ADJUSTABLE HEADWEAR

Abstract

There is provided headwear comprising, a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer, an actuator configured to receive an application of a force, and a force transmission member coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown. The surface fraction of the head extends substantially continuously from: a point within a first distance of about two inches from a first temple reference plane defined by one of the temples of one side of the head and rearwardly towards the rear of the head, about the rear of the head and towards the other side of the head, and to a point within a second distance of about two inches from a second temple reference plane defined by the other one of the temples of the other side of the head, wherein the first distance is measured along an axis normal to the first reference plane and wherein the second distance is measured along an axis normal to the second reference plane. In each one of the at least one of the plurality of conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to headwear and, in particular, to adjustable headwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Head size varies from person to person. In supplying headwear to the marketplace, headwear manufacturers must make headwear available to accommodate persons of different head sizes. In this respect, headwear manufacturers provide adjustable headwear which is suitable for use by wide segments of the headwear wearing population.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,687 issued to Kronenberger discloses a size adjustable headwear piece includes an actuator with a dial which is manually rotatable to effect a change in size of the opening of the crown. Amongst other things, the actuator of Kronenberger is disposed within the sweatband, which renders manufacture of the headwear piece difficult.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,648 issued to Frydman discloses a rotatable closure device for hats which includes a spool for drawing in and taking up twine. The twine is coupled to the cap base, such that the drawing in action causes the cap base to decrease in size in order to accommodate smaller head sizes. Amongst other things, the twine of the device in Frydman tends to effect an undesirable degree of bunching fabric as the twine is drawn in and taken up by the spool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured to receive an application of a force; a force transmission member coupled to the actuator; such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown; wherein the surface fraction of the head extends substantially continuously from: a point within a first distance of about 5.08 centimetres from a first temple reference plane defined by one of the temples of one side of the head and rearwardly towards the rear of the head, about the rear of the head and towards the other side of the head, and to a point within a second distance of about 5.08 centimetres from a second temple reference plane defined by the other one of the temples of the other side of the head, wherein the first distance is measured along an axis normal to the first reference plane and wherein the second distance is measured along an axis normal to the second reference plane, and wherein in each one of the at least one of the plurality of conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead.

In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the force transmission member coupling portion, such that the operative force transmission member section extends from: the actuator coupling unit and rearwardly towards the rear of the crown, about the rear of the crown and towards the other side of the crown, and to the force transmission member coupling portion; and wherein the force transmission member coupling unit of the actuator is disposed at one side of the headwear, and between a front and a rear of the headwear; and wherein the force transmission member coupling portion is disposed at a side of the headwear which is opposite to the side on which the operative portion of the actuator is disposed, and between a front and a rear of the headwear; such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

In a further aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured to receive an application of a force and including a force transmission coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the force transmission member coupling portion; and wherein the distance from the most rearward edge of the actuator coupling unit to a first temple reference plane, defined by one of the temples of one side of the head, is less than about 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured along a longitudinal axis of the force transmission member; and wherein the distance from the most rearward edge of the force transmission coupling portion to a second temple reference plane, defined by the other one of the temples, is less than about 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured along a longitudinal axis of the force transmission member; such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, and wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission member coupling portion, and wherein the force transmission member includes a relatively rigid portion and a relatively resilient portion; such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer, and including a force transmission member coupling portion; a peak coupled to the crown; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the force transmission member coupling portion, and the minimum distance from the force transmission member coupling portion of the crown to a point of attachment between the crown and a portion of the peak is less than about 5.08 centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along a side surface of the crown including the force transmission member coupling portion; such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

In a further aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer, and including: two adjacent panels attached to one another along respective and abutting sides to define a seam, seam tape disposed across the seam and coupled to each one of the two adjacent panels; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the seam tape; such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator; wherein the ratio of: (i) the operative surface area of an operative surface of at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section, to (ii) the length of the at least a fraction, is from about 6.3 mm²/mm to about 13.6 mm²/mm, wherein the at least a fraction includes at least one portion of the operative force transmission member section, and wherein each one of the at least one portion includes a respective operative surface portion and a respective portion length, such that, where the at least one portion is one portion of the operative force transmission member section, the operative surface fraction is defined by the respective operative surface portion of the one portion and the length of the at least a fraction is defined by the respective portion length of the one portion, and where the at least one portion is at least two portions of the operative force transmission member, the operative surface fraction is defined by the sum of the respective operative surface portions of the at least two portions and the length of the at least a fraction is defined by the sum of the respective portion lengths of the at least two portions; such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown, and wherein the operative surface includes the operative surface fraction.

In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator; a guide system for guiding movement of the force transmission member; wherein the minimum width of at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section is at least about 13 millimetres, such that the minimum width co-operates with the guide system during the forward movement of the force transmission member relative to the actuator such that the vertical displacement of the operative force transmission member section is limited during the movement of the force transmission member relative to the actuator; and wherein the ratio of: (i) the operative surface area of an operative surface of at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section, to (ii) the length of the at least a fraction, is less than about 13.6 mm²/mm; and wherein the at least a fraction includes at least one portion of the operative force transmission member section, and wherein each one of the at least one portion includes a respective operative surface portion and a respective portion length, such that, where the at least one portion is one portion of the operative force transmission member section, the operative surface fraction is defined by the respective operative surface portion of the one portion and the length of the at least a fraction is defined by the respective portion length of the one portion, and where the at least one portion is at least two portions of the operative force transmission member, the operative surface fraction is defined by the sum of the respective operative surface portions of the at least two portions and the length of the at least a fraction is defined by the sum of the respective portion lengths of the at least two portions and wherein the length of the at least a fraction is defined as a sum of the portion lengths; such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of a head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown, wherein the operative surface includes the operative surface fraction; and wherein, while changing a condition of its disposition relative to a head received within the crown in response to the application of force to being effected by the actuator, the force transmission member moves forwardly relative to the actuator.

In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator; such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown, and wherein, while changing a condition of its disposition relative to a head received within the crown in response to the application of force being effected by the actuator, the force transmission member moves forwardly relative to the actuator; and a guard configured for disposition between the crown and the force transmission member as the force transmission member moves forwardly relative to the actuator while the actuator effects application of the force to the operative force transmission member section.

In a further aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing headwear of a predetermined size, the headwear including a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer, an actuator configured for receiving an application of a force, and a force transmission member configured for disposition relative to a head received within the crown, wherein the force transmission member is coupled to the actuator, such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, and wherein in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown; comprising: providing a longitudinally extending force transmission member portion pre-form including a plurality of cutting indications, wherein each one of the plurality of cutting indications corresponds to a pre-determined location for cutting the pre-form to provide a modified pre-form suitable for use as at least a portion of the force transmission member; cutting the pre-form at a predetermined cutting indication corresponding to the pre-determined size of headwear being manufactured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one side of an embodiment of the adjustable headwear while the headwear is being worn by a person;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a second side of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 while the headwear is being worn by a person, wherein the second side is opposite to the side illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 while the headwear is being worn by a person;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1, illustrating the force transmission member, in hidden lines, in two conditions;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1, illustrating the force transmission member, in hidden lines, in two conditions relative to a head received within the crown (the head also being illustrated in hidden lines)

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of another embodiment of the adjustable headwear, substantially identical with the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1, with the exception that this embodiment includes a guard disposed between the force transmission member and the crown wherein the force transmission member is illustrated in hidden lines in two conditions and the guard is also illustrated in hidden lines;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1, partly in fragment, illustrating the disposition of the force transmission member relative to the crown;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a force transmission member of the adjustable headwear illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a force transmission member of the adjustable headwear illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of the force transmission member illustrated in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a strap portion of a pre-form of the force transmission member illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of the end of the force transmission member of FIG. 7 including the strap portion;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a force transmission member of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1, illustrating the force transmission member embodiment disposed within a guide member and coupled to an actuator;

FIG. 10 is an exploded fragmentary top perspective view of a portion of a guide member and an actuator of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1, illustrating the locations of the guide member to which the actuator is stitched;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a portion of a guide member and an actuator of FIG. 10, illustrating the actuator after it has been stitched to the guide member;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partly finished condition and as it is being assembled;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a further partly finished condition and as it is being assembled, and after the force transmission member has been coupled to the crown and to the actuator;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of an interior portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partly finished condition and as it is being assembled, illustrating the force transmission member being fed through a slit provided in the guide member to facilitate coupling of the force transmission member to the actuator;

FIG. 14A is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of an interior portion of the adjustable headwear illustrated in FIG. 5B in a partly finished condition and as it is being assembled, illustrating the force transmission member being fed through a slit provided in the guide member to facilitate coupling of the force transmission member to the actuator;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevation view of an interior portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partially finished condition and as it is being assembled, illustrating the force transmission member coupled to the actuator and before the guide member is rotated to effect insertion of the actuator through an aperture of the crown;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exterior portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partially finished condition and as it is being assembled and before the guide member is rotated to effect insertion of the actuator through the aperture of the crown;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exterior portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 after the actuator has been inserted through an aperture of the crown;

FIG. 18 illustrates a set of components for implementing a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral from a perspective view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrate the cam assembly and strap based closure system of FIG. 18 from a side, top, and bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate the cam of FIG. 18 from a top, bottom, and perspective views, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate the track insert of FIG. 18 from a perspective, top, and side view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D illustrate the housing of FIG. 18 from a perspective, side, top, and bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIG. 23 illustrates the knob of FIG. 18 from a perspective view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIG. 24 illustrates the overmold of the knob of FIG. 23 from a bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate the undermold of the knob of FIG. 23 from a perspective and bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, and 26F illustrate a flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins of FIG. 7 with the cam spirals of FIG. 20C when the strap of FIG. 18 is being driven into the cam assembly of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, and 27F illustrate a flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins of FIG. 7 with the cam spirals of FIG. 20C when the strap of FIG. 18 is being driven out of the cam assembly of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as distance, operating conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 5B and 6, there is provided headwear 10 including an adjustment system for accommodating various head dimensions. In this respect, there is provided headwear 10 defining an opening 12 for receiving a human head 14, and an adjustment system for adjusting the fit of the headwear 10 to the human head 14 received thereby.

To assist in understanding the described embodiments, the terms “first temple reference plane” and “second temple reference plane” are defined as follows. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5A, the first temple reference plane 16 is a vertical plane in which a vertical axis 20a of the temple 22a of a side of the head 14 closest to the actuator 38 (see below) is disposed, and which is parallel to a vertical plane which is tangent to the most forwardly disposed portion of a wearer's forehead 24. The second temple reference plane 18 is a vertical plane in which a vertical axis 20b of the temple 22b at the other side of the head 14 is disposed, and which is parallel to a vertical plane which is tangent to the most forwardly disposed portion of a wearer's forehead 24.

The following discussion and associated figures describe the headwear 10 as having the form of a baseball cap. The concepts and features of the headwear 10 may be applied to a wide variety of headwear 10 types. Examples of such headwear 10 types include baseball caps (full-back and open-back), fedoras, “engineer”-type hats, “ivy”-type hats, “newsboy”-type hats, bucket hats, visors, and knitted hats.

The spatial disposition of certain elements of the headwear 10 are sometimes described relative to a head of a person received within a crown 26 of the headwear 10, or relative to other elements of the headwear 10, or relative to each other. It is intended to describe such spatial disposition when the headwear 10 is being worn in its intended position relative to the head 14 of a wearer. As well, terms such as “front”, “rear”, “side”, “above”, or “below” are also sometimes used to describe the disposition of elements of the headwear 10. Such terms are intended to refer to the disposition of the element relative to a head 14 of a person wearing the headwear 10, or relative to another element of the headwear 10, when the headwear 10 is being worn in its intended position relative to the head 14 of a wearer. For example, with respect to a baseball cap-type of headwear 10, the baseball cap is intended to be worn with its visor 30 extending forwardly relative to the forehead, even though the baseball cap may be worn with the visor 30 extending rearwardly or to one side.

For example, with respect to the headwear 10, the headwear 10 includes a crown 26, and the crown 26 is of a generally hemispherical form configured for the covering of a head 14 of a person.

For example, with further respect to the crown 26, the crown 26 includes a plurality of panels 28 (or gores) that are attached together along respective and abutting sides. For example, each of the panels 28 is made from flexible material. Also, for example, the panels 28 may be made from relatively inflexible material. With respect to the flexible material, for example, the flexible material is textile. For example, a suitable textile is fabric. For example, the flexible material can be made from a blend of weaveable fibers. For example, the flexible material is 100% wool. For example, the flexible material includes an elastic component, and the elastic component is characterized as being resilient. For example, the elastic component is spandex which is weaved into the flexible material. For example, the flexible material includes from 0 vol. % to 5 vol. % of elastic component based on the total volume of the flexible material. For example, the elastic component is disposed substantially uniformly throughout the flexible material.

For example, the attachment of the panel 28 is effected by the stitching together abutting sides of the panel 28 to define seams. For example, seam tape 70 may be applied to the interior surface across and joined to abutting panels 28 to reinforce the seams between panels 28. For example the seam tape 70 is stitched to each one of a respective one of each pair of abutting panels 28. For example the seam 70 includes the same material as that used for the panels 28. For example, with respect to each of the panels 28, the thickness of each of the panels is from one (1) millimetre to two (2) millimetres.

For example, with respect to the headwear 10, the headwear 10 further includes a peak 30. The peak 30 is attached to a front portion 32 of the crown 26 and extends forwardly of the crown 26. In this respect, the headwear 10 including a peak 30 is configured to be worn on the head 14 of a human such that the peak 30 extends forwardly relative to the face of the human. For example, with respect to the attachment of the peak 30 to the crown 26, the peak 30 is attached to the front facing portion of the crown 26 by sewing the peak to the front facing crown portion along and proximate to the bottom edge of the front facing crown portion. The lower edge of the front facing portion is folded inwardly along the length of the lower edge. A stiffening or reinforcing tape is then laid over the fold, and the peak 30 is then stitched along and proximate to the edge formed by the fold.

For example, with respect to the peak 30, the peak 30 includes material which is relatively more rigid than the crown portion to which the peak 30 is attached. For example, as is typical with peaks, the relatively more rigid material is a pre-molded and cut plastic form with a material sheath pulled over it.

For example, with respect to the crown portion attached along a rear edge 34 of the peak 30, from one side 31a of the peak 30 to the other side 31b of the peak 30, the crown portion includes a material band 36 disposed immediately above the peak 30. For example, the material band 26 is made from any one of: terry cloth, wicking fabric, cotton, wool, foam, and thick interface material. For example, nanomaterials can be added as a treatment to these materials.

The adjustment system includes an actuator 38 and a force transmission member 40. The force transmission member 40 includes an operative section 44 including an operative surface configured for bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within the crown 26.

The actuator 38 is configured to receive an application of a force effected by a human hand. For example, the actuator 38 is coupled to the crown 26. Further details of an embodiment of the actuator 38, and its relationship to the force transmission member 40, are set out on below.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 9, and 15, the force transmission member 40 is coupled to a force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38. For example, such coupling is a releasable coupling. By virtue of such coupling, the actuator 38 is configured to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown 26, and relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, a change in disposition of the force transmission member 40 to any one of a plurality of conditions. Referring to FIGS. 1,2,3 and 5A, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26, in response to an application of force to the actuator 38. In this respect, the bearing of the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26 is effected by an application of force to the actuator 38. For example, by effecting the bearing of the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26, the actuator 38 effects tightening of the headwear 10 relative to the head 14 received within the crown 26, and thereby effects a better fit of the headwear 10 relative to the head 14 received within the crown 26. For example, the force transmission member 40 is disposed within an interior of the crown 26.

For example, with respect to the effect on the force transmission member 40 of applying a force to the actuator 38, while changing a condition of disposition relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26 in response to the application of force to the actuator 38, the force transmission member 40 changes position (or moves) relative to the actuator 38. Each of FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B illustrate the change in condition of the force transmission member 40 as a force is applied to the actuator 38. In each case, reference numeral 800 represents the force transmission member 40 in an original condition, and reference numeral 900 represents the force transmission member in a new condition, having become repositioned as a result of a force being applied to the actuator 38.

It is understood that bearing of the force transmission member 40 against a surface function of a head 14 received within the crown 26 does not necessarily require that the force transmission member 40 be in direct contact with the head 14. The bearing of the force transmission member 40 effects mounting of the headwear 10 to the head 14 in a desired position (but not necessarily a permanently fixed position, and it is understood that application of relatively minor forces to the headwear, such as that which may be applied by a human hand, may be sufficient to dislodge the headwear from the desired position) relative to the head.

For example, and referring to FIGS. 5, 5A, 6, and 7, with respect to the relationship between the actuator 38 and the force transmission member 40, the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 includes an actuator coupling portion 46 coupled to the force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38. The operative force transmission member section 44 further includes a crown coupling portion 48 coupled to a force transmission member coupling portion 50. For example, and referring to FIG. 13, where the force transmission member coupling portion 50 is a portion of the crown 26, the coupling of the crown coupling portion 48 to the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is effected by stitching the crown coupling portion 48 to the force transmission coupling portion of the crown 26. In this respect, the operative force transmission member section 44 extends from: the coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38 and rearwardly towards the rear 52 of the crown 26, about the rear 52 of the crown 26 and towards the other side of the crown 26, and to the force transmission member coupling portion 50. The actuator 38 is configured to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown 26, application of a force on the operative force transmission member section 44 such that the operative force transmission member section 44 changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of a head 14 received within the crown 26 to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application force to the actuator 38, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26. For example, the force, whose application the actuator 38 is configured to effect, is a tensile force. For example, with respect to the effect on the force transmission member 40 of applying a force to the actuator 38, while changing a condition of disposition relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26 in response to the application of force to the actuator 38, the force transmission member 40 changes position (or moves) relative to the actuator 38, and, in doing so, effects a change in the length of the portion of the force transmission member disposed between the force transmission member coupling unit 42 and the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown (i.e. a change in the length of the fraction of the force transmission member 40 which is the operative force transmission member section 44).

For example, and referring to FIG. 7, with respect to the force transmission member 40, the force transmission member 40 includes a strap, such as an elongated strap 56. For example, with respect to the elongated strap 56, the width of the elongated strap 56 is substantially uniform and the thickness of the strap 56 is substantially uniform. For example, with respect to the width of the elongated strap 56, the width of the elongated strap 56 is substantially uniform, and the substantially uniform width is 19 millimetres. For example, with respect to the thickness of the elongated strap 56, with the exception of the crown coupling portion 46 (see below), the thickness of the elongated strap 56 is substantially uniform, and the substantially uniform thickness is 0.7 millimetres. For example, with further respect to the elongated strap 56, the elongated strap 56 includes the operative force transmission member section 44 which includes the operative surface, and the bearing of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the strap 56 against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26 is effected by the operative surface. The operative surface includes an operative surface area. For example, with respect to the operative surface area, the operative surface area of the elongated strap 56 is from 2500 mm² to 3460 mm², depending on the desired adjustment of the force transmission member 40 by the actuator 38. For example, with further respect to the operative force transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56, the length of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56 varies from 275 millimetres to 295 millimetres, depending on the desired adjustment of the force transmission member 40 by the actuator 38. In larger-sized headwear, for example, the length of the operative force transmission member section varies from 325 millimetres to 345 millimetres, depending on the desired adjustment of the force transmission member 40 by the actuator 38. For example, with respect to the disposition of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56 relative to the crown 26, the lower edge 60 of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56 is disposed above a lower edge 62 of the crown 26 by a maximum vertical distance of no more than 0.635 centimetres. For example, the lower edge 60 of the operative force transmission member section 44 is disposed as close as possible to the lower edge of the crown 26. For example, the elongated strap 56 is formed of BASF A3K™ Nylon 66.

For example, and referring to FIGS. 6 and 10 to 17, the headwear 10 further includes a guide system 64 configured for guiding movement of the force transmission member 40 substantially about a section of the perimeter of the headwear 10, while the force transmission member 40 is moving in response to an application of force to the actuator 38. For example, the guide system 64 facilitates guiding of the movement of the force transmission member 40 within the interior of the crown 26. For example, with respect to the guide system 64, at least a portion of the guide system 64 is a guide member disposed between: (i) the force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38, and (ii) the force transmission member coupling portion 50. For example, with respect to the guide member, the guide member is a tubular member 66 which receives the force transmission member 40 as the force transmission member 40 is moving in response to an application of force to the actuator 38. For example, with respect to the tubular member 66, the tubular member 66 is disposed between: (i) the force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38, and (ii) the force transmission member coupling portion 50. For example, with further respect to the tubular member 66, the tubular member 66 is formed of a textile material sheet which is stitched onto itself to create a tubular passage 68 for receiving the force transmission member 40 as the force transmission member 40 is moving in response to an application of force to the actuator 38 and thereby changing its position relative to the actuator coupling unit 42 (see FIG. 5). For example, with respect to the textile material sheet, the textile material sheet is a wicking fabric such as nylon. For example, the tubular member 66 also functions as a sweatband. For example, the tubular member 66 is attached (such as by stitching) to the interior surface of the crown 26. For example, the tubular member 66 includes an aperture 72 through which the force transmission member 40 extends for coupling to the actuator 38.

For example, the tubular member 66 is formed as follows. A textile sheet is cut in a long narrow length and is 6.35 to 7.62 centimetres in width. An access slit is provided on one side of the textile sheet, and this functions as the aperture 72 to facilitate coupling of the force transmission member 40 to the actuator 38.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the actuator 38 is stitched to the textile sheet on the side on which the slit is provided. After the actuator 38 is stitched to the textile sheet, the textile sheet is folded and stitched onto itself to form the tubular member 66. Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16, the tubular member 66 is then stitched proximate to the lower edge of the crown 26. Referring to FIGS. 12, 14, and 15, the force transmission member 40 is inserted through the open end of the tubular member 66 furthest from the actuator 38, and is then fed through the tubular member 66 and out through the aperture 72. Once extending through the aperture 72, the force transmission member 40 is coupled to the actuator 38. The end of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40, remote from the end which has been coupled to the actuator 38, is stitched to the crown 26 at the force transmission coupling portion 50. For example, the force transmission coupling portion 50 is disposed at the seam tape 70. The tubular member 66 is then positioned such that the actuator 38 becomes disposed in opposition to an aperture 261 provided in the crown 26. The crown edge defining the aperture 261 is itself defined by a reinforcing stitch for mitigating fraying of the crown edge. For example, a trim ring 263 is stitched to the crown 26 about the perimeter of the aperture 261. The trim ring 263 is provided for the aesthetic purpose of concealing the reinforcing stitch provided about the perimeter of the aperture 261. The actuator 38 is pushed through the trim ring 263, thereby becoming disposed and extending externally relative to the crown 26 (see FIG. 17).

In an alternative embodiment, and referring to FIG. 14A, a guard 88 is provided. The functions of the guard 88 is further explained below. The guard 88 is in the form of a plastic sheet including an aperture 89. For example, the plastic is polyurethane or polyvinylchloride. The aperture 89 is snapped over a knob 1042 of the actuator 38 prior to pushing the actuator 38 through the trim ring 236, thereby effecting positioning of the guard 88 against a interior position of the crown 26.

For example, with respect to the relationship between the force transmission member 40 and the guide system 64, the force transmission member 40 co-operates with the guide system 64 during movement of the force transmission member 40 (in response to an application of force to the actuator 38) such that vertical movement of the operative force transmission member section 44 is limited during movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the actuator 38. For example, with respect to the limiting of the vertical movement of the operative force transmission member section 44, at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 is disposed relative to the guide system 64 such that a clearance is defined for limiting vertical movement of any fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 within a range.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the actuator 38 coupled to a strap 56 of the force transmission member 40 from a perspective view. As depicted in this drawing, the actuator 38 is in the form of a cam assembly 1030 which may comprise housing 1044, a knob 1042, a cam 1040, and a track insert 1046. The cam assembly 1030 and housing 1044 may be adapted to receive a strap 56. The cam assembly 1030 and strap 56 may be made from numerous materials including various plastics, metals, composites, polymers, and alloys. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1044 has a track insert 1046 positioned inside the housing 1044. The track insert 1046 may be adapted to allow a strap 48 to move in both an inwards and outwards direction. The housing 1044 has a first opening 1050 and a second opening 1052, which may be configured to receive a strap 1048 moving in both an inwards and outwards direction as well. In some embodiments, the track insert 1046 may be integrally formed with the housing 1044.

As further depicted in FIG. 18, the cam assembly 1030 has a knob 1042 and a cam 1040. In some embodiments, once the cam 1040 has been correctly positioned, and the knob 1042 is positioned over the cam 1040, the two can be snapped together using a locking mechanism. Alternatively, the cam 1040 and knob 1042 may be adhered together, stitched together, divided into three or more components, be a single component, or use other attachment means. The cam 1040 includes the force transmission member coupling unit 42.

The strap 56 may comprise one or more strap pins 1060. In some embodiments the strap pins 1060 may be a pointed piece of wood, metal, or plastic. In some embodiments the strap pins 1060 may be a short rod. In some embodiments, the strap pins 1060 may be projections, teeth grooves, channels, and/or other variations and combinations. The strap pins 1060 include the actuator coupling portion 46.

FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate the cam assembly 1030 and strap 56 based closure system of FIG. 18 from a side, top, and bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. As depicted in the side view of the FIG. 19A, by rotating the knob 1042 in one direction the strap 56 can be pulled into the cam assembly 1030 through the first opening 1050, onto the track insert 1046 (not visible from this view), through the second opening 1052, and out of the housing 1044. As further depicted in FIG. 19A, by rotating the knob 1042 in another direction the strap 56 can be pulled back through the track insert 1046 (not visible from this view), through the first opening 1050, and out of the housing 1044. The strap 56 is driven through the cam assembly 1030 when the strap pins 1060 engage with the cam 1040.

As further depicted in the top view of FIG. 19B, in some embodiments the cam 1040 sits inside the knob 1042. The knob 1042 may then be rotated to drive the strap 56 through the first opening 1050 into the cam assembly 1030, and out the second opening 1052.

As depicted in the bottom view of FIG. 19C, in some embodiments, the track insert 1046 is positioned to sit inside the housing 1044. The cam 1040 is then positioned to sit above the track insert 1046 on top of the housing 1044. The cam may include one or more cam spirals 1041 that cause the strap pins 1060 on a strap 56 to be pulled through the cam assembly 1030.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate the cam 1040 of FIG. 18 from a top, bottom, and perspective views, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. As depicted in the top view of FIG. 20A, the cam may have a crown 1047 that may be placed in one or more channels or grooves on the knob 1042 that are fitted to the cam 1040, and allow the cam 1040 to attach to the knob 1042. In some embodiments, once the cam 1040 has been correctly positioned, and the knob 1042 is positioned over the cam 1040, the two are configured to be snapped together using a locking mechanism. Alternatively, the cam 1040 and knob 1042 may be adhered together, divided into three or more components, or be a single component.

As further depicted in the bottom and perspective views of FIGS. 20B, and 20C, in some embodiments, the cam 1040 contains one or more cam spirals 1041. The knob 1042 may then be rotated to drive the strap 56 through the first opening 1050 into the cam assembly 1030, and out the second opening 1052. In some embodiments, the cam spirals 1041 are in the shape of logarithmic spirals, also known as equiangular spirals. In some embodiments, other types of spirals may be used, including Archimedean spirals. In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more cam spirals 1041 may be used. Increasing the number of cam spirals 1041 may be used to increase the speed at which the strap 56 is inserted. This may be particularly useful for applications where the closure is large.

The use of cam spirals 1041 may allow the strap 56 to self-lock into the cam assembly 1030 at certain contact angles. Logarithmic spirals may allow the strap pins 1060 on the strap 56 to be pulled at a linear velocity and constant contact angle. Different materials may also be used to vary the friction coefficients and make the system self-locking. Self-locking may allow the strap 56 to remain in the same position in the cam assembly 1030 when outwards forces and/or inwards forces are applied to the cam 1040 and/or strap 56. When logarithmic cam spirals are used, a constant angle of contact may be maintained with the strap pins 1060 on the strap 56, resulting in a self-locking system that may be infinitely adjustable, and one where the torque felt by the knob 1042 may be constant. However, an Archimedean spiral may be used to vary the contact angle, such as by continuously decreasing it.

The self-locking mechanism may be determined by the contact angle 1045 and the friction applied to the circumference of the cam spirals 1041 on the cam 1040. The contact angle 1045 may correspond to an angle between lines tangent to a strap pin 1060 and a cam spiral 1041. In some embodiments, the contact angle 1045 of a self-locking mechanism may be less than 20 degrees, and less than 15 degrees. In some self-locking embodiments, the contact angle is between 10 and 12 degrees. Low contact angles may allow the cam assembly 1030 to be self-locking and continually adjustable both inwards and outwards. Various contact angles can be generated depending on the speed of wind and power desired. Larger contact angles 1045 may result in faster insertion speed. Other secondary frictional elements can also be added to resist the turning of the cam 1040. In some embodiments, these secondary frictional elements may be “stepless” to maintain infinite variability of position.

FIGS. 7 and 7B illustrate the strap 1048 of FIG. 18 from a perspective and top view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. The strap 56 comprises one or more strap pins 1060. The strap pins 1060 may be in the shape of cylinders extending from the surface of the strap 56 as illustrated. In some embodiments, the strap pins 1060 may be other shapes including but not limited to rivets, teeth, threads, spirals, spiral threads, slots, strips, channels, and/or grooves that may be perpendicular or at other angles to the strap 56. In some embodiments, the cam 1040 may have cam spirals 1041 in complementary form and/or surfaces that may be complementary or correspond to the shape of the strap pins 1060.

In some embodiments, the strap 56 may have a chamfer 1062 on the first strap pin closest to the cam assembly insertion end 1063, to allow the first strap pin to skip past the cam 1040. The chamfer 1062 may be at a range of angles, including 45 degrees. The chamfer 1062 may also maintain engagement between the cam 1040 and the strap 56 to ensure that they continue to function. In some embodiments, a chamfer 1062 may be on other strap pins 60, including the last strap pin furthest from the cam assembly insertion end 1063 of the strap 56. In some embodiments, a chamfer 1062 may be included on the last strap pin, in addition to, or in lieu of, being on the first strap pin.

In some embodiments, the chamfer 1062 on the last strap pin may face the opposite direction of the chamfer 1062 on the other strap pins. The chamfer 1062 on the last strap pin may prevent the cam spirals 1041 from pulling the strap 56 further into the cam assembly 1030. In some embodiments, the chamfer 1062 on the first strap pin, may keep the strap 56 from being pushed any further out of the cam assembly 1030 and/or the chamfer 1062 on the last strap pin may prevent the strap 56 from being pulled any further into the cam assembly 1030.

In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 described in greater detail below, may be used as an alternative to the chamfer 1062 and/or in combination with the chamfer 1062. In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 may be located near the first strap pin and/or last strap pin. In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 may not include a hole 1066 when used in conjunction with the chamfer 1062 on the last strap pin. In some embodiments, this may prevent the strap 56 from compressing and entering into the cam assembly 1030 regardless of the pressure applied to the strap 56.

As further depicted in FIGS. 7 and 7B, the strap 56 has a cam assembly insertion end 1063 which is the end of the strap 56 that is inserted directly into the cam assembly 1030. The strap 56 may be configured to resist being completely removed from the cam assembly 1030 after insertion. In some embodiments, this resistance may be provided by a hard stop 1067. In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 may be a variable stop that may be overcome given enough force. In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 may be placed near the first strap pin, the last strap pin, near other strap pins and/or multiple hard stops may be used.

The hard stop 1067 may include a hole 1066 and one or more outward projections 1064. The hole 1066 may allow the outward projections 1064 to compress toward the axial center line of the strap 56 to allow the strap 56 to be inserted into the housing 1044 of the cam assembly 1030. Gently tapered leading edges 1064a allow the strap 56 to enter the housing 1044 with relative ease. More steeply tapered trailing edges 1064b make it more difficult to remove the strap 56 from the housing 1044. In some embodiments, the trailing edge 1064b may catch the strap 56 on the housing 1044 to prevent the strap from falling out of the housing 1044 and may leave the strap 56 in a position to be pulled back in, i.e. in a position such that the first strap pin is in a position to be engaged by the cam spirals 1041 as soon as the knob 1042 is rotated in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, if enough force is used to pull the strap 1048 out of the housing 1044 the outward projections 1064 can temporarily collapse into the hole 1066 and the strap 56 may be removed.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate the track insert 1046 of FIG. 18 from a perspective, top, and side view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. The track insert 1046 has a tunnel 1072 that pulls the strap 56 away from the cam 1040 as it is passed through the tunnel 1072. In some embodiments, the track insert guides the strap 1048 along and engages the strap 56 with the cam 1040 along a front edge 1070 but then disengages the strap 56 on the back edge 1074. In some embodiments, the track insert 1046 pulls the strap 56 away from the cam 1040 so that the cam spirals 1041 are engaged in a reduced number of the strap pins 1060 on the strap 56 relative to the number of strap pins 1060 within the housing 1044. In some embodiments, the number of strap pins 1060 engaged at any given time is one or two. This guide component or bend back mechanism may be a tunnel and/or S-shape bend and/or an arc which allows the strap pins 1060 to disengage the cam spirals 1041 of the cam 1040. In some embodiments, the strap pins 1060 are guided away from the cam spirals 1041 such that fewer than all of the cam spirals 1041 engage the strap pins 1060 when the strap 56 extends through the housing 1044.

In some embodiments, the guide component pulls the strap 56 away from the cam 1040 so that the strap pins 1048 do not engage on the backside of the cam 1040. In some embodiments, the guide component prevents the system from locking up and/or may strengthen the system by bringing the strap in parallel to the cam 1040 for maximum holding strength. In some embodiments, the load placed on the cam assembly 1030 by the strap 56 may be a shear load, which places a stress parallel or tangential to the cam assembly 1030. The guide component is particularly useful in providing the lowest possible height and/or profile of the housing 1044. The guide component may also allow the strap 56 to be fed into the cam assembly 1030 without catching on the cam 1040.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D illustrate the housing 1044 of FIG. 18 from a perspective, side, top, and bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. The housing 1044 has a first opening 1050 and a second opening 1052, which are configured to receive a strap 1048 moving in both an inwards and outwards direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing also has a circular opening 1080, which allows the track insert 1046 to be positioned inside the housing 1044. The circular opening 1080 need not be in the shape of a circle, and may be in the form of other shapes including a square, oval, or triangle. In some embodiments, the cam 1040 and the knob 1042 may be attached to each other, using a locking mechanism, an adhesive or any other attachment mechanism or method known to those of skill in the art. The knob 1042 and cam 1040 are then positioned in the circular opening 1080 of the housing 1044, to sit above the track insert 1046 and on top of the housing 1044. The knob 1042 may then be rotated to drive the strap 1048 through the first opening 1050, onto the track insert 1046, and out the second opening 1052 of the housing 1044.

As further depicted in FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D, in some embodiments, the housing 1044 has a bend 1086 that may be an S-shape bend and/or an arc. The bend 1086 may match the shape of the bend back mechanism of the track insert 1046. The bend 1086 is particularly useful in providing the lowest possible height and/or profile of the housing 1044. In some embodiments, the shape of the housing 1044 may be adjusted based on the application. In some embodiments, the shape of the housing 1044 may be flatter or more curved than an S-shape or an arc.

FIG. 23 illustrates the knob 1042 of FIG. 18 from a perspective view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. The knob 1042 has an overmold 1092 and an undermold 1100. In some embodiments, once the undermold 1100 has been correctly positioned, and the overmold 1092 is positioned over the undermold 1100, the two can be snapped together using a locking mechanism. Alternatively, the undermold 1100 and overmold 1092 may be adhered together, divided into three or more components, or be a single component. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 may be injection molded around a pre-made undermold 1100.

As further depicted in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the knob 1042 has a cam opening 1090. The cam opening 1090 allows the cam 1040 to sit inside the knob 1042. The cam opening 1090 need not be any particular shape, and may be in the form of any shape including a circle, square, oval, or triangle. Once assembled, the knob 1042 may be rotated to drive the strap 1048 through the first opening 1050, into the cam assembly 1030, and out the second opening 1052.

FIG. 24 illustrates the overmold 1092 of the knob of FIG. 23 from a bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 also has one or more overmold teeth 1094. In this embodiment, the overmold teeth 1094 allow the overmold 1092 and the undermold 1100 to be snapped together and unitized when the undermold 1100 has corresponding teeth that fit in the one or more overmold grooves or channels 1096 of the overmold 1092. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 has a cam opening 1090, which may allow different designs or colors to be used. As with the other cam openings, it may be in the form of any shape including a circle, square, oval, or triangle. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 does not include the cam opening 1090.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate the undermold 1100 of the knob 1042 of FIG. 23 from a perspective and bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. In some embodiments, the undermold 1100 has a cam opening 1090, which allows the cam 1040 to sit inside the knob 1042. As previously mentioned the cam opening 1090 may be in the form of any shape including a circle, square, oval, or triangle. In some embodiments, the undermold 1100 also has one or more undermold teeth 1102. In some embodiments, the undermold teeth 1102 allow the undermold 1100 and the overmold 1092 to be snapped together and unitized when the overmold 1092 has corresponding overmold teeth 1094 that fit in the one or more undermold grooves or channels 1108 of the undermold 1100. As described above, in some embodiments the overmold 1092 may be injection molded around a pre-made undermold 1100. In some embodiments, the cam 1040 and the knob 1042 may be a single component; two components; three components, such as an overmold 1092, an undermold 1100, and a cam 1040; or four or more components.

As further depicted in the bottom view of FIG. 25B, the undermold 1100 of the knob 1042 may have one or more cam channels or grooves 1106. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the cam channels 1106 may be fitted to the shape of the crown 1047 of the cam 1040, and allow the cam 1040 to attach to the knob 1042. In some embodiments, once the cam 1040 has been correctly positioned, and the knob 1042 is positioned over the cam 1040, the two may be snapped together using a locking mechanism or interference fit. In another embodiment, the crown may be placed on the knob 1042 and channels matching the shape of the knob crown on the cam 1040. Yet alternatively, the cam 1040 and knob 1042 may be adhered together, divided into three or more components, be a single component, or attached using other means. In some embodiments, the outer edge of some or all of the knob 1042 may include friction enhancing features such as outward projections or inwards grooves to increase the traction a user's hand would have on the knob 1042.

FIGS., 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, and 26F illustrate a flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins 1060 of FIG. 7A with the cam spirals 1041 of FIG. 20C when the strap 56 of FIG. 18 is being driven into the cam assembly 1030 of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. Proceeding alphabetically, each figure represents the progression of the strap 56 into the cam assembly 1030 over subsequent steps of time. The cam spirals 1041 of the cam 1040 may drive the strap 56 into the cam assembly 1030, and may engage them at a constant angle. In some embodiments, a lower contact angle may be chosen to automatically lock the strap 56 into the cam assembly 1030. Alternatively, higher contact angles may be chosen to increase the wind speed. If the cam assembly 1030 is not self-locking, an external lock such as a button or lever may be incorporated to allow the user to lock the cam assembly 30 in a desired location. In some embodiments, where the cam assembly 1030 is self-locking, a secondary locking mechanism is still provided to ensure the closure system remains in position when force is applied in the inwards and/or outward directions.

FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, and 27F illustrate a flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins 1060 of FIG. 4A with the cam spirals 1041 of FIG. 20C when the strap 56 of FIG. 18 is being driven out of the cam assembly 1030 of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. Proceeding alphabetically, each figure represents the progression of the strap 56 out of the cam assembly 1030 over subsequent steps of time. The cam spirals 1041 of the cam 1040 drive the strap 56 out of the cam assembly 1030, and may engage them at a constant angle. In some embodiments, a lower contact angle may be chosen to automatically lock the strap 56 into the cam assembly 1030. Alternatively, higher contact angles may be chosen to increase the wind speed.

(A) Configuration of Adjustment System for Effecting Bearing of Headwear Against Head

In one aspect, the headwear 10 includes an adjustment system configured for effecting bearing of the headwear 10 against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26 of the headwear 10.

As discussed above, by virtue of the coupling of the actuator 38 to the force transmission member 40, the actuator 38 is configured to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown 26, and relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, a change in disposition of the force transmission member 40 to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator 38. In at least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26.

Referring, in particular to FIGS. 1 to 3, in one sub-aspect, the surface fraction of the head 14 (against which the force transmission member 40 is bearing) is disposed rearwardly of the forehead and extends substantially continuously from a point within a distance of 5.08 centimetres from a first temple reference plane 16 defined by one of the temples of one side of the head 14, wherein the distance is measured along an axis normal to the plane 16 and rearwardly towards the rear 52 of the head 14, about the rear 52 of the head 14 and towards the other side of the head 14, and to a point within a distance of 5.08 centimetres from a second temple reference plane 18 defined by the other one of the temples of the other side of the head 14, wherein the distance is measured along an axis normal to the plane 18. In this context, ‘substantially continuously” means that there may be discontinuous portions of the surface fraction against which the operative section 44 does not bear, and that the surface fraction is regarded as being substantially continuous as long as the bearing of the two operative section 44 effects mounting of the headwear 10 to the head 14 in a desired position (but not necessarily a permanently fixed position, and it is understood that application of relatively minor forces to the headwear, such as that which may be applied by a human hand, may be sufficient to dislodge the headwear 14 from the desired position) relative to the head.

In each one of the at least one of the plurality of conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead. If only for greater clarity, the operative surface of the operative force transmission member section 44 is configured to bear only against a surface fraction of the head 14 disposed rearwardly of the forehead of the wearer, and does not bear against the forehead of the wearer in any one of the plurality of conditions which the operative force transmission member is configured to assume when a head is received within the crown 26.

In a related sub-aspect, the force transmission member 40 includes a crown coupling portion 48 attached to the force transmission member coupling portion 50. As such, the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 extends from: the actuator coupling unit 42 and rearwardly towards the rear 52 of the crown 26, about the rear 52 of the crown 26 and towards the other side of the crown 26, and to the force transmission member coupling portion 50. The actuator 38 is configured to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown 26, an application of a force to the operative force transmission member section 44, such that the operative force transmission member section 44 changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of a head 14 received within the crown 26 to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to the application of force to the actuator 38. In at least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of the operative force transmission member section 44 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26. For example, the force whose application is effected by the actuator 38 is a tensile force. The coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38 is disposed at one side of the headwear 10, and between a front and a rear 52 of the headwear 10, and the force transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed at a side of the headwear 10 opposite to the side on which the coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38 is disposed, and between a front and a rear 52 of the headwear 10. For example, with respect to the dispositions of the actuator 38 and the force transmission coupling portion 50, the actuator 38 is disposed relatively closer to the front of the headwear 10 than the rear 52 of the headwear 10, and the force transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed relatively closer to the front of the headwear 10 than the rear 52 of the headwear 10. In each one of the at least one of the plurality of conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead. If only for greater clarity, the operative surface of the operative force transmission member section 44 is configured to bear only against a surface fraction of the head 14 disposed rearwardly of the forehead of the wearer, and does not bear against the forehead of the wearer in any one of the plurality of conditions which the operative force transmission member is configured to assume when a head is received within the crown 26.

In a further related sub-aspect, with respect to the dispositions of the actuator 38 and the force transmission member coupling portion 50, the distance from the most rearward edge of the actuator coupling unit 42 to the first temple reference plane 16 is less than 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured along the longitudinal axis 58 of the force transmission member 40, and the distance from the most rearward edge of the force transmission member coupling portion 50 to the second temple reference plane 18 is less than 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured along the longitudinal axis 58 of the force transmission member 40. For example, with respect to the distance, measured along the axis 58, from the most rearward edge of the actuator coupling unit 42 to the first temple reference plane 16, this distance is 2.54 centimetres. For example, with respect to the distance, measured along the axis 58, from the most rearward edge of the force transmission member coupling portion 50 to the second temple reference plane 18, this distance is 2.54 centimetres.

For example, where the headwear 10 further includes a peak 30, with respect to the dispositions of each one of the actuator 38 and the force transmission coupling portion 50, the force transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed on an opposite side of the peak 30 relative to the disposition of the actuator 38. For example, with further respect to the disposition of the actuator 38 and the force transmission member coupling portion 50, the actuator 38 is disposed closer to the peak 30 than to the rear 52 of the headwear 10, and the force transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed closer to the peak 30 than to the rear 52 of the headwear 10. With further respect to the disposition of the force transmission member coupling portion 50, the minimum distance from the most rearward edge of the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 to the attachment between the crown 26 and a portion of the peak 30 is less than 5.08 centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along a side surface of the crown which includes the portion 50. For example, this minimum distance is equal to or less than 0.159 centimetres. For example, with respect to the peak portion to which the crown 26 is attached, the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission coupling portion. Suitable crown and peak materials are described above.

(B) Force Transmission Member Including Resilient Portion

In another aspect, and referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the operative force transmission member section 44 includes a relatively rigid portion 74 and a relatively resilient portion 76.

In this respect, the length of the relatively resilient portion 76 is at least 5.5% of the length of the operative force transmission member section 44. For example, the length of the relatively resilient portion 76 is less than 18.5% of the length of the operative force transmission member section 44. For example, the relatively resilient portion includes a length of about one (1) inch.

For example, with respect to the relatively rigid portion 74, the material of the relatively rigid portion 74 is BASF A3K™ Nylon 66. For example, with respect to the relatively resilient portion 76, the material of the relatively resilient portion 76 is woven fabric consisting essentially of elastic and polyester. For example, the material of the relatively resilient portion consists essentially of elastic and polyester, and the ratio of the volume of elastic to the volume of polyester is 2:3. For example, the resilient portion 76 is Article No. AP602370ELW, supplied by Golden Cedar Garment Accessories International Limited of Kwai Chang, New Territories, Hong Kong. For example, the relatively resilient portion 76 is attached to the force transmission coupling portion, such as by stitching.

For example, by providing the resilient portion 76, when the operative section 44 is released from the actuator coupling unit 38, the force transmission member 40 returns to an original unactuated condition.

(C) First Mode of Coupling of the Force Transmission Member to the Crown

In another aspect, the headwear 10 is configured so that the force transmission member 40 is robustly coupled to a force transmission coupling portion of the crown 26.

In this respect, and referring, in particular, to FIG. 5, the headwear 10 includes the crown 26, the peak 30, the actuator 38, and the force transmission member 40. The force transmission member 40 is coupled to the coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38. By virtue of such coupling, the actuator 38 is configured to effect disposition of the force transmission member 40 relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26 in any one of a plurality of conditions, in response to an application of force to the actuator 38. In at least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26. The force transmission member 40 is also coupled to the crown 26. In this respect, the force transmission member 40 includes a crown coupling portion 48 attached to the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26. The headwear further includes the peak 30. With respect to the coupling of the force transmission member 40 to the crown 26, the crown coupling portion 48 is attached to the crown 26 at the force transmission member coupling portion 50, and the minimum distance from the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 to a point of attachment 78 between the crown 26 and a portion of the peak 30 is less than 5.08 centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along a side surface of the crown which includes the portion 50. For example, the minimum distance is less than 0.159 centimetres. For example, with respect to the peak portion to which the crown 26 is attached, the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission coupling surface. Suitable crown and peak materials are described above.

For example, and also referring to, in particular, FIG. 13, the crown 26 includes two adjacent panels 28 which are attached to one another along respective and abutting sides, such as by stitching, to define a seam, and seam tape 70 is applied across the seam and joined to each one of the two adjacent panels 70. The seam tape 70 extends upwardly proximate to a portion of the peak 30. For example, the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26. The force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed relative to the seam tape 70 such that the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed at the seam tape 70, and the minimum distance between: (i) the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26, and (ii) a point of attachment 78 between the seam tape 70 and the portion of the peak 30, is less than 5.08 centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along the seam tape 70. For example, the minimum distance is less than 0.159 centimetres.

(D) Second Mode of Coupling of the Force Transmission Member to The Crown

The headwear 10 is also configured with other aspect(s) so that the force transmission member 40 is robustly coupled to a force transmission coupling portion of the crown 26.

In this respect, and referring, in particular to FIGS. 5 and 13, the headwear 10 includes the crown 26, the peak 30, the actuator 38, and the force transmission member 40. The force transmission member 40 is coupled to the coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38. By virtue of such coupling, the actuator 38 is configured to effect disposition of the force transmission member 40 relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26 in any one of a plurality of conditions, in response to an application of force to the actuator 38. In at least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26. The force transmission member 40 is also coupled to the crown 26. In this respect, the force transmission member 40 includes a crown coupling portion 48 attached to the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26. The crown 26 includes two adjacent panels 28 which are attached to one another along respective and abutting sides to define a seam. For example, the adjacent panels 28 are attached to one another by stitching. Seam tape 70 is disposed across the seam and joined to each one of the adjacent panels 28. For example, the seam tape 70 extends upwardly from proximate to a portion of the peak 30. For example, the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26. The force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed relative to the seam tape 70 such that the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed at the seam tape 70.

(E) First Configuration of Force Transmission Member

In another aspect, the force transmission member 40 is configured to facilitate air flow across the operative force transmission member section 44. For example, this configuration also mitigates frictional losses during movement of the force transmission member 40.

In this respect, and referring to, in particular, FIG. 7, the ratio of (i) the operative surface area of an operative surface fraction 441 of at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section, to (ii) a length of the at least a fraction 441, is from 6.3 mm²/mm to 13.6 mm²/mm. For example, with respect to the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44, the ratio is 8.1 mm²/mm. The at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 defines at least 50% of the length of the operative force transmission member section 44. For example, the at least a fraction 441 defines 70% of the length of the operative force transmission section 44.

The at least a fraction includes at least one portion of the operative force transmission member section 44. Each one of the at least one portion includes a respective operative surface portion and a respective portion length. The operative surface of the operative force transmission member section 44 includes each one of the respective operative surface portions.

Each one of the operative surface fraction and the length of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 is defined as follows. Referring to FIG. 7 where the at least one portion is one portion 441a of the operative force transmission section, the operative surface fraction is defined by the respective operative surface portion of the one portion and the length of the at least a fraction 441 is defined by the respective portion length of the one portion 441a. Referring to FIG. 7A, where the at least one portion is at least two portions 441b and 441c of the operative force transmission member section, the operative surface fraction is defined by the combination of the respective operative surface portions of the at least two portions 441a, 441b and the length of the at least a fraction 441 is defined by the sum of the respective portion lengths of the at least two portions 441a, 441b.

It is understood that each portion of the operative force transmission member section 44 is a continuous material, such that each portion is spaced apart from each and every other portion. Referring to FIG. 7, for example, the at least a fraction is a single portion of continuous material.

By providing a force transmission member 40 including this relationship between the operative strap surface area of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission section 44 and the length of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44, air flow across the operative force transmission member section 44 is facilitated. For example, this configuration also mitigates frictional losses arising during movement of a force transmission member 40, while still providing a force transmission member 40 which feels comfortable to the wearer of the headwear 10 as the force transmission member 40 is bearing against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26.

For example, and referring to FIG. 7, the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 82. For example, the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 Is a single portion of the operative force transmission member section 44, and the single portion includes a plurality of substantially equally spaced apart apertures 82.

For example, the minimum width of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 is at least 13 millimetres.

For example, and referring to FIG. 9, the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 includes alternating wider and narrower portions 86 along the length of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the force transmission member 40. For example, and referring to FIG. 7, with further respect to the width of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44, the width of the at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 is substantially uniform throughout the length of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the force transmission member 40. For example, where the width is substantially uniform throughout the length of the force transmission member 40, the width is 19 millimetres.

(F) Second Configuration of Elongated Strap

The force transmission member 40 is also configured with other aspect(s) to facilitate air flow across the force transmission member. For example, this configuration also mitigates frictional losses arising during movement of the force transmission member 40.

In this respect, and referring to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, and 9, with respect to the force transmission member 40, the minimum width of at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is at least 13 millimetres.

For example, the at least a fraction is at least 25% of the length of the operative force transmission member section 44. As a further example, the at least a fraction is at least 50% of the length of the operative force transmission member section 44.

The at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the force transmission member 40 with the minimum width co-operates with the guide system 64 during movement of the force transmission member 40 (in response to an application of force to the actuator 38) such that vertical movement of the operative force transmission member section 44 is limited during movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the actuator 38. For example, with respect to the limiting of the vertical movement of the operative force transmission member section 44 during movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the actuator coupling unit 42, the at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the force transmission member 40 with the minimum width defines a clearance for limiting vertical movement of any fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 to a maximum vertical movement during movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the actuator coupling unit 42. For example, with respect to the limiting of the vertical movement of a longitudinal axis 58 of the operative force transmission member section 44, the vertical movement of the axis 58 is limited to 0.635 centimetres above the axis 651 of the guide member 65 and 0.635 centimetres below the axis 651.

The at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 also includes a ratio of the operative strap surface area to length of no less than about 13.6 mm²/mm.

For example, and referring to FIG. 9, with respect to the at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 with the minimum width, the at least a fraction includes a plurality of portions 84 including the minimum width, such that portions of the at least a fraction alternate with narrower portions 86 (portions whose width is less than the minimum width). For example, with respect to the plurality of portions with the minimum width, the maximum length of an operative force transmission member section portion with less than the minimum width, connecting successive portions with the minimum width, is 7.62 centimetres. For example, the maximum length is 5.08 centimetres.

(G) Guard for Mitigating/Eliminating Interference by Crown to Movement of Force Transmission Member 40

Referring to FIGS. 5B and 14A, in another aspect, the actuator 38 is configured to effect a change in position (or movement) of the force transmission member 40 relative to the actuator 38 while effecting a change in the disposition of the force transmission member 40 relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, such that the force transmission member 40 moves forwardly relative to the actuator 38 when the actuator 38 effects application of a force to the operative force transmission member section 44, and the guard 88 is provided to mitigate or eliminate interference by the crown 26 to the forward movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the actuator 38.

In this respect, the headwear 10 is further provided with a guard 88 configured for disposition between the crown 26 and the force transmission member 40 as the force transmission member 40 moves forwardly relative to the actuator 38 as the actuator 38 effects application of a force to the operative force transmission member section 44. For example, the guard is a thin, flexible, pliable material which is fitted over a knob 1042 of the actuator 38. For example, the guard is a plastic material, such as polyurethane or polyvinylchloride.

(H) Method of Manufacturing Adjustable Headwear of a Pre-Determined Size

In another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing adjustable headwear 10 of a predetermined size, including a step of configuring the force transmission member 40 such that the force transmission member 40 corresponds to the predetermined size of the headwear 10.

In this respect, there is provided a method of manufacturing headwear 10 including the crown 26 defining an opening 12 for reception of a head 14 of a wearer, the actuator 38 configured for receiving an application of a force, and a force transmission member 40 configured for disposition relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26. The force transmission member 40 is coupled to the actuator 38, such that the actuator 38 is configured to effect, relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, a change in disposition of the force transmission member 40 to any one of a plurality of conditions. In at least one of the plurality of conditions, the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26.

Referring, in particular, to FIGS. 8 and 8A, the method includes providing a longitudinally extending force transmission member portion pre-form 90 including a plurality of longitudinally spaced cutting indications 92. For example, each one of the indications 92 is a score-mark. Each one of the cutting indications 92 corresponds to a pre-determined location for cutting the pre-form to provide a modified pre-form suitable for use as at least a portion of the force transmission member 40. In this respect, cutting of the pre-form at one of the plurality of cutting indications is effected. For example, the cutting is effected by known cutting methods such as by shears, clippers, scissors, knives, bladed cutting tools, or by hot wire.

For example, the method further includes providing a crown 26 of a predetermined size, providing an actuator 38, coupling the actuator 38 to the crown 26, and coupling the modified pre-form to each one of the crown 26 and the actuator 38. For example, the modified pre-form is incorporated in a force transmission member 40, and the force transmission member 40 is then coupled to each one of the crown 26 and the actuator 38.

For example, prior to coupling to each one of the crown 26 and the actuator 38, the modified pre-form is attached to the resilient member 76. For example, the resilient member is stitched to the modified pre-form. The modified pre-form includes an attachment indication corresponding to a pre-determined location for attaching the resilient member. In this respect, the resilient member is attached, such as by stitching to the modified pre-form.

In a related respect, for example, the longitudinally extending force transmission member pre-form also includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced attachment indications 93. Each one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced attachment indications 93 corresponds to and is paired or associated with a respective one of the plurality of the cutting indications 92, such that cutting of the pre-form at one of the plurality of cutting indications 92 provides a modified pre-form including a free end wherein the one of the plurality of the attachment indications 93 closest to the free end is for attachment to the resilient member 76. In this respect, the pre-form is cut at one of the plurality of cutting indications 92 to produce a modified pre-form including a free end. referring to FIG. 8A, the resilient member 76 is then attached to the one of the plurality of the attachment indications 93 closest to the free end to provide a further modified pre-form. The further modified pre-form is then coupled to each one of the actuator 38 and the crown 26.

For example, the pre-form is an elongated strap 561. For example the strap 561 is made from BASF A3K™ Nylon 66.

Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of headwear. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.

Claims

1. Headwear comprising:

a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer;

an actuator configured to receive an application of a force; and

a force transmission member coupled to the actuator;

such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown;

wherein the surface fraction of the head extends substantially continuously from: a point within a first distance of about 5.08 centimetres from a first temple reference plane defined by one of the temples of one side of the head and rearwardly towards the rear of the head, about the rear of the head and towards the other side of the head, and to a point within a second distance of about 5.08 centimetres from a second temple reference plane defined by the other one of the temples of the other side of the head, wherein the first distance is measured along an axis normal to the first reference plane and wherein the second distance is measured along an axis normal to the second reference plane,

and wherein in each one of the at least one of the plurality of conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead.

2. The headwear as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a force transmission member coupling portion, wherein the force transmission member is also coupled to the force transmission member coupling portion.

3. The headwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein the crown includes the force transmission member coupling portion.

4. The headwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein the force transmission member includes a strap.

5. The headwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein the force transmission member is attached to the force transmission member coupling portion.

6. The headwear as claimed in claim 4, wherein the force transmission member includes a resilient portion.

7. Headwear comprising:

a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer;

an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and including a force transmission member coupling unit;

a force transmission member coupling portion; and

a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the force transmission member coupling portion, such that the operative force transmission member section extends from: the actuator coupling unit and rearwardly towards the rear of the crown, about the rear of the crown and towards the other side of the crown, and to the force transmission member coupling portion; and wherein the force transmission member coupling unit of the actuator is disposed at one side of the headwear, and between a front and a rear of the headwear; and wherein the force transmission member coupling portion is disposed at a side of the headwear which is opposite to the side on which the operative portion of the actuator is disposed, and between a front and a rear of the headwear;

such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force transmission member section, such that the operative force transmission member section changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative force transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

8. The headwear as claimed in claim 7, wherein the crown includes the force transmission member coupling portion.

9. The headwear as claimed in claim 7, wherein the force transmission member includes a strap.

10. The headwear as claimed in claim 9, wherein the force transmission member includes a resilient portion.

11. The headwear as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a peak, wherein the force transmission member coupling portion is disposed on an opposite side of the peak relative to the disposition of the actuator.

12. The headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein the actuator is disposed closer to the peak than to the rear of the headwear, and wherein the force transmission member coupling portion is disposed closer to the peak than to the rear of the headwear.

13. The headwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission coupling portion.

14. The headwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the crown includes the force transmission member coupling portion.

15. The headwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the force transmission member includes a strap.

16. The headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein the minimum distance from the most rearward edge of the force transmission member coupling portion to the point of attachment between the crown and a portion of the peak is less than about 5.08 centimetres.

17. The headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission coupling portion.

18. The headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the crown includes the force transmission member coupling portion.

19. The headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the force transmission member includes a strap.

20. Headwear comprising:

a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer;

an actuator configured to receive an application of a force and including a force transmission coupling unit;

a force transmission member coupling portion; and

a force transmission member including an operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the force transmission member coupling portion;

and wherein the distance from the most rearward edge of the actuator coupling unit to a first temple reference plane, defined by one of the temples of one side of the head, is less than about 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured along a longitudinal axis of the force transmission member;

and wherein the distance from the most rearward edge of the force transmission coupling portion to a second temple reference plane, defined by the other one of the temples, is less than about 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured along a longitudinal axis of the force transmission member;

such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

21.-72. (canceled)