US20200085126A1

US20200085126A1 - Bandana with Multiple Layers

Info

Publication number: US20200085126A1
Application number: US16/693,607
Authority: US
Inventors: Patricia Barnes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2019-11-25
Publication date: 2020-03-19

Abstract

A bandana with multiple layers. The bandana with multiple layers has a flexible member with a plurality of layers including a rear layer and a front layer. Complementary fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, are disposed on the rear layer and the front layer. The complementary fasteners reversibly attach each of the plurality of layers to each other and can be utilized to secure the bandana with multiple layers about the head or neck of a user. The complementary fasteners also allow the bandana with multiple layers to be quickly removed to prevent injury to the user should excessive force be applied thereto when the bandana with multiple layers is worn. The flexible member also includes at least one pocket. Each pocket can store at least one desired item, for example a heating pack or an ice pack to provide heating or cooling to the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/780,674 filed on Dec. 17, 2018. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bandanas. More particularly, the present invention provides a bandana with multiple layers that can be removably secured to each other, which further includes at least one pocket that can store a desired item such as a heating or cooling pack.
Many people enjoy wearing bandanas for additional warmth, as a stylish fashion accessory, or to aid in preventing the wearer from breathing in particulate matter that may be in the air, such as sand, dust, or smoke. Bandanas are often secured to a wearer's face by tying and knotting portions of the bandana material behind the wearer's head or neck. However, it can be difficult for children or physically limited individuals to secure or remove the bandana in such a manner. If the bandana were to get caught on an object, the bandana could cause the wearer serious injury. For example, if the bandana got caught on an object while the wearer was traveling at high speeds, and the knot did not unravel, the bandana could tighten around the wearer's neck causing physical trauma to the wearer, or even strangulation.
Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to bandanas. These include devices that have been patented and disclosed in patent application publications.
However, the devices in the known art have several drawbacks. Some devices include respirators and fasteners, but these devices do not provide for a plurality of pockets and do not provide for a plurality of layers that removably secure to each other. Some devices include multiple layers but require snaps and stress the use of snaps rather than Velcro fasteners. These devices may not release when excessive force is applied, thereby resulting in physical trauma. These devices also do not include a plurality of pockets in which a user can store desired items.
The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing bandana devices. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bandanas now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a bandana wherein the same can be utilized to protect a wearer from inclement weather, particulate matter in the air, and to hold any desired items. The present bandana with multiple layers comprises a flexible member with a plurality of layers including a rear layer and a front layer. Complementary fasteners, such as hook and loop material, are disposed on the rear layer and the front layer. The complementary fasteners reversibly attached each of the plurality of layers to each other and can be utilized to secure the bandana with multiple layers about the head or neck of a user. The complementary fasteners also allow the bandana with multiple layers to be quickly removed to prevent injury to the user should excessive force be applied thereto when the bandana with multiple layers is worn. The flexible member also includes at least one pocket. Each pocket can store at least one desired item, for example a heating pack or an ice pack to provide heating or cooling to the user.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a rear view of a front layer in an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a rear layer in an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers, with a focus on the pockets in use.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers, in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the bandana with multiple layers. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for covering or protecting the head and neck area while also providing pockets for storage. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a rear view of a front layer in an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers. The bandana with multiple layers comprises a flexible member 100 having a plurality of layers including a rear layer (element 210 in FIG. 2) and a front layer 120. A plurality of complementary fasteners 150 are disposed on the rear layer 210 and the front layer 120. The plurality of layers is reversibly attached to each other via at least one of the plurality of complementary fasteners 150. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the plurality of complementary fasteners 150 can include a variety of fasteners including hook and loop fasteners. The complementary fasteners 150 are configured to not only removably secure each of the complementary fasteners 150 to each other, but also to secure the bandana with multiple layers about a neck and head of a user.
One object of the present invention is to provide a bandana that can be secured about the neck and head of a user, but that can also eliminate physical trauma to the users such as in dangerous situations where excessive force is applied to the bandana. For example, where the bandana with multiple layers becomes caught on an outside object while the wearer is traveling at high speed. In one embodiment, at least one complementary fastener 150 is disposed on opposing corners of the front layer 120. In the shown embodiment, a hook and loop fastener is disposed along a top 125 front surface and rear surface such that the bandana with multiple layers can be secured about the neck and head of a user by selectively adhering the hook surface to the loop surface. Although fasteners such as zippers are contemplated by the present invention, the plurality of complementary fasteners 150 utilized to secure the bandana with multiple layers about the neck and head of the user are preferably of a variety that can be easily detached when excessive force is applied while still providing a secure connection in the absence of such excess force. Such a complementary fastener thereby provides a quick-release aspect that will enable the bandana with multiple layers to release and thereby slide off the wearer where such excessive force is present. As a plurality of complementary fasteners 150 are utilized in the present invention, as further detailed below, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the function of each of the plurality of complementary fasteners 150 will be dictated by their desired function. For example, hook and loop fasteners can be utilized to secure the bandana with multiple layers about the neck and head of the user, while alternative fasteners such as zippers, are contemplated to secure the multiple layers to each other.
In the shown embodiment, complementary fasteners 150 are disposed on a bottom corner 121 of a rear surface 122 of the front layer 120. These bottom rear fasteners 151 can be utilized to secure the bottom corner 121 of the front layer 120 onto itself, thereby providing a pleasing aesthetic. Such a configuration also eliminates the bottom corner 121 from contacting an undesired surface. For example, where a user wears the bandana with multiple layers about their neck and does not want the bottom corner 121 to rub against and irritate their skin. In one embodiment, the front layer 120 further comprises indicia (element 420 in FIG. 4), in order to provide a pleasing aesthetic. The indicia also serve to identify the device or to display a desired emblem such as a sports team, organization, or corporate logo.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers. The plurality of layers is reversibly attached to each other via at least one of the plurality of complementary fasteners 150. In the shown embodiment, the front layer 120 is reversibly attached to the rear layer 210 by a series of hook and loop fasteners along a perimeter of the rear layer 210. In the shown embodiment, the front layer 120 comprises a triangular planar member, and the rear layer 210 comprises a triangular planar member sized to fit within the front layer 120. Further, in the shown embodiment, the rear layer 210 is sized to fit within the triangular area defined by the top edge of the front layer 120 and the two pockets disposed along the side edges of the front layer 120.
In one embodiment, the rear layer 210 further comprises a padded material 220. In a further embodiment, the padded material 220 is configured to contact a portion of the user's skin. The padded material 220 provides comfort to the user when the padded material 220 rests flush against the user's skin. The padded material 220 can also aid in forming a seal between the bandana and the user's skin in order to prevent particulate matter, such as dust, dirt, or sand from contacting the user's skin, nose or mouth. Such a seal can form along the user's face such that the user's face, and especially the user's nose and mouth, is not exposed to such particulate matter.
In one embodiment, the plurality of layers further comprises a third, interior layer 230. The interior layer 230 is configured to secure to both the front layer 120 and the rear layer 210. The interior layer 230 can comprise an insulating material to provide additional warmth to the wearer. In one embodiment, the interior layer 230 further comprises a filter 235 that is configured to prevent a particulate from passing therethrough. In this manner, the filter 235 can filter out particulate matter in the air, in order to prevent the particulate matter from passing through the bandana into the user's face. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apertures of the filter 235 can be of varying sizes in order to filter out finer or courser particulates while still allowing air to pass therethrough, thereby allowing the user to breath while wearing the bandana.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of a rear layer in an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers, with a focus on the pockets in use. The flexible member comprises at least one pocket 300. In the shown embodiment, a pair of pockets 302 are disposed along opposing sides of the rear layer 210 and a corner pocket 303 is disposed at a vertex 304 of the rear layer 210. In one embodiment, a pair of pockets 300 are disposed along opposing sides of the front layer 120. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of shapes and sizes of pockets can be disposed on any of, or multiple, the plurality of layers.
Each pocket 300 is configured to store at least one desired item. The desired item can be an article of personal property, such as jewelry, money, or the like, or can be an item to provide comfort to the user such as a heating pack or an ice pack. In one embodiment, an ice pack is a desired item and at least one pocket 300 is configured to receive an ice pack 310. In a further embodiment, the at least one pocket 300 is comprised of a heat conductive material. The heat conductive material will allow heat to flow from a user to the ice pack, thereby reducing the temperature of the user and providing a cooling effect for the user. In another embodiment, the desired item is a heating pack 320. In such an embodiment, the pocket 300 can be comprised of a material that enables heat to flow from the heating pack to the user while preventing direct contact, thereby aiding in the prevention of burns. In another embodiment, the desired item is an identification card 330 such as a driver's license. In such an embodiment, at least one pocket 300 can be sized to receive and secure the identification card 330. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that multiple pockets 300 can be utilized to receive and secure a variety of desired items.
In one embodiment, the at least one pocket 300 further comprises a closure 340. The closure 340 can keep the at least one pocket 300 in a closed configuration such that desired items within the pocket 300 are secured within an interior volume of the pocket 300. In the shown embodiment, the closure 340 is comprised of hook and loop material. Further, in the shown embodiment, the hook and loop material is disposed in the interior volume of the pocket 300 adjacent to the open end. In this manner, when the pocket 00 is secured in the closed configuration by the closure 340, the closure 340 is not visible from the outside, thereby providing a clean and continuous aesthetic with the surrounding flexible member.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of the bandana with multiple layers, in use. In use, a user can secure valuables such as credit cards, a driver's license, money, or similar items in one of, or multiple pockets of the bandana with multiple layers. In this manner, the user can keep such items close at hand without putting them in a pants or shirt pocket. Pants or shirt pockets may be uncomfortable and items stored in them may fall out inadvertently. In various embodiments, a user can secure the pockets in a closed configuration with a closure. A user can also determine how many, and what types of layers to secure to the bandana with multiple layers. Various layers can include a filter, a layer with additional pockets, and a layer with a padded material, among others. The user can then secure the bandana with multiple layers about their head 400 and neck 410 by the selective mating of the complementary fasteners 150. In the shown embodiment, the complementary fasteners 150 are hook and loop material which provides a manner for the user to selectively adjust the tightness of the device around their head 400 and neck 410. A variety of configurations can be utilized to wear the bandana depending on the aesthetic the individual is looking to present. In this manner, the bandana with multiple layers can be utilized to store desired items while also protecting the user from particulate matter in the air that the user does not want to inhale or ingest. The bandana with multiple layers can also provide added warmth or cooling to the user by heating packs, ice packs, or additional layers for added warmth. In the shown embodiment, the front layer 120 further comprises indicia 420 thereon in order to provide a pleasing aesthetic. The indicia also serve to identify the device or to display a desired emblem such as a sports team, organization, or corporate logo.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A bandana with multiple layers, comprising:

a flexible member having a plurality of layers including a rear layer and a front layer;

a plurality of complementary fasteners disposed on the rear layer and the front layer;

wherein the plurality of layers is reversibly attached to each other via at least one of the plurality of complementary fasteners;

the flexible member further comprising at least one pocket; and

the at least one pocket configured to store at least one desired item.

2) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 1, wherein the front layer further comprises indicia thereon.

3) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 1, wherein the rear layer further comprises a padded material.

4) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 3, wherein the padded material is configured to contact a portion of a wearer's skin.

5) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 1, wherein at least one complementary fastener is disposed on opposing corners of the front layer.

6) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to receive an ice pack or a heating pack.

7) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket further comprises a closure.

8) A bandana with multiple layers, comprising:

a flexible member having a plurality of layers;

the plurality of layers further comprising a rear layer, an interior layer, and a front layer;

at least one pocket configured to store at least one desired item, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a closure.

9) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 8, wherein the front layer further comprises indicia thereon.

10) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 8, wherein the rear layer further comprises a padded material.

11) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 8, wherein at least one complementary fastener is disposed on opposing corners of the front layer.

12) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 8, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to receive an ice pack or a heating pack.

13) A bandana with multiple layers, comprising:

a flexible member having a plurality of layers;

the interior layer further comprising a filter;

the bandana further comprising at least one pocket; and

the at least one pocket configured to store at least one desired item.

14) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 14, wherein the filter is configured to prevent a particulate from passing therethrough.

15) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 14, wherein the front layer further comprises indicia thereon.

16) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 14, wherein the rear layer further comprises padded material.

17) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 14, wherein at least one complementary fastener is disposed on opposing corners of the front layer.

18) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 14, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to receive an ice pack or a heating pack.

19) The bandana with multiple layers of claim 14, wherein the at least one pocket further comprises a closure.