US20130074244A1

US20130074244A1 - Head word garment with neck flap

Info

Publication number: US20130074244A1
Application number: US13/244,673
Authority: US
Inventors: Glenn E. Cole
Original assignee: Solar Armour LLC
Current assignee: Solar Armour LLC
Priority date: 2011-09-25
Filing date: 2011-09-25
Publication date: 2013-03-28

Abstract

A garment comprising a head adherence part that encircles the head of a wearer above the wearer's ears, the head adherence part being, at least partially, elastic such that a restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment on the head of the wearer, the head adherence part comprising a front head adherence part and a rear head adherence part, and a neck flap that extends from the rear head adherence part to below the base of the neck of the wearer obscuring the rear of the neck of the wearer and the top of the ears of the wearer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a head worn garment with a neck flap.

REARGROUND

As more information becomes available regarding the potentially harmful effect of the sun on human skin, more people are becoming interested in ways to protect themselves from such effects.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.
A garment comprising a head adherence part that encircles the head of a wearer above the wearer's ears, the head adherence part being, at least partially, elastic such that a restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment on the head of the wearer, the head adherence part comprising a front head adherence part and a rear head adherence part, and a neck flap that extends from the rear head adherence part to below the base of the neck of the wearer obscuring the rear of the neck of the wearer and the top of the ears of the wearer.
A method of protecting skin comprising causing wearing of a garment comprising a head adherence part that encircles the head of a wearer above the wearer's ears, the head adherence part being, at least partially, elastic such that a restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment on the head of the wearer, the head adherence part comprising a front head adherence part and a rear head adherence part, and a neck flap that extends from the rear head adherence part to below the base of the neck of the wearer obscuring the rear of the neck of the wearer and the top of the ears of the wearer.
A method of advertising comprising causing presentation of advertising information on the neck flap of a garment comprising a head adherence part that encircles the head of a wearer above the wearer's ears, the head adherence part being, at least partially, elastic such that a restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment on the head of the wearer, the head adherence part comprising a front head adherence part and a rear head adherence part, and a neck flap that extends from the rear head adherence part to below the base of the neck of the wearer obscuring the rear of the neck of the wearer and the top of the ears of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1D are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2B are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap worn in conjunction with a hat according to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and an elastic band according to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and a stabilization cord according to at least one example embodiment; and

FIGS. 5A-5C are diagrams illustrating a non-wearer's view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to FIGS. 1A through 5C of the drawings.
As the potentially harmful effects of sunlight on human skin become better understood, there is a growing desire to find ways to protect humans from these effects. In addition, there are many individuals who have an increased sensitivity to such potentially harmful effects. Such sensitivities may result from current or previous illness, cancer, burn, scarring, and/or the like. In addition, the tops of a person's ears and the back of a person's neck may be particularly vulnerable to sunlight due to the fact that standard apparel fails to cover such body parts. It may be desirable to provide a garment for providing sunlight protection for ears and the back of the neck.
FIGS. 1A-1D are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 1A-1D are merely examples of a head worn garment with a neck flap, and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, at least part of the size may vary, at least part of the proportion may vary, positioning of the garment may vary, presence of information represented on the surface of the garment, and/or the like.
In the examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, the garment comprises a head adherence part, which supports the garment on the human head. The head adherence part encircles the head of a wearer such that the head adherence part supports the garment. The head adherence part supports the garment by preventing the garment from slipping from its worn position. Such slipping may be caused by gravity, motion, wind, and/or the like. The head adherence part may be configured to encircle the head above the ears of the wearer's head. The head adherence part may be configured to encircle the wearer's head above the ears such that the head adherence part contacts the wearer's head above the ear of the wearer. In an example embodiment, the head adherence part is configured to overlap with the top of the top of the wearer's ear. The top of the ear may relate to a portion of the ear above the region where the ear connects with the head. In an example embodiment, the head adherence part is configured to encircle the wearer's head such that the head adherence part is above the region where the ear connects with the head. In an example embodiment, the head adherence part is configured to ovoid overlapping the top of the wearer's ear. The head adherence part may be configured to provide sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment. The friction may support the garment by preventing downward slipping, upward slipping, sideway slipping, and/or the like. The head adherence part may be, at least partially, elastic such that restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment. The friction may support the garment by preventing downward slipping, upward slipping, sideway slipping, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, a portion of the head adherence part encircling the circumference of the wearer's head is elastic. In another example embodiment, a portion of the head adherence part encircling less than the circumference of the wearer's head is elastic. For example, a portion of the head adherence part encircling the head may be elastic, while the remaining portion of the head adherence part encircling the head may be inelastic. Elasticity of the head adherence part may vary around the circumference of the garment. For example, the front head adherence part may have elasticity with a weak restraining force, and the rear head adherence part may have a less weak restraining force.
The head adherence part comprises a front head adherence part 101A and a rear head adherence part 101B. The front head adherence part 101A relates to a part of the head adherence part that is situated at the front of the wearer's head when the garment is worn. The rear head adherence part 101B relates to a part of the head adherence part that is situated at the rear of the wearer's head when the garment is worn. In at least one example embodiment, the front head adherence part 101A and rear head adherence part 101B are distinct pieces of the head adherence part. For example, the front head adherence part 101A may relate to at least one separately cut piece that is sewn to the rear head adherence part, which relates to at least one other separately cut piece. In such an example, the boundary between the front head adherence part 101A and the rear head adherence part 101B may relate to a boundary between distinct pieces. Such a boundary may be an attachment of distinct parts, such as a sewn attachment, a glued attachment, a fused attachment, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the front head adherence part 101A and the rear head adherence part 101B are not distinct pieces of the head adherence part. For example, the front head adherence part 101A may relate to a region of the head adherence part associated with the front of the garment, regardless of any boundaries of distinct pieces. In another example, the rear head adherence part 101B may relate to a region of the head adherence part associated with the rear of the garment, regardless of any boundaries of distinct pieces. In yet another example, the head adherence part comprises a single attachment boundary. In such an example, the head adherence part comprises at least one piece that encircles the head of the wearer, and is attached to itself, for example via a sewn attachment, glued attachment, fused attachment, etc. In such an example, the attachment may lie within the front head adherence part 101A, within the rear head adherence part 101B, or at one of the boundaries between the front head adherence part 101A and the rear head adherence part 101B.
In an example embodiment, the head adherence part encircles the head of the wearer without covering the top of the head of the wearer. For example, the head adherence part may comprise an aperture at the top of the head of the wearer. Such an aperture may allow ventilation for the top of the wearer's head. Such an aperture may prevent the garment from restricting flow of air at the top of the wearer's head. For example, if the wearer is wearing a hat on top of the garment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, the aperture may allow for air circulation on the top of the wearers head beneath the hat.
The garment comprises a neck flap 102. The neck flap 102 extends below the rear head adherence part. For example, the neck flap 102 may extend from the rear head adherence part 101B. The neck flap 102 may be sized so that the neck flap 102 extends from the rear head adherence part to a point below the base of the neck of the wearer. For example, the neck flap 102 may be sized so that it overlaps with the rear of the collar and/or neck aperture of a shirt worn by the wearer of the garment.
The neck flap 102 is configured to obscure at least part of the wearer from light. The neck flap 102 may obscure from light by being worn such that the neck flap 102 lies between the wearer and a light source, such as the sun, a reflection, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the neck flap covers the neck such that the neck flap 102 obscures the neck from light above and behind the wearer. Therefore, when the sun is above and/or behind the wearer, the neck flap 102 obscures the neck of the wearer from the sun. The neck flap 102 may be configured such that the neck flap 102 obscures the rear of the neck of the wearer from light when worn. For example, the neck flap 102 may extend around the rear head adherence part sufficiently to allow the neck flap 102 to at least partially encircle the rear of the wearer's neck. The neck flap 102 may be configured such that the neck flap 102 obscures the top of the ears of the wearer from light when worn. In an example embodiment, the neck flap covers the top of the ears such that the neck flap 102 obscures the ears from light above and behind the wearer. Therefore, when the sun is above and/or behind the wearer, the neck flap 102 obscures the ears of the wearer from the sun. For example, the neck flap 102 may extend from the rear head adherence part far enough towards the front head adherence part to cover the top of the ears of the wearer.
In an example embodiment, the neck flap may assist with protection from potentially harmful effects of sunlight. For example, the neck flap may comprise a material having a known minimum sunlight protection value. For example, the sunlight protection value may relate to a Sunlight Protection Factor value (SPF) and/or some other method for quantifying an aspect of sunlight and/or ultra-violet protection. For example, it may be desirable to know that the neck flap provides SPF 50 sunlight protection. The known minimum value may relate to a value which the material has been verified to be above. For example a material may be verified to have a sunlight protection value of at least a specified number. In an example embodiment, a wearer may benefit from knowing the minimum sunlight protection value of the material so that the wearer may adequately access their level of exposure to potential sunlight harm. In addition, such a known minimum sunlight protection value allows doctors to communicate garment requirements to wearers. Furthermore, such minimum sunlight protection value provides a way for requirements for sun protection characteristics of a garment to be incorporated into occupational standards, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. For example, the known minimum sunlight protection value of the material may correlate to a minimum standard of a medical standard, or an occupational standard, and/or the like.
It may be desirable for the material to block over 90% of the sun's ultra-violet A (UVA) light. For example, it may be desirable for the material to block 98% of the sun's UVA light. It should be understood that UVA is used merely as an example of a spectrum of light from which it may be desirable to protect a wearer, and that other spectrums classification may be desirable from which to provide wearer protection.
The material of the garment may have moisture wicking properties. For example, the material may serve to draw the sweat away from the skin to the other side of the material. Such property may make the wearer feel more comfortable. The transfer of moisture may occur due to capillary action. Such materials may be based on fibers that have poor moisture absorbing properties, and strong moisture conducting properties. The material may be synthetic, such as polyester or microfiber. The material may be non-synthetic, such as silk.
It may be desirable for the front head adherence part comprises moisture wicking material. For example, the wearer may desire to have sweat pulled away from their forehead where the front head adherence part contacts the skin of the wearer. Since other parts of the garment may contact the skin, at least intermittently, it may be desirable for other parts of the garment to comprise moisture wicking material. For example, the rear head adherence part may comprise moisture wicking material, the neck flap may comprise moisture wicking material, a stabilization cord, such as stabilization cord 402 of FIG. 4C, may comprise moisture wicking material, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the garment may comprise material that is 80% polyester or greater, such as a material that is 84% polyester and 16% elastine.
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a frontal view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a rear view of the head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment.
FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a side view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1C, the rear head adherence part 101B is upwardly rounded. For example, the rear head adherence part 101B rounds upwards from the sides of the wearer's head to the rear of the wearer's head. The upwardly rounded portion of the rear head adherence part 101B may be configured such that at least part of the elasticity of the upper part of the rear head adherence part 101B conforms to the head. For example, the elasticity of the upper part of the rear head adherence part 101B may provide tension at the upper part of the rear head adherence part 101B. Such tension may enable the head adherence part to better stabilize the garment on the head of the wearer. For example, such tension may transfer downward force, for example from gravity, to be transferred downwardly into the head of the wearer. Such tension may reduce the amount of friction associated with supporting the garment on the head of the wearer. Such tension may also increase the amount of friction associated with rotational shifting of the garment on the head of the wearer. In such an example, the upper part of the rear head adherence part 101B stabilizes the garment on the head of the wearer.
In the example of FIG. 1C, the front head adherence part 101A is upwardly rounded. For example, the front head adherence part 101A rounds upwards from the sides of the wearer's head to the rear of the wearer's head. The upwardly rounded portion of the front head adherence part 101A may be configured such that at least part of the elasticity of the upper part of the front head adherence part 101A conforms to the head. For example, the elasticity of the upper part of the front head adherence part 101A may provide tension at the upper part of the front head adherence part 101A. Such tension may enable the head adherence part to better stabilize the garment on the head of the wearer. For example, such tension may transfer downward force, for example from gravity, to be transferred downwardly into the head of the wearer. Such tension may reduce the amount of friction associated with supporting the garment on the head of the wearer. Such tension may also increase the amount of friction associated with rotational shifting of the garment on the head of the wearer. In such an example, the upper part of the front head adherence part 101A stabilizes the garment on the head of the wearer.
Even though the example of FIG. 1C illustrates an example of a garment with both front head adherence part 101A and rear head adherence part 101B having upwardly rounded parts, different configurations are possible. For example, a garment may comprise an upwardly rounded rear head adherence part, such as 101B, and a non-upwardly rounded front head adherence part, such as front head adherence part 103A of FIG. 1D. In another example, a garment may comprise an upwardly rounded front head adherence part, such as 101A, and a non-upwardly rounded rear head adherence part, such as rear head adherence part 103B of FIG. 1D. FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap with a non-upwardly rounded front head adherence part 103A and a non-upwardly rounded rear head adherence part 103B according to at least one example embodiment.
FIGS. 2A-2B are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap worn in conjunction with a hat according to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 2A-2B are merely examples of a head worn garment with a neck flap worn in conjunction with a hat, and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, at least part of the orientation of the hat in relation to the head worn garment may vary, at least part of the position of the hat in relation to the head worn garment may vary, type of hat may vary, and/or the like.
In an example embodiment, the head adherence part is configured to fit under a hat 105 worn by the wearer without being fastened to the hat 105, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. For example, hat 105 may be worn so that it overlaps at least part of the head adherence part. Hat 105 may assist in securing the garment on the head of the wearer. For example, hat 105 may increase the amount of friction between the head of the wearer and the garment. In another example, friction between hat 105 and the garment may transfer forces acting upon the garment into hat 105, and the stabilization mechanisms of hat 105 may serve to stabilize hat 105 and the garment. Although it may be possible to attach the garment to hat 105, the example of FIG. 2A illustrates absence of fastening between hat 105 and the garment.
FIG. 2B is a cut-away diagram illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap worn in conjunction with a hat according to at least one example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the head adherence part is configured to lie between the supporting band 201 of the hat and the head of the wearer. The head adherence part may be configured to lie between the entirety of supporting band 201 and the head of the wearer. In an example embodiment, the head adherence part is thin enough so that the difference in the circumference between the wearer's head beneath the head adherence part, and the outer part of the head adherence part, when worn, is insubstantial. For example, an insubstantial amount may be 1 centimeter or less, 1 adjustment increment or less of an incrementally adjustable hat, and/or the like.
FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and an elastic band according to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 3A-3C are merely examples of a head worn garment with a neck flap and an elastic band, and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, at least part of the orientation of the elastic band may vary, at least part of the position of the elastic band may vary, size of the elastic band may vary, and/or the like.
In an example embodiment, the rear head adherence part has elasticity with a stronger restraining force than the front of the head adherence part. For example, the rear head adherence part may comprise at least one elastic band that has a stronger restraining force than the front head adherence part. Such an arrangement may provide strong elasticity without bunching material in the front head adherence part. A wearer may desire to avoid bunching at the front head adherence part because the front head adherence part is more likely to be in direct skin contact for wearers with hair. Such direct skin contact of bunched material may be less comfortable than direct skin contact with non-bunched material.
FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and an elastic band 301 according to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3A, the rear head adherence part comprises elastic band 301. Elastic band 301 may be attached to at least part of the rear head adherence part. For example, elastic band 301 may be attached to the rear head adherence part at the endpoints of elastic band 301. In another example, elastic band 301 may be attached to the rear head adherence part at one or more intervals along elastic band 301. In such an example, intervals may be fixed or may vary.
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an elastic band 301 to the side of material 302 according to at least one example embodiment. In an example embodiment, material 302 may be comprised by the head adherence part of the garment. In an example embodiment, material 302 may lie between elastic band 301 and the wearer's head. In such an embodiment, the wearer may desire to have material 302 between the wearer's head and elastic band 101. Under such circumstances, a wearer may find wearer contact with material 302 to be more comfortable than wearer contact with elastic band 301.
FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an elastic band 301 between material 302 and material 303 according to at least one example embodiment. In an example embodiment, material 302 and material 303 may be comprised by the head adherence part of the garment. In an example embodiment, material 302 may lie between elastic band 301 and the wearer's head. In such an embodiment, the wearer may desire to have material 302 between the wearer's head and elastic band 101. Under such circumstances, a wearer may find wearer contact with material 302 to be more comfortable than wearer contact with elastic band 301.
In an example embodiment, material 303 may lie between elastic band 301 and a hat, such as hat 105 of FIG. 2B. In such an embodiment, the wearer may desire to have material 303 between the hat and elastic band 301. Under such circumstances, a wearer may find it easier to put a hat on by avoiding any snagging that may be associated with friction between the hat and elastic band 301.
FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and a stabilization cord according to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 4A-4C are merely examples of a head worn garment with a neck flap and a stabilization cord, and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, at least part of the orientation of the stabilization cord may vary, at least part of the position of the stabilization cord may vary, size of the stabilization cord may vary, and/or the like.
In an example embodiment, the neck flap comprises at least one stabilizer. The stabilizer may comprise a clip, a snap, a button, a stabilization cord, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the stabilizer is affixed to the neck flap such that cord affixment is above the shoulders of the wearer. The stabilizer may be detachably affixed or non-detachably affixed. For example, a wearer may remove and re-apply a detachably affixed stabilizer without damaging or repairing the garment. A wearer may desire stabilizer affixment above the shoulder so that the neck flap does not have bunched material resulting from upward neck flap weight bearing at the stabilizer. In an example embodiment, the stabilizer is affixed to the neck flap at a distance within one inch above the shoulder of the wearer.
A stabilizer may reduce the likelihood and/or amount of neck exposure in windy conditions. For example, if the wind is blowing, the stabilizer may reduce the likelihood that the neck flap will move in the wind and expose the wearer's neck to light. In another example, if the wearer is moving (such as running, riding a vehicle, and/or the like), the stabilizer may reduce the amount of light to which the wearer's neck is exposed by way of neck flap movement.
In an example embodiment, the stabilizer, when in use, allows the neck flap to have at least one downward opening at its base. Such a downward opening may allow debris that may find its way between the neck flap and the wearer to fall downward without becoming trapped between the wearer and the neck flap.
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and a stabilization cord 401 according to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4A, the garment has a single stabilization cord. The stabilization cord may be sized so that the wearer may easily fit the head between the stabilization cord and the neck flap when donning the garment.
The stabilization cord may stabilize the neck flap by restricting the distance that the neck flap may stray from the back of the neck. In an example embodiment, the stabilization cord is set to a length long enough to allow the neck flap to hang downward from the head adherence part without being pulled toward the neck. In such an example, the stabilization cord may be set to a length short enough to prevent the neck flap from exposing the back of the neck in windy conditions. The stabilization cord may prevent the neck flap from exposing the back of the neck in windy conditions by preventing the neck flap from being blown beyond the distance restricted by the stabilization cord's contact with the front of the wearer's neck.
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and stabilization cords 402 and 403 according to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4B, stabilization cord 402 and stabilization cord 403 are adjustably coupled by a knot 404. Knot 404 allows configuration for varying length of cord of between the adjustable coupling of knot 404and the neck flap. For example, the wearer may place knot 404 to provide six inches of cord on stabilization cord 403 between knot 404 and neck flap 102. In such an example, the wearer may adjust knot 404 to reduce the length of stabilization cord 403 between knot 404 and neck flap 102 to four inches. Knot 404 may be configurable by way of tying and untying of the knot.
FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a head worn garment with a neck flap and a stabilization cord according to at least one example embodiment.
In the example of FIG. 4C, stabilization cord 402 and stabilization cord 403 are adjustably coupled by an adjustable coupling device 405. Adjustable coupling device 405 may be a device that joins stabilization cords 402 and 403. Adjustable coupling device 454 allows a wearer to move and set position of the adjustable coupling device on the stabilization cord. Adjustable coupling device 405 allows configuration for varying length of cord of between the adjustable coupling and the neck flap. For example, the wearer may set adjustable coupling device 405 to provide six inches of cord on stabilization cord 403 between knot 405 and neck flap 102. In such an example, the wearer may move and set adjustable coupling device 405 to reduce the length of stabilization cord 403 between adjustable coupling device 405 and neck flap 102 to four inches. Adjustable coupling device 405 may be a spring clip, a clap, and/or the like.
A wearer may benefit from a method of protecting skin comprising causing a wearer to wear the garment described herein. The method may be performed by a physician in order to provide a patient with a garment that will meet their individual needs. Causing a wearer to wear the garment described herein, may relate to writing a prescription, providing a recommendation, providing the garment, and/or the like. The method may further comprise determining a minimum sunlight protection value for a wearer's neck and/or ears, and determining that the head worn garment described herein satisfies the minimum sunlight protection value, wherein the causing of the wearer to wear the garment described herein is performed in response to the determination that the head worn garment described herein satisfies the minimum sunlight protection value. The determination of minimum sunlight protection value may be based on medical requirement, based on medical standard, based on occupational standard, and/or the like. The determination that the head worn garment described herein satisfies the determined minimum sunlight protection value may be based on identification of a product having such specification, ordering manufacture of a product have such specification, and/or the like.
FIGS. 5A-5C are diagrams illustrating a non-wearer's view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 5A-5C are merely examples of a non-wearer's view of a head worn garment with a neck flap, and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, at least part of the orientation of the view may vary, at least part of the position of the view may vary, number of viewers may vary, and/or the like.
The neck flap of the garment provides a prominent area upon which to display advertising information to others. In addition, the position of the neck flap with regard to other people around the wearer provides a surface that is prominently viewable under various circumstances. For example, the neck flap area provides a larger surface upon which to place advertising information than a baseball cap. In addition, the neck flap provides a more prominently placed viewing area than the back of a shirt. Furthermore, the neck flap provides a surface that may be used to present advertising information in addition to any advertising information comprised in a shirt or a hat. Advertising information may relate to information promoting a business, such as a logo, product information, service information, company information, organization information, and/or the like.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a non-wearer's view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. It can be seen that advertising information 501 is placed at eye level of a person behind the wearer who is at the same head-level of the wearer. Such a viewing angle provides prominent placement of advertising information 501 within field of view 502 of the viewer. For example, a person standing in a queue behind the wearer will likely have advertising information 501 displayed at eye level. Such viewing arrangement may be more desirable for an advertiser than a viewing arrangement where the viewer of advertising information is required to move his/her head in order to perceive the advertising information.
FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a non-wearer's view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5A, the wearer is sitting in a chair. Under such circumstances, the viewer of advertising information 501 is unable to view any advertising information on the back of the wearer's shirt, due to blockage of the chair from field of view 503 of the viewer. Under such circumstances, an advertiser may benefit from the location of advertising information 501 beyond the benefit of advertising information that may have been provided on the back of the wearer's shirt.
FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a non-wearer's view of a head worn garment with a neck flap according to at least one example embodiment. The example of FIG. 5C depicts circumstances indicative of viewing a crowd from behind in a stadium seating arrangement. Such seating arrangement may be indicative of an auditorium, a movie theater, a coliseum, a sports stadium, and/or the like. It can be seen that in such circumstances, the head of individuals in the crowd may be frequently seen, and the backs of the individuals in the crowd is more difficult to see in many cases. It can be seen that advertising information of garments 510A-C can be viewed more prominently than advertising information that may be provided on the back of a shirt. For example, most of the shirt of the wearer of garment 510B is obscured by the individuals standing behind him/her. Under such circumstances, an advertiser may benefit from the location of provided by garment 510B beyond the benefit of advertising information that may have been provided on the back of the wearer's shirt.
Therefore, an advertiser may benefit from a method of advertising comprising causing presentation of advertising information on the neck flap of the garment.
Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.
It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment comprising:

a head adherence part that encircles the head of a wearer above the wearer's ears without covering the top of the head of the wearer, the head adherence part being, at least partially, elastic such that a restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment on the head of the wearer, the head adherence part comprising a front head adherence part and a rear head adherence part; and

a neck flap that extends from the rear head adherence part to below the base of the neck of the wearer obscuring the rear of the neck of the wearer and the top of the ears of the wearer.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the rear head adherence part is upwardly rounded such that at least part of the elasticity of the upper part of the rear head adherence part conforms to the wearer's head.

3. The garment of claim 3, wherein the upper part of the rear head adherence part stabilizes the garment on the head of the wearer.

4. (canceled)

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the head adherence part is configured to fit under a hat worn by the wearer without being fastened to the hat.

6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the head adherence part is configured to lie between a supporting band of the hat and the head of the wearer.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the rear head adherence part has elasticity with a stronger restraining force than the front of the head adherence part.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein the rear head adherence part comprises at least one elastic band that has a stronger restraining force than the front head adherence part.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein at least the front of the head adherence part comprises moisture wicking material.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the neck flap comprises a material having a known minimum sunlight protection value.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the sunlight protection value relates to Sunlight Protection Factor.

12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the known minimum sunlight protection value correlates to a minimum standard of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard.

13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the neck flap covers the neck such that the neck flap obscures the neck from light above and behind the wearer.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the neck flap covers the ears such that the neck flap obscures the ears from light above and behind the wearer.

15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the neck flap comprises at least one stabilizer.

16. The garment of claim 1, wherein the neck flap comprises at least one stabilization cord.

17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the stabilization cord is affixed to the neck flap such that cord affixment is above the shoulders of the wearer.

18. The garment of claim 16, further comprising an adjustable coupling between parts of the stabilization cord configurable for varying a length of cord of between the adjustable coupling and the neck flap.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the neck flap comprises advertising information.