Protective Garment Accessory

Abstract

A decorative scarf-like protective garment that is designed to absorb water, moisture or hair treatment chemicals from wet hair is disclosed herein. The protective garment has a multi-layer construction with an outer layer and an inner absorbent base layer. The outer layer is comprised of a material that provides comfort to the user while being worn, and the absorbent base layer ensures that the moisture and hair treatment chemicals are properly absorbed from the wet or chemically treated hair. The protective garment drapes over a back area, a shoulder area and a front area of the user, and wraps around the neck of the user, thereby preventing the user's clothes and/or exposed skin from coming into contact with water or the hair treatment chemicals emanating from the user's hair.

Claims

1. A protective garment accessory comprising; a first layer having a pattern, a color or a design; a second layer disposed substantially under and coextensive with the first layer, each of the first and second layers having a back panel and wherein the second layer is comprised of an absorbent material; at least the first layer having first and second straps and extending from the back panel, a space between the first and second straps and a closure device at an end of each of the first and second straps opposite an end of the first and second straps connected to the protective panel.

2. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the space is sized and configured to fit around a neck area of an individual.

3. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein a third layer is provided on a side of the second layer opposite the first layer to form a pocket with the second layer between the first and third layers.

4. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second layer are secured to one another by sewing, adhering, fastening, or combinations thereof.

5. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 4, wherein securing the first and second layers together creates at least one air pocket to facilitate drying of the protective garment accessory.

6. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the closure device includes magnets.

7. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 6, wherein the magnets are encapsulated in a material to prevent rust from staining the first or second layers.

8. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the back panel is a rectangle, a square or a quadrate.

9. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the back panel is provided with indicia.

10. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 10, wherein the indicia includes at least one of a monogram, an advertisement, a logo, a character, or a combination thereof.

11. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the back panel has a pocket and the pocket is provided with a closure.

12. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the second layer is made from one of a terrycloth, a flannel, a polyurethane laminates (PUL), a natural or synthetic fabric, and has an absorption rate of at least 15 to 30 percent of a body weight of the second layer.

13. A protective garment accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the space is “U” shaped.

14. A garment accessory for protecting a user comprising; an outer layer having at least one of a design, a color, or a style, the outer layer having a back panel with a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side and a right side; an inner absorbent layer made from one of a terrycloth, a flannel, a polyurethane laminate (PUL), and a natural or synthetic fabric, and having an absorption rate of at least 15 to 30 percent of a body weight of material selected for the inner absorbent layer, the inner absorbent layer being substantially coterminous with the outer layer; first and second straps extending from the top edge of the outer layer, the first and second straps spaced from one another to form a space between the first and second straps, the space being sized and configured to fit around a neck area of an individual; each of the first and second straps having a magnetic closure element for securing the first and second straps to one another and securing the garment accessory to the user.

15. A garment accessory as recited in claim 14, wherein the back panel has indicia that includes at least one of a monogram, an advertisement, a logo, a character, or a combination thereof.

16. A garment accessory as recited in claim 14, wherein the back panel has a shape comprised of a rectangular, a square, or a quadrate.

17. A garment accessory as recited in claim 14, wherein the space is U shaped.

18. A method of using a protective garment accessory comprising the steps of; providing a protective garment accessory, the accessory having an outer layer with at least one of a design, a color, or a style, and a back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side, and a right side; the accessory further including an inner absorbent layer that is substantially coterminous with the outer layer; the accessory further including first and second straps extending from the top edge of the outer layer, the first and second straps spaced from one another to form a space between the first and second straps, the spaced sized and configured to fit around a neck area of an individual; placing the protective garment accessory on the individual; connecting the first and second straps to one another to fasten the protective garment accessory to the individual; introducing hair of the individual having one of moisture, water or hair treatment chemicals applied thereto; and placing the hair on the protective garment accessory to prevent transfer of the one of moisture, water or hair treatment chemicals to a garment or an individual's skin.

19. A method of using a protective garment accessory as recited in claim 18, wherein the inner absorbent layer is made from one of a terrycloth, a flannel, a polyurethane laminate (PUL), a natural or synthetic fabric, and having an absorption rate of at least 15 to 30 percent of a body weight of the inner absorbent layer.

20. A method of using a protective garment accessory as recited in claim 18, wherein the outer layer is provided with indicia comprised with at least one of a monogram, an advertisement, a logo, a character, or a combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the protective garment of the present invention and showing the exterior layer of the garment in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the protective garment of the present invention and showing the interior layer of the garment in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a user wearing one possible embodiment of the protective garment of the present invention wrapped around the shoulders of the user and fastened in the front in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of a user wearing one possible embodiment of the protective garment of the present invention wrapped over the shoulders of the user and preventing the user's wet hair from contacting the user's skin or clothing in accordance with the disclosed structure: and

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a user wearing one possible embodiment of the protective garment of the present invention wrapped over the shoulders of the user and preventing the user's recently dyed hair from contacting the user's skin or clothing in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0027] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for providing users with an easy to wear and use water or moisture absorbing scarf, drape or protective garment. There is also a long felt need in the art for providing a scarf or protective garment that can be easily secured and removed from the wearer with a single hand. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for providing users with a water absorbing scarf or protective garment which can be worn by the user with comfort and without detracting from the individual's appearance. There is a long felt need in the art for a protective garment that prevents the user's clothes from becoming wet or damaged. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a scarf or protective garment that can protect neck and other exposed skin of the user or the user's clothing from coming into contact with hair dye or other chemical applications, which can damage the same. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for providing users with a relatively low cost, foldable, reusable and convenient to use water absorbing scarf, drape or protective garment.

[0028] The innovative product of the present invention features a modified scarf/protective garment designed to absorb moisture, water, chemicals or dye from hair, and prevent clothing and exposed skin from becoming damp or irritated. The product can be used after taking a bath, showering, swimming, being exposed to the elements (e.g., rain, snow and sleet), and/or applying dyes or other treatment chemicals to the user's hair. The modified scarf or drape of the present invention covers the otherwise exposed skin, neck, shoulder, front and back areas of the user, and prevents the upper portion of the user's clothing from becoming wet or otherwise being mined. The scarf can be easily worn and quickly secured to the user via a magnetic or other closure mechanism attached to the scarf. The unique scarf design features two or more layers comprising at least a silk and satin exterior layer and an absorbent interior layer to properly absorb water, chemicals and moisture. The structure of the scarf or drape allows the users to wash or dye their hair without ruining their clothing or getting skin infections or irritations. Further, the invention can be available in various sizes, styles, colors and designs to accommodate all needs and/or preferences of the user.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scarf like protective garment is designed to absorb excess water, chemicals and moisture from the hair, and is comprised of a multiple-layer absorbent scarf or drape with a satin and silk outer layer or covering and a absorbent inner layer disposed between the outer layer or covering and the user or his or her clothes. The silk maintains comfort and prevents frizzing of the user's hair while being worn, and the absorbent layer ensures moisture is properly absorbed. Users can wear the scarf around the neck and shoulders and secure it via a magnetic closure. The scarf also drapes over the back area, thereby, preventing the user's hair from contacting the user's clothing. Users with long hair can now wait for their hair to dry without getting their clothes wet and creating discomfort. The outer layer which conceals the inner absorbent layer also protects the user by providing a layer between the user and the absorbent layer to further prevent contact with clothing or skin. More specifically, the outer layer may form an envelope or pocket to hold the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer may be removable so that it can be washed or laundered separately.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the scarf-like protective garment 100 of the present invention and showing the exterior layer 110 of the garment in accordance with the disclosed structure. More specifically, the scarf 100 comprises a multi-layer garment comprising a silk and satin based exterior layer 101 and an absorbent inner layer 102, which may be sewn together or removably attached to one another for separate cleaning. The stitching of the external layer 101 and the absorbent layer 102 is such that small air pockets are present to facilitate drying of the scarf or drape 100, when no longer in use.

[0031] The exterior layer 101 can be further manufactured using a variety of materials such as rayon, polyester, silk blends, natural and synthetic materials and the like, without deviating from the advantages of a water or moisture or dye absorbent scarf 100 of the present invention. In one embodiment, the scarf or drape 100 is a generally rectangular piece of a double-layered garment having a pair of edges 107, a loose end 109, a U-shaped cut-out portion forming a neck area 108, a left side strap 1031, and a right side strap 1032. The left side strap 1031 and the right strap 1032 includes a magnetic or other closure system 106 on top ends 1033 and 1034 of the left strap 1031 and the right strap 1032, respectively.

[0032] The structure of the modified scarf or drape 100 further comprises a back portion 104, which is meant to cover a back torso area of a user. The left and right side straps 1031, 1032 further include a left shoulder portion 1051 and a right shoulder portion 1052, which are extended over the user's left and right shoulders respectively in order to wear the scarf or drape 100. Then, the straps 1031 and 1032 are extended to a front portion of the user's body, and are joined using the magnetic or other closure system 106, thereby providing coverage for the front portion of the user's body, such as the chest and shoulder areas.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the water or moisture absorbing scarf or drape 100 is manufactured to look attractive, and can be worn similarly to other scarfs or fashion accessories. However, the unique construct of the scarf 100 serves the unique purpose of protecting the user's clothing and exposed skin from becoming wet and/or damp from the user's wet hair, and/or the inadvertent application of dye or hair color on the user's clothing or skin, which may damage the same. The elegance of the protective scarf or garment 100 is that the garment is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, and may be worn causally, at home, or in the workplace. Therefore, the garment 100 of the present invention provides a dual advantage of serving as both a fashion accessory, and as a moisture and dye resistant barrier for the user and his or her clothing.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the protective garment 100 of the present invention and showing the interior layer 102 of the garment in accordance with the disclosed structure. More specifically, FIG. 2 provides an interior view of the scarf or drape 100, which comprises a towel or absorbent based inner layer 102 composed of towel fabric, Terry cloth or any other woven or non-woven fabric or material which provides a generally moisture impenetrable layer and thereby prevents water/dye transmission through the scarf 100. The inner layer 102 may further comprise a wicking feature to draw moisture to the edges of the scarf or drape 100.

[0035] The scarf or drape 100 further comprises a left side strap 1031 with a magnetic bar 1061 placed on a top end 1033 of the left strap 1031, and a right side strap 1032 with a magnetic bar 1062 placed on a top end 1034 of the right strap 1032. The absorbent layer may extend into the area of the straps 1031, 1032 and be coterminous with the exterior layer 101 around all edges, or may terminate at the top of the generally quadrate material.

[0036] Each of the magnets or magnetic bars 1061, 1062 can be any suitable size or shape including, without limitation, round, square, rectangular, annular, oval, etc., and may be comprised of any material which, in general, creates a magnetic field and falls under the common definition of a magnet. Additionally, each of the magnets 1061, 1062 may also be encapsulated in a rubber, nylon, fabrics, plastics (such as ABS or PVC), synthetic resin or waterproofed-cloth pouch, which is sewn, glued to or otherwise attached to a flap or pocket at the ends 1033, 1034 of each of the left and right straps 1031, 1032, respectively. By providing an encapsulating layer for the magnets 1061, 1062, the magnets will not rust and/or stain or otherwise damage the scarf 100. The ends 1033, 1034 may further comprise two layers of fabric sewn, glued or otherwise attached to each other to form the pouch or pocket which contains the absorbent layer 102 or forms the protective garment accessory.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pouch or pocket gives aesthetic appearance to the magnetic fasteners 1061, 1062 by providing a cover of decorative design to the magnetic member which usually has a monotonous and dull metallic appearance, as well as providing a weathering shield to the magnetic material to slow down or retard undesirable rusting or corrosion. In this regard, the magnet enclosure is preferably water or air-tight so that even if the magnet member is oxidized, the enclosure still provides a cosmetic cover to hide the rusted surfaces from the view of others, thereby making magnets 1061, 1062 suitable for applications in which product presentation and appearance are important.

[0038] The magnetic closure system 106 provides an easy and convenient way to secure the water absorbing scarf or drape 100 of the present invention to the user's body. However, other types of securing mechanisms and elements known in the art are also applicable for the present invention including, without limitation, hook and loop fasteners, a hook fastener, a button fastener, a snap fastener, a zipper, and the other similar securing systems.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a user wearing one possible embodiment of the protective garment 100 of the present invention wrapped around the shoulders of a user 110 and fastened in the front in accordance with the disclosed structure. Stated differently, FIG. 3 clearly shows how easily the water absorbing scarf 100 of the present invention can be worn by a user 110. During use, the user 110 wears the scarf or drape 100 by taking a left shoulder portion 1051 of scarf 100 over the left shoulder of the user, and a right shoulder portion 1052 of scarf over the right shoulder of the user, and extending the scarf 100 to a front portion such that the straps 1031, 1032 lie along the shoulders and the chest portion 114 of the user 110. The scarf or drape 100 is then placed underneath the user's hair 111, such that the scarf or drape acts a barrier between the user's exposed skin and/or clothes and the user's hair 111. The back side 104 of the scarf 100 lies well along the back of the user 110, just below the hair 111 of the user 110 to absorb water, moisture, recently applied dye, or other chemicals or content that may emanate from the user's wet hair 111. As referenced above, the water absorbing scarf 100 may be further equipped with magnetic bars 1061, 1062 placed on the straps 1031, 1032 respectively for securing the scarf 100 firmly to the user 110. More specifically, the straps 1031, 1032 are secured by utilizing magnetic closure flaps 1061, 1062.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of a user wearing one possible embodiment of the protective garment 100 of the present invention wrapped over the shoulders of the user 110 and preventing the user's wet hair 111 from contacting the user's skin or clothing in accordance with the disclosed structure. More specifically, the user 110 wears the scarf 100 such that a back portion 104 of the scarf 100 fits well behind the user 100 and just below the hair 111 of the user 110 to absorb water and moisture from the user's wet or chemically treated hair 111. The multiple-layered scarf 100 provides an impenetrable barrier, and therefore prevents water or other content dripping from the user's hair 111 from coming into contact with the user's clothes and/or exposed skin, which may cause irritation.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a user 110 wearing one possible embodiment of the protective garment 100 of the present invention wrapped over the shoulders of the user 110 and preventing the user's recently dyed hair 111 from contacting the user's skin or clothing in accordance with the disclosed structure. The user 110 may wear the scarf 100 with extra effort, and the scarf will be viewed as a fashion accessory. More specifically, the inner layer 102 of the water absorbing scarf 100 lies along the back portion of the user 110 and the shoulder portions 1051, 1052 of the scarf 100 are placed on/over the user's shoulders. More specifically, the shoulder portions 1051, 1052 have a sufficient width to substantially cover the complete shoulder area of the user 110. The inner layer 102 absorbs the water and moisture from the wet hair 111 touching the exterior layer 101 of the scarf 100, and can wick moisture away to the edges of the absorbent layer 102 such that the scarf 100 can absorb more moisture without areas becoming saturated. Accordingly, the exterior layer 101 and inner absorbent layer 102 together prevent the user 110 from getting wet due to wet or damp hair 111.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the straps 1031, 1032 cover the chest area 114 of the wearer 110, thereby giving adequate protection from the water and/or hair treatment chemicals that may drip from the user's hair 111. The back portion 104 and straps 1031, 1032 together form a protective layer for the user 110, and the length of the back portion 114 can be customized to accommodate users with different hair lengths. The exterior silk layer 101 also maintains comfort and prevents hair frizzing while being worn by the user 110, and the inner towel layer 102 ensures moisture and other liquids from the wet hair 111 are properly absorbed.

[0043] A main advantage of the water absorbing scarf 100 of the present invention is that it is quite efficient in absorbing moisture from the hair, thereby protecting the user 110 from being wet, and forms a comfortable, yet firm fit to the user's 110 body. When worn, the water absorbing scarf 100 of the present invention also provides protection to the upper clothing, neck area and shoulders of the user 110 to prevent the same from being exposed to wet or chemically treated hair 111. Additionally, the protective garment 100 may also be worn by the user 110 on the user's body to absorb sweat and moisture therefrom. More specifically, the protective garment 100 may lie against the body of the user 110 to absorb and/or wick moisture away from the body, such as perspiration.

[0044] The rectangular back portion of the protective garment 100 may also be used to wipe the user's face, hands, neck, arms, etc., and the protective garment 100 can be made of different dimensions, materials, colors and designs. Additionally, indicia 120 may also be provided on the exterior layer of the garment 100 to personalize the same. The indicia 120 may include, but is not limited to, monograms, letters, numbers, advertisements, logos, characters, flags, emblems, etc. A small pocket 122 may also be provided on the protective garment 100 to store and/or transport personal items such as keys, money, IDs and the like. The pocket 122 may further comprise a closure mechanism including, without limitation, hook and loop fasteners, a hook fastener, a button fastener, a snap fastener, a zipper, and the other similar securing systems. The protective garment 100 of the present invention is economical and easy to manufacture, simple and efficient to use, soft, lightweight, machine washable, and re-useable.

[0045] Certain tenors are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “scarf” “no soak scarf”, “modified scarf” and “water/moisture absorbing scarf” are interchangeable and refer to the scarf or protective garment IOU of the present invention. Also, the term “user” and “wearer” were used with the same meaning of a person wearing the water absorbing scarf 100 of the present invention.

[0046] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the water absorbing scarf or protective garment 100 of the present invention and its various structural components can be any suitable size, shape, color, style and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the water absorbing scarf 100 and its various components, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the water absorbing scarf 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the scarf or drape may be tapered along its length so as to mimic the shape of the hair. Although dimensions of the water absorbing scarf 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the water absorbing scarf 100 and its components may be any shape, size, color and style that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0047] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject, matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.