Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hooded garment comprising impact protection means for the head, and to a hood for use with such apparel.

Background of the Invention

The use of protective headgear such as hard-hats, helmets and caps to prevent injury to humans is well known. Such protective headgear is commonly worn by workers, sportspersons or the general public in situations where risk of injury to the head exists and/or where legislation requires. Similarly, protective headgear may be worn by infants, disabled persons or persons with limited or underdeveloped balance, mobility, motor control and/or risk perception, or by persons having medical conditions whereby the head region is particularly vulnerable to injury. An example of protective headgear suitable for use with infants and children is shown in GB 2336761 A which discloses a head guard comprising a plurality of resilient material bands for fitment around the head of a wearer, and releasable fixing means for retaining the head guard on said wearer's head. A drawback of this type of protective headgear is its overt and unfashionable appearance which draws attention to the wearer and which may deter or discourage use of the particular headgear.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a garment that provides discreet protection for the head and neck and that provides an alternative to prior art protective headgear. Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hood for a garment the hood comprising a plurality of resiliently deformable members arranged to lie substantially around the cranium of a wearer's head when the hood is raised in use, the resiliently deformable members being concealed from view in use. Advantageously or optionally, the resiliently deformable members may be arranged in any suitable array to substantially surround the cranium of a wearer's head when the hood is raised in use.

Conveniently, a hood in accordance with the invention may be formed integrally with a garment during construction, for example where the same section or sections of material used to form the body of the garment extend to form the hood portion of the garment, or may be a formed as a separate part that is attachable to a garment using any suitable or known means, for example by stitching, zipping, buttoning, clipping, or by attachment by hook and loop fastener.

In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable members may be each affixed directly to the inside of the hood.

In one embodiment, the hood comprises an outer layer and an inner lining such that the resiliently deformable members may be affixed to the hood between the outer layer and inner lining of the hood.

In this way, the hood provides discreet protection from impacts to a wearer's head in use.

In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable members are in a spaced apart relationship such that the hood can be moved between a lowered position and raised position, whereby the resiliently deformable members nest together when the hood is lowered, and move apart to substantially cover a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised. Advantageously therefore, the hood also provides discreet protection to a wearer's neck when the hood is raised and more particularly when the hood is lowered.

In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable members are maintained within the hood so that relative motion between the resiliently deformable members is limited such that the hood is maintained in a permanently raised state in use. In this way, a hood in accordance with this embodiment is particularly suited for use with a garment for wearing by a person, for example an infant or child, whereby the person's head is to be covered at all times while wearing the garment. It will be appreciated that the term "outer layer" refers to the external, outwardly visible surface of the hood when the hood is raised, and the terms "inside of the hood" and "inner lining" refers to the inner surface of the hood which is immediately adjacent the wearer's head when the hood is raised. In a preferred or optional embodiment, the resiliently deformable members are maintained within an insert in accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the insert being adapted for attachment to the interior of the hood.

Conveniently, the insert may be affixed directly to the inside of the hood.

Alternatively, where the hood comprises an outer layer and an inner lining, the insert may be attached to the hood between the outer layer and inner lining of the hood. In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the insert comprises first and second layers of material between which the resiliently deformable members are maintained, the insert being fixable to the hood by stitching or other suitable means. Preferably or optionally, the insert is fastened by stitching at four locations to the hood. Ideally or typically, the first and second layers of the insert are fastened together to define a plurality of pockets, cells, or dividers within which the resiliently deformable members are maintained.

Preferably or optionally, the first and second layers of the insert are formed from a lightweight fabric.

Preferably or optionally, the fabric comprises a woven mesh fabric. Other suitable breathable fabrics can be used. Advantageously or optionally, the fabric of the insert is arranged to substantially extend over the area of a wearer's cranium and ears in use. In this way, the fabric layers provide additional protection to the wearer from abrasions or frictional forces. In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable members are maintained in spaced apart relationship within the insert such that the hood can be moved between a lowered position and raised position, whereby the resiliently deformable members nest together when the hood is lowered, and move apart to substantially cover a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised.

It will be appreciated that the term 'nest together' includes folding, overlapping or bunching together of the resiliently deformable members when the hood is lowered.

In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable members are arranged within the insert so that relative motion between the resiliently deformable members is limited such that the hood is maintained in a permanently raised state in use. In this way, a hood in accordance with this embodiment is particularly suited for use with a garment for wearing by a person, for example an infant or child, whereby the person's head is to be covered at all times while wearing the garment.

Conveniently, the insert allows ventilation between the resiliently deformable members such that the hood may be worn raised without the wearer's head becoming uncomfortable due to heat build-up or sweating.

Preferably or optionally, the resiliently deformable members are maintained within the insert such that they take up a generally curved profile which corresponds generally to the shape or curvature of a wearer's cranium.

Conveniently, the resiliently deformable members may be in the form of discrete elongate members or in the form of discrete patches or pads. It will be appreciated that any suitable shape of discrete elongate member, or any suitable shape of discrete pad, and any arrangement, array or combination thereof may be employed within a hood in order to achieve the function of substantially surrounding the head of a wearer in use and protecting or cushioning said head from impacts.

Suitable shapes of elongate member may include, but are not limited to, rectangular, planar, tubular or curved members. Similarly, suitable shapes of discrete pads may include, but are not limited to, circular, polygonal (e.g. triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal etc.), spherical, hemispherical, or domed. It will be appreciated also that a number of discrete pads may be placed adjacent one another to have the effect of an elongate member.

The discrete pads may be quadrilateral in shape including, but not limited to, square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus and kite.

The discrete pads may be regular or irregular polygons. The discrete pads may be concave or convex polygons. The discrete pads may be six-sided polygons. Optionally the discrete pads are six- sided concave polygons. Alternatively, the discrete pads are six-sided convex polygons. The six-sided polygons may be chevron-shaped.

Other polygonal shapes may be used such as, for example, heptagon, nonagon, decagon, undecagon and dodecagon.

Whilst the discrete pads may be polygonal in shape, it will be understood that in some embodiments the sides of the polygons may be curved or shaped in some way, provided that the overall shape of the polygon is retained. For example, one or more of the sides could be a wavy line.

In one embodiment, the discrete pads are chevron-shaped.

The discrete pads may be spaced apart in a tiled arrangement. The tiled arrangement may comprise a plurality of chevrons. The tiled arrangement may comprise a plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons. The tiled arrangement may comprise one or more further polygons, the further polygons shaped and sized to fit: a space between the plurality of chevrons; a space between the plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons; and/or a space between the plurality of chevrons and the plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons; the one or more further polygons remaining spaced apart from the plurality of chevrons and the plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons.

The one or more further polygons may be a quadrilateral, optionally a square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus or kite.

Conveniently, one or more resiliently deformable members may be arranged or placed in an array extending substantially transverse a wearer's head in use, i.e. substantially in an ear-to-ear direction. Additionally or alternatively, one or more resiliently deformable members may be arranged or placed in an array extending substantially in a forehead-to-neck direction. Preferably or optionally, at least one first resiliently deformable member is arranged to lie approximate or adjacent the frontal bone of a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised in use. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to a wearer's forehead in use. The at least one first resiliently deformable member may comprise a plurality of discrete pads.

Optionally the at least one first resiliently deformable member comprises one or more rows of discrete pads, typically one row of discrete pads.

The discrete pads may be pentagonal, optionally convex pentagons.

The discrete pads may be arranged such that the space between the discrete pads is similar or substantially the same.

Optionally one or more of the rows of pentagonal discrete pads terminates with one or more further discrete pads, the one or more further discrete pads being polygonal in shape. Preferably or optionally, at least one second resiliently deformable member is arranged to lie substantially along a plane extending between locations approximate or adjacent the temporal bones on each side of the wearer's cranium. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to the top of a wearer's head in use. The at least one second resiliently deformable member may comprise a plurality of discrete pads. Optionally the at least one second resiliently deformable member comprises one or more rows of discrete pads, typically two rows of discrete pads.

The discrete pads may be chevrons or chevron-shaped.

The at least one second resiliently deformable member may comprise two or more rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads, typically two rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads, the chevron-shaped discrete pads being spaced apart in a tiled arrangement. The rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads may be arranged such that alternate rows face substantially the same direction. Alternatively the rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads may be arranged such that alternate rows face substantially opposite directions. In this way, in use the arrangement of alternate facing chevron-shaped discrete pads has a zig-zag arrangement of gaps between rows, rather than linear (straight-line) gaps. The advantage of having a zig-zag arrangement of gaps, and of having opposite facing chevron-shaped discrete pads, is two-fold. Firstly, in use the zig-zag arrangement of gaps minimises the gaps between rows, the gaps being potentially smaller than the gaps between rows of similarly sized and spaced linear discrete pads. Secondly, the zig-zag arrangement of gaps potentially provides more protection against impact from objects, as in the zig-zag arrangement the direction of the gaps changes frequently, thereby mitigating the possibility of an object penetrating the gaps between the discrete pads.

The discrete pads may be arranged such that the space between the discrete pads is similar or substantially the same.

Optionally one or more of the rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads terminates with one or more further discrete pads, the one or more further discrete pads being polygonal in shape, optionally a concave pentagon and/or a quadrilateral.

Preferably or optionally, at least one third resiliently deformable member is arranged to lie approximate or adjacent the occipital bone of a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised in use. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to the rear of a wearer's head and neck in use.

The at least one third resiliently deformable member may comprise a plurality of discrete pads.

Optionally the at least one third resiliently deformable member comprises one or more rows of discrete pads, typically three rows of discrete pads. The discrete pads may be chevrons or chevron-shaped.

The at least one third resiliently deformable member may comprise two or more rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads, typically three rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads, the chevron-shaped discrete pads being spaced apart in a tiled arrangement. The rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads may be arranged such that alternate rows face substantially the same direction. Alternatively the rows of chevron-shaped discrete pads may be arranged such that alternate rows face substantially opposite directions. The discrete pads may be arranged such that the space between the discrete pads is similar or substantially the same.

Optionally one or more of the chevron-shaped rows of discrete pads terminates with one or more further discrete pads, the one or more further discrete pads being polygonal in shape, optionally a concave pentagon.

Preferably or optionally, the at least one second resiliently deformable member arranged to lie substantially along a plane extending between locations approximate or adjacent the temporal bones on each side of the wearer's cranium is of a length such that the resiliently deformable member does not cover the wearer's ears in use. In this way, the presence of the resiliently deformable members does not hinder a wearer's hearing in use. Preferably still or optionally, there may be provided further resiliently deformable members intermediate the at least one first, second and third resiliently deformable members.

The intermediate resiliently deformable member may comprise a plurality of discrete pads.

Optionally the intermediate resiliently deformable member comprises one or more rows of discrete pads.

The discrete pads may comprise a chevron-shaped discrete pad having a pentagonal discrete pad located either side thereof. The discrete pads may be arranged such that the space between the discrete pads is similar or substantially the same.

Alternatively, resiliently deformable members may be arranged or placed in an array extending substantially transverse a wearer's head in use, i.e. substantially in a forehead-to-neck direction.

Preferably or optionally, the resiliently deformable members each comprise one or more strips, sections or patches of foam material. It will be appreciated that 'foam material' encompasses any suitable material that has spongy, soft, resiliently compressible or shock absorbing properties.

Advantageously or optionally, the foam material may comprise open or closed cell foam material.

Preferably or optionally, the foam material is a closed cell material. Preferably or optionally, each strip, section or patch of foam material that constitutes a deformable member is formed as a planar member having a generally rectangular cross-section. In this way, each strip or section or patch can be readily formed using conventional methods (for example by extrusion or cutting from a larger sheet) without any requirement to form the member with contours, the final in-use shape or curve of the foam strips being defined by the insert adapted for insertion between the inner and outer layers of the hood and within which the foam strips are held. Conveniently, each resiliently deformable member may be formed from a single piece of foam material, or may alternatively be comprise one or more layers or pieces of foam material formed or bonded in a sandwich. In this way, the resiliently deformable members advantageously are more susceptible to maintaining their shape and/or curvature in use.

Furthermore, the one or more layers of foam may each be formed from foams having different material properties. For example, a resiliently deformable member may comprise a first foam layer having a different density (e.g. a softer or harder foam) than a second foam layer, either of the first or second foam layers being arranged to lie adjacent the wearer's skull in use. In this way, the control of absorption of impacts to the head and shear forces to the hood is improved.

Conveniently, each resiliently deformable member may be of any suitable thickness. Ideally, each resiliently deformable member has a thickness in the range 2mm - 16mm.

It will be appreciated that other suitable foams having different densities can be employed, or mixtures of various suitable foams can be used where appropriate to provide optimal impact protection for any desired thickness of resiliently deformable member. It will be appreciated also that the resiliently deformable members may additionally comprise further layers or strips of suitable material adapted to provide impact protection and/or penetration protection. Such layers or strips may comprise plastics materials (rigid or flexible, hard or soft), Kevlar, carbon fibre or composites thereof.

The further layers or strips may comprise water-resistant and/or abrasion resistant materials. For example, the further layers or strips may comprise nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and/or polypropylene (PP).

The further layers or strips may be located on an outward facing surface of the resiliently deformable members, optionally forming an outermost layer. The further layers or strips may be sized such that they are either of the same and/or of a smaller area than the outward facing surface of the resiliently deformable members. The further layers or strips may comprise contoured edges where they contact the resiliently deformable members. Alternatively, the further layers or strips may be of substantially uniform thickness, optionally having a chamfered edge.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an optional means to releasably maintain a hood in a raised state. In one embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the means to releasably maintain a hood in a raised state comprises an adjustable locking strap having a first strap member that attaches at one end to the front in use end of the insert in accordance with the third aspect of the invention; and a second strap member that attaches at one end to the rear in use end of said insert.

One end of the first strap member may comprise two or more branches, the two or more branches configured to attach to the front in use end of the insert in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. The first strap may comprise two branches, optionally in a Y-shape; or may comprise three branches, optionally in a Y-shape having a middle branch. Conveniently, one or more teeth provided on the second strap member are normally biased by means of cross-members into mutual locking engagement with one or more complementary teeth provided the first strap member, such that manually squeezing the first member in the vicinity of the cross-member(s) causes the complementary teeth of the first and second strap members to disengage thereby releasing the first and second members into mutual sliding contact.

In this way, the adjustable locking strap can be selectively extended and retracted by a wearer thereby raising and lowering the hood, respectively. Conveniently, the adjustable locking strap is formed from a soft polymer material such that it does not impinge or damage the outer layer of the hood. Advantageously also, such an adjustable locking strap allows the garment to be washed using conventional washing methods. The soft polymer material of the adjustable locking strap may be comprised of polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or low density polyethylene (LDPE).

In an alternative embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the means to releasably maintain a hood in a raised state comprises fastening means arranged at the front in use opening of the hood which draw and maintain the sides of said opening together. Examples of such fastening means include, but are not limited to, buttons, drawstrings, poppers, or press studs. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided garment comprising a hood in accordance with the embodiments of the first, second and/or third aspects of the invention. In this way, the garment comprising a hood in accordance with any one or more embodiments of the first, and/or second and/or third aspect of the invention provides discreet protection from impacts to a wearer's head in use.

Conveniently, the garment may comprise any type of hooded garment, for example, but not limited to: a hooded sweatshirt (commonly referred to as a "hoodie" or "hoody"); a hooded jacket; or a hooded baby-grow (commonly referred to as a baby "onesie"). It will be appreciated that the hooded garment may comprise a pull-over style garment, or may comprise a vertical zipper arranged on the front of said garment. Similarly, the hooded garment may comprise sleeves, or may alternatively be of sleeveless design. The hooded garment may be incorporated into other clothing such as, for example, hooded overalls or boiler suit, or a hooded high visibility jacket.

Advantageously or optionally, the hood may be permanently or separably affixed to the garment.

Embodiments of the first and fourth aspects of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the second and third aspect of the present invention where appropriate. Similarly, embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprise on or more features of the first aspect of the present invention where appropriate. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figures la and lb are schematic first views of a garment having a hood in accordance with the invention, the hood shown in a raised position; Figure 2 is a schematic second view of a garment having a hood in accordance with the invention, the hood shown in a lowered position;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of a hood in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the approximate location of a resiliently deformable members located above the ear of a wearer;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the resiliently deformable members shown maintained in position within an insert in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration showing resiliently deformable members before insertion into an insert; Figures 7a to 7c are schematic illustrations showing exemplary insert templates in accordance with the invention;

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e are further schematic illustrations of the resiliently deformable members shown maintained in position within an exemplary insert in accordance with the invention;

Figures 9a and 9b show a further exemplary arrangement of resiliently deformable members within an insert; Figures 10 is a schematic illustration of a locking mechanism in accordance with the invention shown attached to an insert;

Figures 11a to llh are schematic detailed illustrations of the locking mechanism of Figure 10 in which Figures 11a - lid and Figures lie - llh show first and second locking strap members, respectively; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of an alternative locking mechanism in accordance with the invention shown on a garment with a hood;

Figures 13a - 13d are further schematic illustrations of arrangements of resiliently deformable members shown maintained in position within exemplary inserts in accordance with the invention;

Figures 14a - 14c are further schematic illustration of resiliently deformable members shown maintained in position on an insert in accordance with the invention;

Figures 15a - 15b are schematic detailed illustrations of the locking mechanism of Figure 10; Figure 16 is an illustration of an arrangement of resiliently deformable members shown maintained in position within exemplary inserts in accordance with the invention; and

Figures 17a - 17c are schematic illustrations of a discrete pad having a foam layer and a further layer or strip applied thereto.

Description of the Embodiments

Referring initially to Figures la and 2, there is shown an exemplary garment 1 having a hood 10 in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. The hood comprises an outer layer 12 and an inner lining 14. It will be appreciated that the term "outer layer" refers to the external, outwardly visible surface 12 of the hood 10 when the hood is raised, and the term "inner lining" refers to the inner surface 14 of the hood 10 which is immediately adjacent a wearer's head 20 when the hood 10 is raised. In Figures la and lb the hood 10 is shown in a raised position and in Figure 2 hood 10 is shown in a lowered position.

Conveniently, the garment 1 may comprise any type of hooded garment, for example, but not limited to: a hooded sweatshirt (commonly referred to as a "hoodie" or "hoody"); a hooded jacket; or a hooded baby-grow (commonly referred to as a baby "onesie"). It will be appreciated that the hooded garment may comprise a pull-over style garment, or may comprise a vertical zipper arranged on the front of said garment. Similarly, the hooded garment may comprise sleeves, or may alternatively be of sleeveless design. The hooded garment may be incorporated into other clothing such as, for example, hooded overalls or boiler suit, or a hooded high visibility jacket.

Conveniently, a hood in accordance with the invention as described herein may be formed integrally with a garment during construction, for example where the same section or sections of material used to form the body of the garment extend to form the hood portion of the garment, or may be a formed as a separate part that is attachable to a garment using any suitable or known means, for example by stitching, zipping, buttoning, clipping, or by attachment by hook and loop fastener.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the hood 10 is suitable for attachment to a garment, the hood comprising a plurality of resiliently deformable members 30 arranged to extend substantially across the cranium 20 of a wearer's head in use, the resiliently deformable members being concealed from view in use.

In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable members 30 are each affixed directly to the inside of the hood.

In one embodiment, the hood 10 comprises an outer layer 12 and an inner lining 14, the resiliently deformable members being concealed from view between the outer layer and inner lining of the hood. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment 1 having hood portion 10 which further comprises a plurality of resiliently deformable members arranged to extend substantially across the cranium of a wearer's head in use, the resiliently deformable members being concealed from view between the outer layer and inner lining of the hood.

In this way, the hood 10 provides discreet protection to a wearer's head in use.

In one embodiment (not shown), the resiliently deformable members 30 may be affixed directly to the hood portion 10 within the inner 14 and outer layers 12 of the hood.

As shown in Figure 5, in a preferred embodiment, the resiliently deformable members 30, 30a - 30e are maintained within an insert 40 in accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the insert 40 being adapted for insertion between the inner 14 and outer 12 layers of the hood 10.

In normal use, the resiliently deformable members are not visible, however Figure 3 provides a schematic cross-section illustration of a hood 10 showing resiliently deformable member (s) 30 located within an insert 40, the hood shown in a raised position.

With reference to Figures 3 and 5, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the insert 40 adapted for insertion between the inner 14 and outer layers 12 of hood 10 comprises first 41 and second 42 (visible also in Figure 8c) layers of material between which the resiliently deformable members 30a-30e are maintained (Figure 5), the insert 40 being fixable within the inner and outer layers of the hood by stitching or other suitable means (not shown). Preferably, the first 41 and second 42 layers of the insert are formed from a lightweight fabric. Ideally, the fabric comprises a woven mesh fabric. It will be appreciated that the first 41 and second layers 42 of insert 40 are upper and lower layers, respectively. Whilst the above embodiment has been described in relation to woven mesh fabric, it will be appreciated that other suitable breathable fabrics as are known in the art can be used. Referring to Figures 7a - 7c, there is shown exemplary insert 40 templates wherein locations 31 for resiliently deformable members (not shown) are indicated by lines 43 which broadly indicate stitch lines along which first 41 and second (not visible) layers of the insert 40 are stitched together. When the first and second layers of the insert fastened together in this way, the resiliently deformable members 30a - 30e are maintained within the insert as shown in Figure 5. In one possible method of assembly, the resiliently deformable members 30 may be laid out on the second (lower) layer and the first (upper) layer laid on top and the layers subsequently stitched together. Alternatively, the first and second layers of the insert 40 may be first fastened together to define a plurality of pockets, cells or dividers within which the resiliently deformable 30 are subsequently inserted.

Advantageously, the curved nature of the stich lines 43 forces the resiliently deformable members to bend into a curved profile to substantially follow the curvature of the head.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the resiliently deformable members 30a - 30e are be maintained in spaced apart relationship within an insert 40 such that the hood can be moved between a lowered position (Figure 2) and raised position (Figure 2), whereby the resiliently deformable members can nest together when the hood is lowered, and move apart to substantially cover a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised. When the hood is lowered and the resiliently deformable members nesting together, the resiliently deformable members provide enhanced protection to a wearer's neck. It will be appreciated that the term 'nest together' includes folding, overlapping or bunching together of the resiliently deformable members when the hood is lowered.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, preferably, at least one first resiliently deformable member 30a is arranged to lie approximate or adjacent the frontal bone 51 (see Figure 4) of a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised in use. In this way, the hood portion into which the insert 40 is inserted provides protection to a wearer's forehead in use. Ideally, at least one second resiliently deformable member 30b, 30c is arranged to lie across the top of a wearer's head in use, for example substantially along a plane extending between locations approximate or adjacent the temporal bones 52 (see Figure 4) on each side of the wearer's cranium. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to the top of a wearer's head in use.

Ideally, at least one third resiliently deformable member 30e is arranged to lie approximate or adjacent the occipital bone 53 (see Figure 5) of a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised in use. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to the rear of a wearer's head and neck in use.

As shown specifically in Figure 4, the at least one second resiliently deformable member 30b, 30c arranged to lie substantially along a plane extending between locations approximate or adjacent the temporal bones 52 on each side of the wearer's cranium is of a length such that the resiliently deformable member does not cover the wearer's ears 54 in use. In this way, the presence of the resiliently deformable members does not hinder a wearer's hearing in use.

With reference to Figure 5, further resiliently deformable members 30b, 30d may be also be provided intermediate the at least one first, second and third resiliently deformable members, respectively. In an alternative arrangement, as shown by way of example in Figures 8a to 8e, the resiliently deformable members 30 may be arranged within an insert 40 so that relative motion between the resiliently deformable members is limited such that a hood into which the insert is inserted has a reduced scope for lowering (Figure 8e) in use. When lowered, a hood having this arrangement provides significant protection to the head and neck.

In Figures 8a to 8e, a plurality of resiliently deformable members 3 Of are shown arranged to extend in an ear-to-ear direction across the top of an insert 40 and a plurality of resiliently deformable members 30g are arranged horizontally at a location corresponding to the rear of the head in use.

Figures 13a - 13d show exemplary alternative arrangements of resiliently deformable members 30f, 30g within inserts 40 that enable a hood to be raised and lowered. The arrangement shown in Figure 13a is particularly suitable for insertion into the hood of a garment for a small child or toddler, whereas the arrangements shown in Figures 13b, 13c and 13d are particularly adapted for use in hoods suitable for larger persons such as teenagers or adults. It will be appreciated that resiliently deformable members may be also arranged in various different arrays within a hood or insert in order provide a hood that is maintained in a permanently raised state in use. For example, one or more resiliently deformable members 3 Oh may be arranged to extend substantially in a forehead-to-neck direction across the top and back as shown by way of example in Figures 9a and 9b which show respective exterior and interior (underside) views of an exemplary insert 40. In this way, a hood with such an insert arrangement is particularly suited for use with a garment for wearing by a person, for example an infant or child, whereby the person's head is to be covered at all times while wearing the garment. As shown in Figures 5 to 13d, the various resiliently deformable members 30 are maintained within an insert 40 such that they take up a generally curved profile which corresponds generally to the shape of a wearer's cranium. As shown in detail in Figure 4 and Figure 6 with specific reference to resiliently deformable members in the form of elongate members, the resiliently deformable members 30 comprise one or more strips of foam material. It will be appreciated that 'foam material' encompasses any suitable material that has spongy, soft, resiliently compressible or shock absorbing properties. Advantageously, the foam material may comprise open or closed cell foam material. Preferably, the foam material is a closed cell material. Examples of suitable closed foam material include polyethylene foams such as "Plastazote" LD45 or LD33. It will be appreciated that other suitable foams having different densities can be employed, or mixtures of various suitable foams can be used where appropriate to provide optimal impact protection for any desired thickness of resiliently deformable member. It will be appreciated that the construction of resiliently deformable members formed as other shapes such as discrete patches or pads 30i, 30j as shown in Figures 14a -14c and described below will be substantially the same as elongate members described above.

Preferably, each strip of foam material 30 is formed as a planar member having a generally rectangular cross-section. In this way, each strip can be readily formed using conventional methods (for example by extrusion or cutting from a larger sheet) without any requirement to form the strip with contours, the final in-use shape or curve of the foam strips being defined by the inserts within which they are held as described previously.

Conveniently, each resiliently deformable member 30 may be formed from a single strip of foam material as shown in Figure 6, or may alternatively be comprise or more layers of foam material formed or bonded in a sandwich as shown in Figure 4. When formed having two or more layers of foam as shown in Figure 4 the resiliently deformable members are advantageously more susceptible to maintaining their shape and/or curvature in use. In this way, the layered structure helps maintain a curved profile and mitigates the tendency of the member to return to its natural, unbent profile. In this way, the resiliently deformable members maintain a curved shape within the hood and do not protrude outwards and otherwise ruining the external appearance of the hood.

Furthermore, the two or more layers of foam may each be formed from foams having different material properties. For example, a resiliently deformable member may comprise a first foam layer having a different density (e.g. a softer or harder foam) than a second foam layer, either of the first or second foam layers being arranged to lie adjacent the wearer's skull in use. In this way, the controlled of absorption of impacts to the head and shear forces to the hood is improved.

Conveniently, any suitable thickness of resiliently deformable member may be used.

Ideally, each resiliently deformable member or strip has a thickness in the range 2 mm - 16mm.

Referring now to Figures 17a - 17b, there is show a resiliently deformable member in the form of a discrete pad 30, and having a foam layer and a further layer or strip 98 which is a water-resistant and/or abrasion resistant material. For example, the further layers or strip 98 may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and/or polypropylene (PP).

The further layer or strip 98 is located on an outward facing surface 99 of the discrete pad 30, forming an outermost layer.

The further layer or strip 98 is sized such that they it is of a smaller area than the outward facing surface of the discrete pad 30. The further layer or strip comprises contoured edges 100 where they contact the discrete pad 30. Alternatively, the further layer or strip 98 is of substantially uniform thickness, having chamfered edges 102 where they contact the discrete pad 30.

It will be appreciated that as described in Figures 17a -17b the resiliently deformable members may additionally comprise further layers or strips of suitable material adapted to provide impact protection and/or penetration protection. Such layers or strips may comprise plastics materials (either rigid or flexible, hard or soft), Kevlar, carbon fibre or composites thereof. Referring to Figure 6, the ends of the resiliently deformable members may be chamfered 32 to allow them to smoothly blend with the material of the hood into which they are inserted.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided optional means 60 to releasably maintain a hood in a raised state.

While the resiliently deformable members described with reference to Figures 3 to 10 and Figures 13a - 13d are described generally having the form of elongate members, it will be appreciated that the resiliently deformable members may also be provided in the form of discrete patches or pads 30i, 30j as shown by way of example only in Figures 14a - 14c in which resiliently deformable members are shown located on exemplary inserts 40.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape of discrete elongate member, or any suitable shape of discrete pad, and any arrangement, array or combination thereof may be employed within a hood in order to achieve the function of substantially surrounding the head of a wearer in use and protecting or cushioning said head from impacts in accordance with the present invention Suitable shapes of elongate member may include, but are not limited to, rectangular, planar, tubular or curved members. Similarly, suitable shapes of discrete pads may include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, polygonal (e.g. triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal etc.), spherical, hemispherical, or domed. By way of example, pads 30i and 30j are shown in Figures 14a and 14b as octagons and circles, respectively. By way of example in Figure 14c, an exemplary insert 40 is shown having and array of elongate members 30 and pads 30i, 30j.

With reference to Figure 16, in one embodiment there is provided an exemplary insert 40 having a plurality of discrete pads 30. A first arrangement of discrete pads 30 is in a row 90 of convex pentagonal discrete pads 30k is arranged to lie approximate or adjacent the frontal bone of a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised in use. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to a wearer's forehead in use.

Still with reference to Figure 16, the exemplary insert 40 has a second arrangement of discrete pads 30 in two rows 92 of chevron-shaped discrete pads 30m, the rows 92 arranged to lie substantially along a plane extending between locations approximate or adjacent the temporal bones on each side of the wearer's cranium. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to the top of a wearer's head in use. The chevron-shaped discrete pads 30m are spaced apart in a tiled arrangement. The rows 92 of chevron-shaped discrete pads 30m are arranged such that alternate rows face substantially opposite directions.

The rows 92 of chevron-shaped discrete pads 30m terminate with further discrete pads 3 On, 3 Op, the further discrete pads being a concave pentagon 3 Op and a quadrilateral 3 On.

Again referring to Figure 16, the exemplary insert 40 has a third arrangement of discrete pads 30 in three rows 94 of chevron-shaped discrete pads 30q, the rows 94 arranged to lie approximate or adjacent the occipital bone of a wearer's cranium when the hood is raised in use. In this way, the hood portion provides protection to the rear of a wearer's head and neck in use. The chevron-shaped discrete pads 30q are spaced apart in a tiled arrangement. The rows 94 of chevron-shaped discrete pads 30q are arranged such that alternate rows face substantially the same direction.

The middle row of the rows 94 of chevron-shaped discrete pads 30q terminates with a further discrete pad 30r, the further discrete pad being a concave pentagon 30r.

Referring still to Figure 16, the exemplary insert 40 has a further arrangement of discrete pads 30 in a row 96 of chevron and pentagon shaped discrete pads 30q, the row 96 arranged to lie intermediate the second 92 and third 94 arrangements of discrete pads 30. The discrete pads 30 in the further intermediate row 96 has a chevron-shaped discrete pad 30t having a pentagonal discrete pad 30s located either side thereof. The discrete pads 30 are arranged such that the space between the discrete pads 30 is similar or substantially the same.

The discrete pads 30 may be quadrilateral in shape including, but not limited to, square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus and kite. The discrete pads 30 may be regular or irregular polygons. The discrete pads 30 may be concave or convex polygons. The discrete pads 30 may be six-sided polygons, six-sided concave polygons, or six-sided convex polygons. The six-sided polygons may be chevron- shaped. Other polygonal shapes may be used such as, for example, heptagon, nonagon, decagon, undecagon and dodecagon.

Whilst the discrete pads 30 may be polygonal in shape, it will be understood that in some embodiments the sides of the polygons may be curved or shaped in some way, provided that the overall shape of the polygon is retained. For example, one or more of the sides could be a wavy line.

The discrete pads 30 may be spaced apart in a tiled arrangement. The tiled arrangement may comprise a plurality of chevrons. The tiled arrangement may comprise a plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons. The tiled arrangement may comprise one or more further polygons, the further polygons shaped and sized to fit: a space between the plurality of chevrons; a space between the plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons; and/or a space between the plurality of chevrons and the plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons; the one or more further polygons remaining spaced apart from the plurality of chevrons and the plurality of convex and/or concave pentagons.

The one or more further polygons may be a quadrilateral, optionally a square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus or kite.

It will be appreciated also that a number of discrete pads may be placed adjacent one another to have the effect of an elongate member. With reference to Figure 10 and Figures 11a - lie, in one embodiment, a means to releasably maintain a hood in a raised state comprises an adjustable locking strap 61 having a first strap member 63 that attaches at one end to the front in use end of an insert 40 (Figure 10); and a second strap member 64 that attaches at one end to the rear in use end of said insert. In use, one or more teeth 64b (Figures 10, llh, llg), provided on the second strap member 64 are normally biased by means of cross-members 63b (Figures 10, 11a, 11c) of the first strap member 63 into mutual locking engagement with one or more complementary teeth 63a provided the first strap member 63 (Figures 11a, 11c), whereby manually squeezing the first strap member 63 in the vicinity of the cross-member(s) 63b causes the complementary teeth 63a, 64b of the first and second strap members to disengage thereby releasing the first 63 and second 64 strap members into mutual sliding contact. In this way, the adjustable locking strap 61 can be selectively extended and retracted by a wearer thereby raising and lowering the hood 10, respectively. Attachment of the first and second strap members 63 and 64 to an insert is by stitching via apertures 65 preformed in said strap members. Conveniently, locking strap 61 is formed from a soft polymer material such that it does not impinge or damage the outer layer of the hood in use. Advantageously also, such a locking strap 61 allows the garment to be washed using conventional washing methods. The soft polymer material of the adjustable locking strap may be comprised of polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or low density polyethylene (LDPE).

Referring to Figure 12, in an alternative embodiment, a means to releasably maintain a hood in a raised state comprises complementary fastening means 70 arranged at the front in use opening 11 of the hood 10 which draw and/or maintain the sides of said opening together, thereby tensioning the hood and preventing it from lowering. Examples of such fastening means include, but are not limited to: buttons, drawstrings, poppers, or press studs. With reference to Figure 10 and Figures 15a - 15b, in one embodiment, an adjustable locking strap 61 has a first strap member 63 having two (Figure 15a) or three (Figure 15b) branches 66a, 66b, 66c that attach at one end to the front in use end of an insert 40 (Figure 10). The two branches 66a, 66b can be arranged in a Y- shape and the three branches 66a, 66b, 66c can be arranged in a Y-shape having a middle branch 66c.

It is thought that the present invention and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.