HEADWEAR

Abstract

A bandanna-type head wear formed of a fabric, and provides fashion or protection to the wearer. The head wear comprises a first member, and a second member detachably secured to the first member to provide for an integral arrangement of the two members capable of a dual function. The first member comprises a fabric panel having a generally isosceles triangular section. For each of the two equal sides, a portion of the marginal edge at about the apex defined by a side and the base extends outwardly relative to the base to provide for a base longer in its dimension than would be defined by lines that extend in a straight direction from apex to apex. Terminating at the base of the triangular section is an integrally formed, downwardly depending, substantially rectangular section having opposing lateral edges. The second member of the head covering comprises a headband of an elongated, fabric band which is substantially longer than the rectangular section of the first member so that the opposed ends of the headband extend beyond the lateral edges of the rectangular section when attached to the first member. The first and second members include means for detachably fastening one member to the other, and the second member includes means for fastening the ends in overlapping relationship, thereby providing a conforming and secure fit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a headwear or covering. In its more specific aspect, this invention relates to a headwear or covering of a basic construction, comprised of a basic structure having an unique arrangement of dual, cooperative members and constructed so to provide a dual function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Head wear or head coverings of a bandanna-type construction have been used by people for many years. The bandanna is most typically a fabric, and is versatile in that it can provide several functions such as fashion, protection, and sweat adsorption. The fabric bandanna typically is of a rectangular or triangular construction to provide a conforming and secure fit to the wearer.

[0003] The prior art shows a number of United States patents comprising a head cover with an integrally formed headband. This prior art includes, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,856 showing a fabric bandanna for fitting the head and having an integral headband. That is, the bandanna is a unit, a single piece. Similar construction where the head covering portion and the headband are incorporated as a single unit is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,508,211 and 5,685,016. However, such construction providing a unitary body limits the application and function of the bandanna.

[0004] It therefore is an object of this invention to provide a bandanna-type headwear or covering that is more versatile and utilitarian than what is known in the prior art.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a bandanna-type head covering having cooperative members and of a construction so to provide a dual function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Broadly, my invention provides a head covering or a bandanna-type head wear for at least a portion of the head of a wearer, which is formed of a fabric, and provides fashion, or protection, or sweat absorption to or for the wearer. The head wear of this invention comprises a first member, and a second member detachably secured to the first member to provide for an integral arrangement of the two members capable of a dual function. Accordingly, the first member comprises a fabric panel having a generally isosceles triangular section. For each of the two equal sides, a portion of the marginal edge at about the apex defined by a side and the base extends outwardly relative to the base to provide for a base longer in its dimension than would be defined by linear sides, that is, lines that extend in a straight direction from apex to apex. Terminating at the base of the triangular section is an integrally formed, downwardly depending, substantially rectangular section having opposing lateral edges, which preferably are substantially parallel but may be arcuate or some other configuration. The second member of the head covering comprises a headband of an elongated, fabric band which is substantially longer than the rectangular section of the first member so that the opposed ends of the headband extend beyond the lateral edges of the rectangular section when attached to the first member. The first and second members include means for detachably fastening one member to the other, and the second member includes means for fastening the ends in overlapping relationship, thereby providing a conforming and secure fit.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means comprises a complementary hook and loop fastener elements, such as a VELCRO fastener. Thus, in order to provide for the detachable headband or second member, the rectangular section of the first member and the second member are provided with hook and loop fastener elements so that when the members are arranged in overlapping relationship, one fastening element is joined to the complementary fastening element. Similarly, opposed ends of the second member or headband carry the complementary fastening elements for joining when arranged in overlapping relationship.

[0008] It will be observed that the bandanna of this invention provides a fashionable head covering which is also protective to the wearer. When placed in position, the first member covers a large portion of the head of the wearer, and the second member is joined at the ends so as to provide an adjustable and a secure fit. Where desired, however, the second member as the headband portion being detachably fastened to the first member, may be detached and worn simply as a headband over the brow separate from the first member

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose headwear comprised of a bandanna and head band of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view thereof.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof with the head band partially removed.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof with the head band removed.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of the multipurpose headwear on a mannequin.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the multipurpose headwear on a mannequin.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a front view of the head band on a mannequin showing the versatility of the headwear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] Referring to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 the head covering or bandanna-type headwear, indicated generally by the numeral 10. The bandanna head wear is comprised of two members, integrally arranged, but one member being detachable from the other to provide a more versatile and dual function. The head wear 10, being comprised of first member 12 and second member 14, is made of a suitable fabric. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “fabric” is intended to include a material made of natural and synthetic fiber, or a combination thereof, may include cotton, wool, fur, rayon, polyester, nonwovens, or polymeric film, and the fabric may be waterproof. Also, the fabric may be of various colors and designs.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, the head wear 10 includes a first member 12 having a generally triangular section 16 and a downwardly depending rectangular section 18 integrally formed with the triangular section, that is, the triangular section and rectangular section are a unit. In order to provide a symmetrical fit to the head of the wearer, the triangular section 16 is generally isosceles having about equal sides or marginal edges 20 and 22 and a base 24 shown in phantom only (see FIG. 2). It will be observed that the two sides 20 and 22 do not extend between apices as a straight line in a straight direction, but preferably the lower portion of each of the two sides extends outwardly or is arced outwardly, preferably not more than about 15 degrees. Thus, in the construction of the triangular section, a portion of the marginal edges just above the apices defined by a side and the base extends outwardly, as by a small arc. In this manner, the base 24 of the triangular section is of a longer dimension than if defined by linear sides, which is advantageous by providing a better fit at the brow and more covering to the head, as will be more apparent from the description below.

[0019] The first member 12 includes section 18 having a substantially rectangular configuration as viewed in plan and extends downwardly from the triangular section 16 and formed integrally therewith. The lateral edges 28 and 30 of the rectangular section 18 are about co-terminus with the base 24 and marginal edge 26, and preferably these edges are substantially parallel, but where desired may be of any configuration such as arcuate edges or scalloped edges having arcuate or angular segments. The width of the rectangular section 18 is about one-third to one-fifth the height of the isosceles triangular section 16, and preferably about one-fourth the height. Further, the first member 12 is symmetrical when viewed along the longitudinal axis shown as a dotted line 32 extending from the apex formed by the two equal sides 20 and 22 to the center of the base 24 and rectangular section 18.

[0020] The bandanna-type headwear or covering includes a second member 14 comprises an elongated headband 34 having a substantially rectangular configuration but where desired may be tapered. The headband 34 is substantially longer than the rectangular section 18 of the first member 12 so that the opposed ends of the headband extend beyond the lateral edges 28 and 30 of the rectangular section when attached to the rectangular section. Thus, the headband and the rectangular section are provided with complementary fastening means so that the headband can be detachably arranged onto the rectangular section. A portion of the exposed or outwardly disposed facing of the rectangular section 18, relative to when worn or positioned on the head, is provided with a fastening means 36; and the inwardly disposed facing of the headband 34, when in a worn position, is provided with complementary fastening means 38. The headband and the rectangular section are disposed for overlapping relation, so that the headband can be detachably arranged on the rectangular section, thereby providing for an integrally arranged bandanna.

[0021] The fastening means carried by the rectangular section and by the headband preferably is the complementary hook and loop fastener elements, such as VELCRO hook and loop fastener, so that each is provided with one half of the fastening means. Thus, the outwardly disposed facing of the rectangular section when in a fastening position is provided with one half of the VELCRO, and the inwardly disposed facing of the headband when in a fastening position is provided with the complementary one-half of the VELCRO. This type of hook and loop fastener for both is shown in the drawings as a single strip, but where desired, the VELCRO strips can be provided as small segments or units such as two or three segments spaced apart along the desired length of the member. However, a single strip for both is preferred because there is less stitching than for segments which lowers the cost, and single strips avoid the presence of gaps which can let air get under the covering. Similarly, the headband is provided with complementary fasteners 40 and 42, so that when the headband is positioned for wear, the ends of the headband overlap and are fastened in the back.

[0022] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the head wear being worn in a usual or typical manner. The first and second members are attached as shown, and the bandanna covering of the first member covers a large portion of the wearer's head. The headband is brought around to the back of the head, and the ends are fastened in an overlapping position. Where desired, the headband can be removed and used separately from the first member bandanna section, as shown in FIG. 8 thereby illustrating the versatility of the heardwear.

[0023] It will be observed that the headwear of my invention is versatile and provides distinct and important advantages, including the fact that the head wear has a dual function. Further, it should be understood that the foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A covering for at least a portion of the head of a wearer, which comprises: a first member, and a second member detachable to said first member; said first member comprising a fabric panel having a generally isosceles triangular section, a portion of the marginal edge of each of the two equal sides for said triangular section being arced outwardly relative to the base to provide for an extended base, and terminating at the base of said triangular section with an integrally formed, downwardly depending, substantially rectangular section having opposing lateral edges; and said second member comprising a headband of an elongated, fabric band substantially longer than said rectangular section of said first member so that the opposed ends of said headband extend beyond said lateral edges of said rectangular section when attached to said first member; first complementary fastening means for detachably fastening said second member to said first member; and second complementary fastening means carried by said headband on opposite ends of said band for joining when arranged in overlapping relationship.

2. A covering for at least a portion of the head of a wearer according to claim 1 wherein said lateral edges of said rectangular section are substantially parallel.

3. A covering for at least a portion of the head of a wearer according to claim 1 wherein said first fastening means comprises hook and loop fastener elements, one element of said fastener carried by said first member and a complementary element of said fastener carried by said second member.

4. A covering for at least a portion of the head of a wearer according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein said first complementary fastening means comprises complementary hook and loop fastening elements whereby when said headband is arranged in overlapping relationship, one fastening element is joined to the complementary fastening element.

5. A covering for at least a portion of the head of a wearer according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said portion of the marginal edge of each of the two equal sides being arced not more than about 15 degrees.

6. A covering for at least a portion of the head of a wearer according to claim 4 wherein said portion of the marginal edge of each of the two equal sides being arced not more than about 15 degrees.