Head Size Adjustment Patents (Class 2/183)
  • Patent number: 6918139
    Abstract: An article of headwear is disclosed that is formed of a plurality of panels. At least one of the panels has an edge that includes an indentation that is stretched when securing the panels together. The stretching of the indentation prestretches a headband portion of the headwear, and enhances the comfort and fit of the headwear. An elastic element may also be secured to the panels and positioned within the headband to further enhance the comfort and fit of the headwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Washington Okot
  • Publication number: 20040226078
    Abstract: A head protection system includes an open-ended tubular cap band of flexible material for partially encircling the head of a wearer generally at the level of the wearer's forehead. A belt member is slidably received through the tubular cap band and adjusts to accommodate the size of the head of the wearer. A crown member of a partial hemispherical shape has an equator region attached to the tubular cap band. In one embodiment, the opposed ends of the belt member include mutually engageable closure devices for joinder to accommodate the wearer's head. In another instance, the belt member is continuous and composed of flexibly expansible material. In still another instance, an elongated air bladder of resilient rubber-like material is received through the cap band with an air pump connected to the interior of the air bladder to selectively fill the air bladder with air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jerome E. Lahman, Daniel L. Barry
  • Patent number: 6748606
    Abstract: A hat having an adjustable inner circumference is provided. The hat includes a primary sweatband and an adjustable secondary sweatband which is removably secured at both of its opposing first and second ends to the primary sweatband. The opposing ends of the secondary sweatband are received within a pair of corresponding openings formed in the primary sweatband such that the ends of the secondary sweatband lie between the interior surface of the primary sweatband and the interior margin of the hat. Fastening members are positioned on both the opposing ends of the secondary sweatband and on the inner surface of the primary sweatband, adjacent the pair of openings. The fastening members allow the position of the secondary sweatband to be varied along the length of the primary sweatband in order to adjust the inner circumference of the hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Korber Hats, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Silverstein
  • Patent number: 6715154
    Abstract: A baseball-style cap having a free-size capability for accommodating wearers having a range of head sizes without a separate sizing mechanism. The cap includes a crown main body which is expandable at least in a peripheral direction, and a headband made of a substantially non-stretchable fabric material. The headband is connected to the lower peripheral edge of the crown main body by a piece of stretchable fabric which is sewn to cover the headband. The lower peripheral edge of the headband is incised or grooved at regular intervals such that a stretching force thereon in the peripheral direction causes the headband to demonstrate teeth appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dada Corp.
    Inventor: Boo Y L Park
  • Publication number: 20040045075
    Abstract: An adjustable strap for adjusting the fit of a hat or other article of clothing that includes a strap that wraps around and through a link opening, attaches securely by use of a hook and loop fastener device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Suen Ching Yan
  • Patent number: 6694525
    Abstract: An article of headwear that is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of head sizes comprising a front portion having a partial headband with bring and a rear portion having a partial headband with brim, wherein said partial headbands may be overlapped for size adjustment and detachably secured by means of cooperating VELCRO strips. Optional additional components include extension headband strips for further size enlargement, a crown, side flaps and a chin strap, all of which can be detachably secured to the front and rear portions by VELCRO fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Tad Wetherill Murnan
  • Publication number: 20030226192
    Abstract: The stretchable cap structure with non-distortable ornaments on the rear panels of the crown. The cap is comprised of a peak, a crown and a two-segment sweatband, the crown is composed of a plurality of stretchable panels on which external surface of the rear panels are decorated with ornaments. The two-segment sweatband portion including a stretchable sweatband portion and a non-stretchable sweatband portion sewn together interconnectedly is secured to the lower peripheral edge of the crown; the non-stretchable sweatband portion is placed at the area which is corresponding to the crown panels having the ornaments thereon to make the ornaments keep their original shapes without distortion while the entire cap in use being well stretched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Wei Hsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Kuang Wang
  • Patent number: 6654967
    Abstract: Therapy apparel (10) is provided to assist in therapy sessions with children diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction and impaired motor development. The apparel (10) includes a fabric top (14) to be worn over the shoulders and trunk of a child (12), together with a cape (16) and close-fitting headgear (18). The top (14) has fanciful theme decorations (e.g., a beetle) and is equipped with a series of flexible elastic straps for the feet, knees and hands of the child (12) and which can be used during a therapy session. The cape (18) is likewise theme-decorated and includes handholds (84) allowing the child (12) to spread the cape during imaginative play. The headgear (18) is constructed using padded side and sections (104, 106) with flexible elastic sections (108) between the sections (104, 106), and a chin strap (110) allowing the headgear (18) to be drawn into close conforming relationship with the child's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Sherry J. Haar
  • Hat
    Publication number: 20030131396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hat the circumference of which is automatically adjusted in accordance with the size of the wearer's head. Thus, the invention provides a hat equipped with a dimension adjusting mechanism, which comprises a guiding body formed with a guiding groove and positioned circumferentially on the rear inside of a hat, and a guiding member fitted in the guiding groove of the guiding body in a slidable manner under elastic force, whereby the circumference of the hat is adjusted automatically depending on the size of the wearer's head. Further, the clamping means or stopper provided on the adjusting mechanism serves to relieve the possible tightening feeling on the wearer's head by clamping the adjusting mechanism at a chosen desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Young Hui Park
  • Patent number: 6543061
    Abstract: A head cover assembly for providing a user with a head covering that acts as a fashionable accessory that may offer enhanced comfort for users. The head cover assembly includes a skull member that has a perimeter wall defining a cavity. The cavity is adapted for receiving an upper portion of the head of the user. A fastening assembly is coupled to the skull member. The fastening assembly is adapted for securing the skull member tightly around the upper portion of the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Sabrina Morgan
  • Publication number: 20030019012
    Abstract: An animal hat and a method for securing an animal hat to an animal are disclosed. The animal hat includes the hat, a shell and a securing means or a harness joined directly to the shell of the hat. The securing means or harness includes two straps, each having two loose ends which are movably secured to the shell of the hat. The two straps pass under the animal's muzzle and may be arranged so as to cross each other under the animal's muzzle or to extend in a generally parallel manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Irene Bray
  • Patent number: 6502248
    Abstract: An ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The set of membranes collectively defines an outer perimeter. The set of membranes is attached along the outer perimeter to define an attachment portion. The attachment portion is entirely disposed within an interior of the set of membranes. The frame is disposed within the interior of the set of membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward LeGette, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
  • Patent number: 6499146
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first curved band portion and a second curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The first curved band portion defines a passageway between the first end and the second end of the first curved band portion. The passageway has a first opening. The second curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. A motion-restraint portion is proximate to the first end of the second curved band portion. The first end of the second curved band portion is insertable into the first opening of the passageway of the first curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a range of motion within the passageway of the second curved band portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Dean Bavetta, Paul Kay, Brian E. Le Gette, Gary F. Prokop, Steve Remy
  • Patent number: 6467096
    Abstract: A baseball type cap comprising a hemispherical shell defining an opening for reception of a head of a wearer, and a size adjustment mechanism mounted to the shell for infinitely adjusting a size of the cap. The size adjustment mechanism includes a flexible drawstring slidably disposed within a channel formed along a peripheral edge of the shell, and a shiftable clamping slide adjustably mounted to the drawstring. A middle portion of the drawstring extends from the channel through a pair of holes therein and passes beneath a retaining loop formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cap shell, forming a closed adjusting loop. The clamping slide is operably attached to the adjusting loop for controlling the size of the adjusting loop, thus operatively adjusting an effective perimeter of the peripheral edge of the cap shell that defines a size of the headwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: International News, Inc.
    Inventor: Julie Coluccio
  • Publication number: 20020129438
    Abstract: A size adjustable sports cap having a crown constructed from a plurality of triangularly shaped panels, substantially all of which are expandable and contractible, and which form a crown of the cap adapted to be disposed over the crown of wearer's head. The crown has a lower margin and secured to that lower margin is a multi-section band having a plurality of spaced apart stretchable band sections separated by a plurality of spaced apart non-stretchable band sections. This band thereupon forms an opening which is size adjustable to receive the crown of a wearer's head. One of the important aspects of the invention is that there is no deformation of the crown of the cap and the construction allows for a more natural wearing fit of the sports cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wade L. Siegel
  • Patent number: 6421840
    Abstract: This innovative “soft shell protective head gear fabrication” is characterized in hot-compression forming of shock-absorption inertia foam rubber, foam rubber and hard plastic platelet, which are then cut and sewn to complete a soft shell protective headgear with an appearance of hawksbill turtle shell but without a hard casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Racer Sporting Goods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Fang Chen, Shyan-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20020088044
    Abstract: The self-sizing sun visor fills the need for a visor that automatically adjusts to the wearer's head without causing undo compressive pressure on the wearer's head. The desired level of comfort and easy of use to the wearer is achieved by constructing the headband at least partially from stretchable material and incorporating a sweat absorbing foam inner layer. A bill of essentially a rigid nature is attached to the forward portion of the lower peripheral edge. The headband can also be constructed from two or more headband segments. A headband segment is a different color or the same color as the other headband segments. The visor comes in a small/medium size and a large/extra large size to accommodate a range of head sizes comfortably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Razgo Lee
  • Patent number: 6381754
    Abstract: This invention relates to a headgear system comprising a baseball styled hat with adjustment means at the front of the crown, above the brim, in the form of straps wrapped around the crown. It also features plastic molded, baseball styled caps, visors, berets and summer hats provided with cooling elements in the form of vacuum-like pockets with sealed coolants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Nonso Ezenekwe
  • Patent number: 6345395
    Abstract: A sports hat comprises a body including a domed portion having a narrow end and an open wide end, and a ring portion of variable diameter at the narrow end. An elasticized band is associated with the ring portion, as is a substantially non-stretchable elongate drawstring. The elongate drawstring is adjustable between a loosened position and a tightened position to limit the diameter of the ring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Shawn Chilton
  • Patent number: 6332227
    Abstract: A ring band adjustment structure of a crash helmet comprises a ring band, a connection sheet, a guide bar, and a pair of locating adjusters. Two ends of the ring band are connected to the locating adjusters. The locating adjusters are connected to the guide bar so that the locating adjusters can move along a guide track formed at the edge of the guide bar. Through a control element in a slide grooves of the locating adjuster, a point-shaped unidirectional locating element on the bottom face of the inner end of the control element will leave from a corresponding strip-shaped unidirectional locating element of the locating bar on the guide bar, and the locating adjuster can move. Each end of the guide bar has a limit element so that the locating adjuster will not slide out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Yun Fang
  • Patent number: 6314588
    Abstract: A ring band adjustment structure of a crash helmet comprises a ring band, a connection sheet, a guide element, an adjuster, a fixing element, and a locating element. The ring band has a long groove at each end portion thereof. A dentation is formed above the long groove of one end portion, and a dentation is formed below the long groove of the other end portion. The two end portions are inserted into two end faces of the connection seat. The guide element is inserted from a back face of the connection seat to penetrate the two long grooves. The fixing element passes a through hole in the guide element to join the adjuster. The adjuster drives the guide element to turn so that the two inserted end portions of ring band can move toward or away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Yun Fang
  • Patent number: 6314587
    Abstract: A ring band adjustment structure of a crash helmet comprises a ring band, a connection sheet, a locating bar, and a pair of locating adjusters. Two ends of the ring band are connected to the locating adjusters. The locating adjusters are connected to the locating bar so that the locating adjusters can move along a guide track formed at the edge of the locating bar. By pressing a press element on the locating adjuster, a point-shaped unidirectional locating element on the bottom face of the locating adjuster will leave from a corresponding strip-shaped unidirectional locating element on the locating bar, and the locating adjuster can move. Each end of the locating bar has a limit element so that the locating adjuster will not slide out. Thereby, the diameter of the ring band can be adjusted, the structure is simplifier, and the manufacture and assembly are easier, hence facilitating modular processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Yun Fang
  • Patent number: 6170086
    Abstract: An adjustable cap apparatus comprising a crown portion having a front end and a rear end, an opening disposed on the rear end of the crown portion, a visor attached to the front end of the crown portion, and stretchable material completely covering the opening such that surface continuity with the crown portion is maintained. The multi-axial stretchability and resiliency of the material covering the opening allows for both halves of the crown portion to either be drawn together or spread apart to fit the wearer, thereby providing a degree of adjustability to the cap and comfort to the wearer. The stretchable material disposed within the opening has a greater stretchability than the material of the crown portion, even when the crown portion is composed predominantly of a stretchable material, thereby serving the purpose of increasing the degree of adjustability in caps already incorporating stretchable material in the crown portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Razgo Lee
  • Patent number: 6163888
    Abstract: A free-size hat is capable of fitting wearers having a range of head sizes. The free-size cap including both cap and hat regardless of the fabric can provide a free-size function by accommodating various head sizes of the wearers with slits being formed on the crown and the brim. The structure of the present invention permits either a hat or a cap to be designed which is produced easily, attractive in use or other time by keeping shape, comfortable for the wearer by causing no oppression, and further provides the advantageous feature of multiple size capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Dada Corporation
    Inventor: Boo Yi Park
  • Patent number: 6131202
    Abstract: A multi-axially stretchable fabric cap which utilizes a multi-axially stretchable fabric for a majority of the gores making up the cap, such that a more comfortable fitting cap is obtained and wherein the cap has an inner headband consisting of a foam synthetic material so as to alleviate pressure about the head of the wearer and wherein the cap is sewn with stretchable thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Suen Ching Yan
  • Patent number: 6122774
    Abstract: A free-size cap is capable of fitting wearers having a range of head sizes. The free-size cap structure is further provided with inwardly folded portion at the crown edge, and with a flexible material therein. The cap has a number of axially stretchable gores to enhance the comfort of the cap and to avoid a tight-fitting structure. The structure permits free-size cap to be fabricated which are comfortable for the wearer, and with a single size of cap being adaptable for use by all persons with heads within a number of normal sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: DADA Corp.
    Inventor: Boo Yl Park
  • Patent number: 6119273
    Abstract: A free-size cap with a size adjusting band is disclosed. In the cap, six gores, integrated into a crown, are made of a stretchable woven fabric, with a weft directional elongation of the gores being higher than a warp directional elongation of the gores. A sweat band is attached along a lower edge of the integrated gores. The sweat band is made of a stretchable woven fabric, with a weft directional elongation of the sweat band being higher than the weft directional elongation of the gores. The warp directional elongation of the gores is 25%.+-.2%, and the weft directional elongation of the gores is 50%.+-.5%. The weft directional elongation of the sweat band is 65%.+-.5%. The free-size cap is thus primarily and manually adjusted in size by its size adjusting band and is finely and automatically adjusted in size by the elasticity of the stretchable woven fabric of both the crown and the sweat band. The cap thus allows a user to feel comfortable while wearing the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Yupoong & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Woo Cho
  • Patent number: 6094749
    Abstract: A head wear system including a sizing band and a hat. The sizing band is distinct from the hat. The hat comprises a bill and a cap having an opening at the back as well as a headband. The head wear system also includes a first and second adjustment means for selectively nondestructively attaching each end of the sizing band to the hat in a longitudinal relationship therebetween selected by the wearer. When the sizing band is attached to the hat by the first and second adjusting means, the sizing band extends across the opening of the cap. The head wear system also comprises an ornament, a cover means for accessorizing the hat, and an attachment means for selectively nondestructively connecting the cover means and ornament to the crown of the cap. One embodiment of the sizing band functions as a skin stencil and comprises a substrate transparent to ultraviolet radiation and a design opaque to ultraviolet radiation that is attached to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Michael K. Proctor
  • Patent number: 6052831
    Abstract: A free-size cap is capable of fitting wearers having a range of head sizes. The cap includes a multi-gore shell forming a crown portion, a headband having a plurality of slits thereon and a stretchable fabric interconnecting the crown and the headband. Further, a sponge-containing headband is secured to the lower peripheral edge of the crown by the stretchable fabric, and the headband is stretchable in accordance with stretching of the crown. The structure permits a cap to be designed which is produced easily, attractive in use or other time by keeping its shape, comfortable for the wearer by causing no oppression, and further provides the advantageous feature of multiple size capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: DADA Corp.
    Inventor: Boo Yl Park
  • Patent number: 6049911
    Abstract: A baseball cap which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing with a crown portion and self-adjustable means made of fabric. Said self-adjustable means are made in part of extensible materials that are not exposed to engage the hair of the wearer. The baseball cap design is such that the cap does not bunch up. Such a baseball cap design provides a self-adjustable baseball cap, which provides a comfortable fit covering a range of head sizes in an aesthetically pleasing fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Craig Bromberg
  • Patent number: 6041439
    Abstract: A size adjustable hat, wherein a bag shaped portion is formed all around the circumference 2 of an extremity of a crown section 1 positioned inside said crown section, or a central hole peripheral portion 3 of a brim, or a slider base portion or a slider cuffed portion 14a into a bag shaped portion 4,5, or by affixing a tubular portion 7 on these portions or providing an independent tubular portion between these portions, and by introducing a size adjustment drawstring 6 into this bag shaped portion or tubular portion, and by drawing the both ends of this drawstring for shrinking these cuffed portions of the crown section or the hole peripheral portion of the brim positioned inside the hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Katsushige Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 5978968
    Abstract: An attachment 10 being made with a springy, yet relatively rigid material includes two elongated and U-shaped arms 12, 14 which are aligned with the front and rear portions of a lower periphery of an internal surface of a crown 22 of a headgear 20 respectively. The crown has an opening which is larger than its ordinary size for a wearer's head 30. Each arm has two end portions oriented toward the left and right portions of a lower periphery of the crown, spaced apart to each other in a distance shorter than a width between the left and right sides of the head, adapted to clamp the left and right sides of the head in the springy manner, also adapted to make the opening of the crown narrowed in its left and right directions while the opening is lengthened elliptically in its front and rear directions to provide air space to the head, whereby the air space can engage to ventilate scalp of the head keeping cool and dry and also to prevent hair of the head from being disturbed and pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Ben Gill-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 5966742
    Abstract: An adjustable cap has a crown portion shaped for fitting over the crown of a wearer's head, with the rear part of the crown portion formed of a stretchable material. A two part peripheral band is secured around the lower peripheral edge of the crown portion on the inside of the cap. The first, front part of the band is of a moisture absorbent, non-stretch material, and the second, rear part extending across the rear of the crown portion is of a stretchable material. The rear part of the band stretches to adjust the size of the peripheral opening to fit wearer's of differing head sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: American Manufacturing Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Cunliffe
  • Patent number: 5950245
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable headband for protective headgear with a ratchet mechanism having different resistances. The adjustable headband utilizes a ring gear assembly having a plurality of radially projecting teeth thereon. Each of the projecting teeth of the ring gear assembly has a first tooth side and a second tooth side which is different from the first tooth side. For example, each tooth of the ring gear assembly preferably has a first tooth angle on the first tooth side and a second, different tooth angle on a second tooth side. A spring assembly having at least one spring tooth projecting radially therefrom is connected to the adjustment knob. The spring assembly is positioned such that the at least one spring tooth meshes with the teeth of the ring gear assembly to provide resistance to the rotation of the adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Binduga
  • Patent number: 5926850
    Abstract: The improved fit cap of the present intention fit wearers within a predetermined range of hat sizes. The improved fit cap has a crown member and a brim extending from a front portion. A sweat band having a bottom edge, and a top edge is attached along its lower edge to an interior surface of the crown member. When attached to the crown member, the bottom edge of the sweat band is of a larger circumference than the circumference of the top edge of the sweat band. Furthermore, the sweat band is composed of an unidirectionally stretchable fabric aligned to stretch only along an axis perpendicular to the top and bottom edges of the sweat band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Cha Rang Han
  • Patent number: 5915535
    Abstract: An adjustable fastener assembly for forming an adjustable loop around a portion of a wearer's body has an elongate member for encircling the body portion and first and second ends. A pair of rings are secured to the first end, and the second end is in releasable threaded engagement through the rings with the free end on one side of the loop. Secondary fasteners such as mateable strips of Velcro.RTM. material are provided on the opposing faces of the free end and face of the loop so that the free end can be secured to the loop. The elongate member may be a belt or waistband, a collar for an animal, or a hat band or sweatband of a cap or hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Susan Henrekin-Jordan
  • Patent number: 5907871
    Abstract: A combination cap/glove selectively usable as a cap worn on a person's head and a glove worn on a person's hand for catching a ball. The cap/glove includes a concave crown having a peripheral bottom edge, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A hand receptacle having an opening is mounted to a first side of the crown. A band of flexible sheet material having a top and a bottom edge is attached by the bottom edge of the band to the interior surface of the crown at a second side of the crown substantially opposite the first side of the crown. The band is attached to the crown in a manner biasing the top edge of the band away from the crown interior to define a ball catching pocket opposite the hand receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Michael B. Austin
  • Patent number: 5906006
    Abstract: A bandana-type headwear suitable for wearing under a helmet or as a independent head piece is disclosed. The headwear is preferably of a generally polygonal shape and has attached thereto adjustment straps of the peg and hole type generally used for adjustable caps. These straps are attached to the headwear fabric at an angle oblique to the central axis of the headwear to assist in installing and retaining the headwear on wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Felix Castro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5894603
    Abstract: A hat of plush material configured and arranged in the form of a Santa Clause cap having a crown and an adjustable headband attached to the crown to enable the hat to be placed around the head of the wearer and maintained in a secure position, the adjustable headband in one embodiment including a first strap and second strap of semi-rigid material respectively attached to the crown to enable the crown to be tightened around the head of the wearer, each of the first and second straps including provisions for fastening the first and second straps to each other at a plurality of locations to provide for tightening the crown around the head of the wearer; wherein, in a preferred embodiment, the crown defines a pair of opposed sides to define a cutout therein proximal to the first and second straps to enable the wearer to manipulate the first and second straps to adjustably tighten the crown around the head of the wearer; and wherein the crown is comprised of a main body section of a primarily conical shape formed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Dan Dee International
    Inventor: Lee Capozzi
  • Patent number: 5893173
    Abstract: An animal hat and a method for securing an animal hat to an animal is disclosed. The animal hat includes an outer shell, an inner band secured to the outer shell, a plurality of apertures extending through the inner band, and a harness joined to the inner band. The harness includes an elongate strap threaded through the apertures to form a first loop, a second loop, and a third loop wherein the first loop is positioned under a muzzle of the animal and free ends of the strap pass behind the animal's ears and are secured together under the muzzle. A ring joins the second and third loops together within the outer shell. The ring adds elasticity to the strap to make the harness more comfortable for the dog to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Irene F. Bray
  • Patent number: 5890230
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hat which can be made of multiple pieces or one integral piece of soft material sewed into a hat body having a crown portion and a brim portion. An elastic band is sewed onto and along a lower inner periphery of the crown portion of the hat body in specially patterned stitches to replace the lining band and decorative hat band usually used on a conventional hat. The hat can be folded without becoming deformed. The elastic band provides the hat with adjustable size and tightness to suit to different head shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Tian-Song Guo
  • Patent number: 5855023
    Abstract: A hat includes a band connected to a first side of the hat and configured to be releasably and adjustably connectable to a second side of the hat. The band is positioned and configured to leave a gap between a front of the hat and a wearer's head when the hat is worn. The hat includes an open mesh segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: Herman L. Clingenpeel, Wilberta Clingenpeel
  • Patent number: 5826277
    Abstract: An improved sweat band. The sweat band includes an elastic band adapted to fit around a user's head and a length of sponge cloth intermittently attached along spaced apart locations to the elastic band. Only the ends and spaced apart segments of the strips are attached to the elastic band, therefore allowing the elastic band to stretch without being restricted by the inelastic sponge material. In the preferred embodiment, a tubular fabric wrap surrounds the elastic band and the length of sponge cloth to provide additional absorption and also to provide comfort to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Christina H. McConville
  • Patent number: 5822799
    Abstract: A sweatband for a head covering comprising an elastic tape, a non-elastic ribbon, an attachment member to attach the tape T to an attachment section of the ribbon R while the tape is in a stretched condition and a connecter to connect a connection section of the ribbon to an interior wall of the head covering. A method of making and installing the sweatband in a head covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Bollman Hat Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Kepple
  • Patent number: 5819318
    Abstract: A head covering is provided with an adjustable sunshade visor for shielding the wearer's face from sunshine and an inside ventilation means for supplying air to the inside of the head covering to cool the wearer's head in hot days. The head covering includes a frame; a substantially C-shaped rim made of flexible material mounted on the bottom of the frame. A size adjusting belt is joined to the C-shaped rim in such a manner as to form a ring that fits on a wearer's head, the diameter of the ring being adjustable by adjusting the length of the size adjusting belt. A plurality of tubular members having hollowed inside are mounted along and between the outer and inner walls of the C-shaped rim. A double-layer crown-structure including an outer fabric layer and an internal net-like layer is supported on the frame for covering the wearer's head. The outer fabric layer and the internal net-like layer are separated by a gap that serves as an air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignees: Steven Tse, Meng Chin Tseng
    Inventor: Steven Tse
  • Patent number: 5802616
    Abstract: A folding hat includes a crown and a brim which extends around the entire periphery of the crown. The brim is relatively stiff and flat so that it extends outwardly from the crown. The brim is provided with a hinge for folding the brim into a compact configuration for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: S. Gene Watson
  • Patent number: 5802617
    Abstract: A hat or other headgear having a cord, preferably an elongated flexible plastic tube, with a portion extending across the interior of the hat between opposite sides of a lower portion of the crown, at a location to contact the user's forehead and position the hat relative thereto, with the forehead contacting portion of the cord being spaced rearwardly of the lower portion of the crown at the front of the hat to define a front air circulation space through which air can flow upwardly and downwardly between the crown and the cord. At opposite ends of the forehead contacting portion, the cord extends through openings in opposite sides of the hat and then downwardly to form a chin strap. The hat may have an additional air circulation opening, desirably near the rear of the hat, formed by a generally horizontal slit in a generally vertical wall of the hat, with a lower portion of the wall being deformed inwardly beneath the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Robert O. Boden
  • Patent number: 5771493
    Abstract: A head wear system including a sizing band and a hat. The sizing band is distinct from the hat. The hat comprises a bill and a cap having an opening at the back as well as a headband. The head wear system also includes a first and second adjustment means for selectively nondestructively attaching each end of the sizing band to the hat in a longitudinal relationship therebetween selected by the wearer. When the sizing band is attached to the hat by the first and second adjusting means, the sizing band extends across the opening of the cap. The head wear system also comprises an ornament, a cover means for accessorizing the hat, and an attachment means for selectively nondestructively connecting the cover means and ornament to the crown of the cap. One embodiment of the sizing band functions as a skin stencil and comprises a substrate transparent to ultraviolet radiation and a design opaque to ultraviolet radiation that is attached to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Michael K. Proctor
  • Patent number: 5727250
    Abstract: A sunshade for use with a hard hat to provide shade and ultraviolet protection for the wearer comprises a vinyl disk with a hole dimensioned to receive the crown of a hard hat, the disk being covered with a washable fabric and having an elastic band sewn to the covering at the hole. The diameter of the elastic band is smaller than the diameter of the hole so that, at the point of attachment to the covering, the band is stretched radially outward and defines thereby a first portion of the band on one side of the disk and a second portion on the opposing side. The first portion grips the crown of the hard hat above the brim and the second portion wraps around the underside of the brim. The sunshade typically ranges in size from at least 16 inches to 20 inches in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Randolph Black
  • Patent number: 5724676
    Abstract: A hat size adjustment system which has a pair of size adjusting straps with free ends that can be tucked inside slots. Each strap has one end secured to the hat on opposite sides of an opening in the back of the crown. One strap is secured to a sweatband inside the crown. The other strap is secured to an inside lower edge of the crown. The straps are releasably secured to each other by hook and loop fasteners. The free ends of the straps are tucked into slots on each side of the crown opening to present a clean and attractive looking hat size adjustment system. When properly fastened, the size adjustment system appears to be a single strap fixed on both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventors: Dominic Amendolia, John Chiarello