The main body of the hand muff of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical member having an opening at each opposite end thereof. A viewing panel forms a section of a generally cylindrical wall of the main body of the hand muff. The viewing panel can be formed of one or both of solid transparent material and screen mesh material. A selectively removable cover flap permits the user to see inside the muff when the free edge of the cover flap is selectively detached from the body of the muff. A pocket with a closure is provided inside the body of the muff and is configured to hold a cell phone, a personal digital assistant and the like handheld device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a muff that is used for keeping the hands warm.

Muffs are well known fashion accessories for keeping the hands warm and usually are composed of a cylinder of fur or fabric with insulation and have both opposite ends of the cylinder open so that a person's hands can be inserted from each end into the muff to keep the hands warm.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved muff (aka a hand warmer).

To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the item known as a muff or hand warmer comprises a main body that includes a generally cylindrical member having a generally cylindrical side wall and an opening at each opposite end thereof. The cylindrical side wall defines a viewing opening through the side wall. A viewing panel is connected to the cylindrical side wall and disposed across the viewing opening so as to be framed by the viewing opening, and thus a viewing panel forms a section of the generally cylindrical side wall. The viewing panel can be composed entirely of a flexible mesh panel. The viewing panel can be composed entirely of a flexible transparent panel. The viewing panel can be comprised of at least one flexible mesh panel and at least one flexible transparent panel. A cover flap that is selectively removable from either inside or outside the generally cylindrical member permits the user to see inside the muff through the viewing panel when the cover flap is disconnected from the main body of the muff. A pocket with a closure is provided inside the body of the muff and is configured to hold a hand-held device such as a cell phone, a digital assistant, a global positioning device, an electronic calculator and the like handheld device.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate at least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as some alternative embodiments. These drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention but by no means are intended to be exhaustive of all of the possible manifestations of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An illustrative embodiment of the muff is shown inFIG. 1and is represented generally by the numeral10. The user's wrists and hands and part of the user's forearms14a,14bare shown inserted into the muff10as the user is manipulating a hand-held device24such as a cell phone, a digital assistant, a global positioning device, an electronic calculator and the like handheld device.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4,7A,7B,7C,8,9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10for example, alternative embodiments of the hand muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010of the present invention include a generally hollow main body that is non-rigid and includes heat-insulating material. The main body desirably is configured with a generally cylindrical shape with open opposite ends and can include a bend in the shape between the ends thereof. As shown in FIGS.1and6-9E and10for example, the main body of the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010is defined by a generally cylindrical member11having an opening12a,12bat each opposite end thereof. A cuff13a,13bcan be attached to the periphery of each of the respective openings12a,12bin the opposed ends of the cylindrical member11. As shown inFIG. 1for example, each cuff13a,13bitself defines a narrower opening than its respective opening12a,12bdefined in the respective end of the cylindrical member11and serves to form a seal around the forearm14a,14bof the user. Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,9A,9B,9C,9D and9E for example, each cuff13a,13bdesirably can be provided with an elastic portion31that is configured to grip the forearm14a,14bof the user when the user's hand is inserted inside the muff10.

As shown inFIGS. 1-9Eand10for example, the cylindrical member11can include a cylindrical side wall that desirably can include an outermost exterior wall15, which desirably is formed of non-rigid, flexible material such as vinyl or cloth, which can be composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a combination of both natural and synthetic fibers. The exterior wall15has an outer surface15athat is visible from outside the muff10and desirably can be treated so as to be waterproof. The outer surface15aof the exterior wall15desirably can be decorated so as to display any of a number of desired appearances. The decoration can display a camouflage pattern that might be useful to hunters. The decoration can display the colors and/or logos of a sporting team or school so that such decoration might be desirable to fans of the team or school.

As shown inFIGS. 3-6for example, the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11can include an innermost interior wall16, which desirably is formed of non-rigid, flexible material such as cloth. The interior wall16is disposed in opposition to the exterior wall15, and desirably an annular space is defined between the interior wall16and the exterior wall15. As most easily seen inFIGS. 5 and 6for example, the annular space between the interior wall16and the exterior wall15desirably can be filled with a layer17of non-rigid, heat insulating material. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrical side wall that defines the cylindrical member11can be formed of fewer than three layers, and a single sheet of non-rigid, heat-insulating material can be substituted for one or more of the three layers of the exterior wall15, the interior wall16and the insulating layer17.

As most easily seen inFIGS. 1,2and6for example, a cut through the exterior wall15, the interior wall16and the insulating layer17can define an outline through the cylindrical member11so as to define a viewing opening18and a hinged cover flap20, which is pivotally connected to the cylindrical member11. The cover flap20is pivotally connected to the cylindrical side wall and configured and disposed so as to selectively cover the viewing opening18in a closed position and uncover the viewing opening18in an open position. The shape of the outline shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is three sides of a rectangle, with one of the longer sides forming the hinge19(FIGS. 2,7A,9A,9D and9E for example) of the cover flap20. However, other shapes for the outline and viewing opening18can be used, and a curved shape for the outline and viewing opening18is also desirable. The viewing opening18desirably is formed through the portion of the muff10that is the top of the muff10when the user's hands are disposed inside the muff10so that the user's eyes can look through the viewing opening18into the interior of the muff10.

A viewing panel desirably is positioned to extend across the entire span of the viewing opening18and desirably is attached permanently to the cylindrical member11. As shown inFIGS. 1-4and6-8for example, the viewing panel can be defined in its entirety by a transparent panel30that forms a section of the generally cylindrical member11that forms the main body of the hand muff10,110,210,310,410. Depending on the size and shape of the transparent panel30in relation to the size and shape of the cylindrical member11that forms the main body of the muff embodiments110,210,310,410shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C and8, the transparent panel30desirably can be formed of a material such as clear plastic that is relatively flexible enough to conform generally to the shape of the muff in the region occupied by the panel30. The transparent panel30can be formed of a thin, relatively rigid sheet of transparent plastic material that is flat planar or slightly curved. Alternatively, the transparent panel30can be formed of a thin, flexible sheet of transparent plastic material that is sufficiently flexible and resilient so that it is bendable without permanently creasing or breaking and without distorting visual perception through the transparent panel30.

As shown inFIG. 1by the positioning of the transparent panel30, the viewing panel desirably is disposed in what would be considered the top section of the muff10, which is the section that faces the user's eyes when the muff is in use. The transparent panel30is disposed across the viewing opening18and configured so as to span across the entire viewing opening18that is revealed when the free edge of the cover flap20is pivoted away from the main body11of the muff10,110,210,310,410. The transparent panel30is connected to the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11and disposed so as to be framed by the viewing opening18. Desirably, as shown inFIGS. 1-4and6-7C for example, an attachment frame32is provided to secure the transparent panel30around the outer border section thereof to the region of the cylindrical member11surrounding the viewing opening18. The cover flap20is pivotally connected to the cylindrical side wall and configured and disposed so as to selectively cover the transparent panel30in a closed position and uncover the transparent panel30in an open position.

In accordance with presently preferred embodiments of the invention, provision desirably is made to provide ventilation to the interior space inside of the muff. As shown inFIG. 7Cfor example, at least one ventilation hole33, and desirably a plurality of small ventilation holes33, desirably is defined through the otherwise solid and continuous transparent panel30. These small ventilation holes33desirably can be disposed near the outer periphery of the transparent panel30and where the transparent panel30adjoins the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical member11. As shown inFIG. 7Cfor example, ventilation holes33desirably are positioned near where the attachment frame32connects the outermost peripheral region of the transparent panel30to the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical member11. These small ventilation holes33will be covered by one of the two cover flaps20when the cover flaps are attached in their closed positions and thereby protected from admitting soil or moisture into the interior space of the muff. One advantage of using the transparent panel30with the ventilation holes33becomes apparent when the muff is being used when there are cold temperatures and/or high humidity that causes water vapor to accumulate in the interior of the muff. These ventilation holes33allow the water vapor to escape and thereby avoid fogging the transparent panel30to such an extent that the user's view inside the muff is obscured sufficiently to render normal operation of the hand-held device difficult or impossible.

As shown inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10for example, the viewing panel can be defined at least partially by at least one flexible mesh panel130that desirably forms a section of the generally cylindrical member11that forms the main body of the hand muff510,610,710,810,910,1010. The flexible mesh panel130admits light and air into the interior space of the hand muff510,610,710,810,910,1010and allows water vapor to escape from the interior space of the hand muff510,610,710,810,910,1010. As shown inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C and10for example, the viewing panel can be defined in its entirety by one continuous flexible mesh panel130that forms a section of the generally cylindrical member11that forms the main body of the hand muff510,610,710,810. As shown inFIGS. 9D and 9Efor example, the viewing panel can be comprised of at least one flexible mesh panel130and at least one transparent panel30. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9Dfor example, a transparent panel30is flanked on each of its shorter side edges by one of two flexible mesh panels130that comprise the viewing panel. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9Efor example, one flexible mesh panel130is flanked on each of its longer side edges by one of two transparent panels30that comprise the viewing panel. Moreover, other relative arrangements of the respective flexible mesh panel(s)130and transparent panel(s)30are contemplated.

Each flexible mesh panel130desirably is formed of thin strands of fiberglass, nylon, polyester or other synthetic fiber mesh that is pliable enough to bend with the rest of the muff under normal usage conditions without permanently creasing at the bend axis. As depicted inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C,9D and9E, the sizes of the openings of each flexible mesh panel130that are depicted in these Figs. are approximately equal to the actual sizes of the openings of each flexible mesh panel130. As depicted inFIG. 9Afor example, each flexible mesh panel130desirably is woven in a pattern with square-shaped openings that measure about three millimeters by three millimeters. Suitable flexible mesh panel130is available from Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Americas, Inc. of Grand Island, N.Y. 14072 (sgtf.com) as New York Wire screening part #94196. However, as depicted inFIG. 9Efor example, openings that measure about one millimeter by one millimeter also can be used.

The fineness of a screen mesh also can be measured in strands per inch on the warp (length) and the weft or filler (width). A screen mesh in the range of 8 strands per inch by 8 strands per inch on the larger end of the spectrum to 30 strands per inch by 30 strands per inch on the smaller end of the spectrum should be suitable for the flexible mesh panel130. An 18 strands per inch by 14 strands per inch mesh screen also can be used for the flexible mesh panel130as can an 18 strands per inch by 18 strands per inch mesh screen. Openings of other shapes, e.g., diamonds, ovals, circles, rectangles, triangles, etc., also can be used. The sizes of the openings on the smaller end of the spectrum must be large enough to allow the wearer to see through the mesh screen130into the interior of the muff and allow water vapor to escape from within the muff into the ambient air when the cover flap20is open. The sizes of the openings on the larger end of the spectrum desirably should not be so large that items stored inside the muff can fall through the openings or that allow the fingers of wearer to poke through the openings and get hung up in the openings during use.

Each flexible mesh panel130desirably is sufficiently flexible and bendable so that it can drape and conform itself roughly to the general shape of a rigid body in a manner similar to the way cloth is able to do without permanently assuming such shape. The flexibility and bendability of the flexible mesh panel130is schematically indicated by the slightly curved diagonal lines inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10.

As shown inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10, each flexible mesh panel130desirably is disposed in what would be considered the top section of the muff510,610,710,810,910,1010when the muff is in use. Each flexible mesh panel130is connected to the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11by conventional means such as adhesive or heat fusing for example. Each flexible mesh panel130is disposed so as to be framed at least in part by the viewing opening18. In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C and10, a single flexible mesh panel130is disposed across the entire viewing opening and configured so as to cover the entire viewing opening18that is revealed when the free edge of the cover flap20is pivoted away from the main body11of the muff510,610,710,810, and the entire peripheral edge of the single flexible mesh panel130is framed by the viewing opening18.

Desirably, as shown inFIGS. 9A,9B,9C,9D and9E for example, an attachment frame32is provided to secure each flexible mesh panel130around the outer border section thereof to the region of the cylindrical member11surrounding the viewing opening18. The cover flap20is pivotally connected to the cylindrical side wall and configured and disposed so as to selectively cover each flexible mesh panel130in a closed position and uncover each flexible mesh panel130in an open position. The embodiments with the flexible mesh panel130are presently preferred especially for use in very cold weather when moisture from the wearer's hands and forearms otherwise might condense on the transparent panel30and fog the panel30and thus impair or prevent the wearer's ability to see through the fogged transparent panel30into the interior space of the muff.

As schematically shown inFIGS. 9D and 9F, one way of connecting one edge of a flexible mesh panel130with an opposing edge of a transparent panel30is by a mechanical connector140, which conventionally can be made of deformable metal or plastic that retains the deformed shape. As shown in a cross-sectional view inFIG. 9F, one edge portion of a flexible mesh panel130is received in the space defined between a first pair of opposing flanges141,142, which can be crimped together to grip the flexible mesh panel130like opposing jaws. Disposed opposite the first pair of opposing flanges141,142, the mechanical connector140desirably defines a second pair of opposing flanges143,144. One edge portion of a transparent panel30desirably is received in the space defined between the second pair of opposing flanges143,144, which can be crimped together to grip the transparent panel30like opposing jaws.

As schematically shown inFIGS. 9E and 9G, another way of connecting one edge of a flexible mesh panel130with an opposing edge of a transparent panel30is by adhering or fusing the edge of the flexible mesh panel130to the opposing edge of the transparent panel30. This adherence or fusion can be accomplished by a region of adhesion150that can be created in any of several ways. For example, one desirably could use one or more of a chemical adhesive, a heat weld or a sonic weld. As shown in a cross-sectional view inFIG. 9Gand perspective view inFIG. 9E, one edge portion of a flexible mesh panel130is adhered or fused to the opposing edge of the transparent panel30at a region of adhesion (or fusion)150that desirably extends continuously for the full length of the opposing edges of each panel130,30.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4and6, the attachment frame32desirably is attached to the exterior wall15of the cylindrical member11and around the cut that outlines the viewing opening18through the cylindrical member11. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,9A,9B,9C,9D and9E, the cut is defined completely around the viewing opening18such that the flap20initially is completely detached and must be reattached to define the hinge19, and the attachment frame32desirably is attached to the exterior wall15of the cylindrical member11and to the flap20to form the hinge19. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 8 and 10for example, the outermost peripheral portions of the respective transparent panel30and flexible mesh panel130are slid between the interior wall16defining said interior space and the exterior wall15and fastened thereto as by adhesive or mechanically by sewing for example. One way to accomplish this configuration ofFIGS. 8 and 10, is for the cut to be defined completely around the viewing opening18through the interior wall16but not through the exterior wall15where the hinge19is formed. An alternative way to accomplish this configuration ofFIGS. 8 and 10, is for the cut to be defined completely around the viewing opening18through both the interior wall16and the exterior wall15such that the flap20initially is completely detached and must be reattached to define the hinge19.

Accordingly, the area of the viewing panel, whether composed of one or more transparent panel(s)30and/or flexible mesh panel(s)130, will be much less than the overall surface area of the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. However, the area and shape of the viewing panel, whether composed of one or more transparent panel(s)30and/or flexible mesh panel(s)130, need not be identical to the area and shape of the viewing opening18through the cylindrical member11or to the area and shape of the cover flap20. The configuration of the viewing panel, the viewing opening18and the cover flap20should be such that when the cover flap20is pivoted away from the main body of the cylindrical member11, the user will be able to look through the viewing panel, whether composed of one or more transparent panel(s)30and/or flexible mesh panel(s)130, and see the interior space inside of the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. In this way, the user becomes able simultaneously to view and manipulate a hand-held device24such as a cell phone, a digital assistant, a global positioning device, an electronic calculator and the like handheld device. In this way for example, the user can send and read text messages by looking through the viewing panel, whether composed of one or more transparent panel(s)30and/or flexible mesh panel(s)130, without withdrawing the user's hands from within the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. The viewing panel, whether composed of one or more transparent panel(s)30and/or flexible mesh panel(s)130, keeps the wearer's hands inside the muff and prevents the wearer's hands from being completely exposed to the elements when the wearer wants to see a device being held inside the muff.

As most easily seen inFIGS. 1,2,6-9E and10for example, the free edge of the cover flap20can be selectively connected to the main body of the hand muff by an attachment mechanism such as a zipper20a, magnets34a,34b, hook and loop fasteners44a,44bor snaps. In this way the cover flap20is selectively detachable from the main body of the muff10so as to permit the user to see inside the muff10through the opening18and the transparent panel30when the free edge of the cover flap20is disconnected from the body of the muff10. Moreover, in some embodiments such as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the cover flap20is selectively detachable by the user while the user's hands are disposed within the muff10. Accordingly, with the user's hands disposed inside the muff10, the user also can selectively connect the cover flap20to the body of the muff to close the opening18and provide increased insulation as the insulated cover flap20closes the opening18and covers the transparent panel30from inside the muff.

As most easily seen inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,8,9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10for example, in other envisioned embodiments, the cover flap20is selectively detachable to the cylindrical member11by the user while the user's hands are outside the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910or1010. Accordingly, with the user's hands outside the muff, the user also can selectively connect the free edge of the cover flap20to the body of the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910or1010to close the opening18, cover each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130and provide increased insulation as the insulated cover flap20overlays the opening18and each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130from outside the muff.

The free edge of the cover flap20can be selectively connected to and pivoted away from the main body of the hand muff by an attachment mechanism such as a zipper20aas shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, or hook and loop fasteners as shown inFIGS. 7A and 9Aor magnets34a,34bas shown inFIG. 7B,7C,9B,9C,9D or9E or snaps (not shown), buttons (not shown), or a belt and buckle closure (not shown) or some other mechanical or adhesive fastener. Each attachment mechanism desirably can include at least one selectively disconnectable connecting element that desirably can be disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. The connecting element desirably is configured and disposed to permit the cover flap20to be selectively connected to and pivoted away from the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11.

As shown inFIGS. 7A and 9A, when hook and loop fasteners are used, a selectively disconnectable connecting element in the form of a hook strip44acan be attached to the cover flap20and thus is disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. In this embodiment, another selectively disconnectable connecting element in the form of a loop strip44bwill be attached to the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11of the muff110,510and thus is disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. In this way the cover flap20is selectively detachable from the main body of the muff110,510so as to permit the user to see inside the muff through the opening18and through each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130when the free edge of the cover flap20is disconnected from the main body of the muff.

As shown inFIGS. 7B,9B and9D, when magnets are used, a selectively disconnectable connecting element in the form of a flexible magnetic strip34acan be attached to the cover flap20and thus is disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. Such flexible magnetic strip34acan be formed as a composite of magnetic powders combined with various resins (e.g., vinyl) or binders that can be injection molded into various shapes, including strips34a,34bthat will bend and flex with the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. In this embodiment, another selectively disconnectable connecting element in the form of either a magnet34bof opposite polarity or a flexible strip of material to which a magnet will attach, will be attached to the muff310,710,910and thus is disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. In this way the cover flap20is selectively detachable from the main body of the muff310,710,910so as to permit the user to see inside the muff through the opening18and each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130when the free edge of the cover flap20is disconnected from the body of the muff.

As shown inFIGS. 7C and 9C, in other embodiments of a hand warmer410,810using magnets, a selectively disconnectable connecting element in the form of magnetic disks34acan be attached to the cover flap20and thus is disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. In this embodiment, another selectively disconnectable connecting element in the form of either a magnet34bof opposite polarity or a disk formed of material to which a magnet will attach, will be attached to the muff410,810and thus is disposed between the cover flap20and the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11. Such magnetic disks34a,34bcan be positioned strategically, for example at the corners of the cover flap20and at the corresponding underlying positions on the cylindrical side wall or frame32of the cylindrical member11. Other positions of the magnetic disks34a,34band additional ones of the magnetic disks34a,34bcan be employed. In this way the cover flap20is selectively detachable from the main body of the muff410,810so as to permit the user to see inside the muff through the opening18and each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130when the free edge of the cover flap20is disconnected from the body of the muff.

One advantage of using magnets for at least one of the selectively disconnectable connecting elements is the ability to detach and attach the cover flap20from and to the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member11without making noise. Such silence is particularly appreciated by hunters stalking wild game.

in yet a further envisioned embodiment, a separate cover flap20can be provided on each of the outside and the inside of the muff and thereby cover each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130from each opposite side thereof.

Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,9A,9B,9C,9D and9E for example, tabs43desirably can be attached to the free edge of the cover flap20to assist the user in opening or closing the cover flap20. Indeed, the wearer might open the cover flap20by gripping the tabs43between the wearer's teeth and tugging in a direction away from the main body of the muff and thus open the cover flap20without removing one of the wearer's hands from within the muff in order to accomplish this task. Furthermore, straps45, partially shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,9A,9B,9C,9D and9E, may be attached to the hand warmer110,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010to facilitate carrying or transporting the muff110,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010when the muff is not in use.

A pocket with an opening desirably is provided in the interior of the hand muff. As shown inFIGS. 3-6for example, the interior of the hand muff10also desirably is provided with a pocket40. The pocket40desirably is configured to receive a relatively small, hand-held device24such as a cell phone, a digital assistant, a global positioning device, an electronic calculator or the like. As shown inFIGS. 3-5for example, the hand-held device24can be disposed within the pocket40. The pocket40desirably is disposed on and attached to the interior wall16of the cylindrical member11and defines an opening thereto. The pocket40desirably is located generally opposite where the opening18is disposed. In one exemplary embodiment, the pocket24is formed at least in part by resiliently elastic material that is configured and disposed to hold the hand-held device in the pocket40, yet permitting the user to selectively withdraw the hand-held device from within the pocket40as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5for example, in another exemplary embodiment, the pocket40also desirably is provided with a closure flap41at the opening to the pocket to secure therein the hand-held device. The pocket40and the closure flap41desirably can include an attachment mechanism such as hook and loop fasteners, or magnets, or a zipper or buttons, or a belt and buckle closure or one or more snap closures. The hand-held device can be held securely in the pocket40by effecting the closing of the closure41by attaching the snaps or the magnets or the hook and loop fasteners or zipping the zipper closed as the case may be. As an example of a suitable attachment mechanism, a hook and loop fastener42a,42barrangement is shown inFIGS. 3 and 5.

In use, the person can place one's hand-held device24inside the pocket40inside the muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. While one's hands are either outside the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010or warm and snug inside the muff, one can disconnect the cover flap20and move the cover flap20away from each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130to enable the user to see inside the muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. The user can open the pocket40and remove the hand-held device24from the pocket40and use the hand-held device24while both the user's hands and the device24remain warm inside the muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. Each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130enables the user to view any displays transmitted to the device24or operate any features of the device24without removing the device24or the user's hands from within the muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. Once the user is finished using the device24, the user can replace the device24inside the pocket40and attach the closure41to the pocket40to secure the device24inside the muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010. The user then can close the cover flap20and reattach the cover flap20to the main body of the muff10while maintaining the user's hands completely inside the muff10, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, or by taking them out of the muff110,210,610,710,810,910,1010and reattaching the cover flap20from outside the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010as shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,8,9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10.

The reattached cover flap20covers the inside facing surface, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, or the outside facing surface, as shown inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,8,9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10, of each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130with the cover flap20and thereby restores the muff10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010to its full heat insulating capability. With the cover flap20covering the inside facing surface of the transparent panel30as inFIG. 1for example, the cover flap20protects the inside facing surface of the transparent panel30from being accidentally scratched by the stored device24or soiled by the user's hands. On the other hand, with the cover flap20covering the outside facing surface of each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130as inFIGS. 7A,7B,7C,8,9A,9B,9C,9D,9E and10for example, the cover flap20protects the outside facing surface of each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130from being accidentally scratched or soiled by the environment in which the muff110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010is stored. In yet a further envisioned embodiment, with a separate cover flap20on each of the outside and the inside of the muff, each opposite surface of each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130can be covered by one of the two cover flaps and thereby protect each opposite side of each transparent panel30and/or flexible mesh panel130from soiling or damage when the cover flaps are attached in their closed positions.

While more than one presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such descriptions are for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.