AU2011235964B2 - An Article of Headgear - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of headgear includes an elongate, generally planar element of a resiliently flexible material having a front, a back, a pair of opposed sides, an upper surface and a lower surface. The planar element defines a head opening that is dimensioned to receive a wearer's head so that the resilience of the material serves to secure the element on the wearer's head. The head opening is located substantially midway between the sides and offset towards the back so that, when the element is secured on the wearer's head, a front portion between the front and the opening can screen the wearer's face from the sun. Side portions and an intermediate rear portion extend from the sides and back of the wearer's head. ' F 100i Ill Ictoona lod"S L141- 31 um

Description

2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -1 -

TrïLE OF THE INVENTION

An Article of Headgear

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an article of headgear

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is well known that sun-screening headgear is an important component of outdoor activity in warm climates. Most articles of sun-screening headgear such as hats or caps are only capable of performing one function, that is, the protection of at least the face and the ears from the sun. However, during some activities, it becomes inconvenient to be wearing the article of headgear and it may be desirable that the headgear be capable of performing some other function.

For example, when participating in water-based activities, such as surfing and other board-riding activities, headgear is generally not worn because it gets in the way or is knocked off the wearer’s head when catching a wave, for example.

In another example, when watching sport in a stadium, headgear such as a hat or cap may only be necessary during part of the event. Once the sun has set, headgear can become inconvenient to retain and often needs to be stored away somewhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided an article of headgear that comprises an elongate, generally planar element of a resiliency flexible material having a front, a back, a pair of opposed sides, an upper surface and a lower surface; the planar element defining a head opening that is dimensioned to receive a wearer’s head so that the resilience of the material serves to secure the element on the wearer’s head; and the head opening being located substantially midway between the sides and offset towards the back so that, when the element is secured on the wearer’s head, a front portion between the front and the opening can screen the wearer’s face from the sun, with side portions and an intermediate rear portion extending from the sides and back of the wearer’s head, allowing for protection of the ears.

The planar element may be dimensioned so that the element can be folded partially about a longitudinal axis such that the front portion forms a generally cylindrical receptacle and the side and rear portions form a loop and subsequently folded about a transverse axis so that 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -2- the receptacle is received in the loop, which then retains the shape of the receptacle. In particular, the planar element may be dimensioned so that the resulting receptacle is dimensioned to receive a beverage container. More specifically, the planar element may be shaped so that the resulting receptacle is dimensioned to receive a beverage container in the form of a conventional bottle or can with a volume of between 250 ml and 750 ml.

In one embodiment, the planar element may be shaped so that the resulting receptacle is dimensioned to receive a bottle or can with a volume of between 330 ml and 375 ml. Instead of a conventional bottle or can, the planar element may be shaped so that the resulting receptacle is dimensioned to receive a cup, glass or similar drinking container.

It will thus be appreciated that with the selection of appropriate material for the element, the article of headgear can serve as a beverage holder. Such material is generally required to be waterproof and to have insulation properties. Examples of a suitable material would include expanded plastics material such as polyethylene, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate or latex, of the types currently known as “foam rubber”. Various forms of polychloroprene, known as “Neoprene” may also be suitable.

The head opening may also be elongate in the direction of elongation of the element, generally to suit the human head. The head opening may also be generally oval in shape to suit the human head.

At least the back may be curved to correspond with the head opening and to facilitate the formation of the loop that retains the receptacle in position.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the element, including its thickness, are significant in order to achieve a receptacle that is suitable for holding a beverage. In this regard, there are a number of dimensional variables that are relevant. These are set out in the table below:

Minimum (mm) Maximum (mm) Length of element 300 330 Width of element 230 260 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -3-

Head opening length 160 190 Head opening width 125 150 Front edge to opening (along a longitudinal bisecting line) 90 110 Back edge to opening (along a longitudinal bisecting line) 30 50 Thickness 3 7

The planar element may be formed as a result of a single die-cutting operation carried out on a sheet of the material.

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to narrow the scope of the preceding paragraphs or the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows various views of a first embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of an article of headgear.

Figure 2 shows various views of a second embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of an article of headgear.

Figure 3 shows various views of a third embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of an article of headgear.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of an article of headgear.

Figure 5 shows a first step in an operation for converting the article of headgear into a beverage holder. o CN Figure 6 shows a second step in the operation. 2011235964 12 Oct

Figure 7 shows a third step in the operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a first embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of an article of headgear. In particular, Figure 1 shows a number of views of the article of headgear 10, namely a view from underneath (a), a view from behind (b), a sectioned view (c), a view from the right (d), a view from above (e), a view from the left (f) and a view from the front (g).

The article of headgear 10, hereinafter referred to as a “cap” for convenience, includes a resiliency flexible planar element 12 which is cut into the shape shown in Figure 1. The element 12 includes a front 14, a back 16, a pair of opposed sides 18, an upper surface 20 and a substantially identical lower surface 21.

The element 12 defines a head opening 22. The opening 22 is dimensioned to receive a wearer’s head so that the resilience of the material serves to secure the cap 10 on the wearer’s head. The head opening is located substantially midway between the sides 18 and offset towards the back so that, when the cap 10 is fitted to the wearer’s head, a front portion 24 between the front 14 and the opening 22 can screen the user’s face from the sun, with side portions 26 and an intermediate rear portion 28 extending from the sides and back of the wearer’s head, respectively. Thus, the ears of the wearer are also protected.

The element 12 is dimensioned so that the cap 10 can be folded and transformed into a beverage holder 30 as indicated in Figures 5 to 7.

In particular, the cap 10 is partially folded about a longitudinal axis so that the front portion 24 forms a generally cylindrical receptacle 30 (Figure 5) with parts 32 of the front portion 24 overlapping. In that condition, the side and rear portions 26, 28 form a loop 32. As can be seen in Figure 6, the cap 10 is subsequently folded about a transverse axis so that the receptacle 30 can be fed through the loop 32 with the loop 32 bearing against the overlapping parts 34. Since the material is resilient, the overlapping parts 34 are biased away from each other. The loop 32 is also biased back into its previously unfolded condition. Thus, the loop 32 and the parts 34 bear against each other so that the receptacle 30 maintains its shape.

The planar element 12 is dimensioned so that the receptacle 30 is, in turn, dimensioned to receive a beverage container. More specifically, the planar element 12 is shaped so that the resulting receptacle 30 is dimensioned to receive a beverage container in the form of a conventional bottle or can with a volume of between 330 ml and 375 ml. -5- 2011235964 12 Oct 2011

The material of the element 12 is selected so that the receptacle 30 is suitable for use as a beverage holder. Such articles usually require a material that is waterproof and has insulation properties.

It will be appreciated that the material of the cap 10 can be selected from a number of suitable materials. Set out below are materials which the Applicant has found to be suitable: 1. Expanded polyethylene foam in the form of a cross-linked polyethylene foam, such as that known as Artilon. The particular grade found to be suitable is S3500 with a sheet thickness of between 4 mm and 6 mm. 2. Closed cell polyethylene foam with a density of about 30 kg/m3 and a sheet thickness of between 4 mm and 6 mm. 3. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam with a density of about 30 kg/m3 and a sheet thickness of between 4 mm and 6 mm. 4. Neoprene with a thickness of between 4 mm and 6 mm.

The head opening 22 is elongate in the direction of elongation of the element 12, generally to suit the human head. The head opening 22 can also be generally oval in shape to suit the human head.

At least the back can be curved to correspond with the head opening 22 and to facilitate the formation of the loop 32 that retains the receptacle 30 in an operative condition.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the element 12, including its thickness, are significant in order to achieve a receptacle that is suitable for holding a beverage. In this regard, there are a number of dimensional variables that are relevant.

In Figures 2 to 4, reference numerals 40, 50 and 60 generally indicate further embodiments of articles of headgear, in accordance with the invention. With reference to Figure 10, like numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the articles of headgear or caps 40,50,60 have the same characteristics as the cap 10, unless otherwise specified.

As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, those embodiments are similar to the cap 10. The reason is that the shape is largely dictated by the requirement that they are capable of being transformed into beverage holders. However, some change in shape is necessary to accommodate different head sizes and, to a more limited extent, styles.

In Figures 2 and 3, the same views as those shown in Figure 1 are provided.

The sides 18 and back 16 of the caps 10,40 and 50 have a curved outer profile. A -6- 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 portion of each side 18 of the cap 60 is straight. This is primarily for slip-streaming during water sports such as surfing when the cap 60 is slung around the neck and facing rearward and also for styling purposes.

On the other hand, a number of dimensional variables are significant for the purposes of achieving a cap that can be transformed into a beverage holder capable of performing a similar function as currently available beverage holders.

These are set out in the table below with reference to each of the embodiments of the cap:

Dimensions in mm Cap 10 (Fig 1) Cap 40 (Fig 2) Cap 50 (Fig 3) Cap 60 (Fig 4) Length of element 12 325 320 305 315 Width of element 12 255 245 235 245 Head opening 22 length 185 175 165 175 Head opening 22 width 149 139 129 139 Front edge to opening 22 110 105 100 100 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -7- (along a longitudinal bisecting axis) Back edge to opening 22 (along a longitudinal bisecting length) 40 40 40 40 Thickness 4 4 4 4

The planar element 12 is formed as a result of a single die-cutting operation carried out on a sheet of the material.

Applicant envisages a number of other uses for the cap, in addition to use as a beverage holder. For example, the cap can be pulled further down over a wearer’s head to hang around the wearer’s neck. In that position, the cap can be twisted around so that the front portion 24 faces backwardly. In that position, a board-rider, such as a surfer, can ride a wave without interference from the cap. When the ride is over, the cap can be pulled up into an operative position again.

It will be appreciated that the material of the cap is buoyant. Thus, when slung about the neck, it is capable of adding buoyancy to the user.

Furthermore, the material of the cap is such that it does not absorb water. This inhibits the cap from becoming waterlogged and subsequently sinking or becoming heavier, which would be undesirable, particularly when worn by a board rider.

As can be seen from the drawings, the caps 10,40 and 50 have an opening 36 defined in the rear portion 28. The opening 36 permits a lanyard to be fitted to the cap. The cap 60 has a pair of openings 38 defined in the rear portion 28. The openings 38 permit a lanyard or loop to be fitted to the cap 60 so that the cap 60 can be worn around the neck. 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -8- ln another example, the fact that the cap is planar allows it to be used as a seat. In many outdoor spectator events, the seats are without cushions or are in the form of concrete or wooden benches. The cap can function as a cushion when folded in half because of the material of which it is fabricated.

One particular use envisaged by the applicant is for the cap to be worn under a helmet, such as a construction helmet or bicycle helmet. Such helmets usually offer little, if any, protection from the sun for the face, neck and ears. The dimensions of the cap allow it to be worn under such helmets to provide such protection to the wearer.

It will also be appreciated that the material of the cap has a memory, allowing the cap to be deformed and to return to an original configuration.

It will be appreciated that the cap can easily be folded twice and stored in a pocket for later use, if necessary.

Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term “comprising” and variants thereof such as “comprise” or “comprises” are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practiced with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -9-

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”; any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,’) unless otherwise noted.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65,2.8 to 8.14,1.93 to 9, 2011235964 12 Oct 2011 -10- etc.

When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (1)

1. A method of folding an article of headgear into a beverage container holder as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and description.