includes a length of fabric extending
longitudinally and gathered laterally at a medial neck-engaging
portion. A respiratory mask is secured to the interior surface of
the neck portion and stored there, to be deployed and
circumscribing the head and lowering it to cover the nose and mouth
of the wearer. A neck pillow supported on the neck portion includes
a tubular sleeve to secure a resilient pillow. A pair of hand
pockets are formed in the distal end portions of the scarf. A
length adjustment arrangement at each distal end enables the scarf
to be adjusted for use by people within a wide range of height and
girth. A secondary opening is provided at the inner end of each
hand pocket for a hand to reach through each pocket and extend the
fingers through the zipper closure.
Inventors: |
Leathers; Donis; (Woodland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leathers; Donis |
Woodland |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59360980 |
Appl. No.: |
15/410585 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62286870 |
Jan 25, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/20 20130101;
A41D 2023/004 20130101; A41D 23/00 20130101; A41D 2023/002
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 23/00 20060101
A41D023/00; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10; A41D 13/11 20060101
A41D013/11; A41D 27/20 20060101 A41D027/20; A41D 15/00 20060101
A41D015/00 |
Claims
1. A utility scarf construction, including: a fabric base extending
longitudinally and having a medial neck portion for engaging the
neck of the wearer and a pair of distal end portions extending from
opposed ends of the neck portion and depending therefrom; a neck
pillow supported on an inside surface of said neck portion and
disposed to impinge on the back of the neck of the wearer; at least
one flat pocket formed on at least one of said distal end portions,
said flat pocket having an opening disposed to accept the
corresponding hand of the wearer.
2. The utility scarf construction of claim 1, wherein said fabric
base comprises a rectangular assembly having a longitudinal length
substantially greater than its transverse lateral width, and
wherein said fabric base of said neck portion includes a lateral
gather to define a narrow lateral width.
3. The utility scarf construction of claim 2, wherein said lateral
gather comprises an inverted box pleat that defines a tubular
pillow sleeve.
4. The utility scarf construction of claim 3, further including a
pillow cushion secured within said pillow sleeve to form said neck
pillow.
5. The utility scarf construction of claim 4, further including an
opening in the outside surface of said neck portion for removing
and replacing said pillow cushion within said pillow sleeve.
6. The utility scarf construction of claim 1, wherein said at least
one flat pocket includes a pair of flat pocket seams extending
laterally in one of said distal end portions of the scarf, said
pair of flat pocket seams being spaced apart longitudinally and
defining therebetween a pocket opening at an outside edge of the
fabric base.
7. The utility scarf construction of claim 6, further including an
adjustment cord secured in said outside edge adjacent to said flat
pocket and extending along said pocket opening, and a slidable
length adjustment clamp secured to said adjustment cord to
selectively engage said cord along its length and gather said
outside edge adjacent to said pocket opening and raise said pocket
opening to suit the wearer.
8. The utility scarf construction of claim 6, further including a
secondary pocket opening disposed between said flat pocket seams at
an inside edge of the fabric base to enable the wearer to reach
into said flat pocket opening, through said flat pocket and out of
said secondary pocket opening.
9. The utility scarf construction of claim 8, further including a
zipper closure for selective sealing said secondary pocket
opening.
10. The utility scarf construction of claim 1, further including a
respiratory mask secured to said medial neck portion and deployable
therefrom to circumscribe the head of the wearer and cover the
mouth and nose of the wearer.
11. The utility scarf construction of claim 10, further including a
plurality of loops secured to said neck portion and spaced
longitudinally therealong to secure said respiratory mask in a
collapsed and folded disposition.
12. The utility scarf construction of claim 11, wherein said
plurality loops are disposed adjacent to said neck pillow.
13. A utility scarf construction, including: a fabric base
extending longitudinally and having a medial neck portion for
engaging the neck of the wearer and a pair of distal end portions
extending from opposed ends of the neck portion and depending
therefrom; a respiratory mask secured to said medial neck portion
and deployable therefrom to circumscribe the head of the wearer and
cover the mouth and nose of the wearer; at least one flat pocket
formed on at least one of said distal end portions, said flat
pocket having an opening disposed to accept a corresponding hand of
the wearer.
14. A utility scarf construction, including: a fabric base
extending longitudinally and having a medial neck portion for
engaging the neck of the wearer and a pair of distal end portions
extending from opposed ends of the neck portion and depending
therefrom; at least one flat pocket formed on at least one of said
distal end portions, said flat pocket having a pocket opening
disposed in an outside edge of said fabric base to accept a
corresponding hand of the wearer; an adjustment cord secured in
said outside edge adjacent to said flat pocket and extending along
said pocket opening, and a slidable length adjustment clamp secured
to said adjustment cord to selectively engage said cord along its
length and gather said outside edge adjacent to said pocket opening
and raise said pocket opening to suit the wearer.
15. The utility scarf construction of claim 14, further including a
secondary pocket opening disposed between said flat pocket seams at
an inside edge of the fabric base to enable the wearer to reach
into said flat pocket opening, through said flat pocket and out of
said secondary pocket opening.
16. The utility scarf construction of claim 15, further including a
zipper closure for selective sealing said secondary pocket opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the priority date of
Provisional Application 62/286,870, filed Jan. 25, 2016.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING, ETC ON CD
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to a scarf construction and, more
particularly, to a scarf that is utilitarian in several aspects
while also being warm, soft, and comfortable when worn in the
typical fashion about the neck of a person.
[0006] Description of Related Art
[0007] There are many scarf constructions known in the prior art
and commercially available that provide some function in addition
to providing warmth and support to the neck of the wearer. Some
scarves include pockets sewn into the distal end portions to
provide warmth to the hands as well as to store small personal
items. Others have some form of augmented neck support, such as a
longitudinally extending neck pillow secured to a medial portion of
the scarf and adapted to impinge on the back of the wearer's neck.
Still others provide some form of face mask as a respiratory filter
or a shield from cold or odors. However, none of them integrate
these features into a single item of apparel.
[0008] Regarding a respiratory filter mask, the Centers for Disease
Control and the International Journal of Infectious Diseases both
have concluded that, "Masks are highly effective in preventing the
spread of viral (and air born bacterial) infections." Many persons
think the use of a respiratory mask would be beneficial whenever
the individual is near others who are sick, coughing, sneezing or
otherwise spreading airborne pathogens. However, a respiratory mask
such as a surgical mask is an obvious medical apparatus that is
incongruous in everyday life situations, causing social disapproval
and/or attracting unwelcome attention to the user. Moreover, these
masks are uncomfortable to wear for any useful length of time, and
are difficult to put in place, remove, and store in a discreet
manner.
[0009] Thus, for example, a person boarding a public transit
vehicle may encounter others who are coughing or sneezing in close
proximity, and would like to use a respiratory mask to reduce the
chance of catching a respiratory disease. However, it may take a
few minutes to access the mask and tie it in place, and in that
time period contamination and infection may occur. There is a need
in the prior art for a respiratory mask carried in a garment in a
convenient and easily accessible way for quick placement and
removal, the mask being otherwise concealed within the garment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention generally comprises a scarf assembly
that incorporates several functional features in addition to
comprising a warm, soft, and comfortable garment adapted to be worn
in the typical fashion about the neck of a person. The scarf
includes a length of fabric extending longitudinally and gathered
laterally at a medial portion thereof. The medial gathered portion
(hereinafter, neck portion) is adapted to impinge on the back of
the neck of the wearer, with opposed ends depending therefrom or
wrapped and/or tied about the neck. One functional feature is the
provision of a respiratory mask secured to the interior surface of
the neck portion and stored within a plurality of loops secured to
the neck portion and spaced therealong. The mask may be deployed
merely by pulling the mask from the loops and circumscribing the
head and lowering it to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer.
When there is no need for the mask, the wearer may fold up the mask
and slide it into the loops of the neck portion. When the scarf is
used in typical fashion the neck portion impinges on the back of
the neck and the mask is concealed from passersby. Thus the mask is
quickly available, easily donned and removed, and unseen when
stored, so that it causes no social disapproval or unwelcome
attention to the user.
[0011] A further feature of the scarf construction is the provision
of a neck pillow supported on the interior surface of the neck
portion of the scarf, adjacent to the respiratory mask. The fabric
is arranged and sewn to form a tubular sleeve extending
longitudinally, with closed distal ends, and a pocket opening at
the exterior surface enables a resilient pillow component to be
removably placed in the sleeve. A zipper or hook and loop closure
is provided to retain the pillow within the pocket opening. In
typical use the pillow impinges on the back and sides of the neck,
providing support and comfort to the neck of the wearer.
[0012] The scarf also includes a pair of flat pockets formed in the
distal end portions of the fabric, each pocket having an opening at
the outer edge of the respective distal end portion of the scarf.
The pockets are formed and positioned so that the wearer may place
the hands into the pockets for warmth. In addition, the wearer may
rest some of the weight of the arms on the hands within the
pockets, causing the scarf to pull with some weight on the neck
portion and urge the pillow to impinge on the neck. This action
augments the effectiveness of the neck pillow. At the same time,
some of the weight of the arms is off-loaded from the shoulders and
transferred by the scarf to be directed from the neck portion down
the spine, which is therapeutic for some individuals. In addition,
the pockets may also be used for storage of personal items and the
like.
[0013] A further embodiment of the scarf includes the provision of
a length adjustment arrangement at each distal end of the scarf. An
elastic cord is sewn into the edge binding seam and extends from
the bottom of the pocket opening to a point on the edge seam above
the pocket. A sliding cord lock is secured to the elastic cord, and
may be slidably placed along the cord and secured by a
spring-loaded clamp, as is known in the prior art. The cord locks
may be placed so that the bottom edge of the pocket adjustably
raised to be perfectly placed for the wearer to insert the hand and
rest the hand on the bottom of the pocket. This feature enables the
scarf to be adjusted for use by people within a wide range of
height and girth.
[0014] A further improvement to the flat pockets is the provision
of a secondary opening at the inner end of each flat pocket. The
secondary openings may be provided with zipper closures, each
extending along the edge binding seam of the inner longitudinal
edge, that may remain closed to define a secure pocket, or opened
to allow the wearer to reach through each pocket and extend the
fingers through the zipper closure. Thus the wearer may retain the
hands within the pockets and maintain the relationship between the
scarf, arm support, and neck pillow, while extending at least a
portion of the wearer's hands from the pockets to carry out simple
manual tasks such as holding a book or tablet device while reading,
opening a door, or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the scarf of the present
invention, shown draped in a preferred fashion on a wearer.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan layout of the outer surface of the scarf
construction of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan layout of the inner surface of the scarf
construction of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line
4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view as in FIG. 4,
showing the neck pillow pocket in the open position.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
scarf of the present invention, shown draped in a preferred fashion
on a wearer.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a plan layout of the inner surface of the scarf
construction of FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line
8-8 of FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective detail view of the outer
surface of one end of the scarf, showing the pocket and length
adjustment features of the scarf of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective detail view of the inner
surface of one end of the scarf, showing the reach-through pocket
feature of the scarf of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention generally comprises a scarf
construction that incorporates several functional features in
addition to comprising a warm, soft, and comfortable garment
adapted to be worn in the typical fashion about the neck of a
person. With regard to FIGS. 1-3, the scarf 21 is comprised of a
portion of fabric 22 extending longitudinally greater than its
lateral width. The fabric portion may be folded back upon itself
along a longitudinal medial line to form a plan outline shown in
broken lines 23, the length being substantially greater than the
width. A medial portion of the folded fabric piece is gathered
laterally, as shown by the converging arrows in FIG. 2, and secured
with laterally extending seams 24 to define a neck portion 26 of
the scarf. The gathered material is joined by longitudinal seam 27
to form an inverted box pleat. At the distal end portions 28 of the
scarf, the gathered material expands freely, allowing the scarf to
extend to its full lateral width at the opposed ends.
[0026] The gathered material of the inverted box pleat that extends
between the seams 24 is arranged to form a tubular pillow sleeve
31, as shown in FIG. 3. A suitably sized tubular cushion 32 is
received within the pillow sleeve 31, as shown in FIG. 4, and is
formed of a resilient material that expands to substantially fill
the sleeve. The cushion material may be resilient foam, or
compressible fiber fill material, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2,
a closure such as zipper 33 is disposed along longitudinal seam 27
to create an opening for installing or removing the cushion 32 in
the pillow sleeve. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, the zipper 33 may be
opened and the cushion 32 may be removed as indicated by the arrow
when the pillow is not needed by the wearer, and may be replaced as
desired in reversible order.
[0027] Note that the pillow sleeve 31 projects from the inner
surface of the scarf construction, and impinges directly on the
back and sides of the neck of the wearer. When the tubular cushion
32 is withdrawn from the pillow sleeve 31 it collapses and the
cushioning by the tubular cushion 32 is likewise eliminated.
[0028] The folded fabric piece 22 is secured with an edge binding
seam 36 extending generally entirely about the perimeter of the
assembly, except as noted below. The scarf 21 also includes a pair
of flat pockets 41 formed in the distal end portions 28 of the
fabric, each pocket having an opening 42 at the outer edge 43 of
the respective distal end portion 28 of the scarf. Each pocket is
defined by a pair of seams 44 and 46 extending laterally from the
outer edge 43 to the inner edge 47 of the scarf. The pockets are
formed and positioned so that the wearer may place the hands into
the pockets for warmth. The edge binding seam 36 is interrupted at
the pocket openings 42 to separate the layers and create an
aperture between the two layers of the scarf.
[0029] In addition, note that the seam 44 is oriented to slope
obliquely downwardly from the outer edge 43 to the inner edge 47.
The seam 44 comprises the place where the wearer may rest some of
the weight of the arms on the hands within the pockets, and the
angle of the seam generally corresponds to a comfortable repose for
the arms of the wearer, as shown in FIG. 1. The partial weight of
the hands resting in the pockets 41 causes the scarf to pull with
moderate tension on the neck portion 23 and urge the pillow 31 to
impinge on the neck. At the same time, some of the weight of the
arms is off-loaded from the shoulders and transferred by the scarf,
directed from the neck portion down the spine, which is therapeutic
for some individuals. In addition, the pockets may also be used for
storage of personal items and the like.
[0030] A further embodiment of the scarf, shown in FIGS. 6-10,
includes many components described previously, and they are
accorded the same reference numerals as ascribed previously. An
additional salient feature is the provision of a respiratory mask
51, shown deployed an in use in FIG. 6. The mask 51 is secured to
the interior surface of the neck portion 26, as shown in FIGS. 7
and 8, with the opposed ends of the mask 51 removably secured to
the interior surface adjacent to the seams 24. The mask 51 may be
folded and stored within a plurality of loops 52 secured to the
neck portion and spaced therealong adjacent to pillow sleeve 31.
The mask may be deployed merely by pulling the mask 51 from the
loops 52 and circumscribing the head and lowering it to cover the
nose and mouth of the wearer, as shown in FIG. 6. When there is no
need for the mask 51, the wearer may fold up the mask and slide it
into the loops 52 of the neck portion. When the scarf is used in
typical fashion the neck portion impinges on the back of the neck
and the mask is concealed from passersby. Thus the mask is quickly
available, easily donned and removed, and unseen when stored, so
that it causes no social disapproval or unwelcome attention.
[0031] Another distinguishing feature that adds to the pleasure of
using the scarf is the provision of a length adjustment arrangement
at each distal end 28 of the scarf. With regard to FIG. 9 in
particular, an elastic cord 61 is sewn at one end into the edge
binding seam 36 and extends freely therefrom, from a point above
the pocket opening 42 to a point on the edge seam adjacent to seam
44 of the pocket where the cord 61 extends in a loop from an
opening in the edge binding. A sliding cord lock 62 is secure to
the elastic cord, and may be slidably placed along the cord 61 and
secured by a spring-loaded clamp, as is known in the prior art. The
cord locks 61 may be placed and adjusted so that a portion 63 of
the outer edge 43 is gathered to a selected degree. This action
enables the bottom edge of the pocket to be adjustably raised to be
perfectly placed for the wearer to insert the hand and rest the
hand on the bottom of the pocket, which is formed by the seam 44.
This feature enables the scarf to be adjusted for use by people
within a wide range of height and girth.
[0032] A further feature of the invention, shown in FIG. 10 in
particular, is the provision of a secondary opening 64 at the inner
end of each flat pocket 41. The secondary openings 64 may be
provided with zipper closures 66, each extending along the
edge-binding seam of the inner longitudinal edge 47 and located
medially of the pocket seams 44 and 46. The zipper closures 66 may
remain closed to define a secure pocket. Alternatively, the zipper
closure(s) may be opened to allow the wearer to reach through each
pocket 41 and extend the fingers through the zipper closure. Thus
the wearer may retain the hands substantially within the pockets
and maintain the relationship between the scarf, arm support, and
neck pillow, while extending at least a portion of the wearer's
hands from the pockets to carry out simple manual tasks such as
holding a book or tablet device while reading, opening a door,
manipulating keys or utensils, or the like.
[0033] The scarf may also include an inside pocket 67, as shown in
FIG. 10, formed by a pocket patch sewn to the interior layer of
fabric at the location of the flat pocket 41. The top opening
pocket may have an elasticized opening, or some form of closure at
the top opening, so that personal items may be stored therewithin
and retained without accidental loss.
[0034] Thus the scarf of this invention provides many useful and
convenient features, all combined within a garment that appears as
a comfortable and warm neck accessory. The mask 51 is stored in a
concealed fashion, and may be deployed quickly as circumstances
require, and easily doffed and stored within the neck portion of
the scarf. The pockets 41 are available for the wearer to warm the
hands when desired, and the neck pillow is available to support the
neck, e.g., when traveling, napping, or the like. The pockets 41
have oblique lower seams to accommodate and support the hands and
lower arms of the wearer, so that some of the weight that is
supported is transferred by tension in the scarf to the neck
portion of the scarf. The sliding cord lock 62 enables the wearer
to adjust the position of the pockets with respect to the hands of
the wearer to optimize the weight supported by the pockets of the
scarf.
[0035] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching without
deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention. The
embodiment described is selected to best explain the principles of
the invention and its practical application to thereby enable
others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the
particular purpose contemplated. It is intended that the scope of
the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *