Article of clothing with hood vent

Abstract

An article of clothing includes a torso body including a front and a rear, a hood extending from the torso body and configured to cover a head of a wearer, and a vent formed in the hood and extending along a length of the hood, The vent includes an interior vent piece and an exterior vent piece that overlap one another to define an aperture. The interior vent piece is configured to be positioned closer to the head of the wearer than the exterior vent piece. The exterior vent piece includes a venting portion detached from an adjacent portion of the hood such that the exterior vent piece is displaceable relative to the interior vent piece to permit hair of the wearer to pass through the aperture while the hood remains covering the head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 780,866, filed Mar. 31, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to articles of clothing and, more particularly, to an article of clothing including a hood vent.SUMMARY

[0003] In one independent embodiment, the invention provides an article of clothing including a torso body including a front and a rear, a hood extending from the torso body and configured to cover a head of a wearer, and a vent formed in the hood and extending along a length of the hood, the vent including an interior vent piece and an exterior vent piece that overlap one another to define an aperture, wherein the interior vent piece is configured to be positioned closer to the head of the wearer than the exterior vent piece, and wherein the exterior vent piece includes a venting portion detached from an adjacent portion of the hood such that the exterior vent piece is displaceable relative to the interior vent piece to permit hair of the wearer to pass through the aperture while the hood remains covering the head.

[0004] In another independent aspect, the invention provides an article of clothing including a torso body, a hood coupled to the torso body, the hood including a rear hood segment, and a vent formed in the rear hood segment and extending along an axis, the vent including an exterior vent piece and an interior vent piece that overlap to define an aperture, wherein the exterior vent piece includes a venting portion having a first segment extending parallel to the axis, and a second segment angled relative to the axis, and wherein the venting portion is configured to permit a user to grasp and laterally displace the exterior vent piece relative to the interior vent piece to expose the aperture.

[0005] In yet another independent aspect, the invention provides a hood of an article of clothing, including a first side segment, a second side segment, a rear side segment, and a vent formed in the rear side segment, the vent including an exterior vent piece having a first side coupled to the first side segment and a second side defining a first venting portion detached from the second side segment, and an interior vent piece having a first side coupled to the second side segment and a second side defining a second venting portion detached from the first side segment, wherein the interior vent piece overlaps with the exterior vent piece to define an aperture.

[0006] Other independent aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1A is a front plan view of a hoodie in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1B is a rear plan view of the hoodie of FIG. 1A.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a rear plan view of a hood of the hoodie of FIG. 1A.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a hood vent of the hood of FIG. 2A.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a rear plan view of another hood for the hoodie of FIG. 1A.

[0012] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a hood vent of the hood of FIG. 3A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0014] Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof.

[0015] Also, the functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a component described as performing particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an article of clothing, such as a hooded garment, or hoodie 110. The hoodie 110 is used to cover a portion of a user's body (e.g., torso, arms, back of the head, etc.). A user is to be understood as the wearer of the hoodie 110. The hoodie 110 may be further understood as a hooded sun shirt for the user to wear, for example, outdoors or at a worksite. The hoodie 110 may be constructed in various sizes to fit a variety of users.

[0017] The hoodie 110 includes at least a torso body 112. The torso body 112 may define a front 115 and a rear 117 of the hoodie 110. In the present embodiment, the body 112 has a drop tail back hem, meaning that the rear 117 of the body 112 extends longer than the front 115 of the body 112. The rear 117 may extend, for example, ½ a millimeter (mm) longer than the front 115. However, in other embodiments, the front 115 and rear 117 may extend the same length. The hoodie 110 may also include other typical jacket components such as two arms 114, or sleeves, and a hood 116. In other constructions (not shown), the article of clothing may have another configuration (e.g., overalls, a vest, a jacket, short sleeves, or any other type of article or gear that is worn on the torso).

[0018] In the illustrated implementation, the hoodie 110 is preferably formed from a lightweight material, such as polyester and / or a synthetic fabric and / or any other suitable type of material configured to protect the user from wind, rain, the sun, and other weather elements. More particularly, the hoodie 110 may be formed from a polyester material that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or greater. Additionally, the polyester material may be moisture wicking, quick drying, and anti-odor to combat any sweating when the user is working in a hot weather environment. The polyester material may also be breathable and have a natural stretch to allow the user to freely move without restriction. In other embodiments, the hoodie 110 may be made of other materials.

[0019] In some implementations, the hoodie 110 has an outer surface that is exposed to the elements and that may be waterproof, windproof, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the hoodie 110 may further include an inner lining (not shown) configured to provide additional warmth and comfort. The inner lining may line the inside of the hoodie 110 including the torso body 112, the arms 114, and the hood 116.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the arms 114 are provided as mirror images of one another. Each arm 114 includes a first end 122 corresponding to the wrist of the user and a second end 123 corresponding to the shoulder of the user. In the present embodiment, the arms 114 are raglan sleeves which extend in one piece up from the first end 122 to a neck portion 126 of the hoodie. In other words, the arms 114 do not include a shoulder seam. Rather, each of the arms 114 is attached to the torso body 112 by a flatlock raglan seam 130 extending diagonally from a portion of the hoodie 110 corresponding to the underarm of the user to a portion of the hoodie 110 corresponding to the collarbone of the user. In other embodiments, any suitable type of seam may be implemented. For example, the first end 122 of the arms 114 may include an overlock seam to define an end or hem of the arms 114.

[0021] The hood 116 extends around the neck of the user and covers a portion of the user's head. In other words, the hood 116 is configured to enclose the neck of the user and cover the entirety of the user's head except for the user's face. The hood 116 is connected with the torso body 112 and the arms 114 by a neck seam 142 which is a flatlock seam that extends around an entire circumference of the user's neck. In other embodiments, the neck seam 142 may be any suitable seam type. The illustrated hood 116 is a three-piece hood including a first, or right, side segment 146, a second, or left, side segment 150, and a third, or rear, side segment 154. The first side segment 146 is configured to extend around the right side of the user's head, the second side segment 150 is configured to extend around the left side of the user's head, and the third side segment 154 is configured to extend around the back of the user's head. In other embodiments, the hood 116 may have other configurations (e.g., composed of fewer or more segments).

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the third side segment 154 includes a hood vent 158. The hood vent 158 is configured to allow the user to raise the hood 116 over their head without trapping their hair within the hood 116. As such, the hood vent 158 defines an aperture 162 through which the user can place, pass, or thread their hair. The hood vent 158 is configured to reduce overheating (e.g., as a result of hair sitting on a user's neck) and to inhibit hair from getting in the way while active (e.g., performing job duties, exercising, etc.). The illustrated hood vent 158 includes an interior hood vent piece 166 and an exterior hood vent piece 170. The interior hood vent piece 166, or interior flap, is positioned closer than the exterior hood vent piece 170, or exterior flap, to a user's head. The interior hood vent piece 166 and the exterior hood vent piece 170 are positioned to overlap such that the user's head is covered. For example, in some embodiments, between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches of the interior and exterior hood vent pieces 166, 170 may overlap. In the illustrated embodiment, about 1 inch of the interior and exterior hood vent pieces 166, 170 overlaps. The interior and exterior hood vent pieces 166, 170 are movable or displaceable relative to each other. The aperture 162 is defined by the overlapping portions of the interior hood vent piece 166 and the exterior hood vent piece 170. The aperture 162 is accessible when the interior hood vent piece 166 and the exterior hood vent piece 170 are separated from one another (e.g., when a user's hair is threaded through the aperture 162).

[0023] The illustrated hood vent 158 extends along an axis A. In other words, a major dimension of the hood vent 158 extends along or is aligned along the axis A. The axis A corresponds with a length or height of the user's head when the hood 116 is worn over the head. For example, the axis A may be a vertical axis. The hood vent 158 may, therefore, extend vertically. By extending vertically, the hood vent 158 may accommodate different “ponytail” heights.

[0024] The exterior hood vent piece 170 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 174, a second side 178, a third side 183, and a fourth side 187. The first side 174 may also be considered a right side, the second side 178 may also be considered a left side 178, the third side 183 may also be considered a top side, and the fourth side 187 may also be considered a bottom side. The first side 174 extends from and is connected to the first side segment 146. The second side 178 is partially connected to the second side segment 150 but includes a first venting portion 182 which is not connected to the second side segment 150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 158. The first venting portion 182 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 116. The fourth side 187 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0025] With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the illustrated first venting portion 182 includes a straight-line segment 186 and an angled segment 190. The straight-line segment 186 is parallel to or aligned with the axis A. The angled segment 190 is angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 186. In particular, the angled segment 190 is obliquely angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 186. The straight-line segment extends from the angled segment 190 to a top 194 of the hood, which corresponds to the top of the user's head. The angled segment 190 extends from the second side segment 150 to the straight-line segment 186. The first venting portion 182 is shaped to allow the user to easily separate the exterior hood piece 170 from the interior hood vent piece 166. In the present embodiment, the first venting portion 182 is spaced about 2.75 inches (about 6.99 centimeters) from the first side 174 of the exterior hood vent piece 170. In other embodiments, the first venting portion 182 may be spaced other distances from the first side 174.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2B, the illustrated interior hood vent piece 166 is a mirror image of the exterior hood vent piece 170. Thus, the interior hood vent piece 166 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 198, a second side 202, a third side 206, and a fourth side 210. The first side 198 may also be considered a right side 198, the second side 202 may also be considered a left side 202, the third side 206 may also be considered a top side, and the fourth side 210 may also be considered a bottom side. The second side 202 extends from and is connected to the second side segment 150. The first side 198 is partially connected to the first side segment 146 from an inside of the hood 116 and includes a second venting portion 214 which is not connected to the second side segment 150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 158. The second venting portion 214 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 116. The third side 206 extends from and is connected to the top 194 of the hood 116. The fourth side 210 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0027] The second venting portion 214 includes a straight-line segment 220 and an angled segment 224. The straight-line segment 220 is parallel to or aligned with the axis A. The angled segment 224 is angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 220. In particular, the angled segment 224 is obliquely angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 220. The straight-line segment 220 extends from the first diagonal segment 224 to the top 194 of the hood 116. The first diagonal segment 224 extends from the first side segment 146 to the straight-line segment 220. The second venting portion 214 is shaped to allow the user to easily separate the interior hood piece 166 from the exterior hood piece 170.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2A, the straight-line segment 186 of the first venting portion 182 has a length L1 measured along the axis A. The first diagonal segment 190 of the first venting portion 182 has a length L2 measured from the second side segment 150 to the straight-line segment 186. The length L2 extends orthogonally to the length L1. More particularly, the length L2 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first venting portion 182 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the straight-line segment 186 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L1 may be about 8 inches (about 20.32 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L2 of the first diagonal segment 190 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L2 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L1 is longer than the length L2.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2B, the straight-line segment 220 of the second venting portion 214 has a length L3 measured along the axis A. The first diagonal segment 224 of the second venting portion 214 has a length L4 measured from the first side segment 146 to the straight-line segment 220. The length L4 extends orthogonally to the length L3. More particularly, the length L4 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L3. In the illustrated embodiment, the second venting portion 214 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L3 of the straight-line segment 220 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L3 may be about 8 inches (about 20.32 centimeters). As such, the length L3 may be generally equal to the length L1. In some embodiments, the length L4 of the first diagonal segment 224 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L4 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L3 is longer than the length L4. In addition, the length L4 may be generally equal to the length L2.

[0030] During use, the user may put on the hoodie 110 by inserting their arms through each respective arm 114 and inserting their head through the neck portion 126. Once the user is wearing the hoodie 110, the user may pull up the hood 116 such that the hood 116 covers a portion of the user's head. Next, the user may grasp, using their right hand, the straight-line segment 186 of the exterior hood vent piece 170. The user may then pull the exterior hood vent piece 170 toward their right side (e.g., laterally displace the exterior hood vent piece 170 relative to the interior hood vent piece 166), thereby exposing the aperture 162 of the hood vent 158. Next, the user may gather, using their left hand, their hair. The user may then pull the gathered hair through the exposed aperture 162 such that the user's hair extends between the exterior hood vent piece 170 and the interior hood vent piece 166, out of the hood, and into the external environment.

[0031] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a hood 1116 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The hood 1116 is like the hood 116 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and described above. The hood 1116 may, for example, replace the hood 116 on the hoodie 110. Therefore, like features are identified with like references numerals plus “1000”, and only the differences between the two will be discussed.

[0032] The hood 1116 is a three-piece hood 1116 including a first, or right, side segment 1146, a second, or left, side segment 1150, and a third, or rear, side segment 1154. The first side segment 1146 is configured to extend around the right side of the user's head, the second side segment 150 is configured to extend around the left side of the user's head, and the third side segment 154 is configured to extend around the back of the user's head.

[0033] The third side segment 1154 includes a hood vent 1158. The hood vent 1158 defines an aperture 1162 through which the user can place or thread their hair. The hood vent 1158 includes an interior hood vent piece 1166 and an exterior hood vent piece 1170. The interior hood vent piece 1166 and the exterior hood vent piece 1170 are positioned to overlap such that the user's head is covered. The interior and exterior hood vent pieces 1166, 1170 are movable or displaceable relative to each other. The aperture 1162 is defined by the overlapping portions of the interior hood vent piece 1166 and the exterior hood vent piece 1170. Similar to the hood vent 158, the illustrated hood vent 1158 extends along an axis B.

[0034] The exterior hood vent piece 1170 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 1174, a second side 1178, a third side 1183, and a fourth side 1187. The first side 1174 extends from and is connected to the first side segment 1146. The second side 1178 is partially connected to the second side segment 1150 but includes a first venting portion 1182 which is not connected to the second side segment 1150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 1158. The first venting portion 182 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 1116. The fourth side 1187 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the illustrated first venting portion 1182 is generally trapezoidal in shape and includes a straight-line segment 1186, a first angled segment 1190, and a second angled segment 1191. The straight-line segment 1186 is parallel to or aligned with the axis B. The first and second angled segment 1190, 1191 are angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1186. In particular, the first and second angled segments 1190, 1191 are obliquely angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1186. The first and second angled segments 1190, 1191 are also angled in opposite directions away from each other from the straight-line segment 1186. The straight-line segment 1186 extends between the first angled segment 1190 and the second angled segment 1191. The first venting portion 1182 is generally trapezoidal in shape to allow the user to easily separate the exterior hood piece 1170 from the interior hood piece.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior hood vent piece 1166 is a mirror image of the exterior hood vent piece 1170. Thus, the interior hood vent piece 1166 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 1198, a second side 1202, a third side 1206, and a fourth side 1210. The second side 1202 extends from and is connected to the second side segment 1150. The first side 1198 is partially connected to the first side segment 1146 from an inside of the hood 1116 and includes a second venting portion 1214 which is not connected to the second side segment 1150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 1158. The second venting portion 1214 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 1116. The third side 1206 extends from and is connected to the top 1194 of the hood 1116. The fourth side 1210 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0037] The second venting portion 1214 is generally trapezoidal in shape and includes a straight-line segment 1220, a first angled segment 1224, and a second angled segment 1225. The straight-line segment 1220 is parallel to or aligned with the axis B. The first and second angled segment 1224, 1225 are angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1220. In particular, the first and second angled segments 1224, 1225 are obliquely angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1220. The first and second angled segments 1224, 1225 are also angled in opposite directions away from each other from the straight-line segment 1220. The straight-line segment 1220 extends between the first angled segment 1224 and the second angled segment 1225. The first venting portion 1182 is generally trapezoidal in shape to allow the user to easily separate the interior hood piece 1166 from the exterior hood piece 1170.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3B, the straight-line segment 1186 of the first venting portion 1182 has a length L5 measured along axis A. The first angled segment 1190 of the first venting portion 1182 has a length L6 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1220. The second angled segment 1191 of the first venting portion 1182 has a length L7 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1186. The lengths L6 and L7 extend substantially parallel to one another and orthogonal to the length L5. More particularly the lengths L6 and L7 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L5. In the illustrated embodiment, the first venting portion 1182 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L5 of the straight-line segment 1186 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L5 may be about 7.125 inches (about 18.1 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L6 of the first diagonal segment 1224 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L6 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L7 of the second diagonal segment 1225 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L7 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L5 is longer than the lengths L6, L7.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 3B, the straight-line segment 1220 of the second venting portion 1214 has a length L8 measured along axis A. The first angled segment 1224 of the second venting portion 1214 has a length L9 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1220. The second angled segment 1225 of the second venting portion 1214 has a length L10 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1220. The lengths L9 and L10 extend substantially parallel to one another and orthogonal to the length L8. More particularly the lengths L9 and L10 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L8. In the illustrated embodiment, the second venting portion 1214 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L8 of the straight-line segment 1220 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L8 may be about 7.125 inches (about 18.1 centimeters). As such, the length L8 may be generally equal to the length L5. In some embodiments, the length L9 of the first diagonal segment 1224 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L9 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L10 of the second diagonal segment 1225 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L10 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L8 is longer than the lengths L9, L10. In addition, the length L9 may be generally equal to the length L10. Furthermore, the lengths L9, L10 may be generally equal to the lengths L6, L7.

[0040] Thus, the invention may provide, among other things, a hooded garment, such as a hoodie 110 including a torso body 112 having a front 115 and a rear 117, a hood 116 / 1116 extending from the torso body 112, and a hood vent 158 / 1158 extending along a length of the hood 116 / 1116.

[0041] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0014]Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof.

[0015]Also, the functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a sing...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 780,866, filed Mar. 31, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to articles of clothing and, more particularly, to an article of clothing including a hood vent.SUMMARY

[0003] In one independent embodiment, the invention provides an article of clothing including a torso body including a front and a rear, a hood extending from the torso body and configured to cover a head of a wearer, and a vent formed in the hood and extending along a length of the hood, the vent including an interior vent piece and an exterior vent piece that overlap one another to define an aperture, wherein the interior vent piece is configured to be positioned closer to the head of the wearer than the exterior vent piece, and wherein the exterior vent piece includes a venting portion detached from an adjacent portion of the hood such that the exterior vent piece is displaceable relative to the interior vent piece to permit hair of the wearer to pass through the aperture while the hood remains covering the head.

[0004] In another independent aspect, the invention provides an article of clothing including a torso body, a hood coupled to the torso body, the hood including a rear hood segment, and a vent formed in the rear hood segment and extending along an axis, the vent including an exterior vent piece and an interior vent piece that overlap to define an aperture, wherein the exterior vent piece includes a venting portion having a first segment extending parallel to the axis, and a second segment angled relative to the axis, and wherein the venting portion is configured to permit a user to grasp and laterally displace the exterior vent piece relative to the interior vent piece to expose the aperture.

[0005] In yet another independent aspect, the invention provides a hood of an article of clothing, including a first side segment, a second side segment, a rear side segment, and a vent formed in the rear side segment, the vent including an exterior vent piece having a first side coupled to the first side segment and a second side defining a first venting portion detached from the second side segment, and an interior vent piece having a first side coupled to the second side segment and a second side defining a second venting portion detached from the first side segment, wherein the interior vent piece overlaps with the exterior vent piece to define an aperture.

[0006] Other independent aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1A is a front plan view of a hoodie in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1B is a rear plan view of the hoodie of FIG. 1A.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a rear plan view of a hood of the hoodie of FIG. 1A.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a hood vent of the hood of FIG. 2A.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a rear plan view of another hood for the hoodie of FIG. 1A.

[0012] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a hood vent of the hood of FIG. 3A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0014] Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof.

[0015] Also, the functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a component described as performing particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an article of clothing, such as a hooded garment, or hoodie 110. The hoodie 110 is used to cover a portion of a user's body (e.g., torso, arms, back of the head, etc.). A user is to be understood as the wearer of the hoodie 110. The hoodie 110 may be further understood as a hooded sun shirt for the user to wear, for example, outdoors or at a worksite. The hoodie 110 may be constructed in various sizes to fit a variety of users.

[0017] The hoodie 110 includes at least a torso body 112. The torso body 112 may define a front 115 and a rear 117 of the hoodie 110. In the present embodiment, the body 112 has a drop tail back hem, meaning that the rear 117 of the body 112 extends longer than the front 115 of the body 112. The rear 117 may extend, for example, ½ a millimeter (mm) longer than the front 115. However, in other embodiments, the front 115 and rear 117 may extend the same length. The hoodie 110 may also include other typical jacket components such as two arms 114, or sleeves, and a hood 116. In other constructions (not shown), the article of clothing may have another configuration (e.g., overalls, a vest, a jacket, short sleeves, or any other type of article or gear that is worn on the torso).

[0018] In the illustrated implementation, the hoodie 110 is preferably formed from a lightweight material, such as polyester and / or a synthetic fabric and / or any other suitable type of material configured to protect the user from wind, rain, the sun, and other weather elements. More particularly, the hoodie 110 may be formed from a polyester material that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or greater. Additionally, the polyester material may be moisture wicking, quick drying, and anti-odor to combat any sweating when the user is working in a hot weather environment. The polyester material may also be breathable and have a natural stretch to allow the user to freely move without restriction. In other embodiments, the hoodie 110 may be made of other materials.

[0019] In some implementations, the hoodie 110 has an outer surface that is exposed to the elements and that may be waterproof, windproof, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the hoodie 110 may further include an inner lining (not shown) configured to provide additional warmth and comfort. The inner lining may line the inside of the hoodie 110 including the torso body 112, the arms 114, and the hood 116.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the arms 114 are provided as mirror images of one another. Each arm 114 includes a first end 122 corresponding to the wrist of the user and a second end 123 corresponding to the shoulder of the user. In the present embodiment, the arms 114 are raglan sleeves which extend in one piece up from the first end 122 to a neck portion 126 of the hoodie. In other words, the arms 114 do not include a shoulder seam. Rather, each of the arms 114 is attached to the torso body 112 by a flatlock raglan seam 130 extending diagonally from a portion of the hoodie 110 corresponding to the underarm of the user to a portion of the hoodie 110 corresponding to the collarbone of the user. In other embodiments, any suitable type of seam may be implemented. For example, the first end 122 of the arms 114 may include an overlock seam to define an end or hem of the arms 114.

[0021] The hood 116 extends around the neck of the user and covers a portion of the user's head. In other words, the hood 116 is configured to enclose the neck of the user and cover the entirety of the user's head except for the user's face. The hood 116 is connected with the torso body 112 and the arms 114 by a neck seam 142 which is a flatlock seam that extends around an entire circumference of the user's neck. In other embodiments, the neck seam 142 may be any suitable seam type. The illustrated hood 116 is a three-piece hood including a first, or right, side segment 146, a second, or left, side segment 150, and a third, or rear, side segment 154. The first side segment 146 is configured to extend around the right side of the user's head, the second side segment 150 is configured to extend around the left side of the user's head, and the third side segment 154 is configured to extend around the back of the user's head. In other embodiments, the hood 116 may have other configurations (e.g., composed of fewer or more segments).

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the third side segment 154 includes a hood vent 158. The hood vent 158 is configured to allow the user to raise the hood 116 over their head without trapping their hair within the hood 116. As such, the hood vent 158 defines an aperture 162 through which the user can place, pass, or thread their hair. The hood vent 158 is configured to reduce overheating (e.g., as a result of hair sitting on a user's neck) and to inhibit hair from getting in the way while active (e.g., performing job duties, exercising, etc.). The illustrated hood vent 158 includes an interior hood vent piece 166 and an exterior hood vent piece 170. The interior hood vent piece 166, or interior flap, is positioned closer than the exterior hood vent piece 170, or exterior flap, to a user's head. The interior hood vent piece 166 and the exterior hood vent piece 170 are positioned to overlap such that the user's head is covered. For example, in some embodiments, between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches of the interior and exterior hood vent pieces 166, 170 may overlap. In the illustrated embodiment, about 1 inch of the interior and exterior hood vent pieces 166, 170 overlaps. The interior and exterior hood vent pieces 166, 170 are movable or displaceable relative to each other. The aperture 162 is defined by the overlapping portions of the interior hood vent piece 166 and the exterior hood vent piece 170. The aperture 162 is accessible when the interior hood vent piece 166 and the exterior hood vent piece 170 are separated from one another (e.g., when a user's hair is threaded through the aperture 162).

[0023] The illustrated hood vent 158 extends along an axis A. In other words, a major dimension of the hood vent 158 extends along or is aligned along the axis A. The axis A corresponds with a length or height of the user's head when the hood 116 is worn over the head. For example, the axis A may be a vertical axis. The hood vent 158 may, therefore, extend vertically. By extending vertically, the hood vent 158 may accommodate different “ponytail” heights.

[0024] The exterior hood vent piece 170 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 174, a second side 178, a third side 183, and a fourth side 187. The first side 174 may also be considered a right side, the second side 178 may also be considered a left side 178, the third side 183 may also be considered a top side, and the fourth side 187 may also be considered a bottom side. The first side 174 extends from and is connected to the first side segment 146. The second side 178 is partially connected to the second side segment 150 but includes a first venting portion 182 which is not connected to the second side segment 150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 158. The first venting portion 182 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 116. The fourth side 187 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0025] With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the illustrated first venting portion 182 includes a straight-line segment 186 and an angled segment 190. The straight-line segment 186 is parallel to or aligned with the axis A. The angled segment 190 is angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 186. In particular, the angled segment 190 is obliquely angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 186. The straight-line segment extends from the angled segment 190 to a top 194 of the hood, which corresponds to the top of the user's head. The angled segment 190 extends from the second side segment 150 to the straight-line segment 186. The first venting portion 182 is shaped to allow the user to easily separate the exterior hood piece 170 from the interior hood vent piece 166. In the present embodiment, the first venting portion 182 is spaced about 2.75 inches (about 6.99 centimeters) from the first side 174 of the exterior hood vent piece 170. In other embodiments, the first venting portion 182 may be spaced other distances from the first side 174.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2B, the illustrated interior hood vent piece 166 is a mirror image of the exterior hood vent piece 170. Thus, the interior hood vent piece 166 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 198, a second side 202, a third side 206, and a fourth side 210. The first side 198 may also be considered a right side 198, the second side 202 may also be considered a left side 202, the third side 206 may also be considered a top side, and the fourth side 210 may also be considered a bottom side. The second side 202 extends from and is connected to the second side segment 150. The first side 198 is partially connected to the first side segment 146 from an inside of the hood 116 and includes a second venting portion 214 which is not connected to the second side segment 150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 158. The second venting portion 214 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 116. The third side 206 extends from and is connected to the top 194 of the hood 116. The fourth side 210 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0027] The second venting portion 214 includes a straight-line segment 220 and an angled segment 224. The straight-line segment 220 is parallel to or aligned with the axis A. The angled segment 224 is angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 220. In particular, the angled segment 224 is obliquely angled relative to the axis A and the straight-line segment 220. The straight-line segment 220 extends from the first diagonal segment 224 to the top 194 of the hood 116. The first diagonal segment 224 extends from the first side segment 146 to the straight-line segment 220. The second venting portion 214 is shaped to allow the user to easily separate the interior hood piece 166 from the exterior hood piece 170.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2A, the straight-line segment 186 of the first venting portion 182 has a length L1 measured along the axis A. The first diagonal segment 190 of the first venting portion 182 has a length L2 measured from the second side segment 150 to the straight-line segment 186. The length L2 extends orthogonally to the length L1. More particularly, the length L2 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first venting portion 182 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the straight-line segment 186 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L1 may be about 8 inches (about 20.32 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L2 of the first diagonal segment 190 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L2 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L1 is longer than the length L2.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2B, the straight-line segment 220 of the second venting portion 214 has a length L3 measured along the axis A. The first diagonal segment 224 of the second venting portion 214 has a length L4 measured from the first side segment 146 to the straight-line segment 220. The length L4 extends orthogonally to the length L3. More particularly, the length L4 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L3. In the illustrated embodiment, the second venting portion 214 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L3 of the straight-line segment 220 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L3 may be about 8 inches (about 20.32 centimeters). As such, the length L3 may be generally equal to the length L1. In some embodiments, the length L4 of the first diagonal segment 224 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L4 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L3 is longer than the length L4. In addition, the length L4 may be generally equal to the length L2.

[0030] During use, the user may put on the hoodie 110 by inserting their arms through each respective arm 114 and inserting their head through the neck portion 126. Once the user is wearing the hoodie 110, the user may pull up the hood 116 such that the hood 116 covers a portion of the user's head. Next, the user may grasp, using their right hand, the straight-line segment 186 of the exterior hood vent piece 170. The user may then pull the exterior hood vent piece 170 toward their right side (e.g., laterally displace the exterior hood vent piece 170 relative to the interior hood vent piece 166), thereby exposing the aperture 162 of the hood vent 158. Next, the user may gather, using their left hand, their hair. The user may then pull the gathered hair through the exposed aperture 162 such that the user's hair extends between the exterior hood vent piece 170 and the interior hood vent piece 166, out of the hood, and into the external environment.

[0031] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a hood 1116 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The hood 1116 is like the hood 116 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and described above. The hood 1116 may, for example, replace the hood 116 on the hoodie 110. Therefore, like features are identified with like references numerals plus “1000”, and only the differences between the two will be discussed.

[0032] The hood 1116 is a three-piece hood 1116 including a first, or right, side segment 1146, a second, or left, side segment 1150, and a third, or rear, side segment 1154. The first side segment 1146 is configured to extend around the right side of the user's head, the second side segment 150 is configured to extend around the left side of the user's head, and the third side segment 154 is configured to extend around the back of the user's head.

[0033] The third side segment 1154 includes a hood vent 1158. The hood vent 1158 defines an aperture 1162 through which the user can place or thread their hair. The hood vent 1158 includes an interior hood vent piece 1166 and an exterior hood vent piece 1170. The interior hood vent piece 1166 and the exterior hood vent piece 1170 are positioned to overlap such that the user's head is covered. The interior and exterior hood vent pieces 1166, 1170 are movable or displaceable relative to each other. The aperture 1162 is defined by the overlapping portions of the interior hood vent piece 1166 and the exterior hood vent piece 1170. Similar to the hood vent 158, the illustrated hood vent 1158 extends along an axis B.

[0034] The exterior hood vent piece 1170 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 1174, a second side 1178, a third side 1183, and a fourth side 1187. The first side 1174 extends from and is connected to the first side segment 1146. The second side 1178 is partially connected to the second side segment 1150 but includes a first venting portion 1182 which is not connected to the second side segment 1150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 1158. The first venting portion 182 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 1116. The fourth side 1187 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the illustrated first venting portion 1182 is generally trapezoidal in shape and includes a straight-line segment 1186, a first angled segment 1190, and a second angled segment 1191. The straight-line segment 1186 is parallel to or aligned with the axis B. The first and second angled segment 1190, 1191 are angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1186. In particular, the first and second angled segments 1190, 1191 are obliquely angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1186. The first and second angled segments 1190, 1191 are also angled in opposite directions away from each other from the straight-line segment 1186. The straight-line segment 1186 extends between the first angled segment 1190 and the second angled segment 1191. The first venting portion 1182 is generally trapezoidal in shape to allow the user to easily separate the exterior hood piece 1170 from the interior hood piece.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior hood vent piece 1166 is a mirror image of the exterior hood vent piece 1170. Thus, the interior hood vent piece 1166 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first side 1198, a second side 1202, a third side 1206, and a fourth side 1210. The second side 1202 extends from and is connected to the second side segment 1150. The first side 1198 is partially connected to the first side segment 1146 from an inside of the hood 1116 and includes a second venting portion 1214 which is not connected to the second side segment 1150 and defines a portion of the hood vent 1158. The second venting portion 1214 is thereby detached from an adjacent portion of the hood 1116. The third side 1206 extends from and is connected to the top 1194 of the hood 1116. The fourth side 1210 extends from and is connected to the neck seam 142.

[0037] The second venting portion 1214 is generally trapezoidal in shape and includes a straight-line segment 1220, a first angled segment 1224, and a second angled segment 1225. The straight-line segment 1220 is parallel to or aligned with the axis B. The first and second angled segment 1224, 1225 are angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1220. In particular, the first and second angled segments 1224, 1225 are obliquely angled relative to the axis B and the straight-line segment 1220. The first and second angled segments 1224, 1225 are also angled in opposite directions away from each other from the straight-line segment 1220. The straight-line segment 1220 extends between the first angled segment 1224 and the second angled segment 1225. The first venting portion 1182 is generally trapezoidal in shape to allow the user to easily separate the interior hood piece 1166 from the exterior hood piece 1170.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3B, the straight-line segment 1186 of the first venting portion 1182 has a length L5 measured along axis A. The first angled segment 1190 of the first venting portion 1182 has a length L6 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1220. The second angled segment 1191 of the first venting portion 1182 has a length L7 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1186. The lengths L6 and L7 extend substantially parallel to one another and orthogonal to the length L5. More particularly the lengths L6 and L7 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L5. In the illustrated embodiment, the first venting portion 1182 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L5 of the straight-line segment 1186 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L5 may be about 7.125 inches (about 18.1 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L6 of the first diagonal segment 1224 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L6 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L7 of the second diagonal segment 1225 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L7 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L5 is longer than the lengths L6, L7.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 3B, the straight-line segment 1220 of the second venting portion 1214 has a length L8 measured along axis A. The first angled segment 1224 of the second venting portion 1214 has a length L9 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1220. The second angled segment 1225 of the second venting portion 1214 has a length L10 measured from the second side segment 1150 to the straight-line segment 1220. The lengths L9 and L10 extend substantially parallel to one another and orthogonal to the length L8. More particularly the lengths L9 and L10 may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the length L8. In the illustrated embodiment, the second venting portion 1214 may be sized and shaped to fit to the user's hand. In some embodiments, the length L8 of the straight-line segment 1220 may be between about 5 inches and about 10 inches (between about 12.7 centimeters and about 25.4 centimeters). For example, the length L8 may be about 7.125 inches (about 18.1 centimeters). As such, the length L8 may be generally equal to the length L5. In some embodiments, the length L9 of the first diagonal segment 1224 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L9 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). In some embodiments, the length L10 of the second diagonal segment 1225 may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (between about 1.27 centimeters and about 5.08 centimeters). For example, the length L10 may be about 1.75 inches (about 4.445 centimeters). As such, the length L8 is longer than the lengths L9, L10. In addition, the length L9 may be generally equal to the length L10. Furthermore, the lengths L9, L10 may be generally equal to the lengths L6, L7.

[0040] Thus, the invention may provide, among other things, a hooded garment, such as a hoodie 110 including a torso body 112 having a front 115 and a rear 117, a hood 116 / 1116 extending from the torso body 112, and a hood vent 158 / 1158 extending along a length of the hood 116 / 1116.

[0041] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0014]Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof.

[0015]Also, the functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a sing...

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:a torso body including a front and a rear;a hood extending from the torso body and configured to cover a head of a wearer; anda vent formed in the hood and extending along a length of the hood, the vent including an interior vent piece and an exterior vent piece that overlap one another to define an aperture,wherein the interior vent piece is configured to be positioned closer to the head of the wearer than the exterior vent piece, andwherein the exterior vent piece includes a venting portion detached from an adjacent portion of the hood such that the exterior vent piece is displaceable relative to the interior vent piece to permit hair of the wearer to pass through the aperture while the hood remains covering the head.

2. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the interior vent piece and the exterior vent piece overlap by a distance sufficient to substantially cover the aperture when the venting portion is not laterally displaced.

3. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the venting portion is a first venting portion, and wherein the interior vent piece includes a second venting portion detached from another adjacent portion of the hood.

4. The article of clothing of claim 3, wherein the first venting portion and the second venting portion are laterally offset from one another in a direction orthogonal to the length of the hood.

5. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the exterior vent piece is displaceable without displacement of the interior vent piece.

6. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the hood extends along an axis, and wherein the venting portion includes a straight-line segment extending parallel to the axis, and an angled segment angled relative to the axis.

7. The article of clothing of claim 6, wherein the straight-line segment is longer than the angled segment.

8. An article of clothing comprising:a torso body;a hood coupled to the torso body, the hood including a rear hood segment; anda vent formed in the rear hood segment and extending along an axis, the vent including an exterior vent piece and an interior vent piece that overlap to define an aperture,wherein the exterior vent piece includes a venting portion having a first segment extending parallel to the axis, and a second segment angled relative to the axis, andwherein the venting portion is configured to permit a user to grasp and laterally displace the exterior vent piece relative to the interior vent piece to expose the aperture.

9. The article of clothing of claim 8, wherein the second segment is angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the first segment.

10. The article of clothing of claim 8, wherein the venting portion includes a third segment angled relative to the first segment and the second segment.

11. The article of clothing of claim 10, wherein the second segment and the third segment extend in opposite directions away from the first segment.

12. The article of clothing of claim 8, wherein the hood includes a first side segment and a second side segment.

13. The article of clothing of claim 12, wherein the second segment extends from the second side segment to the first segment.

14. The article of clothing of claim 8, wherein the venting portion is a first venting portion, and wherein the article of clothing further includes a second venting portion formed in the rear hood segment.

15. The article of clothing of claim 14, wherein the second venting portion includes a third segment extending parallel to the axis, and a fourth segment angled relative to the first segment and the third segment.

16. A hood of an article of clothing, the hood comprising:a first side segment;a second side segment;a rear side segment; anda vent formed in the rear side segment, the vent includingan exterior vent piece having a first side coupled to the first side segment and a second side defining a first venting portion detached from the second side segment, andan interior vent piece having a first side coupled to the second side segment and a second side defining a second venting portion detached from the first side segment, wherein the interior vent piece overlaps with the exterior vent piece to define an aperture.

17. The hood of claim 16, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are positioned on opposite sides of the hood.

18. The hood of claim 16, wherein lateral displacement of the exterior vent piece occurs independently of the interior vent piece.

19. The hood of claim 16, wherein the first venting portion and the second venting portion are laterally offset from one another.

20. The hood of claim 19, wherein the second venting portion is displaceable relative to the exterior vent piece.

Images