Screened hooded garments and methods

Abstract

A screened hooded garment for protecting a user from insects biting their trunk, shoulders, arms, head, neck, and face. In some forms, the hooded garment is in the form of a pull-over or front zippered shirt or jacket. The hood covers the head of the user and comprises a face port which exposes their face. An insect face screen is secured at the face port as an insect barrier and may be fixed or removeable. In preferred forms, the hooded garment comprises a screen pocket located near the face port having a pocket port that opens towards the face port. The screen pocket can house the deployable insect face screen. The face screen can be stuffed in the screen pocket and remain barely noticeable. When needed, the screen is quickly deployed from the screen pocket and secured to the hood using a face screen binder.

Description

SCREENED HOODED GARMENTS AND METHODSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599,992 filed November 16, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Field of the Invention. The invention relates generally to garments, and more particularly to screened hooded garments such as jackets or hoodies.

[0003] Description of Related Art. Venturing into the outdoors during the warmer months of the year can be a positive experience. However, the experience can change quickly when biting insects begin to land on an individual’s exposed face. The victim of these bites then typically begins slapping their own face with their hand or forearm. Unless the insect is killed, they typically return for another bite from the face, ear, or neck. The problem is magnified when the user’s hands are occupied such as when using yard tools, or a fishing rod, making it difficult to swat the pests away. In many cases, the user’s hand may be unsanitary from outdoor work, or from recreational activities such as putting worms on hooks, or handling fish. Swatting at the face in these circumstances only worsens the situation.

[0004] To help with this problem, males and females will often cover their trunk and arms with insect repellents such as DEET which is believed to be toxic. More frequently, they will cover themselves with a hooded shirt or jacket. This greatly reduces attacks by insects on the trunk and arms and top of the head, but it does little to protect the face. Mesh head netting products are available, however, user’s find them unfashionable, annoying because they are another accessory to remember to carry along, and are made of a mesh that is uncomfortable against the body. Gameau (US2023 / 0389629) describes a hooded garment having a screen movable between a screening configuration in which the mesh panel screens the face opening, and a stowed configuration in which the screen is pushed into the hood and the free edge portion of the screen with a complementary connector is connected to the inside of the head-receiving volume.

[0005] What is needed are garments such as a hooded shirt or jacket that creates a protected cavity inside the hood keeping biting insects out and away from the user’s face. What is needed are hooded garments that have a deployable face screen that is virtually unnoticeable when undeployed, yet quickly deployable when needed. What is needed, is a hooded garment with deployable face screen that is essentially undetectable to the user’s skin due to either the softness of the screen fabric or due to its storage in a discrete storage pocket.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Disclosed herein are hooded shirts and jackets referred herein as garments. The garments have insect screens that span across the face opening of the garment thereby enclosing the user’s head in an insect free environment. Standard anatomical terms are used herein to describe various portions of the garments as they would be worn by an individual in an upright standing position.

[0007] In one form, the garment is in the form of a long sleeve pullover hoodie.

[0008] In one form, the garment is in the form of a zippered long sleeve hoodie or hooded jacket wherein a zipper extends from the waist to the face opening of the hoodie. This allows the hoodie to be put on without being pulled over the user’s head. This is also sometimes called a zip-up hoodie or a hooded jacket.

[0009] In one form, the hood of the garment is inseparable from the rest of the garment.

[0010] In one form, the hood of the garment is separable from the garment.

[0011] In one form, the garment is manufactured from a sweatshirt material.

[0012] In one form, the sweatshirt material is substantially cotton.

[0013] In one form, the garment is substantially manufactured from lighter weight fabrics such as polyester and spandex.

[0014] In one form, the garment is substantially manufactured from a polyester fabric.

[0015] In one form, at least a portion of the fabric of the garment comprises an insect repellent material.

[0016] In one form, at least a portion of the fabric of the garment comprises permethrin.

[0017] In one form, at least a portion of the fabric is UPF rated to block UV rays.

[0018] In one form, the UPF rating of the fabric is greater than UPF 40+.

[0019] In one form, an insect face screen or mesh spans across the face opening (face port) of a hooded garment.

[0020] In one form, a face port lead portion of the hood of the garment encircles the face port.

[0021] In one form, the insect face screen is fixed to the face port lead of the hood of the garment.

[0022] In one form, the insect face screen is fixed to cover the face port using a face screen binder.

[0023] In one form, the face screen binder is threading.

[0024] In one form, the periphery of the insect face screen is at least partially releasable from the face port lead at the face port.

[0025] In one form, the insect face screen is secured to the face port lead of the garment by one or more of the following face screen binders: stitching, zippers, snaps, hooks, Velcro, and magnetic clasps.

[0026] In one form, the insect face screen is fully releasable from the face port lead of the garment.

[0027] In one form, the insect face screen is releasable from the face port lead but still tethered to the garment.

[0028] In one form, the tether used to tether the screen to the garment is releasably fixed to the garment.

[0029] In one form, the tether is fixed to the garment and not releasable.

[0030] In one form, a screened hoodie garment comprises a plurality of fabric panels making up the screened hoodie garment which can include: a front panel configured to substantially cover the anterior aspect of the user’s trunk; a rear panel configured to substantially cover the posterior aspect of the user’s trunk; a shoulder panel configured to substantially cover the superior aspect of the user’s shoulders and upper trunk; a pair of sleeve panels configured to substantially cover the arms of the user.

[0031] In one form, a screen extension extends from an inferior portion of the insect face screen.

[0032] In one form, the screen extension is a fabric.

[0033] In one form, the screen extension is tucked behind (towards the user) the front panel of the garment.

[0034] In one form, the screen extension is secured or releasably secured to the garment behind the front panel of the garment.

[0035] In one form, a screen pocket is formed behind the front panel of the garment below the neckline for housing the insect face screen therein.

[0036] In one form, a screen pocket is formed on the front side of the front panel of the garment below the neckline for housing the insect face screen therein.

[0037] In one form, a screen pocket is formed in a side of the hood.

[0038] In one form, the screen pocket has a pocket port that is at least a partial opening of the screen pocket at an end facing or adjacent the face port. The screen pocket is fully or partially closed off in other directions.

[0039] In one form, a screen pocket is formed in a superior aspect of the hood.

[0040] In one form, the screen pocket comprises an access zipper in the front panel forming an access port for access to the screen pocket from the anterior for the storage of personal items such as keys or money.

[0041] In one form, the screen pocket is manufactured from the same type of material as the front panel of the garment.

[0042] In one form, the screen pocket is manufactured from generally the same color of material as the front panel of the garment.

[0043] In one form, the open end of the screen pocket (pocket port) has a closable pocket port binder.

[0044] In one form, the closable pocket port binder of is in the form of one or more of: zippers, Velcro, snaps, hooks, and magnetic clasps.

[0045] In one form, the insect face screen is secured at the face port lead of the hood.

[0046] In one form, an insect face screen of the hood bubbles anterior in a deployed mode and bubbles posterior in an undeployed mode. A screen extension can be used to extend downwards from the insect face screen.

[0047] In one form, the screen extension is secured to the front panel.

[0048] In one form, the screen extension is secured to the screen pocket.

[0049] In one form, a high spine pocket is formed on the inner face of the shoulder panel and / or back panel.

[0050] In one form, the high spine pocket has a high spine port which is an opening at a superior end.

[0051] In one form, the superior end of the high spine pocket is switchable between an open and closed configuration via one or more of zippers, Velcro, snaps, hooks, and magnetic clasps.

[0052] In one form, the high spine pocket is secured (i.e. stitching) to the back panel on lateral and inferior sides of the high spine pocket.

[0053] In one form, the high spine pocket is configured to house one or more of: a cell phone or smart phone, a wallet, money, and keys.

[0054] In one form, the garment has a swappable insect face screen.

[0055] In one form, the integrated or swappable insect face screens vary in any one or more of the following characteristics: color, imprinted art on the face screen (i.e. camouflage, July 4ththeme, superhero themes (i.e. Spiderman), screens of varying color to blend / contrast with colors of the hoodie, screens with imprinted text messages), face screens having low visual reflection and / or high SPF-sun protection factor (i.e. black), heat retaining face screens having a smaller screen to non-screen ratio or heat retaining by using wind blocking and / or insulting materials, sun blocking screen / protective screen also having smaller screen to non-screen ratio, one way screen using a screen material that is easy for the user to see out but hard for others to see in, VisionMax® screen that is unusually easy to see through, a sensitive screen wherein the lower part of the face screen comprises a softer material just over the chin and above the chin comprises a breathable material that tapers upward toward the ear level, a sensitive or low-friction screen wherein soft material is positioned in the screen at one or more protruding areas of face (i.e. nose, chin, cheek bones, forehead etc.), screen with accessible mouth port to provide quick access to pass food / drink to the mouth without face screen removal (i.e. quick snap / Velcro / zipper / elastic), and bubbled screen to keep the face screen away from the face using for example, screen molded / heated screen sections to resiliently pucker the face screen outward or using screen reinforced with polymer to enhance the outward curve of the face screen, face screens with elastic eye ports to fit over rims of specialized eye glasses (for viewing without screen over the eyes), face screens with magnetic eye ports for magnetic bonding to materials placed on the eyeglass frames to provide screen protection of the face without interfering with vision, face screens with eye holes with flexibletransparent material secured in the eye holes, and face screens with integrated Covid safe filter mask and / or face shield.

[0056] In one form, the integrated or swappable insect face screens are configured for wearing with a standard baseball cap and termed ball cap face screens.

[0057] In one form, a ball cap face screen comprises a visor window at the superior end of the face screen for passing the visor therethrough. The visor window can comprise a support in the form of for example, a snap or Velcro securing the visor screen to the visor.

[0058] In one form, the hood of the garment is profiled and sized sufficiently such that the user can opt to wear a ball cap under the hoodie with the hood and face screen deployed such that they extend over the brim of the ball cap. In this case, the brim of the cap physically spaces the face screen away from the user’s face.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein each drawing is according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein, and wherein:

[0060] Figure 1 depicts a front perspective view of a person wearing a pull-over style screened hoodie garment;

[0061] Figure 2 depicts a front perspective view of a person wearing a screened hoodie garment having a long zipper;

[0062] Figure 3 depicts a front perspective view of a hooded garment illustrating a protected cavity formed within the hood of the garment;

[0063] Figure 4 depicts a front perspective view of a person wearing a hooded garment showing one type of hood construction;

[0064] Figure 5 depicts a front perspective view of a screened hoodie garment wherein the insect face screen is not removeable from the hood;

[0065] Figure 6 depicts a front perspective view of a screened hoodie garment wherein the insect face screen is removeable from the hood;

[0066] Figure 7 depicts a partial close-up view of a face screen binder, here in the form of a zipper, binding the mesh lead of an insect face screen with the face port lead of a hood;

[0067] Figure 8 depicts a side perspective view of a screened hoodie garment wherein the insect face screen is biased outward from the hood;

[0068] Figure 9 depicts a front view of a screened hoodie garment having an insect face screen including a mouth port;

[0069] Figure 10 depicts a front perspective view of a screened hoodie garment utilizing a pair of opposing zippers to secure the insect face screen in the hood;

[0070] Figure 11 depicts a top perspective view of a screened hoodie garment with ventilated long zipper;

[0071] Figure 12 depicts a top perspective view of a screened hoodie garment with an insect face screen tethered to the garment;

[0072] Figure 13 depicts a front view of construction of an insect face screen formed with a pocket panel that will be sewed to a fabric panel of a screened hoodie garment;

[0073] Figure 13B depicts a front view of construction of an insect face screen having a screen extension extending into a screen pocket;

[0074] Figure 15 depicts a front view of a screen pocket formed by a pocket panel sewed to fabric used to construct a hoodie garment such as the front panel;

[0075] Figure 16 depicts a front of a screen pocket formed by a first pocket panel and second pocket panel;

[0076] Figure 17 depicts a front perspective view of a screened hoodie garment with a neck gator and also a kangaroo pocket;

[0077] Figure 18 depicts a front view of features that can be integrated into the sleeve end of a screened hoodie garment to guard against insects;

[0078] Figure 19 depicts a posterior view of a high spine pocket integrated into a hoodie garment;

[0079] Figure 20 depicts a front view of a shielded zipper;

[0080] Figure 21 depicts a side view of a screened hoodie garment having a visor window in the insect face screen;

[0081] Figure 22 depicts a front view of a screened hoodie garment with eyeports;

[0082] Figure 23 depicts a side view and a perspective view of specialty glasses that engage face screens with eyeports;

[0083] Figure 24 depicts a front view of a user wearing a screened hoodie having eyeports and eyeglasses as depicted in Fgiure 23;

[0084] Figure 25 depicts a front view of a user wearing a screened hoodie having eyeports that are covered with a flexible transparent material;

[0085] Figure 26 depicts a graphic showing a variety of face screens that can be swapped and worn in the face port of a screened hoodie garment;

[0086] Figure 27 depicts a partial side view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment with face screen deployed;

[0087] Figure 28 depicts a front perspective view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment while in the process of unzipping the face screen from the hood;

[0088] Figure 29 depicts a front perspective view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment with insect face screen unsecured to the hood except at the end of a face screen binder;

[0089] Figure 30 depicts a front perspective view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment wherein the user pulls forward at the collar to expose an insect face screen tucked in a screen pocket;

[0090] Figure 31 depicts a front view of a screened hoodie garment with insect face screen stuffed in a screen pocket when placed on a horizontal surface;

[0091] Figure 32 depicts a front view close-up view of a face screen binder and hood binder of a screened hoodie garment;

[0092] Figure 33 depicts an inside view of a screened hoodie garment with screen pocket stitched to a fabric panel of the garment and depicting the pocket port opening to the face port;

[0093] Figure 34 depicts a front view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment with hood pulled over a ball cap;

[0094] Figure 35 depicts a front view of the screened hoodie garment of Figure 34 pulling the collar of the screened hoodie garment forward while reaching into the screen pocket for the insect face screen;

[0095] Figure 36 depicts a front view of the screened hoodie garment of Figure 34 with insect face screen deployed from the screen pocket and partially zipped about face port;

[0096] Figure 37 depicts a front perspective view of the screened hoodie garment of Figure 34 with insect face screen fully deployed from the screen pocket and the face screen binder activated;

[0097] Figure 38 depicts a front view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment without ballcap and preparing to deploy the face screen to cover the face port of the hood;

[0098] Figure 39 depicts a front view of a screened hoodie garment of Figure 38 as the face screen is enclosing the face port by activation of a face screen binder such as a zipper;

[0099] Figure 40 depicts a top perspective view of the screened hoodie garment without ballcap wherein the insect face screen is fully deployed and secured to enclose the face port;

[0100] Figure 41 depicts a front perspective view of a user wearing a screened hoodie garment with ballcap and deployed insect face screen and depicting the full length of the garment;

[0101] Figure 42 depicts a rear perspective view of the screened hoodie garment of Figure 41 with ballcap and deployed insect face screen and depicting the full length of the garment;

[0102] Figure 43 depicts a front view of an insect face screen having a soft mesh base extending between opposing sides of the zipper;

[0103] Figure 44 depicts a front view of an insect face screen having a slotted fabric at the base of the screen extending between opposing sides of the zipper;

[0104] Figure 45 depicts a front view of a screened hooded garment that is inside out and with insect face screen stored in a screen pocket;

[0105] Figure 46 depicts a front view of the screened hooded garment of Figure 45 with insect face screen removed from the screen pocket;

[0106] Figure 47 depicts a front view of the screened hooded garment of Figure 45 with insect face screen removed from the screen pocket and secured across the face portal using a face screen binder.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0107] Select embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. Like numerals indicate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention mayinclude several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes, or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein.

[0108] Disclosed herein are hooded shirts and jackets referred herein as garments. The garments have insect face screens that span across the face opening of the garment thereby enclosing the user’s head in an insect free environment within the hood. These novel garments are termed herein as screened hoodie garments 100 or screened hooded garments. Standard anatomical terms are used to describe various portions of the garments as they would be worn by an individual in an upright standing position. As depicted in Figure 1, screened hoodie garment 100 is in the form of a common long sleeve hoodie 108 or a zippered long sleeve hoodie 110 (Figure 2) wherein a zipper (long zipper 184) extends from the waist end 107 to a face port 106 of the hoodie. The garments have a hood portion 115 that covers portions of the head and neck, a trunk portion 116 that covers the torso, and a pair of opposing sleeve portions 117 that covers the user’s arms. The face port is the opening in the hood that provides access to the user’s face. By vertical separation of the trunk portion, long zipper 184 allows the hooded garment to be put on without the need for the entire hoodie being pulled over the user’s head. This is also sometimes called a zip-up hoodie or a hooded jacket. In some embodiments, a partial length zipper is used that zips down from the neck but doesn’t extend the full distance to waist end 107. This is referred to as a zippered pull over. The hood 181 of the screened hoodie garment 100 in preferred forms is an inseparable hoodie 112 wherein the hood is inseparable from the rest of the garment. However, in some embodiments, the hood is a separable hoodie (at separation line 114) wherein the hood is separable from the rest of the screened hoodie garment 100 by use of for example, zippers, Velcro, snaps, or magnets.

[0109] The screened hoodie garment 100 can use a variety of fabrics and threads / sti ching in its construction. For example, a sweatshirt material can be used to create a screened hoodie garment 100 for cooler weather. However, in warmer weather, the concentration of biting insects tends to be higher and the garment can be manufactured from cooler, thinner, lighter weight materials such as polyester and spandex. In other embodiments, the garment is manufactured of a combination of heavier and lighter materials. In some embodiments the fabric used in the garment construction can have breathable features such as vent holes. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fabric of the garment can comprise an insect repellent material such as permethrin. Due to its useoutdoors, although not necessary, it is preferred that the fabric is UPF rated to assist in blocking UV rays.

[0110] As noted in the Figures, insect face screen 102 (mesh) spans across the face port 106 of a hooded garment such as a hoodie or hooded jacket. The face port 106 is that portion of a hood 181 that serves as entry to the protected cavity 104 (Figure 3) that a user’s head occupies when wearing a hooded garment. The hood 181 is typically constructed of a hood panel assembly 175 (Figure 4). For example, the hood panel assembly 175 can comprise a central hood panel 176 extending from the anterior side of the hood to the posterior side down to the neck of the hood. Flanked on the respective sides of the hood panel assembly 175 are a left hood panel 177 and right hood panel 178. In some embodiments, central hood panel 176 is absent and the left hood panel and right hood panel are joined to each other. In most cases, stitching binds the hood panels together. A limited variety of construction styles are depicted in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less fabric panels can be used to construct the various portions of the hooded garment such as the hood, trunk, and sleeves.

[0111] In one embodiment, the insect face screen 102 is fixed to the hood 181 at face port lead 136 which encircles the face port 106 and defines protected cavity 104 where a user’s head resides without concern of biting insects. The face port lead 136 is the fabric portion of the hood panel assembly 175 that is adjacent face port 106. For example, the insect face screen 102 can be fixed (Figure 5) by stitching the mesh edge 124 (edge-the very edge of the mesh / screen) or mesh lead 125 (lead -the edge and material adjacent the edge) of the insect face screen 102 to face port lead 136 and the insect face screen 102 is therefore irremovable. In this case, before putting the screened hoodie garment 100 on, the user would pull the hoodie and hood downwards over their head in order to slide their head past the collar into the protected cavity 104 of the hood enclosed by the face screen.

[0112] In preferable embodiments however, the periphery of the insect face screen 102 is at least partially, if not fully releasable (termed a fully releasable face screen 148) from the face port lead 136 using a face screen binder 118 such as one or more of, but not limited to: zippers, snaps, Velcro, clips, and magnetic clasps. When a zipper is used, the zipper can be configured to be separable (two halves of the zipper can be separated). This may be preferred in winter months when the face screen is not needed against biting insects and the face screen can be removed. Thezipper can also be of an inseparable type whereby the zipper can be unzipped but ultimately the zipper pin 204 is not releasable from the zipper box. This configuration is helpful when the user prefers the insect face screen 102 to always be available and ready for deployment without having to load the zipper pin 204 in the zipper box (Figure 7).

[0113] The zipper start block 187 and zipper pull 188 (Figure 7) used on the chosen zipper(s) can be of a typical solid metal or plastic type. The zipper pull can alternatively be of a more discrete flexible type such as in the form of a thin cord that is knotted at the end. This flexible type of zipper pull can be more easily tucked in the screen pocket or lay adjacent to the zipper teeth themselves and therefore lends itself to being more discrete. Features such as these help provide an insect face screen that is always available when needed, but otherwise, stores easily and is difficult to feel by the user or be noticed by others when stored in the screen pocket.

[0114] The insect face screen 102 is at least partially manufactured from a mesh 120 having a profile sufficient in size and shape to span the face port 106 in an operational mode. The mesh is typically a thin material characterized by its multitude of mesh pores 123 whereby the mesh pores 123 are sufficiently small to prevent biting insects from entering through the mesh into protected cavity 104 while simultaneously providing vision through the mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh pores have a diameter no larger than .048 inch to keep mosquitos out although diameters as large as .1 inch will at least provide some physical challenge to a mosquito. In preferred embodiments, the mesh pores are reduced to about .024 inch to keep the smaller biting insects (i.e. no-see-ums) out. The broad side of one side of the mesh 120 has a mesh inface 121 facing the protected cavity 104 and an opposing mesh outface 122 facing away from the protected cavity (Figure 8). A mesh edge 124 spans between the mesh inface 121 and the mesh outface 122 at the periphery of the mesh.

[0115] In some embodiments, an optional mouth port 126 (Figure 9) is positioned over the area of a user’s mouth and is in the form of an enlarged opening that extends between the mesh outface 122 and mesh inface 121. The mouth port is centered at about the bottom 1 / 3 of the insect face screen or otherwise positioned to align with a user’s mouth. The mouth port 126 provides entry for the intake of food and fluids (i.e. energy bar, water bottle) into the user’s mouth without removal of the insect face screen. The mouth port can assume a variety of profiles such for example, an elongate slit or hole. A mouth port block 127 is also optionally present to help protectagainst entry of biting insects through the mouth port block. The mouth port block can be in the form of a flap that hangs over the mouth port, or a zipper, snaps, Velcro, or magnetic clasp that can enable switching between a closed mode (no entry) and open mode (where food and drink can be passed).

[0116] Again, in some embodiments (Figure 6), the insect face screen 102 is fully separable from the face port 106 using for example, a face screen binder 118. In fact, as will be discussed later in more detail, in some embodiments the insect face screens 102 are swappable for using an insect face screen having differing functional characteristics.

[0117] In most embodiments, a face screen binder 118 secures the insect face screen 102 to the face port lead 136. A variety of methods known in the art can be implemented as a face screen binder, such as for example, complementing magnets, snaps, Velcro, and / or zippers having a hood component 185 that is fixed to the face port lead 136, and a screen component 186 that is fixed to the mesh lead 125. In one embodiment, a unitary zipper 182 is utilized (Figure 6). The unitary zipper 182 begins at the inferior end of the insect face screen 102 and travels around the mesh lead 125 and face port lead 136 to integrate the insect face screen 102 and hood panel assembly 175 together defining the protected cavity 104. The zipper may start and end at other positions when the screen pocket is positioned within the hood. In other embodiments, dual zippers 183 (Figure 10) are utilized. For example, a first zipper 205 can zip up a first side (i.e. left) of the insect face screen, and a second zipper 206 can zip up a second side (i.e. right) side of the insect face screen meeting to abut at a final location. In yet other embodiments, a long zipper 184 (Figure 11) can be utilized that in one continuous motion zips together the front panels 166 of a jacket and continues around a hood’s face port lead 136 and mesh lead 125 of an insect face screen 102. In most cases, the long zipper will begin (Figure 11) near the user’s waist at ‘X’ and continue to ‘ Y’ on the left or right side of the garment. An open top (via pocket port 154) screen pocket 150 is secured by threading to the inner face 167 of one of the front panels 166 for storage of insect face screen 102 therein in an undeployed configuration. Alternatively, screen pocket 150 is secured to an outer face 168 of one of the front panels. This tends to create a more visibly obvious screen pocket, however. The open top of the screen pocket provides convenient access at the neckline for tucking the face screen into the screen pocket when not needed.

[0118] In some cases, insect face screen 102 is releasable from the face port 106, but tethered to the screened hoodie garment 100 as depicted in Figure 12. A face screen tether 129 can be a releasable fixation from a tether anchor 130 to provide a fully releasable face screen 131 or have irreleasable fixation whereby the face screen remains attached to the screened hoodie garment. As depicted in the Figures, a face screen tether 129 extends from the periphery of insect face screen 102 where it is sewed to a portion of screened hoodie garment 100 at an opposing end of the face screen tether 129. The junction between the face screen tether 129 and the hoodie garment is at a tether anchor 130. In some embodiments, the face screen tether is anchored within the screen pocket to either front panel 166 or pocket panel 151.

[0119] In some embodiments, a screen extension 132 (Figure 13, 13B) extends from an inferior portion of the insect face screen 102. The screen extension 132 is typically broader than a face screen tether and functions like a broader flap of fabric or screen. A screen extension anchor 134 such as for example, stitching 139, complementing magnets, snaps, Velcro, and / or zippers can be used to fix or releasably fix a lower end of the screen extension in a screen pocket 150 or front panel of the garment. The screen pocket can be positioned at one of the positions depicted in Figure 14 or at a position between those shown in the Figure. Portions of the screen extension132 can be joined to the face port lead 136 directly or with an extension of the face screen binder 118 (i.e. zipper). In some embodiments, the insect face screen is simply tucked behind the front panel 166 at the collar 171 of the screened hoodie garment 100 in an undeployed mode.

[0120] In some embodiments (Figure 13), insect face screen 102 or screen extension 132 are contiguous extensions of the pocket panel 151 forming screen pocket 150. Here, insect face screen 102 simply folds into itself, that is, into the pocket formed by the pocket panel 151. A fold seam133 (i.e. stitching, binding material) can be used to extend across the mid portion of the pocket panel to serve as a fold line or to simply reinforce the edge of the pocket port against drooping. In Figure 13, fold seam 133 is depicted as a horizontal seam, however, the seam can be curved to follow a collar line.

[0121] In preferred embodiments, a screen pocket 150 is formed adjacent the face port 106 for storing the insect face screen 102 when in an undeployed mode. For example, as depicted in the drawings (Figure 14), a screen pocket 150 can be formed behind the front panel 166 of the screened hoodie garment 100 for housing the insect face screen 102 therein. However, the screen pocket150 can alternatively be positioned at any variety of positions about the face port 106 such as in the side or top of the hood 181 where it is secured to a left hood panel 177, a right hood panel 178, or a central hood panel 176. In most cases, the screen pocket 150 is formed on the front panel 166 of screen hoodie garment 100. Typically screen pocket 150 would be formed on the inner face 167 of the front panel (or hood panels), but in some embodiments, the pocket panel of the screen pocket is secured on the outside of these panels. In some embodiments, the respective hoodie panel itself serves as a part of the pocket.

[0122] In some embodiments, screen pocket 150 comprises a pocket panel 151 typically having a shape and size to contain the screen pocket 150 therein with minimal effort. In some embodiments the screen pocket is reduced in size requiring one or more folds of the insect face screen 102 to fit in the screen pocket. In other embodiments, the screen pocket is enlarged whereby the insect face screen can be tucked in the screen pocket 150 without bunching or folding. For example, the screen pocket can be more than 50% the width of the front panel. A larger screen pocket is more practical for eliminating these folds when the screen pocket is formed at the front panel 166. A screen pocket sized for minimal folding of the face screen (i.e. 0-2 folds), provides the benefit of being tucked in the screen pocket with minimal visible disruption of the associated panel while also minimizing tactile skin annoyance to the user. If the panels of the screened hoodie garment are manufactured of a thinner material, such as a polyester, the screen pocket contents are more apparent to the user and others. On the other hand, if the hoodie garment is of a thicker material such as found in a sweatshirt, the screen pocket contents tend to be less apparent and multiple folds of the face screen are better tolerated by the user and less noticeable by others.

[0123] As depicted with various screen pocket locations, screen pocket 150 is at least partially open at an end facing or adjacent the face port 106 (Figure 14). This opening into the screen pocket is defined as a pocket port 154. The screen pocket is at least partially enclosed in other directions typically by stitching 139 binding the screen pocket to the adjacent garment panel. In most embodiments, screen pocket 150 is manufactured from the same type of material as the panel of the garment to which it is attached and again in most embodiments, the screen pocket is manufactured from generally the same color of material as the garment to which it is attached. However, the material type and color can vary as desired.

[0124] The screened hoodie garment 100 in most embodiments is constructed by binding together of a plurality of fabric panels. These panels can include but are not limited to: a rear panel 172 that substantially forms the back of the garment, a front panel 166 that substantially forms the front of the garment, a shoulder panel 174 that substantially forms the areas that will substantially cover the shoulders in the garment, a sleeve panel (one on each side) that will substantially cover the user’s arms, and the panels introduced earlier that form the hood panel assembly 175 that will cover a large portion of the user’s head. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the screened hoodie garment can be constructed in a variety of methods using more or less panels than named here. In most cases, the panels used in construction of the screened hoodie garment are joined together by stitching 139 using a sewing process.

[0125] In preferred embodiments, screen pocket 150 is created by use of a pocket panel 151 as previously described. Pocket panel 151 (Figure 15) is positioned over the selected panel fabric adjacent the face port 106 and stitched 139 to the chosen panel (i.e. typically front panel 166 or one of the hood panels) around the periphery of the pocket panel 151 defining pocket seams 153 while leaving open one side to define a pocket port 154. Edges of the pocket panel can be folded over, like a hem to strengthen the periphery of the pocket panel and to hide unfinished edges. Hem tape, twill tape, or other similar materials known in the art can also be used as a hem reinforcement 161 to portions of the pocket panel. This use of hem reinforcement is most prevalent at the pocket port entry face 155. Inside the screen pocket 150, an interior face 152 of the pocket panel 151 defines the inside of the screen pocket 150 along with the associated fabric panel (i.e. front panel 166) making up the garment. Pocket port entry face 155 defines pocket port 154 which is the open end of the screen pocket 150. In some embodiments, pocket port 154 is open and freely accessible as depicted in Figure 15, whereas in other embodiments, the pocket port 154 has a closable pocket port binder 156 (Figure 16) which again can be in the form of for example, a magnetic clasp, snaps, zippers, clips, or Velcro to name a few. In some embodiments, the screen pocket 150 comprises an access port 160 (Figure 14) providing access through front panel 166 for access into the screen pocket 150 through the outer face 168 of the front panel 166. Access port 160 provides for the storage of personal items such as keys, or money within screen pocket 150. An access port block 159 regulates access through access port 160. The access port block 159 can be in the form of forexample, complementary magnets, Velcro, a zipper, clips, or snaps or other mechanisms known in the art.

[0126] In some embodiments, screen pocket 150 comprises a secondary pocket panel 157 wherein the screen pocket is formed and defined between pocket panel 151 and secondary pocket panel 157 instead of the front panel 166 in formation of screen pocket 150. This secondary pocket panel (Figure 16) can be anchored using a secondary pocket panel anchor 158 which can be in the form of stitching or using the other known methods disclosed in this document. In this embodiment, a pocket port 154 is formed between two adjacent layers of fabric for tucking the insect face screen 102 therebetween. In some embodiments, stitching binding the two adjacent layers together is present defining the boundaries of the screen pocket 150.

[0127] The screened hoodie garment 100 can include other features known in the art such as left and / or right pockets positioned near the waist of the hoodie, soft neck tape 190 at the collar to minimize abrasion against the user’s neck, a soft hood lining 192 (Figure 12) for minimizing abrasion within the hood, zigzag stitching 193 (figure 15) which tends to allow for more fabric stretching, a kangaroo pocket 191 (Figure 17) used on hooded pull overs which is an elongate front pocket that can be entered from either side and extends therethrough, a ventilation zipper 194 (Figure 11) which is a type of long zipper 184 that after fully zipped can be partially unzipped from an inferior end of the zipper to provide improved ventilation without fully unzipping the jacket. Other features can include a neck gator 195 (Figure 17) which is a fabric tube extending from the collar of the jacket up and over a user’s cheek bones in an attempt to protect from biting insect in these areas. The down-side of the neck gator is that: it tends to restrict breathing, it lays against the skin and can therefore be irritating, can be hot since it doesn’t ventilate well, and it typically doesn’t protect the forehead and eye area from biting insects.

[0128] A finger hole 196 (Figure 18) can be included at the distal ends of the sleeves. By stretching a sleeve and extending one of the user’s fingers through the finger hole, the sleeves are sure to keep the user’s arms unexposed and thus unavailable to biting insects. A finger strap 197 can also be used. Finger strap 197 is a small strap of fabric stitched into the inside end of the sleeves at their distal ends. When putting a finger through the finger strap, the distal end of the sleeve is pulled against the back of the hand leaving the back of the hand unexposed to biting insects.

[0129] In some embodiments, insect face screen 102 (Figure 8) is biased outward (anterior) from the user’s face in an operational mode (deployed mode) to reduce contact between the user’s face and the mesh. This feature can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, a shape memory mesh can be used that holds a bubble shape after heating. Alternatively, a flexible wire having a convex shape extending at least partially across the mesh can be used. In one embodiment, the flexible wire can be nitinol for resiliency stuffing into the screen pocket 150. In yet another embodiment, a flexible strip of polymer having an inherent convex shape is embedded with the mesh. Although rigid enough to maintain a rigid convex form away from the face, these options are flexible enough such that the face screen 102 can be folded, rolled, or otherwise stuffed into screen pocket 150. In an alternative embodiment, face screen 102 is biased to bubble inward (posterior) in an undeployed mode positioning itself in the back of the hood and bubble outward away from the face in a deployed mode.

[0130] In some embodiments, a high spine pocket 200 (Figure 19) is formed on the inner face 167 of rear panel 172 and / or shoulder panel 174 by stitching a high spine pocket panel 203 (i.e. rectangular fabric) to the stated rear and / or shoulder panels. A high spine pocket cavity is formed and is preferred to be sized for holding a smartphone therein. At the superior end of the high spine pocket is a high spine pocket port 201 defining the entrance to the high spine pocket 200 and which can be switchable between an open and closed configuration via an optional high spine port binder 202 in the form of for example, one or more of zippers, Velcro, snaps, clips, and magnetic clasps. The high spine pocket panel is secured on its lateral and inferior edges using stitching 139. The high spine pocket 200 is configured to house one or more of: a cell phone or smart phone, a wallet, money, keys, and similar items. Items stored in the high spine pocket 200 tend to stay close against the body with minimal swinging during slow or aggressive gait such as playing a game of catch with a football for example. In addition, the high spine pocket position is particularly useful for listening to music or podcasts with a smartphone. With the phone positioned at the user’s shoulders in close proximity to the user’s ears, the user can hear sound from the smartphone at lower volume thereby not disturbing others while eliminating the discomfort of wearing ear buds or headphones. The high spine pocket is a ideal alternative to those individuals that are prone to loose ear buds. In addition, the high spine pocket is a useful place to conceal valuables such as a wallet, credit cards, money, or a cell phone especially when the hood is undeployed and layingover the high spine pocket making it very difficult to see. In addition, since the high spine pocket port 201 is only accessible through the user’s collar, it offers protection against theft. The high spine pocket 200 can be used on a shirt, hoody, coat, jacket, sweater, or other garment. It can be used on a hooded garment with or absent an insect face screen. The high spine pocket 200 is positioned at the upper thoracic vertebrae level, and although somewhat concealed, it is easily reachable and accessible when inserting a device, such as a smartphone, into the high spine pocket. The high spine pocket port 201 is sufficiently wide to insert and remove a smart phone without struggle, yet snug enough to keep devices from flopping around. In addition, it is preferred that the high spine pocket is deep enough to securely hold a cell phone, however, the bottom of the high spine pocket should be high enough on the upper back such that users can easily reach their cell phone and adjust volume as if they were reaching over their shoulder to scratch their upper back.

[0131] It is noted that the fabric panels (front panel 166, sleeve panel 173, rear panel 172, shoulder panel 174) used in the construction of the screen hoodie garments described herein comprise a inner face 167 facing inside the garment, an outer face 168 facing outside the garment (away from the user’s body), and an edge face 169 extending between the inner face and outer face defining the perimeter of the panels and for joining to other panels. In some embodiments, a portion of the left hood panel 177 and a portion of the right hood panel 178 cross-over (Figure 14) and overlap (hood cross-over 179) to provide an extra level of protection against biting insects near the user’s neck. In some cases, at this cross-over is a hood binder 180 such as in the form of a snap or Velcro.

[0132] A face port lead 136 comprising lead stitching 138 (Figure 7) encircles face port 106. The face port lead tends to be a reinforced area at the face port that includes one or more of: dual layer fabric, fabric folded over like a hem, binding material 140 (Figure 32) such as hem tape or twill tape, or other similar materials known in the art that can also be used to reinforce portions of the face port lead. Some embodiments of hood 181 include a drawstring 142 (Figure 11) that encircles the face port through tunnels formed in the face port lead 136 whereby the drawstring ends exit through drawstring ports 144 at the inferior end of the hood.

[0133] In some embodiments, one or more of the unitary zipper 182, dual zipper 183, and long zipper 184 are shielded zippers 146 whereby they have all or portions of the zippers shielded onboth sides by fabric (Figure 20) in a fabric shield 207. In this case, the zippers are recessed within the fabric shield but accessible as needed by peeling back the fabric of the shield which reduces hair or other objects from getting caught in the zipper. Use of shielded zippers tends to give the garment a more streamlined look due to the at least partially hidden zipper and also tends to protect the user from scraping by components of the zipper during use or when putting the garment on or taking it off. However, in other embodiments, closure elements such as zippers, snaps, clips, Velcro, or magnets can be exposed and yet not interfere with skin such as when portions of the hood extend past the user’s face.

[0134] The screened hoodie garments can be provided to a user with any variety of face screens which can be but are not limited to: integrated (always deployed, i.e. Figure 1), deployable (Figure 28-29), or swappable and deployable (swappable insect screen 210) varieties. In one option for example, the insect face screens 102 are configured for wearing with a standard baseball cap and termed ball cap screens 226 (Figure 21). A ball cap screen 226 comprises a visor window 227 at the superior end of the ball cap screen for passing the ball cap visor 230 of the ball cap therethrough in an operational mode. The visor window can comprise a visor screen support 228 in the form of for example, a snap or Velcro releasably securing the visor screen to the visor.[00135J Choices for insect face screens 102 include but are not limited to the following (Figure 26). These variations can be of a swappable insect screen 210 variety or integrated and can vary in any one or more of the following characteristics: generic variation 225 having a standard screen color (i.e. black, white, blue etc.) and screen grid, imprinted art variation 212 (i.e. themes imprinted on the screen grid with themes such as camouflage, July 4ll' / indcpendencc day, superhero themes- i.e. Spiderman, imprinted text message printed on the screens), color variation 211 comprising screens of varying color to blend / contrast with colors of the hoodie, protective screens 213 which includes face screens having eye protection over sensitive areas such as the eyes and / or protection providing low reflection and / or high SPF-sun protection factor (i.e. black) and / or including sun blocking screen versions having smaller screen to non-screen ratio, heat retaining face screens 214 having a smaller screen to non-screen fabric ratio wherein the non-screen portion has better capability to retain heat or is made of an insulative fabric, one way screen 216 using a screen material that is easy for the user to see out but not for others (i.e. animals being hunted) to see in,VisionMax® screen 217 that is unusually easy to see through, mouth port screens 209 to provide quick access to pass food / drink to the mouth without face screen removal (i.e. gravity closure / quick snap / zipper / elastic), and a bubbled screen 219 that is biased to bubble anteriorly to keep the face screen away from the face using for example, screen molded / heated screen sections to resiliently pucker the face screen outward or using screen reinforced with polymer to enhance the outward curve of the face screen. In addition, a swappable insect face screen 210 can be characterized as a sensitive screen 218 for sensitive skin areas wherein, for example, the lower part of the face screen comprises a soft material positioned over the chin and above the chin comprises a breathable material that tapers upward toward the ear level and whereby this includes a sensitive or low-friction screen wherein softer material is positioned in the screen at one or more protruding areas of the face (i.e. nose, chin, cheek bones, forehead etc.) to minimize abrasion,

[0136] As previously discussed, alternative face screens include an elastic eye port screen 220 (Figure 22) having an elastic perimeter 232 encircling the eye ports 233. This is a face screen with a pair of eye ports 233 (holes) to align with a user’s eyes when the face screen is deployed. The perimeter of the eye ports have elastic for the eye ports to stretch from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter wherein the eye ports 233 are configured to fit a pair of specialized rimmed eye glasses 222 (Figure 23) having a capture rim 231 encircling the lenses on the eye glass frame. The top image in Figure 23 is a cross-section depicting V or U-shaped capture rims for capturing the elastic perimeter 232 therein. In use, Figure 24, the user puts on the glasses, deploys the insect face screen 102 and stretches the elastic perimeter 232 around the protruding capture rims 231 to form an instant seal between the protruding capture rims and the eye port screen 220 thereby eliminating a path of entry for biting insects while leaving the user’s vision screen free.

[0137] In yet another alternative, a magnetic eye port screen 229 (also Figure 24) substitutes the capture rim and elastic perimeter with magnets and a magnetic material. The magnetic eye port screen 229 also comprises a pair of eye ports 233 (holes) to align with a user’s eyes when the face screen is deployed. The perimeter of the eye ports and the frames around the lens of magnetic rim eye glasses 223 have a magnetic attraction such that when deployed form an instant seal between the magnetic eye port screen 229 and the complementing eyeglass frame surrounding the lens ofthe eyeglasses. Each of these embodiments provide screen protection from biting insects without interfering with vision.

[0138] In yet another embodiment, a transparent eye port screen 221 (Figure 25) also comprises a pair of eye ports 233 (holes) that align with a user’s eyes when the face screen is deployed. In this case, a flexible transparent material 234 or substantially transparent material is secured in the eye ports again blocking biting insects from crossing the screen and simultaneously not impairing vision. In another alternative embodiment, a filtering face screen 224 comprises an integrated Covid safe filter mask and / or face shield.[00139J Figures 27-33 depict images of a screened hoodie garment 100 that was manufactured as a prototype. In Figure 27, an insect face screen 102 of the garment is depicted in an operational mode wherein the insect face screen is deployed from a screen pocket 150 and a face screen binder 118 in the form of a zipper joins the insect face screen 102 to a hood panel assembly 175 thereby protecting the user’s face in a protected cavity 104 within the hood panel assembly 175. Figure 28 depicts a user releasing the insect face screen 102 from the hood panel assembly 175. The insect face screen can remain tethered to the hoodie garment as depicted in Figure 29 or fully released from the hoodie garment as depicted in Figure 33. In either case, the insect face screen 102 can then be folded and / or immediately stuffed into a screen pocket 150 formed at a nearby location (Figure 30). In this embodiment, the screen pocket 150 is positioned just below the neckline of the garment behind front panel 166 of the screened hoodie garment 100. It is preferable screen pocket 150 is formed to create a soft fabric layer between the body of the user and any rough components of the insect face screen or face screen binder 118 (i.e. unitary zipper 182) when the insect face screen 102 is stored in the screen pocket in the undeployed mode. Figure 31 depicts the screened hoodie garment off the user. Screen pocket 150 in this embodiment, conveniently extends just below the curved neckline of the hoodie.

[0140] Figure 32-33 depicts the protype screened hoodie garment 100 turned inside out. In this embodiment, stitching 139 secures the sides and bottom perimeter of pocket panel 151 fabric to, in this case, inner face 167 of front panel 166. This defines an opening adjacent face port 106 for the rapid deployment of the insect face screen 102 from an undeployed mode where it is housed in the screen pocket. In some embodiments, the pocket port entry face 155 as it spans across thetop of the screen pocket is substantially straight at pocket port 154, whereas in other embodiments, the pocket port entry face 155 is curved to better match the neckline of the screened hoodie garment. As noted in this embodiment, lateral portions of the pocket port entry face can comprise some stitching which has the effect of keeping the pocket wide yet narrowing the pocket port itself such that it is less inclined to droop.

[0141] In some embodiments, the screen pocket 150 is formed of two opposing pocket panels 151 (Figure 16) that are stitched together as opposed to the front panel being one side of the screen pocket. In this two opposing pocket panels case, a portion of a pocket panel of the screen pocket is secured near the neckline of the screen hoodie garment thereby eliminating stitching through much of front panel 166.

[0142] Figure 34 depicts a user wearing a screened hoodie garment with hood pulled over a ball cap having a ball cap visor 230. In Figure 35, the user pulls the front panel at the collar forward with one hand and reaches into the screen pocket for the insect face screen with the other hand. The insect face screen is pulled out of the screen pocket through the pocket port to deploy the insect face screen. Grasping the face screen binder, (i.e. zipper pull) the insect face screen is partially secured in position, and then fully secured by advancing the face screen binder thereby fully enclosing the face port as depicted in Figure 37. Note that the bill of the baseball cap serves both as a sun blocker and to space the mesh of the insect face screen away from the user’s face.

[0143] Figure 38 depicts a user wearing a screened hoodie garment without a ballcap preparing to deploy the face screen to cover the face port of the hood. In Figure 39, the face screen begins enclosing the face port by activation of a face screen binder such as a zipper. Upon completion, the face port is fully enclosed as depicted in Figure 40.

[0144] Figures 41-42 depict a user wearing a screened hoodie garment with ballcap and deployed insect face screen. As depicted here, the garment extends over the user’s waist. In some embodiments, an elastic waist band or otherwise adjustable waist band can be integrated into the garment. Other features can be integrated into the screened hooded garment such as those depicted in Figure 17-19.

[0145] Figure 43 depicts a front view of an insect face screen having a soft mesh base extending between opposing sides of the zipper. The soft mesh base can be helpful for hooded garmentshaving a hood crossover 179 as depicted in Figure 14. The soft mesh base 236 easily flexes over the crossover. Alternatively, as depicted in Figure 44, the insect face screen can have a fabric base 237 at the base of the insect face screen 102 extending between opposing sides of the zipper. The fabric base can include a relief slot 238 which again easily flexes over the crossover.

[0146] Figure 45-47 depicts a screened hooded garment that is inside out to better view inside construction. In Figure 45, insect face screen 102 is tucked in screen pocket 150. In Figure 46, the insect face screen is removed from screen pocket 150 yet still attached to the hooded garment by the start of the zipper. Figure 47 depicts the screened hooded garment with face screen secured across the face portal using a face screen binder (i.e. zipper). Note that in preferred embodiments, the pocket port is positioned directly adjacent to the face port (as noted previously in Figure 14). Note arrow ‘P’ in Figure 47 depicting this efficient flow. Due to this positional relationship, the insect face screen can very quickly transition between an undeployed mode wherein the insect face screen is tucked in a screen pocket, and an operational mode wherein the insect face screen is pulled from the screen pocket directly into the face portal then within seconds be secured in place with a face screen binder.

[0147] Figure 26A depicts a method of using a screened hoodie garment to protect a user’s face against biting insects comprising the following steps. Obtain a hoodie garment such as a hooded shirt having a screen pocket positioned adjacent the face port of the hood. The screen pocket having a pocket port that opens into the face port. A deployable insect face screen is disposed in the screen pocket with a zipper joining the mesh lead of the insect face screen and face port lead of the hood (260). Placing the hoodie garment over the trunk of a user with the hood of the garment deployed over the user’s head such that the user’s head is positioned within the protected cavity of the hood. A ball cap can be donned under the hood if so desired to assist blockage of sun and for distancing the insect face screen from the user’s face (262). Grasping the deployable insect face screen and deploying it from the screen pocket (264). Engaging (if needed, zipper pin in zipper) and activating the zipper by grasping and pulling the zipper pull consequently engaging opposing zipper teeth around periphery of the face port (266) such that the user’s head and face is sheltered within the hood and behind the face screen. Deactivating the zipper by grasping the zipper pull to disengage opposing zipper teeth around the periphery of the face port preferably leaving the zipper start block engaged (268). Stuffing the insect face screen through the pocketport of the screen pocket to store the insect face screen in the screen pocket (270). The hooded garment is then removed from the user’s body if so desired (270).

[0148] It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" and “generally” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0149] The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hooded garment in an operable configuration comprising: a trunk portion operable to cover the trunk of a human; a pair of opposing sleeve portions operable to cover the arms of the human; a hood portion operable to cover the head and neck of the human; said trunk portion, said sleeve portion, and said hood portion comprising fabric; said hood portion comprising a face port operable to expose the face of the human through said hood portion; said hood portion having a face port lead encircling said face port; an insect face screen operable to extend across said face port to create a protected cavity within said hood; a screen pocket adjacent said face port operable for storage of said insect face screen in said screen pocket in a storage mode; and, wherein said insect face screen is deployed from said screen pocket to cover said face port in a deployed mode.

2. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said insect face screen is releasably attached to said hooded garment.

3. The hooded garment of claim 1 further comprising: a mesh lead on said insect face screen defining the outer perimeter of said insect face screen; and, a face screen binder extending between said face port lead and said mesh lead operable to releasably join said face port lead and said mesh lead.

4. The hooded garment of claim 3 wherein said face screen binder is in the form of a zipper.

5. The hooded garment of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of said zipper remains shielded in said screen pocket when said insect face screen is in said deployed mode.

6. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said trunk portion comprises a front panel operable to cover the chest of a user; and, wherein said screen pocket is disposed on said front panel.

7. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said trunk portion comprises a front panel operable to cover the chest of a user; and, wherein said screen pocket is disposed on the inside of said front panel.

8. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said insect face screen stored in said screen pocket is accessed for deployment by reaching through said face port.

9. The hooded garment of claim 1 further comprising: a pocket port in said screen pocket through which said insect face screen is stored and deployed.

10. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket port is located at the collar of said hooded garment.

11. The hooded garment of claim 9 wherein said pocket port is positioned such that said insect face screen is moved through said pocket port in the direction of said face port during deployment.

12. The hooded garment of claim 1 further comprising: a pocket panel; said trunk portion comprising a front panel; said hood portion comprising a hood panel; said pocket panel stitched to at least one of said front panel and said hood panel to form said screen pocket.

13. The hooded garment of claim 12 wherein said insect face screen is an extension of said pocket panel.

14. The hooded garment of claim 1 further comprising: a long zipper; said long zipper extending between an inferior end of said hooded garment and said face port for zippered donning and doffing of said hooded garment on said human.

15. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said insect face screen is tethered to said hooded garment from a position within said screen pocket.

16. The hooded garment of claim 1 further comprising: a mouth port in said insect face screen; and, wherein in said deployed mode, said mouth port is operable to pass food through said insect face screen.

17. The hooded garment of claim 1 further comprising: a heat retaining face screen; and, wherein said insect face screen of said hooded garment is swappable with said heat retaining face screen.

18. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said insect face screen is formed to be biased outward from said protected cavity in said deployed mode.

19. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said insect face screen further comprises at least one eye port to provide unobstructed vision through said insect face screen.

20. The hooded garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket port of said screen pocket is positioned within 1.5 inches of said face port.

21. A method of using a screened hoodie garment to protect against biting insects comprising the steps of: obtaining a hooded garment having a screen pocket positioned adjacent the face port of the hood with pocket port of the screen pocket opening into the face port, and with a deployable insect face screen disposed in the screen pocket with a zipper joining the mesh lead of the insect face screen and face port lead of the hood; placing the hoodie garment over the trunk of a user with the hood of the garment deployed over a user’s head such that the user’s head is positioned within the protected cavity of the hood; grasping the deployable insect face screen and deploying it from the screen pocket toward the face port; activating the zipper consequently engaging opposing zipper teeth around the periphery of the face port such that the user’s head and face is sheltered within the hood and behind the face screen.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the following steps to remove the screened hoodie garment: deactivating the zipper by grasping the zipper pull to disengage the opposing zipper teeth around the periphery of the face port while leaving the zipper start block engaged; stuffing the insect face screen through the pocket port of the screen pocket to store the insect face screen in the screen pocket; and, removing the hooded garment from the user’s body.

Images