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[0001] The present invention relates to cold weather apparel, and more particularly to a camouflage knit hood intended for use by hunters.
[0002] Knit hoods which cover the head of a wearer are known and are widely used for protection from the cold. Hunters who must closely approach game animals and birds, often wear camouflaged head and face coverings to avoid detection. Several camouflage head coverings are made of thin material or netting with printed camouflage patterns. The thin material used for many head coverings does not provide the wearer with protection from cold weather. Hunting is a common activity in cold weather climates and adequate protection from the elements is often needed to remain outdoors for extended periods of time.
[0003] Various existing head coverings also use a printed camouflage pattern to help the wearer blend in with the surrounding terrain. Head coverings with a printed material create a rigidly defined outline, or silhouette, and are easier for a game animal to detect.
[0004] The present invention comprises a hood member and a face mask. The hood member encloses the wearer's head and has good insulating characteristics to keep the wearer warm in cold weather. Preferably, the hood member is made from a stretchable material and is comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time. An opening is located in the front portion of the hood member for the wearer's face. A face mask is secured in the opening of the hood member and substantially covers the face of the wearer. The face mask is covered with a camouflage material and has at least one opening for the wearer's eyes, nose and mouth. The camouflage material can also cover other portions of the hood or the entire hood.
[0005] The camouflage material used for the face mask is preferably a three dimensional composite camouflage material including a substrate and a sheet. The substrate is preferably a mesh net and provides a base for the sheet. A camouflage color pattern is printed on the sheet to simulate the surrounding environment in which the hood is used. The sheet is bonded to the substrate along multiple attachment lines and the sheet is cut in a zigzag pattern between the lines to create several lobes. The lobes project from the lines and the substrate to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain. The three dimensional appearance of the camouflage material is created by the lobes which extend away from the wearer.
[0006] In the preferred embodiment, the camouflage material of the face mask is bonded to a foam backing. The foam backing stabilizes and insulates the face mask to provide the wearer with additional protection from cold weather. The inner side of the face mask closest to the wearer's face may include an additional liner of brushed polyester, or other soft material. This inner liner contacts the wearer's face and provides additional insulation and comfort for the wearer.
[0007] The face mask has at least one opening for the wearer's eyes, nose, and mouth. In the preferred embodiment, the eyes, nose, and mouth each have separate openings to provide the most coverage of the wearer's face while providing accessibility for the eyes, nose and mouth. Openings for the nose and mouth facilitate breathing, permit the wearer to use certain game calls, and help prevent a wearer's eye glasses from fogging-up in cold weather.
[0008]
[0009]
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0014]
[0015] The face mask
[0016] The face mask
[0017] In the preferred embodiment, the substrate
[0018] The sheet
[0019]
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the knit hood member
[0021] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in