Patent Publication Number: US-2020281290-A1

Title: Transformable clothing

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/786,363, filed Oct. 17, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/163,736, filed Jan. 24, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,826,787, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/955,160, filed Nov. 29, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/265,996 filed Dec. 2, 2009. The contents of each application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to garments wearable in a plurality of configurations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     Various conventional garments that may be worn to protect a person from ambient conductions or to achieve a particular appearance are well known in the art. For instance, numerous examples of scarves, hats, ear mufflers, masks, shawls and gloves are of course known in the art. Conventionally, these articles of clothing may be worn by a person and serve a single purpose for the wearer. By way of example, a hat is worn by a person to cover a portion of the head of the wearer. Various hats are known in the art intended for various conditions, including hats to protected a wearer from inclement conditions. Ear mufflers may worn to protect the ears of the wearer from cold temperatures. A conventional scarf may be worn about the neck and a portion of the face of a person to protect the neck and face of the wearer from cold temperatures and/or wind when outdoors. A shawl can be placed over the shoulders and a portion of the torso and arms of the wearer. 
     Various adaptable garments are also known. For example, a number of examples of a jacket or coat with a hood that is selectively receivable on the head of a wearer are known. Additionally, various articles of clothing have been developed that may be selectively reversed by a wearer in order to expose different surfaces, which may be of different colors and/or textures. Still other articles of clothing may include detachable components. For example, various coats with detachable sleeves and hats with detachable masks are known. Other articles of clothing may include portions that may be folded, zipped, buttoned or otherwise manipulated with respect to the article to provide greater or lesser body coverage depending on ambient conditions or the preferences of the wearer. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present invention comprise transformable clothing that may be selectively configured by a wearer. Embodiments of the transformable garments include a transformable article of clothing comprising a central fabric portion. The central fabric portion defines a tubular member having a longitudinal length, the tubular member selectively reversible between a first configuration, where a first face substantially defines the external surface of the tubular member, and a reversed configuration, where the first face substantially defines the internal surface of tubular member. The transformable article of clothing further comprises a first fabric member and a second fabric member. The first fabric member includes a first portion coupled to the first face along at least a portion of the longitudinal length, and the second fabric member includes a second portion coupled to the first face along at least a portion of the longitudinal length. In the first configuration, the first fabric member and the second fabric member each extend from face of the tubular member. In the reversed configuration, the tubular member is configured to receive the first fabric member and the second fabric member. 
     In another set of embodiments, a transformable accessory is configurable as a hat and a scarf for a wearer. The transformable accessory comprises a first continuous loop defining a first opening and a second opening substantially opposite the first opening. The first continuous loop is configured to be selectively received about the neck of a wearer, with the neck extending through the first opening and the second opening. The transformable accessory further comprises a second continuous loop extending through the first opening and the second opening and received by the first continuous loop. The second continuous loop defines a third opening, and the second continuous loop is configured to be selectively received about at least a portion of the head of the wearer. The first continuous loop is wearable as a scarf, and the second continuous loop is simultaneously wearable as a hat. 
     In still another set of embodiments, a transformable accessory is wearable on the head of a person. The transformable accessory comprises a hat portion having a periphery, the periphery defining an opening at a first end of the hat portion, a closed end terminating substantially opposite the opening and configured to receive a portion the head of the wearer and a lateral portion attached to the periphery and extending from the periphery distal from the closed end. The transformable accessory further comprises a lower portion having a first end coupled to the hat portion and a second end substantially opposite the first end. The second end is selectively engageable with one of the hat portion and a portion of the wearer. The transformable accessory is selectively wearable in a first configuration and a second configuration. 
     In another set of embodiments, a transformable glove is configured to be worn on the hand of a person. The transformable glove comprises a wrist portion having an open first end configured to receive the hand of the wearer and a second end opposite the first end. The wrist portion is configured to surround at least a portion of the wrist of the wearer. A hand portion is attached at the second end and is sized to cover the palm and back of the hand of the wearer. The hand portion includes a thumb portion opening configured to receive the thumb of the wearer. The transformable glove further comprises a first finger portion opening configured to receive at least one finger of the wearer and a second finger portion opening configured to receive the remaining fingers of the wearer. A thumb portion is attached at the thumb portion opening and is configured to cover the thumb of the wearer The first finger portion is attached at the first finger portion opening and is configured to cover at least one finger of the wearer. The second finger portion is attached at the second finger portion opening and configured to cover the remaining fingers of the wearer. An exit is formed in at least one of the thumb portion, the first finger portion, and the second finger portion, with the at least one exit configured to allow selective extension of the respective at least one thumb and finger portions from the transformable glove. 
     In yet another set of embodiments, a combination garment for covering at least a portion of the face and ears of a wearer comprises a central portion. The central portion is configured to extend from a location forward of the ears of a wearer and across the face of the wearer such that the central portion is configured to substantially covers the cheeks and at least a portion of the nose of the wearer and extend downwardly beyond the mouth to cover at least a portion of the chin of the wearer. The combination garment further comprises a pair of ear portions attached to the central portion. Each of the pair of ear portions is configured to substantially cover the external surface of each ear of the wearer. Each of the pair of ear portions includes an engagement portion that is configured to selectively wrap around the periphery of the helix portion of each ear of the wearer, thereby enabling selective attachment of the combination garment to the wearer. 
     In still another set of embodiments, a transformable scarf is configured to be worn about the neck of a wearer. The transformable scarf comprises a primary clothing member defining a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The primary clothing member is characterized by a length and a width shorter than the length. A collar portion is disposed along a portion of the length. The primary clothing member includes a plurality of openings through the first face and the second face and is disposed along a portion of at least one of the length and the width. The transformable scarf further comprises a secondary clothing member that is selectively receivable by the plurality of openings such that a first portion of the secondary clothing member is disposed over a portion of the first face and a second portion of the secondary clothing member is disposed over a portion of the second face. The primary clothing member is wearable about the neck of the wearer 
     These and other features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is front view of a transformable article of clothing worn in a first configuration constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 1B  is a front view of a transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 1A  worn in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 1A  in the configuration of  FIG. 1A  and shown fully extended, and  FIG. 2B  is a top view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 2A  in the configuration of  FIG. 2B  and shown fully extended; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 1A  in the configuration of  FIG. 1A  and shown fully extended,  FIG. 3B  is a close-up view of a portion of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 1A , in the process of being transformed from the first configuration to second configuration; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a transformable article of clothing worn in a first configuration constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 6B  is a side view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A  worn in a second configuration,  FIG. 6C  is a side view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A  worn in a third configuration,  FIG. 6D  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A  worn in a fourth configuration,  FIG. 6E  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A  worn in a fifth configuration, and  FIG. 6F  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A  worn in a sixth configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a first perspective view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a second perspective view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of a first look of an article of clothing and constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG.  11 B is a front view of a second look of the article of clothing of  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 11C  is a side view showing the second look of  FIG. 11B ,  FIG. 11D  is a front view of a third look of the article of clothing of  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 11E  is a front view of a fourth look of the article of clothing of  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 11F  is a side view showing the fourth look of  FIG. 11E ,  FIG. 11G  is a front view of a fifth look of the article of clothing of  FIG. 11A , and  FIG. 11H  is a side view showing the fifth look of  FIG. 11G ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the article of clothing shown generally in  FIGS. 11A-11G ; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view of the article of clothing of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the article of clothing of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is a front view of an embodiment of a left transformable glove worn in a first configuration constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 15B  is a front view of the right transformable glove worn in the first configuration according the embodiment of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16A  is a front view of the left transformable glove of  FIG. 15A  worn in a second configuration, and  FIG. 16B  is a front view of the right transformable glove of  FIG. 15B  worn in the second configuration; 
         FIG. 17A  is a front view of another embodiment of a left transformable glove worn in the second configuration constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 17B  is a rear view of the left transformable glove of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a front view of a transformable mask hat worn in a first configuration constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 18B  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of FIG.  18 A worn in a second configuration, and  FIG. 18C  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 6A  worn in a third configuration; 
         FIG. 19A  is a first perspective view of a transformable hat and ear muffler worn in a first configuration constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 19B  is a second perspective view of the transformable hat and ear muffler of  FIG. 19A  worn in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 20  is left side view of the transformable hat and ear muffler in the configuration shown in  FIG. 19A ; 
         FIG. 21  is right side view of the transformable hat and ear muffler in the configuration shown in  FIG. 19A ; 
         FIG. 22  is top view of a transformable scarf constructed according to still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom view of the transformable scarf of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24A  a front view of the transformable scarf of  FIG. 22  worn in a first configuration,  FIG. 24B  is a front view of the transformable scarf of  FIG. 22  worn in a second configuration,  FIG. 24C  is a front view of the transformable scarf of  FIG. 22  worn in a third configuration, and  FIG. 24D  is a front view of the transformable scarf of  FIG. 22  worn in a fourth configuration; 
         FIG. 25A  is a rear view of a transformable article of clothing constructed according to another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 25B  is a partial front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIG. 25A ; and 
         FIG. 26A  is a front view of the transformable article clothing of  FIGS. 25A and 25B  worn in a first configuration,  FIG. 26B  is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIGS. 25A and 25B  worn in a second configuration, and FIG.  26 C is a front view of the transformable article of clothing of  FIGS. 25A and 25B  worn in a third configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1A-5  illustrate an transformable article of clothing  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transformable article of clothing  10  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-5  comprises an accessory that may be selectively configured such that the garment may be worn as a shawl in a first configuration and may be worn as a scarf in a second configuration.  FIG. 1A  depicts the transformable article of clothing  10  in an exemplary first configuration where a person may wear the garment as a shawl  10   a . In this configuration, the transformable article of clothing  10  may take a generally rectangular form. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the shawl  10   a  may be draped over the shoulders of the wearer and is proportioned to substantially cover the shoulders and at least a portion of the arms of the wearer.  FIG. 1B  depicts the transformable article of clothing  10  in an exemplary second configuration where a person may wear the same garment, after its reconfiguration, as a scarf  10   b . In this configuration, the transformable article of clothing  10  may be of a generally elongated tube form. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the scarf  10   b  may be wrapped about the neck of the wearer and may be of a length such that the ends of the scarf  10   b  extend downward over a portion of the torso of the wearer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the transformable article of clothing  10  comprises a central portion  100 , a first member  110  attached to the central portion  100  and a second member  120  coupled to the central portion  100 . The central portion  100  includes a pair of lateral edges  101  extending the length of the central portion  100 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the central portion  100  generally comprises a first surface  102  and a second surface  103  that are coupled along the lateral edges  101 . As such, the central portion  100  forms an elongated tube having a first face  104  and a second face  105 . As explained in detail below, depending on the configuration of the transformable article of clothing  10 , the first face  104  or the second face  105  may define the external surface of the central portion  100 . The central portion includes ends  106   a  and  106   b  disposed at each end of the tubular member. 
       FIG. 3A  shows the first member  110  attached to the central portion  100  along one of the lateral edges  101  and the second member  120  attached to the central portion  100  along the other lateral edge  101 . As shown, the first member  110  and the second member  120  are oppositely disposed on the central portion  100 . That is, the first member  110  is attached to the central portion  100  at location on the tubular member that is offset about 180° from the location of attachment of the second member  120  to the central portion  100 . However, other arrangements may be constructed where the first member  110  and the second member  120  are attached to the central portion  100  and separated by less than about 180°. Each of the first member  110  and the second member  120  extend outwardly from the central portion  100  to define a width of the transformable article of clothing  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3 , the first member  110  and the second member  120  may be of equal length and attached to the central portion  100  along the entire length of the central member. As depicted, the first member  110  and/or the second member  120  may of a greater length than the central portion  100 , with a portion of the first member and/or the second member extending beyond one or more of the ends  106   a / 106   b.    
     In the depicted embodiment, the central portion  100  is substantially formed by the first member  110  and the second member  120 . With reference to  FIGS. 2A and 4 , each of the first member  110  and the second member  120  include an inner portion  115  medially disposed along a length of the transformable article of clothing  10 . The inner portion  115  of the first member  110  is overlapped with the inner portion  115 ′ of the second member  120  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The first member  110  includes a first edge  111  that defines the periphery of the inner portion  115 . The second member  120  similarly includes a second edge  121  that defines the periphery of the inner portion  115 ′ of the second member  120 . The first member  110  is attached to the second member proximate the first edge  111 . The second member  120  is also attached to the first member  110  proximate the second edge  121 . Thus, the tubular member is formed with the inner portions  115  and  115 ′ each forming about one half of the surface of the tubular member. 
     The transformable article of clothing  10  is not limited to the above described construction. For example, in other embodiments, the central portion  100  may be separately formed and then attached to the first member  110  and the second member  120 . In other embodiments, the central portion  100  may be formed from one of the first member  110  or the second member  120  by overlapping one of the members onto itself and attaching the first/second edge  111 / 121  to the respective member to form a tubular member. The other member may then be attached to the tubular member. In still further embodiments, the first member  110  and the second member  120  comprise a single piece and an additional member is overlaid and attached to the single piece to form the tubular member. The additional member, for example, may comprise a narrow strip of material relative to the width of the single piece and may substantially define half the periphery of the tubular member. The additional member is attached to the single piece at a first location and a second location, for example, along substantially parallel edges defining the length of the additional member. 
     As described above and as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the central portion  100  may be formed by overlapping a portion of the first member  110  and the second member  120 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the first member  110  may include a first plurality of openings  112  disposed in the inner portion  115 . The first plurality of openings  112  extend into the first member  110  from the first edge  111 . As depicted, the first plurality of openings  112  are rectangular in shape and orientated substantially perpendicular to the first edge  111 , however the first plurality of openings  112  may be angled in other embodiments and may take other forms, including curved and peaked shapes. Additionally, the first plurality of openings  112  are of substantially equal width and of equal length. In other embodiments, however, the first plurality of openings  112  may have a variety of widths and/or a variety of lengths. The first plurality of openings  112  define a first plurality of fingers  113 . The length of the first plurality of fingers  113  may be varied with respect to each of the fingers. As such, the periphery of the first member  110  may be defined by the combination of the first plurality of openings  112  and the first plurality of fingers  113 . 
     Similar to the first member  110 , the second member  120  may include a second plurality of openings disposed in the inner portion  115 ′. The second plurality of openings extend into the second member  120  from the second edge  121 . The second plurality of openings are shaped and orientated to substantially mate with the first plurality of fingers  113  and may be perpendicular to the second edge  121  or angled. As such, in the depicted embodiment, the second plurality of openings are rectangular and offset with respect to the first plurality of openings  112  such that the second plurality of openings align with the first plurality of fingers  113 . The second plurality of openings are also of a width and length to receive the first plurality of fingers  113 . The second plurality of openings define a second plurality of fingers  123 . The second plurality of fingers are orientated and shaped to substantially mate with the first plurality of openings  112 . Thus, the first plurality of openings  112  receive the second plurality of fingers. 
     The above described configuration of the first member  110  and the second member  120  forms an alternating and interlocking arrangement that may form at least a portion of the surface defining the tubular member. As depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first member  110  and the second member  120  may be of different colors and/or materials to form a visual or textural pattern over the central portion  100 . In one embodiment, the visual pattern may simulate the look of a piano keyboard with alternating colors and the first plurality of fingers  113  and the second plurality of fingers  123  of variable length. In other embodiments, the central portion  100  may be constructed to depict different configurations and/or patterns. 
     The transformable article of clothing  10  may be constructed from a variety of materials, including materials typical of garments such as a sweater and accessory garments such as scarves, shawls, and hand warmers. In a particular embodiment, the first member  110  is constructed of a first material and the second member  120  is substantially constructed of a second material. The first material possesses different thermal characteristics than the second material such that the first material provides a greater or lesser degree of temperature control to the wearer relative to the second material. For example, relative to the second material, the first material may be of a greater density, use a smaller diameter yarn, comprise a tighter weave, possess a greater thickness, and combinations thereof. As such, when worn in the shawl configuration depicted in  FIG. 1A , the first member  110  constructed of the first material is thinner and offers greater breathability relative to the second member  120  that is constructed of the second material. Thus, in the depicted orientation, the wearer is provided with additional thermal insulation about a portion of the arms and torso covered by the first member  110 , while the neck and shoulders covered by the second member  120  are provided with relatively less thermal insulation from the transformable article of clothing  10 . In response to changing ambient temperature conditions or other consideration, the transformable article of clothing  10  may be repositioned by the wearer such that second member  120  is orientated over a portion of the arm and torso and the first member  110  located about the neck and shoulders of the wearer, thereby reversing the thermal properties of the garment with respect to the wearer. 
     The transformable article of clothing  10  is selectively reconfigurable by a wearer or other person between the shawl  10   a  configuration depicted in  FIG. 1A  and the scarf  10   b  configuration of  FIG. 1B . The transformable article of clothing  10  is changed from the shawl configuration to the scarf configuration by reversing the orientation of the central portion  100 . That is, in the shawl configuration, the first face  104  of the tubular member is on the outside of the central portion  100  and the second face  105  forms the inner surface of the central portion  100 . In the shawl configuration, the tubular member is substantially flat. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a wearer or other person may transform transformable article of clothing  10  to the scarf orientation by inserting a hand in one of the ends, for example the end  106   a , extending the hand within the tubular member of the central portion  100 , and grasping the opposite end  106   b  or a part of the central portion  100  proximate the opposite end  106   b . The central portion  100  may be bunched as necessary to shorten its effective length to allow the opposite end  106   b  to be grasped as described. The opposite end  106   b  is then pulled through the tubular member and exits the end  106   a  that was initially entered by the hand. Thus, the tubular member of the central portion is turned “inside-out” and the transformable article of clothing  10  is in the scarf configuration. In this configuration the first face  104  forms the inner surface of the tubular member and the second face  105  is on the outside of the central portion. Because the first member  110  and the second member  120  are attached to central member along the first face  104 , the first member  110  and the second member  120  are at least partially disposed within the tubular member in the scarf configuration. As shown in  FIG. 1B , in embodiments where the first member  110  and/or the second member  120  have a length greater than the central portion  100 , the first member  110  and/or the second member  120  may be selectively extend from the central portion  100 . Alternatively, the first member  110  and/or the second member  120  may be stored within the tubular member of the central portion  100 . 
     The transformable article of clothing  10  is selectively reconfigurable by a wearer or other person between the scarf configuration depicted in  FIG. 1B  and the shawl configuration of  FIG. 1A  by again reversing the central portion  100 . A wearer or other person inserts a hand in one of the ends of the central portion  100 , for example the end  106   a , grasps a portion of the first member  110  and/or the second member  120  proximate the other end  106   b  and pulls the first member  110  and the second member  120  out from within the tubular portion, thereby reversing the central portion  100  and releasing the first member  110  and the second member  120 . The first face  104  is reversed to the exterior of the central portion  100  and the transformable article of clothing  10  is returned to the shawl orientation. 
       FIGS. 6A-10  show a transformable article of clothing  20  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The transformable article of clothing  20  comprises an accessory that may be selectively configured to a plurality of configurations depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6F , including a hat in a first configuration, a hat and scarf in a second configuration, a hat and a hand warmer in a third configuration and a hood in a fourth configuration.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict various examples of the transformable article of clothing  20  in the first configuration worn as a hat.  FIGS. 6C and 6D  show examples of the transformable article of clothing  20  in the second orientation worn as a hat or hood and a scarf.  FIG. 6E  shows an example of the transformable article of clothing  20  worn in the third orientation as a scarf and hand warmer.  FIG. 6F  shows an example of the transformable article of clothing  20  worn in the fourth orientation as a hood. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , an embodiment of the transformable article of clothing  20  is depicted. The transformable article of clothing  20  generally comprises a first loop  200  and a second loop  210  coupled to the first loop  200 . The first loop  200  comprises a scarf element selectively wearable about the neck of the wearer and may comprise a continuous loop of material defining an exterior surface  201  and a channel  202 . The first loop  200  further defines a first opening  203  and a second opening  204  substantially opposite the first opening  203 . The first loop  200  is curved and, in a particular embodiment, has a substantially circular shape. 
     The first loop  200  is configured to be passed over the head of the wearer and received about the neck of wearer. As such, the first loop  200  may be of a resilient construction where the channel  202 , the first opening  203  and the second opening  204  are substantially sized to fit about the neck of the wearer and to stretch sufficiently in order to pass over the head of the wearer. Thus, the natural diameter of the channel  202  may be configured to be about the diameter of the neck of a human or slightly less than the diameter of the neck such that the first loop fits snugly about the neck of the wearer. However, in other embodiments, the channel  202  may have a natural diameter that is about the diameter of a human head and may be configured to fit loosely about the neck of the wearer and/or may include a drawstring or tightening element to reduce the diameter of the channel  202  to a smaller diameter that fits about the neck of the wearer. Additionally, the first loop  200  may be sized to have length, the distance between the first opening  203  and the second opening  204  to cover the neck of the wearer. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6D , the length of the first loop  200  may be such that is extends below the neck. The first loop  200  may also be worn to extend over a portion of the face, such as the mouth or mouth and nose of the wearer. In a particular embodiment, the first loop  200  comprises a loop of material folded about its circumference doubling the material onto itself such that the length of the first loop is selectively adjustable by selecting the location of the fold. 
     The second loop  210  comprises a hat and hood element selectively wearable on the head of a wearer in various configurations and usable as a hand warmer in other configurations. The second loop  210  may be formed from an elongated continuous loop of material. In the depicted embodiment, the second loop  210  has a greater diameter than the first loop  200 . The second loop  210  is captured by the first loop  200  similar to adjacent links of a chain. As shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, the second loop  210  passes through first opening  203  and the second opening  204  and a portion of the second loop  210  resides in the channel  202 . The first loop  200  and the second loop  210  need not be fixedly attached relative to each other. Thus, first loop  200  and second loop  210  are selectively moveable relative to each other, subject to constraints of the interaction of the respective intertwined loops. The second loop  210  defines a third opening  211  along a front periphery  212  of a lateral surface  213  of the second loop  210 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the lateral surface  213  may be of variable width. As depicted, a portion of the lateral surface  213  progressively widens extending from a rear periphery  214  as the second loop  210  extends distally from the first loop  200 . A receiving region  215  is defined at an end of the second loop  210 . The receiving region  215  is substantially dome shaped and configured to receive the head of the wearer, with the face of the wearer orientated in the third opening  211  as shown in  FIG. 6A-6C  for example. 
     The second loop  210  may further include a fourth opening  216 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the fourth opening  216  is located in the receiving region  215  substantially opposite the third opening  211 . In the depicted embodiment, the fourth opening  216  is smaller than the third opening  211 . As described in more detail below, the fourth opening  216  may receive a portion of the hair of the wearer when the transformable article of clothing  20  is worn in a configuration that includes a hat element such as in  FIGS. 6A-6C . As also described below, the fourth opening  216  may receive the hand of the wearer when the transformable article of clothing  20  is worn in a configuration that includes a hand warmer element as shown in  FIG. 6E . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , an arm  220  may be attached to the second loop  210  and extend from a portion of the second loop  210  opposite the third opening  211 . In the depicted embodiment, the arm  220  is formed by the increasing width of the lateral surface  213  and forms a tubular portion terminating in a fifth opening  221 . The arm  220 , opposite the fifth opening  221 , is located over the fourth opening  216 . The fifth opening  221  may receive a portion of the hair of the wearer that is received through the fourth opening  216  when the transformable article of clothing  20  is worn in a configuration that includes a hat element such as in  FIGS. 6A-6C . Additionally, the fifth opening  221  may receive the other hand of the wearer when the transformable article of clothing  20  is worn in a configuration that includes a hand warmer element as shown in  FIG. 6E . 
     The second loop  210  may also include a sixth opening  230 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the sixth opening  230  is defined by the rear periphery  214  and is substantially opposite the third opening  211  and located below the fourth opening  216 . As depicted, the sixth opening  230  is larger than the fourth opening  216 . However, in other embodiments the fourth opening  216  and the sixth opening  230  may be of about equal size and in other embodiments the sixth opening  230  is larger than the fourth opening  216 . The sixth opening  230  may define the opening by which the first loop  200  is interlocked with the second loop  210 . In the depicted embodiment, the first loop  200  passes through and is captured by the sixth opening  230 . However, in other embodiments, the first loop  200  and the second loop  210  may otherwise be coupled. The sixth opening  230  may be sized to fit about the neck of the wearer after the head of the wearer is passed through. As shown in  FIG. 6F , the transformable article of clothing  20  may worn where second loop  210  is placed over the head of the wearer as a hood and the neck of the wearer extends through the sixth opening  230 . 
     The transformable article of clothing  20  may be worn where a portion of the second loop  210  is received on the head of the wearer. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D and 6F , the receiving region  215  of the second loop  210  covers the top portion of the head of the wearer.  FIG. 6A  shows a configuration where the second loop  210  is worn as a hat, with the lateral surfaces  213  falling down from the head of the wearer and covering the ears and draping over the shoulders of the wearer. The face of the wearer is accessible via the third opening  211 . The first loop  200  may be located along the back of the wearer in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 6A . A portion of the hair of the wearer, for example, a “pony tail,” may received by the fourth opening  216 , positioned within the arm  220  and may be extended through the fifth opening  221 .  FIG. 6B  shows the transformable article of clothing  20  with the second loop  210  in substantially the configuration of  FIG. 6A  and the first loop  200  received on the head of the wearer and located over a portion of the second loop  210 . In the configuration of  FIG. 6B , the first loop  200  may be located to cover the ears of the wearer, providing an additional layer of material to cover and protect the ears from cold temperatures and or/wind. 
       FIG. 6C  shows the transformable article of clothing  20  in a configuration where the second loop  210  is substantially in the configuration of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  and the first loop  200  is worn about the neck of the wearer. In this configuration, the first loop  200  serves as a scarf, protecting the neck of the wearer from cold temperature and/or wind. The first loop  200  is passed over the head of the wearer and the neck resides in the channel  202  that is best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 6D  shows the transformable article of clothing  20  in a configuration where the first loop is in substantially the configuration of  FIG. 6C  and the second loop  210  is received over the head of the wearer as a hood. In the configuration of  6 D, the head of the wearer passes through the sixth opening  230  and the head is received in the receiving region  215  of the second loop  210 .  FIG. 6F  depicts a configuration where the second loop  210  is worn as a hood where the head of the wearer is passed through the sixth opening  230 . In the configuration of  6 F, the first loop  200  drapes from the front portion of neck of the wearer towards the chest. 
       FIG. 6E  shows the transformable article of clothing  20  in a configuration where the first loop  200  is worn as a scarf and the second loop  210  serves as a hand warmer for the wearer. The neck of the wearer is received in the channel  202  of the first loop  200 . The lateral surfaces  213  of the second loop  210  extend downward from the first loop  200  across the chest of the wearer. As shown, the receiving region  215  and the arm  220  may be located near the waist of the wearer. In this configuration, the wearer may insert one hand into the third opening  211  and the other hand in the fifth opening  221 , protecting the hands of the wearer from cold temperatures and/or wind. 
       FIGS. 11A-14  show an article of clothing  30  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The article of clothing  30  comprises an accessory that may be worn as ear mufflers and simultaneously as a mask covering a portion of the face of the wearer.  FIGS. 11A-11H  depict various embodiments of the article of clothing  30 . In each of the depicted embodiments, the article of clothing  30  includes a mask portion  300  and a pair of ear portions  310 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 11A, 11E and 11G , the configuration of the mask portion  300  may be varied to provide various levels of coverage to the face of the wearer. As described in more detail below, each of the pair of ear portions  310  is configured to selectively attach to the ears of the wearer and maintain the article of clothing  30  in a desired position over a portion of the face of the wearer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the mask portion  300  defines an upper periphery  301  and a lower periphery  302 . In the depicted embodiment, the upper periphery  301  and the lower periphery  302  define a substantially elongated diamond shape that is sized and shaped to fit over at least a portion of the nose, mouth, chin and cheeks of the wearer. The mask portion  300  extends from the pair of ear portions  310  located at opposite ends of the ear portions  310 , where the mask portion  300  is relatively narrow, i.e. the distance between the upper periphery  301  and the lower periphery  302  is small. The mask portion  300  progressively grows in width toward the medial portion of the mask portion  300 , where the distance between the upper periphery  301  and the lower periphery  302  is at its greatest. 
     In addition to the look discussed above, the mask portion  300  may comprise other looks For example,  FIGS. 11A-11D  depict an embodiment where an upper periphery  301  of the mask portion is substantially linear and stretches straight across the face of the wearer. The lower periphery  302  is curved or comprises angled segments to substantially follow the jaw line of the wearer.  FIGS. 11E and 11F  depict an embodiment where the mask portion  300  is of substantially constant width. Thus, the upper periphery  301  and the lower periphery  302  define a substantially constant distance between the pair of ear portions  310 . In this embodiment, the width of the mask portion  300  is configured to cover only at least a portion of the nose of the wearer, but may alternatively be worn over the mouth of the wearer.  FIGS. 11G and 11H  depict an embodiment where the mask portion  300  is configured to cover a portion of the nose and the mouth of the wearer. In this embodiment, the lower periphery  302  is aligned with the lower portion of each of the pair of ear portions  310 . The upper periphery  301  is aligned with the upper portion of each of the pair of ear portions  310 . 
     In any of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1A-12  and described above, the mask portion  300  may include a mouth opening  303  as depicted in  FIGS. 11G and 11H . The mouth opening  303  may comprise a horizontally orientated slit in the medial region of the mask portion  300 . The mouth opening  303  is located in the mask portion  300  such that it would fall over the mouth of the wearer when worn. 
     In any of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 11A-14  and as described above, the mask portion  300  may include a central portion  304  as depicted in  FIG. 11D . The central portion  304  may be located proximate the mouth and/or nostril area of the wearer. The central portion  304  may be configured to allow for easier passage of air therethrough relative to mask portion  300  residing outside the central portion  304 . As such, the central portion  304  facilitates the ability of the wearer to speak and/or breath through the mask portion  300 . The central portion  304 , for example, may comprise a plurality of openings or a thinner material, smaller diameter yam, or less dense weave relative to the mask portion  300  outside the central portion  304 , and combinations thereof. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the pair of ear portions  310  are located at the ends of the mask portion  300 . The pair of ear portions  310  may be attached to the mask portion  300  or the article of clothing  30  may be of a substantially integral construction. Each of the pair of ear portions  310  is configured to fit over the external portion of the ear of the wearer as seen in  FIGS. 11C, 11F and 11H . As shown, various embodiments of the pair of ear portions  310  may be constructed. For example,  FIG. 11C , depicts a pair of ear portions  310  that are substantially shaped to the general form of external portion of the human ear. The pair of ear portions include a lobe portion  311 , an upper ear portion  312  that extends from the upper periphery  301 , and a curved posterior portion  313 .  FIG. 11F  depicts a pair of ear portions  310  with a less pronounced “ear shape” relative to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11C , but including a lobe portion  311  and a curved posterior portion  313 .  FIG. 11H  depicts an embodiment of the pair of ear portions  310  where the lower periphery  302  extends to a substantially straight posterior portion  314  and a curved upper portion  315 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , each of the pair of ear portions  310  generally define a pocket to receive an ear of the wearer. The pair of ear portions  310  are intended to provide protection to the ears of the wearer from cold temperatures and/or wind. Each of the pair of ear portions  310  define an ear receiving region  320  and a helix wrap portion  321 . The ear receiving region  320  is configured to receive at least a portion of the external surfaces of the ear. The helix wrap portion  321  is generally curved such that it extends around the helix of the ear and terminates behind the ear of the wearer. Thus, the helix wrap portion  321  may comprise a “C” shaped cross-section, with the helix of the ear of the wearer captured within. The helix wrap portion  321  may also extend downwardly to capture at least a portion of the lobule of the ear of the wearer. Accordingly, the article of clothing  30  is selectively securable to the wearer by locating the ears of the wearer in the pair of ear portions  310 . The helix wrap portion  321  substantially maintains the location of the article of clothing  30  on the wearer and prevents inadvertent removal. 
     The article of clothing  30  may be constructed from a variety of materials, including materials typical of garments such as a sweater and accessory garments such as scarves, shawls and ear mufflers. In a particular embodiment, the article of clothing  30  is knit from yarn. For at least those embodiments configured to cover the mouth and nose and lacking the mouth opening  303  and/or the central portion  304 , the mask portion  300  should be breathable to allow the wearer to readily inhale and exhale through the mask portion  300 . 
     The article of clothing  30  may be constructed with a degree of elasticity such that the article may conform to a plurality of sizes of wearers, to conform to anatomical differences among wearers, and to facilitate retention of the article of clothing  30  on the wearer. For example, a degree of elasticity over the mask portion  300  serves to maintain the article of clothing  30  in its intended position on the wearer. The ear portion  310  may be constructed to have properties different from the mask portion  300 . For example, the ear portion  310  may be of a denser construction to retain the shape of the ear portion and/or to provide greater thermal protection to the ears of the wearer. Additionally, the ear portion  310  may be of a construction that is configured to prevent the ear portion  310  from slipping off the ears of the wearer, yet possessing elasticity to substantially conform to the shape of the ear while being comfortable to promote wearability. In a particular embodiment the ear portion  310  may comprise a substantially rigid material. It may further be desirable to produce the article of clothing  30  in a plurality of sizes to accommodate wearers of a range of sizes. 
       FIGS. 15A-17B  show a transformable glove  40  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The transformable glove  40  comprises a wrist portion  400 , a hand portion  410  attached to the wrist portion  400 , a thumb portion  420  coupled to the hand portion  410 , a first finger portion  430  coupled to the hand portion  410  and a second finger portion  440  coupled to the hand portion  410 . The transformable glove  40  further includes one or more openings located on the thumb portion  420 , the first finger portion  430 , and/or the third finger portion  440 . The openings permit a wearer to selectively extend a thumb and/or one or more fingers outside of the transformable glove  40 . Additionally, and as described in more detail below, the transformable glove  40  is configured to group the fingers of the wearer into a first finger group and a second finger group within the finger portions of the transformable glove  40 . The transformable glove  40  may be constructed of materials typical used in gloves and mittens. In a particular embodiment, the transformable glove  40  is knit. 
     The wrist portion  400  includes an wrist opening  401  configured to receive the hand of the wearer and be worn about the wrist of the wearer. The wrist portion  400  may also include a selectively adjustable cuff 402 . The selectively adjustable cuff 402  may be rolled upward as shown in  FIG. 16A  or rolled down as shown in  FIG. 15A  to adjust the length of the wrist portion  400 . The hand portion  410  extends from the wrist portion  400  opposite the wrist opening  401 . The hand portion  410  is configured to cover the hand of the wearer between the wrist and the thumb and fingers of the wearer. With reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the hand portion includes a palmal surface  411  and a dorsal surface  412  configured to respectively cover the palm and the dorsum of the hand of the wearer. 
     With reference to  FIG. 17B  the hand portion  410  may further include a thumb opening  413  located along a side of the hand portion  410 , a first finger opening  414  and a second finger opening  415  located along the top of the hand portion  410 . Each of the thumb opening  413 , the first finger opening  414  and the second finger opening  415  are located on the hand portion  410  and sized to receive the respective digits of the wearer. A thumb portion  420  is attached to hand portion  410  at the thumb opening  413 . The thumb portion  420  is configured to receive the thumb of the wearer. The first finger portion  430  is attached to hand portion  410  at the first finger opening  414 . The third finger portion  440  is attached to hand portion  410  at the second finger opening  415 . 
     In the embodiment of the transformable glove  40  depicted in  FIGS. 15A-16B , the first finger portion  430  is configured to receive the first finger and the second finger (forefinger and middle finger) of the wearer. The second finger portion  440  is configured to receive the third finger and fourth finger (ring finger and little finger) of the wearer. As depicted, the first finger portion  430  and the second finger portion  440  each include a finger opening  450 . The finger opening  450  may be disposed on the palmal side as shown or the dorsal side of the transformable glove  40 . The finger opening  450  may be located anywhere along the length of the respective finger portion from base where the finger portion attaches to the hand portion  410  to a location proximate the tip of the finger portion. As shown, the finger opening  450  is located toward the tip of the respective finger portion proximate at least one of the distal interphalangeal joints of the finger of the wearer within the respective finger portion. Thus, the distal portion of one or more fingers in the respective finger portion may be selectively extended from the transformable glove  40  through the finger opening  450 . The thumb portion  420  may also include a thumb opening (not shown) to permit at least a portion of the thumb of the wearer to be selectively extended outside the transformable glove  40 . 
     In the embodiment of the transformable glove  40  depicted in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the first finger portion  430  is configured to receive the first finger (forefinger) of the wearer. The second finger portion  440  is configured to receive the second finger, the third finger and the fourth finger (middle finger, ring finger and little finger) of the wearer. As depicted, the first finger portion  430  and the second finger portion  440  each include a finger opening  450  and the thumb portion  420  includes a thumb opening  451 . As previously described, the finger opening  450  and thumb opening  451  may be disposed on the palmal side as shown or the dorsal side of the transformable glove  40 . The finger opening  450  and thumb opening  451  may be located anywhere along the length of the respective finger portion and the thumb portion  420 , from the base where the respective finger/thumb portion attaches to the hand portion  410  to a location proximate the tip of the finger portion. As shown, the finger opening  450  of the first finger portion is proximate the distal interphalangeal joint of the first finger and the finger opening  450  of the second finger portion  440  is proximate the interphalangeal joint of the fourth finger of the wearer. Thus, the distal portion of one or more fingers in the respective finger portion may be selectively extended from the transformable glove  40  through the finger opening  450 . Similarly, the tip of the thumb may also be extended outside the thumb portion  420  through the thumb opening  451 . 
       FIGS. 18A-18C  show a transformable mask hat  50  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The transformable mask hat  50  generally comprises a head receiving portion  500  and a mask portion  510  attached to a first location of the head receiving portion  500 . The mask portion  510  is selectively attachable to a second location of the head receiving portion  500  substantially opposite the first location. The head receiving portion  500  is configured to receive at least a portion of the head of the wearer. The mask portion  510  is selectively orientatable by the wearer to a plurality of configurations. As shown in  FIG. 18A , the mask portion  510  may be draped from the head receiving portion  500  and may cover a portion of the ear of the wearer. In  FIG. 18B , the mask portion  510  traverses the face of the wearer and selectively attaches to head receiving portion  500  substantially opposite the origin of the mask portion  510 . In yet another configuration, the mask portion  510  be positioned over a portion of the head receiving portion  500 . 
     The head receiving portion  500  may comprise a generally domed hat structure sized to receive a portion of the head of the wearer. As best seen in  FIG. 18B , the head receiving portion  500  may be asymmetrical and include a lateral portion  501  that extends downward from the head receiving portion  500 . The lateral portion  501  is configured to cover one of the ears of the wearer and may cover a portion of the side of the face and/or head of the wearer. The head receiving portion  500  may further include a first mask engagement feature  502 . The first mask engagement feature  502  can comprise any of variety of engagement elements, including a button, snap, latch, one portion of hook and loop fastener, or other feature. As depicted, the first mask engagement feature  502  comprises a ball. As best seen in  FIG. 18C  the head receiving portion  500  may also include a handle portion  503 . The handle portion  503  includes a first end and a second end, each of which is attached to the head receiving portion  500  to form a carrying handle. The head receiving portion  500  may also include an opening (not shown). The opening may be disposed near the apex of the head receiving portion  500  and may be configured to permit a portion of the hair of the wearer to extend therethrough. In a particular embodiment, the handle portion  503  overlays the opening. 
     As shown, for example, in  FIG. 18A , the mask portion  510  extends from a bottom periphery of the head receiving portion  500  from a location substantially opposite the first mask engagement feature  502  and terminates at a mask end  511 . The mask portion  510  includes a second mask engagement feature  512 . The second mask engagement feature  512  is located proximate the mask end  511  and is configured to selectively mate with the first mask engagement feature  502 . In the depicted embodiment, the second mask engagement feature  512  comprises an opening configured to receive the ball defining the first mask engagement feature  502 . It will be appreciated that the elements used as the first mask engagement feature  502  and the second mask engagement feature  512  may be reversed. That is, in the depicted embodiment, for example, the second mask engagement feature  512  may comprise a ball and the first mask engagement feature  502  may comprise an opening. The mask portion  510  may comprise a substantially triangular shape with the base of the triangle located where the mask portion  510  is attached to the head receiving portion  500  and the tip of the triangle proximate the mask end  511 . 
     The mask portion  510  may be configured to cover the mouth and/or the nose of the wearer when attached to the first mask engagement feature as shown in  FIG. 18B . The mask portion  510  may also be raised to extend over a portion of the head receiving portion  500  and coupled to the first mask engagement feature  502 . In this configuration, the mask portion  510  may be passed beneath the handle portion  503 . The transformable mask hat  50  may be constructed from materials typically used in the construction of hats and mufflers and in an embodiment is knit from yarn. 
       FIGS. 19A-21  show a transformable hat and ear muffler  60  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The transformable hat and ear muffler  60  generally comprises a head receiving portion  600  and an ear muffler portion  610  selectively attachable with an ear of the wearer. The ear muffler portion  610  is attached to the head receiving portion  600  near one of the ears of the wearer and extends to terminate in an ear attachment portion  620 . In a first configuration depicted in  FIG. 19A , the ear muffler portion  610  may be left to hang from the head receiving portion  600 . In a second configuration depicted in  FIG. 19B , the ear muffler portion  610  may pulled under the chin of the wearer and secured by engaging the ear attachment portion  620  with the other ear of the wearer. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the head receiving portion  600  may comprise a generally domed hat structure sized to receive a portion of the head of the wearer. The head receiving portion  600  defines a periphery  601 . The head receiving portion  600  may be asymmetrical and include a lateral portion  602  that extends downward from the head receiving portion  600 . The lateral portion  602  is configured to cover one of the ears of the wearer and may cover a portion of the side of the face and/or head of the wearer. The ear muffler portion  610  is attached to the lower edge of the lateral portion  602 . As depicted, the ear muffler portion  610  comprises a rectangular strap. The ear attachment portion  620  is attached to the distal end of the ear muffler portion  610 . The ear muffler portion  610  is of a length to allow the ear attachment portion  620  to engage the ear of the wearer opposite the lateral portion  602 . The ear muffler portion  610  may comprise a material and/or weave that permits a degree of elasticity so that the transformable hat and ear muffler  60  may accommodate a plurality of wearers in a range of sizes. 
     The ear attachment portion  620  defines an ear pocket  621  intended to provide protection to the ear of the wearer from cold temperature and/or wind. The ear attachment portion is configured to selectively receive the outer portions of the ear of the wearer. The ear pocket  621  may be substantially shaped to the general form of the outside surfaces of the human ear and can include a curved periphery configured to extend around and behind a portion of the ear. The ear attachment portion  620  further includes an ear engagement member  622 . The ear engagement member  622  comprises an anteriorly disposed strap that laterally traverses over the ear pocket  621 . The ear engagement member  622  is configured to fit behind the external surface of the ear between the head and the ear of the wearer, thereby securing the ear attachment portion  620  in place on the ear of the wearer. Additionally, the ear attachment portion  620  provides thermal protection for the ear when engaged with the ear of the wearer. The transformable hat and ear muffler  60  may be constructed from a variety of materials, including materials typical of used in hats and ear mufflers. In a particular embodiment, the transformable hat and ear muffler  60  is knit from yarn. 
       FIGS. 22-24D  show a transformable scarf  70  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The transformable scarf  70  comprises a first member  700  and a second member  710 . The first member  700  is a generally rectangular piece of material having a first face  701  and a second face  702  opposite the first face  701 . The first member  700  includes a plurality of openings  703  through the first face  701  and the second face  702 . The plurality of openings  703  are disposed along a length and/or width of the first member  700 . In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of openings  703  are disposed along a row across the length of the first member  700 . A collar portion  704  may be disposed along a length of the first member. The collar portion  704  may comprises a different material, texture, color, and/or different material property from the first member  700 . The collar portion  704  may include an arcuate periphery. In an embodiment, the first member  700  is arcuate. 
     The second member  710  generally comprises an elongated piece of a material configured to pass through at least one of the plurality of openings  703 . The second member  710  may be constructed of the same or different material relative to the first member  700 . In a particular embodiment, the second member comprises a lightweight scarf. The second member  710  may be coupled to the first member  700  by selectively weaving the second member through the plurality of openings  703  between the first face  701  and the second face  702  as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . As such, a portion of the second member  710   a  is disposed over the first face  701  and another portion of the second member  710   b  is disposed over the second face  702 . The second member  710  may have a length greater than the first member  700  so that the ends  711  of the second member may extend beyond the first member  700 . The ends  711  may be pulled and/or attached to each other or a portion of the first member to configure the transformable scarf  70  as desired by the wearer. 
       FIGS. 25A-26C  show a transformable article of clothing  80  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The transformable article of clothing  80  is configured such that it may be transformed into a plurality of configurations by the wearer, including a hat and scarf combination, a shoulder shrug and gloves combination, and an adjustable scarf. With reference to  FIGS. 25A and 25B , the article of clothing  80  generally comprises a central portion  800  with an end portion  801  extending from opposite ends of the central portion  800 . Each of the end portions  801  are substantially symmetrical and comprise tubular, sleeve-like components  814  configured to receive an arm or portion thereof of the wearer in certain configurations. When not occupied by the wearer&#39;s arm, the end portion  801  may be substantially flattened for wearing in other configurations. 
     The end portions  801  are open at each end opposite the central portion  800  and adjacent the central portion  800 , having a distal opening  802  located at the end of the end portion  801  and a medial opening  812  in communication with the central portion  800  at a central portion end  810 . The end portions  801  comprise a flexible fabric and, in various embodiments, may be knit and configured to stretch along their lengths to accommodate the various configurations and arm lengths of the wearer. A thumb hole  804  may further be located in each of the end portions  801  proximate the distal openings  802 . The thumb hole  802  is generally located on the end portions  801  and sized to receive a thumb of the wearer and to permit extension of the wearer&#39;s thumb therethrough in certain configurations. 
     The central portion  800  may also comprise a generally elongated tubular structure defining an interior and having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axes of the end portions  801 . In various configurations, a portion of the interior of the central portion  800  may be occupied by a portion of the wearer, including a portion of the head or arm/shoulder. The interior portion of the central portion  800  provides access to the end portions  801  through the respective medial openings  812 . When the interior is not occupied, the central portion  800  may be substantially flattened such that the interior volume is greatly reduced. The central portion  800  comprises a flexible fabric and in various embodiments may be knit. 
     The central portion  800  is generally defined by at least one continuous or partially continuous surface but includes a first opening  805  and a second opening  806  through the surface providing communication to the interior of the central portion  800 . The first opening  805  and the second opening  806  may comprise elongated openings that are substantially aligned and collinear in relation to their positions on the central portion  800 . Alternatively, in various embodiments, the first opening  805  and the second opening  806  may be located in the central portion  800  such that they are opposing or offset. In various embodiments, the first opening  805  and the second opening  806  comprise slots or oblong lots slots where the width of the opening is less than the length. In certain embodiments, the first opening  805  is longer than the second opening  806  and may be about 50 percent longer in a particular embodiment. A bridge  807  may separate the first opening  805  and the second opening  806 . 
     Various configurations of the transformable article of clothing  80  are depicted in  FIGS. 26A-26C . In a first configuration, providing for a combination hat and scarf depicted in  FIG. 26A , the central portion  800  is placed on the wearer&#39;s head with the head extending through first opening  805  into the interior. The end potions  801  may be wrapped about the neck of the wearer in various orientations to provide a scarf. For example, the end portion  801  opposite the first opening  805  may be placed in or pulled through the distal opening  802  or the medial opening of the end portion  801  adjacent the first opening  805 . Alternatively, the end portion  801  adjacent the first opening  805  may be placed in or pulled through the distal opening  802  or the medial opening of the end portion  801  opposite the first opening  805 . In a second configuration, providing for a combination shoulder shrug and gloves depicted in  FIG. 26B , the wearer&#39;s arms are placed in the respective end portions  801 , entering through the first opening  805  and the second opening  806 , respectively. The central portion  800  may be placed about the shoulders, back or waist of the wearer in this configuration. The wear&#39;s thumbs may be extended through the thumb holes  804 . In a third configuration, providing for an adjustable scarf depicted in  FIG. 26C , the transformable article of clothing  80  is wrapped about the neck of the wearer. One of the end portions  801  is pulled through the first opening  805  and the other end portion  801  is pushed up the end portion  801  that is pulled through the first opening  805 . The end portions  801  may be moved relative to each other and/or the central portion  800  to select the length of the adjustable scarf. 
     The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.