SCARF

The present invention relates to a scarf.

It is known to provide scarves for wrapping around a persons' neck region during cold weather. It is also known to provide gloves for keeping a persons' hands warm. However, when these items of clothing are removed, they often become misplaced. In addition, it is common for people to wear scarves with over-coats which do not comprise a hood. As a result, if the person is exposed to a rain shower, then the rainwater may penetrate the underlying shirt (for example) by passing down between the wearers' neck and overcoat.

US 2005/0039242 A1 discloses a scarf comprising an elongate section and a head section secured to the elongate section intermediate opposite ends thereof, said scarf further comprising at least two pocket regions.

CA 2 487 369 A1 discloses a scarf comprising an elongate section and a head section secured to the elongate section intermediate opposite ends thereof, said scarf further comprising two attached gloves.

I have now devised a scarf which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a scarf, the scarf comprising an elongate section and a head section secured to the elongate section intermediate opposite ends thereof, the scarf further comprising at least two pocket regions, characterised in that each of the at least two pocket regions comprises a glove or mitten formed therein which can be exposed by turning the respective pocket regions inside-out.

The scarf of the present invention can thus be wrapped around a persons' neck while the head section can be placed over the head to keep the head and ears warm for example. In addition, the pockets provide suitable protection for the persons' hands from cold weather.

One of the at least two pocket regions is preferably formed at one end of the elongate section and the other of the at least two pocket regions is preferably formed at the other end of the elongate section.

Preferably, the head section comprises a hood that covers the head, or a headband which is placed around the forehead and ears.

The hood/head band is preferably secured to the elongate section at a position which is closer to one end of the elongate section than the other. The asymmetry enables the longer part of the elongate section to be wrapped around a person's neck with

the result that the two free ends which extend from the neck region are of substantially the same length.

Preferably, the hood/headband and the at least two pocket regions are formed integrally with the elongate section.

The scarf may preferably be formed from a fabric material comprising one or more of wool, cotton, silk, polyester, cashmere or fleece.

The hood may further comprise a waterproof outer layer.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a view from the front of the scarf of the present invention; and,
• Figure 2 is a magnified view of the inside of the pocket region of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a scarf 10 according to the present invention. According to a first embodiment, the scarf 10 comprises a scarf wrap 11 and a hood 12 secured thereto. The hood 12 is positioned to one side of the centre of the scarf wrap 11 such that the wrap 11 extends further from one side of the hood 12 than the other.

The scarf 10 further comprises a pocket 13 formed at each end of the wrap 11 within which is formed a mitten or glove 14. Each glove 14 is formed integrally with the wrap 11 such that turning the pocket 13 inside out causes the glove 14 to become visible.

Each pocket is formed by turning back the wrap 11 at each end thereof and the overlapping section 15 is then stitched or otherwise bonded along the side edges thereof to the side edges of the wrap 11.

The wrap 11, hood 12 and gloves 14 may be formed of any fabric material such as cotton, wool, silk or fleece, and may be formed as one-piece. In addition, the hood 12 may comprise a waterproof outer layer 16 to prevent any rainwater, for example, passing through the hood 12. It is also preferred that the hood 12 comprises a drawstring 17 which passes around the periphery 18 of the open region of the hood 12, so that by pulling on the drawstring 17, the hood 12 can collapse to fit more intimately around the wearers' head. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the hood 12 may comprise fasteners 19 arranged on opposite sides of the lower edge of the hood 12 so that the base of the hood can be closed around the wearers' face.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention that is not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the hood 12 is replaced with a headband (not shown). The headband is for placing around a persons' head, such that the headband covers the persons' forehead and ears. It is envisaged that this may be particularly useful for joggers while running outside during cold weather, as the band will act to keep the persons' ears warm, while also preventing any perspiration on the forehead from falling down the persons' face.

It is further envisaged that the hood 12 and headband may be interchangeable upon the scarf wrap 11 using fasteners (not shown), so that the wearer can select which is most suited for the occasion. In use the hood 12 or headband (not shown) is placed over a persons' head (not shown) and the longer section of wrap 11 is wrapped around the persons' neck. In this manner, the resulting sections 11a, 11b of wrap 11 which extend down from the neck region of the wearer are of substantially the same length. The wearer (not shown) may then place their hands within the pockets 13 or tum the pockets inside out and place their hands (not shown) in the gloves 14.

A scarf in accordance with the present invention thus provides a simple yet effective item of clothing which can be worn as a single accessory as opposed to several separate items.