Patent Application
20250221482
The present disclosure relates generally to headwear, and more particularly to, headwear having a crown including an opening for an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown.
Headwear comes in many different shapes and sizes and serves as a powerful means of personal expression. This personal expression may be rooted in culture, fashion, and individual identity. For example, people may use headwear and other accessories to complete their outfits and convey their personal style.
Similarly, a person's hairstyle serves as a powerful means of personal expression and is strongly linked to a person's identity. People use their hair to convey their individuality, style, and physical identity in numerous ways, such as hairstyles, color, texture, and length. Examples of different hairstyles are ponytails, buns, braids, dreadlocks, twists, and natural hair.
However, individuals with excess bundle of hair (e.g., hair tied in a bun or a ponytail) or with large hair styles (e.g., braids, dreadlocks, or twists) are unable to properly wear headwear (i.e., hats) because the headwear does not accommodate for excess bundle of hair or large hair styles. This lack of accommodation often results in an improper fit, an uncomfortable fit, a bulky appearance, hair misalignment, and hair damage. An example of improper fit includes a gap between the user's head and headwear formed by a user's hair elevating (i.e., lifting) the headwear away from the user's head. Depending on the gap location. the gap may result in bunching of the headwear, especially when the user creates a tight or snug fit around the user's head with the headwear closure, or may result in wrinkles and puckering of the headwear.
As a result of the foregoing issues, individuals may be restricted in their personal expression because their headwear does not accommodate for their excess bundle of hair or large hair styles.
Disclosed herein is a headwear providing a comfortable fit and hair protection for individuals having hairstyles with significate hair value. The headwear includes a crown without a small button (i.e., squatchee) having an opening configured to allow an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown, where the opening has a non-circular shape.
According to some embodiments, the headwear includes a crown configured to cover a portion of a person's head. The crown includes a front, a rear disposed opposite of the front, a center positioned an equal distance from the front and the rear, a centerline axis transversing from the front through the center to the rear, and an opening configured to allow an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown. The opening has a non-circular shape having an axis of symmetry superposing a segment of the centerline axis. The opening is positioned such that the center superposes a portion of the opening.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a hair protector defining a periphery of the opening. The hair protector is connected to the crown and is configured to allow the accumulation of hair to pass through the crown.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a plurality of panels connected to form the opening and an enclosure configured to cover the portion of the person's head. Each panel in the plurality of panels has a proximal end and a distal end. The opening is located at the distal end and the enclosure is located at the proximal end of each panel.
In some embodiments, the hair protector envelops the distal end of each panel in the plurality of panels.
In some embodiments, the hair protector includes a hair-sensitive fabric having a smooth surface for reducing friction against the accumulation of hair.
In some embodiments, the hair-sensitive fabric includes satin, polyester, nylon, spandex, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the hair protector includes a flexible material configured to expand the opening, resulting from the accumulation of hair exerting a force on the hair protector.
In some embodiments, each panel includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface includes fabric material, and the interior surface includes fabric material.
In some embodiments, the fabric material includes satin, polyester, nylon, spandex, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a closure having a fastening mechanism system configured to secure the headwear to the person's head.
In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism is selected from a group of the following: buckle closure, hook-and-loop fastener, Velcro® closure, snapback closure, elastic band, strap and buckle, drawstring, or stretch fit.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a brim connected to the crown and disposed adjacent to the front of the crown.
In some embodiments, the non-circular shape of the opening is selected from a group of the following: an elongated ellipse-like shape, a V-shape, a narrow-elongated ellipse-like shape, or broad-elongated ellipse-like shape.
According to an alternative embodiment, a crown includes a front, a rear disposed opposite of the front, a center positioned an equal distance from the front and the rear, a centerline axis transversing from the front though the center to the rear, an opening having a non-circular shape with an axis of symmetry superposing a segment of the centerline axis. The opening is positioned such that the center superposes a portion of the opening. The crown further includes one or more panels connected to form the opening and an enclosure configured to cover the portion of a person's head. Each panel has a proximal end and a distal end. The opening is located at the distal end and the enclosure is located at the proximal end of each panel. The crown further includes a hair protector defining a periphery of the opening. The hair protector is connected to and envelops the distal end of each panel. The hair protector is configured to allow an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a brim connected to the crown and disposed adjacent to the front of the crown.
In some embodiments, the non-circular shape of the opening is selected from a group of the following: an elongated ellipse-like shape, a V-shape, a narrow-elongated ellipse-like shape, or broad-elongated ellipse-like shape.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a closure having a fastening mechanism system configured to secure the headwear to a person's head.
According to an alternative embodiment, a headwear includes a crown including a front, a rear disposed opposite of the front, a center positioned an equal distance from the front and the rear, a centerline axis transversing from the front though the center to the rear, an opening having a non-circular shape with an axis of symmetry superposing a segment of the centerline axis. The opening is positioned such that the center superposes a portion of the opening. The crown further includes a plurality of panels connected to form the opening and an enclosure configured to cover the portion of a person's head. Each panel in the plurality of panels has a proximal end and a distal end. The opening is located at the distal end and the enclosure is located at the proximal end of each panel. The crown further includes a hair protector defining a periphery of the opening. The hair protector is connected to and envelops the distal end of each panel in the plurality of panels. The hair protector is configured to allow an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown. The crown further includes a brim connected to the crown and disposed adjacent to the front of the crown.
In some embodiments, the non-circular shape of the opening is selected from a group of the following: an elongated ellipse-like shape, a V-shape, a narrow-elongated ellipse-like shape, or broad-elongated ellipse-like shape.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a closure having a fastening mechanism system configured to secure the headwear to a person's head.
These features and advantages, along with other features and advantages of the present teachings, may be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood the event though the following figures and embodiments may be separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.
The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.
Traditional headwear is not designed for a person who has a significant hair volume. Instead, designs of traditional headwear typically focus on providing a crown that fits comfortably and securely on a person's head.
The crown for traditional headwear is the central, top portion of a hat that covers and protects a person's head and is typically made of multiple fabric panels stitched together to create the hat's distinctive shape. Located at the crown's apex, or where the fabric panels meet, is a small button known as a top button or squatchee. The small button stabilizes and reinforces the hat's structure. Without the small button, the structural integrity of the crown would eventually deteriorate with continuous use of the hat.
Traditional headwear may be designed for ponytail hair styles. For those types of designs, the headwear has a ponytail opening behind the small button in the rear portion of a hat. Because the small button restricts the size and location of the ponytail opening, these types of designs limit the location and size of ponytail on a person's head. For example, a person having a high ponytail hairstyle would be unable to wear a hat design for ponytail hairstyles.
Traditional headwear is not designed for haircare. The materials used may include cotton, polyester, wool, and or a combination thereof. These materials may damage a person's hair in a variety of ways. For example, the friction between the hair and the material may cause hair breakage, split ends, frizz, and knots, where hair damage caused by the friction may occur by the user's general movements while wearing the traditional headwear. Or, these materials may absorb the hair's moisture and natural oils, leaving the hair dry and prone to breakage.
The embodiments, described herein, discloses a headwear that provides a comfortable fit and hair protection for individuals having hairstyles with significate hair volume (e.g., ponytails, braids, dreadlocks, twists, and/or the like) that traditional headwear is unable to accommodate. The headwear also provides a comfortable fit and hair protection for various hair textures (e.g., thin/fine, medium, medium/thick, thick, coarse, and/or the like) or hair types (e.g., straight, wavy, curly, coily, kinky, and/or the like). The present disclosure describes a headwear featuring a crown without a small button (i.e., squatchee) having an opening configured to allow an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown, where the opening has a non-circular shape. Having a non-circular shape provides the person wearing the headwear with a comfortable fit absent of wrinkles and puckering of the headwear. Additionally, the non-circular shape prevents the gapping in the rear of headwear caused when a person straps the headwear down too tight.
As shown in
The crown 20 includes a front 12 disposed adjacent to the brim 40 and a rear 14 disposed opposite of the front 12. As shown in
The crown 20 may include a hair protector 24 and an opening 20 configured to allow an accumulation of hair to pass through the crown 20. The accumulation of hair is a collection, group, or bundle of strands of hair. The accumulation of hair may be natural, artificial, or a combination thereof. The accumulation of hair may include, but is not limited to, the following hair styles: excess bundle of hair (e.g., hair tied in a bun or a ponytail), or large hair styles (e.g., braids, dreadlocks, or twists).
The hair protector 24 protects hair using a hair-sensitive fabric having a smooth surface for reducing friction against the hair. The hair-sensitive fabric may promote hair moisture retention, prevent knots and tangles, and preserve hairstyles by reducing disruption and flattening of hairstyles. Examples of hair-sensitive fabrics include, but are not limited to, satin, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or the like.
The hair protector 24 defines the periphery (or perimeter) of the opening 30 and may be located within the interior, exterior, or a combination of the interior and exterior of the crown 20. By positioning the hair protector 24 on the exterior of the crown 20, the hair protector 24 provides additional hair protection while the hair is pulled through the opening 30. The hair protector 24 provides structural support for crown 20 by connecting or operably connecting the plurality of panels 22.
The hair protector 24 may include a flexible material configured to expand the opening 30 resulting from the accumulation of hair exerting a force on the hair protector 24. Examples of flexible materials include, but are not limited to, cotton, wool, felt, straw, polyester, nylon, leather, synthetic blends, and/or the like.
The opening 30 has an elongated ellipse-like shape having an axis of symmetry superposing a segment of the centerline axis 15 and is positioned such that the center 21 superposes a portion of the opening 30. Although the opening 30 has an elongated ellipse-like shape, the opening 30 may have different non-circular shapes, for example, as shown in
The opening 30 is configured for various types of hair types, textures, and styles. Examples of hair types may include, but are not limited to, straight, wavy, curly, coily, and kinky. Examples of hair textures may include, but are not limited to, thin/fine, medium, medium/thick, thick, and coarse. Examples of hairstyles may include, but are not limited to, ponytails, braids, dreadlocks, twists, natural, blow out, and silk press.
As shown in
The sweatband 29 is configured to absorb moisture (i.e., sweat) perspiring from a person's head. The sweatband 29 may be made of fabric or moisture-wicking material. The sweatband 29 may be sewn into or removably attached to the inner circumference of the crown 20.
The closure 26 is a fastening mechanism system configured to adjust the fit of the headwear 10 and to secure the headwear 10 to a person's head. The closing 26 may include, but is not limited to, buckle closure, hook-and-loop fastener, Velcro® closure, snapback closure, elastic band, strap and buckle, drawstring, stretch fit, and/or the like.
As shown in
As shown in
Examples of hair types may include, but are not limited to, straight, wavy, curly, coily, and kinky. Examples of hair textures may include, but are not limited to, thin/fine, medium, medium/thick, thick, and coarse. Examples of hairstyles may include, but are not limited to, ponytails, braids, dreadlocks, twists, natural, blow out, and silk press. The foregoing examples may apply to the narrow-elongated ellipse-like shape of
Although not explicitly shown in
The dimensions of the crown 20 may vary, depending on the style of the headwear 10. For example, the height of the crown 20 may range from about 4.5 inches to about 7.5 inches. The height of the crown 20 may be less than 4.5 inches or may be greater than 7.5 inches. For example, the circumference of the opening 30 may range from about 9 inches or less. The circumference of the opening 30 may exceed 9 inches.
The dimensions of the opening 30 may vary depending on the style of the headwear 10. For example, the opening 30 may have a length ranging from about 4 inches to about 8.5 inches and a width ranging from about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches. The range for both the length and width may be lower or greater than the values provided in the example. Since the opening 30 has a non-circular shape, the length and width of the opening 30 are not equivalent or equal.
In terms of ratios of length to width, the preferred ratio range is about 1.6 to about 2. This ratio range provides users with the headwear 10 that provides a comfortable fit and hair protection for individuals having hairstyles with significate hair volume without wrinkles, puckering, or gapping of the headwear 10.
The terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” are inclusive and therefore specific the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. “A”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items in present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions), unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the value. A component that is “configured for” performing or “configured to” perform a specified function is capable of performing the specified function after further modification. In other words, the described component, when expressly configured to perform the specified function, is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function.
While various embodiments have been described, the description in intended to be exemplary, rather that limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not be restricted except in light of the attached claims or their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. Although several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range or alternative embodiments that an ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by, structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described embodiments.
The present application claims the benefit of priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/619,315, filed on Jan. 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63619315 | Jan 2024 | US |
