Headwear piece

The invention relates to a headwear piece comprising a crown defining an opening to accept the head of a wearer. The crown has peripheral crown wall having an annular configuration and a top wall. The headwear piece has a first opening through the crown to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head and a second opening through the crown wall to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. The first opening and the second opening are provided with enlarging means for enlarging the openings to produce enlarged openings through the crown facilitate the placement of a ponytail trough the openings. The invention also relates to a headwear piece having first cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge and a second cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge and in which the first cutout and the second cutout are provided on opposite sides of the front-to-back median of the crown.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to headwear piece for the wearing on a person's head.

More particularly, the invention relates to a headwear piece comprising a crown defining an opening to accept the head of a wearer. The crown is dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head. The crown has a peripheral crown wall having an annular configuration and a top wall. The headwear piece comprises a first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head, and a second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. The first opening is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall and the second opening is surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall. The first opening is provided on a first side of the front-to-back median of the crown and the second opening is provided on the opposite second side of the front-to-back median of the crown.

The headwear piece of the invention is preferably, but not necessarily, a baseball style cap having generally a crown to which a frontal bill is attached.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,249 (Higgins) discloses a headwear piece comprising a crown and having two openings through the crown, each of the openings being fully surrounded by the crown and allow passage of a ponytail therethrough, the openings being provided in the crown oppositely spaced with respect to the front-to-back median of the crown. Since the openings through the crown in this known headwear piece are relatively small, 1-3 inches, it is difficult for a wearer to fit the headwear piece on the head when the wearer, at the same time when fitting the headwear piece into place on his/her head has to fit a first ponytail through the first opening and a second ponytail trough the second opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to solve this problem.

In a headwear piece according to the invention both the first opening and the second opening is provided with enlarging means for enlarging the opening to produce an enlarged opening through the peripheral crown wall to facilitate the placement of an ponytail trough the opening.

Several embodiments of the headwear piece according to the invention are presented in the dependent claims 2 to 25.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention both the first opening and the second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall. In this first advantageous embodiment of the invention the both the first enlarging means and the second enlarging means comprise entry means provided on the crown for providing a closable entryway in the crown in communication with the first opening through the peripheral crown wall to allow an elongate ponytail to be placed in the opening through the peripheral crown wall without threading the ponytail lengthwise into the opening in the peripheral crown wall. In this first advantageous embodiment both the &is closable entryway and the second closable extends between the opening and the bottom edge of the crown. In this first advantageous embodiment the crown is defined by fabric and both the first means and the second means for providing a closable entryway comprises two fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes joining means for releasable joining the flaps in mutually overlying relationship.

In a second advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece of the invention the crown is defined by fabric and both the enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall and enlarged second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall the are completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall. In this second advantageous embodiment the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer and includes joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In this second advantageous embodiment the second enlarging means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps in mutually overlying relationship.

In a third advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece of the invention the crown defined by fabric. In this third advantageous embodiment the enlarged first opening is in communication with the enlarged second opening and the enlarged second opening is in communication with the enlarged first opening. In this third advantageous embodiment the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the second enlargening means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the first fabric flaps are joined together with the third fabric flaps and the second fabric flaps are joined together with the fourth fabric flaps.

The first enlargening means an the second enlargening means can in addition to enlargening the openings through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall also form adjustment means for adjusting the size of the opening to accept the head of the wearer in the crown.

The invention also provides for a fourth advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece, which differs from the above presented first, second and third advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece of the invention, since in the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention is the first opening and the second opening not completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall.

Several advantageous embodiments of this headwear piece according to the invention are presented in the independent claims 27 to 33.

In this fourth advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece, the headwear piece comprises a first cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge. The first cutout is provided with a first strap. The first cutout and the first strap form together the perimeter of a first opening to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. In this fourth advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece, the headwear piece comprises in addition to the first cutout a second cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge. The second cutout is provided with a second strap. The second cutout and the second strap form together the perimeter of a second opening to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. The first cutout and the second cutout are provided on opposite sides of the front-to-back median of the crown. The first strap is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout, and the second strap is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the second cutout.

The first strap of the first cutout and the second strap of the second cutout can in addition form adjustment means for adjusting the size of the opening to accept the head of the wearer in the crown

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention and shows the headwear piece with the enlarged first and second enlarged openings produced;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 6 and show the headwear in a state where an enlarged fig is produced;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 8 and show the headwear in a state where an enlarged opening is produced;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention and shows the headwear piece with the enlarged first and second enlarged openings produced;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention and shows the headwear piece with the enlarged first and second enlarged openings produced;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 24 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 28 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG. 30 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 30 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG. 32 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 34 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 35 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 36 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 39 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 28 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG. 40 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 41 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG. 30 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened; and

FIG. 42 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The headwear piece 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 42 comprises a crown 2 defining an opening 3 to accept the head 4 of a wearer (not shown in the drawings).

The crown 2 dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head 4. The crown 2 has a top and bottom, a peripheral crown wall 5 having an annular configuration and a top wall 6.

The headwear piece 1 comprises a first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail 8 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4. The headwear piece 1 also comprises a second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail 10 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the first opening 7 is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 and the second opening 9 is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6.

The first opening 7 is provided on a first side of the front-to-back median (not marked with a reference numeral) of the crown 2 and the second opening 9 is provided on the opposite second side of the front-to-back median of the crown 2.

The first opening 7 is provided with first enlarging means 11 for enlarging the first opening 7 to produce an enlarged first opening 12 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to facilitate the placement of the first ponytail 8 trough the first opening 7.

The second opening 9 is provided with second enlarging means 13 for enlarging the second opening 9 to produce an enlarged second opening 14 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to facilitate the placement of the second ponytail 10 trough the second opening 9.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first advantageous embodiment of the invention. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the first enlarging means 11 comprise fist entry means 15 provided on the crown 2 for providing a first closable entryway 16 in the crown 2 in communication with the first opening 7 through the peripheral crown wall 5 to allow a first elongate ponytail to be placed in the first opening 7 through the peripheral crown wall 5 without threading the first ponytail 8 lengthwise into the first opening 7 in the peripheral crown wall 5.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the second enlarging means 13 comprise second entry means 17 provided on the crown 2 for providing a second closable entryway 18 in the crown 2 in communication with the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to allow a second elongate ponytail to be placed in the second opening 9 though at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 without threading the second ponytail 10 lengthwise into the second opening 9.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the first closable entryway 16 extends between the first opening 7 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2 and the second closable entryway 18 extends between the second opening 9 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

In FIGS. 1 to 4 the crown 2 is defined by fabric.

The first means for providing a closable entryway comprises in FIGS. 1 to 4 first fabric flaps 20 and second fabric flaps 21 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps, preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

The second means for providing a closable entryway comprises in FIGS. 1 to 4 third fabric flaps 23 and fourth fabric flaps 24 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth fabric flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

FIGS. 5 to 12 show variants of the headwear piece shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 for releasable joining two fabric flaps of can comprise a Velcro® strap 31 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In FIGS. 8 and 9 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise several co-operating buttons 32 arranged at the fabric flaps for releasable joining two fabric flaps.

In FIG. 10 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise magnets 33, for connecting the fabric flaps together.

In FIG. 11 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise fabric pieces 34 which can be tied to a knot 35 for connecting the fabric flaps together. Each of the fabric flaps 20, 21, 23 and 24 comprises in this embodiment advantageously an integrated fabric piece 34, which can be tied to a knot 35 with another fabric piece 34.

In FIG. 12 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise a zipper 36 for releasable joining the fabric flaps together.

Alternatively can the first closable entryway 16 extend between the first opening 7 and the second opening 9 and the second closable entryway 18 extend between the second opening 9 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2. In this embodiment is the crown 2 preferably is defined by fabric. In this embodiment the first means for providing a closable entryway preferably comprises first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship and the second means for providing a closable entryway preferably comprises third and fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show a second advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In this second advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece 1 of the invention the crown 2 is defined by fabric and both the enlarged first opening 12 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 and enlarged second opening 14 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 the are completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6. In this second advantageous embodiment the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 for closing a part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said first opening 7 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said enlarged first opening 12, wherein said first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. In this second advantageous embodiment the second enlargening means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 for closing a part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said second opening 9 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said enlarged second opening 14, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

Alternatively can only the enlarged first opening 12 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 being completely surrounded by the peripheral crown wall 5 and the second opening 9 be provided with a second closable entryway 18 extending between the second opening 9 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

In this alternative can the first enlargening means comprise first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 for closing a part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said first opening 7 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said enlarged first opening 12, wherein said first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

In the second advantageous embodiment of the invention can the first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps and/or the second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps for example comprise such joining means, which are presented in FIGS. 6 to 12.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show a third advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In this third advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece 1 of the invention the crown 2 defined by fabric. In this third advantageous embodiment the enlarged first opening 12 is in communication with the enlarged second opening 14 and the enlarged second opening 14 is in communication with the enlarged first opening 12. In this third advantageous embodiment the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 for closing a part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said first opening 7 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said enlarged first opening 12, wherein said first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the second enlargening means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 for closing a part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said second opening 9 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said enlarged second opening 14, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and includes second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the first fabric flaps 20 are joined together with the third fabric flaps 23 and the second fabric flaps 21 are joined together with the fourth fabric flaps 24.

Alternatively can the first and the third fabric flaps in this third advantageous embodiment be separate fabric flaps, i.e. not joined together. Alternatively can the second and the fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 in this third advantageous embodiment be separate fabric flaps, i.e. not joined together.

In the third advantageous embodiment of the invention can the first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps and/or the second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps for example comprise such joining means, which are presented in FIG. 6 to 12.

The headwear piece 1 of the invention is preferably, but not necessarily a such that the crown 2 outer surface is substantially uninterrupted by any opening at the front half of the crown 2.

The bottom of the first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, spaced at least a half inch (about 1 cm) upwardly from the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

The bottom of the first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, spaced at least a half inch (about 1 cm) upwardly from the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2 and the bottom of the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 is preferably, but not necessarily spaced at least a half inch (about 1 cm) upwardly from the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 1 and 4 inches (2.5 and 10 cm).

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 2 and 3 inches (5 and 7.5 cm).

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 1 and 4 inches (2.5 and 10 cm), and the second opening 9 in through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 the peripheral crown wall 5 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 1 and 4 inches (2.5 and 10 cm).

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 2 and 3 inches (5 and 7.5 cm), and the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 2 and 3 inches (5 and 7.5 cm).

The headwear piece 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily a frontal bill 30.

FIGS. 21 to 23 show a fourth embodiment of a headwear piece 1 according to the invention.

The headwear piece 1 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 comprises a crown 2 defining an opening 2 to accept the head 4 of a wearer. The crown 2 is dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head 4. The crown 2 has a top and bottom, a peripheral crown wall 5 having an annular configuration and a top wall 6. The peripheral crown wall 5 has a bottom edge 19. The crown 2 has an exposed outer surface;

The headwear piece 1 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 comprises a first cutout 26 through the peripheral crown wall 5 in the bottom edge 19. The first cutout 26 is provided with a first strap 27. The first cutout 26 and the first strap 27 forms together the perimeter of a first opening 7 to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail 8 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4.

The headwear piece 1 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 also comprises a second cutout 28 through the peripheral crown wall 5 in the bottom edge 19. The second cutout 28 is provided with a second strap 29. The second cutout 28 and the second strap 29 forms together the perimeter of a second opening 9 to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail 10 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4.

The first cutout 26 and the second cutout 28 are provided on opposite sides of the front-to-back median of the crown 2.

At least the first strap 27 is preferably an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout 26.

In the headwear piece 1 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 both the first strap 27 is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout 26, and the second strap 29 is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the second cutout 28.

At least one of the first strap 27 and the second strap 26 may consist of two overlapping straps, of which the first is fastened on one site of the cutout and of which the second is fastened on the opposite site of the cutout and which are enable with respect to each other in at least two positions so that the length of the strap is adjustable. In such embodiment at least one of the overlapping straps may be provided with fastening means for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each other. The fastening means for releasable fasting the overlapping straps to each other may be realized so that one of the overlapping straps is provided with studs and the other overlapping strap is provided with apertures for receiving the studs when the overlapping straps are in a overlapping state. The fastening means for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each ether may also comprise a Velcro® band for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each other as shown in FIG. 32.

At least one of the firm strap 27 and the second strap 26 may be a strap, which is fixedly fastened on one site of the cutout and which is releasable fastenable on the opposite site of the cutout in at least two positions preferably, but not necessarily, by means fastening means, so that the width of the cutout can be altered.

FIGS. 24 to 42 shows variants of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In FIGS. 24 to 25 the cutouts are provided with a lashing 37 so that the lashes forms the strap of the cutout. The crown is provided with several holes 38 for the lashes on opposite sides of the cutouts. The lashing may form a continuous loop as shown in FIG. 24 or have two ends, as shown in FIG. 25, so that the lashing is suitable for being be tied into a knot 39.

In FIG. 26 the straps are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutouts 26 and 28, but the straps 27 and 29 are made of a flexible material, for example of a flexible fabric, so that the distance between the opposite sides of the cutout and the length of the straps 27 and 29 can flexible vary to facilitate placement of a ponytail through the openings 7 and 9.

In FIG. 27 the straps are fixedly fastened on one of the opposite sides of the cutout 26 and 28 and the straps can be releasable fastened on the opposite side of the cutout 26 and 28 in various predefined positions by means of several co-operating buttons 40 provided on the crown 2 and the strap 27, 29 to facilitate placement of a ponytail through the openings 7 and 9 and so that the distance between the opposite sides of the cutout 26 and 28 can be varied.

In FIGS. 28 and 29 the straps both cutouts 26, 28 comprises two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout and the strap portions of the cutout can be releasable fastened to each other in various portions by means of co-operating buttons 40 provided on both strap portions of a cutout to facilitate placement of a ponytail through the openings 7 and 9 and so that the distance between the opposite sides of the cutout 26 and 28 can be varied.

In FIGS. 30 and 31 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 are made of two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout. A first strap portion is provided with a ring 45 through which the second strap portion of the cutout can be tread so the second strap portion can be releasable fastened to itself in various positions and form a closed loop of the second strap portion. For releasable fastening the second strap portion to itself and to form the closed loop, the second strap portion is provided with fastening means 46, which may be a Velcro® strap as shown in FIG. 31.

In FIG. 33 both cutouts are provided with a strap in the form of a plastic two-part plastic buckle 47, which can be repeatable opened and closed. In other words, the plastic two-part buckle comprises a first buckle part 48 and a second buckle part 49, which can be releasable attached to the first buckle part. The first plastic buckle part of the plastic buckle is fastened at one side of the cutout and the second plastic buckle part of the plastic buckle is fastened at the opposite side of the cutout. At least one of the first buckle part 48 and the second buckle part 49 can be fastened by a strap portion at the crown. At least one of the first buckle part 48 and the second buckle part 49 can be releasable fastened by a strap portion at the crown. Woo Jin-Duraflex in Korea makes suitable plastic two-part buckles.

In FIG. 34 both cutouts are provided with a strap, which is fixedly fastened at one side of the cutout and which can be releasable fastened at the opposite side of the cutout by means of several holes 50 formed in the strap and a button 51 attached by sewing to the crown 2, which button 51 can be tread through a selected hole 50 in the strap to releasable attach the free end of the strap 27 and 29 to the crown 2.

In FIG. 35 the headwear piece is provided with an adjustable strap 52, which is releasable fixed by mean of fastening elements 53 at the annular peripheral crown wall 5 so the adjustable strap 52 extends over the part of the annular peripheral crown wall 5 having the first cutout 26 and second cutout 28. The adjustable strap 52 is releasable fixed at the annular peripheral crown wall 5 by means of two fastening elements 53, so that the adjustable strap 52 can be releasable fixed to the fastening elements 53 at several positions at the adjustable strap 52, which positions for example as in FIG. 35 are defined by the teeth 54 of the adjustable strap 52. By fixing the fastening element 53 to the adjustable strap 52 at different distances from each other can the user adjust the size of the opening 3 on the crown 2. Such adjustment mechanisms are for example used in helmets.

In FIG. 36 the headwear piece is provided with an adjustable annular collar 61, which surrounds the opening 3 of the crown 2 so that the size of the opening 3 can be varied by adjusting the size of the adjustable annular collar 61, more precisely by adjusting the diameter of the adjustable annular collar 61. Alternatively cam the adjustable annular collar 61 in FIG. 36 be an adjustable collar portion 61, which do not completely surround the opening 3 of the crown 2. In other words, the adjustable collar 61 can alternatively only extend over the part of the opening 3 of the crown 2 at which part the first cutout 26 and the second cutout 28 is disposed or situated so that the size of the opening 3 can be varied by adjusting the size of the adjustable collar portion 61, more precisely by adjusting the length of the adjustable collar portion 61. In this alternative the adjustable collar portion 61 is fastened to the crown 2. The adjustable collar 61 may comprise a wire 62 which can be reeled up on a reel member 63 by rotating the reel member so that the length of the adjustable collar decreases and reeled off the reel member 63 in the other direction so that the length of the adjustable collar increases. Such adjustable collars are for example used in helmets.

In FIG. 37 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 comprises two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions of one cutout are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout. One of the strap portions 41, 42, 43 or 44 of the cutout is provided with a tensioning buckle 55 made for example of plastic through which the other soup portion 41, 42, 43 or 44 of the cutout can be lead. The tensioning buckle can for example be a plastic tensioning buckle of the type used in backpacks and similar articles. Woo Jin-Duraflex in Korea makes suitable tensioning buckles.

In FIGS. 38 and 39 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 are made of two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions of one cutout are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout. One of the strap portions of the cutout is provided with several holes 58 and the other strap portion of the cutout is provided with buckle having a ring 56 and a prong 57, which prong can be inserted into a selected hole in the other strap portion of the cutout.

In FIGS. 40 and 41 both cutouts are provided with a strap, which is fixedly fastened on one side of the cutout and which comprises a hook element 61 in the free opposite end. On the other side, the crown is provided with several holes 59 at different distances from the cutout. By placing the hook element strap trough a selected hole in the crown, will the side of the cutout, at which the strap is fastened be closer or more distant from the side of the cutout, which is provided with the holes.

In FIG. 42 both cutouts are provided with a strap 27 and 29, which is fixedly fastened on one side of the cutout. On the other side of the cutout the crown is provided with a locking device 60 for releasable locking the free end of the strap to the crown at a selected position of the strap.

Above some embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed by way of example, but for a person skilled in the art it will be clear that the invention is not limited to those alone, but rather it can be modified in many different ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A headwear piece comprising:

a crown defining an opening to accept the head of a wearer;
said crown dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head;
said crown having a top and bottom, a peripheral crown wall having an annular configuration and a top wall;
a first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head; and
a second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head; and
wherein the first opening being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall;
wherein the second opening being surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall;
wherein the first opening is provided on a first side of the front-to-back median of the crown;
wherein the second opening is provided on the opposite second side of the front-to-back median of the crown;
wherein the first opening is provided with first enlarging means for enlarging the first opening to produce an enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to facilitate the placement of the first ponytail trough the first opening; and
wherein the second opening is, provided with second enlarging means for enlarging the second opening to produce an enlarged second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to facilitate the placement of the second ponytail trough the second opening.

2. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein the first enlarging means comprise first entry means provided on the crown for providing a first closable entryway in the crown in communication with the first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow a first elongate ponytail to be placed in the first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall without threading the first ponytail lengthwise into the first opening; and
wherein the second enlarging means comprise second entry means provided on the crown for providing a second closable entryway in the crown in communication with the second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow, a second elongate ponytail to be placed in the second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall without threading the second ponytail lengthwise into the second opening.

3. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein said crown having a bottom edge; and
wherein the first closable entryway extending between the first opening and the bottom edge of the crown.

4. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein the crown is, defined by fabric; and
wherein the first means for providing a first closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the flaps.

5. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein said crown having a bottom edge;
wherein the first closable entryway extending between the first opening and the bottom edge of the crown;
wherein the crown is defined by fabric; and
wherein the first means for providing a first closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the flaps.

6. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein the crown having a bottom edge;
wherein the first closable entryway extending between the first opening and the bottom edge of the crown; and
wherein the second closable entryway extending between the second opening and the bottom edge of the crown.

7. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the first means for providing a closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the flaps; and
wherein the second means for providing a closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes second joining means for releasable joining the flaps.

8. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein the crown having a bottom edge;
wherein the first closable entryway extending between the first opening and the bottom edge of the crown;
wherein the second closable entryway extending between the second opening and the bottom edge of the crown;
wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the first means, for providing a closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the flaps; and
wherein the second means for providing a closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes second joining, means for, releasable joining the flaps.

9. The headwear piece according to claim 2,

wherein said crown having a bottom edge;
wherein the first closable entryway extending between the first opening and the second opening;
wherein the second closable entryway extending between the second opening and the bottom edge of the crown.

10. The headwear piece according to claim 2

wherein said crown having a bottom edge;
wherein the first closable entryway extending between the first opening and the second opening;
wherein the second closable entryway extending between the second opening and the bottom edge of the crown;
wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the first means for providing a closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means, for releasable joining the flaps; and
wherein the second means for pr viding a closable entryway comprises first and second fabric flaps each defining a onion of the crown outer surface and includes second joining means for releasable joining the flaps.

11. The headwear piece according to claim 1

wherein the enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall being completely sounded by the peripheral crown wall.

12. The headwear piece according to claim 1

wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall being completely surrounded by the peripheral crown wall; and
wherein the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps.

13. The headwear piece according to claim 1

wherein the enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall; and
wherein the enlarged second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall.

14. The headwear piece according to claim 1

wherein the enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall;
wherein the enlarged second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall;
wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged, first opening to produce paid first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps; and
wherein the second enlargening means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps.

15. The headwear piece according to claim 1

wherein the enlarged first opening is in communication with the enlarged second opening; and
wherein the enlarged-second opening is in communication with the enlarged first opening.

16. The headwear piece according to claim 1

wherein enlarged first opening is in communication with the enlarged second opening;
wherein enlarged second opening is in communication with the enlarged first opening;
wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps. defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps; and
wherein the second enlargening means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps.

17. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein enlarged first opening is in communication with the enlarged second opening;
wherein enlarged second opening is in communication with the enlarged first opening;
wherein the crown is defined by fabric;
wherein the first enlargening means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes first joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps;
wherein the second enlargening means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and includes second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps;
wherein the first fabric flaps are joined together with the third fabric flaps; and
wherein the second fabric.flaps are joined together with the fourth fabric flaps.

18. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein the crown having a front half and a back half; and
wherein the crown outer surface being substantially uninterrupted by any opening at the front half of the crown.

19. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein the crown has a bottom edge; and
wherein the bottom of the first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall is spaced at least a half inch upwardly from the bottom edge of the crown.

20. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein said crown having a bottom edge;
wherein the bottom. of the first opening through. at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall is spaced at least a. half inch upwardly from the bottom edge of the crown; and
wherein the bottom of the second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall. and the top wall is spaced at least a half inch upwardly from the bottom edge of the crown.

21. The headwear piece according to claim 1, wherein the first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall has a diameter between 1 and 4 inches.

22. The headwear piece according to claim 1, wherein the first opening in through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall has a diameter between 2 and 3 inches.

23. The headwear piece according to claim to claim 1,

wherein the first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall has. a diameter between 1 and 4 inches, and
wherein the second opening in through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall the peripheral crown wall has a diameter between 1 and 4 inches.

24. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein the first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall. and
the top wall has a diameter between 2 and 3 inches, and
wherein the second. opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall has a diameter between 2 and 3 inches.

25. The headwear piece according to claim 1,

wherein the headwear piece comprises a frontal bill.

26. A headwear piece comprising:

a crown defining an opening to accept the head of a wearer;
wherein the crown dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head;
wherein the crown having, a top and bottom, a peripheral crown wall having an annular configuration and a top wall;
wherein the peripheral crown wall having a bottom edge;
a first cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge;
wherein the first cutout is provided with a first strap;
wherein the first cutout and the first strap forms the perimeter of a first opening to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head; and
a second cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge;
wherein the second cutout is provided with a second strap;
wherein the second cutout and the second strap forms the perimeter of a second opening to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head; and
wherein the first cutout and the second cutout are provided on opposite sides of the front-to-back median of the crown.

27. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the first strap is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout.

28. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the first strap, is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout; and
wherein the second strap is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the second cutout

29. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the first strap is fixedly fastened on one side of the first cutout, and
wherein the first strap is releasable fastened on the opposite side of the cutout by means of means for releasable attaching the first strap to the crown.

30. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the first strap is fixedly fastened on one side of the first cutout,
wherein the first strap is releasable fastened on the opposite side of the first cutout by means of means for releasable attaching the first strap to the crown, and
wherein the second strap is fixedly fastened on one side of the second cutout, and
wherein the second strap is releasable fastened on the opposite side of the second cutout by means of means for releasable attaching the second strap to the crown.

31. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the first strap comprises a first strap portion fixedly attached to one side of the cutout,
wherein the first strap comprises a second strap portion fixedly attached to the opposite side of the cutout, and
wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion comprises fastening means for releasable joining the first strap portion and the second strap portion.

32. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the first strap comprises a first strap portion fixedly attached to one side of the cutout,
wherein the first strap comprises a second strap portion fixedly attached to the opposite side of the cutout,
wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion comprises fastening means for releasable joining the first strap portion and the second strap portion,
wherein the second strap comprises a third strap portion fixedly attached to one side of the cutout,
wherein the second strap comprises a fourth strap portion fixedly attached to the opposite side of the cutout, and
wherein the third strap portion and the fourth strap portion comprises fastening means for releasable joining the. strap portion and the fourth strap portion.

33. The headwear piece according to claim 26,

wherein the headwear piece comprises a frontal bill.
Patent History
Publication number: 20080092272
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 22, 2006
Publication Date: Apr 24, 2008
Inventors: Mikael Vainio (Dusseldorf), Liisa Vainio (Dusseldorf)
Application Number: 11/525,238
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Perforation (2/209.7); With Interrupted Crown (2/209.3); Having Crown And Horizontally Extending Visor (e.g., Baseball Cap, Etc.) (2/195.1)
International Classification: A42B 1/06 (20060101); A42B 1/00 (20060101);