U.S. patent application number 11/577835 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for comfort headband.
Invention is credited to Paula Jagemann.
Application Number | 20080283082 11/577835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36407462 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080283082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jagemann; Paula |
November 20, 2008 |
Comfort Headband
Abstract
A headband (10) is provided as a unitary body comprising a top
portion (20) and two side portions (30). The side portions (30)
include curvilinear ear portions that generally follow a contour
behind an ear of a wearer. The top portion (20) may include a
non-planar surface that faces the head of the wearer, providing
space between the headband and the head of the wearer and allowing
the hair of the wearer to "lift" away from may include hinges (42)
in the joints between the top portion (20) and side portions (30),
allowing the headband to be folded. Other features may be included
to provide comfort, convenience, security of fit, or aesthetics.
The headband may be comprised of any material, including synthetic
or natural such as, but not limited to, an elastomer or foam. The
headband may be translucent, transparent, or opaque.
Inventors: |
Jagemann; Paula; (Frederick,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
36407462 |
Appl. No.: |
11/577835 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 20, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US05/38268 |
371 Date: |
April 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60628055 |
Nov 15, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/275 ;
132/273; 2/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 8/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/275 ;
132/273; 2/171 |
International
Class: |
A45D 8/00 20060101
A45D008/00; A42B 1/00 20060101 A42B001/00 |
Claims
1. A headband, comprising: a top portion having opposing first and
second distal end portions, the top portion having a primary
surface that, in position, faces the wearer's head; and first and
second elongate side portions, each connected to a respective one
of the top portion first and second distal end portions, wherein
the first and second elongate side portions include a lower
curvilinear ear portion that generally follows a contour behind an
ear.
2. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the primary surface
that faces the wearer's head is non-planar.
3. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the lower curvilinear
ear portion is configured to terminate at a location behind the ear
that is below the outer opening of the ear canal.
4. A headband according to claim 3, wherein the lower curvilinear
ear portion is configured to bend forward toward the face of the
wearer.
5. A headband according to claim 4, wherein below the bend a lower
portion of the lower curvilinear ear portion then extends along a
generally straight line that angles forward and downward.
6. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the lower curvilinear
ear portion is configured to terminate at a location behind the ear
that is in positional agreement with the bottom of the ear.
7. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the lower curvilinear
ear portion includes a branch that is configured to reside above
the ear of the wearer.
8. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the lower curvilinear
ear portion of the first and second elongate side portions each
includes a channel sized and configured to receive a portion of one
leg of a pair of glasses when the wearer concurrently wears the
glasses for viewing.
9. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the lower curvilinear
portion has an increased thickness region that has additional
thickness relative to an adjacent upper portion of the first or
second elongate side portions.
10. A headband according to claim 9, wherein the increased
thickness region comprises a coating selected to provide increased
friction and/or resilient cushion behind the ear of the wearer.
11. A headband according to claim 9, wherein the increased
thickness region comprises a sleeve selected to provide increased
friction and/or resilient cushion behind the ear of the wearer.
12. A headband according to claim 9, wherein the increased
thickness region comprises an external resilient material that
encapsulates an outer surface of a portion of the lower curvilinear
ear portion of the headband.
13. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the top portion
comprises a primary portion intermediate the first and second
distal end portions, and wherein the first and second distal end
portions are configured to extend downward a distance below the
primary portion.
14. A headband according to claim 13, wherein the first and second
distal end portions extend generally vertically downward when
viewed from the front.
15. A headband according to claim 14, wherein the first and second
elongate side portions taper from a first width at a top portion to
a second lesser width at a medial and/or bottom portion.
16. A headband according to claim 2, wherein the non-planar surface
of the top portion of the headband is defined by a unitary member
that is configured to symmetrically rise, when viewed from the
front, from the first and second distal end portions, then decline
to meet at a medial region.
17. A neadband according to claim 2, wherein, when viewed from the
front, the non-planar surface of the top portion that faces the
wearer's head is configured with two generally concave side
portions that meet at a medial nadir.
18. A headband according to claim 17, wherein, when viewed from the
top, the non-planar surface comprises first and second segments
that meet at the medial portion and are symmetrical about that
medial portion, the first and second segments having a perimeter
contour that widens out from the distal end portions and then
tapers in to merge at the medial portion.
19. A headband according to claim 19, wherein the first and second
segments are opaque.
20. A headband according to claim 18, wherein the first and second
segments have a shape and size that simulates a lens shape in a
pair of sunglasses.
21. A headband according to claim 2, wherein, when viewed from the
front, the non-planar surface of the top portion of the headband is
configured with a plurality of upwardly oriented arcuate portions
that define a plurality of spaced apart hair-contact regions.
22. A headband according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the
front, the headband has a shape that is non-arcuate.
23. A headband according to claim 2, wherein the top portion
comprises a frame and first and second segments that merge at a
generally medial location, wherein the first and second segments
extend outwardly away from the frame but taper toward the frame at
the generally medial location, and wherein the headband is
configured to be worn with the frame facing rearward.
24. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the wearer has a head
with a face and hair on a top portion of the head and about sides
of the face, and wherein, in position, the headband first and
second elongate side portions and/or distal end sides of the
face.
25. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
elongate side portions pivotally attach to the top portion.
26. A headband according to claim 25, wherein the first and second
elongate side portions are configured to fold toward each
other.
27. A headband according to claim 26, wherein the first and second
elongate side portions are hinged to a respective one of the
opposing distal end portions of the top portion of the
headband.
28. A headband according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the
front, the top portion has a primary body shape with uppermost
points, and wherein the first and second elongate side portions are
generally orthogonal to a line drawn tangent to the uppermost
points of the primary body shape.
29. A headband according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the
front, the top portion has a primary body shape with uppermost
points, and wherein, in position, the first and second elongate
side portions are oriented to extend downwardly and toward the
other side portion at an angle of between about 45-75 degrees
relative to a line drawn tangent to uppermost points of the primary
body shape.
30. A headband according to claim 1, further comprising an
anti-slip feature on the primary surface.
31. A headband according to claim 1, wherein the top portion of the
headband angularly inclines from a lower forward portion to a
higher rearward portion when viewed from the side.
32. A headband according to claim 1, further comprising a set of
headbands, each having a predetermined different top portion span
width, predetermined different thereby provide user selectable
headband sizes.
33. A headband according to claim 32, wherein the set of headbands
includes a first set of different adult sizes and a second set of
different child sizes.
34. A headband, comprising: a top portion having opposing laterally
spaced apart first and second distal end portions, the top portion
having a primary surface that, in position, faces the wearer's
head; and first and second elongate side portions, each connected
to a respective one of the top portion first and second distal end
portions, wherein the top portion angularly inclines from a lower
forward portion to a higher rearward portion when viewed from the
side.
35. A headband according to claim 34, wherein the primary surface
comprises an anti-slip feature.
36. A headband according to claim 34, wherein the anti-slip feature
comprises a anti-slip member with increased friction relative to
other portions of the primary surface.
37. A headband according to claim 36, wherein the primary surface
that faces the wearer's head is non-planar.
38. A display of headbands comprising: a display stand; and a
plurality of different headbands configured and sized to be
releasably held by the display stand, the headbands comprising a
top portion having laterally opposing first and second distal end
portions, the top portion having a non-planar surface that, in
position, faces the wearer's head; and first and second elongate
side portions, each connected to a respective one of the top
portion first and second distal end portions, wherein the first and
second the contour behind an ear.
39. A display of headbands according to claim 38, wherein the
display stand is configured as an upstanding rotatable display
stand configured to releasably hold the headbands in generally
aligned vertical columns so that the first and second elongate side
portions extend inwardly and the top portions are externally
viewable.
40. A display of headbands according to claim 39, wherein the
display stand is configured to hold the headbands with the first
and second elongate side portions folded against each other and
proximate the top portion of the headband.
41. A display of headbands according to claim 39, wherein the
headbands are held in the display rack so that the lower
curvilinear ear portions extend generally downward.
42. A display of headbands according to claim 38, wherein the top
portion angularly inclines from a lower forward portion to a higher
rearward portion when viewed from the side.
43. A headband according to claim 38, wherein the primary surface
comprises an anti-slip feature.
44. A method of displaying headbands having a top portion with
laterally opposing first and second distal end portions and first
and second elongate side portions, each connected to a respective
one of the top portion first and second distal end portions,
placing a plurality of headbands on a display stand so that the
side portions of different headbands extend generally horizontally
a distance inward into a surface of the display stand and so that
the top portion is externally viewable with the headbands arranged
in aligned generally vertical columns.
45. A method according to claim 44, further comprising rotating the
display stand.
46. A method according to claim 44, wherein the first and second
elongate side portions include a lower curvilinear ear portion that
is shaped to generally follow the contour behind an ear, and
wherein, in position in the display stand, the outermost portion of
the curvilinear ear portion faces down.
47. A method according to claim 44, wherein the top portions have a
non-planar surface that, in position, faces the wearer's head.
48. A method according to claim 44, wherein the side portions
comprise a channel sized to accommodate a respective leg of pair of
glasses.
49. A method according to claim 44, wherein the top portion of the
headband angularly inclines from a lower forward portion to a
higher rearward portion when viewed from the side.
50. A method according to claim 44, wherein the primary surface of
the headband comprises an anti-slip feature.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/628,055, filed Nov. 15, 2004,
the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if
recited in fall herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to headbands.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of a headband for the purpose of holding a wearer's
hair for convenience and/or decoration is well known. A headband
may allow a wearer to keep his or her hair back and away from his
or her face. Conventional headbands are substantially arcuate,
which renders a fit that typically conforms closely to the head of
a wearer. It may be desirable to provide a headband that allows for
aesthetically pleasing presentation of the hair of the wearer by
holding the hair back in a manner that allows the hair to "lift"
away from the head.
[0004] Conventional headbands may also be relatively uncomfortable
for the wearer because the side portions can terminate behind the
ears at a tender region of the wearer's head. It may be desirable
to provide a headband that is more comfortable for the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide headbands that
allow the hair of a wearer to lift away from the head. Further,
embodiments of the present invention provide headbands that can
include comfort-ear configurations to inhibit discomfort.
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide headbands that
include a top portion and a first and second elongate side portion.
The top portion has opposed first and second distal end portions
and a surface facing the wearer's head. The elongate side portions
are connected to the distal ends of the top portion. The elongate
side behind an ear.
[0007] The connection between the top portion and the side portions
may be a hinged joint or a fixed joint. A hinged joint allows the
headband to be folded when not being worn, similar to many
sunglasses. The joint may be configured such that the side portions
may angle substantially inward toward the wearer's head, thus
allowing more space for hair and/or a more secure fit on the
wearer.
[0008] Headbands of the present invention may include an earband
that extends below a medial location of the ear of the wearer and
may curve toward the base of the ear. Such an earband
advantageously avoids a tender region of the head of the wearer.
Alternatively or in addition to this feature, the earband may
include a branch that arcs around the top portion of the ear of the
wearer. The earband may include a resilient material or sleeve
coating that may aid in the comfort of the wearer. Another
embodiment provides an earband that has a channel portion in the
region through which a portion of a pair of glasses can pass when
the wearer dons the pair of glasses over her eyes.
[0009] In some embodiments, the headbands of the present invention
may be configured for different sizes and shapes of heads, such as
for children or other persons.
[0010] In some embodiments, the headbands of the present invention
may be configured to simulate sunglasses, having the shape and/or
appearance of sunglasses but without actual lenses.
[0011] Other embodiments of the present invention include display
stands for the headbands. The display stands may be rotatable and
configured to releasably hold the headbands in a position that
makes the top portions externally viewable and allows the elongate
side portions to extend inwardly into the display stand.
Alternatively, the display stands may be configured to hold the
headbands with the first and second elongate end portions folded
against each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a headband according to
embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the headband shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the headband shown in FIG. 1;
headband in position on a user;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a frontal view of the headband shown in FIG. 1
illustrating the headband in position on a user;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the headband shown in FIG. 6
illustrating the headband in position on a user;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged perspective view of a hinged
and/or pivotal connection between the top portion and side portions
of headbands according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged perspective view of a lower
side portion of headbands according to embodiments of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another lower side
portion of headbands with an upper branch according to embodiments
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of headbands having a
curvilinear three-dimensional upper profile according to other
embodiments of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the headband shown in FIG. 11
illustrating the headband in position on a user;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another headband with lower
side portions having increased thickness according to embodiments
of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a frontal view of an embodiment of the present
invention configured to accommodate a child.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of other headbands according
to embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of another headband
configuration according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a top view of the configuration shown in FIG.
16.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of another headband
configuration according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a top view of the configuration shown in FIG.
18.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of yet additional headbands
that include a channel sized and configured to accommodate legs of
glasses being concurrently worn over the eyes; embodiments of the
present invention, in which the headbands can be displayed with
their side portions extended; and
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another display stand for
headbands according to the present invention, in which the
headbands can be displayed with their side portions folded in.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a side view of another headband according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 24A is a partial side perspective view of a headband
with an anti-slip feature according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 24B is a bottom view of a headband with an exemplary
alternative anti-slip feature according to embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the
invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It will be
appreciated that although discussed with respect to a certain
headband embodiment, features or operations of one headband
embodiment can apply to others. It will be understood that the
possessive "his" or "her" is used only for convenience and no
gender limitation is implied thereby.
[0036] In the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers, features,
components and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will
be understood that when a feature is referred to as being "on"
another feature or element, it can be directly on the other element
or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or
element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be
understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being
"connected" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be
directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may
be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to
as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another
element, there are no intervening elements present. FIGS. 1 through
5 illustrate a headband 10 that includes top portion 20 and
elongate side portions 30. The headband 10 may have a shape that is
non-arcuate. The top portion 20 may include primary surface 20s
that faces the head of the wearer. In some embodiments, the primary
surface 20s can be a non-planar surface 20s. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5
and 7, in some embodiments, the top portion 20 includes at least
one nadir region 22, on either side of which the non-planar surface
20s rises upward and away from the head of the wearer. This
configuration may provide more space between the head of the wearer
and the surface 20s, which may allow the wearer's hair to be lifted
away from the head in an aesthetically pleasing manner. For
example, in some embodiments, the outermost portions of the upper
surface 20 and the elongate side members 30 can be configured to
define a gap space of between about 0.1-0.5 inches, typically
between about 0.2-0.3 inches. That is, the outer corner regions
defined by the upper edge of the side members 30 and the outermost
edges of the upper surface 20s can be configured to reside above
the head of the user when in position to provide less compression
than conventional headbands.
[0037] Also as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, in some embodiments, the
nonplanar surface 20s of the top portion 20 may be configured with
two generally concave side portions 20c that meet at a nadir region
22. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the top portion 20 may further
be configured such that, when viewed from the top, the generally
concave side portions 20c have a perimeter contour that widens out
from the distal end portions of the top portion 20 then tapers in
to meet at the nadir region 22. The perimeter contour may be
symmetrical about the nadir region 22. In this embodiment, as well
as in other embodiments, the headband 10 may be configured to
simulate the shape of a pair of sunglasses. Specifically, in this
embodiment, the side portions 20c may have a size and shape that
generally simulates the lenses in a pair of sunglasses. The side
portions 20c may be opaque, translucent or have other optical
qualities not typical of sunglass lenses.
[0038] Another embodiment, in which there are multiple nadir
regions 22, is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The nonplanar surface 20s
in that embodiment, when viewed from the front, is configured with
a plurality of upwardly oriented arcuate portions 20a that define a
plurality of spaced apart nadir regions 22. Still other embodiments
may include multiple nadir regions 22 between which the nonplanar
surface 20s is configured differently, such as a substantially
"V-shaped" pattern, a substantially "U-combinations thereof, or
others.
[0039] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a headband 10 with another
embodiment of a non-planar surface 20s which is provided by a
three-dimensional braid configuration. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate
that the top portion of the headband 20 can be configured with its
widest segment 20w at a medial portion of the headband 10. That is,
the top portion 20 can taper from a first width at its outer
portions to the widest segment 20w at a center portion (in contrast
to a narrower portion such as shown in FIG. 1).
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in some embodiments, when viewed
from the front, the first and second distal end portions 20v of the
top portion 20 are configured to extend downward in a generally
vertical orientation a distance below the primary portion of the
top portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the elongate side
portions 30 and/or generally vertically oriented distal end
portions 20v of the top portion 20 may be configured with
sufficient length to lift the hair about the sides of the wearer's
face.
[0041] The elongate side portions 30 may be connected to the top
portion 20 via joints 40. In some embodiments, the joint 40 may
pivotally attach the top portion 20 to the elongate side portions
30, which may be configured to fold toward each other. As shown in
FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 8, and 16, the joints 40 may comprise hinges 42
configured to allow the side portions 30 to swivel in and fold for
compact storage when the headband 10 is not being worn. The hinges
42 may comprise a pin, an elastomeric segment, a bearing, an axle,
or any other device configuration that permits rotation. A closer
view of an exemplary hinge 42 is provided in FIG. 8. The joints 40
may also comprise fixed connections 44, as shown, for example, in
FIGS. 6, 7, and 11-15, in embodiments in which it is not needed to
allow the elongate side portions 30 to fold.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the elongate side portions 30 may angle
inward toward the other side portion 30 as the side portions 30
travel down away from the top portion 20. FIG. 7 shows that this
may provide more space for the hair of the wearer and may provide a
more secure fit. Though FIG. 7 illustrates this feature where the
joint 40 is a fixed connection 44, the inwardly angled side
portions 30 may be included in conjunction with any type of joint
40. In particular embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 7, the
angle ".theta." formed by the side portions 30 and an between
approximately 45 and 75 degrees. In other embodiments, such as
illustrated in FIG. 3, when viewed from the front, the elongate
side portions 30 are generally orthogonal to a line drawn tangent
to the uppermost portions of the primary body shape.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 11, 13 and 16, in some embodiments,
the elongate side portions 30 may taper from a first width at a top
portion to a lesser width at a medial and/or bottom portion.
[0044] In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 1, the
side portions 30 can include a curvilinear earband 32. The
curvilinear earband 32 can be configured to generally follow the
contour about the ear of the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the earband
32 may bend forward toward the face of the wearer. As further shown
in FIG. 1, the earband 32 may, below the bend, extend along a
generally straight line that angles forward and downward. In other
embodiments, the travel of the earband 32 forward and downward
below the bend may occur along a curvilinear path.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the earband 32 may terminate at a
location behind the ear that is below the outer opening of the ear
canal of the wearer. The earband 32 may terminate at a region of
the wearer's head that is proximate or below the bottom portion of
the wearer's ears. The earband 32 may have a cross-sectional
thickness that is less than the adjacent portion of the side
portion 30. One or more of these features may inhibit the side
portions 30 from terminating at or rubbing against a tender portion
of the head of the wearer behind the wearer's ears.
[0046] Comfort to the wearer may be further provided in an earband
32 that includes a increased thickness region 34, as shown for
example in FIG. 13. The increased thickness region 34 has
additional thickness relative to an adjacent upper portion of the
elongate side portion 30. The increased thickness region 34 may
comprise one or more of a coating, a sleeve, a casing, a shell, or
simply additional material. The material of the increased thickness
region 34 may the same material that comprises the rest of the
elongated side portion 30, or it may be a material that has
increased resilience relative to the upper regions of the side
portion 30. Examples of suitable materials that can be used to form
the increased thickness region 34 include, but are not limited to,
any type of rubber, elastomer, foam, cloth, or other resilient
material.
[0047] The increased thickness region 34 need not cover the entire
earband 32, as FIG. 15 shows, and may reside only on the
face-contacting surface. The increased and/or may be configured to
increase the friction of the face-contacting surface to provide an
enhanced grip, thus inhibiting slippage between the skin of the
wearer and the headband 10. Another feature that may be included
and that may aid in the prevention of slippage is the upper branch
36 shown in FIG. 10. The branch 36 resides above the upper portion
of the ear of the wearer to provide a more secure fit and prevent
slippage.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 16, the earband 32 may include a channel 38
sized and configured to receive a portion of one leg of a pair of
glasses when the wearer concurrently dons the pair of glasses over
her eyes. In other embodiments, the channel 38 may be on the
outside edge of the earband 32 instead of on the inside edge as
shown. The term "channel" includes openings such as grooves and
trenches as well as laterally arched or curved segments that
accommodate the leg of the glasses. In yet other embodiments, the
channel 38 may travel through the middle of the earband 32 rather
than on the inside edge.
[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention is a set of
headbands 10, each having a predetermined different top portions 20
span width, predetermined different elongate side portion 30
lengths and/or predetermined different other dimensions to thereby
provide user selectable headband 10 sizes. A set of headbands 10
may include a first set of different adult sizes and a second set
of different child sizes. An example of a headband 10 for a child
is shown in FIG. 14.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 15, yet another embodiment of the present
invention is a headband 10 in which the top portion 20 comprises a
frame 20f and first and second segments 23, 24 that merge at a
generally medial location 25. The segments 23, 24 are symmetrical
about the location 25 when viewed from the top and extend outwardly
away from the frame 20f at the distal ends of the top portion 20
but taper toward the frame 20f at the generally medial location 25.
The headband 10 is configured to be worn with the frame 20f facing
rearward, as shown by the direction of the arrow labeled "F" for
forward in FIG. 15. Such a headband 10 may, of course, include a
comfort earband 32.
[0051] FIG. 23 illustrates that in some embodiments, the headband
10 can be configured to angularly rise from a forward portion
toward a rearward portion (typically where the frame resides) to
provide an uplift feature. The angle of typically between about
15-20 degrees.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, in some embodiments, the
underside of the primary surface 20s of the headband 10 can be
configured with an anti-slip feature 75 that contacts the hair of
the wearer. This type of feature may be particularly useful for
lightweight headbands 10 to help keep the headband in a desired
location on the head of the wearer. The anti-slip feature 75 can be
made integral to the headband 10 or formed as a supplemental
component. For example, the underside of the headband can be molded
with another secondary material having increased friction relative
to the primary body material. In other embodiments, the underside
can be embossed with an increased friction pattern, abrasively
treated, or coated with an anti-friction material. In other
embodiments, the anti-slip feature 75 can be provided as an
anti-slip member adhesively attached to the underside of the
headband 10. The anti-slip member(s) can be a strip or strips of
material such as resilient or other increased friction material
that may comprise neoprene, an elastomer and/or polymer. In some
embodiments, the anti-slip feature 75 can provide a tacky or
slightly sticky tactile portion that can promote in-place
positioning on the user.
[0053] The anti-slip feature 75 can extend across a portion of a
forward and/or medial portion of the underside of the headband 10.
As shown in FIG. 24A, the anti-slip feature 75 can be an
elastomeric member that wraps upward from the underside of the
headband 10 about a forward edge portion thereof. FIG. 24B
illustrates that the anti-slip feature 75 can be configured to
reside only on the underside of the headband 10. Although shown in
FIG. 24B as generally following the contour of a medial forward
portion of the underside of the headband 10, the anti-slip feature
75 can reside as a generally straight strip along a medial, or even
rearward portion of the headband (not shown). In other embodiments,
generally the entire undersurface of the primary upper surface of
the headband 10 can comprise the anti-slip feature 75 (also not
shown). In some embodiments, the underside of the headband 10 can
have a discontinuous anti-slip surface, which may be formed by a
plurality of spaced apart strips (not shown).
[0054] Headbands 10 according to the present invention may be
displayed in a display stand 50. As shown for example in FIG. 17, a
display stand 50 may be an upstanding rotatable display stand 52
configured to releasably hold the headbands 10 in generally aligned
vertical columns 54 so that the elongate side portions 30 extend
example in FIG. 18, a display case 50 may be configured with
discrete wells 56 to hold the headbands 10 with the elongate side
portions 30 folded against each other and proximate the top portion
20 of the headband 10.
[0055] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, when used, are
intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the
recited function and not only structural equivalents but also
equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be
construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
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