U.S. patent application number 11/187453 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for cap with opening for passage of hair.
This patent application is currently assigned to Be Awesome Inc.. Invention is credited to Lisa Briskie.
Application Number | 20070061944 11/187453 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37882557 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070061944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Briskie; Lisa |
March 22, 2007 |
Cap with opening for passage of hair
Abstract
A cap for accommodating a wearer with long hair. The cap is
sized so as to snuggly fit the head of a female wearer, thereby
keeping the opening in the rear of the cap at a consistent,
predictable height in relation to the head of the wearer. The
opening in the rear of the cap is sized and positioned so as to
allow the wearer's hair to pass from the point of accumulation on
the wearer's head through the opening without passing under the
crown of the cap. Consequently, the crown of the cap is not
distorted, and the position of the cap is not displaced, by the
wearer's hair.
Inventors: |
Briskie; Lisa; (Southlake,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUBOIS, BRYANT, CAMPBELL & SCHWARTZ, LLP
700 LAVACA STREET
SUITE 1300
AUSTIN
TX
78701
US
|
Assignee: |
Be Awesome Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37882557 |
Appl. No.: |
11/187453 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/209.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/209.3 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/20 20060101
A42B001/20 |
Claims
1. A cap with an opening for the passage of hair comprising: a
crown with a bill generally located at the front of said crown; an
opening in the rear of said crown, said opening being bordered on
the bottom by an adjustment device; and said opening being
positioned in said crown so as to coincide with the location at
which an accumulation of hair on the back of the wearer's head
departs said wearer's head.
2. The cap of claim 1, wherein said cap is a baseball style
cap.
3. The cap of claim 1 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of an inverted U.
4. The cap of claim 1 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of an inverted C.
5. The cap of claim 1 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of a star.
6. The cap of claim 1 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of a triangle.
7. The cap of claim 1 wherein the top of said opening is no greater
than approximately 14 cm from the bottom of said crown and the
width of said opening is between approximately 3 cm and 12 cm.
8. The cap of claim 1 wherein the circumference of the bottom of
said crown is between approximately 55 cm and 57 cm.
9. A cap with a single in the rear of said cap opening for the
passage of hair comprising: a cap with a crown wherein said cap is
sized smaller than conventionally sized caps so that said cap is
positioned higher on the wearer's head when worn; an opening in the
rear of said crown, said opening being bordered on the bottom by an
adjustment device; and said opening being positioned in said crown
so as coincide with the location at which an accumulation of hair
on the back of wearer of said cap's head departs said wearer's
head.
10. The cap of claim 9 wherein said cap is a baseball style
cap.
11. The cap of claim 9 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of an inverted U.
12. The cap of claim 9 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of an inverted C.
13. The cap of claim 9 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of a star.
14. The cap of claim 9 wherein said opening is configured in the
shape of a triangle.
15. The cap of claim 9 wherein the top of said opening is no
greater than approximately 14 cm from the bottom of said crown and
the width of said opening is between approximately 3 cm and 12
cm.
16. The cap of claim 9 wherein the circumference of the bottom of
said crown is between approximately 55 cm and 57 cm.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved cap and, more
specifically, to an improved configuration to better fit the head
of a female wearer and to incorporate a passageway for the hair of
the wearer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Baseball-style caps are commonly worn during sports and
non-sports activities and on a casual basis. During such times, it
is common for wearers with long hair to accumulate their hair in a
ponytail to prevent uncontrolled movement of their hair. However,
in closed-crown caps, such as baseball caps, it is not uncommon for
the ponytail to interfere with the placement of the cap on the
wearer's head. The ponytail may be bunched up on the top of the
wearer's head, in which case it prevents the cap from fitting
snuggly on the wearer's head. Alternatively, the ponytail may be
adjusted to fit under the bottom edge of the cap's crown. However,
since the base of the ponytail is generally a considerable distance
above the bottom edge of the cap's crown, a significant portion of
the ponytail remains between the back of the wearer's head and the
back of the crown. This portion of the ponytail pushes the hat
outwardly and, therefore, precludes proper fitting of the cap and
may cause considerable discomfort to the wearer.
[0003] Wearers have addressed this issue in a variety of ways. For
example, some baseball style caps have integrated a U-shaped
opening at the back of the cap. Commonly, this opening is above an
adjustable strap at the back of the cap. The U-shaped opening was
originally intended to allow the strap to be drawn tight without
constricting the fabric on the crown of the hat. However,
long-haired, cap wearers used this opening as a penetration through
which to pass a ponytail. Although the opening is typically large
enough to accommodate a ponytail, the location and configuration of
the opening are not well suited for this purpose.
[0004] For example, while the U-shaped opening allows the ponytail
to project through the cap, the opening is typically lower than the
base of the accumulation of hair where it departs from the wearer's
head so that the accumulated hair must extend downwardly under the
cap a substantial distance before penetrating the U-shaped opening.
Consequently, the ponytail is situated between the cap wearer's
head and the cap from the point at which it leaves the wearer's
head to the opening, thereby disturbing the fit and the appearance
of the cap. In addition, when the ponytail leaves the hat through
opening, it is positioned so as to drape across the wearer's neck,
thereby trapping heat against the wearer's body and causing
discomfort to the wearer.
[0005] Baseball-style caps typically are comprised of a crown in
the main body, formed by several fabric panels, and a visor that is
secured at the front edge of the crown. A mechanism for adjusting
the size of the cap is generally attached on the back portion of
the lower periphery of the crown. The size adjustment mechanism may
be made out of such materials as, for example, any fabric, plastic,
metal, iron, or Velcro and may be an integral part of the cap or
separately molded and sewn onto the cap. In one configuration, the
size adjustment mechanism is inserted between the crown and the
sweatband, and sewn together with the crown and the sweatband to
form a fastener.
[0006] In addition to being poorly designed to accommodate a
ponytail, baseball caps that are generally available are sized to
fit the head of a male wearer. Generally, this means that the
circumference of the crown at the base is approximately 58 cm.
Female wearers generally find that a cap of this size fits loosely
and, therefore, is positioned lower on their head than intended.
Because the cap is positioned lower on the wearer's head, the
opening at the back of the cap is lower which increases the
distance that the wearer's hair falls under the crown before
reaching the opening.
[0007] There is a need, therefore, for a cap that is sized to fit
the head of a female wearer while providing an opening that is
large enough, and properly positioned, to allow for a ponytail to
protrude through the opening.
[0008] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a cap that
provides as effectively as those known in the art, but which can
better accommodate the needs of a female wearer with long hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved cap for use by
wearer's with long hair. More specifically, the present invention
provides an improved fit for the head of a female wearer with an
opening located so as to allow the wearer's hair to pass through
said opening without distorting the crown of the cap or altering
the fit of the cap on the wearer's head.
[0010] This invention, together with the additional features and
advantages thereof will become more apparent to those of skill in
the art upon reading the description of the preferred embodiments,
with reference to the following drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A better understanding of the system and method of the
present invention may be had by reference to the drawing figures,
wherein
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional baseball cap;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a conventional baseball cap;
[0014] FIG. 3 is side view of a conventional baseball cap on a
wearer's head;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a cap with one embodiment of the
opening of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a cap with another embodiment of
the opening of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a cap with another embodiment of
the opening of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a cap with another embodiment of
the opening of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is side view of the cap of the present invention on a
wearer's head.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present invention is an improved cap to be worn by those
with long hair. It should be appreciated that the present invention
is equally applicable to male or female wearers. It should also be
appreciated that caps and hats other than baseball-style caps may
benefit from the teachings contained herein. Accordingly, where the
words baseball cap or baseball-style cap are used, the words cap,
hat or head-covering may be substituted.
[0021] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein
like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the
several views. FIG. 1 shows a traditional baseball style cap 100.
The cap 100 has a crown 102 defmed by a plurality of fabric panels
104 sewn edge-to-edge to define an inverted dome with a bottom edge
106 defining the opening in the cap 100 into which the wearer
places his or her head. The fabric panels of the crown 102 are made
out of normal woven fabric or stretchable fabric. Adjacent panels
are connected and sewn by means that are well known in the art. The
bill of the cap 108 projects outwardly from the dome 102 so as to
define the front of the cap 100.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of a conventional baseball style
cap. A semi-circular opening 202 is created in the rear of the
crown 102 to permit adjustment of the size of the cap 100. A
fastening device 204 is provided at the bottom of the opening 202
and generally in alignment with the bottom of the crown 102. The
fastening device 204 can be altered which varies the size of the
opening 202, thereby creating the ability to selectively increase
and decrease the effective diameter of the crown 102 so as to fit
the head of the wearer. The fastening device 204 may be any of the
multitude of devices know in the art such as, for example, an
adjustable strap or a Velcro brand fastener.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a conventional cap on a wearer's
head. Baseball-style caps such as the one depicted are commonly
used for casual wear and during sports performances. Wearers of
such caps with long hair commonly accumulate their hair at the back
of the head, as in a ponytail, to prevent uncontrolled movement of
the hair, as in windy conditions and when athletic maneuvers are
performed. When the wearer of the cap has long hair, they are faced
with the problem of accommodating the hair under the cap or passing
the hair out from under the cap, either through the opening in the
rear of the cap or under the bottom of the crown 102. If the wearer
elects to keep their hair under the cap, the accumulated hair is
placed under the crown 102 which tends to prevent the cap from
fitting properly on the wearer's head. Alternatively, if the hair
is placed through the opening, it tends to drape across the
wearer's neck, trapping in heat and causing discomfort.
[0024] So that the cap more properly fits the wearer's head, the
wearer will alternatively pass their hair through the opening 202
in the rear of the cap 100. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the
conventional cap sits on the wearer's head just above the ears.
Because caps are commonly sized to fit a male wearer's head, it is
not uncommon for the cap to sit low on a female wearer's head or
even to rest on her ears. Because the cap 100 sits lower on a
female wearer's head, the top of the opening 202 in the back of the
cap is positioned lower on the wearer's head in relation to the
point at which the ponytail departs the wearer's head.
Consequently, the ponytail lies under the hat from the point at
which it departs the wearer's head to the top of the opening 202,
thereby pushing the hat out of position and creating discomfort for
the wearer. In addition, because the wearer's hair pushes the cap
out of position, a distortion of the crown 102 results which
detracts from the appearance of the cap 100.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of one embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the cap 100 has a crown 102 defmed
by joined panels 104 to produce an inverted, dome-shaped
configuration to accommodate the head of a wearer. A bill (not
visible in this view) projects forward from the crown 102 as in the
prior art caps. A size adjustment device 204 is also incorporated
into the rear of the cap 100. The adjustment device 204 may be made
out of such materials as, for example, any fabric, plastic, metal,
iron, or Velcro and may be an integral part of the cap 100 or
separately molded and sewn onto the cap 100. While the cap 100 is
shown as a baseball-style cap, it should be understood that the
invention contemplates incorporation into any hat, cap or headwear
having a crown.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an
opening 402 is provided at the rear of the crown 102. The opening
402 is located to coincide with the point at which the wearer's
hair departs the wearer's head. By configuring the opening in this
manner, the wearer's hair can penetrate the crown 102 without
disturbing the fit of the cap. In addition, because the hair leaves
the wearer's head through a higher position than with conventional
caps, the hair tends not to drape across the wearer's neck, thereby
allowing the wearer to be cooler and more comfortable while wearing
the cap.
[0027] The opening 402 should start above the adjustment device and
extend generally no higher than 14 cm above the bottom of the
crown. The opening should be at least 3 cm wide an no wider than 12
cm. Taking into account the foregoing dimensions, the opening in
the crown 102 can be any configuration such as, for example, an
inverted U-shaped configuration shown in FIG. 4, an inverted
C-shaped configuration shown in FIG. 5, a star-shaped configuration
shown in FIG. 6, or a triangular-shaped opening as shown in FIG. 7.
In each case, the bottom of the opening 402 is defined by the
adjustment device 204.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows the cap 100 of the present invention on the
head of a female wearer. In one embodiment, the circumference at
the bottom of the crown 102 of the present invention is between
approximately 55 and 57 cm which is less than the typical
circumference of 58 cm for a standard cap. Because the cap 100 is
sized smaller than conventional caps, the cap 100 fits more snuggly
around the female head, thereby keeping the opening in the rear of
the cap 100 at a consistent, predictable height in relation to the
head of the wearer. In addition, the depth of the crown 102 is
shorter than that of a conventional cap so that it fits above the
female wearer's ears. Together, the shortened crown 102 along with
the smaller circumference provide for the proper fit for the female
wearer. The opening 402 in the rear of the cap 100 is sized and
positioned so as to allow the wearer's hair to pass from the point
of accumulation on the wearer's head through the opening 402
without passing under the crown of the cap. The positioning of the
cap 100, coupled with the location of the opening 402, allow the
wearer's hair to pass neatly out of the opening 402 so as not to
accumulate between the wearer's head and the crown 102 of the cap
100. As a result, the cap 100 fits the wearer's head as designed
and there is no accumulation of hair under the cap to distort the
crown 102 or displace the cap on the wearer's head.
[0029] While the present system and method has been disclosed
according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, those of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments
have also been enabled. Even though the foregoing discussion has
focused on particular embodiments, it is understood that other
configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though the
expressions "in one embodiment" or "in another embodiment" are used
herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment
possibilities and are not intended to limit the invention to those
particular embodiment configurations. These terms may reference the
same or different embodiments, and unless indicated otherwise, are
combinable into aggregate embodiments. The terms "a", "an" and
"the" mean "one or more" unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0030] When a single embodiment is described herein, it will be
readily apparent that more than one embodiment may be used in place
of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than one embodiment
is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single
embodiment may be substituted for that one device.
[0031] In light of the wide variety of possible caps, the detailed
embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and should not be
taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, what is
claimed as the invention is all such modifications as may come
within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents
thereto.
[0032] None of the description in this specification should be read
as implying that any particular element, step or function is an
essential element which must be included in the claim scope. The
scope of the patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed
claims and their equivalents. Unless explicitly recited, other
aspects of the present invention as described in this specification
do not limit the scope of the claims.
* * * * *