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, and a visor or bill portion connected to the crown portion. Ones of the gores forming the multi-gore shell are composed of a uniaxially stretchable woven material capable of being stretched only along the chordial axis of said multi-gore shell. The free-size cap has the aesthetic appeal of a fixed-size style cap, being capable of custom fitting all wearers within a predetermined range of head sizes, without requiring an adjustable fastener portion or an open portion on the back of the cap. An advantage of this free-size cap is that it is capable of custom fitting all wearers within a predetermined range of head sizes, without the drawback of changes in shape due to differences in head size.

Abstract: A flexible weather-shield accessory that can be attached to any headgear, or in the absence of other headgear, that can be worn by itself on a user's head. The accessory has a body portion capable of shielding the wearer's neck and ears. This body portion includes a visor-covering area that can lie across the visor or forward extension of the brim of a hat, extending coverage forward of the wearer's face. Thus the accessory is also capable of shielding the sides of the face, including nose and chin. The accessory has an inner opening with a size-adjustment mechanism that allows for the insertion of, and releasable attachment onto, the crown of a hat, cap, or head. It can adjust to fit onto any size head or hat. Fasteners are located at the front lower edge of the accessory to enable the accessory to be loosely closed together below the chin and neck of the wearer, and alternatively, to allow the accessory to be fastened to the upper button and buttonhole of the wearer's shirt or blouse.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adjustable size selectable pie hat which is provided with means in the back of the hat to permit the hat to be adjusted for different sizes without causing bulging in the appearance in the hat at the back.

Abstract: A baseball-style cap unencumbered by a bill or visor. A brimless baseball-style cap has the advantages of being lightweight, requires less structure and therefore less material, is inexpensive and provides opportunities for unique attachments. The baseball-style cap of the instant invention replaces the bill or visor with a decorative cloth and/or chin strap with ear cushions. Since many people wear baseball caps backwards or in reverse, the decorative cloth which will hang down behind the head and neck will provide an opportunity for the wearers to display their favorite logo or design in a unique and exciting way.

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

Abstract: A 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.

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

Abstract: A custom-fit cap having a visor portion and a substantially hemispherical crown portion attached to the visor portion and at least a crown portion opposite the visor and covering the back of the head being formed of the material that stretches at least circumferentially about the crown portion for accommodating various head sizes. A band that is stretchable circumferentially and is attached to the inside of the hemispherical crown portion adjacent the base thereof forms a sweat band to engage the head of the user while allowing the cap to stretch circumferentially with at least that portion of the crown portion covering the back of the head opposite the visor, so as to enable the cap to self-adjust automatically to fit a plurality of head sizes.

Abstract: An ergonomic head band which may be comfortably worn for extended periods of time. The head band includes a strap having first and second upwardly curved side arcuate segments, a front arcuate region, and tails which couple together at the back of a wearer's head. Platform regions are provided between the front arcuate region and side arcuate segments. The side arcuate segments comfortably accommodate the ears of a wearer while the head band is worn, while the front arcuate region is positioned adjacent the wearer's head. The platform regions allow face shields or other apparatus to be coupled to the head band.

Abstract: A baseball-type cap has a shell of general hemispherical shape within an open bottom. A visor is attached along a peripheral inner edge to the shell at the front of the shell. An arcuate inwardly and upwardly tapered opening is provided within the shell diametrically opposite the visor. A chord or other lace is looped through the holes within grommets attached to the shell at the corners of the shell at the rear opening proximate to the peripheral edge at the bottom of the shell and free ends of the lace are tied preferably in a bow, permitting infinite circumferential size adjustment of the shell to conform the shell to the head of a wearer.

Abstract: An adjustable fastener assembly for forming an adjustable loop around a portion of a wearer's body has an body has an elongate member for encircling the body portion and first and second interengageabie end portions at opposite ends of the elongate member. One of the end portions is a buckle and the other is a strap for releasable threaded engagement through the buckle with the free end of the strap on the inside of the loop. Secondary fasteners such as mateable strips of Velcro.RTM. material are provided on the opposing inner faces of the free strap end and inner face of the loop. The elongate member may be a belt or waistband, a collar for an animal, or a hat band or sweat band of a cap or hat.

Abstract: An adjustable cap has a fully removable adjustment strap that may be releasably secured to both sides of the gap in the back of a cap for accommodating any size user. The adjustment strap includes at least one graphic display that is centerable across the gap in the back side of the cap.

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

Abstract: An adjustable baseball-style cap with a closed-back or "fitted" look. The adjustability is provided by a fabric tunnel on the back panel of the cap which slidably receives a flexible strap attached to the cap at one end of the tunnel. A free end of the strap protrudes from the opposite end of the tunnel and engages with the cap via a releasable connector material. The cap can be selectively adjusted to sizes between 6 1/2 and 7 5/8 by adjusting the amount of the strap protruding from the tunnel.

Abstract: A ratchet spool mechanism including a rear or bottom housing having a central column, and positioned around the central column a belleville-type spring, positioned thereover a rotary spool having affixed therebetween two lengths of twine and positioned over the top portion of the spool a rotary cap having beveled projections which cooperate with correspondingly positioned orifices in the top surface of the rotary spool whereby operation of the belleville spring, the beveled surfaces and the orifices provide for a locking mechanism and one-way rotation to tighten or draw in the twine, and upon pressing the rotary cap downward against the belleville spring, the beveled projections become disengaged from the orifices, and the spool may be rotated in either direction.

Abstract: A cap which is self-adjusting within a predetermined range of hat sizes, includes a crown having a dome and a continuous lower rim formed of a flexible substantially inelastic material. The crown has a front portion and a rear portion together having a fully expanded size corresponding to a maximum size at least as large as a largest hat size within the predetermined range of hat sizes. An elastic strip having a rear portion is attached to the front portion of the rim so that an unstretched rear portion produces an elastic loop. The size of the loop and the front portion of the rim combine to form an unstretched size which is at least as small as a minimum hat size within the predetermined range of hat sizes. The elastic strip has a partially stretched length resulting in a size together with the front rim portion, which corresponds to the maximum size of the lower rim which is at least as large as the largest hat size within the range of hat sizes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a size adjustable hat having an auxiliary sweat band cooperating with the normal sweat band for adjusting the hat to fit comfortably on the head by allowing adjustment to intermediate sizes not presently available in certain styles as for example, small, medium, large and extra-large. The auxiliary sweat band is secured to the main sweat band to provide a smooth comfortable surface to the head of the wearer of the hat. The auxiliary sweat band is so designed as to leave the ends thereof hidden and unobtrusive.

Abstract: A size adjustable cap utilizing a new and improved size adjustment strap is disclosed. The size adjustable cap has an opening in the back of the cap between the cap and the size adjustment strap which extends across the opening. The size adjustment strap has one end secured to the cap in the vicinity of a sweatband that is internally attached to the cap proximate its lower margin. The size adjustment strap has a free end that extends through a complementary shaped slot provided in the sweatband on an opposite side of the cap opening to allow the size adjustment strap to pass through the complementary shaped slot for positionment between the sweatband and the cap. The complementary shaped slot is defined by a laterally outwardly directed opening in the sweatband for receiving the size adjustment strap. Cooperating adjustment fasteners are associated with the size adjustment strap and the sweatband for engagement with one another when the size adjustment strap is positioned between the sweatband and the cap.

Abstract: A headwear piece having a crown defining a first opening for reception of the head of a wearer, an inflatable bladder mounted to the crown so that the bladder resides between the crown and a wearer's head in the crown opening, structure for selectively introducing a fluid into the bladder, and structure mounted to the crown for covering the fluid introducing structure and allowing operation thereof from a location externally of the crown.

Abstract: A headwear piece having a crown with a surface defining an opening for receiving the head of a wearer, a bladder having first and second layers defining a space therebetween for containing a displaceable fluid, structure for connecting the first and second layers to each other to divide the bladder space into first and second chambers with their being a communication path through the bladder space between the first and second chambers, and structure for connecting the bladder to the crown so that the bladder defines a deformable cushion layer to conform to the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A premature baby elastic strip-like headband having expansion limiting structure with opposite ends of which one end has male hook-like multiple alternate attaching elements and of which a remaining opposite end has female loop-like attaching elements detachably securable to one-another at optionally alternate locations thereof, and having nasal cannulas oxygen tubes-securing structures positioned and mounted on the headband such that the nasal cannulas oxygen tubes are located on opposite side of a baby's head the headband is mounted thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable headband for a baseball helmet, attached to the helmet over the left and right ears and at the front center of the helmet. The free end of the headband passes around the rear of the wearer's head and through guide or belt loops and through an opening in said helmet, whereby said headband may be adjusted by the wearer while the helmet is being worn. Subsequent to adjustment the headband free end is attached to the outside of the helmet by a Velcro or other conventional fastener. The headband may be made of any suitable material including leather, nylon web, or injection-molded plastic, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of adapting headgear by installing removable segment members which can be thereafter removed to achieve an alternate adaptation of the headgear or by inserting a removable liner which can be enlarged or reduced in thickness in order to precisely to accommodate the head size of a user.

Abstract: A headwear article having an inverted cup-shaped crown for placement over the head of an individual, a band on the crown with a surface embracing the head of the individual wearing the headwear and an inflatable element on at least one of the crown and band for varying the effective diameter of the band surface.

Abstract: A liner for helmets, hats, caps or other head coverings has a body with a central section and tapered end sections. The body includes liquid absorbing material and is releasably secured to the head covering for easy replacement. The liners are typically disposable and may be formed with a core of thermoplastic containing other fibers sandwiched between facing and backing sheets. The edges and transversed sections of the body may be densified. Optionally, the liner may be cut in these transverse densified areas to adjust its length.

Abstract: Device for securing a hat in adverse wind conditions is disclosed: the non-permanent attachment to hat (22) can be either inconspicuous or decorative depending on preference of wearer. The device is a headband (10) with woven loop fiber pieces (14a), (14b), (14c), that attach to matching cut loop pieces (16a), (16b), (16c), in the inner band (24) of hat (22). The placement of these pieces compensates for aerodynamic affects and holds hat (10) secure. The design of the device allows the wearer to concentrate on performance and task orientation without worry about the hat blowing off.

Abstract: The novelty hat of the present invention includes a hat shell formed in the shape of a three-dimensional object, such as an automobile, a boat, or a motorcycle. Within the hat shell is a hatband which is detachably connected by interlocking hooks and eyes mounted on the hatband and on the interior walls of the hat shell. The headband is adjustable in size so as to accommodate various head sizes.

Abstract: This quick-change sweat band or pad is designed to be comfortable and is attached to the existing sweat band manufactured in a cap or other head-wear or garments. Primarily, it consists of a loop pile fastener adhered permanently to the existing sweat band or garment, and a hook pile fastener is similarly secured to an absorbent band or pad for engagement with the loop pile fastener. The combination of the hook pile fastener and the pad are quickly removed for replacement and washing when needed, and prevents odors from perspiration in the cap visor and the existing sweat band and/or other garments.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjustable headgear having a crown adapted to receive the head of the wearer, a slit extends inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the crown side, which provides sufficient movement to allow for wide size adjustment. The crown is completed to form a head encircling enclosure by overlapping slit edges, or a separate cover to fill the slit. The slit edges are held in definite relationship to each other. The slit width is maintained in relative position by adjustable securing means mounted on either side of the slit, or by releasable adjustable securing means mounted on an exterior cover attached to the crown. The edges of the slit are maintained in alignment by separate guide means mounted on either side of the slit, or by the previously mentioned releasable adjustable securing means mounted on an exterior cover attached to the crown. The slit is covered by fabric formed either by the edges of the slit itself, a flap or an internal panel.

Abstract: A cap has a sizing band adjustable in effective length by the use of hook and pile fasteners which sizing band can also retain a liner in the cap. A hook and pile fastener can be used alternatively to hold earflaps in upward-folded position or, when the earflaps are extending downward, the fastener can be used to attach the ends of a chin strap to the earflaps. A drawstring can be drawn to gather a neck flap and earflaps into snug engagement with the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A hat is provided having a sweatband which is discontinuous over a portion of the crown and has overlapping sweatband extensions with fastening means for adjusting the size of the hat. A stiff plastic strip is provided in this area on the crown to keep it from gathering.

Abstract: A garment, such as an incontinence control garment, having an opening to accommodate a part of the wearer's body, such as a leg opening, includes one or more gusset folds at the opening and having at least a portion of the faces of the gusset fold, e.g., the lateral edges thereof, manually disengagably bonded to one another, whereby the opening may be increased in size by manual disengagement of the bonded outer lateral edges. For example, a disposable panty-type garment having leg openings which are manually adjustable in size is provided, each featuring the disengagably bonded gusset fold structure described above. Also disclosed is a method for making garments such as panty-type garments, by the steps which may include cutting articles from a web of material, longitudinally folding the sheet to form a garment having closed leg openings, and folding the material at the opening to form gusset folds thereat which may be selectively opened to provide larger sized openings.

Abstract: An adjustable sweatband for uniform caps and the like having a flat generally tubular resilient casing with one open end and one closed end and a vertical opening adjacent the closed end; a semi-rigid regulator strap passing through the casing having one end extending beyond the vertical opening and fixed to the casing and the other end extending beyond the casing open end; and circumferentially spaced tabs on the strap fixed end and circumferentially spaced openings on the strap free end.

Abstract: A bathing cap incorporating a deployment clip in its rim which varies the circumference of the rim of a certain segment is very practical and comfortable to use.The cap may be put on and taken off in an easy and comfortable way while its tightness in use is unimpaired.

Abstract: A heat cap is provided for applying heat to hair on a user's head, primarily to a pile or row of hair along the top of the user's head. The heat cap is shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the user's head with the pile of hair thereon so as to apply heat evenly to the hair. The heating coil is disposed in the heat cap only in those areas where heat is desired for the hair and is absent in areas of the heat cap where it is undesirable to apply heat to the head. An adjustable flap on each side of the heat cap enables the size of the cap to be adjusted to fit different users. The adjustable flaps also tend to hold the cap outward away from the ear and lower sides of the head and can be easily opened to enable access to the user's ear while the heat cap is being worn. An electrical thermostat automatically brings the heat cap to an optimal temperature and maintains the temperature during the desired conditioning period.

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

Abstract: Headgear comprising a head-encircling band of extruded or molded thermoplastic having a channel formed along one edge and a transparent crescent-shaped plastic visor attached at its concave edge to the band within the channel so that said edge is concealed within the channel and said transparent visor, embodying within its diameter a pocket provided by a layer of plastic welded thereto within which is sealed a logo or emblem.

Abstract: A hat having an adjustable sweat band for controlling the tightness of the fit of the hat. A hat is provided with a sweat band of a flexible material having a draw strap secured at one end to the band and extending circumferentially of the sweat band on the side of the band adjacent the crown. Cooperating fastening means at the free end of the strap and on the band are employed to adjustably locate the free end of the strap relative to the band so that the effective circumference of the sweat band, and thus the fit or size of the hat can be adjusted by a draw loop or drawstring arrangement which is shielded from contact with the wearer's head by the sweat band. A strip of resilient padding which may be of a moisture absorbent material extends circumferentially of the sweat band between the strap and sweat band to provide a further cushion between the fastening means and the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A head enclosure including two complementary cover members having heating elements therein, shaped to conform to opposite sides of the users head, and including permanently connected portions covering the back of the user's neck, the margins of the cover members extending in centered relation over the crown of the user's head having flexible readily detachable fastening means which are variable in their width of attachment to adjust the cover members to the dimensions of the user's head, and including a removable and adjustable neck strap, whereby upon detaching the marginal fastener means both cover members may rest on the shoulders of the user retained by the neck back covering portions and neck strap.