Abstract:
This invention relates generally to apparel, and in particular, to a garment with a venting structure and a method of using the venting structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to apparel, and in particular, to a garment with a venting structure and a method of using the venting structure. 
     Typically, people wear garments to provide protection from the elements. Depending on the environmental conditions, people wear different garments to keep warm, even during the start of exercise. As the user&#39;s body heats up during an activity, at some point the user will become uncomfortable in the garment and will need to cool down. 
     Typically, the user will wear several layers of garments and will remove a layer when necessary to cool down. Such removal can be difficult during the exercise, particularly, depending on the exercise. Moreover, the user usually has to carry or otherwise dispose of the removed garment. Alternatively, some known garments include an opening through which air can flow into and/or out of the garment. 
     Thus, a need exists for a garment that includes a venting structure that can be easily adjusted to control the flow of air into and/or out of the garment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A garment comprises a shell that has a vent structure that includes an opening in the shell. The opening is configured to allow the flow of air into and out of the shell. In one embodiment, the garment includes a controlling or blocking mechanism that can be moved relative to the opening to control the flow of air through the opening. In one embodiment, the controlling mechanism includes a panel or layer of material that can be moved relative to the shell. 
     The controlling mechanism can also include a movement mechanism that is coupled to the panel and can be manipulated to move the panel relative to the shell. In one embodiment, the controlling mechanism includes a movement mechanism to move the panel in a first direction and another movement mechanism to move the panel in a second direction. In one embodiment, the panel is selectively disposable in several positions, including a position in which the opening is blocked and a position in which a portion of the opening is not blocked by the panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a back view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of some components of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 5  taken along the line “ 6 - 6 .” 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of portions of some components of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is an internal view of some components of the garment of  FIG. 5  in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is an internal view of some components of the garment of  FIG. 5  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of some components of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of some components of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 12  in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 12  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of an embodiment of a controlling mechanism according to the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of some components of the controlling mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism according to the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism according to the invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guide according to the invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of an embodiment of a sleeve according to the invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a rear view of the sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is an exploded view of the sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pull according to the invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of the pull illustrated in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of the pull illustrated in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom view of the pull illustrated in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of the pull illustrated in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 33  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a controlling mechanism in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic diagram of the controlling mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 33  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 35  is a partial view of some components of the controlling mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional side view of some components of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 36  taken along the line “ 37 - 37 ”. 
         FIG. 38  is a partial sectional view of some internal components of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 39  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment illustrating some of the internal components. 
         FIG. 40  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a front view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 40  turned inside out. 
         FIG. 43  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 40  turned inside out. 
         FIG. 44  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 43  with the rear inner layer removed. 
         FIG. 45  is a plan view of the guide structure of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 46  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 47  is a front view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 46  turned inside out. 
         FIG. 48  is a front view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 47  with the front inner layer removed. 
         FIG. 49  is a rear view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 46  turned inside out with the rear inner layer removed. 
         FIG. 50  is a plan view of a guide structure of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 51  is a plan view of another guide structure illustrated in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 52  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment according to the invention. 
         FIG. 53  is a front view of the garment illustrated in  FIG. 52  turned inside out with the front inner layer removed. 
         FIG. 54  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism according to the invention in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 55  is a front view of the controlling mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 54  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 56  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism according to the invention in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 57  is a front view of the controlling mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 56  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 58  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism according to the invention in multiple configurations. 
         FIG. 59  is a front inside view of some components of an alternative embodiment of a shell according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A garment comprises a shell that has a vent structure that includes an opening in the shell. The opening is configured to allow the flow of air into and out of the shell. In one embodiment, the garment includes a controlling or blocking mechanism that can be moved relative to the opening to control the flow of air through the opening. In one embodiment, the controlling mechanism includes a panel or layer of material that can be moved relative to the shell. 
     The controlling mechanism can also include a movement mechanism that is coupled to the panel and can be manipulated to move the panel relative to the shell. In one embodiment, the controlling mechanism includes a movement mechanism to move the panel in a first direction and another movement mechanism to move the panel in a second direction. In one embodiment, the panel is selectively disposable in several positions, including a position in which the opening is blocked and a position in which a portion of the opening is not blocked by the panel. 
     The term “vent structure” is intended to encompass any type of opening through which air can flow. The terms “vent structure,” “vent opening” and “air flow opening” are used interchangeably herein. Some of the openings or vent structures described herein include an air permeable layer of material that is substantially co-extensive with the opening. One example of an air permeable material is mesh. Another example of an air permeable material is a material that has fewer, larger holes than mesh. Both exemplary materials can be referred to alternatively as porous materials. 
     The terms “movable panel,” “movable layer,” “panel” and “layer” are sometimes used interchangeably and are intended to encompass any type of material that can be disposed proximate to an opening and moved relative to the opening. A panel may include one or more layers of material. The terms “controlling mechanism” and “blocking mechanism” are used interchangeably herein. 
     A block diagram of a garment according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The garment  10  includes a vent structure or opening  12 . In one embodiment, the opening  12  can be located in the rear portion of the garment  10 . In alternative embodiments, the opening  12  can be disposed at any location on the garment  10 . The size and configuration of the opening  12  can vary among different embodiments. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the garment  10  includes a controlling or blocking mechanism  15 . The amount of air that flows through the opening  12  of the garment  10  can be adjusted by the user via the controlling mechanism  15 . A portion of the controlling mechanism  15  is disposed next to the opening  12  to adjust the amount of air flow. 
     In one embodiment, the controlling mechanism  15  includes a panel or layer  16  that is movable relative to the opening  12 . The user can selectively dispose the panel  16  relative to the opening  12  to control how much of the opening  12  is not blocked by the panel  16 . For example, the panel  16  can be disposed in several positions relative to the opening  12  to block all, none or a portion of the opening  12 . 
     In this embodiment, the controlling mechanism  15  includes a movement mechanism  18 . The movement mechanism  18  is coupled to the panel  16  and can be manipulated to move the panel  16  relative to the opening  12 . For example, the user can manipulate the movement mechanism  18  to move the panel  16  so that the panel  16  covers or blocks the opening  12  and reduces the amount of air entering or exiting the garment  10  through the opening  12 . Similarly, the panel  16  can be moved so that it does not block a portion of the opening  12 , thereby allowing air to flow through the unblocked portion of the opening  12 . 
     Depending on the location of the opening  12 , air will flow into or out of the garment  10  through the opening  12 . For example, if the garment  10  is a jacket, an opening on the front surface of the jacket will allow air to flow into the jacket to cool the user. Similarly, if an opening is disposed on the rear surface of the jacket, for example, warm air that is inside the jacket will flow out of the opening to cool the user. 
     The panel  16  can have any size or construction and can be made of any material that blocks at least some of the environmental elements that would otherwise enter the garment  10  through the opening  12 . For example, the panel can be one or more layers of fabric membranes coupled together. Alternatively, the panel can be a semi-rigid material, such as a flexible piece of plastic. 
     A block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the garment  20  includes openings  22  and  24 . Openings  22  and  24  allow air to flow into and out of the garment  20 . Openings  22  and  24  can have different sizes and constructions and are typically disposed at different locations on the garment  20 . For example, opening  22  can be located on the front portion of the garment  20  and opening  24  can be located on the rear portion of the garment  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the garment  20  includes a controlling mechanism  25  associated with opening  22  and a controlling mechanism  35  that is associated with opening  24 . The amount of air that flows through the openings  22  and  24  can be controlled by the user via the appropriate controlling mechanism  25  or  35 . 
     In one embodiment, the controlling mechanism  25  includes a panel or layer  26  that is movable relative to opening  22 . The user can selectively dispose the panel  26  relative to the opening  22  to control how much of the opening  22  is not blocked by the panel  26 . For example, the panel  26  can be disposed in several positions relative to the opening  22  to block all, none or a portion of the opening  22 . Similarly, the controlling mechanism  35  includes a panel  28  that is movable relative to opening  24 . 
     In this embodiment, controlling mechanism  25  includes a movement mechanism  30  that is coupled to panel  26 . Movement mechanism  30  can be manipulated to move the panel  26  to block none or some portion of the opening  22 . Similarly, controlling mechanism  35  includes a movement mechanism  32  that is coupled to panel  28  and can be manipulated to block all, none or some portion of the opening  24 . Movement mechanisms  30  and  32  can be operated simultaneously or at different times. 
     In one implementation, the garment  20  is a jacket with opening  22  in the front portion of the jacket and opening  24  in the rear portion of the jacket. If the user wants air to flow into the front opening  22 , then the user can manipulate movement mechanism  30  to move panel  26  so that it does not block the entire opening  22 . If the user wants warm air in the garment  20  to flow out through rear opening  24 , the user can manipulate movement mechanism  32  to move panel  28  so it does not block the entire opening  24 . 
     A block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the garment  40  includes vent structures or openings  42  and  44  at different locations. Openings  42  and  44  are configured to allow air to flow into or out of the garment  40 . 
     The garment  40  includes a controlling mechanism  45 . The amount of air that flows through openings  42  and  44  can be controlled by the user via controlling mechanism  45 . In this embodiment, the controlling mechanism  45  includes panels or layers  46  and  48 , which are associated with openings  42  and  44 , respectively. The panels  46  and  48  can be moved relative to the openings  42  and  44 , respectively, to control how much of the openings  42  and  44  are not blocked. For example, the panels  46  and  48  can be disposed in several positions relative to the openings  42  and  44  to block all, none or a portion of the openings  42  and  44 . 
     In this embodiment, the controlling mechanism  45  includes a movement mechanism  50  that is coupled to panels  46  and  48 . In this embodiment, manipulation of the movement mechanism  50  causes panels  46  and  48  to move simultaneously with respect to openings  42  and  44 . 
     An embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-9 . In this embodiment, the garment  100  includes a shell  102  that has a torso portion  104  and sleeve portions  106  and  108 . The shell  102  has a front portion  110  and a rear portion  112  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The front portion  110  includes a vent structure or opening  114  that has a material  116 , such as mesh, that covers the opening  114  and that has a different air permeability characteristic than the other portion of the shell  102 . The air permeable material  116  includes several openings or holes that allow air to flow through the opening  114  into the shell  102 . Similarly, the rear portion  112  includes a vent structure or opening  118  that has an air permeable material  120  similar to material  116  that covers the opening  118 . The material  120  includes several openings or holes that allow air to flow through the opening  118  into the shell  102 . 
     The garment  100  includes a collar  122  and a closure mechanism  124  associated with the collar  122  to allow a user to put on the garment  100 . In one embodiment, the closure mechanism  124  is a zipper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a partial cross-sectional view of some of the components of the garment  100  shown in  FIG. 5  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the garment  100  includes an outer layer  130  that has an outer surface  132  and an inner surface  134 , and an inner layer  140  that has an outer surface  142  and an inner surface  144 . The inner surface  144  of the inner layer  140  defines an interior region  126  of the garment  100  in which the user&#39;s body is located. The outer layer  130  includes the previously-identified opening  118 . In this embodiment, the inner layer  140  is made of an air permeable material, such as a mesh material. 
     The inner surface  134  of the outer layer  130  and the outer surface  142  of the inner layer  140  define therebetween a chamber or zone  150 . In this embodiment, the garment  100  includes a controlling mechanism  155  that is disposable proximate to the opening  118 . The controlling mechanism  155  includes a panel  160  that is disposed in the chamber  150  between the outer layer  130  and the inner layer  140 . The panel  160  includes an outer surface  162 , inner surface  164 , upper end  166  and lower end  168 . The panel  160  is selectively disposable relative to opening  118  so that all, a portion or none of the opening  118  is blocked by the layer  160 . The air flow from the environment through the opening  118  and into the garment  100  is represented by the arrow A in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an exploded perspective view of some components of the garment  100  is illustrated. As shown, the inner layer  140  is made entirely of an air permeable or porous material. The opening  118  can have any shape and in this embodiment, include dimensions d 1  and w 1 . The panel  160  has dimensions d 2  and w 2 , which in this embodiment are slightly larger than the corresponding dimensions of the opening  118  so that the panel  160  can be positioned to cover the entire opening  118 . 
     In this embodiment, the outer layer  130  includes a first region  131  constructed of a material with a relatively low air permeability (such as a substantially non-porous material) and includes a second region  133  associated with opening  118  that has a material disposed therein with a higher air permeability material than the material of the first region  131 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the layer  160  can be moved in any direction relative to the opening  118  to vary the amount of the opening  118  that is blocked by the panel  160 . For example, the panel  160  can be moved upwardly and downwardly. Alternatively, the panel  160  can be moved side to side. Moreover, the panel  160  can be moved diagonally relative to the opening  118 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the panel  160  is illustrated in two configurations or positions with respect to opening  118  of the outer layer  130 . The panel  160  can be disposed in a first configuration  170  in which a portion of the opening  118  is not blocked (see  FIG. 8 ). In this configuration, the panel  160  is substantially offset or unaligned with the opening  118 . The panel  160  can be disposed in a second configuration  172  in which the panel  160  is substantially aligned with the opening  118 , thereby blocking the opening  118  and reducing the air flow therethrough. 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In this exploded perspective view, only some of the components of the garment are illustrated. The shell  200  includes an outer layer  210  and inner layer  220 . The outer layer  210  includes an opening  212  with a porous material  214  disposed therein. 
     In this embodiment, the inner layer  220  includes a first region  221  constructed of a material with a relatively low air permeability (such as a substantially non-porous material) and includes a second region  223  associated with an opening  222  that has a material  224  disposed therein with a higher air permeability material than the material of the first region  221 . The opening  222  in the inner layer  220  and the opening  212  in the outer layer  210  are substantially aligned so that air can flow through the openings  212  and  222 . 
     The garment  200  includes a controlling mechanism  225  that has a panel  230  (see  FIG. 10 ). The panel  230  is disposed between the outer layer  210  and the inner layer  220 . Panel  230  is configured so that all, a portion or none of the air that flows through openings  212  and  222  can be blocked. The panel  230  can be moved by a movement mechanism or actuator (not shown) that is coupled to the panel  230 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In this exploded perspective view, only some of the components of the garment are illustrated. The garment  250  includes an outer layer  260  but no inner layer. The outer layer  260  includes an inner surface  266  and an opening  262  with an air permeable material  264 , such as mesh. 
     In this embodiment, the garment  250  includes a guide structure  270 . The guide structure  270  includes a pair of guides  272  and  274  that define channels  276  and  278 , respectively. The guides  272  and  274  are disposed on opposite sides of the opening  262 . The guides can be made of any material that has sufficient rigidity to guide the panel along the opening. 
     The garment  250  includes a controlling mechanism  280  that has a panel  282  with side portions  284  and  286 . The guides  272  and  274  are spaced apart so that the side portions  284  and  286  of the panel  282  can slide into channels  276  and  278 , respectively. The guide structure  270  maintains the panel  282  proximate to the outer layer  260  and in particular, the opening  262 . The controlling mechanism  280  may include an actuator (not shown) that can be used to move the panel  282 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIGS. 12-15 . In this embodiment, the garment  300  includes a shell  302  that has a torso region  304  and sleeves  306  and  308 . The shell  302  includes a front portion  310  and a rear portion  312  (see  FIG. 13 ). The rear portion  312  of the garment  300  includes an opening  314  that has an air permeable material, such as mesh, disposed therein. The opening  314  is in communication with the interior region of the shell  302 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the garment  300  includes a controlling mechanism  325  that can be manipulated to control the air flow through the opening  314 . The controlling mechanism  325  includes a panel or layer  330  (shown in phantom) that can be disposed in multiple positions or configurations with respect to the opening  314 . The panel  330  is disposed inside of the outer layer of the garment  300  and includes an upper end  332 , a lower end  334 , upper corners  336  and lower corners  338 . 
     The controlling mechanism  325  includes several movement mechanisms  350  and  360  that are coupled to the panel  330 . Movement mechanism  350  is coupled to the upper end  332  of the panel  330 , and movement mechanism  360  is coupled to the lower end  334  of the panel  330 . 
     When the movement mechanism  350  is moved along the direction of arrow “B” in  FIG. 12 , the panel  330  is moved from a first configuration  340  (see  FIG. 13 ) along the direction of arrow “C” to a second configuration  342  (see  FIG. 15 ). In configuration  340 , the panel  330  does not block the opening  314  and air can easily flow therethrough. In configuration  342 , the panel  330  is aligned with opening  314  and the air flow into the interior region of the garment  300  is reduced. When the movement mechanism  350  is moved along the direction of arrow “D” in  FIG. 13 , the panel  330  is moved from the second configuration  342  along the direction of arrow “E” to the first configuration  340 . 
     In this embodiment, movement mechanism  350  includes actuators  352  and  354 . Actuators  352  and  354  can be any type of elongate member, such as a pull cord, string, rope, tape, ribbon, etc. Actuators  352  and  354  include pulls  356  and  358 , respectively, coupled to their distal ends (see  FIG. 12 ). The pulls  356  and  358  facilitate the grasping and manipulation of the actuators  352  and  354  by the user. The other ends of the actuators  352  and  354  are coupled to the panel  330 . 
     Similarly, movement mechanism  360  includes actuators  362  and  364 . Actuators  362  and  364  can be any type of elongate member, similar to actuators  352  and  354 . Actuators  362  and  364  include pulls  366  and  368 , respectively, coupled to their distal ends, which facilitate the grasping of the actuators  362  and  364  by the user. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the shell  302  includes holes or openings  316  and  318  in the front portion  310 . Each opening can include a plastic eyelet or grommet associated therewith. Actuator  352  is inserted through the opening  316  and pull  356  is configured to prevent the actuator  352  from disengaging from the opening  316 . Similarly, actuator  354  is inserted through the opening  318  and pull  358  is configured to prevent the actuator  354  from disengaging from the opening  318 . 
     Similarly, the shell  302  includes holes or openings  320  and  322  in the rear portion  312  (see  FIG. 13 ). Each opening can include a plastic eyelet or grommet associated therewith. Actuator  362  is inserted through the opening  320  and pull  366  is configured to prevent the actuator  362  from disengaging from the opening  320 . Actuator  364  is inserted through the opening  322  and pull  368  is configured to prevent the actuator  364  from disengaging from the opening  322 . The actuators  352  and  362  pass through the corresponding holes in the shell  302  and extend from the interior region of the shell  302  to outside of the shell  302 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . In this embodiment, the garment  400  includes a shell  402  that includes a front portion  410  and a rear portion  412  (see  FIG. 17 ). The front portion  410  of the garment  400  includes a vent structure or opening  414  that has an air permeable material, such as mesh, disposed therein. Similarly, the rear portion  412  of the garment  400  includes a vent structure or opening  416  with an air permeable material, such as mesh. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the garment  400  includes a front controlling mechanism that is associated with opening  414  and a rear controlling mechanism that is associated with opening  412 . The front controlling mechanism includes a front panel  440  and movement mechanisms  450  and  460 . Similarly, the rear controlling mechanism includes a rear panel  430  and movement mechanisms  470  and  480 . The panels  430  and  440  are disposed within the shell  402  and can be disposed in multiple configurations relative to the respective openings. 
     Movement mechanisms  450  and  460  are coupled to panel  430  to move the panel  430  in two directions opposite to each other. Similarly, movement mechanisms  470  and  480  are coupled to panel  440  to move the panel  440  in two directions opposite to each other. Movement mechanisms  450 ,  460 ,  470  and  480  include actuators  452  and  454 ,  462  and  464 ,  472  and  474 , and  482  and  484 , respectively. In one embodiment, each of the actuators passes from the interior to the exterior of the shell through a respective opening in the shell  402  and may include a pull at its distal end. 
     When a user pulls downwardly on actuators  452  and  454 , rear panel  430  moves along the direction of arrow “H” (see  FIG. 17 ). The user can pull on actuators  452  and  454  sufficiently so that the panel  430  is aligned with and blocks opening  416 . When the user pulls downwardly on actuators  462  and  464 , rear panel  430  moves along the direction of arrow “I.” The extent to which the user pulls on actuators  462  and  464  or actuators  452  and  454  determines how much of the rear opening  416  is not covered by the panel  430 . 
     When a user pulls downwardly on actuators  472  and  474 , front panel  440  moves along the direction of arrow “G.” When the user pulls downwardly on actuators  482  and  484 , the front panel  440  moves upwardly along the direction of arrow “F.” The user can pull actuators  482  and  484  so that a portion or all of the opening  414  is blocked. The amount of opening  414  that is not blocked or covered by panel  440  is determined by how far the user pulls actuators  472  and  474  downwardly. 
     The garment  400  includes guides  486  and  488  that are engaged by actuators  482  and  484 , respectively. The guides  486  and  488  enable both movement mechanisms  450  and  460  associated with panel  440  to be disposed on the front side of the garment  400 . 
     An embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . In this embodiment, the controlling mechanism  500  includes a panel  505  that has a body portion  510  with ends and corner portions  512 ,  514 ,  516  and  518 . The panel  505  includes a binding or piping  520  that is coupled along the perimeter  511  of the body portion  510 . The perimeter  511  includes a first perimeter portion  513  and a second perimeter portion  515  opposite portion  513 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the panel  505  can include a material, such as Teflon®, disposed about all or a portion of the perimeter to reduce the friction generated between the panel  505  and components of the shell as the panel  505  moves. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the panel  505  includes a first portion  522  and a second portion  524 , which are coupled together by a binding  520  that is sewn around the perimeter of the portions  522  and  524 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the controlling mechanism  500  includes movement mechanisms  530  and  540  that are coupled to the panel  505 . Movement mechanism  530  includes actuators  532  and  534  that are coupled to the panel  505  proximate corners  512  and  514 , respectively. Actuators  532  and  534  are illustrated with curved portions  536  and  538 , which represent the configurations of the actuators  532  and  534  over a user&#39;s shoulders. In that arrangement, the actuators  532  and  534  extend through a shoulder region of a garment. Actuators  532  and  534  are flexible, elongate members. 
     Movement mechanism  540  includes actuators  542  and  544  that are coupled to the panel  505  proximate corners  516  and  518 , respectively. In the construction of this embodiment, an end of each of the actuators  532 ,  534 ,  542  and  544  is placed underneath the binding  520 , which is then coupled to the body portion  510  to couple the actuators. The actuators  532  and  534 , and  536  and  538  are coupled to the first and second perimeter portions  513  and  515  of the panel  505 , respectively. 
     In alternative embodiments, the panel can include a single layer of material. Alternatively, multiple pieces of material can be stitched together instead of using binding. Also, the actuators of the movement mechanisms can be coupled to the movable layer at any locations and using any known coupling technique or method. 
     An alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIG. 20 . In this embodiment, the controlling mechanism  550  includes a panel  555  having a body portion  560 . A movement mechanism  570  is coupled to one portion or end of the body portion  560 . Another movement mechanism  580  is coupled to an opposite portion or end of the body portion  560 . 
     In this embodiment, movement mechanism  570  includes a common actuator or actuator portion  572  and two coupling actuators or actuator portions  574  and  576 . Similarly, movement mechanism  580  includes a common actuator or actuator portion  582  and two coupling actuators or actuator portions  584  and  586 . The user can pull selectively on portion  572  or portion  582  to move the panel  550  in the desired direction relative to an opening in the garment. 
     An alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIG. 21 . In this embodiment, the controlling mechanism  600  includes a panel  605  with a body portion  610  that has several holes  612 ,  614 ,  616  and  618 . The locations and configurations of the holes can vary. 
     The controlling mechanism  600  includes an actuator  620  that can be inserted through holes  612  and  616 . The actuator  620  can be coupled to the body portion  610  using any known technique, such as an adhesive, sewing, taping, etc. 
     The controlling mechanism  600  also includes an actuator  630  that can be inserted through holes  614  and  618 . The actuator  630  can be coupled to the body portion  610  in a similar manner as actuator  620 . Coupling of the actuators  620  and  630  to body portion  610  prevents the body portion  610  from moving relative to the actuators  620  and  630 . 
     An embodiment of a guide according to the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In this embodiment, the guide  650  includes mounting portions  652  and  654  and a body portion  656 . The body portion  656  defines a channel  658  through which an actuator can be inserted. The mounting portions  652  and  654  of the guide  650  can be coupled to the garment using any known technique. The guide  650  is used to control the direction and orientation of an actuator. In one implementation, the guide  650  is coupled to the garment proximate to the shoulder region of a garment. 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 23 . In this embodiment, the garment  700  includes a shell  702  that has a torso region  704  and sleeves  706  and  708 . The shell  702  has a front portion  710 , a rear portion  712  and a shoulder region  713 . The front portion  710  of the torso region  704  has a lower end  716  and the rear portion  712  of the torso region  704  has a lower end  718 . The lower ends  716  and  718  are at the opposite end of the shell  702  from the shoulder region  713 . In this embodiment, the lower end  718  of the rear portion  712  extends lower than the lower end  716  of the front portion  710 . Referring to  FIG. 24 , the rear portion  712  includes an opening  750  that has an air permeable material  752 , such as mesh, disposed therein. 
     The torso region  704  includes a front panel  720 , a rear panel  722  (see  FIG. 24 ) and side panels  724  and  726 . The front panel  720  and rear panel  722  are disposed between and coupled to the side panels  724  and  726  by sewing. In this embodiment, the front panel  720  and rear panel  722  are made of a polyester material. The side panels  724  and  726  are made of an air permeable material, such as mesh material made of polyester. The side panels are gussets that eliminate the need for a side seam and for a seam under the sleeves. 
     The air permeability characteristic of a particular material indicates how much air flows through the material. The user may desire materials of different air permeability in different locations of the garment, depending on the desired air flow and cooling characteristics. In one embodiment, the air permeability of the side panels  724  and  726  constructed from mesh is less than that of the material  752  used in opening  750  in the rear portion  712 . 
     The garment  700  includes front flaps  754  and  756  that are not coupled at their lower ends to the torso region  704  of the garment  700 . Beneath each flap  754  and  756  is an air permeable material (see reference  762  in the cut-away portion of  FIG. 23 ) that is in communication with the interior region of the garment. Air is permitted to flow under the unattached ends of the flaps  754  and  756 , through the underlying air permeable material and into the interior region of the garment  700 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the garment  700  includes sleeves  706  and  708 . Each of the sleeves  706  and  708  is made of several panels of different materials. Sleeve  706  and sleeve  708  are substantially similar and are mirror images of each other. Due to the pieces that make up the sleeves, the sleeves have a pre-molded or pre-curved configuration. 
     Sleeve  706  includes panels  730 ,  732  and  735 , which are constructed from known nylon material. Sleeve  706  includes an air permeable material panel  734  that is coupled to panels  730 ,  732  and  735 . Finally, the sleeve  706  includes an absorbent panel  736  that is made of a hydrophilic material. The distal end of the sleeve  706  has a binding  738  around the cuff portion that couples the ends of the relevant panels together. 
     Similarly, sleeve  708  includes panels  740 ,  742  and  745 , an air permeable material panel  744  and an absorbent panel  746 . The distal end of the sleeve  708  has a binding  748  around the cuff portion that couples the ends of the relevant panels together. 
     Sleeve  708  includes an opening  758  that is in communication with an internal pocket (not shown) in panel  740  of the sleeve  708 . The pocket can be a mesh material that is coupled to an inner surface of the outer layer proximate to opening  758 . In one embodiment, an expanding mechanism can be disposed proximate to opening  758  so that when a closure mechanism, such as a zipper, is opened, the expanding mechanism causes the pocket to open. In an alternative embodiment, the opening and pocket can be located on any panel of either sleeve. In one embodiment, the garment  700  can also include piping  755  and  757  (see  FIG. 24 ), which can be made of a reflective material, that is disposed along the seams between adjacent panels. 
     The garment  700  includes a controlling mechanism that has a front movement mechanism and a rear movement mechanism. Each of the movement mechanisms are coupled to an internal panel (not shown). The front movement mechanism includes actuator  770  and actuator  780 . In this embodiment, actuator  770  includes a pull  772  that has an internal magnet  774  (shown in phantom). The torso region  704  includes a metallic component  776  coupled to the shell  702 . The coupling of the magnet  774  and the metallic component  776  secures the pull  772  to the outer surface of the garment  700 , thereby reducing any movement of the actuator  770  and pull  772  during activities. 
     The garment  700  includes movement mechanisms that are coupled to an internal movable layer (not shown). Actuator  780  includes a pull  782  that has an internal magnet (not shown). The torso region  704  also includes a metallic component  782 . The coupling of the magnet and the metallic component  782  secures the pull  782  to the outer surface of the garment  700 , thereby reducing any movement of the actuator  780  and pull  782  during activities. The garment  700  also includes actuators  790  and  792  which are disposed on the rear portion  712  of the torso region  704 . In an alternative embodiment, the locations of the magnet and metallic component can be reversed. Alternatively, the pull and the garment can each include a magnet. 
     An embodiment of a sleeve according to the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 25-27 . In this embodiment, the sleeve  800  includes several panels of different material that are coupled together. The sleeve  800  includes an end  802  coupled to the torso region of a garment and an opposite, distal end  804 . 
     Sleeve  800  includes panels  810 ,  820 ,  830  and  840 . Panels  810  and  820 , for example, are made of a windproof, nylon material, and can be coupled together by sewing. Piping  870  is subsequently coupled to the seam of the panels  810  and  820 . 
     Panel  830 , for example, is made of an air permeable material and panel  840  is an absorbent panel. Panel  840  can be constructed from a suede material. The distal end of the sleeve  800  has a binding  850  around the cuff portion that couples the ends of the relevant panels together. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 27 , the sleeve  800  includes a thumb opening  860  formed therein. The opening  860  is defined by a binding  862  that extends around the circumference of the opening  860 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , panel  810  includes edges  812 ,  814  and  816 , and panel  820  includes edges  822  and  824 . Edges  816  and  822  are coupled together using any known technique, such sewing and/or a binding. 
     Panel  830  includes edges  834  and  836 , an opening  832  and a covered region  838 . Opening  832  is configured to receive the thumb of the user and can have any shape or configuration. Edge  834  is coupled to edge  824  and edge  814  using any known technique. Similarly, edge  836  is coupled edge  812 . 
     Panel  840  of the sleeve  800  is disposed on the covered region  838  of panel  830 . Panel  840  includes a distal end  842  and a recess  844  that is aligned with opening  832  when panel  840  is disposed on the covered region  838  of panel  830 . Panels  840  and  830  can be coupled by sewing, an adhesive, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent panel may not include any opening or recess. 
     An embodiment of a pull according to the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 28-32 . The pull  900  facilitates the grasping and manipulation of actuator  950 . As illustrated in  FIG. 28 , the pull  900  includes a body portion  902  that defines a centrally located opening  904 . The body portion  902  has sides  906  and  908  (see  FIG. 30 ), a lower end  910  and an upper end  912 . The actuator  950  can be coupled to the upper end  912  using any known technique. The body portion  902  includes two gripping regions  920  and  930  that include several ridges or bumps  922  and  932 , respectively (see  FIG. 29 ). The ridges  922  and  932  provide additional traction and friction for the user&#39;s fingers. 
     In one implementation, the body portion  902  may include a portion  940  that is a different color from the remainder of the body portion  902 . For example, portion  940  can be red and the remainder of the body portion  902  can be black. 
     An alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIGS. 33-35 .  FIG. 33  includes a line that illustrates the exterior and interior of a garment (not shown). The controlling mechanism  1000  includes a movement mechanism  1005  and a movable panel  1050 . The movement mechanism  1005  is coupled to the panel  1050  and extends from the interior to the exterior of the garment. 
     In this embodiment, the movement mechanism  1000  includes an actuator  1010  that is coupled to a portion of the movable panel  1050 . While actuator  1010  is illustrated as being coupled to a corner of the panel  1050 , in other embodiment, the actuator can be coupled to the panel at any location. 
     The actuator  1010  includes a first end  1012  that is coupled to the panel  1050  and a second end  1014  to which a pull  1020  is coupled. The second end  1014  of the actuator  1010  is disposed outside of the garment. The actuator  1010  is an elongate member that is substantially inelastic. 
     The movement mechanism  1000  also includes a retractor  1030  that is coupled to the shell of a garment and coupled to the actuator  1010 . The retractor  1030  biases the actuator  1010  inwardly with respect to the shell when actuator  1010  is extended by a user. 
     The retractor  1030  includes a first end  1032  that is coupled to an inner location of the shell. For example, the retractor  1030  can be coupled to the inner layer and at any location using any known technique. The retractor  1030  includes a second end  1034  that is coupled to the actuator  1010 . 
     In one embodiment, the second end  1034  can be heat shrunk or otherwise welded or melted onto the actuator  1010  (see reference  1040  in  FIG. 35 ). The retractor  1030  can be any material that has elastic properties such that it returns to an unbiased state after forces on the actuator  1010  and the retractor  1030  are no longer applied. In one embodiment, the retractor is an elastic drawcord. 
     In  FIG. 33 , the panel  1050  and the actuator  1010  are illustrated in their first configurations  1052  and  1002 , respectively. In this arrangement, the retractor  1030  is shown in its unbiased or retracted configuration. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , when a user grasps the pull  1020  and moves the pull  1020  along the direction of arrow “J” to its second configuration  1004 , movement of the actuator  1010  causes the panel  1050  to move from its first configuration  1052  to another configuration  1054 . Simultaneously, end  1032  remains substantially fixed and the retractor  1030  is stretched as illustrated. When the user releases the pull  1020 , the retractor  1030  returns to its unbiased configuration and the amount of the actuator  1010  that extends out from the garment is reduced. 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIGS. 36-38 . In this embodiment, the garment  1100  includes a shell  1102  that has a collar  1104  and closure mechanisms  1106  and  1108 . In this configuration, the closure mechanisms  1106  and  1108  have a curved configuration and extend downwardly from the collar  1104  and toward the sides of the garment. 
     The garment  1100  includes a torso region that has an opening  1110  formed therein. The opening  1110  includes an air permeable material  1112 , such as mesh, disposed therein. 
     As previously illustrated and discussed, a garment can have multiple holes or opening on the torso region to accommodate several actuators that can be manipulated to move one or more panels. In this embodiment, hole pairs  1124 ,  1126  and  1128  are disposed on the torso region. 
     In this embodiment, the torso region includes flaps  1114  and  1116  that are formed by folding over extra material and forming a cover over holes  1124  and  1126 . Thus, the flaps  1114  and  1116  cover the corresponding holes, thereby hiding them from sight. 
     An exemplary actuator  1120  is shown. Although not shown, actuators are provided for all of the holes  1124 ,  1126  and  1128 . Another exemplary actuator  1122  is illustrated in  FIG. 36  as being located behind flap  1116 . The user can access any actuator disposed beneath a flap by reaching underneath the outside edge of the flap. 
     In this embodiment, the shell  1102  includes an outer layer  1130  and an inner layer  1132 . The lower end of the outer layer  1130  is folded under and coupled to the inner surface of the inner layer  1132  by sewing or stitching as shown. A channel  1134  is formed by the outer layer  1130  and a cord  1140  is disposed therein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 38 , an opening  1136  is formed on the inner surface of and in communication with the channel  1134 . A grommet  1138  is associated with the opening  1136 . The cord  1140 , which in this embodiment, has elastic properties, extends out of opening  1136  and passes through a retaining mechanism  1150 . Retaining mechanism  1150  is a known position locking device that can slide along the cord  1140  and that has a locking configuration relative to the cord  1140 . The mechanism  1150  includes a push button  1152  that can be manipulated to release the mechanism  1150  from its locking configuration and to allow it to slide along the cord  1140 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 39 . In this embodiment, the garment  1200  includes a shell  1202  that has a torso region  1204 . A portion of front of the torso region  1204  is shown in cut-away removed to facilitate the illustration of some internal components of the garment  1200 . The garment  1200  includes an inner surface  1206  that has a pouch  1208  coupled thereto. The pouch  1208  can be coupled to the surface  1206  by stitching  1214 . The pouch  1208  includes an opening  1210  that can be opened and closed via a closure mechanism  1212 , such as a zipper. 
     A user can turn the garment  1200  inside out and fold it up so that the garment  1200  can be inserted into the pouch  1208 . The pouch  1208  is sized so that it can receive the entire garment  1200 . This configuration allows for easy transportation and even washing of the garment  1200 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIGS. 40-45 . In this embodiment, the garment  1500  includes a shell  1502  that has a torso region  1504  and sleeves  1506  and  1508 . Several panels of the shell  1502  are coupled together by stitching and in some cases, piping  1510  that extends across the front and rear of the garment  1500 . 
     The garment  1500  includes an outer layer  1512  that includes air permeable panels  1530  and  1532 , such as mesh, that extend along the torso region  1504  and a portion of the sleeves  1506  and  1508 . Sleeves  1506  and  1508  include absorbent panels  1503  and  1505 , respectively. The garment  1500  includes a rear inner layer  1514  that is formed of an air permeable material, such as mesh. The garment  1500  also includes a textured material  1518  along the collar that provides comfort to the user. A closure mechanism  1519 , such as a zipper, is associated with the collar. 
     The garment  1500  includes a binding  1520  that is sewn along the distal ends of the sleeves  1506  and  1508 , and a binding  1522  that is sewn along the perimeter of the thumb opening in each sleeve. 
     Referring to  FIG. 41 , a rear view of the garment  1500  is illustrated. The garment  1500  includes an opening  1540  in its rear portion. An air permeable material  1542 , such as mesh, covers the opening  1540 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 42 , a front view of the garment  1500  after it has been turned inside out is illustrated. The air permeable panels  1530  and  1532  have inner surfaces  1531  and  1533  as shown. The garment  1500  includes a front inner layer  1515  that is coupled to the outer layer of the garment  1500  using any known technique, such as sewing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 43 , a rear view of the garment  1500  after it has been turned inside out is illustrated. The garment includes a rear inner layer  1514  that is coupled to the outer layer of the garment  1500  as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 44 , a rear view of the garment  1500  after it has been turned inside out is illustrated. In this arrangement, the rear inner layer  1514  has been removed to facilitate the illustration and discussion of several components of the garment  1500 . 
     Garment  1500  includes a movable panel or layer  1560  that can be selectively positioned relative to the opening  1540 . In this embodiment, garment  1500  includes a controlling mechanism that has a movement mechanism  1570  that can be manipulated to move the panel  1560 . Movement mechanism  1570  includes actuators  1572  and  1574  that extend from the interior to the exterior of the garment  1500  through holes  1534  and  1536 . One end of each actuator  1572  and  1574  is coupled to the panel  1560 . When a user pulls downwardly on the actuators  1572  and  1574 , the panel  1560  moves downwardly. 
     The movement mechanism  1570  includes retractors  1580  and  1582  that bias or pull the actuators  1572  and  1574  inwardly. One end of retractor  1580  is coupled to the garment  1500  and the other end  1584  of retractor  1580  is coupled to the actuator  1572 . Similarly, one end of retractor  1582  is coupled to the garment  1500  and the other end  1586  is coupled to actuator  1574 . 
     The garment  1500  also includes a movement mechanism  1575  that is coupled to the panel  1560 . Movement mechanism  1575  includes actuators  1576  and  1578  that extend upwardly over the user&#39;s shoulders and down the front of the garment  1500 . When the user pulls on actuators  1576  and  1578 , the movable layer  1560  moves upwardly along the rear of the garment  1500 . 
     The garment  1500  includes guide structures  1590  and  1592  that are disposed in the shoulder region of the garment  1500 . The guide structures  1590  and  1592  slidably receive and direct the actuators  1576  and  1578 , respectively. The guide structures  1590  and  1592  increase the tension on the actuators  1576  and  1578 , thereby retaining or holding the actuators  1576  and  1578  in place relative to the shell. As the actuators  1576  and  1578  are held in place, the panel does not move relative to the shell until the user manipulates the actuators. 
     An exemplary guide structure is illustrated in  FIG. 45 . Guide structure  1590  is a flexible, fabric member or membrane that is coupled to an inner surface of the garment  1500  or shell using any known technique, such as sewing. Guide structure  1590  is an elongate member with ends  1598  and  1599 . The guide structure  1590  also includes several slits  1594 ,  1595 ,  1596  and  1597  through which an actuator can be inserted. For example, actuator  1576  is illustrated as inserted through slits  1594  and  1596 . 
     In alternative embodiments, any type of friction generating structure that has an opening, such as a washer or o-ring, that is configured to provide tension on an actuator. 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIGS. 48-51 . In this embodiment, the garment  1600  includes a shell  1602  with a torso region  1604  and sleeves  1606  and  1608 . As shown in the front view illustrated in  FIG. 46 , the garment  1600  includes a front panel  1610  that has an outer surface  1612 . The garment  1600  includes an opening  1614  that has an air permeable material and several side mesh panels  1617  and  1618 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 47 , a front view of the garment  1600  turned inside out is illustrated. The garment  1600  also includes a front inner layer  1616  that is coupled along its edges to various components of the shell  1602 . For example, layer  1616  is coupled to panels  1617  and  1618 . The front inner layer  1616  includes an inner surface  1619 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the garment  1600  includes a collar  1620  and a closure mechanism  1622  that extends from the collar  1620  toward sleeve  1608 . In an alternative embodiment, the garment can also include a closure mechanism that extends toward the other sleeve. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 48 and 49 , the internal components of the garment  1600  are now discussed.  FIG. 48  is a front view of the garment  1600  turned inside out with the front inner layer removed. Similarly,  FIG. 49  is a rear view of the garment  1600  turned inside out with the rear inner layer removed. 
     In this embodiment, the garment  1600  includes a front opening  1614  and a rear opening  1615 . Movable panels  1640  and  1642  are associated with openings  1614  and  1615 , respectively. Each panel can be moved by a user to cover all, none or only a portion of the corresponding opening. 
     The garment  1600  includes a controlling mechanism with two movement mechanisms  1650  and  1660  that can be manipulated to move panel  1640 . Movement mechanism  1650  can be used to move the panel  1640  downwardly to expose some or all of the opening  1614 . Movement mechanism  1660  can be used to move the panel  1640  upwardly to cover some or all of the opening  1614 . 
     Movement mechanism  1650  includes actuators  1651  and  1652 , which extend outwardly from the shell  1602  through holes  1626  and  1628 . Actuators  1651  and  1652  are coupled to the panel  1640 . Each of the retractors  1653  and  1654  are coupled at one end to the shell  1600  and coupled to the actuators  1651  and  1652  at ends  1655  and  1656 , respectively. When the user pulls downwardly on the actuators  1651  and  1652 , the retractors  1653  and  1654  are stretched. When the user releases the actuators, the retractors  1653  and  1654  return to their unbiased configurations inside of the shell  1602 . 
     Movement mechanism  1660  includes actuators  1661  and  1662 , which extend outwardly from the shell  1602  through holes  1624  and  1630  (see  FIG. 48 ). Actuators  1661  and  1662  are coupled to the panel  1640 . Each of the retractors  1663  and  1664  are coupled at one end to the shell  1600  and coupled to the actuators  1661  and  1662  at ends  1665  and  1666 , respectively. When the user pulls downwardly on the actuators  1661  and  1662 , the retractors  1663  and  1664  are stretched. When the user releases the actuators, the retractors  1663  and  1664  return to their unbiased configurations inside of shell  1602 . 
     Movement mechanism  1670  includes actuators  1671  and  1672 , which extend outwardly from the shell  1602  through holes  1636  and  1638 , which are located on the front of the garment  1600  (see  FIG. 49 ). Actuators  1671  and  1672  are coupled to the panel  1642 . Each of the retractors  1673  and  1674  are coupled at one end to the shell  1600  and coupled to the actuators  1671  and  1672  at ends  1675  and  1676 , respectively. When the user pulls downwardly on the actuators  1671  and  1672 , the retractors  1673  and  1674  are stretched. When the user releases the actuators, the retractors  1673  and  1674  return to their unbiased configurations inside of the shell  1602 . 
     Movement mechanism  1680  includes actuators  1681  and  1682 , which extend outwardly from the shell  1602  through holes  1632  and  1634  (see  FIG. 48 ). Actuators  1681  and  1682  are coupled to the panel  1642 . Each of the retractors  1683  and  1684  are coupled at one end to the shell  1600  and coupled to the actuators  1681  and  1682  at ends  1685  and  1686 , respectively. When the user pulls downwardly on the actuators  1681  and  1682 , the retractors  1683  and  1684  are stretched. When the user releases the actuators, the retractors  1683  and  1684  return to their unbiased configurations inside of the shell  1602 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 48 , the garment  1600  includes guide structures  1690  and  1691  that are disposed in the shoulder regions. Guide structures  1690  and  1691  direct the actuators over the shoulders of the user and provide frictional contact to retain the actuators in a desired position relative to the shell  1602 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a guide structure is illustrated in  FIG. 50 . In this embodiment, the guide structure  1691  includes two pairs of slots  1694  and  1695  that are configured to receive actuators  1661  and  1681 , respectively. The guide structure  1691  also includes an end  1697  that is disposed proximate to the sleeve  1608 . 
     Similarly, the guide structure  1690  illustrated in  FIG. 51  includes two pairs of slots  1692  and  1693  that are configured to receive actuators  1662  and  1682 , respectively. The guide structure  1690  also includes an end  1696  that is disposed proximate to the sleeve  1606 . The shortened length of guide structure  1691  relative to guide structure  1690  is configured, for example, to accommodate the closure mechanism  1622 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a garment is illustrated in  FIG. 52 . In this embodiment, the garment  1700  includes a shell  1702  with a torso region  1704  and sleeves  1706  and  1708 . The garment  1700  includes a front panel  1710  that has an outer surface  1711 , an inner surface  1712  (see  FIG. 53 ) and holes  1734  and  1736  through which actuators extend. The actuators can have a triangular-shaped pull  1735  coupled to the free ends. 
     The garment  1700  includes openings  1712  and  1714  disposed on the front of the garment  1700 . Openings  1712  and  1714  contain air permeable materials  1716  and  1718 , respectively, therein. The garment  1700  includes a closure mechanism  1720  that extends between the openings  1712  and  1714 . The split arrangement of the openings  1712  and  1714  in the upper torso region facilitates the use of a front closure mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG. 53 , the garment  1700  includes a panel layer  1740  that has two split portions  1742  and  1744 . To simplify the discussion of garment  1700 , only the front panel is discussed. It is to be understood that the rear portion of garment  1700  may or may not include an opening similar to any of those previously discussed. 
       FIG. 53  is a front view of the garment  1700  turned inside out. As illustrated, garment  1700  includes movement mechanisms that can be manipulated to move the front movable panel  1740  and a rear movable panel (not shown) upwardly or downwardly relative to their corresponding openings. The movement mechanisms have structures similar to those previously described herein. 
     An alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIGS. 54 and 55 . The controlling mechanism  1800  includes a panel  1810  with an upper end  1812 , a lower end  1814  and two sides  1813  and  1815 . While panel  1810  is illustrated with four sides, in alternative embodiments, panel  1810  can have any shape or construction. 
     In this embodiment, the panel  1810  includes several creases or folds  1816  that form pleats  1818  and facilitate the collapsing of the body  1810  as illustrated in  FIG. 55 . The panel  1810  is constructed of a material that is sufficiently flexible so that it can collapse. 
     The panel  1810  can be disposed proximate to a vent structure in a garment. The panel  1810  is selectively disposable in multiple configurations relative to the vent structure. While in a first or deployed configuration  1802  (see  FIG. 54 ), the panel  1810  is configured so that it is substantially aligned with the vent structure to reduce the air flow therethrough. Two actuators  1820  and  1830  are coupled to the panel  1810  proximate the upper end  1812 . When a user pulls on the actuators  1820  and  1830  along the direction of arrow “K,” the panel  1810  is collapsed into a second configuration  1804  (see  FIG. 55 ) in which the panel  1810  blocks less of a vent structure in the garment. The pleats  1818  enable the panel  1810  to be collapsed. 
     A return mechanism (not shown) can be used to move the panel  1810  from its collapsed configuration  1804  to its deployed configuration  1802 . One exemplary return mechanism is an actuator. Another exemplary return mechanism is a resilient member, such as a spring, that can be actuated to move the panel  1810  to its deployed configuration  1802 . In that embodiment, as the panel  1810  is pulled from configuration  1802  to configuration  1804 , the spring is loaded and awaits a subsequent release. 
     An alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIGS. 56 and 57 . The controlling mechanism  1900  includes a panel  1910  with an upper end  1912 , a lower end  1914  and two sides  1913  and  1915 . In this embodiment, the panel  1910  includes several creases or folds  1916  that form pleats  1918  and facilitate the collapsing of the body  1910  as illustrated in  FIG. 57 . The panel  1910  is constructed of a material that is sufficiently flexible so that it can collapse, such as a fabric membrane. 
     The panel  1910  can be disposed proximate to a vent structure in a garment. The panel  1910  is selectively disposable in a first or deployed configuration  1902  (see  FIG. 56 ) and in a second or collapsed configuration  1904  (see  FIG. 57 ). An actuator  1920  is coupled to the panel  1910  proximate the upper end  1912  and disposed around a guide  1930 . As the user pulls on the actuator  1920  along the direction of arrow “L,” the panel  1910  moves from its deployed configuration  1902  to its collapsed configuration  1904 . A return mechanism (not shown) can be used to move the panel  1910  from configuration  1904  to configuration  1902 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a controlling mechanism is illustrated in  FIG. 58 . The controlling mechanism  2000  includes a panel  2010  with a perimeter portion  2014  and a mounting or pivot point  2016 . In this embodiment, panel  2010  is mounted for movement about pivot point  2016  and does not collapse. An actuator  2020  is coupled to the panel  2010  to facilitate movement thereof by the user. 
     In a first or deployed configuration or position  2002 , the panel  2010  is disposed so that it reduces the air flow through a vent structure or an opening in a garment. As a user pulls on actuator  2020  along the direction of arrow “M,” the panel  2010  rotates from configuration  2002  to a second or non-blocking configuration or position  2004  (shown in phantom). In configuration  2004 , the panel  2010  is offset or unaligned from the opening in the garment. A return mechanism (not shown) can be used to move the actuator from configuration  2004  to configuration  2002 . A user can move the panel  2010  to any intermediate position or configuration in which a portion of the opening in the garment is blocks, thereby reducing the flow of air into the garment. 
     An alternative embodiment of a shell is illustrated in  FIG. 59 . The shell  2100  includes an outer layer  2110  and an inner layer  2120 . Outer layer  2110  includes a vent structure or opening (not shown) similar to those previously described. Inner layer  2120  is an air permeable material, such as mesh. The outer layer  2110  and inner layer  2120  are coupled together by stitching or tacking along seams  2130  and  2132 . The seams  2130  and  2132  can be continuous or intermittent. 
     A guide region  2140  is formed between the seams  2130  and  2132 . The guide region  2140  defines a channel  2142  into which a movable panel (not shown) can be inserted and moved. The configuration of the channel  2142  can be varied depending on the desired tightness and friction. The panel slides along the guide region  2140 , thereby creating friction. The friction between the panel and the outer and inner layers  2110  and  2120  can be sufficient to retain the panel in place relative to an opening in the outer layer  2110 . For example, if a high amount of friction is desired, then the material of the inner layer  2120  in the guide region  2140  is pulled taught and then coupled to the outer layer  2110 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the garment can include a pocket or pouch disposed on the inner surface of the rear portion of the shell. The pocket can be located in the lower portion with only the zipper accessible from outside the shell. 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.