CA1288899C - Adjustable headgear and cover - Google Patents
Adjustable headgear and coverInfo
- Publication number
- CA1288899C CA1288899C CA000527214A CA527214A CA1288899C CA 1288899 C CA1288899 C CA 1288899C CA 000527214 A CA000527214 A CA 000527214A CA 527214 A CA527214 A CA 527214A CA 1288899 C CA1288899 C CA 1288899C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slit
- crown
- headgear
- edges
- brim
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B1/00—Hats; Caps; Hoods
- A42B1/22—Hats; Caps; Hoods adjustable in size ; Form-fitting or self adjusting head coverings; Devices for reducing hat size
Abstract
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 it elf, a flap or an internal panel. When the guide means are part of the brim of a hat they also form a continuation and extension of the brim.
Previous attempts to design a one-size-fits-all headgear were unable to provide a snug fitting brimmed hat with a continuous brim. The whole arrangement permits an adjustable hat without significant, visible or substantial deformation of the headgear.
While this arrangement is especially adapted to brimmed hats it is also applicable to headgear without brims.
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 it elf, a flap or an internal panel. When the guide means are part of the brim of a hat they also form a continuation and extension of the brim.
Previous attempts to design a one-size-fits-all headgear were unable to provide a snug fitting brimmed hat with a continuous brim. The whole arrangement permits an adjustable hat without significant, visible or substantial deformation of the headgear.
While this arrangement is especially adapted to brimmed hats it is also applicable to headgear without brims.
Description
A JUSTABLE_HEADGEA~a,, ~ Co ~f This invention relates to adjustable headgear, especially brimmed adjustable headgear.
"One-size-fits-all(-adults)" adjustable headgear has long been desired by manufacturers of headgear, including hats, caps, and other headgear. Attempts to produce this have not been universally succe~sful, and when adopted were limited in application, or had other drawbacks. As a result, headgear is often produced in a range of sizes, which while costlier to make, satisfies the wearer.
There are four basic adjustable headgear solutions indicated in the prior art of which applicant is aware. The first is an outer unadjustable shell, suspended on an inner ad~ustable arrangement. The second is to provide an adjustable strap ~o vary the base periphery of the headgear to fit the wearer's head.
The third is to prov~de deformable headgear which expands to fit the wearer's head. Hybrids between the ~irst and second solutions are known. A fourth possibility comprises two ad~ustably engaging overlapping shells. Adjustable brimmed hats are uncommon ~n the prior art.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The first general approach is to provide an outer unad~ustable shell suspended on ad~ustable means, which grip or re-~t upon the wearer's head. Two common forms o~ this are ~g ,. ' ' . -~: .
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military helmets and construction hard hats, where the he~dgear is suspended upon an adjustable headband or sweatband, usually comprising a single strip or strap, hav~ng two ends, which may be shortened and lengthened as required and secured at this length by any suitable securing ~eans. U.S.P. 3,780,382, issued Dec.
25, 1973 to Boden, teaches a cap having outer and inner shells, the inner shell contacting the head at two contact pads and a re~r notch across which an adjustable strap is secured by a fastener, this arrangement is indicated a~ suitable for a brimmed hat, presumably by making t~e outer shell of that form, but there is no specific teaching on this point. A brimmed hat is also taught, where an unad~ustable shell is moun~ed on a resilient frame having contact pads to fit the head. This patent is directed to ventilated headgear, but also includes some adjustment features. U.S.P. 4,101,981, issued Jul. ~5, 1978 to 30den, teaches inter alia, a shell br~mmed hat mounted upon four contact pads, which is not adjustable. U.S.P. 4,2~4,15~, issued Jun. 23, 1981 to Boden, teaches a non adjustable shell cap, which could be a non adjustable brimmed shell hat although not so
"One-size-fits-all(-adults)" adjustable headgear has long been desired by manufacturers of headgear, including hats, caps, and other headgear. Attempts to produce this have not been universally succe~sful, and when adopted were limited in application, or had other drawbacks. As a result, headgear is often produced in a range of sizes, which while costlier to make, satisfies the wearer.
There are four basic adjustable headgear solutions indicated in the prior art of which applicant is aware. The first is an outer unadjustable shell, suspended on an inner ad~ustable arrangement. The second is to provide an adjustable strap ~o vary the base periphery of the headgear to fit the wearer's head.
The third is to prov~de deformable headgear which expands to fit the wearer's head. Hybrids between the ~irst and second solutions are known. A fourth possibility comprises two ad~ustably engaging overlapping shells. Adjustable brimmed hats are uncommon ~n the prior art.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The first general approach is to provide an outer unad~ustable shell suspended on ad~ustable means, which grip or re-~t upon the wearer's head. Two common forms o~ this are ~g ,. ' ' . -~: .
.
:
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military helmets and construction hard hats, where the he~dgear is suspended upon an adjustable headband or sweatband, usually comprising a single strip or strap, hav~ng two ends, which may be shortened and lengthened as required and secured at this length by any suitable securing ~eans. U.S.P. 3,780,382, issued Dec.
25, 1973 to Boden, teaches a cap having outer and inner shells, the inner shell contacting the head at two contact pads and a re~r notch across which an adjustable strap is secured by a fastener, this arrangement is indicated a~ suitable for a brimmed hat, presumably by making t~e outer shell of that form, but there is no specific teaching on this point. A brimmed hat is also taught, where an unad~ustable shell is moun~ed on a resilient frame having contact pads to fit the head. This patent is directed to ventilated headgear, but also includes some adjustment features. U.S.P. 4,101,981, issued Jul. ~5, 1978 to 30den, teaches inter alia, a shell br~mmed hat mounted upon four contact pads, which is not adjustable. U.S.P. 4,2~4,15~, issued Jun. 23, 1981 to Boden, teaches a non adjustable shell cap, which could be a non adjustable brimmed shell hat although not so
2~ indicated, having an ad~ustable inner partial ~weatband attached at a number of contact points to spacer elements on the shell by VELCRO tTM) fastener arrangements. Optionally other contact pads may be attached to the shell. British Patent 1,442,333, published Jul. 14, 1976 to Lamb, teaches a brimmed hat mounted upon a elastic stretchable headban~ or sweatband, which enables the number of popular hat sizes stocked to be reduced by half.
The second approach is to provide an adjustable ~trap
The second approach is to provide an adjustable ~trap
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immediately adjacent the interior or exterior base periphery of the crown of the cap or brimmed hat, which may run entirely around the periphery or a part thereo~. Common example~ are the military peaked forage cap of World War I, often adjusted by an exterior strap across the forehead, and the modern baseball cap ad~usted by an interior but expos~d strap at the rear. U.S.P.
1,333,708, issued Mar. 16, 1920 to Fischer, teaches a cap ad~ustable by a buckled strap, there is a slit on either ~ide of the peak or visor, ~ormed by leaving a vertical seam unstitched for a short portion of its length, such that the peak and fron~
may be moved in and out with respect ~o the back of the cap, to provide a limited size adjustment. The strap is arranged to cover the slit when worn. A version without peak or visor is also described, of ~imilar construction, fastened at the back. A
sweat-band is indicated in preferable form attached to ~he inside of the cap, which effectively expands and contracts with ad~ustment without slack or stretch. U.S.Re.P. 1~,064, issued Aug. ~, 1928 to Fischer, teaches a brimmed hat having at least one 3et of expandable pleats extending from the crown to the brim edge. These pleats may be adjusted either by a hat encircling bar~d or strap sewn or otherwise fixed to the hat at the top of the brim, or by a strap which ~ust encircles the pleats, the ends in both cases are adjustably secured together. An ornamental piece may be attached to the hat to cover the pleats. The same system may be used for a ~imilar cap. It i~ preferr~d to provide an internal sweatband, either overlapping or one end sliding in and out of the other. U.S.P. 2,447,850, i~sued Aug. 24, 1948, to Feldman, teaches a peaked cap, adjustable by a strap around the . . .
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head havin~ adjustable secu~ing means (s~ud and socket), which is concealed in a channel at the rear of the cap. Two open arched notches on either side allow for expansion or contraction. U.S.P.
immediately adjacent the interior or exterior base periphery of the crown of the cap or brimmed hat, which may run entirely around the periphery or a part thereo~. Common example~ are the military peaked forage cap of World War I, often adjusted by an exterior strap across the forehead, and the modern baseball cap ad~usted by an interior but expos~d strap at the rear. U.S.P.
1,333,708, issued Mar. 16, 1920 to Fischer, teaches a cap ad~ustable by a buckled strap, there is a slit on either ~ide of the peak or visor, ~ormed by leaving a vertical seam unstitched for a short portion of its length, such that the peak and fron~
may be moved in and out with respect ~o the back of the cap, to provide a limited size adjustment. The strap is arranged to cover the slit when worn. A version without peak or visor is also described, of ~imilar construction, fastened at the back. A
sweat-band is indicated in preferable form attached to ~he inside of the cap, which effectively expands and contracts with ad~ustment without slack or stretch. U.S.Re.P. 1~,064, issued Aug. ~, 1928 to Fischer, teaches a brimmed hat having at least one 3et of expandable pleats extending from the crown to the brim edge. These pleats may be adjusted either by a hat encircling bar~d or strap sewn or otherwise fixed to the hat at the top of the brim, or by a strap which ~ust encircles the pleats, the ends in both cases are adjustably secured together. An ornamental piece may be attached to the hat to cover the pleats. The same system may be used for a ~imilar cap. It i~ preferr~d to provide an internal sweatband, either overlapping or one end sliding in and out of the other. U.S.P. 2,447,850, i~sued Aug. 24, 1948, to Feldman, teaches a peaked cap, adjustable by a strap around the . . .
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head havin~ adjustable secu~ing means (s~ud and socket), which is concealed in a channel at the rear of the cap. Two open arched notches on either side allow for expansion or contraction. U.S.P.
4,023,212, issued May 17, 1977 to Huffman, teaches a visored cap with detachable crown the visor can be secured adju~tably in one case by a strap passing around the back of the head, which then is sec~red within the rear portion of the crown by a VELCR0 lTM) overlap. In the other case two straps are adjustably secured within the rear portion of the crown by VELCR0 (TM) overlap. The ~ront portion of the crown is detachably secured to the visor.
Two arched notches to allow for expansion and contraction are formed laterally in the crown. U.S.P. 3,~66,565, issued Oct. 23, 1973 to Cozzens, teaches a visored cap adjustable by a strap at the rear, having an arched notch ~o allow for adjustment. U.S.P.
4,101,981, issued Jul. 25, 1978 to Boden, mentioned above, teaches a similar arrangement, with two or four contact pads within the cap, and in one case instead of a notch a slit, the edges of which may overlap slightly, or form a notch. U.S.P.
3,714,670, issued Feb. 6, 1973 to Pollack et al, teaches a ~lexible hair cover, which has a headband having elastic and nonelastic segments, the non elastic segment being adjustably secured by VELCR0 (TM). U.S.P. 3,945,050, issued Mar. 23, 1976 to Bohash, U.S.P. 4,021,859, issued May 10, 1977 to Burke, and U.S.P. 4,317,238, issued Mar. 2, 1982 to Amin, all teach adjustable cap kits. Bohash teaches a cap adjustable by a hook and slot arrangement. Amin teache~ a cap with four standard components, three forming the hat or swPatband, which can be made --into a series of sizes, it does not appear that adjustment a~ter k~ , .
3'J`3 assembly is contempla~ed. Burke, teaches an open ended band which when placed around the head and joined forms a head covering.
The third general approach is to provide deformable headgear. U.S.P. 2,214,995, issued Sept. 17, 1940 to norsey, teaches a brimmed hat having two vertical channels of resilient material, lateral to the crown. When the hat is forced onto a head, too large fc,r the original hat, the diameter of the crown enlarges resiliently. U.S.P. 2,698,945, issued ~an. 11, 1955; to Hamilton, teaches a skull cap having a rear elastic panel. When placed upon a head larger than the unexpanded cap, the panel stretches to fit.
A fourth approach is that indicated in U.S.P. 4,539,715 and Canadian Patent 1,183,302, where a hookey helmet has multiple overlapping parts, usually a forward shell which slides engageably into a rear shell, in this case the interior is padded and the back of the head i5 Pitted into the rear ~hell, then the forward shell is ~itted to the wearer's forehead, the shells are then engaged.
The above mentioned prior art has a deficiency in that it provides no truly ad~ustable headgear, which have a ~nug ~it over a wide range of siZeQ, in the absence of substantial deformation, so that the headgear maintains essentially the same shape, and the elements of the headgear maintain essentially the same relative positions. The most common presently available - : : ' 8~
ad~ustable headgear is of the baseball cap typel which while suitable for sum~er use, i5 not suitable for wear in winter or rain. Further the above mentioned prior art provides no truly ad~ustable brimmed hats, which have a snug fit over a wide range of sizes, and a relatively stiff continuous brim.
It is an ob~ect of the invention to provlde ad~ustable headg0ar, whlch has a snug fit over a wtde ran~e of ~izes, without substantial deformation of the headgear shape, and preferably wlth minimal or zero shape deformatlon. It is a further ob~ect to provide an adjustable brimmed hat whi~h has ~n effectively continuous brim. It is a further object to provide headgear which has not only a snug fit, but which overlaps such that openings may be eliminated, o~her than those customary for ventila~ion when desired, for example mesh panels in the headgear.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
__ _ __ ___ _ __ In ad~ustable headgear havin~ a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, sa~d crown member including a top portion and a ~ide portlon the lmprovement compri~in0 in comb~nation a sllt having two free edge~ extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, 3ald slit hav~ng suf~lcient length to provlde a substantial desired ad~uetment, and at least one of (a) a separate cover member attached to sald crown member, adapted to enclo~e the space between said slit to complete ~aid crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size, having adjustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said 81it and maintain said slit edges in relative position; and (b) cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit and slidably received upon the other side of the slit and ad~ustable securing means to ~ecure said slit edges in relative position;
whereby ~aid slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment.
The ~eparate cov~r member mounting the means to adjustably ~ecure the ~lit edges in relative position and the cooperating guide means to maintain the slit edges in substantial alignment can be used interchangeably in the sense that both hold the headgear in more or less the same shape and the parts in the same relationship. The slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired ad~ustment, would generally be expected to be of sufficient length to reach upwards to a level roughly equal to the top of the side of a wearer' 8 head, this would be highly variable and depend on the age and headsize of the wearer, the way that the headgear was worn, the configuration of the head of the wearer, and the style of the headgear.
Optionally a foldable neck and ear protector can be supplied extending around the rear of the headgear, thi~ is attached along the base of the crown, and does no~ extend across a slit.
The separate cover member, which has ad~ustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit, may be attached at the top of the slit and -, , .
~old down and be ad~ustably secured at both sides of the ~lit, alternatively it may be attached at one side of the slit and adjustably secured at the other, optlonally it may be attached at one side and the top and adjus~ably secured on the other side o~
the slit. This cover may be a flap adjus~ably secured by a VELCR0 ~TM) strip mounted upon the ~lap which engage a VELCR0 (TM) ~trip mounted ad~acent ~he slit edges, this approach may be used when one or both sides of the flap are adjustably secured to the sides of the ~slit.
The brim edges, when present can be joined by an adjustable strip forming an extension of the brim across the slit. It is advantageous to provide a brim connection across the slit so that the brim is continuous and its ènds ad~acent the slit do not flop around with respect to each other, this can be provided by suide means mounted in the brim. It may also be provided by means holding the brim edges together; when the brim edges overlap a clip or similar means may be used.
The cooperating guide means to maintain the ~lit edges in substantial alignment compri~es a guide mounted upon one side of the slit, and received in a receptacle on the other side of the slit, either in the crown or the brim of the hat. The guide can b~ mounted in the crown on one side of said slit and received in the crown on the other side of the slit. The guide can also be mounted on the brim on one side of the slit and received in the brim on the other side o~ the slit, ~n which case the guide means form a continuation of the brim across said slit. When the guide .
means are in the crown, and a brim is present it is convenient to allow the brim edges to overlap. In such case the slit ed~es may also overlap. The cooperatiny guide means may be slidably received in channels or receptacles gpecially provided in the brim or crown fabric. Al~ernatively they may be received between fabric layers in crown and brim, as the crown and brim often are formed of two, or ~ore, fabric layers, these are u-Rually stitched together to form a seam, but a gap to form a pocket may left at or near the slit ed~e to form a receptacle, pocket or chan~el to slidably receive the guide means, this i8 particularly 3uitable when the guide means are provided in ~he brim.
In another aspect the headgear may comprise additionally to the heretofore described slit a separate cover member attached to said crown member, adapted to enclose the space between said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head enclrcling crown enclosure independent of size, cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit and slldably received upon the other side of the slit and ad~ustable securing means to secure ~aid slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained ln substantial alignment. The separate cover member may mount releasable ad~ustable securin~ means, as earlier indicated, or these means may be separate. The ad~ustable securing means may means attached to both sides of the slit, such as strap means, while the cover member may be an internal panel, attached to the crown, which may be received in two pockets formed in the crown on both edges of the slit. The internal panel can be swivelably attached to the crown, for example by a dome . ,~' ' ~ ' . " .' : ~
fastener. This can be varied ~he panel could be attached at one side or be an internal ~lap received in a pocket on one side ~f the slit.
In a further aspect adjustable headgear i5 provided having a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, said crown member including a top portion and a side portion the improvement comprising in combination a slit having two free edges extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, the slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired adjustment, a separate cover member attached to sald crown member, adap~ed to enclose the space between said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of si~e, having adjustable securing means to secure said ~eparate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit and ad~ustable securing means to secure said ~lit edges in relative po~ition.
The ad~ustable securing means may be any known in the art, exemplified but not limited to straps with buckles, buckles mounted upon zippers, straps with interengaging portions, whether VELCR0 (TM) or connector elaments or ~nap fastener~, hook and slot arrangements, strap and fastener clamp, buttons and button hole~ and the like.
Although described with respect to one slit, two or more can be present for convenience and for appearance.
,: ' " ' ' ll D SCR_P ON OF_PREFERRED EMBOD_ME TS
Preferred embodiments are i~dicated in the drawings where:
Figures la to ld illustra~e exterior views of headgear according to the invention;
Fig~res 2a and 2b illustrate views of adjustable securing means according to the invention;
~ igures 3a to 3d illustrate brim arran~ements according to the inventlon;
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate interior views of headgear according to the invention;
Fi~ure 5 illustrates a variation of headgear according to the invention;
Figures 6a to 6d illustrate interior guide arrangements according to the lnvention.
The general description of the invention is now expanded by reference to the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. In the fiyures, the hats consist of a crown member 10 having a circumjacent brim member 11, the crown portion 10 has a top portion 14 and ide portion 13, in the illustrated embodiments, two lateral sll~ 12 extend down the side portion 13 of the crown Prom the top portion 14. As shown in the embodiments, this top may be a top panel which does not contact the brim, or a oentre panel which extends from Pront to rear of the crown, although it is not limited to these possibllitie3.
The slits 12 as illustrated divide the crown side portion 13, and brlm portion 11 into front brim lla and side 13a, and rear brim . .
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llb and side 13b. In Fig. la slit 12 is covered by flap 15, and the brims 11~, and llb held together by strip 16, (mounted as later indicated), which covers slit 12 in the brim, the edyes of slit 12 are indicated by broken lines . Flap 15 i8 attached to the crown along ed~e 15a. In Fi~. lb slit 12 is covered by flap 1~, which is attached to the crown along edges 17a, and l~b, again the slit edges are indicated by broken lines. Th~ slit 12 in the brim 11 is covered by stiffener guide î8, which is formed of fabric covered plastic and mounted in rear brim llb, and received in front brim ~la, ~as later indicated). It i8 attached to rear brim llb, by rivet 19. The stiffener guide i~ preferably rounded at the ends for ease of movement, and to prevent catching. Fig. lb has additionally a neck and ear protector 20, which can be folded into the interior oP crown 10, when not in use, this protector is attached to the base of the crown portion 10, (as later indicated). Fig. lc shows hats having similar features to those of Fig. lb. Instead of flap 1~ covering the slit 12, it is filled by swivel stiffener panel 21, which is snapped into dome fastener 22, this panel extends into pockets (as later indicated) in crown qides 13a, 13b. Hat trim, braid, or band 23 is used to adjust hat slze, by plastic buckle 24, attached to front band 23a, through which rear band 23b passes.
This band may fill gap between panel 21, and guide 18. Fi~. ld shows a hat, where rear side 13b, moves inside front side 13a, and rear brim llb, moves over front brim lla, the front edge of rear crown side 13b i indicated by a broken line, as i8 the rear edge of front brim lla. Front side 13a is attached to co~nector 27, itself attached to plastic buckle 26, which adjustably rides ~21~ 3 on open ended zipper 25, attached to rear side 13b. Fig. 2a shows sec~ring means employed in the hat of Fig. la. Two VELCRo (TM) strips 28a and 28b, are attached substantially parallel to the edges of flap 15 upon its interior surface, two other VELCRO
(TM) strips 29a, and 29b are attached substantially parallel to the edges of slit 12 on the exterior surfaces of sides 13a and 13b, respectively. When flap 1~ ls brought against ~ide 13, st~ip 28a engages strip 29a, strip 28b engages strip 29b securing flap 15 to close slit 12. Fig. 2b shows the flap 17 of Fig. lb folded back at an an~le to reveal broad VELCRO (TM) strip 30 attached to the interior of flap 17 parallel to its rear edge, narrow VELCRO (TM) strip 31 is attached to the exterior of rear side 13b parallel to the edge of slit 12. On closing flap 1~, strip 30 engages strip 31 thus securing flap 1~ ~o close sli~ 12.
Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate the brlm continuation of Fig~. la and 2a, Fig. 3a shows the cros~ section along line 3a-3a of Fig. 2a, here the strip 16 is attached to the undersurface of rear brim llb, at 32, passes across slit 12, up through 810t 33 in front brim lla, back over slit 12, and is ~ecured to upper surface of rear brim llb, by pin 34, the broken line in Fi~. 3b indicates the position of strip 16 underneath the brim. Fig. 3c shows the hat brim joinin~ of Fig. lb and lc. The fabric covered stiffener guide 18 is secured to rear hat brim llb by rivet 19, and is received in front hat brim lla, the position of stiffener ~uide 18 is indicated by the broken line. ~i~. 3d shows the brim arrangements of Fig. 3c in cross section indicated along line 3d-3d in Fig. 30, stiffener guide 18 is mounted in rear brim llb in pocket 42b formed between upper fabric layer 41c and lower ' `` 3L2~
fabric layer 41d, and secured by rivet 19 pa~sing through the fabric layers 41c,41d, and guide 18, which is slidably received by pocket 42a formed between upper fabric layer 41a and lower fabric layer 41b of front krim lla. Flg~. 4a and 4b show two hat interiors using swivel panel ~tiffeners 21, the edges of the panel 21 are indicated by the broken lines, pockets ln the interior ~f the crown on the front 35a and rear 35b of slit 12 r~ceive the 8wivel panel stiffener, attached at dome fastener 22, sweatband 34 is broken into ~wo sections in Fig. 4a, front 34a, rear 34b, th~ slit in the brim i5 closed by stiffener guide 18, attached by rivet 19. In Fig. 4b, the sweatband is ad~ustable, rear sweatband 34b extending forward through loop 36 into the space behind front sweatband 3~a and in front of pocket 3~a and crown side lla. The inner surface of pockets 35a, and 35b may be formed by the hat lining which is attached to the crown fabric at the outer edges of the pockets 35a and 3~b, or in the absence of a lining by attaching fabric panels to the crown fabric at the outer edges of the pockets. Fig. 5 shows the interior o~ the hat of Fig. lb, when ear and neck protector 20 is folded inslde crown portion 10, protector 20 is attached along an edge to the rear base edge of crown portion 10. Slit 12 is filled by stiffener gulde 18, rear sweatband extension 34b and inside of flap 1~. In the case of a hat incorporating an ear and neck protector it i8 preferred to set the slits forward, so as to provide protection to as much of the periphery of the wearer's head as possible, as i8 shown in Fig. 5. Fl~s. 6a and 6b show the internal arrangements of the hat of Fi~. ld, a plastic guide 3~ is mounted ln front Qweatband 34a, and is received in rear sweatband 3~b in 38~
a channel (as indicated later) entered by slit 38 as indicated by the broken line outlinlng the position of guide 37. In Fi~. 6b the sweatband has been removed to show plastic guide 39 mounted in rear crown fabric 13b, and received in front crown fabric 13a, in a channel ~as indicated later) entered by ~lit 40, the broken line indicating the position of guide 39. In Figs. 6a and 6b the rear edge of front crown side 13a are indicated by broken lines.
Fig. 6c shows a cross section along l~ne 6c-6c in Fi~. 6a, omitting details shown in Fig. ~b, guide ~ passes between front crown side 13a where it is mounted in channel 43 between side 13a and sweatband 34a into slit 38 to be slidably received by channel 44 between rear side 13b and rear sweatband 34b. Fig. 6d shows a cross section along line 6d-6d in Fig. 6b, omitting details shown in Fig. 6a, guide 39 is moun~ed ln between fabric layers of rear portion 13b in chann~l 45, and passes through slit 40 to be slidably rece~ved in chan~el 46 formed by fabric layers of front side 13a.
The headgear of the invention can be made of any suitable fabric, while the material may be fairly rigid, lt ~ay be quite ~oft or flexible. The invention i~ applicable to most styles of hat and headgear. Although the hats illustrated are lntended to be of appealing style the hats are not restricted thereto the particular ~tyle being insignificant. Although illustrated by brlmmed hats which are especially preferred the invention is applicable to caps with and w~thout peak~/vi~or~.
Al~hough this invention i3 described in term~ of ' . ' .
specific embodiments, it is not limited thereto, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, numerous variations are possible within the ~cope of the invention, without departing from the scope and nature thereof.
Two arched notches to allow for expansion and contraction are formed laterally in the crown. U.S.P. 3,~66,565, issued Oct. 23, 1973 to Cozzens, teaches a visored cap adjustable by a strap at the rear, having an arched notch ~o allow for adjustment. U.S.P.
4,101,981, issued Jul. 25, 1978 to Boden, mentioned above, teaches a similar arrangement, with two or four contact pads within the cap, and in one case instead of a notch a slit, the edges of which may overlap slightly, or form a notch. U.S.P.
3,714,670, issued Feb. 6, 1973 to Pollack et al, teaches a ~lexible hair cover, which has a headband having elastic and nonelastic segments, the non elastic segment being adjustably secured by VELCR0 (TM). U.S.P. 3,945,050, issued Mar. 23, 1976 to Bohash, U.S.P. 4,021,859, issued May 10, 1977 to Burke, and U.S.P. 4,317,238, issued Mar. 2, 1982 to Amin, all teach adjustable cap kits. Bohash teaches a cap adjustable by a hook and slot arrangement. Amin teache~ a cap with four standard components, three forming the hat or swPatband, which can be made --into a series of sizes, it does not appear that adjustment a~ter k~ , .
3'J`3 assembly is contempla~ed. Burke, teaches an open ended band which when placed around the head and joined forms a head covering.
The third general approach is to provide deformable headgear. U.S.P. 2,214,995, issued Sept. 17, 1940 to norsey, teaches a brimmed hat having two vertical channels of resilient material, lateral to the crown. When the hat is forced onto a head, too large fc,r the original hat, the diameter of the crown enlarges resiliently. U.S.P. 2,698,945, issued ~an. 11, 1955; to Hamilton, teaches a skull cap having a rear elastic panel. When placed upon a head larger than the unexpanded cap, the panel stretches to fit.
A fourth approach is that indicated in U.S.P. 4,539,715 and Canadian Patent 1,183,302, where a hookey helmet has multiple overlapping parts, usually a forward shell which slides engageably into a rear shell, in this case the interior is padded and the back of the head i5 Pitted into the rear ~hell, then the forward shell is ~itted to the wearer's forehead, the shells are then engaged.
The above mentioned prior art has a deficiency in that it provides no truly ad~ustable headgear, which have a ~nug ~it over a wide range of siZeQ, in the absence of substantial deformation, so that the headgear maintains essentially the same shape, and the elements of the headgear maintain essentially the same relative positions. The most common presently available - : : ' 8~
ad~ustable headgear is of the baseball cap typel which while suitable for sum~er use, i5 not suitable for wear in winter or rain. Further the above mentioned prior art provides no truly ad~ustable brimmed hats, which have a snug fit over a wide range of sizes, and a relatively stiff continuous brim.
It is an ob~ect of the invention to provlde ad~ustable headg0ar, whlch has a snug fit over a wtde ran~e of ~izes, without substantial deformation of the headgear shape, and preferably wlth minimal or zero shape deformatlon. It is a further ob~ect to provide an adjustable brimmed hat whi~h has ~n effectively continuous brim. It is a further object to provide headgear which has not only a snug fit, but which overlaps such that openings may be eliminated, o~her than those customary for ventila~ion when desired, for example mesh panels in the headgear.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
__ _ __ ___ _ __ In ad~ustable headgear havin~ a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, sa~d crown member including a top portion and a ~ide portlon the lmprovement compri~in0 in comb~nation a sllt having two free edge~ extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, 3ald slit hav~ng suf~lcient length to provlde a substantial desired ad~uetment, and at least one of (a) a separate cover member attached to sald crown member, adapted to enclo~e the space between said slit to complete ~aid crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size, having adjustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said 81it and maintain said slit edges in relative position; and (b) cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit and slidably received upon the other side of the slit and ad~ustable securing means to ~ecure said slit edges in relative position;
whereby ~aid slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment.
The ~eparate cov~r member mounting the means to adjustably ~ecure the ~lit edges in relative position and the cooperating guide means to maintain the slit edges in substantial alignment can be used interchangeably in the sense that both hold the headgear in more or less the same shape and the parts in the same relationship. The slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired ad~ustment, would generally be expected to be of sufficient length to reach upwards to a level roughly equal to the top of the side of a wearer' 8 head, this would be highly variable and depend on the age and headsize of the wearer, the way that the headgear was worn, the configuration of the head of the wearer, and the style of the headgear.
Optionally a foldable neck and ear protector can be supplied extending around the rear of the headgear, thi~ is attached along the base of the crown, and does no~ extend across a slit.
The separate cover member, which has ad~ustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit, may be attached at the top of the slit and -, , .
~old down and be ad~ustably secured at both sides of the ~lit, alternatively it may be attached at one side of the slit and adjustably secured at the other, optlonally it may be attached at one side and the top and adjus~ably secured on the other side o~
the slit. This cover may be a flap adjus~ably secured by a VELCR0 ~TM) strip mounted upon the ~lap which engage a VELCR0 (TM) ~trip mounted ad~acent ~he slit edges, this approach may be used when one or both sides of the flap are adjustably secured to the sides of the ~slit.
The brim edges, when present can be joined by an adjustable strip forming an extension of the brim across the slit. It is advantageous to provide a brim connection across the slit so that the brim is continuous and its ènds ad~acent the slit do not flop around with respect to each other, this can be provided by suide means mounted in the brim. It may also be provided by means holding the brim edges together; when the brim edges overlap a clip or similar means may be used.
The cooperating guide means to maintain the ~lit edges in substantial alignment compri~es a guide mounted upon one side of the slit, and received in a receptacle on the other side of the slit, either in the crown or the brim of the hat. The guide can b~ mounted in the crown on one side of said slit and received in the crown on the other side of the slit. The guide can also be mounted on the brim on one side of the slit and received in the brim on the other side o~ the slit, ~n which case the guide means form a continuation of the brim across said slit. When the guide .
means are in the crown, and a brim is present it is convenient to allow the brim edges to overlap. In such case the slit ed~es may also overlap. The cooperatiny guide means may be slidably received in channels or receptacles gpecially provided in the brim or crown fabric. Al~ernatively they may be received between fabric layers in crown and brim, as the crown and brim often are formed of two, or ~ore, fabric layers, these are u-Rually stitched together to form a seam, but a gap to form a pocket may left at or near the slit ed~e to form a receptacle, pocket or chan~el to slidably receive the guide means, this i8 particularly 3uitable when the guide means are provided in ~he brim.
In another aspect the headgear may comprise additionally to the heretofore described slit a separate cover member attached to said crown member, adapted to enclose the space between said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head enclrcling crown enclosure independent of size, cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit and slldably received upon the other side of the slit and ad~ustable securing means to secure ~aid slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained ln substantial alignment. The separate cover member may mount releasable ad~ustable securin~ means, as earlier indicated, or these means may be separate. The ad~ustable securing means may means attached to both sides of the slit, such as strap means, while the cover member may be an internal panel, attached to the crown, which may be received in two pockets formed in the crown on both edges of the slit. The internal panel can be swivelably attached to the crown, for example by a dome . ,~' ' ~ ' . " .' : ~
fastener. This can be varied ~he panel could be attached at one side or be an internal ~lap received in a pocket on one side ~f the slit.
In a further aspect adjustable headgear i5 provided having a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, said crown member including a top portion and a side portion the improvement comprising in combination a slit having two free edges extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, the slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired adjustment, a separate cover member attached to sald crown member, adap~ed to enclose the space between said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of si~e, having adjustable securing means to secure said ~eparate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit and ad~ustable securing means to secure said ~lit edges in relative po~ition.
The ad~ustable securing means may be any known in the art, exemplified but not limited to straps with buckles, buckles mounted upon zippers, straps with interengaging portions, whether VELCR0 (TM) or connector elaments or ~nap fastener~, hook and slot arrangements, strap and fastener clamp, buttons and button hole~ and the like.
Although described with respect to one slit, two or more can be present for convenience and for appearance.
,: ' " ' ' ll D SCR_P ON OF_PREFERRED EMBOD_ME TS
Preferred embodiments are i~dicated in the drawings where:
Figures la to ld illustra~e exterior views of headgear according to the invention;
Fig~res 2a and 2b illustrate views of adjustable securing means according to the invention;
~ igures 3a to 3d illustrate brim arran~ements according to the inventlon;
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate interior views of headgear according to the invention;
Fi~ure 5 illustrates a variation of headgear according to the invention;
Figures 6a to 6d illustrate interior guide arrangements according to the lnvention.
The general description of the invention is now expanded by reference to the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. In the fiyures, the hats consist of a crown member 10 having a circumjacent brim member 11, the crown portion 10 has a top portion 14 and ide portion 13, in the illustrated embodiments, two lateral sll~ 12 extend down the side portion 13 of the crown Prom the top portion 14. As shown in the embodiments, this top may be a top panel which does not contact the brim, or a oentre panel which extends from Pront to rear of the crown, although it is not limited to these possibllitie3.
The slits 12 as illustrated divide the crown side portion 13, and brlm portion 11 into front brim lla and side 13a, and rear brim . .
.
.
;' ~
.
~2~
llb and side 13b. In Fig. la slit 12 is covered by flap 15, and the brims 11~, and llb held together by strip 16, (mounted as later indicated), which covers slit 12 in the brim, the edyes of slit 12 are indicated by broken lines . Flap 15 i8 attached to the crown along ed~e 15a. In Fi~. lb slit 12 is covered by flap 1~, which is attached to the crown along edges 17a, and l~b, again the slit edges are indicated by broken lines. Th~ slit 12 in the brim 11 is covered by stiffener guide î8, which is formed of fabric covered plastic and mounted in rear brim llb, and received in front brim ~la, ~as later indicated). It i8 attached to rear brim llb, by rivet 19. The stiffener guide i~ preferably rounded at the ends for ease of movement, and to prevent catching. Fig. lb has additionally a neck and ear protector 20, which can be folded into the interior oP crown 10, when not in use, this protector is attached to the base of the crown portion 10, (as later indicated). Fig. lc shows hats having similar features to those of Fig. lb. Instead of flap 1~ covering the slit 12, it is filled by swivel stiffener panel 21, which is snapped into dome fastener 22, this panel extends into pockets (as later indicated) in crown qides 13a, 13b. Hat trim, braid, or band 23 is used to adjust hat slze, by plastic buckle 24, attached to front band 23a, through which rear band 23b passes.
This band may fill gap between panel 21, and guide 18. Fi~. ld shows a hat, where rear side 13b, moves inside front side 13a, and rear brim llb, moves over front brim lla, the front edge of rear crown side 13b i indicated by a broken line, as i8 the rear edge of front brim lla. Front side 13a is attached to co~nector 27, itself attached to plastic buckle 26, which adjustably rides ~21~ 3 on open ended zipper 25, attached to rear side 13b. Fig. 2a shows sec~ring means employed in the hat of Fig. la. Two VELCRo (TM) strips 28a and 28b, are attached substantially parallel to the edges of flap 15 upon its interior surface, two other VELCRO
(TM) strips 29a, and 29b are attached substantially parallel to the edges of slit 12 on the exterior surfaces of sides 13a and 13b, respectively. When flap 1~ ls brought against ~ide 13, st~ip 28a engages strip 29a, strip 28b engages strip 29b securing flap 15 to close slit 12. Fig. 2b shows the flap 17 of Fig. lb folded back at an an~le to reveal broad VELCRO (TM) strip 30 attached to the interior of flap 17 parallel to its rear edge, narrow VELCRO (TM) strip 31 is attached to the exterior of rear side 13b parallel to the edge of slit 12. On closing flap 1~, strip 30 engages strip 31 thus securing flap 1~ ~o close sli~ 12.
Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate the brlm continuation of Fig~. la and 2a, Fig. 3a shows the cros~ section along line 3a-3a of Fig. 2a, here the strip 16 is attached to the undersurface of rear brim llb, at 32, passes across slit 12, up through 810t 33 in front brim lla, back over slit 12, and is ~ecured to upper surface of rear brim llb, by pin 34, the broken line in Fi~. 3b indicates the position of strip 16 underneath the brim. Fig. 3c shows the hat brim joinin~ of Fig. lb and lc. The fabric covered stiffener guide 18 is secured to rear hat brim llb by rivet 19, and is received in front hat brim lla, the position of stiffener ~uide 18 is indicated by the broken line. ~i~. 3d shows the brim arrangements of Fig. 3c in cross section indicated along line 3d-3d in Fig. 30, stiffener guide 18 is mounted in rear brim llb in pocket 42b formed between upper fabric layer 41c and lower ' `` 3L2~
fabric layer 41d, and secured by rivet 19 pa~sing through the fabric layers 41c,41d, and guide 18, which is slidably received by pocket 42a formed between upper fabric layer 41a and lower fabric layer 41b of front krim lla. Flg~. 4a and 4b show two hat interiors using swivel panel ~tiffeners 21, the edges of the panel 21 are indicated by the broken lines, pockets ln the interior ~f the crown on the front 35a and rear 35b of slit 12 r~ceive the 8wivel panel stiffener, attached at dome fastener 22, sweatband 34 is broken into ~wo sections in Fig. 4a, front 34a, rear 34b, th~ slit in the brim i5 closed by stiffener guide 18, attached by rivet 19. In Fig. 4b, the sweatband is ad~ustable, rear sweatband 34b extending forward through loop 36 into the space behind front sweatband 3~a and in front of pocket 3~a and crown side lla. The inner surface of pockets 35a, and 35b may be formed by the hat lining which is attached to the crown fabric at the outer edges of the pockets 35a and 3~b, or in the absence of a lining by attaching fabric panels to the crown fabric at the outer edges of the pockets. Fig. 5 shows the interior o~ the hat of Fig. lb, when ear and neck protector 20 is folded inslde crown portion 10, protector 20 is attached along an edge to the rear base edge of crown portion 10. Slit 12 is filled by stiffener gulde 18, rear sweatband extension 34b and inside of flap 1~. In the case of a hat incorporating an ear and neck protector it i8 preferred to set the slits forward, so as to provide protection to as much of the periphery of the wearer's head as possible, as i8 shown in Fig. 5. Fl~s. 6a and 6b show the internal arrangements of the hat of Fi~. ld, a plastic guide 3~ is mounted ln front Qweatband 34a, and is received in rear sweatband 3~b in 38~
a channel (as indicated later) entered by slit 38 as indicated by the broken line outlinlng the position of guide 37. In Fi~. 6b the sweatband has been removed to show plastic guide 39 mounted in rear crown fabric 13b, and received in front crown fabric 13a, in a channel ~as indicated later) entered by ~lit 40, the broken line indicating the position of guide 39. In Figs. 6a and 6b the rear edge of front crown side 13a are indicated by broken lines.
Fig. 6c shows a cross section along l~ne 6c-6c in Fi~. 6a, omitting details shown in Fig. ~b, guide ~ passes between front crown side 13a where it is mounted in channel 43 between side 13a and sweatband 34a into slit 38 to be slidably received by channel 44 between rear side 13b and rear sweatband 34b. Fig. 6d shows a cross section along line 6d-6d in Fig. 6b, omitting details shown in Fig. 6a, guide 39 is moun~ed ln between fabric layers of rear portion 13b in chann~l 45, and passes through slit 40 to be slidably rece~ved in chan~el 46 formed by fabric layers of front side 13a.
The headgear of the invention can be made of any suitable fabric, while the material may be fairly rigid, lt ~ay be quite ~oft or flexible. The invention i~ applicable to most styles of hat and headgear. Although the hats illustrated are lntended to be of appealing style the hats are not restricted thereto the particular ~tyle being insignificant. Although illustrated by brlmmed hats which are especially preferred the invention is applicable to caps with and w~thout peak~/vi~or~.
Al~hough this invention i3 described in term~ of ' . ' .
specific embodiments, it is not limited thereto, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, numerous variations are possible within the ~cope of the invention, without departing from the scope and nature thereof.
Claims (19)
1. In adjustable headgear having a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, said crown member including a top portion and a side portion, and an attached circumjacent brim, the improvement comprising in combination a slit having two free edges extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, said slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired adjustment, means to provide an extension of said brim across said slit, and at least one of (a) a separate cover member attached to said crown member, adapted to enclose a space between said free edges of said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size, and adjustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit and maintain said slit edges in relative position; and (b) cooperating guide means fixedly mounted upon one side of the slit and slidably received upon the other side of the slit and separate adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment.
2. The headgear of claim 1, comprising a separate cover member attached to said crown member, adapted to enclose a space between said free edges of said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size.
3. The headgear of claim 2, wherein said separate cover member is adjustably secured a both sides of the slit.
4. The headgear of claim 3, wherein said separate cover member is adjustably secured by VELCRO (TM) strips mounted upon said separate cover member which engage VELCRO (TM) strips mounted adjacent said slit edges, and the means to provide an extension of the brim across said slit are an adjustable strip of material, secured to both brim edges.
5. The headgear of claim 1, comprising cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit and slidably received upon the other side of the slit and separate adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position.
6. The headgear of claim 5, wherein said guide means is mounted on the crown on one side of said slit and received in the crown on the other side of said slit.
7. The headgear of claim 5, wherein said guide means is mounted on the brim on one side of said slit and received in the brim on the other side of the slit, and where said guide means provides the extension of said brim across said slit.
8. The headgear of claim 6, wherein the sides of the slit are adjustably secured to each other, by strips mounted on both sides of the slit, adjustably connected by buckle means, and the crown and brim edges of the slit overlap.
9. The headgear of claim 5, wherein said separate adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position, is mounted on both sides of the slit on the side portion of the crown member adjacent said circumjacent brim.
10. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said cooperating guide means is slidably received in a receptacle in the brim on the other side of the slit.
11. In adjustable headgear having a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, said crown member including a top portion and a side portion, and said crown member having an attached circumjacent brim the improvement comprising in combination a slit having two free edges extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, said slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired adjustment, a separate cover member attached to said crown member, adapted to enclose a space between said free edges of said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size, adjustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit and maintain said slit edges in relative position and cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit in said brim and slidably received upon the other side of the slit in said brim and adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment and said cooperating guide means provides an extension of said brim across said slit.
12. The headgear of claim 11 wherein said separate cover member is attached at one side of said slit, and said adjustable securing means to secure the slit edges in relative position releasably secure the separate cover member to the other side of the slit.
13. The headgear of claim 12 wherein said adjustable securing means comprises first engaging means on the inside surface of the separate cover member which engages second engaging means on the outside surface of the other side of said slit.
14. The headgear of claim 13 wherein said engaging means are VELCRO (TM) strips.
15. In adjustable headgear having a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, said crown member including a top portion and a side portion, and said crown member having an attached circumjacent brim the improvement comprising in combination a slit having two free edges extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, said slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired adjustment, a separate cover member attached to said crown member comprising an internal panel attached in the crown of said headgear, adapted to enclose a space between said free edges of said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size, and cooperating guide means mounted upon one side of the slit in said brim and slidably received upon the other side of the slit in said brim and adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment and said cooperating guide means provides an extension of said brim across said slit.
16. The headgear of claim 15 wherein said internal panel is received in two pockets formed in the crown on both edges of the slit.
17. The headgear of claim 16 wherein said internal panel is swivelably attached to the crown.
18. The headgear of claim 1 wherein there is attached along the base of the crown a foldable ear and neck protector, extending around the rear of the headgear.
19. In adjustable headgear having a crown member adapted to receive the head of the wearer, said crown member including a top portion and a side portion, the improvement comprising in combination a slit having two free edges extending inwardly and upwardly from the edge of the headgear into the side portion of the crown, said slit having sufficient length to provide a substantial desired adjustment, and at least one of (a) a separate cover member attached to said crown member, adapted to enclose a space between said free edges of said slit to complete said crown member and to provide a head encircling crown enclosure independent of size, and adjustable securing means to secure said separate cover member releasably to at least one side of said slit and maintain said slit edges in relative position;
and (b) cooperating guide means fixedly mounted upon one side of the slit and slidably received upon the other side of the slit and separate adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment.
and (b) cooperating guide means fixedly mounted upon one side of the slit and slidably received upon the other side of the slit and separate adjustable securing means to secure said slit edges in relative position; whereby said slit edges are maintained in substantial alignment.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000527214A CA1288899C (en) | 1987-01-13 | 1987-01-13 | Adjustable headgear and cover |
| US07/036,878 US4864662A (en) | 1987-01-13 | 1987-04-09 | Adjustable headgear |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000527214A CA1288899C (en) | 1987-01-13 | 1987-01-13 | Adjustable headgear and cover |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1288899C true CA1288899C (en) | 1991-09-17 |
Family
ID=4134743
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000527214A Expired - Lifetime CA1288899C (en) | 1987-01-13 | 1987-01-13 | Adjustable headgear and cover |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4864662A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1288899C (en) |
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| US20210361015A1 (en) * | 2020-05-22 | 2021-11-25 | Sunday Afternoons, Inc. | Crown split sizing mechanism |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USRE17064E (en) | 1928-08-07 | Adjustable hat | ||
| US17064A (en) * | 1857-04-14 | Apparatus eos | ||
| US1243567A (en) * | 1917-07-31 | 1917-10-16 | Reginald J Spindler | Adjustable cap. |
| US1333708A (en) * | 1919-04-08 | 1920-03-16 | Philip A Fischer | Adjustable cap |
| US1652145A (en) * | 1927-08-13 | 1927-12-06 | David Lipschutz | Adjustable-size cap |
| US2106570A (en) * | 1937-05-18 | 1938-01-25 | Lipton Ruby | Head covering |
| US2156251A (en) * | 1938-02-15 | 1939-04-25 | Carlson Julius | Adjustable and washable lady's hat |
| US2447850A (en) * | 1947-04-28 | 1948-08-24 | Felport Inc | Cap construction |
| US2698945A (en) * | 1952-03-28 | 1955-01-11 | Charles R Hamilton | Protective cap |
| US3766565A (en) * | 1970-11-06 | 1973-10-23 | Ray Ban Solarscreen Inc | Head covering having metallic reflecting surface |
| US3714670A (en) * | 1970-12-22 | 1973-02-06 | D Finsilver | Hand shapable cap with adjustable headband |
| US3780382A (en) * | 1971-08-02 | 1973-12-25 | O Boden | Hat or cap constructed for air circulation therethrough |
| US4023212A (en) * | 1974-08-19 | 1977-05-17 | Huffman Erline L | Adjustable visored cap with interchangeable crown |
| US3945050A (en) * | 1974-12-24 | 1976-03-23 | Bohash James J | Visored cap |
| US4101981A (en) * | 1977-04-15 | 1978-07-25 | Boden Ogden W | Ventilated hat or cap |
| CA1172804A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1984-08-21 | Joseph Krystal | Cap with ear band |
| US4539715A (en) * | 1983-04-22 | 1985-09-10 | Cooper Canada Limited | Size adjustable helmet |
-
1987
- 1987-01-13 CA CA000527214A patent/CA1288899C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-04-09 US US07/036,878 patent/US4864662A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4864662A (en) | 1989-09-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |