CLOTHING ASSEMBLY WITH PAIR OF MAGNETS AND HOODED SWEATSHIRT OR JACKET

Abstract

A hood assembly includes a hood with a first hood semi-portion and a second hood semi-portion, the hood sized to be selectively worn over a head of a user. The hood assembly further includes a first adjustment assembly in the first hood semi-portion, the first adjustment assembly having a first channel encasing a first magnet therein, the first magnet being slidable through the first channel. The hood assembly further includes a second adjustment assembly in the second hood semi-portion, the second adjustment assembly having a second channel encasing a second magnet therein, the second magnet being slidable through the second channel. The first and second magnets can be selectively secured together to thereby bring together the first hood semi-portion with the second hood semi-portion.

Claims

1. A hood assembly comprising a hood with a first hood semi-portion and a second hood semi-portion, the hood sized to be selectively worn over a head of a user; a first adjustment assembly in the first hood semi-portion, the first adjustment assembly comprising a first channel having a length of at least 2 inches and encasing a first magnet therein, the first magnet being slidable through the first channel and having a first magnetic polarity; and a second adjustment assembly in the second hood semi-portion, the second adjustment assembly comprising a second channel having a length of at least 2 inches and encasing a second magnet therein, the second magnet being slidable through the second channel and having a second magnetic polarity; wherein the second magnetic polarity is an opposing polarity of the first magnetic polarity, such that the first magnet can be selectively secured together with the second magnet to thereby bring together a portion of the first hood semi-portion with a portion of the second hood semi-portion.

2. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel are formed between an inner material layer and an outer material layer of the hood, such that the first channel and the second channel are not visible externally of the hood.

3. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel are incongruent with the hood and are secured on an inner surface of the hood.

4. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel each include two additional material layers surrounding the respective one of the first magnet and the second magnet.

5. The hood assembly of claim 4, wherein the two additional material layers are made from nylon or spandex.

6. The hood assembly of claim 4, wherein the first channel and the second channel and the two additional material layers are stretchable to at least 1.sup.20% of an original length.

7. The hood assembly of claim 1, the hood having an inner perimeter, wherein the first channel and the second channel together occupy at least 20% of the inner perimeter of the hood, and wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are spherically shaped.

8. The hood assembly of claim 7, wherein the first channel and the second channel together occupy at least 30% of the entire inner perimeter of the hood.

9. The hood assembly of claim 1, the first channel and the second channel having respective channel bottoms, the hood having a bottom, wherein the respective channel bottoms are from 0.5 inches to 1.25 inches from the bottom of the hood.

10. The hood assembly of claim 1, the first channel and the second channel having respective channel bottoms, the hood having a bottom, wherein the respective channel bottoms correspond with the bottom of the hood.

11. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein a width and a thickness of the first channel and the second channel, and a diameter and a thickness of the first magnet and the second magnet, and a securing force between the first magnet and the second magnet when secured together, are such that the first magnet and the second magnet cannot slide respectively through the first channel and the second channel without user involvement.

12. The hood assembly of claim 11, wherein the width of the first channel and the second channel is from 0.5 inches to 1.25 inches, and wherein the lengths of the first channel and the second channel are from 2 inches to 7 inches.

13. The hood assembly of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the first channel and the second channel is from 0.2 inches to 0.75 inches.

14. The hood assembly of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the first magnet and the second magnet is at least 85% of the width of the first channel and the second channel, respectively.

15. The hood assembly of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the first magnet and the second magnet is at least 85% of the thickness of the first channel and the second channel, respectively.

16. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet together provide the securing force of from 10 lbs. to 30 lbs. of pull force.

17. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet together provide the securing force of from 13 lbs. to 20 lbs. of pull force.

18. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the hood assembly is devoid of a drawstring.

19. The hood assembly of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic polarity faces the second hood semi-portion, wherein the second magnetic polarity faces the first hood semi-portion, such that when the first magnet is selectively secured together with the second magnet the portion of the first hood semi-portion and the portion of the second hood semi-portion are not overlapped.

20. A hood assembly comprising a hood with a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly, the first adjustment assembly and the second adjustment assembly being adapted to move the hood between a looser position and a tighter position; the first adjustment assembly comprising a first channel encasing a first magnet therein, the first magnet being spherically shaped and being slidable through the first channel; and a second adjustment assembly in the second hood semi-portion, the second adjustment assembly comprising a second channel encasing a second magnet therein, the second magnet being spherically shaped and being slidable through the second channel; wherein the first magnet and the second magnet provide opposing magnetic polarities, such that the first magnet and the second magnet can be selectively secured together to thereby move the hood between the looser position and the tighter position, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet together provide a securing force such that when the first magnet and the second magnet are secured together, the first magnet and the second magnet cannot slide respectively through the first channel and the second channel without user involvement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of a clothing assembly having a pair of magnets and a hood, shown with the pair of magnets positioned in respective channels inside the hood, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 1, shown with the pair of magnets closed together.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 1, shown with the pair of magnets separated.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 1, shown with certain dimensions thereof.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 1, showing a schematic of the movement from the open position to the closed position.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 1, showing a schematic of the movement from the closed position to the open position.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a front view of a clothing assembly having a pair of magnets and a hood, shown with the pair of magnets at each end of a drawstring, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 7, shown with the pair of magnets being closed together.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 7, shown with the pair of magnets closed together to secure the hood in place.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the clothing assembly shown in FIG. 7, shown with the pair of magnets closed together behind the hood to secure the magnets in a not-in-use position.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a magnet assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative magnet assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further alternative magnet assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the further alternative magnet assembly shown in FIG. 13, shown with a magnet portion separated from a storage portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a clothing assembly including a pair of adjustment assemblies and a hood. Each of the adjustment assemblies includes a respective magnet for interaction and joining with the other in order to secure the hood in a desired position. The clothing assembly may be particularly useful for closing the hood around a wearer's face in a proper fit. In one or more embodiments, the pair of magnets are positioned in respective channels inside the hood. In these embodiments, the magnets are slidable through the respective channels, such that the closure of the two magnets can stay in various positions within the channels. This provides the user with the ability to fit the closed hood to a tightly closed position or a more loosely closed position, as desired. In one or more embodiments, the pair of magnets are located at the ends of a drawstring or cords of the hood. The proper fit of the closed hood provides a sufficient air-tight seal to block out the elements (e.g. cold wind, rain, and snow) while maintaining good visibility for the wearer. The hood may be part of a hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a clothing assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10. Clothing assembly 10, which may also be referred to as hood assembly 10, includes a hood 12 sized to be selectively worn over the head of a user, and a pair of adjustment assemblies 14. Hood 12 is coupled with a sweatshirt 15 or a jacket 15 and may or may not be unitary therewith.

[0029] Each adjustment assembly 14, which may also be referred to as a magnet assembly 14 or retention assembly 14, includes a channel 16 that encases a magnet 18 therein. In one or more embodiments, channels 16, which may also be described as pockets 16 or pocket channels 16, may be provided between layers of hood 12. That is, channels 16 may be between an inner material layer 20 and an outer material layer 22 of hood 12. As such, in these embodiments, the channels 16 are not visible externally of hood 12. In other embodiments, channels 16 may be secured on the inner surface of inner material layer 20.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, as best seen in FIG. 1, channels 16 may be not connected or coupled with each other. That is, in these embodiments, the top of a first channel 16 may be not coupled with the top of a second channel 16.

[0031] In other embodiments, channels 16 may be connected or coupled with each other. That is, in these embodiments, the top of a first channel 16 may be coupled with the top of a second channel 16. This may be by way of the first channel 16 and the second channel 16 being part of a unitary bigger channel (not shown).

[0032] In one or more embodiments, channels 16 may be formed congruently with the hood 12. That is, the material of the hood 12 may be utilized to form the channels 16. This congruent formation of channels 16 may be provided by sewing the border of channels 16 into the material of an existing hood 12, or during manufacture thereof. In one or more embodiments, this congruent formation of channels 16 may be within an elongate internal passageway (not shown) along the border of the hood 12 as would otherwise carry a drawstring (not shown) in the configuration of a conventional hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket. This might include first removing the drawstring from the conventional hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket before forming channels 16 within the passageway. In other embodiments, hood 12 may only include channels 16 and may be devoid of an elongate internal passageway along the entire border thereof.

[0033] Channels 16 may also include an additional material layer 24 positioned between inner material layer 20 and magnet 18, and an additional material layer 26 positioned between outer material layer 22 and magnet 18. The additional material layers 24, 26 may be provided for improving the slidability of the magnets 18 through the channels 16, and also to protect inner material layer 20 and outer material layer 22 of hood 12. The additional material layers 24, 26 may be referred to as themselves being a channel within channel 16.

[0034] Where present, additional material layers 24, 26 may be made from any suitable material that allows magnets 18 to slide therethrough. Additional material layers 24, 26 should provide a slidable surface such that magnets 18 can slide through channels 16. In one or more embodiments, the additional material layers 24, 26 may be made from the synthetic polymers generally designated as nylon, which are based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides. In one or more embodiments, the additional material layers 24, 26 may be made from spandex.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the additional material layers 24, 26 may be made from stretchable material, such as stretchable nylon or spandex. This may be characterized as the additional material layers 24, 26 stretching to at least 110%, in other embodiments, at least 120%, in other embodiments, at least 130%, and in other embodiments, at least 150%, of their original length. These stretching percentages may also apply to the material of channel 16 and of hood 12, whether the same or different than the material of additional material layers 24, 26.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, two or more layers of additional material layer 24 may be positioned between inner material layer 20 and magnet 18. In these or other embodiments, two layers of additional material layer 26 may be positioned between outer material layer 22 and magnet 18.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the channels 16 may be an incongruent component that is initially separate from the hood 12. That is, in these embodiments, the channel 16 may be made separately from hood 12 and be subsequently secured therein. This attachment of the channel 16 component with the hood 12 may be by sewing or by other suitable attachment, such as an adhesive glue. In these embodiments, channels 16 may be made from a similar or different material than the hood 12, though channels 16 should be made from a suitable material that allows magnets 18 to slide therethrough. These embodiments may also include the additional material layers 24, 26 as discussed above. Channels 16 may be made from a similar material as additional material layers 24, 26 as described above.

[0038] The pocket channels 16 may be in any suitable position of hood 12 as to properly close a portion of the hood 12 by joining magnets 18, as shown in FIG. 2. In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the pocket channels 16 may correspond with the bottom of the hood 12 or approximate thereto. In other embodiments, the bottom of the pocket channels 16 may be spaced at least 0.25 inches, in other embodiments, at least 0.5 inches, and in other embodiments, at least 1 inch from the bottom of the hood 12. In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the pocket channels 16 may be spaced from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches, in other embodiments, from 0.5 inches to 1.25 inches, and in other embodiments, from 0.75 inches to 1 inch, from the bottom of the hood 12. In one or more embodiments, the pocket channels 16 extend up to about the cheek of the face of the user.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the length L (FIG. 4) of the pocket channels 16 (i.e. top to bottom) may be from 1 inch to 8 inches, in other embodiments, from 2 inches to 7 inches, in other embodiments, from 3 inches to 6 inches, in other embodiments, from 3 inches to 5 inches, and in other embodiments, from 4 inches to 5 inches. In one or more embodiments, the length L of the pocket channels 16 may be about 3 inches, in other embodiments, about 5 inches, in other embodiments, about 6 inches, and in other embodiments, about 7 inches. In one or more embodiments, the length L of the pocket channels 16 may be at least 2 inches, in other embodiments, at least 3 inches, in other embodiments, at least 4 inches, and in other embodiments, at least 5 inches.

[0040] The length L of the pocket channels 16 may also be described as channels 16 occupying a certain percentage with respect to the entire inner perimeter of the hood 12. In one or more embodiments, the pocket channels 16 together may occupy from 25% to 70%, in other embodiments, from 30% to 60%, and in other embodiments, from 40% to 50%, of the entire inner perimeter of the hood. In one or more embodiments, the pocket channels 16 together may occupy from 60% to 100%, in other embodiments, from 80% to 98%, and in other embodiments, from 85% to 95%, of the entire inner perimeter of the hood. In one or more embodiments, the pocket channels 16 together may occupy at least 20% in other embodiments, at least 30%, in other embodiments, at least 50%, and in other embodiments, at least 70%, of the entire inner perimeter of the hood.

[0041] The width W of the pocket channels 16 should be such that the magnets 18 can slide through channels, but do not easily slide through the channels 16 without user involvement. In one or more embodiments, the width W (FIG. 4) of the pocket channels 16 (i.e. side to side) may be from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches, in other embodiments, from 0.5 inches to 1.25 inches, in other embodiments, from 0.5 inches to 1 inch, and in other embodiments, from 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches. In one or more embodiments, the width W of the pocket channels 16 may be about 0.25 inches, in other embodiments, about 0.5 inches, in other embodiments, about 0.75 inches, and in other embodiments, about 1 inch. In one or more embodiments, the width W of the pocket channels 16 approximates the diameter D of the magnets 18.

[0042] Similarly, the thickness of the pocket channels 16 should also be such that the magnets 18 can slide through channels, but do not easily slide through the channels 16 without user involvement. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the pocket channels 16 may be from 0.1 inches to 1 inch, in other embodiments, from 0.2 inches to 0.75 inches, in other embodiments, from 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches, and in other embodiments, from 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the pocket channels 16 may be about 0.1 inches, in other embodiments, about 0.2 inches, in other embodiments, about 0.25 inches, and in other embodiments, about 0.4 inches. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the pocket channels 16 approximates the thickness of the magnets 18.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, a separating length S may be present between an inner boundary 28 of the pocket channels 16 and an inner boundary 30 of the hood 12. In other embodiments, the inner boundary 28 of the pocket channels 16 and the inner boundary 30 of the hood 12 are formed at the same position, such that there is no separating length S present. Where present, in one or more embodiments, separating length S may be less than 0.4 inches, in other embodiments, less than 0.25 inches, in other embodiments, less than 0.2 inches, and in other embodiments, less than 0.1 inches.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the pocket channels 16 may include a closing and opening mechanism (not shown) at the top end thereof for removal of the magnets 18, such as for washing the sweatshirt 15 or jacket 15. Though, magnets 18 may be machine washable. Exemplary articles for the closing and opening mechanism include a zipper, snap, and hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, closing and opening mechanism is not present and the pocket channels 16 are fully enclosed such that the magnets 18 are not removable.

[0045] As suggested above, the magnets 18 are able to travel the entire length of the pocket channels 16. The magnets 18 can slide to countless positions within the channels 16 based on the desire of the user for a tighter closure or a looser closure of hood 12. As suggested above, this closure of hood 12 may also be referred to as closing a portion of the hood 12. Corresponding with the position of the channels 16, in one or more embodiments, the magnets 18 can travel from the bottom of the hood 12 to about the cheek of the face of the user.

[0046] To close the hood 12 of clothing assembly 10, which may also be referred to as reducing the inner perimeter of hood 12, the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12A and the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12B are joined together, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments of the closed position, the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12A has a first magnetic polarity (e.g. north) facing inward of hood 12, and the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12B has the opposing magnetic polarity (e.g. south) facing inward of hood 12 such that these inward-facing opposing magnetic polarities can attract to secure the magnets 18 together. In order to achieve the closed position of hood 12, these opposing, and therefore attracting, magnetic polarities of magnets 18 are brought together by the user to secure the magnets 18 together. As discussed further elsewhere herein, this closed position of hood 12 may include the magnets 18 being generally parallel with each other in the direction of the user. In other embodiments, the closed position of hood 12 may include the magnets 18 being overlapped with each other in the direction of the user.

[0047] Magnets 18 can be any suitable shape, such as spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoid, oval, or dome/semi-sphere. Shapes having a rounded portion may be particularly useful for correlation with the fingers of a user for adjusting the magnets 18 through the channels 16, as shown in FIGS. 5-6.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, magnets 18 are spherical. Where magnets 18 are spherical, magnets 18 can be slid up and down the respective channels 16 based on manipulation by the user. As mentioned elsewhere herein, magnets 18 should be strong enough as to not slide while connected unless the user moves the magnets 18. Based on the magnetic polarities, magnets 18 of a spherical shape will tend to move in a sliding motion, rather than in a rolling motion. Magnets 18 of a spherical shape may be a unitary magnet or may include a certain feature, such as a plastic half, such that they are non-unitary.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, magnets 18 are in the shape of a dome/semi-sphere. In these embodiments, magnets 18 include a flat magnetic face 32. The flat magnetic face 32 of one magnet 18 generally faces the other flat magnetic face 32 of the other magnet 18. Magnets 18 further include a dome/semi-sphere shaped extension 34. In one or more embodiments, the dome/semi-sphere shaped extension 34 may be a magnetic portion such that the dome/semi-sphere shaped extension 34 and the flat magnetic face 32 are a unitary magnet. In one or more embodiments, the dome/semi-sphere shaped extension 34 may be a non-magnetic portion, such as being made from plastic, such that the dome/semi-sphere shaped extension 34 and the flat magnetic face 32 are non-unitary.

[0050] The magnets 18 may be made of any suitable magnetic material, whether soft magnetic material or hard magnetic material. An exemplary magnetic material are rare-earth magnets, which are strong permanent magnets made from alloys of rare-earth elements. An exemplary rare-earth magnet is a neodymium magnet, which may also be referred to as a NdFeB magnet, and which is a permanent magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron to form the Nd.sub.2Fe.sub.14B tetragonal crystalline structure. Neodymium is a metal which is ferromagnetic, meaning it can be magnetized to become a magnet, and is particularly useful when compounded with transition metals. Exemplary neodymium magnets are N35, N42, and N52 neodymium magnets.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the width D (FIG. 4), which may be a diameter D, of the magnets 18 may be from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches, in other embodiments, from 0.25 inches to 1 inch, in other embodiments, from 0.5 inches to 1 inch, and in other embodiments, from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches. In one or more embodiments, the width D, which may be a diameter D, of the magnets 18 may be about 0.25 inches, in other embodiments, about 0.5 inches, in other embodiments, about 0.75 inches, and in other embodiments, about 1 inch.

[0052] The width/diameter D of the magnets 18 may also be described relative to the width W of channels 16. In one or more embodiments, there may be a total of 1/16 inches, in other embodiments about inches, between magnets 18 and the inner portion of channels 16. In one or more embodiments, the width/diameter D of the magnets 18 may be at least 75%, in other embodiments, at least 85%, in other embodiments, at least 90/o, and in other embodiments, at least 95%, of the width W of channels 16. In one or more embodiments, the width/diameter D of the magnets 18 may be about 85%, in other embodiments, about 90%, and in other embodiments, about 95%, of the width W of channels 16. In one or more embodiments, the width/diameter D of the magnets 18 may be from about 65 to about 95%, in other embodiments, from about 75 to about 85%, and in other embodiments, from about 85 to about 95%, of the width W of channels 16.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the magnets 18 may be from 3/16 inches to 1 inch, in other embodiments, from 3/16 inches to inches, and in other embodiments, from 3/16 inches to inches. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the magnets 18 may be about 3/16 inches, in other embodiments, about inches, and in other embodiments, about inches.

[0054] The thickness of the magnets 18 may also be described relative to the thickness of channels 16. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the magnets 18 may be at least 85%, in other embodiments, at least 90%, in other embodiments, at least 95%, and in other embodiments, at least 98%, of the thickness of channels 16. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the magnets 18 may be about 85%, in other embodiments, about 90%, in other embodiments, about 95%, and in other embodiments, about 98%, of the thickness of channels 16.

[0055] The strength of magnets 18 should be strong enough to secure and maintain the magnets 18 together to form the closed position of the hood 12. Though, the strength of magnets 18 should not be so strong that the user is unable to move the magnets 18 through channels 16 while magnets are secured together. In one or more embodiments, the pair of magnets 18 together may provide a securing force, which may also be referred to as power or pull strength or theoretical strength, of from 10 lbs. to 30 lbs. of pull force, in other embodiments, from 12 lbs. to 25 lbs. of pull force, and in other embodiments, from 13 lbs. to 20 lbs. of pull force. In one or more embodiments, the pair of magnets 18 together may provide a securing force of about 10 lbs. of pull force, in other embodiments, about 13 lbs. of pull force, in other embodiments, about 16 lbs. of pull force, and in other embodiments, about 20 lbs. of pull force. In one or more embodiments, the pair of magnets 18 together may provide a securing force of at least 10 lbs. of pull force, in other embodiments, at least 13 lbs. of pull force, in other embodiments, at least 16 lbs. of pull force, and in other embodiments, at least 20 lbs. of pull force.

[0056] Magnets 18 may include a coating to improve corrosion resistance. An exemplary corrosion resistance coating is nickel plating, which may be a triple nickel plating. Magnets 18 may include a coating to improve waterproofing such that clothing assembly 10 can be machine washable. The coating to improve waterproofing may be provided on the corrosion resistance coating. An exemplary coating to improve waterproofing is an epoxy coating.

[0057] As suggested above, for closing the hood 12 of clothing assembly 10, the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12A and the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12B are joined together, as shown in FIG. 2. The magnets 18 will connect layers of the hood 12 fabric together creating the comfortable seal. The closed magnetic connection can be made by magnets 18 anywhere along the length of the channels 16, and the magnets 18 can slide up and down the channels 16 with user input, such that a variety of closed positions, from right at the chin to below the chin, can be utilized. A closed position right at the chin will be best to keep the air-tight quality, but the user is free to make that connection wherever feels most comfortable. In the closed position, the magnets 18 have between them the two layers of inner material layer 20, and the layers of additional material layer 24, where present. As suggested above, the magnetic attraction of the magnets 18 must be strong enough to secure these various layers to form the closed position of the hood 12, while also allowing the magnets 18 to slide through the channels 16 when manipulated by the user.

[0058] When the magnetic connection of the magnets 18 is made, the magnets 18 can be adjusted while maintaining the connection. This ability of the magnets 18 to be adjusted allows for customizable fit (i.e. tight fit or looser fit), in contrast to the single closure position that is obtained if the magnets were fixedly positioned. In a tighter fit position, the user might adjust the hood 12 downward such that the hood 12 is more positioned around only the neck area rather than on the top of the head.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, to adjust connected magnets 18, the bottom of the hood 12 might be pinched and pulled down with one hand of the wearer in order to pull the channels 16 to a stretched position. Then, the other hand of the wearer can be used to adjust the magnets 18 down or up within the pocket channels 16 to secure the magnets 18 in the new desired position. The diameter of the hood 12 decreases when the magnets 18 are slid up, which tightens the hood 12. The diameter of the hood 12 increases when the magnets 18 are slid down, which loosens the hood 12. As suggested above, the respective sizing of the channels 16 and magnets 18, as well as the material of the channels 16 and the strength of the magnets 18, all generally assist with the functionality of being able to move the magnets 18 while the magnets 18 are in the closed position.

[0060] Though it is not necessary to ever pull the magnets 18 apart due to their ability to be manipulated between the closed position and open position, it may be desirable to separate the magnets 18 from the magnetic connection. That is, when the secured magnets 18 are at the bottoms of the channels 16, the hood 12 is at a loose enough fit. Though, if desired, to remove the closed magnetic connection of magnets 18, the magnets 18 can be pulled apart by pulling on the magnets 18 themselves, or by pulling the fabric of the hood 12 apart.

[0061] As further description of the closing mechanism of joining the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12A with the magnet 18 of hood semi-portion 12B, in one or more embodiments, the first magnet 18 and the second magnet 18 are not overlapped in a belt-type manner. As shown in FIG. 2, when in the closed position, and when looking in the direction of the user, the first magnet 18 and the second magnet 18 are not overlapped. In contrast, in a belt-type overlap, the first item would be overlapped with the second item when looking in the direction of the user. As suggested above, in one or more embodiments, this positioning of the first magnet 18 and the second magnet 18 is based on the respective magnetic pole forces facing inward (i.e. opposite poles facing inward) of hood 12 in order to secure the magnets 18 at or under the chin of the user.

[0062] In other embodiments, the magnetic pole forces facing inward may be the same (e.g. north and north), such that the first magnet 18 would have to be overlapped with the second magnet 18 in a belt-type overlap in order to form a closing mechanism. In some embodiments, particularly where the magnets 18 may be spherically shaped, magnets 18 may be capable of rotating within channels when in the open position such that magnets 18 do not have any specific inward facing magnetic pole.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the closing of the first magnet 18 and the second magnet 18 may include the material of hood semi-portion 12A and the material of hood semi-portion 12B not being overlapped in a belt-type manner. Again as shown in FIG. 2, when in the closed position, and when looking in the direction of the user, the material of hood semi-portion 12A and the material of hood semi-portion 12B are not overlapped. This material of hood semi-portion 12A and the material of hood semi-portion 12B, at the location of magnet 18, may be referred to as being in a parallel position when looking in the direction of the user. In contrast, in a belt-type overlap, the first material would be overlapped with the second material when looking in the direction of the user.

[0064] In other embodiments, the material of hood semi-portion 12A and the material of hood semi-portion 12B might be overlapped in a belt-type manner if the user desires to manipulate the material of hood semi-portion 12A overlapped with the material of hood semi-portion 12B. This might be done for fashion or comfort.

[0065] As suggested above, in one or more embodiments, the bottom of the pocket channels 16 may be spaced some distance from the bottom of the hood 12. In these embodiments, this spacing may be said to form a hole (not shown) in the hood 12 for a user to utilize for adjusting the magnets 18. When the magnets 18 are secured together, but in the open, loose position, the hole would be below the connected magnets 18. The user can then insert a finger into the hole for pushing up on the connected magnets 18. The connected magnets then slide up through channels 16 until the user reaches the desired position.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, hood semi-portion 12A and hood semi-portion 12B may include respective securing mechanisms (not shown) in a position below the chin of the user. In these embodiments, when the magnets 18 are secured together in the closed, tight position of hood 12, the respective securing mechanisms of hood semi-portion 12A and hood semi-portion 12B would be below the connected magnets 18. The securing mechanisms might be utilized to further prevent the elements (e.g. cold wind, rain, and snow) from entering this portion of hood 12. The securing mechanisms could be positioned in any suitable location on hood semi-portion 12A and hood semi-portion 12B, and an exemplary position is a position corresponding with about the halfway position of channels 16. Exemplary securing mechanisms include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro brand fasteners), clasp and hook fasteners, button and loop fasteners, knot and loop fasteners, a pair of small magnets, and strips of foil-like fabric.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, clothing assembly 10 may be devoid of a drawstring. In one or more embodiments, clothing assembly 10 may be devoid of a fixed securement mechanism, which may also be referred to as a fixedly-positioned mechanism. Examples of fixed securement mechanisms that clothing assembly 10 may be devoid of include fixed magnets, snaps, and hook-and-loop fasteners. As used here, fixed securement mechanism is defined as a mechanism that is fixedly positioned with respect to the hood or article to which it is attached. A fixed securement mechanism does not slide through a channel. Nor does a fixed securement mechanism allow a user to secure the closure in an adjustable yet precise position. In one or more embodiments, clothing assembly 10 is devoid of conductor wire.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 7-14, a clothing assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 110. Clothing assembly 110, which may also be referred to as hood assembly 110, includes hood 112 and a pair of magnet assemblies 114, which may also be referred to as magnets 114. The pair of magnet assemblies 114 are located at respective ends of a drawstring 116, which may also be a pair of draw cords 116 each attached to the hood 112, that is located through an opening 118 in hood 112. Hood 112 is coupled with a sweatshirt 120 or a jacket 120 and may or may not be unitary therewith. As will be further described, the magnet of the magnet assemblies 114 may be contained within a housing such that the magnet portion itself is not seen externally.

[0069] With reference to FIGS. 8-9, the pair of magnets 114 can be brought together by the wearer in order to close hood 112. The wearer will then use his or her hands to bring the pair of magnets 114 in proximate position with each other and with layers of hood 112 fabric between the magnets 114. FIGS. 8-9 show the magnets 114 in the magnetically secured position with the in-between fabric between the magnets 114. This completes the airtight seal around the jaw and chin. The in-between fabric may include four layers of fabric, or other suitable number of layers of fabric of hood 112. The connection of magnets 114 may be made anywhere under the chin to keep the air-tight quality. The wearer is free to make the magnetic connection wherever feels most comfortable.

[0070] The magnets 114 can be pulled apart through the fabric by pulling the hood 112 apart at the bottom. The magnets 114 themselves may also be grasped and separated.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the magnets 114 can be removed from drawstring 116 for washing and drying purposes if necessary. Exemplary removal techniques are further described herein below.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 10, the pair of magnets 114 can be brought together by the wearer behind the hood 112 in order to store the magnets 114 and drawstring 116 in a not-in-use position. This position keeps the drawstring 116 away from the face and also secures the drawstring 116 so it is not dangling. The wearer can separate this position by pulling on the magnets 114 or drawstring 116.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 11, a magnet assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 114A. Magnet assembly 114A includes a magnet 124, which may be a neodymium magnet, positioned within a cylindrical housing 126, which may be made of plastic. Housing 126 is carried by a spring-activated toggle stopper portion 128. Toggle stopper portion 128 includes a plunger 130 that may be squeezed by a user in order to attach or detach drawstring 116. As such, magnet assemblies 14A are removable by pressing plunger 130 and pulling magnet assembly off of drawstring 116. The method of using magnet assembly 114A with hood 112 is similar to the above description with respect to magnet assembly 114.

[0074] With reference to FIG. 12, a magnet assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 114B. Magnet assembly 114B includes a magnet 132, which may be a neodymium magnet, carried by a cylindrical carrier 134, which may be made of plastic. Cylindrical carrier 134 may include an eyelet 136 at the other end thereof to attach drawstring 116 by placing drawstring 116 through eyelet 136 and then forming a knotted end. The method of using magnet assembly 14B with hood 112 is similar to the above description with respect to magnet assembly 114.

[0075] With reference to FIGS. 13-14, a magnet assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 114C. Magnet assembly 114C includes a magnet 138, which may be a neodymium magnet, positioned within a cylindrical perimeter housing 140, which may be made of plastic. Housing 140 includes a threaded end 142 that is adapted to fit within an internal threading 144 of a second housing portion 146, which may also be referred to as a storage portion 146. Though threading is shown in FIGS. 13-14, other mechanisms may be useful, such as a snap fastener, hook and loop fastener, or clasp fastener. Magnet assemblies 114C are removable from drawstring 116.

[0076] Second housing portion 146 is hollow, which may also be described as second housing portion 146 including a channel 148 therethrough, such that drawstring 116 can be placed through second housing portion 146. A knotted end of drawstring 116 then secures magnet assemblies 114C at the end of drawstring 116. Second housing portion 146 may include a tapered perimeter 150 in order to receive the knotted end.

[0077] The method of using magnet assembly 114C with hood 112 is similar to the above description with respect to magnet assembly 114.

[0078] The properties of magnets 114, 124, 132, 138 may correspond with the above disclosed properties of magnets 18.

[0079] In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the present invention advances the art by providing an improved clothing assembly including a pair of magnet assemblies and a hood. While particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby inasmuch as variations on the invention herein will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention shall be appreciated from the claims that follow.