Abstract: A bicycle helmet is disclosed having a flexible, articulated member depending from the rear of the helmet, providing a closer fit to an individual wearer's head and improving stability of the helmet on the head, particularly for mountain bike riding. The articulated member contacts the wearer's head beneath the occipital region and applies a forward and upward pressure against the head. The general embodiment of the invention includes an elastic strap stretching from one side of the helmet, across the back of the articulated member, to the opposite side of the helmet. Adjusting this strap allows the wearer to adjust the forward and upward pressure exerted by the articulated member on the wearer's head.

Abstract: A protective head apparatus that includes a hard, impact resistant outer body portion having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. A padding layer, forming a cushioning element, is coupled to the concave inner surface of the outer body portion. Appropriate attachment structure is provided for mounting the head covering to conventional headwear, including one or more raised bridge structures that are integrally formed with the convex outer surface of the body portion. The outer body portion of the protective head apparatus is sized to seat exclusively over the posterior portion of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A cap, hat, or visor is provided with a headband. The headband has an inner face for engaging the head of a wearer and an outer face. An elongate pocket is formed in the outer face portion of the headband extending along at least half of the headband circumference. An outer closure in the pocket shields the pocket contents from view and contamination. A foldable neckpiece is attached to the interior of the pocket. It may be folded up and contained within the pocket or unfolded to protectively cover the ears and neck. The neckpiece may be detachable for laundering.

Abstract: A flexible, perspiration-absorbing headband includes a downwardly extending flexible strip having a first end fixed to the headband and a second end end releasably attachable to the headband. The second end of the strip may be looped around a nose bridge of a pair of eyeglasses and attached to the headband to secure the eyeglasses.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat band for a hat including a crown having a base of an inner circumference, includes an elastic material which has a length of a first dimension, which is shorter than the inner circumference of the base of the crown of the hat, and a width of a second dimension and which has a front edge, rear edge, a first edge and a second edge running lengthwise and a fabric material which has a length of a third dimension, which is longer than the circumference of the inner base of the crown of the hat, and a width of a fourth dimension, which is greater than four times the second dimension and which has been folded over along a lengthwise centerline.

Abstract: A hairband having a band portion and two end portions is provided. One of the end portions comprises an elastic loop portion or female portion. The other end portion comprises a narrow portion and an adjacent, wider, engaging male portion. In its relaxed state, the loop portion has an inside diameter that is smaller than the male portion. With the hairband formed in this manner, the two ends can easily be connected. The male portion is pushed through the loop portion, expanding the loop portion. Once the male portion is through, the loop portion relaxes, contracting around the narrow portion.

Abstract: A sweatband for a hat, that can be easily inserted and removed, comprising a flexible retaining strip which permanently attached on one end to the inside surface of a hat, with the opposite end of the strip removably attached to the inside surface of the hat by means of a snap fastener, and a tubular sweatband, which, when the snap fastener is disengaged, can be inserted around the retaining strip, and thereby be retained in the hat when the snap fastener is engaged. The sweatband can also be easily removed to be cleaned or replaced by unfastening the removable end of the retaining strip.

Abstract: A cap includes a crown with an annular base shaped to fit the head of a wearer, and a reversible visor having first and second opposing major surfaces. The visor includes an outwardly extending arcuate flange located along an inside edge of the first and second major surfaces. First and second cooperating attachment members are located respectively on the flange and on the crown proximate the base for removable attachment of the visor to the crown. The flange is movable between a first visor attachment position on the crown wherein the first major surface of the visor faces upwardly during wear, and a second visor attachment position on the crown wherein the second major surface of the visor faces upwardly during wear.

Abstract: Headgear including a light-filtering visor. The headgear may be of any applicable type, including caps, hats, and headbands. The light-filtering visor may be flipped downward to an operative position and upwards to an inoperative position. In the operative position, the filter is positioned generally vertically in front of the eyes of the user. In the inoperative position the visor extends generally upwardly and within the headgear. Means are provided to restrain the folding or flipping action of the visor so that it extends downwardly rather than horizontally in the downwardly-flipped operative position. The visor has two stable positions, upwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A disposable liner is fitted against the inside surface of a sweatband of a cap or hat. The liner functions to absorb moisture and oils, and to eliminate odor. The liner wicks moisture away from a user and may hold moisture away from the hat. The liner may wick moisture to an evaporation region to be evaporated. The evaporation region may be separated from the hat by a cover layer to prevent wicking into the crown of the hat. The liner may be configured to adjust the size, and thus the fit of the hat on the head of the user. To secure a hat on the head of a user, the liner may include a compressible, foamed, polymeric core. The core may be treated with an antibacterial agent and a deodorizing agent for eliminating odors. To one side of the core is attached an adhesive layer for securing the to the sweatband of the hat. The adhesive is selected for firmness yet easy removal and disposal of the liner. The adhesive may be heat-sensitive.

Abstract: A system for adapting a hat of the type which is originally provided with only a permanent sweat band, so that the hat can receive a removable, washable, and reusable sweat band. Hats may also be manufactured with the system in place.

Abstract: A picture cap for removably retaining a picture or the like and visually displaying the same. The picture cap includes a head covering portion with a window opening formed therein. The cap has an inside and an outside surface. A picture retaining pocket is secured to the inside surface of the head covering portion. The picture retaining pocket has a bottom end, inner and outer walls extending upwardly from the bottom end and an open top end. The bottom end and the walls provide a space therebetween. The outer wall of the pocket extends around the periphery of the window opening and is comprised of transparent material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a headband are described, each having a ponytail receiving feature. In some of the embodiments, the ponytail-receiving feature is a separate and distinct ring-like element. In other embodiments, the ponytail-receiving feature is an opening created in the headband itself. The headband may be formed of one or more braided strands. A four-strand braid may have two groups of two strands each, at a ponytail-receiving location, to form the ponytail-receiving feature. In an embodiment, one long strand may be braided back onto itself, its two ends forming loops for defining the extremities of an integral ponytail-receiving feature. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively long strand and a relatively short strand are braided to form a headband with integral ponytail-receiving feature. An optional visor element is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective strap cover for a baseball-style cap for improving the comfort of fit between the strap assembly of the baseball-style cap and the head of the wearer. The protective strap cover includes first and second portions of flexible material connected to one another along parallel seam lines to define an elongated tubular structure configured to receive and enclose the first and second linear adjustable strap members of a baseball-style cap. At least one the portions of the flexible material is cushioned to provide a pad-like surface for contacting the hear of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of headwear providing the advantages of a bandana and that of a baseball-type cape. The article includes a visor brim in the form of a bill, a self-supporting upstanding crown, and a triangular bandana cloth. The bill has a front edge and an arcuate rear edge. The bandana is formed of a flexible fabric having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front edge and a pair of angularly extending side edges. The front edge merges with each of the side edges in a pair of pointed ends, while the side edges merge with each other in another pointed end. The rear edge of the bill is fixedly secured to the front edge of bandana cloth. The crown is a generally triangular shaped, slightly concave member having a concave inner surface, a convex outer surface, and a bottom edge. The crown is disposed under and secured to the bandana cloth so that the inner surface of the bandana cloth engages the convex surface of the crown.

Abstract: A hat having an attached accessory such as a visor is disclosed incorporating a headband formed integrally with a sliding member positioned adjacent the opening in the crown. A track is secured to the crown and slidingly engages the sliding member to permit the crown and attached visor to be rotated relative to the wearer's head without removing the hat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering and protecting engagement regions of interconnecting straps employed with apparel. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath of material which is generally tubular in shape having a inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall of the tube defines a cavity therein. The sheath is sized to permit disposition of the sheath over at least a portion of interconnecting straps employed in conjunction with certain apparel. The sheath has a predetermined length which is selected to permit the sheath to cover at least a portion of engagement regions of the respective interconnecting straps when disposed thereon.

Abstract: An improved advertising nameplate is provided for a cap to be worn on a head of a person. The cap has a crown with a headband and a pair of adjustment straps at the back of the crown to adjust the size of the headband. The nameplate consists of a structure for concealing the pair of adjustment straps after the headband on the crown is adjusted. An apparatus is for removably mounting the concealing structure to the pair of adjustment straps, so that the concealing structure may be changed depending upon the preference of the person. A logo for advertising is disposed directly onto the concealing structure, so that the logo may be displayed therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is an all weather runner's hat, the design of which promotes airflow around the head and hair of a person while, at the same time, deflecting rain which comprises a generally hemispherical shell, a brim which is attached at an angle of about 15.degree. from horizontal and varies in width around the circumference, a number of vents positioned in the crown for ventilation, and a means of attaching the headband with spacers to create a novel air gap to allow air flow around the head and hair.

Abstract: An expandable baseball hat and cover adapted to expand and conform to differently shaped heads or protective devices. The hat includes a first flexible material which has an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge to form a skirt portion. The inner surface of the first material is provided with two tab members, each of which has coacting fastening means for releasable engagement with each other. The tab elements are engaged to gather the flexible material for a snug, conformed fit to the wearer's head. The expandable hat can be used in combination with a rigid shell, such as a batting helmet. The expandable hat is fitted over the shell for the skirt to snugly engage the peripheral edge of the shell without other fastening means. The skirt and inner surface of the shell are provided with second coacting fastening means in registration for releasable engagement.

Abstract: A moisture management hat is constructed of a shell fabric and includes a moisture management band. The moisture management band is located along an inside perimeter of the hat for residing next to at least the forehead of the wearer during garment wear. The moisture management band includes a first, moisture wicking fabric layer having a skin-side surface and a shell-side surface. The first fabric layer is constructed of hydrophobic fibers for residing nearest the head of the wearer for moving moisture outwardly away from the head. A second, moisture dispersal fabric layer having a skin-side surface and a shell-side surface resides adjacent to the shell-side surface of the first fabric layer. The second fabric layer is constructed of hydrophilic fibers for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly by the first fabric layer.

Abstract: A cap is disclosed which allows the wearer to display a photograph or other work of visual art through a transparent panel covering a cutout portion of the cap, providing protection for both the front and back surfaces of the photograph and having means for retaining the top and bottom of said photograph.

Abstract: A baseball cap construction (10) including:a cap body member (20); at least one visor unit (12); and means (28) and (32) for selectively and releasably positioning the at least one visor unit (12) at a desired location around the periphery of the cap body member (20).

Abstract: A reusable sweatband for sport caps and athletic headgear including a moisture receiving and retaining means attached to a strip of hook and loop fastener for placement inside the headgear with a corresponding strip of hook and loop fastener. One end of the velcro is stripped of its hooks making the strip easier to grasp and remove. A grommet is placed near the end adapted for grasping in order that the sweatband may be stored for drying or future use.

Abstract: A cushioning, sweat-absorbing, advertising sweatband which is easily attached and removed from an existing hat or headgear that has an exposed headband. The band is a piece of material that has a foam cushion inserted inside the material and sewn in such a way as to form three distinct rectangles which are wrapped around each other and mate together through hook and loop fasteners over the exposed headband of a hat, such as an adjustable baseball cap.

Abstract: A headband protects a woman from injury to the skin adjacent to the hairline during hair treatment. The headband is made of a flat, heat-insulating, moisture-absorbing material and its top edge is arcuate in the region covering the temples and forehead of the wearer, protruded in the region covering the ears, and substantially straight in the region covering the back of the neck, so that the headband follows the contour of the hairline when secured on the head of the wearer.

Abstract: An emblem bearing cap attachment has a substantially planar, relatively stiff body defining a forward surface and a rearward surface. A primary crease extends centrally across the planar body defining an upper facing panel and a lower backing panel. The primary crease facilitates folding of the body about and capturing the adjustable straps of a baseball style cap to position the rearward surface of the facing panel in confronting relationship with the rearward surface of the backing panel whereat are fastening means to secure the panels together. The facing panel completely closes the semicircular opening at the rear of the cap and allows the display of emblems or other indicia thereon.

Abstract: A sweatband comprises an elongated, decorative, cloth element made of a stretchable material, and a water-absorber retained by the cloth element. The cloth element has end portions that can be secured together so that when the sweatband is placed around a body part, the band is held in place so the water-absorber can absorb sweat from the body part. The sweatband has a combination of comfort, high sweat absorbance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hat sunguard for use with any size of expandable or fitted "baseball" style hat having an upturned inner band. The invention includes a substantially rectangular body having a pair of pockets and a centrally positioned notch along the upper portion of the body. The pockets are adapted for folding engagement to the interior of the upturned inner band on opposite sides of the interior of the hat. The notch permits the expansion of the positioning of the pockets for engagement to any size of hat. The body depends from the back of the hat protecting the back of a wearer's neck and ears from harmful waves of sunlight.

Abstract: A method of locating properly and comfortably a protective helmet on the head of a person. A fit, locating and comfort band is mounted around the persons head, namely adjacent the ears and the back of the head and over the forehead. Thereafter, a protective plastic helmet having a foam lining is mounted over the band as a separate and distinct operation. The method further comprises employing a harness above the band to aid in keeping it in place while the helmet is subsequently mounted, and to protect the top of the head from discomfort caused by a central foam element of the helmet. The apparatus comprises the band and harness and helmet employed in combination with each other, but with no need for the band or harness to be connected to the helmet. In accordance with another aspect of the method and apparatus, an inflatable bladder is employed to aid in maintaining the band and helmet in the desired positions.

Abstract: A flat elongate sweat band having end portions releasably and adjustably fastenable to each other to form an annular configuration for use. The sweat band provides a thin tubular cover defining an internal chamber carrying a perspiration absorbing pad. The cover is compound with an annularly interior portion that is perspiration permeable and an annularly exterior portion that is perspiration impermeable which may carry patternation for aesthetic purposes or alphanumeric characters for advertising. One side of the cover carries an elongate strip of elastomeric material that shrinks after placement to provide elastic tension to aid positional maintenance of the band during use. The absorbent pad is formed of a mixture of linted fiber and water absorbing polymeres. The band structure particularly adapts the device for formation by continuous manufacturing processes which provide economic parameters allowing single use, throw away type use.

Abstract: An elongated, semi-flat tubular body constructed of flexible fluid impervious material is provided and the tubular body is divided into separate longitudinally spaced compartments along longitudinally spaced flexible transverse zones of the body. The compartments are filled with a fluid eutectic solution and the body may be folded along the transverse zones for relative angular displacement of the adjacent compartments. The elongated, semi-flat tubular body may removably supported within the channel defined by the sweat band of a hat or cap and may be used to absorb heat from the adjacent head areas of the wearer of the hat or to provide heat to those adjacent head areas.

Abstract: A disposable device for absorbing perspiration that can be placed into the forehead area of a variety of styles and sizes of headwear. The invention consists of a flexible, liquid absorbent pad made from a material such as cloth having an absorbent nap, such as terry cloth, or absorbent paper, which may be cut by the user to fit the forehead area of the headwear. The absorbent pad may be of varying degrees of thickness. The absorbent pad is coated on one side with an adhesive, which temporarily but firmly adheres the absorbent pad to the headwear. After the absorbent pad becomes soiled, the invention can be removed from headwear by the user, disposed of, and replaced with a new absorbent pad. The non-adhesive side of the absorbent pad may be readily printable, so that advertising, slogans or other messages may be printed thereon.

Abstract: A sweatband and earphone system utilizing a head sweatband preferably formed of an elastic fabric having internal pockets defined therein for receiving earphones connected to a radio or tape player. The sweatband comfortably and securely maintains the earphones upon the wearer's ears, and the sweatband includes stretchable openings permitting the earphones to be readily inserted and removed.

Abstract: A multi-layer moisture management elastic fabric including a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns and defining a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Elastic yarns are integrated with the yarns of the moisture transport fabric layer and the yarns of the moisture dispersal fabric layer to form a single, integrated fabric which is highly elastic. The fabric is useful as waistband material and as athletic headbands, wristbands and as medical bandages and braces.

Abstract: A fabric-covered foam rubber pad that is in a semicircular shape with a small slot gap in the center of the foam rubber pad that provides a hinge to allow it to easily fold in half and provide room for the sizing strap of a baseball-style cap. Hooh-and-loop fasteners are attached to one side of the structure so that when placed up, under, and over a baseball-style cap's sizing strap it can be folded in half and secured in place.

Abstract: A removable liner for lining a forehead-contacting portion of a headgear of a protective head covering such as a hard hat includes a piece of material configured with a bottom edge, side edges extending outwardly and upwardly from the bottom edge to a top edge, and a top edge with top edge end portions sloping upwardly to a central top edge portion. Fastening means, such as snaps, are provided at the ends of and intermediate the top edge of the liner with respective mating fastening means at the ends of and intermediate the bottom edge so that the liner can be folded around the forehead-contacting strap and flap and the fastening means fastened to hold the liner in position. The fastening means along the bottom edge of the liner are all offset inwardly or toward one another from their respective mating fastening means along the top edge so as to provide a good fit around the strap and flap with a minimum of bunching and wrinkling.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method of installing sweatbands or the like in non-sized hats. The band and fabric may be installed in the crown of a hat by a novel rolling process which saves time and expense, while leaving a seamless finish in the area of the soft cloth.

Abstract: A hairband construction, preferably for use in a ponytail hair style, is provided which is formed from an elongated material section and an elongated elastic section having a cross-section generally smaller than that of the material section. A pair of connectors are adapted to secure ends of the plastic section to regions adjacent to the ends of the material section. The connectors are flat plates, which may be secured to the material section with an adhesive. The connectors also have holes for the receipt of an end of the elastic section.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of forming a low cost, breathable, light weight, soft, disposable elastic structure with surface properties that are characterized by a controlled irregularity of the pleats or shirrs that make up the broad surfaces of the structure. The structure is a layered structure with outer layers of low basis weight breathable material, a central elastic layer, and an adhesive layer that serves to join all the layers together to form a unitary elastic structure.

Abstract: A reversible hat comprises two hemispherical crown members each having a head-encircling outer edge, the crown members joined substantially only about the outer edges of the crown members to allow independent action and shaping of the crown members; and stiffening means are provided for at least one of the crown members to permit said reversible hat to maintain an outer formed hat shape in either position of reversal of the hat. A re-attachable sweatband is further provided for use in either position of the reversal of the hat.

Abstract: A convertible fur piece is disclosed which consists of an elongated strip of fur having hook and loop connecting strips secured to its opposed longitudinal edges which enable the strip of fur to be folded in half with its edges secured together to form an elongated hollow tube which receives a shoulder bag strap, or the like, to form a decorative element for the shoulder bag strap and a protective guard to reduce wear resulting from rubbing of the shoulder bag strap against the fur coat. Additionally, the ends of the fur strip have additional hook and loop connecting strips respectively secured thereto enable the fur strip to also serve as a head band.

Abstract: An improved sweatband is disclosed comprising a first fabric configured to fit about the head of a wearer. A second fabric is attached to the first fabric and a third fabric is partially secured to the second fabric thereby forming a pocket therebetween. A removable package for holding granular moisture absorbing material is configured to fit withnin the pocket. The sweatband is secured to head of the wearer to absorb perspiration. The removable package can be removed and dried upon saturation of the granular moisture absorbing material.

Abstract: A sports band for absorbing perspiration and for cooling the wearer is comprised of a band of elastic absorbent material, generally toroidal in shape and is configured to be worn upon a person's head or wrist. The sports band has a slit formed upon its inner surface such that a flexible cold pack may be received thereby and disposed within the band.

Abstract: A headband construction can support a pair of small flashlights on each side of a user's head. The headband features left and right pairs of buttonholes through which a flashlight is inserted on each side of the users head so that the flashlights can be oriented to point forwardly. This allows the user to support two flashlights which are forwardly facing.

Abstract: A sports visor having a sweatband and a normally flat, sheet-like removable visor fixed to the sweatband. The visor is comprised of a top face and a bottom face and may be secured to the sweatband with a securing means located on the bottom face of the visor.

Abstract: The ventilating system is proposed for use with a head cover including a visor like structure engaged to the forehead of a wearer by a sweat band and includes spaced apart resilient, porous, absorbent members removably engaged to an area of the sweat band which would normally engage the forehead of the wearer to space that area of the sweat band away from the forehead. The spaces between the resilient, porous, absorbent members create paths therebetween through which air can pass across the forehead of the wearer. Still further, evaporation of any perspiration collected in the absorbent members will provide a cooling effect to the forehead of the wearer.

Abstract: A segmented cap assembly that includes selectively detachable crown component, sweatband component and visor component. The sweatband component is formed having a forward part made of hook and loop tape hook portion-engaging material. The crown component selectively attaches to the sweatband component by engagement of hook and loop tape material fixedly attached to the inside portion of the crown component to the upper half of the hook and loop tape hook portion-engaging material. The visor component selectively attaches to the sweatband component by engagement of hook and loop tape material fixedly attached to the inside portion of the visor component to the lower half of the hook and loop tape hook portion-engaging material.

Abstract: A disposable liner to be placed inside a hard hat, or similar protective head covering, so as to be in direct contact with a wearer's forehead. The liner is formed of an absorbent material such as terry cloth which has a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side thereof. The adhesive removeably secures the liner to the normal forehead contacting flap of the hard hat. The liner absorbs sweat, cushions from minor protrusions, and insulates from cold temperatures.

Abstract: A headband construction is provided which is formed from an elongated material section and an elongated elastic section having a cross section generally smaller than that of the material section. A pair of clips are provided which secure each end of the material section to a corresponding end of the elastic section. The clips have inwardly facing grippers such as pointed teeth at each end thereof and may for example be crimped to secure the sections together. Preferably, a cover is provided for each clip which cover is held in place at least in part by the corresponding clip. For the preferred embodiment, the covering is a cord which is secured at at least one end in the clip means and is wrapped therearound. For preferred embodiments the material section is formed of a plurality of elongated strands of material which are interconnected by wrapping, braiding or twisting.