Wide-Field Raincoat with Sliding Transparent Visor

The problem

When wearing a standard raincoat, the hood sits close to the face. The opaque fabric blocks the wearer’s peripheral vision, forcing them to turn their entire body to see traffic, obstacles, or people beside them. Fixed clear peaks sewn into some hoods offer limited improvement because they cannot be moved once stitched; if the rain angle changes or the user wants more airflow, the peak stays in one position. Bulky rigid visors add weight and make the hood hard to fold or store.

The solution

This raincoat solves the visibility problem by replacing a section of the hood with a movable transparent sheet.

1. A raincoat body (1) supports a rain cap (2) that communicates with a neck (3).
2. The cap includes a cap top (21) covering the head and at least one transparent sheet-like body (22) blocking the sides.
3. A first sliding structure (4) connects the upper edge of the transparent sheet to the cap top. It consists of a first flexible slide rail (41) running around the cap top, with a downward-opening first chute (42). A first flexible slider (43), identical in side length to the sheet’s connecting edge and tightly joined to it, rides inside this chute.
4. A second sliding structure (5) connects the lower edge of the sheet to the neck. It uses a second flexible slide rail (51) around the neck with an upward-opening second chute (52) and a second flexible slider (53) attached to the sheet. The ends of this second rail are detachably connected.
5. Pull handles (6) hang vertically on both sides of the transparent sheet, positioned alongside the flexible slide rails, allowing the user to pull the sheet axially along the rails.

Who it is for

• Outdoor workwear brands supplying crews who need full weather protection while maintaining awareness of vehicles and machinery around them.
• Cycling and e-bike accessory companies looking for rain gear that lets riders check blind spots without removing the hood.
• Promotional product wholesalers sourcing functional rainwear for corporate events where safety and visibility matter.
• School uniform suppliers needing raincoats that help children see clearly when walking near roads in wet weather.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Put on the raincoat. The transparent sheet rests in its default position around the head.
2. Adjust the view. Grasp the pull handles (6) on either side of the transparent sheet (22).
3. Slide the sheet. Pull the handles to move the sheet axially. The first flexible slider (43) glides inside the downward-opening first chute (42) of the cap rail, while the second flexible slider (53) glides inside the upward-opening second chute (52) of the neck rail.
4. Lock the position. Release the handles; the tight fit between the sliders and the chutes holds the sheet in the chosen spot, altering the size of the shaded area around the head.
5. Open the hood. Detach the ends of the second flexible slide rail (51) to swing the neck section open when rain stops.

Applications

Roadside maintenance and utility work

Crews working near traffic wear rain hoods for hours. An opaque hood forces workers to twist their torsos to see approaching vehicles. The sliding transparent sheet allows them to shift the clear panel toward the direction of traffic, keeping their head facing forward while maintaining a wide line of sight.

Cycling and commuting

Riders in the rain must constantly check over their shoulders for cars. A fixed hood restricts this movement and creates blind spots. By pulling the transparent sheet forward or backward along the flexible rails, cyclists can expose more of their peripheral field exactly when preparing to turn or change lanes.

School routes and child safety

Children walking to school in heavy rain often keep their heads down, hiding behind large hoods. The adjustable transparent panel gives them a clear side view of crosswalks and sidewalks without requiring them to push the hood back manually, which would let water in.

Farming and agriculture

Farm workers operating machinery outdoors need rain protection but also need to monitor equipment gauges or livestock to their sides. The sliding mechanism lets them reposition the clear window to align with whatever requires visual attention, reducing the need to remove the hood entirely during sudden downpours.

Event staff and crowd management

Security personnel directing crowds in wet weather rely on broad situational awareness. Standard hoods tunnel their vision. Adjusting the transparent sheet opens the lateral field so staff can scan perimeters without turning away from the entrance they are guarding.

Where it is less suitable

• High-wind storms - loose transparent sheets may flap if the wind catches the edges; sealed goggle-style storm hoods perform better there.
• Extreme cold environments - flexible plastic rails and sliders may stiffen in freezing temperatures, making adjustment difficult.
• Fashion-focused urban wear - the visible rails and pull handles give a technical, utilitarian look that may not suit minimalist streetwear lines.