US20110214222A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20110214222A1
Application number: US13/034,854
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence Knight; Dee Ann Knight
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-03
Filing date: 2011-02-25
Publication date: 2011-09-08

Abstract

Neck warmer is a device designed to hold a plurality of chemically warming packet insert(s) for keeping a wearer warm and comfortable. The neck warmer utilizes chemically warming packet insert(s) in an efficient manner, allowing the user to enjoy cold weather activities for longer periods of time. The neck warmer is ideal for use while hunting, ice fishing, skiing or simply being outside during the colder seasons.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/310,024, filed Mar. 3, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of scarves and more specifically relates to a scarf designed to hold a plurality of chemically warming packet insert(s) for keeping a wearer warm and comfortable.

2. Description of the Related Art

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

A scarf is typically a piece of fabric worn around the neck, near the head or around the waist for warmth, cleanliness, fashion or for religious reasons. Scarves may come in a variety of different colors.

The neck is a primary region on the body that loses heat rapidly especially when a person is subjected to cold temperatures for extended periods of time. The key to enjoying the outdoors when the temperature is low is to dress warmly and try to generate and conserve as much heat as possible. Many consumers prefer to wear a scarf to keep their face, neck and upper chest warm. In order for a conventional scarf to provide enough heat to make it worthwhile, the consumer must wear a long, bulky scarf and wrap it around their neck numerous times. This arrangement can get in the way of many activities. Chemical warming packet insert(s) may be used to warm the hands and feet but warming extremities may not centrally warm the body. Therefore a need exists for a scarf designed to hold at least one chemically warming packet insert(s) for keeping the wearer warm and comfortable

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,265,669; 5,507,793; 5,005,374; D407,824; 5,605,144; and D557,476. This prior art is representative of neck warmers. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a neck warmer should be user-friendly, and comfortable in-use. Additionally, the neck warmer must operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable neck warmer designed to hold a plurality of chemically warming packet insert(s) for keeping the wearer warm and comfortable to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known scarf art, the present invention provides a novel neck warmer system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a scarf designed to hold a plurality of chemically warming packet insert(s) for keeping the wearer warm and comfortable. The neck warmer utilizes chemically warming packet insert(s) in an insulted and efficient manner, allowing the user to enjoy cold weather activities for longer periods of time. The Neck Warmer is ideal for use while hunting, ice fishing, skiing, as a spectator at an outdoor sporting event or simply being outside during the colder seasons.

The present neck warmer described herein preferably comprises: a reversible wool scarf garment; at least one pocket with a single fabric layer and double fabric layer located on opposing sides; and at least one chemically warming packet insert(s) that may be enclosed within the pocket. The reversible wool scarf garment is removably wrappable around a neck and donable by at least one wearer.

The at least one pocket of the scarf garment receives one or more removable chemical warming packet insert(s). Further, the pocket comprises at least one fastener for temporarily storing the chemical warming packet insert(s) in an enclosed position. The reversible scarf comprises the opposing sides including a first side and a second side. The reversible scarf comprises the single fabric layer on the first side thereby enabling the wearer to select an increased temperature transfer orientation of the pocket. The reversible scarf further comprises the double fabric layer on the second side thereby enabling the wearer to select a decreased temperature transfer orientation of the reversible scarf. The single fabric layer comprises a thickness and insulator less than that of the double fabric layer. The double fabric layer comprises an insulator more than that of the single fabric layer. In this way the chemical warming packet insert(s) warms a body portion of the wearer at a user-preferred temperature according to an orientation of the reversible scarf.

A kit is embodied herein for the scarf garment system comprising: at least one reversible scarf garment; at least one pocket; at least one chemically warming packet insert(s); and a set of user instructions.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: step one inserting at least one chemically warming packet insert(s) into a pocket(s) located integral with a scarf garment; step two donning and wrapping the scarf garment around a neck of a wearer for protection from cold weather; step three removing the scarf garment; step four removing the at least one chemical warming packet insert(s) for a next in-use wear-period; and step five reversing the scarf garment in relation to the wearer to create a comfortable temperature about the wearer's neck.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a neck warmer system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, neck warmer system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a neck warmer system in an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a removable chemically warming packet insert inside a pocket of a scarf garment of the neck warmer system according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a chemically warming packet insert(s) as insertable into the pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a fastener for temporarily storing the at least one chemical warming packet insert(s) in an enclosed position according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5. is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a scarf device and more particularly to neckwarmer system100 designed to hold a plurality of chemically warming packet insert(s)120 for keeping the wearer warm and comfortable.

Referring now toFIG. 1 showing a perspective view of neckwarmer system100 in an ‘in-use’condition106 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Neckwarmer system100 preferably comprisesscarf garment102 donable by at least onewearer150.Scarf garment102 is preferably removably wrappable aroundneck154 ofwearer150.Scarf garment102 preferably comprises fleece or wool material; however other suitable and durable materials such as cloth may be used. Additionally,scarf garment102 may be reversible. Withscarf garment102 being reversible, two different patterns, designs, or colors may be used on first side160 andsecond side170 to create two separate and distinct looks.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-4 showing perspective views ofscarf garment102 of neckwarmer system100 according to embodiments of the present invention.Scarf garment102 comprises at least onepocket110 as shown best inFIG. 2. Removable,scarf garment102 may includesingle fabric layer114 anddouble fabric layer118 located on opposing sides (first side160 and second side170).Pocket110 preferably receives chemically warming packet insert(s)120 as shown best inFIGS. 3 & 4. Accordingly, chemically warming packet insert(s)120 may be used to warm a body portion ofwearer150 at a user-preferred temperature according to an orientation ofremovable scarf garment102.

A first type of chemically warming packet insert(s)120 that may be used with the present embodiment may contain iron powder, salt, water, an absorbent material, and activated carbon. When chemically warming packet insert(s)120 is/are removed from its outer packaging, oxygen drifts across the pouch's permeable covering. With salt and water present, the oxygen reacts with the iron powder located inside to form iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and release heat. Certain chemically warming packet insert(s)120 may last seven hours, and other versions can last more than 24 hours.

A second type of chemically warming packet insert(s)120 may generate heat through exothermic crystallisation of supersaturated solutions (typically sodium acetate) and are usually reusable. These can be recharged by boiling the heaters and allowing them to cool. Heating of these pads is triggered by snapping a small metal device buried in the pad, which generates nucleation centers that initiate crystallisation. Heat is required to dissolve the salt in its own water of crystallisation and it is this heat that is released when crystallisation is initiated. This type of chemically warming packet insert(s)120 typically has a shorter heat duration of 20 minutes to 2 hours. To lengthen the time chemically warming packet insert(s)120 lasts, some companies opt to increase the amount of iron in the packet.Wearer150 may choose which type of chemically warming packet insert(s)120 to use according to application and duration he/she may be exposed to cold weather.

The main difference between disposable and reusable versions of chemically warming packet insert(s)120 is the chemicals used to produce the heat-releasing reaction. Reusable chemically warming packet insert(s)120 don't contain iron but instead use a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate that releases heat as it crystallizes. Boiling the used chemically warming packet insert(s)120 restores the solution to its supersaturated state. Air-activated chemically warming packet insert(s)120 can't be reused.

Further,pocket110 comprises at least one fastener114 (fastening means) for temporarily storing chemical warming packet insert(s)120 in anenclosed position118.Fastener114 temporarily secures chemical warming packet insert(s)120 insidepocket110 thereby providing heat toneck154 ofwearer150 via chemical warming packet insert(s)120.Fastener114 may comprise, but is however not limited to a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro, at least one button, or at least one snap.

As stated aboveremovable scarf garment102 comprises opposing sides including first side160 andsecond side170.Pocket110 preferably comprises a section sewn between first side160 having a single fabric layer andsecond side170 also having a single fabric layer.Pocket110 is closable by folding first side160 over second sidesecond side170 and securing in place withfastener114. This preferably enableswearer150 to select an increased temperature transfer orientation of removable scarf toneck154 ofwearer150 by choosing to wearscarf garment102 with first side160 toneck154, or choosing to wear scarf withsecond side170 withclosable layer118 toneck154. This double fabric layer preferably enableswearer150 to select a decreased temperature transfer orientation of scarf.

It should be noted that single fabric layer located on first side160 ofscarf garment102 comprises a thickness less than that of double fabric layer located onsecond side170 ofscarf garment102. Further, the single fabric layer comprises an insulator less than that of the double fabric layer; and whereas the double fabric layer comprises an insulator more than that of the single fabric layer. It should be appreciated that double fabric layer comprises a greater thickness, thereby increasing insulation between skin surface and chemically warming packet insert(s)120 minimizing relative heat transfer.

Neckwarmer system100 may be sold askit106 comprising at least onescarf garment102; at least one chemical warming packet insert(s)120; and a set of user instructions.

Neckwarmer system100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

FIG. 5. shows aflowchart550 illustrating a method ofuse500 according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1-4. Referring now toFIG. 5. showing a method (at least herein embodying method of use500) of usingscarf garment102 preferably comprises the steps of: step one501 inserting at least one chemical warming packet insert(s)120 pocket(s)110 located integral withscarf garment102; step two502 donning and wrappingscarf garment102 aroundneck154 ofwearer150 for protection from cold weather; step three503 removingscarf garment102; step four504 removing at least one chemical warming packet insert(s)120 for a next in-use wear-period; and step five505 reversingscarf garment102 in relation towearer150 to create a comfortable temperature aboutneck154 ofwearer150.

It should be noted that steps three503 through step six505 are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method ofuse500 are illustrated using dotted lines inFIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method ofuse500.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A scarf garment system comprising:

a scarf garment donable by at least one wearer;

at least one removable, detachable pocket with a single fabric layer and double fabric layer located on opposing sides;

at least one chemically warming packet insert(s);

wherein said at least one removable, detachable pocket of said scarf garment removably receives said chemical warming packet insert(s); and

wherein said chemical warming packet insert(s) warms a body portion of said wearer at a user-preferred temperature according to an orientation of said removable, detachable pocket.

2. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said scarf garment is removably wrappable around a neck of said wearer.

3. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said scarf garment comprises fleece.

4. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said scarf garment comprises wool.

5. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said scarf garment is reversible.

6. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said at least one removable, detachable pocket comprises at least one fastener for temporarily storing said at least one chemical warming packet insert(s) in an enclosed position.

7. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said at least one fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener.

8. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one button.

9. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one snap.

10. The scarf garment system ofclaim 1 wherein said removable, detachable pocket comprises said opposing sides including a first side and a second side.

11. The scarf garment system ofclaim 10 wherein said removable, detachable pocket comprises said single fabric layer on said first side thereby enabling said wearer to select an increased temperature transfer orientation of said removable, detachable pocket.

12. The scarf garment system ofclaim 10 wherein said removable, detachable pocket comprises said double fabric layer on said second side thereby enabling said wearer to select an decreased temperature transfer orientation of said removable, detachable pocket.

13. The scarf garment system ofclaim 11 wherein said single fabric layer comprises a thickness less than that of said double fabric layer.

14. The scarf garment system ofclaim 13 wherein said single fabric layer comprises an insulator less than that of said double fabric layer.

15. The scarf garment system ofclaim 13 wherein said double fabric layer comprises an insulator more than that of said single fabric layer.

16. A scarf garment system comprising:

a reversible wool scarf garment removably wrappable around a neck and donable by at least one wearer; and

at least one chemically warming packet insert(s);

wherein said at least one pocket of said scarf garment removably receives said chemical warming packet insert(s);

wherein said at least one pocket comprises at least one fastener for temporarily storing said at least one chemical warming packet insert(s) in an enclosed position;

wherein said wearer to is able to select an increased temperature transfer orientation of said removable detachable pocket;

wherein said single fabric layer comprises a thickness and insulator less than that of said double fabric layer;

wherein said double fabric layer comprises an insulator more than that of said single fabric layer; and

wherein said chemical warming packet insert(s) warms a body portion of said wearer at a user-preferred temperature according to an orientation of said removable scarf.

17. The scarf garment system ofclaim 16 further comprising a kit including said at least one scarf garment said at least one said chemical warming packet insert(s); and a set of user instructions.

18. A method of using a scarfguard system comprising the steps of:

inserting at least one chemical warming packet insert(s) into at least one pocket located integral with a scarf garment; and

donning and wrapping said scarf garment around a neck of a wearer for protection from cold weather.

19. The method ofclaim 18 further comprising the steps of:

removing said scarf garment; and

removing said at least one chemical warming packet insert(s) for a next in-use wear-period.

20. The method ofclaim 18 further comprising the steps of:

reversing said scarf garment in relation to said wearer to create a comfortable temperature about said wearer's neck.