Garment for direct seating sleep

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to an upper body garment (100) that promotes upright sleeping. The garment (100) includes an inner hood (300) having a meshed elastic panel (314) adapted to be positioned across the forehead of the wearer, thereby helping to anchor the inner hood (300) on the head of the wearer. The inner hood (300) includes a low-stretch or no-stretch central panel (124). The central panel (124) extends downward from the meshed elastic panel (314) along a central back portion of the inner hood (300) and further extends onto a back aspect (112) of a torso portion (110) of the garment (100), where it forms a central portion of the back of the upper body garment (100). Because the central panel (124) has low-stretch or no-stretch, the head and neck of the wearer are held in an upright or substantially upright position when the inner hood is donned. The upper body garment (100) also includes a large-capacity outer hood (116) positioned outside of the inner hood (300).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects herein relate to an upper torso garment that facilitates upright sleep. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional articles for facilitating upright sleep, such as when riding in an airplane or car or bus, typically take the form of padded horseshoe neck collars that a wearer can position around their neck, straps that wrap around a seat and a wearer’s forehead, or soft blocks on which a wearer can rest their head. These articles are often not comfortable, have limited utility outside of an upright sleep environment, and require the user to carry the article when not in use. SUMMARY

[0003] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses can be combined in a multitude of dependent manners to rely on one or more other clauses. Moreover, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly rely on a prior clause) can be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are illustrative in nature and are not limiting.

[0004] Clause 1. An upper body garment comprising: a torso portion defining a neck opening and a waist opening, the torso portion having a front aspect and a back aspect; an outer hood attached to the neck opening at a first end and a second end of an unattached portion of the outer hood to form an opening, wherein the opening is located at the back aspect of the torso portion; and an inner hood positioned inside the outer hood, a central panel portion of the inner hood being attached to the outer hood at the first end and the second end of the unattached portion of the outer hood, the central panel portion of the inner hood also being attached to a top portion of the outer hood.

[0005] Clause 2. The upper body garment of Clause 1, wherein the central panel portion of the inner hood extends through the opening and forms at least a portion of the back aspect of the torso portion.

[0006] Clause 3. The upper body garment of any of Clauses 1-2, wherein the central panel portion is formed of a low-stretch or no-stretch material.

[0007] Clause 4. The upper body garment of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the central panel portion includes a low-stretch or no-stretch film material attached to a first surface of the central panel portion.

[0008] Clause 5. The upper-body garment of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the central panel portion of the inner hood is attached to the top portion of the outer hood at a location spaced back from a hood opening edge of the outer hood.

[0009] Clause 6. The upper-body garment of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the inner hood further comprises a right panel piece and a left panel piece, each of the right and left panel pieces having an inner side edge, an outer side edge, and a lower edge.

[0010] Clause 7. The upper-body garment of clause 6, wherein the inner side edge of each of the right and left panel pieces is attached to the central panel portion.

[0011] Clause 8. The upper-body garment of any of clauses 6-7, wherein the outer side edge of each of the right and left panel pieces is substantially unattached to the outer hood.

[0012] Clause 9. The upper-body garment of any of clauses 6-8, wherein the lower edge of each of the right and left panel pieces is unattached to the neck opening of the torso portion.

[0013] Clause 10. An upper-body garment comprising: a torso portion defining a neck opening and a waist opening, the torso portion having a front aspect and a back aspect, wherein the back aspect includes a central panel portion; an outer hood continuously attached to the neck opening except at a first location at the back aspect of the torso portion to form an opening; and an inner hood positioned inside the outer hood, wherein the central panel portion of the back aspect of the torso portion extends through the opening and forms at least a portion of the inner hood.

[0014] Clause 11. The upper-body garment of clause 10, wherein the central panel portion is attached to first and second ends of the opening.

[0015] Clause 12. The upper-body garment of any of clauses 10-11, wherein the central panel portion is attached to a top portion of the outer hood at a location spaced back from a hood opening edge of the outer hood.

[0016] Clause 13. The upper-body garment of clause 12, wherein a remaining area of the central panel portion is unattached to the outer hood.

[0017] Clause 14. The upper-body garment of any of clauses 10-13, wherein the central panel portion extends to the waist opening of the torso portion.

[0018] Clause 15. The upper garment according to any one of Clauses 10 to 14, wherein the inner hood comprises a right garment piece and a left garment piece, each of the right garment piece and the left garment piece having an inner edge, an outer edge, and a lower edge.

[0019] Clause 16. The upper garment as described in Clause 15, wherein the inner edge of each of the right garment piece and the left garment piece is attached to the central garment piece portion.

[0020] Clause 17. The upper garment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 16, wherein the outer edge of each of the right garment piece and the left garment piece is substantially not attached to the outer hood.

[0021] Clause 18. The upper garment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17, wherein the lower edge of each of the right garment piece and the left garment piece is not attached to the neck opening of the torso portion.

[0022] Clause 19. A method of manufacturing an upper garment having a torso portion with a neck opening and a waist opening, the method comprising: continuously attaching an outer hood to the neck opening of the torso portion, except at a first position at the rear of the torso portion, to form an opening; positioning an inner hood inside the outer hood; and attaching a central piece portion of the inner hood to a first end and a second end of the opening and to the top of the outer hood at a position spaced rearward from the edge of the hood opening of the outer hood.

[0023] Clause 20. The method of manufacturing an upper garment having a torso portion with a neck opening and a waist opening as described in Clause 19 further includes attaching a low-stretch or non-stretch membrane material to a first surface of the central garment portion. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Examples of various aspects of this article are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 The illustration shows a rear view of example upper garments for upright sleeping, based on various aspects of this article;

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1 Front view of the upper body clothing;

[0027] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1 A front view of an upper garment, with the garment open, revealing the inside of the garment;

[0028] Figure 4FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein; Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0029] Figure 5 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein; Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0030] Figures 6A to 6C FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein; Figure 5 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0031] Figure 7 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein; Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0032] Figure 8 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein; Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0033] Figure 9 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an upper body garment according to aspects herein; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps in

[0035] Conventional articles for facilitating straight-up sleep, for example while riding in an airplane or car or bus, typically take the form of padded horseshoe neck collars that a wearer can position around their neck, straps that wrap around the seat and the wearer's forehead and / or chin, or soft blocks on which a wearer can rest their head. These articles are often uncomfortable, have limited utility outside of a straight-up sleep environment, and also require the user to carry the article when not in use.

[0036] Aspects herein relate to a top garment that promotes upright sleep and also serves as a jacket that allows it to be worn as clothing when not used to promote upright sleep. The garment includes an inner hood that fits snugly and tightly on and around the head of the wearer. The inner hood has a meshed elastic panel that is adapted to be positioned across the forehead of the wearer, helping to anchor the inner hood on the head of the wearer while still remaining breathable and comfortable to wear. The inner hood includes a central panel that is configured to have low or no stretch. The central panel extends downward from the meshed elastic panel along a central back portion of the inner hood and further extends onto a back aspect of a torso portion of the garment, where it forms a central portion of the back of the top garment. Because the central panel has low or no stretch in response to tension, the head and neck of the wearer are held in an upright (e.g., centered) or substantially upright position when the inner hood is donned.

[0037] The garment also includes a bulkier outer hood. In example aspects, the outer hood is attached to a neck opening of the torso portion of the garment, except for a first location at a central back portion of the neck opening through which the central panel of the inner hood extends. In example aspects, the outer hood is constructed of a heavy material that provides a sense of security and privacy when the outer hood is worn. The heavy material can also help to dampen external sounds. The outer hood can include an upper forward extending portion that can be pulled over the eyes of the wearer when the wearer wishes to sleep or rest. Alternatively, the upper forward extending portion can be folded back when the wearer no longer wishes to sleep or rest.

[0038] Due to the size difference between the inner hood and the outer hood, the lower edge of the inner hood is not attached to the neck opening of the torso portion of the garment to avoid unnecessary bunching of the outer hood at that location. Alternative configurations for seating or securing the inner hood include an inner vest having an upper edge that is attached to the lower edge of the inner hood; the inner vest is positioned inside the torso portion of the garment. The inner vest is also attached to the armhole openings of the torso portion of the garment and / or to the front opening edge of the torso portion. Thus, when the garment is worn and the arms of the wearer extend through the armhole openings, the tension exerted on the lower edge of the inner hood helps to ensure that the inner hood fits snugly and securely on the head of the wearer and prevents the inner hood from shrinking up.

[0039] The garment can include additional features, such as a first pocket located on an upper right front portion of the garment and a second pocket located on an upper left front portion of the garment. When the wearer is sleeping or resting, the wearer can cross their arms and, for example, insert the right hand into the second pocket and the left hand into the first pocket to help hold the arms of the wearer in the crossed position. The garment can also include a mitt that extends from a distal end of a sleeve of the garment. The mitt can be positioned or folded over the hand of the wearer when additional warmth is needed.

[0040] As used herein, the term "upper body garment" is intended to encompass a variety of different configurations suitable for covering an upper torso region of a wearer when the upper body garment is worn. These configurations can include a jacket or coat, a pullover, a hooded shirt, a vest, and the like. Positional or directional terms used to describe an upper body garment, such as front, back, interior, exterior, top, upper, lower, central, medial, lateral, forward, rearward, and the like, refer to the garment as intended to be worn by a wearer standing upright. Thus, the term "front" means configured to cover a front torso region of a wearer, and the term "back" means configured to cover a back torso region of a wearer. The term "interior" means positioned closer to a body surface of a wearer relative to another structure or layer. The term "exterior" means positioned further from a body surface of a wearer relative to another structure or layer. The term "top" means positioned generally at a vertex or top of a wearer's head when referring to, for example, an inner hood. The term "medial" means located closer to a midline of a garment or wearer of the garment, and the term "lateral" means located closer to a side of a garment or wearer of the garment. The term "central" means located generally along a vertical midline of a garment or wearer of the garment when referring to, for example, a back aspect of a torso portion of a garment or a back aspect of an inner hood. The term "forward" means located closer to a front of a garment or wearer of the garment, and the term "rearward" means located closer to a back of a garment or wearer of the garment.

[0041] The terms "low-stretch" or "non-stretch" when referring to a central panel of an inner hood that extends onto a back aspect of a torso portion mean exhibiting little or no stretch when subjected to tension in the x-direction (e.g., horizontal direction) and the y-direction (e.g., vertical direction). In example aspects, a low-stretch or non-stretch material can not include any elastic yarns, such as spandex. Unless otherwise specified, all measurements provided herein are measured when the upper body garment is at standard ambient temperature and pressure (25 degrees Celsius or 298.15 K and 1 bar) and in a resting (e.g., unstretched) state.

[0042] Figure 1 A back view of an example upper body garment 100 that facilitates straight-sitting sleep is depicted. The upper body garment 100 includes a back aspect 112 and a front aspect (not shown) that is opposite the back aspect 112. The upper body garment 100 includes a torso portion 114 that is configured to cover a torso region of a wearer when the upper body garment 100 is worn. The torso portion 114 includes a front torso portion 116 and a back torso portion 118. The back torso portion 118 includes a central panel 120 that extends onto a back aspect of the back torso portion 118. The central panel 120 is configured to cover a back aspect of a wearer's torso region when the upper body garment 100 is worn. The central panel 120 includes a first side 122 and a second side 124 that is opposite the first side 122. The first side 122 is configured to be positioned closer to a first side of a wearer's torso region when the upper body garment 100 is worn, and the second side 124 is configured to be positioned closer to a second side of a wearer's torso region when the upper body garment 100 is worn. The central panel 120 includes a first end 126 and a second end 128 that is opposite the first end 126. The first end 126 is configured to be positioned closer to a first end of a wearer's torso region when the upper body garment 100 is worn, and the second end 128 is configured to be positioned closer to a second end of a wearer's torso region when the upper body garment 100 is worn. Figure 2The torso portion 110 includes a neck opening 114 from which a voluminous outer hood 116 extends. In example aspects, the neck opening 114 is positioned such that it encircles a lower neck region of a wearer when the upper body garment 100 is worn. The torso portion 110 also includes a waist opening 118 through which a torso region of a wearer extends when the garment 100 is worn. The garment 100 can also include a first sleeve 120 extending from a first sleeve opening 121 of the torso portion 110 and a second sleeve 122 extending from a second sleeve opening 123 of the torso portion 110. Although shown as having long sleeves, it is contemplated herein that the upper body garment 100 can not have sleeves and be in the form of a vest. Alternatively, the first sleeve 120 and the second sleeve 122 can include three-quarter sleeves, half sleeves, quarter sleeves, or the like.

[0043] The back aspect 112 of the torso portion 110 includes a central panel 124 that, in example aspects, extends upward from the waist opening 118 and at least partially forms an inner hood. The portion of the central panel 124 that forms the inner hood is depicted in dashed line to indicate that it is hidden from view by the outer hood 116. In alternative examples, the central panel 124 can begin a predetermined distance upward from the waist opening 118, such as from about 10 cm to about 50 cm upward from the waist opening 118. As used herein, the term“about” means within ±10% of the indicated value. The central panel 124, positioned under the inner hood when the garment 100 is worn, is adapted to cover a wearer’s spine. In example aspects, the central panel 124 is a separate panel piece that is sewn to one or more additional panels forming the back aspect 112 of the torso portion 110, for example at seams 126 and 128. Although the central panel 124 is depicted as having both linear edges and curved edges, it is contemplated herein that the edges of the central panel 124 can be linear only. Additionally, although the central panel 124 is shown as having a larger width in some areas and a smaller width in other areas as it extends from the waist opening 118 on the back aspect 112 of the torso portion 110, it is contemplated herein that the central panel 124 can have a uniform width. It is also contemplated herein that the central panel 124 can form a most outward facing surface of the garment 100. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated within the aspects herein.

[0044] In example aspects, the central panel 124 is formed from a textile that exhibits low stretch or no stretch. For example, the central panel 124 can include a tight weave construction using non-elastic yarns. In one example aspect, the central panel 124 can be woven using, for example, 100% polyester yarns to have a basket weave pattern of about 100 to about 110 weft yarns per square centimeter and about 175 to about 185 warp yarns per square centimeter. In contrast to a knit construction, the use of a tight weave construction limits the mechanical stretch as the weft and warp yarns are packed at right angles as compared to the loose nature of knit stitches. To further constrain the stretch properties of the central panel 124, a non-stretch or low stretch film material 130, shown in hatching, can be attached to the central panel 124. In one example aspect, the film material can include Bemis Film EXO3900P produced by Bemis Associates, Inc. located at One Bemis Way, Shirley, MA. In example aspects, the film material 130 can be attached to the outward-facing surface of the central panel 124 at which the film material 130 can also provide an aesthetic element for the upper body garment 100. For example, the film material 130 can have a different color, texture, and / or finish than the fabric used to form the upper body garment 100. It is also contemplated herein that the film material 130 can be attached to the inward-facing surface of the central panel 124, or both the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces of the central panel 124.

[0045] With respect to the outer hood 116, the lower edge 132 of the outer hood 116 is continuously attached (e.g., by needle stitching, adhesive, etc.) to the neck opening 114 except at a first location positioned at the center of the back aspect 112 of the torso portion 110 to form an opening 134. In other words, the outer hood 116 is attached to the neck opening 114 at a first end 136 and a second end 138 of the unattached portion forming the opening 134. As explained in further detail below, the central panel 124 extends through the opening 134 and forms a portion of the inner hood. It is contemplated herein that the outer hood 116 is formed from a medium to heavy weight material (e.g., a fabric having a weight of about 150 grams per square meter (gsm) or greater) that has a soft hand. The use of a heavy weight material for the outer hood 116 provides a sense of security and privacy to the wearer when the inner hood 116 is donned. Likewise, the heavy weight material can deaden sound, which facilitates the wearer resting or sleeping. As noted above, in example aspects, the outer hood 116 is configured to have a large capacity such that the outer hood 116 does not fit snugly or tightly to the wearer’s head.

[0046] Figure 2A view of the front 210 of the torso portion 110 of an upper garment 100 is depicted. The upper garment 100 includes a releasable closure mechanism 212, such as a zipper, which can be used to separate the two front panels 211a and 211b forming the front 210 of the garment 100. The front 210 of the torso portion 110 also includes a first pocket 214 located at the upper right front portion of the garment 100 and a second pocket 216 located at the upper left front portion of the garment 100. In an illustrative aspect, the first pocket 214 and the second pocket 216 can be reversibly closed by a magnetic closure system (shown as dashed circles), but other closure systems such as snaps, zippers, buttons, etc., are also contemplated herein. The use of a magnetic closure system, in contrast to, for example, a zipper system, allows easy access to the first pocket 214 and the second pocket 216. In an illustrative aspect, when the wearer wishes to sleep or rest, the wearer can insert her left hand into the first pocket 214 and her right hand into the second pocket 216 to assume a comfortable crossed-arm position. This article envisions that upper garment 100 may include additional pockets, not shown.

[0047] The lower edge 132 of the outer hood 116 is shown as an attachment to the neck opening 114 of the torso portion 110. In an example, the outer hood 116 includes an upwardly forward-extending portion 218 (in... Figure 5 (Best shown in the side view). The upward forward extension 218 forms at least a portion of the upper part of the hood opening edge 220 of the outer hood 116. When the wearer wishes to sleep or rest, the wearer can pull the upward forward extension 218 over the wearer's eyes to help block light. In an example aspect, the outer hood 116 may include a lower front panel 222 that extends upward from the neck opening 114 at the front of the outer hood 116. The upper edge of the lower front panel 222 also forms the lower part of the hood opening edge 220. When the releasable closure mechanism 212 is fully engaged, the lower front panel 222 cooperates with the upward forward extension 218 to define a small face opening 224. The small face opening 224 limits the amount of light reaching the wearer's eyes, which promotes rest or sleep.

[0048] Figure 3A front view of the interior of the upper body garment 100 is illustrated. The upper body garment 100 includes an inner hood 300 positioned inside the outer hood 116. The inner hood 300 is formed from the central panel 124, a right panel piece 310, a left panel piece 312, and a mesh elastic panel 314. As described above, the central panel 124 forms a central portion of the back aspect 112 of the torso portion 110. The central panel 124 extends through an opening 134 formed at a location where the outer hood 116 is not attached to the neck opening 114. After extending through the opening 134, the central panel 124 extends upward along a posterior midline of the wearer’s head and partially across a vertex of the wearer’s head when the inner hood 300 is worn. A terminal edge of the central panel 124 is stitched or attached to a rearward edge of the mesh elastic panel 314; a forward edge of the mesh elastic panel 314 is a free edge. The mesh elastic panel 314 is adapted to be positioned across the wearer’s forehead when the inner hood 300 is worn. The use of the mesh material allows for breathability and permeability to be provided, which promotes comfort for the wearer, and the use of the elastic material promotes the mesh elastic panel 314 to fit snugly across the wearer’s forehead, thereby helping to anchor the inner hood 300 to the wearer’s head.

[0049] In example aspects, the central panel 124 includes the film material 130 (shown in dashed lines to indicate that the film material 130 is attached to an outward-facing surface of the central panel 124). By configuring the central panel 124 to include the film material 130 as described above, a continuous zone of low-stretch or no-stretch material extends from at least a vertex of the wearer’s head to a lower thoracic or lumbar portion of the wearer’s spine, which helps to stabilize the wearer’s head in a centered position and helps to prevent the wearer’s head from sagging forward when sleeping.

[0050] The right panel piece 310 includes an inner side edge 318 and an outer side edge 320, and the left panel piece 312 includes an inner side edge 322 and an outer side edge 324. The inner side edge 318 of the right panel piece 310 and the inner side edge 322 of the left panel piece 312 are attached (e.g., by needle stitching, bonding, etc.) to the central panel 124. The outer side edge 320 of the right panel piece 310 and the outer side edge 324 of the left panel piece 312 help form the hood opening of the inner hood 300. In example aspects, each of the outer side edge 320 of the right panel piece 310 and the outer side edge 324 of the left panel piece 312 is substantially unattached to the outer hood 116. As used herein, the term “substantially” means that at least about 90% of the respective edge remains unattached to the outer hood 116. This helps separate the inner hood 300 from the outer hood 116, which can be beneficial due to size differences between the inner hood 300 and the outer hood 116, as explained further below. Each of the right panel piece 310 and the left panel piece 312 can be formed of, for example, a wool material or a material having a soft hand, and in some example aspects, the material can have stretch and recovery properties achieved using elastic yarns to help the inner hood 300 fit snugly around a wearer’s head. In example aspects, the side edges of the mesh elastic panel 314 are attached to the respective outer side edges 320 and 324 of the right panel 310 and the left panel 312.

[0051] Due to the size difference between the outer hood 116 and the inner hood 300, directly coupling the inner hood 300 to the outer hood 116 can cause the outer hood 116 to deform at the coupling point. However, it can be desirable to have some type of coupling between the outer hood 116 and the inner hood 300 that allows the outer hood 116 and the inner hood 300 to be used cooperatively together. In one example aspect, the central panel 124 can be attached to the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the opening 134. To further enable coupling between the inner hood 300 and the outer hood 116 without causing deformation of the outer hood 116, the inner hood 300 can be attached to the outer hood 116 at the top of the outer hood 116 using an elastic bridging panel 316. The bridging panel 316 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that it is hidden from view in this particular illustration. For example, the bridging panel 316 can have a first edge that is attached to the central panel 124 of the inner hood 300 at an area that is proximate to the area where the central panel 124 is attached to the webbed elastic panel 314. Alternatively, the first edge of the bridging panel 316 can be attached to the webbed elastic panel 314. A second, opposite edge of the bridging panel 316 is attached to the outer hood 116 at the top of the outer hood 116. The elastic properties of the bridging panel 316 help prevent the outer hood 116 from deforming at the connection point with the inner hood 300. In example aspects, the connection point between the inner hood 300 and the outer hood 116 is spaced back from the upper hood opening edge 220 of the outer hood 116. For example, the connection point can be spaced from the upper hood opening edge 220 of the outer hood 116 by from about 5 cm to about 40 cm. It is contemplated herein that the remaining portion of the central panel 124 can remain unattached to the outer hood 116.

[0052] The lower edge 326 of the inner hood 300 is not attached with the neck opening 114 of the torso portion 110. More specifically, the lower edge 326 of the right garment piece 310 and the lower edge 326 of the left garment piece 312 are not attached with the neck opening 114 of the torso portion 110. This is due to the size difference between the inner hood 300 and the outer hood 116. For example, attaching the lower edge 326 of the inner hood 300 to the neck opening 114 would cause the lower edge 132 of the outer hood 116 to buckle and deform. To help secure the lower edge 326 of the inner hood 300, an inner vest 328 is used. The inner vest 328 is positioned on the inside of the torso portion 110 of the upper body garment 100 and includes a garment piece that is separate from the torso portion 110. The upper edge 330 of the inner vest 328 is attached (e.g., by needle stitching, adhesion, etc.) to the lower edge 326 of each of the right garment piece 310 and the left garment piece 312 of the inner hood 300. The inner vest 328 is also attached to the first sleeve opening 121 and the second sleeve opening 123 of the torso portion 110. The side edges 332 of the inner vest 328 can be attached to the front edges of the front garment pieces 211a and 211b. In example aspects, the remaining portion of the inner vest 328, such as the bottom edge 333 of the inner vest 328, is not attached with the torso portion 110. In example aspects, the bottom edge 333 of the inner vest 328 is spaced upwardly from the waist opening 118 of the torso portion 110 of the upper body garment 100 (e.g., from about 50 cm to about 300 cm from the waist opening 118 of the torso portion 110). By securing the inner vest 328 to the lower edge 326 of the inner hood 300 and by further securing the inner vest 328 to the first sleeve opening 121 and the second sleeve opening 123 and / or the front edges of the front garment pieces 211a and 211b, the inner hood 300 is set in place and prevented from shrinking upwardly during wear.

[0053] Figure 4 A right side view of the upper body garment 100 is depicted. The upper forward extending portion 218 of the outer hood 116 is shown extending past the forward plane of the garment 100. The central garment piece 124 with the film material 130 attached extends upwardly from the waist opening 118 along the back aspect 112 of the torso portion 110 and through the opening 134 where it forms the central portion of the inner hood 300. Figure 4 A meshed elastic garment piece 314 extending from the terminal edge of the central garment piece 124 is also depicted. The bridging garment piece 316 is shown extending from the central garment piece 124 to the top of the outer hood 116. Further, the right garment piece 310 forming the inner hood 300 is shown. The lower edge 326 of the right garment piece 310 is depicted as being attached to the upper edge 330 of the inner vest 328. Similarly, the lower edge 326 of the left garment piece 312 will be attached to the upper edge 330 of the inner vest 328. As described above, the inner vest 328 is also attached to the second sleeve opening 123 and the first sleeve opening 121 Figure 4(not shown in the image) and the front edges of the front panels 211a and 211b ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the image). The left side view of the upper garment 100 is approximately... Figure 4 A mirror image of the view shown. Figure 4 An optional mittens 410 is depicted, which are attached to the distal ends of both the first sleeve 120 and the second sleeve 122, and which can be pulled onto the wearer's hand when additional warmth is required.

[0054] Figure 5 A right-side view of the upper garment 100 is depicted, in which the central garment piece 124 has an alternative construction. The same numerals are used to indicate... Figure 4 The same structure. In Figure 5 In the illustrated configuration, the central garment piece 124 includes pleats 510 at the top of the inner hood 300 and along a portion of the rear of the inner hood 300. As explained further below, the pleats 510 are formed by cutting the membrane material 130 to a length shorter than that of the central garment piece 124. The pleats 510 result in a shortening of the central garment piece 124 (i.e., a reduction in the length of the central garment piece 124), which further limits stretchability and helps stabilize the wearer's head in a centered position due to the low- or non-stretchable nature of the central garment piece 124.

[0055] Figures 6A to 6C The diagram illustrates the process of forming Figure 5 The example construction method of the central garment piece is shown. Figure 6A An example central covering 605 with a length of 610 and an example membrane material 615 with a length of 612 are depicted; for illustrative purposes, the length 610 of the central covering 605 is measured from the bottom edge of the membrane material 615. The membrane material 615 is shown positioned on top of the central covering 605, but not attached to it. In this example, the length 612 of the membrane material 615 may be approximately 2.0 cm smaller than the length 610 of the central covering 605.

[0056] Figure 6B The illustration shows the end of the membrane material 615 being tensioned toward the central sheath 605, as indicated by arrow 617. Figure 6C The illustration shows the central garment piece 605 after the membrane material 615 has been attached. Because the membrane material 615 has low tensile strength, it returns to its original length 612 after being stretched and attached to the central garment piece 605. This causes the central garment piece 605 to gather or form a series of wrinkles 620 and have a length 612. The additional tension of the central garment piece 605 generated by this construction method also helps to stabilize the wearer's head in a centered (e.g., upright) or near-centered position when the upper garment 100 is worn.

[0057] Figure 7Wearer 710 is depicted wearing upper body garment 100, where upper body garment 100 facilitates straight-sleeping. In this example, wearer 710 is seated in a chair located on, for example, an airplane, a bus, a car, a seating area, etc. Outer hood 116 is positioned over the wearer's head, and upper forward extension 218 is pulled over the wearer's eyes. Upper body garment 100 is fully closed, and lower front panel 222 cooperates with upper forward extension 218 to form facial opening 224. To further facilitate straight-sleeping, wearer 710 positions his right hand in second pocket 216 and his left hand in first pocket 214. Although not shown in this view, inner hood 300 is positioned snugly and securely around the wearer's head, and facilitates keeping the wearer's head in a centered or near-centered position.

[0058] Figure 8 Wearer 710 is depicted wearing upper body garment 100, where upper body garment 100 facilitates straight-sleeping. In this example, wearer 710 is seated in a chair located on, for example, an airplane, a bus, a car, a seating area, etc. Outer hood 116 is positioned over the wearer's head, and upper forward extension 218 is pulled over the wearer's eyes. Upper body garment 100 is fully closed, and lower front panel 222 cooperates with upper forward extension 218 to form facial opening 224. To further facilitate straight-sleeping, wearer 710 positions his right hand in second pocket 216 and his left hand in first pocket 214. Although not shown in this view, inner hood 300 is positioned snugly and securely around the wearer's head, and facilitates keeping the wearer's head in a centered or near-centered position. Figure 8 is to illustrate how inner hood 300 is positioned around the wearer's head. As shown, meshed elastic panel 314 is positioned across the wearer's forehead. Central panel 124, to which membrane material 130 is attached, extends from meshed elastic panel 314 over the top and back of the wearer's head, after which it exits opening 134, and continues to extend downward along back aspect 112 of torso portion 110 to terminate at waist opening 118. Right panel piece 310 covers the right side of the wearer's head, including, for example, the wearer's right ear. Left panel piece 312 will similarly cover the left side of the wearer's head, including the wearer's left ear. Lower edge 326 of right panel piece 310 is attached to upper edge 330 of inner vest 328 to help secure and settle inner hood 300 on the wearer's head. Similarly, lower edge 326 of left panel piece 312 is also attached to upper edge 330 of inner vest 328. Upper forward extension 218 is shown rolled back so that facial opening 224 is larger and wearer 710 has a better external view.

[0059] Figure 9A flowchart illustrating an example method 900 of manufacturing a top garment that promotes straight-sitting sleep, such as top garment 100, is shown. At step 910, an outer hood, such as outer hood 116, is continuously attached to a neck opening of a torso portion of the top garment, except at a first location at a back aspect of the torso portion, to form an opening, such as opening 134. At step 912, an inner hood, such as inner hood 300, is positioned inside the outer hood. At step 914, a central panel, such as central panel 124, of the inner hood is attached to first and second ends, such as first end 136 and second end 138, of the opening and to a top of the outer hood at a location spaced back from a hood opening edge of the outer hood. Additional steps can include attaching a low-stretch or no-stretch film material to the central panel to further limit the stretchability of the central panel. In some example aspects, it is contemplated that the film material can be cut to have a shorter length than the central panel. The film material is then tensioned in the longitudinal direction before being attached to the central panel. When the film material reverts to its resting length, this results in bunching of the central panel. This in turn can further limit the stretchability of the central panel and further promote the central panel helping to hold the wearer’s head in a centered or straight-sitting position.

[0060] Aspects of the disclosure have been described with the intention of being illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Alternative means of implementing the improvements described above will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] It should be appreciated that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all of the steps listed in each of the figures is required, nor is there any particular order required for carrying out the methods.

Claims

1. An upper garment, comprising: The torso portion defines a neck opening and a waist opening, and the torso portion has a frontal and a rearal aspect; An outer hood, which is attached at a first end and a second end of the unattached portion of the outer hood to the neck opening to form an opening, wherein the opening is located at the rear of the torso portion; And an inner hood, the inner hood being positioned inside the outer hood, the central panel of the inner hood being attached to the outer hood at the first and second ends of the unattached portion of the outer hood, the central panel of the inner hood also being attached to the top of the outer hood, wherein the central panel of the inner hood extends through the opening and forms at least a portion of the rear aspect of the torso portion, wherein the central panel is formed of a low-stretch or non-stretch material.

2. The upper garment of claim 1, wherein the central garment piece comprises a low-stretch or non-stretch membrane material attached to a first surface of the central garment piece.

3. The upper garment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the central piece of the inner hood is attached to the top of the outer hood at a position spaced rearward from the edge of the hood opening of the outer hood.

4. The upper garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner hood further comprises a right panel and a left panel, each of the right panel and the left panel having an inner edge, an outer edge, and a lower edge.

5. The upper garment of claim 4, wherein the inner edge of each of the right and left garment pieces is attached to the central garment piece.

6. The upper garment according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the outer edge of each of the right and left garment pieces is substantially not attached to the outer hood.

7. The upper garment according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the lower edge of each of the right and left garment pieces is not attached to the neck opening of the torso portion.

8. An upper garment, comprising: The torso portion defines a neck opening and a waist opening, the torso portion having a front and a rear side, wherein the rear side includes a central garment piece; an outer hood continuously attached to the neck opening except at a first position at the rear side of the torso portion to form an opening; And an inner hood, the inner hood being positioned inside the outer hood, wherein the central piece of clothing on the rear side of the torso portion extends through the opening and forms at least a portion of the inner hood, wherein the central piece of clothing is formed of a low-stretch or non-stretch material.

9. The upper garment of claim 8, wherein the central garment piece is attached to the first end and the second end of the opening.

10. The upper garment according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the central garment piece is further attached to the top of the outer hood at a position spaced back from the edge of the hood opening of the outer hood.

11. The upper garment of claim 10, wherein the remaining area of ​​the central garment piece is not attached to the outer hood.

12. The upper garment according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the central garment piece extends to the waist opening of the torso portion.

13. The upper garment according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the inner hood comprises a right panel and a left panel, each of the right panel and the left panel having an inner edge, an outer edge, and a lower edge.

14. The upper garment of claim 13, wherein the inner edge of each of the right and left garment pieces is attached to the central garment piece.

15. The upper garment according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the outer edge of each of the right and left garment pieces is substantially not attached to the outer hood.

16. The upper garment according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the lower edge of each of the right and left garment pieces is not attached to the neck opening of the torso portion.

17. A method of manufacturing an upper garment having a torso portion with a neck opening and a waist opening, the method comprising: The outer hood is continuously attached to the neck opening of the torso portion, except at a first position at the rear of the torso portion, to form an opening; Position the inner hood inside the outer hood; The central piece of the inner hood is attached to the first and second ends of the opening and to the top of the outer hood at a position spaced back from the edge of the hood opening of the outer hood; And attaching a low-stretch or non-stretch membrane material to the first surface of the central garment piece, wherein the central garment piece of the inner hood forms at least a portion of the rear aspect of the torso portion.

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