Abstract: A combination automatic molding machine and associated cooling rack for pressed items, such as hats, using advanced features which produce a pressed items, such as a completed hat form from an unshaped configuration of a moldable material, such as felt, wool or straw. The combination can also be used to produce other flexible, inelastic fabric structures, such as molded insulation members within a wall or vehicle body. When a hat is first taken from the hat molding machine at a first large size, it is then placed upon the cooling rack, where the size is further varied by placing corresponding male crown inserts extending up from a flange placed upon the cooling rack. Preferably the male inserts are made of ABS Plastic. In effect, the molding rack is used to vary sizes for each hat upon the cooling rack. While the hat is in a warm, malleable state of a large size, the hat thus formed is squeezed through a fenestration hole of a smaller size reducer.

Abstract: A hat molding machine using advanced features will produce a completed hat form from an unshaped felt or wool configuration. The machine employs male and female hat molds. The female hat mold has embedded electric heating elements which are temperature controlled. Low pressure steam is piped into the female mold. Using three pneumatic cylinders and an automatic programmable air controller with timer for proper sequencing, a completed hat form shape including shape portion and flange brim portion results.

Abstract: A hat molding machine using advanced features will produce a completed hat form from an unshaped felt or wool configuration. The machine employs male and female hat molds. The female hat mold has embedded electric heating elements which are temperature controlled. Low pressure steam is piped into the female mold. Using three pneumatic cylinders and an automatic programmable air controller with timer for proper sequencing, a completed hat form shape including shape portion and flange brim portion results.

Abstract: There is disclosed headwear including an outer head covering and a removable protective impact resistant shell. The outer head covering is provided with a crown portion having an integral bottom peripheral edge defining a shell receiving opening, and a brim extending outwardly and peripherally from the crown portion. The protective impact resistant shell includes a protective crown portion and an integral bottom rim configured to define a generally circular head receiving opening. A fastening arrangement including a strap is provided for securing the protective shell within the outer head covering. The strap has exterior sections which extend from the exterior surface of the protective shell through generally aligned openings in the outer head covering to secure the protective shell within the head covering.

Abstract: Head protecting headwear in the form of a helmet is disclosed. The helmet includes a resilient, plastic shell which defines a head receiving opening and which has a protective peak. A sweatband is fastened to the shell, adjacent the head receiving opening. The helmet also includes a cover, formed of a stretchable fabric, which slips over the shell and snugly fits thereon. The cover may be removed for purposes of washing or replacement. Fastening elements, disposed on the peak and the cover, may also be provided for securing the cover to the shell and also for preventing the cover from "drooping" relative to the peak.