PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR

BACKGROUND
Field

Embodiments relate to headwear, including hats, with extendable material configured to be able to provide protection when extended and also able to be packed away when not extended, and are applicable to any product in which headwear may be used, including the field of activewear.

Description of the Related Art

Various headwear products have been developed in the activewear field having permanently extended material to protect the wearer's neck. These headwear products do not allow the user the option of wearing the headwear without exposing the extended material. Various other headwear products have been developed in the activewear field having extended material to protect the wearer's neck, but that require various mechanisms (e.g., zippers, Velcro, drawstrings) to pack away the material, which is visible to others and can be felt by the wearer.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides embodiments addressing the following: material to protect the wearer's neck, an optional configuration in which extendable material is not exposed, and eliminating mechanisms to pack away the material.

In certain aspects, a protective headwear is provided. The protective headwear includes a main body including panels, an opening, and a bottom edge extending around the opening, the opening configured to receive a user's head, a visor extending from a front end of the main body, and a protective material coupled to the bottom edge so the protective material extends around a back end of the main body. The protective material includes a first side portion, a second side portion, a back portion between the first side portion and the second side portion, wherein the first side portion extends from a first side of the visor to the back portion and the second side portion extends from a second side of the visor to the back portion, a first side pleat between the first side portion and the back portion, a second side pleat between the second side portion and the back portion, and a back pleat on the back portion, wherein the first side pleat and the second side pleat are inverted pleats, and the back pleat is a box pleat. The protective material is configured to move between an extended configuration and a tucked configuration, wherein in the extended configuration, the protective material is configured to cover the user's ears and neck when the protective headwear is positioned on the user's head, and wherein in the tucked configuration, the protective material is configured to be positioned in an interior of the main body so the protective material is positioned between the main body and the user's head when the protective headwear is positioned on the user's head.

The main body and the protective material can include 75% nylon, 14% polyester, and 11% polyurethane spandex. The first side portion and the second side portion can extend a first distance from the bottom edge, and the back portion can extend a second distance from the bottom edge, wherein the second distance is longer than the first distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages are illustrated in detail below with reference to the drawings of various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure. The drawings include the following figures in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of a protective headwear having a back pleat and a side reverse pleat in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 1B depicts a rear perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 1A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 1C depicts a side view of the protective headwear of FIG. 1A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 1D depicts a side view of the protective headwear of FIG. 1A in a packed configuration.

FIG. 1E depicts a bottom view of the protective headwear of FIG. 1A in a packed configuration.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of a protective headwear in an unpacked or extended configurations positioned on a user.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in an unpacked or extended configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in an unpacked or extended configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 5 depicts a rear perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in an unpacked or extended configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in an unpacked or extended configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in a packed configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in a packed configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in a packed configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 10 depicts a rear view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in a packed configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 11 depicts a rear perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in a packed configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 12 depicts a front perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 2 in a packed configuration positioned on a user.

FIG. 13A depicts a top perspective view of one embodiment of a protective headwear in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13B depicts a bottom perspective view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13C depicts a front view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13D depicts a rear view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13E depicts a side view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13F depicts a side view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13G depicts a top view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13H depicts a bottom view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

FIG. 13I depicts a bottom view of the protective headwear of FIG. 13A in an unpacked or extended configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments. Furthermore, embodiments may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the embodiments herein illustrated.

The disclosure herein provides improved headwear (e.g., helmets and hats, including caps, fedoras, beanies, visors, etc.) that offers enhanced functionality, protection, convenience, comfort, and style. Headwear available today suffers from at least one of the following shortcomings. First, typical headwear does not have material to protect the wearer's neck, ears, shoulders, and/or other parts of the body below the head. These typical headwear products leave the wearer vulnerable to exposure (for example, to the sun, rain, wind, radiation, vision of others, etc.). Second, other headwear has permanently extended material to protect the wearer's neck. These headwear products do not allow the user the option of wearing the headwear without exposing the extended material. Third, other headwear products have extended material to protect the wearers' neck, but that require various mechanisms (e.g., zippers, Velcro, drawstrings) to pack away the material. These mechanisms are visible to others and can be felt by the wearer, often leading to discomfort. The protective headwear disclosed herein provides extendable material to protect the wearer's neck, allows the user the option of wearing the headwear without exposing the extendable material, and does not require various mechanisms (e.g., zippers, Velcro, drawstrings) to pack away the extendable material.

In some embodiments, protective headwear includes protection material. The protection material may be selectively extendable from the headwear and may be referred to as extendable material herein. In some embodiments, the protection material may be in the form of a protection flap. In some embodiments, the protection material can be configured to extend below a sweatband to cover a user's neck. In some embodiments, protection material can be configured to be able to be tucked into the headwear (e.g., for indoor use) or left untucked (e.g., to shield the wearer from exposure). The tucked configuration may also be referred to herein as a packed configuration or an unexposed configuration. The untucked configuration may be referred to herein as an unpacked configuration, or an exposed configuration, and includes an extended configuration.

In some embodiments, the protective headwear can include a main body and an extendable material that may selectively extend therefrom. In some embodiments, the main body can include a crown. In some embodiments, the main body can include a sweatband. In some embodiments, the main body can include a visor.

In some embodiments, headwear can be configured to enable the protection material to be tucked into the crown. In some embodiments, protection material can be tucked into the crown such that it is not visible, or is substantially not visible, from outside the headwear. In some embodiments, headwear can be configured to enable an unpacked configuration in which protection material is configured to extend substantially the length of an intended wearer's ears and neck or, alternatively, a packed configuration in which protective material is not visible, or is substantially not visible, from outside the headwear. For example, in some embodiments, such a configuration is accomplished through a combination of dimensions, shape, weight, composition, and elasticity of the protection material. In some embodiments, the protection material can be configured to have dimensions similar to one or more of the dimensions shown in FIG. 1A-1E. In some embodiments the protection material can be configured to be of sufficient weight and flexibility such that the protection material falls substantially downward when in the unpacked configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1A-6. In some embodiments the protection material can comprise material that stretches in multiple directions, such as 4-way stretch fabric. In some embodiments, the protection material can include polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the protection material can include polyurethane spandex and polyester. In some embodiments, the protection material can include polyurethane spandex, polyester, and nylon. In some embodiments, the protection material can include between 65% and 85% nylon, between 4% and 24% polyester, and between 1% and 21% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the protection material can include between 70% and 80% nylon, between 9% and 19% polyester, and between 5% and 15% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the protection material can include between 74% and 76% nylon, between 14% and 15% polyester, and between 10% and 12% polyurethane spandex. For example, in some embodiments, the protection material can include 75% nylon, 14% polyester, and 11% polyurethane spandex.

In some embodiments, the material can include between 79% and 83% nylon, between 9% and 13% polyester, and between 6% and 10% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the material can include between 80% and 82% nylon, between 10% and 12% polyester, and between 7% and 9% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the material can include 81% nylon, 11% polyester, and 8% polyurethane spandex. A material formed of nylon, polyester, and polyurethane spandex having lower percentages of polyurethane spandex may have less elasticity than one having higher percentages of polyurethane spandex. For example, a material having 81% nylon, 11% polyester, and 8% polyurethane spandex may have lower elasticity than one having 75% nylon, 14% polyester, and 11% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, a material having 81% nylon, 11% polyester, and 8% polyurethane spandex may provide a better fit and increase comfort to a user due to increased rigidity in comparison to a more elastic material.

In some embodiments, the protection material and material forming the crown can have the same composition. In some embodiments, the protection material and material forming the crown can have different composition. In some embodiments, protection material may be considered substantially not visible if less than 5% of the protection material is visible from outside the headwear.

In some embodiments, in the tucked configuration, the extendable material may be positioned entirely within an interior of a main body of the headwear. In some embodiments, in the tucked configuration, the extendable material may be positioned within the interior of the main body entirely above a bottom edge of the main body. In some embodiments, in the tucked configuration, the extendable material may be positioned within the interior of the main body entirely above a bottom edge of a sweatband of the main body. In some embodiments, in the tucked configuration, the extendable material may be positioned within the interior of the main body entirely within a crown of the main body.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, in some embodiments, protection material includes one or more pleats. Pleats can be configured to increase comfort, mobility, style, and function. Pleats can be folded in any configuration, including reverse. Embodiments can include any number of pleats. Pleats can be placed at any location on the protection material, including any circumferential location on the sweatband. For example, in some embodiments, the headwear can feature one or more pleats on the back and/or sides of the headwear. Such exemplary configurations, in some embodiments, can beneficially provide additional protection material in the radial direction and additional space between that material and the wearer's neck, thereby providing extra space for the wearer's head to move from side to side. Such exemplary configurations, in some embodiments, can also beneficially eliminate any peripheral interference from the protection material, while also allowing the wearer to have unrestricted maneuverability. In exemplary configurations, in some embodiments, pleats can be dimensioned and positioned near the wearer's ear to allow the protection material to comfortably cover and leave room for the wearer's ear.

Protection material can comprise generally pliable material or composite. For example, protection material can comprise 75% Nylon, 14% Polyester, and 11% Spandex.

This exemplary combination of materials can beneficially create a minimalist design that is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, which can allow for easy upkeep even during exercise and perspiration.

Headwear can be coated (e.g., to protect from exposure, including to the sun, rain, visibility, etc.), such as with SPF or water-repellent coating.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a protective headwear 100 with protection material 104 in a packed and unpacked configuration. The protective headwear 100 can include a protection material 104. The protection material 104 can form a protection flap or extension 105. The protection material 104 can include a back pleat 132. The protection material 104 can include a side plate 130. The headwear 100 can include a main body 102 having a crown 103 and a visor 110. The headwear 100 can include an interior 118. The headwear 100 can include a sweatband 114.

A portion of the protective material 104 can include a length A1 (e.g., a length that a back portion extends lower than a side portion). The length A1 can be between 3 inches and 5 inches, 4 inches, or about 4 inches. A portion of the protective material 104 can include a width A2 (e.g., a width of a back portion). The width A2 can be between 9.5 inches and 11.5 inches, 10.5 inches, or about 10.5 inches. A portion of the protective material 104 can include a length A3 (e.g., a length that a side portion extends downwardly from the main body). The length A3 can be between 4 inches and 6 inches, 5 inches, or about 5 inches. A portion of the protective material 104 can include a length A4 (e.g., a length extending from a front side of a side portion to a rear side of the side portion). The length A4 can be between 3 inches and 5 inches, 4 inches, or about 4 inches. A portion of the protective material 104 can include a length A5 (e.g., a length of the back portion). The length A5 can be between 8 inches and 10 inches, 9 inches, or about 9 inches.

FIGS. 2-9 depict an embodiment of a headwear 200 positioned on a user. The protective headwear 200 can include any of the features of the protective headwear 100 and vice versa. FIGS. 2-6 depict the headwear 200 in unpacked configurations. FIGS. 7-12 depict the headwear 200 in packed configurations.

FIGS. 13A-13I illustrate a protective headwear 1300 with protection material 1304 in an extended configuration. The protective headwear 1300 can include any of the features of the protective headwear described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-12 and vice versa. In some embodiments, the protective headwear 1300 can be lightweight. In some embodiments, the protective headwear 1300 can include a weight of about 1 ounce (oz), about 2 oz, about 3 oz, about 4 oz, about 5 oz, about 6 oz, about 7 oz, about 8 oz, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the protective headwear 1300 can include a weight between 2 oz and 8 oz. In some embodiments, the protective headwear 1300 can include a weight between 3 oz and 5 oz. As shown in FIG. 13A, the protective headwear 1300 can include a main body 1302, the protection material (e.g., protection covering portion) 1304, and/or a visor 1310. The visor 1310 can extend forward from a front end 1303 of the main body 1302. The main body 1302 can include panels 1306. The main body 1302 can include one (1) panel 1306, two (2) panels 1306, three (3) panels 1306, four (4) panels 1306, five (5) panels 1306, six (6) panels 1306, seven (7) panels 1306, eight (8) panels 1306, and/or any other number of panels 1306.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the main body 1302 can include an opening 1312. The opening 1312 can receive a head of a user when the protective headwear 1300 is positioned on the user's head. The main body 1302 can include a sweatband 1314 positioned around a circumference of the opening 1312. The sweatband 1314 can include a piece of material that can provide structural support to the main body 1302 and/or secure the main body 1302 on the head of the user. The sweatband 1314 can include an elastic material. The sweatband 1314 can be coupled to a bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. The sweatband 1314 can be coupled to an interior surface 1318 of the main body 1302. In some embodiments, the sweatband 1314 can absorb moisture (e.g., sweat). The sweatband 1314 can prevent or reduce moisture dripping below the main body. The sweatband 1314 can prevent or reduce damage to the main body (e.g., staining) due to sweat. The sweatband 1314 may be formed of a quick dry or moisture-wicking material.

The protection material 1304 can extend from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. A top end 1320 of the protection material 1304 can be coupled to the main body 1302 at the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. In some embodiments, the protection material 1304 (e.g., the top end 1320) can be coupled to the main body 1302 between the interior surface 1318 of the main body 1302 and the sweatband 1314. In some embodiments, the protection material 1304 (e.g., the top end 1320) can be coupled to the sweatband 1314 so at least a portion of the sweatband 1314 is positioned between the protection material 1304 and the interior surface 1318 of the main body 1302. In some embodiments, the protection material 1304 (e.g., the top end 1320) can be coupled to the main body 1302 a distance from the bottom edge 1316. The protection material 1304 can extend around the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 from a first side 1310A of the visor 1310 to a second side 1310B of the visor 1310. The protection material 1304 can extend around a back end 1305 of the main body 1302. The protection material can extend around the bottom edge 1316 so that the visor 1310 and protection material 1304 provide full sun protection to a user's head and neck (e.g., shade the user's head and neck from the sun).

The protection material 1304 can be positioned in the extended configuration and/or a tucked configuration (shown in FIGS. 1D-1E and 7-12). When the protection material 1304 is in the tucked configuration, the protection material 1304 can be positioned in an interior of the main body 1302. When the protection material 1304 is in the extended configuration, the protection material 1304 can extend downward from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302.

The protection material 1304 can include first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and/or a back portion 1324. The back portion 1324 can be positioned between the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B. The first side portion 1322A can extend from the first side 1310A of the visor 1310 to a first end 1324A of the back portion 1324. The second side portion 1322B can extend from the second side 1310B of the visor 1310 to a second end 1324B of the back portion 1324 opposite the first end 1324A. In some embodiments, a distance between the first end 1324A and the second end 1324B (e.g., the width) of the back portion 1324 can be about 10.5 in. In some embodiments, the distance between the first end 1324A and the second end 1324B can be configured so that the back portion 1324 extends behind a user's shoulders and/or is not positioned in front of the user's shoulders when the protective headwear 1300 is positioned on the user's head.

The protection material 1304 can be sized and/or shaped so the protection material 1304 covers the user's neck and/or ears. As shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can include a height 1326. The height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can include a distance from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 to a bottom end 1325 of the side portions 1322A, 1322B. The height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can be a distance sufficient to cover ears of the user when the protective headwear 1300 is positioned on the head of the user with the protection material 1304 in the extended configuration. The height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can be selected so the bottom end 1325 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B is positioned above shoulders of the user (also shown in FIGS. 1A-C, 2, 4, and 6). Accordingly, when the user turns their head, the user's shoulders do not contact the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and displace the protection material 1304 and/or cause the main body 1302 to shift on the user's head. For example, the height 1326 can be about 5 inches. The height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can be based on the size of the main body 1302. In some embodiments, the height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can increase along the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B in a direction towards the back portion 1324.

The back portion 1324 can include a height 1328. The height 1328 of the back portion 1324 can include a distance from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 to a bottom end 1327 of the back portion 1324. The height 1328 of the back portion 1324 can be a distance sufficient to cover a neck of the user when the protective headwear 1300 is positioned on the head of the user with the protection material 1304 in the extended configuration. The height 1328 of the back portion 1324 can be larger than the height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B. Accordingly, a portion of a bottom end 1329 of the protection material 1304 at the first and second side portion 1322A, 1322B (e.g., the bottom end 1325 of the first and second side portion 1322A, 1322B) is positioned closer to the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 than a portion of the bottom end 1329 of the protection material 1304 at the back portion 1324 (e.g., the bottom end 1327 of the back portion 1324). For example, the height 1328 of the back portion 1324 can be about 9 inches. In some embodiments, the height 1328 of the back portion 1324 at the first end 1324A and the second end 1324B can be the same as the height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B. In some embodiments, the height 1328 of the back portion 1324 can gradually increase along the back portion 1324 in a direction away from the first end 1324A and the second end 1324B (e.g., away from the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B). In some embodiments, the height of the back portion 1324 can abruptly or instantaneously increase from the height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B to the height 1328 of the back portion 1324.

The height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B, the height 1328 of the back portion 1324, and/or the distance between the first end 1324A and the second end 1324B can be based on a size of the main body 1302.

The height 1326 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and/or the height 1328 of the back portion 1324 can be selected to reduce or minimize an amount the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and the back portion 1324 overlap when the protection material 1304 is in the tucked configuration. Reducing or minimizing the amount the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and the back portion 1324 overlap in the tucked configuration can prevent or inhibit pressure points on the head of the user when the main body 1302 is positioned on the head of the user with the protection material 1304 in the tucked configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, the protection material 1304 can include first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can extend from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can be positioned at the top end 1320 of the protection material 1304. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can be positioned anywhere along the protection material 1304. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can be positioned on the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can be positioned between the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and the back portion 1324. The first side pleat 1330A can be positioned between the first side portion 1322A and the first end 1324A of the back portion 1324. The second side pleat 1330B can be positioned between the second side portion 1322B and the second end 1324B of the back portion 1324. The first side pleat 1330A can be positioned so the first side pleat 1330A is aligned with and/or extends from a seam 1309 between a first side panel 1307A of the panels 1306 and a first back panel 1308A of the panels 1306. The second side pleat 1330B can be positioned so the second side pleat 1330B is aligned with and/or extends from the seam 1309 between a second side panel 1307B of the panels 1306 and a second back panel 1308B of the panels 1306. In some embodiments, the first side pleat 1330A can be positioned so the first side pleat 1330A is aligned with and/or extends from the first side panel 1307A and/or the first back panel 1308A. In some embodiments, the second side pleat 1330B can be positioned so the second side pleat 1330B is aligned with and/or extends from the second side panel 1307B and/or the second back panel 1308B. In some embodiments, the protection material 1304 can include one (1) first side pleat 1330A, two (2) first side pleats 1330A, three (3) first side pleats 1330A, four (4) first side pleats 1330A, five (5) first side pleats 1330A, and/or any other number of first side pleats 1330A. In some embodiments, the protection material 1304 can include one (1) second side pleat 1330B, two (2) second side pleats 1330B, three (3) second side pleats 1330B, four (4) second side pleats 1330B, five (5) second side pleats 1330B, and/or any other number of second side pleats 1330B.

As shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the protection material 1304 can include a back pleat 1332. The back pleat 1332 can extend from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. The back pleat 1332 can be positioned at the top end 1320 of the protection material 1304. The back pleat 1332 can be positioned anywhere along the protection material 1304 between the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B. The back pleat 1332 can be positioned on the back portion 1324 of the protection material 1304. As shown in FIGS. 13D and 13H, the back pleat 1332 can be positioned so the back pleat 1332 is aligned with and/or extends from the seam 1309 between the first back panel 1308A and the second back panel 1308B. The back pleat 1332 can be centered on the back portion 1324. In some embodiments, the back pleat 1332 can be positioned so the back pleat 1332 is aligned with and/or extends from the first back panel 1308A and/or the second back panel 1308B. In some embodiments, the protection material 1304 can include one (1) back pleat 1332, two (2) back pleats 1332, three (3) back pleats 1332, four (4) back pleats 1332, five (5) back pleats 1332, and/or any other number of back pleats 1332.

The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can include inverted pleats (e.g., a backward box pleat). The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can each include two folds or fold lines that meet at a center point at or near a top end 1320 of the protection material 1304 on the exterior surface of the protection material 1304, as shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F. When the protection material 1304 is in the extended configuration, the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can be configured to direct the protection material 1304 radially outward (e.g., away from the head of the user), as shown in FIGS. 13G and 13H. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can prevent or inhibit the protection material 1304 from covering the opening 1312. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can prevent or inhibit a portion of the protection material 1304 from being tucked between the main body 1302 and the head of the user and/or prevent or inhibit the protection material 1304 from being caught on the user's ears when the user places the protective headwear 1300 on their head with the protection material 1304 in the extended configuration. The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B can allow a user to place the protective headwear 1300 with the protection material 1304 in the extended configuration without needing to hold the protection material 1304 away from the user's head. Accordingly, a user may place the protective headwear 1300 on their head with one hand (e.g., holding the visor).

The back pleat 1332 can include a box pleat. The back pleat 1332 can include two folds or fold lines that meet at a center point at or near a top end 1320 of the protection material 1304 on the interior surface of the protection material 1304, as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13H. When the protection material 1304 is in the extended configuration, the back pleat 1332 can be configured to direct the protection material 1304 downward, as shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, so the back portion 1324 and/or the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B cover the user's neck and ears when the protective headwear 1300 is positioned on the user's head. The back pleat 1332 can be configured to counteract the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B so the protection material 1304 extends radially outward, but still covers the user's neck and ears. The back pleat 1332 can be configured to prevent or inhibit the protection material 1304 and/or the back portion 1324 from moving outward and/or upward when a force (e.g., wind) is applied to the protection material 1304 so the protection material 1304 remains positioned over the user's neck and ears when the force is applied to the protection material 1304.

The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 can allow a width of the protection material 1304 (e.g., the distance from the front edge 1323 of the first side portion 1322A to the front edge 1323 of the second side portion 1322B) to be larger than a distance around the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 from the first side 1310A of the visor 1310 to the second side 1310B of the visor 1310. Accordingly, the protection material 1304 can include extra material such that when the protection material 1304 is in the extended position and the protection material 1304 is positioned radially outward from the main body 1302 (e.g., by the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B), the protection material 1304 covers the user's ears and neck.

The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 can allow the protection material 1304 to be easily moved to the tucked position (e.g., tucked in an interior of the main body 1302). The first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 may facilitate folding of the protection material 1304 when the protection material 1304 is moved to the tucked position. When the protection material 1304 is in the tucked configuration, the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 can direct the protection material 1304 into the main body 1302. Accordingly, the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 can prevent or inhibit the protection material 1304 from moving from the tucked configuration to the extended configuration while a user places the protective headwear 1300 on the user's head. Therefore, the protection material 1304 may remain in the tucked configuration when the user places the protective headwear 1300 on the user's head.

The first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can be sized and/or shaped so at least a portion of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B are aligned with the visor 1310 in order to reduce or minimize an amount of the user's face, head, and/or neck that can be exposed to sunlight. As shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B can be sized and/or shaped so a front edge 1323 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B is positioned under the visor 1310. The front edge 1323 can extend from the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 at an angle 1321. Accordingly, the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B may be extend further forward (e.g., more anterior) at the bottom end 1325 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B than at the top end 1319 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B. Therefore, an amount of the user's peripheral vision that is blocked by the first and second side portion 1322A, 1322B can be reduced or minimized and the amount of the user's face and/or head covered by the protection material 1304 can be maximized.

The protection material 1304, the main body 1302 and/or the visor 1310 can include a material. In some embodiments, the material of the protection material 1304 can be a same material as a material of the main body 1302 and/or the visor 1310. In some embodiments, the material of the protection material 1304 can be a different material from the material of the main body 1302 and/or the visor 1310.

The material can be sufficiently lightweight such that the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 can direct and/or shape the protection material 1304 as described herein. The material can be sufficiently lightweight such that the protection material 1304 remains in the tucked configuration when the protective headwear 1300 is not positioned on a user's head. The material can be sufficiently lightweight such that the protection material 1304 remains in the tucked configuration when the protective headwear 1300 is positioned on the user's head. Accordingly, the user can place the protective headwear 1300 on their head without the protection material 1304 moving from the tucked configuration. The material can be sufficiently lightweight such that the user may not feel the protection material 1304 when the protection material 1304 is in the tucked configuration. The material can be sufficiently lightweight such that the user may not feel the protection material 1304 when the protection material 1304 is in the extended configuration.

The material can include sufficient weight such that the protection material 1304 can move (e.g., fall) from the tucked configuration to the extended configuration when the user moves or shakes the protective headwear 1300 with the protection material 1304 in the tucked configuration. Accordingly, the user, with one hand, may remove the protective headwear 1300 from their head with the protection material 1304 in the tucked configuration, cause the protection material 1304 to move (e.g., fall) to the extended configuration, and place the protective headwear 1300 on their head with the protection material 1304 in the extended configuration.

The material can be sufficiently stiff such that the first and second side pleats 1330A, 1330B and/or the back pleat 1332 can direct and/or shape the protection material 1304 as described herein. The material can be sufficiently stiff such that the protection material 1304 remains in the tucked configuration when the protective headwear 1300 is not positioned on the user's head. The material can be sufficiently pliable such that the protection material 1304 can be moved to the tucked configuration without pulling the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302 into the interior of the main body 1302. Therefore, a user positions the protective headwear 1300 on their head with the protection material 1304 in the tucked configuration, the bottom edge 1316 and/or the sweatband 1314 may be positioned around the user's head the same as when the protection material 1304 is in the extended configuration. Accordingly, the user may not notice a difference in the fit of the protective headwear 1300 when the protection material 1304 is in the tucked configuration or the extended configuration.

The material can be sufficiently lightweight such that the bottom edge 1316 and/or the sweatband 1314 does not apply an uncomfortable amount of pressure to the user's head when the protection material 1304 is in the tucked configuration. The material of the protection material 1304 can be sufficiently lightweight and/or thin such that the protection material 1304 does not need to be positioned completely flat against the interior surface 1318 of the main body 1302 for the protective headwear 1300 to be comfortable for a user. Accordingly, the protection material 1304 can be quickly and easily moved to the tucked configuration without concern for the exact position of the protection material 1304 in the interior of the main body 1302. The material can be sufficiently lightweight so the protective headwear 1300 can be comfortably worn for long periods of time (e.g., one or more hours). The material can be sufficiently lightweight so the weight of the protection material 1304 does not pull the main body 1302 backward off the user's head during use.

The material can be wrinkle resistant. The material can be configured to not wrinkle or minimally wrinkle when the protection material 1304 is positioned in the tucked configuration. Accordingly, when the protection material 1304 is moved from the tucked configuration to the extended configuration, the material does not include wrinkles that can affect how the protection material 1304 lays over the neck and ears of the user and/or the look of the protection material 1304. The material can include a pliable material or composite. The material can include an elastic material that can stretch in multiple directions, such as 4-way stretch fabric. Accordingly, the protection material 1304 can stretch contract with the main body 1302, the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302, and/or the sweatband 1314. Therefore, the protection material 1304 may not affect the fit of the protective headwear 1300 when compared to headwear without the protection material 1304. Additionally, the elasticity of the material can allow the protection material 1304 to cover (e.g., drape over) the user's ears and neck so the protective headwear 1300 is comfortable. Furthermore, when the protective headwear 1300 is placed on the user's head with the protection material 1304 in the tucked configuration, the protection material 1304 can stretch to form to the user's head without pulling on the user's hair, the bottom edge 1316, and/or the sweatband 1314. In some embodiments, the protection material can include polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the protection material can include polyurethane spandex and polyester. In some embodiments, the protection material can include polyurethane spandex, polyester, and nylon. In some embodiments, the material can include between 65% and 85% nylon, between 4% and 24% polyester, and between 1% and 21% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the material of the protection material 1304 can include between 70% and 80% nylon, between 9% and 19% polyester, and between 5% and 15% polyurethane spandex. In some embodiments, the material can include between 74% and 76% nylon, between 14% and 15% polyester, and between 10% and 12% polyurethane spandex. For example, in some embodiments, the material can include 75% nylon, 14% polyester, and 11% polyurethane spandex.

The material can include a quick dry or moisture-wicking material. The material can include a water repellent material. Accordingly, if the user sweats, the user is participating in an activity that can cause the protective headwear 1300 to get wet (e.g., paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, etc.), and/or the user gets rained on, absorption of the moisture by the protection material 1304 will be prevented or reduced. Therefore, the weight of the protection material 1304 may not increase or may not significantly increase and affect the function of the protection material 1304. Furthermore, in some embodiments, if the user sweats, the protection material 1304 will not absorb the sweat, which could cause the protective headwear 1300 and/or the protection material 1304 to smell after use. In some embodiments, the material can be configured to dry rapidly so that the material is not saturated by water, sweat, or other fluids. The material of the protection material 1304 and/or the main body 1302 can be configured so the protective headwear 1300 can be cleaned (e.g., salt marks from sweat, etc.) with only water.

The protective headwear 1300 can be configured to be worn during outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, gardening, running, mountain climbing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, etc.). Therefore, the material can be configured so the material does not fade after prolonged exposure to the sun. Accordingly, after wearing the protective headwear 1300 outside for an expended period of time and/or over multiple uses, a color of the protective headwear 1300 will not change. Furthermore, the material can include an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ sun protective rating. In some embodiments, the material can include a coating having a UPF 50+ sun protective rating.

The protection material 1304 can include a trim 1350. The trim 1350 can extend along the front edge 1323 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and/or the bottom end 1329 of the protection material 1304 (e.g., the bottom end 1325 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and/or the bottom end 1327 of the back portion 1324). The trim 1350 can be configured to protect the front edge 1323 of the first and second side portions 1322A, 1322B and/or the bottom end 1329 of the protection material 1304. The trim 1350 can be configured to prevent or inhibit the protection material 1304 from tearing or ripping. The trim 1350 can be configured to prevent or inhibit a run (e.g., a snag) from forming in the protection material 1304. The trim 1350 can be configured to improve the overall appearance of the protective headwear 1300 and/or the protection material 1304.

FIG. 13I depicts a bottom view of protective headwear 1300 showing a polar coordinate grid overlayed over the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. As shown, the polar coordinate system includes a polar axis extending from a center of the circle and having an angle of 0° aligned with or approximately with a front-most point of the bottom edge 1316 of the main body 1302. The polar axis may be aligned with or approximately with a center of the visor 1310. Angles of 90°, 180°, and 270° are depicted in a clockwise direction. However, it should be understood that an angle of 270° is the clockwise direction may be described as an angle of 90° in the counterclockwise direction and vice versa. As shown, a center of the back pleat 1332 (e.g., at the bottom edge 1316) may be positioned at 180° or approximately 180°. In some embodiments, a center of the back pleat 1332 (e.g., at the bottom edge 1316) may be positioned between 170° and 190° in the clockwise direction. In certain embodiments, a center of the side pleat 1330B (e.g., at the bottom edge 1316) may be positioned between 100° and 140°, between 100° and 120°, or between 110° and 130° in the clockwise direction. In certain embodiments, a center of the side pleat 1330A (e.g., at the bottom edge 1316) may be positioned between 100° and 140°, between 100° and 120°, or between 110° and 130° in the counterclockwise direction.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “may” or “can,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the inventions have been disclosed in the context of a certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the inventions have been shown and illustrated in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within one or more of the inventions. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments illustrated above.

	Number	Date	Country
	63681436	Aug 2024	US
	63610322	Dec 2023	US

PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

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