A HOOD

Abstract

 A hood (1) for attachment to a scarf (20), the hood, in use, comprising a lower edge (2) that extends between right and left front side edges (3, 4) of a front opening and around the back of a wearer's neck, an inner surface (6) and an opposed outer surface (7), wherein the hood comprises an attachment means (8), which is provided on the inner surface and extends no lower than the lower edge, wherein the attachment means defines an opening through which the scarf can be passed for attaching the scarf to the hood, such that the scarf retains the hood on the wearer's head, and the attachment means is configured to engage the scarf adjacent each of the right and left front side edges and at an intermediate point between the right and left front side edges.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hood, in particular to such a hood that is arranged for attachment to a scarf for securement to a wearer.

[0002] Hoods are a widely used feature of clothing. Hoods cover the head of a wearer and have a number of readily appreciable benefits, not least shielding the head of the wearer from the elements. They are also provided as a fashion item. Many items of clothing, not least coats and jackets are provided with hoods that are permanently or removably attached.

[0003] Coats with detachable hoods: Some jackets and coats have hoods that are detachable and attached to the coat with complementary attachment features, such as zips, press studs, or hook and loop fasteners. Once the hood is attached to the coat it will not shift around. The detached hood cannot be used on its own and cannot be used with another coat.

[0004] Scarves with permanently attached hoods: The scarf keeps the hood in place and stops it from blowing off. But because the hood is permanently attached to the scarf, the user is limited to always using the same scarf and hood combination. The scarf and hood cannot be used in isolation from one another.

[0005] Scarves with detachable hoods: Other known designs include scarves with detachable hoods, however, with these prior art designs, the hood and scarf need to be adapted to contain complementary attachments, such as matching zips, press studs, or hook and loop fasteners. Whilst the scarf may be used on its own, the hood cannot.

[0006] Standalone hoods: Conventional standalone hoods, whilst overcoming the limitations of the arrangements above, require tethers or fasteners that connect under the chin to pull the hood around the neck and/or around the face to pull the hood closer to the sides of the face to restrict the hood's movement and suitably secure the hood to the wearer. This leads to significant issues in respect of comfort and aesthetics. The hood is pulled in around the neck or face, which is uncomfortable. Moreover, the look is not flattering. This contrasts with hoods that attach to jackets or coats. Hoods that attach to jackets and coats are positioned slightly away from the face. In addition, the lower edge of these hoods are typically attached to, or attached adjacent to, the collar seam of the jacket or coat (the collar seam of a coat and jacket being positioned on the shoulders and around the neck area).

[0007] The resultant differences from attached hoods serve only to highlight the standalone hood as separate articles to the jackets or coats. It has significantly hindered the uptake of such hoods.

[0008] The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved stand-alone hood obviating the limitations of the prior art arrangements. Namely, a stand-alone hood that allows for securement to a wearer without limitation to any specific garment, whilst maintaining a comfortable and flattering form with the sides of an opening of the hood spaced from the wearer's face, in the manner of a conventional hood attached to a coat or jacket.

[0009] It is clear that an improved stand-alone hood offers numerous benefits. For example, it provides a compact, readily transportable, alternative to an umbrella. Moreover, a stand-alone hood allows for the provision of a hood with any jacket or coat, regardless of its design.

[0010] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

[0011] According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a hood for attachment to a scarf, the hood, in use, comprising a lower edge that extends between right and left front side edges of a front opening and around the back of a wearer's neck, an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, wherein the hood comprises an attachment means, which is provided on the inner surface and extends no lower than the lower edge, wherein the attachment means defines an opening through which the scarf can be passed for attaching the scarf to the hood, such that the scarf retains the hood on the wearer's head, and the attachment means is configured to engage the scarf adjacent each of the right and left front side edges and at an intermediate point between the right and left front side edges.

[0012] The attachment means may comprise a plurality of loops attached to the inner surface adjacent the lower edge.

[0013] A first loop may be provided at or adjacent to the right front side edge, a second loop may be provided at or adjacent to the left front side edge, and a third loop may be provided intermediate the right and left front side edges. The third loop may be provided at a mid-point between the right and left front side edges.

[0014] One or more of the loops may extend substantially vertically. The loops may be stretchable.

[0015] One or more of the loops may comprise a bottom edge portion that is attached to the inner surface adjacent to the lower edge and an upper edge portion that is attached to the inner surface at a level above the bottom edge portion, and wherein the bottom and upper edge portions may be permanently attached to the inner surface, or the upper edge portion may be permanently attached and the bottom edge portion may be removably attached to the inner surface, or the bottom edge portion may be permanently attached and the upper edge portion may be removably attached to the inner surface.

[0016] One or more of the loops may be permanently attached to the inner surface, comprise a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, and be separable in a middle portion between the upper and bottom edges.

[0017] One or more of the loops may comprise one or more fasteners for reducing the size of the opening. The one or more fasteners may be provided continuously or discontinuously along an entire vertical length of the loops, or a region at either the top or the bottom of the loop(s) may be provided that omits the fastener(s). The one or more fasteners may comprise press studs, hook and loop fasteners, or buttons.

[0018] One or more of the loops may be separable, comprising first and second end portions and a fastener for joining the ends to one another to define a closed loop, and the inner surface may be provided with a pair of spaced openings through which the loop is fed for securing the loop to the hood.

[0019] The attachment means may comprise a tube attached to the inner surface adjacent the lower edge.

[0020] The tube may have a first end attached at or adjacent to the right front side edge, a second end attached at or adjacent to the left front side edge, and wherein the tube may be attached at a point intermediate the right and left front side edges.

[0021] The tube may be attached to the inner surface substantially continuously between the first and second ends or may be attached to the inner surface discontinuously at one or more attachment points intermediate the first and second ends.

[0022] The first and second ends may extend substantially vertically.

[0023] The tube may be stretchable.

[0024] The tube may comprise a bottom edge portion that is attached to the inner surface adjacent to the lower edge and an upper edge portion that is attached to the inner surface at a level above the bottom edge portion, and wherein the bottom and upper edge portions may be permanently attached to the inner surface, or the upper edge portion may be permanently attached and the bottom edge portion may be removably attached to the inner surface, or the bottom edge portion may be permanently attached and the upper edge portion may be removably attached to the inner surface.

[0025] The tube may comprise a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, and may be separable in a middle portion between the upper and bottom edges.

[0026] The tube may comprise one or more fasteners adjacent each of the first and second ends for reducing the size of the opening at the first and second ends.

[0027] The one or more fasteners may be provided continuously or discontinuously along an entire vertical length of the loops, or a region at either the top or the bottom of the loop(s) may be provided that omits the fastener(s).

[0028] The one or more fasteners may comprise press studs, hook and loop fasteners, or buttons.

[0029] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a hood according to a first embodiment on the head of a wearer;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the hood of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the hood of Figure 1 in isolation;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the hood of Figure 1 in use with a scarf used to secure the hood to a wearer;

Figure 5 shows a front view similar to Figure 4 showing a possible modification to the loops of the hood of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows perspective views of a loop from the arrangement of Figure 5 in isolation in a fully open configuration and in a fully closed configuration;

Figure 7 shows a front view of a hood according to a second embodiment on a wearer's head without a scarf present;

Figure 8 shows a front view of the hood of Figure 7 in use with a scarf used to secure the hood to a wearer;

Figure 9 shows a front view similar to Figure 8 showing a possible modification to the tube of the hood of Figure 7;

Figure 10 shows a sectional plan view of the hood according to Figure 1 in use, demonstrating the operating principles of hoods according to the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a side view of the arrangement of Figure 10 including relevant hidden detail;

Figure 12 shows a front view of a hood according to the first embodiment with modified loops;

Figure 13 shows a front view of a hood according to the first embodiment with alternatively modified loops;

Figure 14 shows a front view of a hood according to the first embodiment with alternatively modified loops, which are detachable and which are arranged to loop through openings on an inner surface of the hood;

Figure 15 shows a loop for use in the arrangement of Figure 14 in a closed and in an open configuration;

Figure 16 shows a front view of a hood according to the second embodiment with a modified tube; and

Figure 17 shows a front view of a hood according to the second embodiment with an alternatively modified tube.

[0030] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a hood 1 for attachment to a scarf 20, according to a first embodiment.

[0031] The hood 1, in use, comprises a lower edge 2 that extends between right and left front side edges 3, 4 of a front opening 5 and around the back of a wearer's neck, an inner surface 6, which may contact the head of the user in use, and an opposed outer surface 7. The hood 1 further comprises an attachment means 8, which is provided on the inner surface 6 and extends no lower than the lower edge 2. The attachment means 8 defines an opening 9 through which the scarf 20 can be passed for attaching the scarf 20 to the hood 1, such that the scarf 20 retains the hood on the wearer's head. The attachment means 8 is configured to engage the scarf 20 adjacent each of the right and left front side edges 3, 4 and at an intermediate point between the right and left front side edges 3, 4.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the attachment means 8 comprises a plurality of loops 8a, 8b, 8c, which are attached to the inner surface 6 of the hood 1. They are most preferably attached to the inner surface 6 adjacent the lower edge 2, as shown. They may extend to the lower edge 2. In the present embodiment, there are three loops provided, wherein a first loop 8a is provided at or adjacent to the right front side edge 3, a second loop 8b is provided at or adjacent to the left front side edge 4, and a third loop 8c is provided intermediate the right and left front side edges 3, 4. The third loop 8c in the present arrangement is provided at a mid-point between the right and left front side edges 3, 4, as is preferred.

[0033] It is preferable for the loops and tube openings to be placed on or adjacent to the front side edges 3,4 because the closer they are positioned to the front side edges, the greater the control the scarf has over the movements of the side panels of the hood, which is beneficial for securement of the hood. Conversely, the further back the loops/ tube openings are from the front side edges, the less control the scarf has over the movements of the sides of the hood, and the less secure the hood.

[0034] It should be appreciated that there may be more or less loops provided in alternative arrangements. In arrangements comprising more than three loops there may be a number of loops provided intermediate the first and second loops 8a, 8b.

[0035] The loops may be all be identical to one another or may vary in form and/or vertical location or orientation to one another. For example, any intermediate loops may have a different form to the first and second loops.

[0036] One or more or all of the loops 8a, 8b, 8c is preferably oriented to be substantially vertically, in use, as shown. That is longitudinal axes of the loops extend substantially vertically. It is preferable that at least the first and second loops 8a, 8b are oriented substantially vertically. The loops may be otherwise oriented. The intermediate loop 8c may further be substantially vertical to assist in the scarf passing evenly through the loop.

[0037] When scarf is pulled against the loops it engages with the side of the loop adjacent the neck and a resistance is formed. The greater the resistance, the greater the control the scarf has over the movement of the sides of the hood (and therefore, the greater the securement of the hood). When the loops are all vertical, there can be the benefit that the scarf engages evenly with the loops and creates an even and consistent tension.

[0038] The loops are preferably stretchable. They may be rendered stretchable by use of suitable elasticated material or otherwise, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is to be noted, however, that they need not be stretchable. In some arrangements, they may be non-stretchable. In another arrangement, a single loop may be made up of a combination of stretchy and non-stretchy material.

[0039] The loops preferably each comprise a bottom edge portion that is attached to the inner surface 6 adjacent to the lower edge 2 and an upper edge portion that is attached to the inner surface 6 at a level above the bottom edge portion (and its attachment point). The loops are most preferably permanently attached to the hood by stitching or otherwise. They may be attached such that the bottom and upper edge portions are permanently attached to the inner surface, i.e. such that they provide permanently fixed and permanently closed loops. They may alternatively be arranged so that the upper edge portion is permanently attached and the bottom edge portion is removably attached to the inner surface, or conversely so that the bottom edge portion is permanently attached and the upper edge portion is removably attached to the inner surface. This is preferable for easy access of the scarf. Since a scarf naturally falls to the bottom of a loop or tube, if the bottom edge portion is removable, it is more difficult to add a scarf, which will tend to fall out.

[0040] By any of these arrangements, the loops may be opened up, for example, during attachment to a scarf 20. Some hoods may also have a combination of loops of different form, such as a preformed fixed loop at the back but the front loops open at the top).

[0041] With reference to Figure 5, there is shown an arrangement according to the first embodiment in which the loops comprise one or more fasteners 11 for reducing the size of the opening 9. One or more or all of the loops may be provided with the one or more fasteners 11 preferably on the internal faces of the loops. It may be that only the first and second loops 8a, 8b are provided with the one or more fasteners 11. Figure 6 shows close up views of an exemplary loop provided with a plurality of fasteners 11 in a fully open and a fully closed configuration. In the present arrangement, the fasteners 11 comprise press studs. It should be appreciated that the form of the one or more fasteners 11 is not limited. Various alternative fasteners may be used, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, buttons, magnets or otherwise. In the depicted arrangement there are, purely by way of example, four press-studs provided on the inner faces of the loop, thereby providing five different possible opening sizes.

[0042] By varying the size of the opening, using whatever means, the vertical position/extent of scarves of different sizes may be suitably controlled at the loops thus providing a number of benefits, including but not limited to:

(1) Scarves of different widths and/or thicknesses can be used. Also, a narrow/thin scarf can be passed through the loops several times, creating width.

(2) By reducing the size of the opening, the scarf is restricted more inside the loop and so engages more with the side of the loops adjacent the neck. This increases the tension and therefore increases the control of movements over the sides of the hood.

(3) Aesthetics are improved - it looks better not to have big gaping openings at the side of the hood for everyone to see.

[0043] There may be fastener(s) 11 provided continuously or discontinuously along the entire vertical length of the loops. Alternatively, there may be a region at the top or, more preferably, the bottom of the loops that omits the fastener(s) 11. This is more preferable because a scarf typically lies at the bottom of a loop or tube and so it is more convenient if the size of the openings can be altered above the scarf. In addition, the position of the scarf would be unaffected by the size of the opening above it.

[0044] It is most preferable that the fastener(s) 11 are arranged so that an opening extending to a bottom of the loop may have its vertical extent varied by engaging or disengaging the fastener(s) as appropriate, as is the case with the depicted arrangement.

[0045] With reference to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown a hood according to a second embodiment. In this arrangement, the loops of the first embodiment are replaced by a tube 10.

[0046] The tube 10 is preferably attached to the inner surface 6 adjacent the lower edge 2, as shown. It may extend to the lower edge 2. The tube 10 preferably has a first end 10a attached at or adjacent to the right front side edge 3, a second end 10b attached at or adjacent to the left front side edge 4, and is further attached to the inner surface 6 at a point intermediate the right and left front side edges 3, 4. The tube is most preferably attached to the inner surface 6 substantially continuously between the first and second ends 10a, 10b.

[0047] In the manner of the first and second loops of the first embodiment, the first and second ends 10a, 10b preferably extend substantially vertically in use, as shown.

[0048] The tube is, in effect an elongated loop, and may have any structure or features as discussed above in respect of the loops of the first embodiment, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The tube may be the same width along the entirety of its length or the tube may differ in width. The tube's opening may be bigger or smaller than the rest of the tube. The tube may be bigger or smaller at its intermediate point, then decrease or increase in width towards the openings.

[0049] As with the loops, it is preferable for the tube's openings to be on or adjacent the front edges of the hood, and on or above the lower edge of the hood.

[0050] Figure 9 shows a modification to the arrangement of Figures 7 and 8, wherein the first and second ends 10a, 10b comprise fasteners 11, which may be arranged as discussed above in respect of the fasteners 11 of the first embodiment.

[0051] By virtue of the arrangements according to the first and second embodiments, a stand-alone hood is provided that provides for a classic hood shape with the sides of the hood not required to be pulled in against the sides of a user's face. The classic hood shape is the hood shape achieved with most jackets and hoods having attached hoods (where the hood is attached to, or adjacent to, the collar seam of a coat). In addition, the base of the hood has a 'clean cut' and does not have loops and /or tubes hanging down below its base. Even with the addition of a scarf, the tube and loops are not seen hanging below from the rear or side view. This improves aesthetics and aids in maintaining the classic hood shape. Moreover, the scarf would not be correctly positioned to be worn around the neck if it were to hang down below the base of the hood.

[0052] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, it is illustrated how the attachment of the hood to a wearer is achieved using a scarf 20, whilst maintaining the desired spacing of the hood from the wearer's face and also maintaining the classic hood shape at the side and rear of the hood. With the scarf pulled in around the neck of the wearer, a gap is suitably maintained on the inside of the hood between the scarf and the side of the hood, thanks to the loops (or tube), in the manner shown. This gap created prevents the sides and rear of the hood from being pulled inwards when the scarf is pulled inwards, therefore the classic hood shape is maintained.

[0053] The side panels of the hood 1 are most preferably long enough to substantially reach the shoulders of the wearer, as shown in Figure 1. They may be slightly above or below the shoulders, but generally on the shoulders. In other words, the lower edge 2 extends substantially to the level of the shoulders of a wearer. Of course, there may be a range of differently sized hoods to suit a range of differently sized wearers. The front of the hood 1 may be longer than the rear. That is, in use, the dimension X may be greater than the dimension Y, as shown in Figure 1. The hood is preferably designed to shape in around the rear of the head.

[0054] Hoods attached to coats (permanently or detachably) can be pulled in around the face to help reduce the rain on the face. However, they do not need to be pulled in around the face to secure the hood in place, since the hood is attached to the coat which secures it in place. This is the case with the unique stand-alone hoods according to the present invention. Any of the hoods according to the present invention, whilst not needing to be pulled in around the face to secure the hood in place, may include side toggles for pulling the hood in around the face when it rains heavily.

[0055] Any hood according to the present invention may be waterproof. There may, for example, be provided a waterproof outer layer and a soft inner layer. Hoods may be provided that are not waterproof.

[0056] Numerous alternative arrangements and modifications to the hoods as described herein will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] Some exemplary, but non-limiting, modifications to the above discussed arrangements will now be considered with reference to Figures 12 to 17.

[0058] In Figure 12, there is shown a variant of the first embodiment in which the loops are closed at their bottoms, open at their tops, and closed by the fasteners 11. The scarf (not shown) lies along the bottom part of the loop, in a position for use around the base of the neck. The fasteners above the scarf may then be closed to make the opening smaller depending on the width of the scarf.

[0059] In Figure 13, there is shown an alternative variant of the first embodiment in which the loops open in their middle. There is a fastener provided to close the loop and adjust its size, which comprises a hook and loop fastener but could comprise any of the alternatively discussed fasteners. Moreover, this variant could be provided with additional fasteners 11, as detailed above with reference to Figures 5 and 6, for varying the size of the opening 9.

[0060] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, there is shown a yet further alternative variant of the first embodiment in which at least the first and second loops 8a, 8b are separable, comprising first and second end portions and a fastener 11 for joining the end portions to one another to define a closed loop. The inner surface 6 is provided with a pair of spaced openings 21, 22 through which the loop is fed for securing the loop to the hood. As best seen in Figure 15, the portion of the loops that is visible in use may comprise transparent plastic, the portion of the loops inside the inner surface 6 and provided with the fastener 11 may be elasticated. There may be arrangements with a series of spaced slits so that the width of the opening 9 may be varied (and may comprise an internal, vertical cavity between the inner surface 6 and hood to house the elasticated fastener and help guide it from one slit to the next).

[0061] In an alternative variant, instead of the spaced openings 21, 22, there may be two small loops attached to the inner surface of the hood 6 through which the loop is fed for securing the loop to the hood. With this version, the elasticated part of the loop will now be visible and adjacent the inner surface of the hood 6.

[0062] With reference to Figure 16, there is shown a variant of the second embodiment in which the tube 10, in the manner of the loops of the arrangement of Figure 12, is closed at its bottom, open at its top, and closed by the fasteners 11. With the tube opening at the top, the ease of adding the scarf is increased. The bottom part of the tube may contain and hold the scarf in place while the top part of the tube is being connected.

[0063] It is also preferable for the fasteners to be at the top part of the loop or tubes because, regardless of how big or small the openings are made, the scarf will still remain in the same position at the bottom of the loop.

[0064] With reference to Figure 17, there is shown a further variant of the second embodiment in which the tube 10, in the manner of the loops of the arrangement of Figure 13, opens in the middle. There is a fastener provided to close the loop, which comprises a hook and loop fastener but could comprise any of the alternatively discussed fasteners. Moreover, this variant is preferably provided, as shown, with additional fasteners 11, as detailed above with reference to Figures 5 and 6, for varying the size of the opening 9 at the first and second ends 10a, 10b of the tube.

[0065] It is to be noted that in any of the variants discussed above, may incorporate any of the features discussed with reference to the first and second embodiments, even if not expressly discussed in respect of the variants, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0066] With regards to the loops or tube, in accordance with any arrangement described herein, the outer surfaces can be decorated with colourful fabric, jewellery or sewn-on stones for aesthetic purposes. Or they may be covered with the same fabric as what's used on the internal and/or external fabrics of the hood.

[0067] The scarf used can be of any shape. The scarf may be passed through the loops and/or tubes once or several times. There may be provided a scarf in combination with any hood arrangement as described herein. The scarf may be provided with fasteners at its ends to allow the ends of the scarf to be joined to one another. The fasteners may take any suitable known form and may accord in form to any of the fasteners described elsewhere herein. The scarf whilst most preferably removable could in some arrangements be permanently attached to the hood, such as by attachment to the loops or tube.

[0068] It is preferably the case, in any described arrangement, that when the scarf is passed through the loops or tube, the entire width of the scarf is contained within the loops or tube, so that it may move freely in its length direction (i.e. it can be pulled through the loops or the tube's cavity).

[0069] Whilst in the arrangements described above, the loops/tube are on an innermost surface of the hood, there may be arrangements provided where an additional layer is provided to cover the loops/tube in whole or in part.

[0070] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0071] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0072] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. A hood for attachment to a scarf, the hood, in use, comprising a lower edge that extends between right and left front side edges of a front opening and around the back of a wearer's neck, an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, wherein the hood comprises an attachment means, which is provided on the inner surface and extends no lower than the lower edge, wherein the attachment means defines an opening through which the scarf can be passed for attaching the scarf to the hood, such that the scarf retains the hood on the wearer's head, and the attachment means is configured to engage the scarf adjacent each of the right and left front side edges and at an intermediate point between the right and left front side edges.

2. A hood as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of loops attached to the inner surface adjacent the lower edge.

3. A hood as claimed in Claim 2, wherein a first loop is provided at or adjacent to the right front side edge, a second loop is provided at or adjacent to the left front side edge, and a third loop is provided intermediate the right and left front side edges, preferably at a mid-point between the right and left front side edges.

4. A hood as claimed in any Claim 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the loops extends substantially vertically and/or wherein the loops are stretchable.

5. A hood as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein one or more of the loops comprises a bottom edge portion that is attached to the inner surface adjacent to the lower edge and an upper edge portion that is attached to the inner surface at a level above the bottom edge portion, and wherein the bottom and upper edge portions are permanently attached to the inner surface, or the upper edge portion is permanently attached and the bottom edge portion is removably attached to the inner surface, or the bottom edge portion is permanently attached and the upper edge portion is removably attached to the inner surface.

6. A hood as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein one or more of the loops is permanently attached to the inner surface, comprises a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, and is separable in a middle portion between the upper and bottom edges.

7. A hood as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 6, wherein one or more of the loops comprises one or more fasteners for reducing the size of the opening.

8. A hood as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the one or more fasteners are provided continuously or discontinuously along an entire vertical length of the loops, or wherein a region at either the top or the bottom of the loop(s) is provided that omits the fastener(s).

9. A hood as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the loops is separable, comprising first and second end portions and a fastener for joining the ends to one another to define a closed loop, and the inner surface is provided with a pair of spaced openings through which the loop is fed for securing the loop to the hood.

10. A hood as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a tube attached to the inner surface adjacent the lower edge.

11. A hood as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the tube has a first end attached at or adjacent to the right front side edge, a second end attached at or adjacent to the left front side edge, and wherein the tube is attached at a point intermediate the right and left front side edges, preferably the tube is attached to the inner surface substantially continuously between the first and second ends or is attached to the inner surface discontinuously at one or more attachment points intermediate the first and second ends.

12. A hood as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, wherein the first and second ends extend substantially vertically and/or wherein the tube is stretchable.

13. A hood as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the tube comprises a bottom edge portion that is attached to the inner surface adjacent to the lower edge and an upper edge portion that is attached to the inner surface at a level above the bottom edge portion, and wherein the bottom and upper edge portions are permanently attached to the inner surface, or the upper edge portion is permanently attached and the bottom edge portion is removably attached to the inner surface, or the bottom edge portion is permanently attached and the upper edge portion is removably attached to the inner surface, OR
wherein the tube comprises a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, and is separable in a middle portion between the upper and bottom edges.

14. A hood as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 13, wherein the tube comprises one or more fasteners adjacent each of the first and second ends for reducing the size of the opening at the first and second ends.

15. A hood as claimed in Claim 7, 8 or 14, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise press studs, hook and loop fasteners, or buttons.

Drawing