U.S. patent application number 12/082746 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for hair space gear for long haired men and women.
Invention is credited to Mashaan Guy.
Application Number | 20090255030 12/082746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41162755 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090255030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guy; Mashaan |
October 15, 2009 |
Hair space gear for long haired men and women
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an apparel which provides
space for a wearer hair with long, thick, voluminous hair, through
its unique and distinctive elements such that the invention may be
worn by both adults and children, permitting the wearer to showcase
their individual hairstyles without limitation, while maintaining
warmth. The invention further comprises of a primary aperture for
the wearer configured to accommodate the wearer's head and at least
one intentionally elastic and expandable secondary aperture to
accommodate the wearer's hair in a variety of different hairstyles
that may or not be a ponytail.
Inventors: |
Guy; Mashaan; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CAROL N. GREEN, ESQ.;LAW OFFICE OF CAROL N. GREEN P.A.
WACHOVIA FINANCIAL CENTER, SUITE 2750, 200 S. BISCAYNE BLVD.
MIAMI
FL
33131
US
|
Family ID: |
41162755 |
Appl. No.: |
12/082746 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/84 ; 2/195.2;
2/195.3; 2/209.13; 2/209.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/84 ; 2/209.13;
2/209.7; 2/195.3; 2/195.2 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20060101
A41D003/08; A42B 1/24 20060101 A42B001/24; A42C 5/04 20060101
A42C005/04; A42B 1/00 20060101 A42B001/00 |
Claims
1. A hair space gear comprising of: (a) an apparel formed from a
firm, flexible fabric that is adapted to surround and cover a head
with varied hair thickness wherein the apparel further defines a
primary aperture, a front portion, a rear portion, two side
portions and at least one secondary aperture; (b) said primary
aperture is configured to allow the wearer to place the apparel on
the wearer's head; and (c) the secondary aperture being
intentionally elastic and expandable to prevent gaping and the
escape of body heat, with gathering means for gathering the hair
where the hair may be threaded through the secondary aperture in a
variety of different hairstyles, and wherein said secondary
aperture further comprises of a seam covered with fabric that
extends circumferentially around the secondary aperture applying
pressure to the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place
without the use and necessity of a hair accessory and without
forming an undesirable mark on the gathered hair such that when the
apparel is removed it eliminates the necessity of combing the
hair.
2. The hair space gear of claim 1, wherein the secondary aperture
is positioned on any one or more of the following locations: the
rear portion; the side portion; or the top of the apparel.
3. The secondary aperture of claim 1, wherein the secondary
aperture is oriented vertically.
4. The secondary aperture of claim 1, wherein the secondary
aperture is oriented horizontally.
5. The secondary aperture of claim 1, wherein the secondary
aperture is substantially rounded.
6. The apparel of claim 1, comprising of two or more secondary
apertures.
7. The gathering means of claim 1, comprising any one of the
following: drawstring, sheath, elasticized strip or straps.
8. The hair space gear of claim 1, comprising of closing means.
9. The closing means of claim 8, further comprising any one of the
following: buttons, buttonholes, snaps, fasteners or flaps.
10. A hair space gear comprising of: (a) an apparel formed from a
firm, flexible fabric that is adapted to substantially surround and
cover a head with varied hair thickness and wherein the apparel
further defines a primary aperture, a front portion, a rear
portion, two side portions and at least one secondary aperture, and
is in combination with a collarless shirt, that is adapted to
clothe the torso of a wearer; (b) the side portions of the apparel
is of sufficient length of fabric to extend beyond the wearer's jaw
to fully encompass and cover the wearer's ears and is in mating
engagement with the collarless shirt; (c) the rear of the apparel
similarly has additional fabric to extend beyond the nape of the
wearer's neck and is in mating engagement with the rear of a
collarless shirt; (d) said primary aperture is configured to allow
the wearer to place the apparel on the wearer's head; and (e) the
secondary aperture being intentionally elastic and expandable to
prevent gaping and the escape of body heat, with gathering means
for gathering the hair which may be inserted through the secondary
aperture in variety of different hairstyles, and wherein said
secondary aperture further comprises of a seam covered with fabric
that extends circumferentially around the secondary aperture
applying pressure to the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in
place without the use and necessity of any additional hair
accessory and without forming an undesirable mark on the gathered
hair such that when the apparel is removed it eliminates the
necessity of combing the hair.
11. The hair space gear of claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture
is positioned on any one or more of the following locations: the
rear portion; the side portion; or the crown of the apparel.
12. The secondary aperture of claim 10, wherein the secondary
aperture is oriented vertically.
13. The secondary aperture of claim 10, wherein the secondary
aperture is oriented horizontally.
14. The secondary aperture of claim 10, wherein the secondary
aperture is substantially rounded.
15. The apparel of claim 10, comprising of two or more secondary
apertures.
16. The gathering means of claim 10, further comprising any one of
the following: drawstring, sheath, elasticized strip or straps.
17. The hair space gear of claim 10, comprising of closing
means.
18. The closing means of claim 17, further comprising any one of
the following: buttons, buttonholes, snaps, fasteners or flaps.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to an apparel which
provides space for the wearer's hair through its unique and
distinctive elements such that the invention may be worn by both
adults and children with thick voluminous hair, permitting the
wearer to showcase their individual hairstyles without limitation.
The invention further comprises of a primary aperture for the
wearer configured to accommodate the wearer's head and at least one
intentionally elastic and expandable secondary aperture to
accommodate the wearer's hair in a variety of different hairstyles
that may or not be a ponytail.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] People wear hats in inclement weather to prevent the
dissipation of body heat, as approximately 30% of an individual's
body heat is lost through their heads. One of the problems with
wearing a hat as protective cover from the elements is that the
wearer gets "hat hair" where the wearer's hairstyle is flattened
and/or otherwise compromised. Hats, like baseball caps, attempt to
mitigate "hat hair" by having an opening at the rear of the hat,
but invariably these hats work best for individuals with either
very short hair or slim ponytails. That population of individuals
is steadily declining as the current trend in fashion is that males
and females alike are choosing to wear their hair long, freestyle
or in ponytails. Ponytails are not always desirable as elastic
bands, rubber bands, or other hair accessories that are used to
gather the hair invariably apply pressure, bend and constrict the
hair, leaving an undesirable mark on the hair such that when the
ponytail is released the hairstyles disappear. People with thick,
voluminous, long hair or certain ethnic hairstyles, e.g. dreadlocks
(a/k/a dreads) or braids, cannot fit under these baseball caps as
the rear opening of the baseball cap for the hair is way too small
and not accommodating. Thus, some of these individuals outright
refuse to wear a head covering in cold weather risking the elements
and/or illness, preferring to showcase their hairstyle as the
currently available prior art is restrictive and uncomfortable.
[0003] The challenge of finding the right protective head covering
intensifies when an individual with long, thick, voluminous hair
opts to exercise outdoors during cold weather, e.g. jogging. To
solve this problem, some choose to wear a skull cap while others
avoid the skull cap as it presses the hair against the head causing
significant discomfort, a muffled sound, and absorption of a
considerable amount of perspiration. Thus, there are limited
options available to these individuals, which may include not
wearing a hat, or wearing earmuffs to cover their ears. If they
choose to wear the more comfortable earmuffs, it still does not
solve the problem of leaving the top of the head fully exposed
resulting in loss of body heat. This invention will provide all of
the advantages of solutions to the problems noted above with none
of the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0004] By wearing the invention, the muffled sound is eliminated
and perspiration is allowed to escape keeping the wearer
comfortable while they exercise. For example, in one embodiment of
the invention, the invention is all inclusive with a primary
aperture for the wearer's head, secondary apertures for the
wearer's hair, and is in combination with a collarless shirt like a
sweatshirt for the wearer's body with sufficient room for thick,
voluminous hair. As such, the invention will neither crush, nor mat
the hair on the head, nor will it leave the head exposed to the
elements.
[0005] Other hats like sun visors are currently available but are
better suited for thinner hair or hairstyles that are gathered in a
cylindrical (e.g. ponytail) hairstyle. However, hairstyles with a
lot of volume, where the natural lay of the hair frames the face
and the nape of the neck do not work with these hats as they are
often limited in diameter, do not fit or sit properly on the head,
leaving the head exposed. In those instances, finding a suitable
hat to accommodate these hairstyles can again be problematic.
There, the baseball cap or sun visor is ineffective and is of
little or no value to these individuals as it does not resolve the
problem of providing ample covering for thick, voluminous hair.
Thus, there is a long felt need for hair space gear that solves the
problem of providing warmth, preventing the escape of body heat
from the head for individuals with full, voluminous hairstyles that
do not lend themselves to being gathered in a ponytail.
[0006] Medical professionals now recommend maximum protection from
the sun's ultraviolet rays, which may include wearing sunscreen and
a hat. Many parents try to heed the warnings and dress their
children with hats on a hot, sunny day for their outdoor
excursions. However, most long haired individuals resist wearing a
hat in the heat of the day, especially children. Therefore, you may
find a child wearing sunblock lotion but refusing to wear a hat
because there is no efficient way to keep the hair off the nape of
the neck, ears and/or shoulders. Moreover, hats during the
summertime generally feels confining, uncomfortable and hot. This
invention eliminates that problem as the secondary apertures of the
invention provide for better ventilation as the hair is separated
from the nape of the neck and the shoulders for a cooler, more
comfortable fit. Cooler, more comfortable hair space gear means
that children will want to wear the apparel which in turn
accomplishes their parents' goals.
[0007] Parents are similarly challenged during the winter months as
they bundle their child's hair under a warm hat when the child is
leaving the home only to have the hat removed as soon as the child
is out of their parents' sight, primarily because of discomfort.
The hair space gear resolves this problem by providing a solution
for maintaining warmth when the hair is worn either inside or
outside the invention, without sacrificing comfort, style or
functionality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to solving the various
problems enumerated above, in a new, novel and useful manner.
[0009] An objective of the invention is to provide a head covering
with space for individuals with long, thick and voluminous hair
when worn in a variety of different hairstyles, including
accommodating the natural lay of the hair in fashionable
alternatives, e.g. when the hair frames the face or is gathered at
the nape of the neck.
[0010] Another objective of the invention is to allow the wearer to
avoid the appearance of "hat hair," or the flattening and/or
bending of the hair as a result of wearing head coverings or hair
accessories.
[0011] Another objective of the invention is to allow the wearer to
maintain the integrity of a multitude of hairstyles without
sacrificing warmth and as such providing multiple utility to the
wearer.
[0012] Another objective of the invention is to allow for the
reduction of perspiration or moisture inside the hair space gear
when being worn.
[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide an apparel
that is stylish, utilitarian, distinctive, appeals to, and is
equally suited to both men, women, boys and girls, as opposed to
the prior art which is generally designed for, and appeal only to
women.
[0014] Another embodiment of the invention is to provide comfort as
an intrinsic part of the wearer's experience since additional
comfort means that the invention will be utilized more frequently
at appropriate opportunities.
[0015] Another objective of the invention is to provide a
customized fashion accessory solution for individuals, males or
females with longer and thicker than average hair, who desire to
wear a head covering for which the prior art has yet to find a
solution.
[0016] Another objective of the invention is to solve the problem
of having to compromise fashion or style in order to wear a
hat.
[0017] Another objective of the invention is to permit the wearer
to expose his hair or and/or hairstyle without exposing his head to
the elements.
[0018] Another objective of the invention is to permit various
hairstyles to be showcased rather than hidden under a head
covering.
[0019] To accomplish the various objectives of the invention, the
structure and arrangement of the various components will be evident
from the description below, the within specification, drawings and
the following claims.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the hair space
gear comprises of an apparel with a primary aperture for the
wearer's head and at least one secondary aperture to accommodate
the wearer's hair in a variety of different hairstyles. The
secondary aperture is intentionally elastic and expandable to
prevent gaping and the escape of body heat. The invention is
provided with gathering means for gathering the hair which may be
threaded through the secondary aperture in variety of different
hairstyles. The elasticity of the invention provides for a
comfortable fit for varied degrees of hair thickness while
maintaining the neatness of the original hairstyle. In one
embodiment of the invention the secondary aperture is expandable up
to 3 inches in diameter, whereas in other embodiments the
expandable width is 5 inches and beyond. The benefits derived from
a larger aperture is that it is consistent with achieving the
desired result of accommodating long, thick, voluminous hair as a
smaller opening would not be useful or suitable for long, thick
hair since it would not be able to sufficiently accommodate the
hair. This is a well known problem for people with dreads as they
have long realized that sun visors and/or baseball caps fail to
provide adequate room for their hair.
[0021] Each secondary aperture further comprises of a seam covered
with fabric that extends circumferentially around the secondary
aperture applying pressure to the hair being gathered keeping the
hair in place such that no hair accessories, e.g. coated elastic
bands, rubber bands, clasps, barrettes or other similar hair
accessories are required. Accordingly, no undesirable mark will be
formed on the gathered hair and when the apparel is removed, the
hair space gear acts as a comb or brush to comb the hair in place.
In certain embodiments of the invention there are two or more
secondary apertures to accommodate the wearer's hairstyle for more
than one gathering of the hair. The secondary apertures may be
substantially rounded or oriented vertically or horizontally and
may be positioned at the rear of the invention, top or even on the
sides of the invention. With minor changes in the color and pattern
of various fabric and/or textures, the invention may be used by,
and is a benefit to adults and children of both genders.
[0022] The secondary apertures are configured to follow the natural
lay of the hair in a variety of hairstyles, for example, if the
hair is worn along the sides of the face, the secondary apertures
may be oriented horizontally along the sides of the invention. In
one embodiment of the invention, the secondary aperture is provided
with a "drawstring" that uniquely provides for the positioning of
the hair (up or down), allowing the wearer to restrain the hair to
avoid a "fly away" effect. The fabric and structure of the hair
space gear with the drawstring eliminate the need for additional
hair accessories such as coated elastic bands, rubber bands,
barrettes and other like hair accessories. Further, the support
given to the hair by the various secondary apertures in turn
reinforces the proper and firm positioning of the apparel on the
wearer's head.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the hair space gear
includes a primary aperture for the wearer's head, secondary
apertures for the wearer's hair and is in combination with a
sweatshirt for the wearer's body. In this embodiment of the
invention, the wearer can experience entire body warmth, showcasing
their personal style by choosing to display their long hair by
wearing their hair outside the hair space gear if they so desire.
The invention further comprises of an internal flap such that the
wearer may wear his or her hair either completely inside or outside
the hair space gear at the wearer's choice.
[0024] For a further and more fully detailed understanding of the
present invention, various objects and advantages thereof,
reference is made to the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Further objectives and advantages of the present invention
may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims
when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like
reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the
Figures.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate
gathering means.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate
gathering means.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
secondary apertures.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
secondary aperture.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a side view of the invention with hair being worn
outside the invention.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention is now described in more detail by
reference to the exemplary drawings in detail wherein like numerals
indicate like elements throughout the various views. This is for
convenience only and is not intended to limit the application of
the present invention. In fact, after reading the following
description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant
art(s) how to implement the following invention in alternate
embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention. The
apparel 10 of the invention is formed from a firm, flexible fabric
that is adapted to surround and cover heads of varied hair
thickness such that it can be worn by male and female adults with
long, voluminous hair as a head covering. It is understood that the
apparel 10 may be sized smaller for girls and boys with thicker
than average hair. Suitable fabrics for the invention include
fabrics and materials with some degree of elasticity, e.g. spandex
or Lycra.RTM., such that the apparel 10 remains close to the head
when worn for a proper fit. The apparel 10 further defines a
primary aperture 14 (not shown), a front portion 16, a rear portion
18, two side portions 20, 20' and at least one secondary aperture
22. It is understood that the front portion 16 of the apparel 10 is
worn on the front of the head, with the side portions 20, 20' and
the rear portion 18 of the apparel 10 tracking the sides and the
rear of a head, respectively.
[0037] The secondary aperture 22 is intentionally elastic and
expandable to provide for the proper fit, prevent gaping and the
escape of body heat. The secondary aperture 22 further comprises of
gathering means 90 for gathering the hair which may be threaded
through the secondary aperture 22 in a variety of different
hairstyles. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the hair may be
gathered in a cylindrical ponytail and worn external to the
invention extending through the secondary aperture 22. In that
embodiment, the secondary aperture 22 is positioned on the rear
portion 18 of the apparel 10 and is substantially rounded. The
gathering means 90 include, but is not limited to, drawstrings 28,
28' (as seen in FIG. 2), a sheath 30 (as seen in FIG. 3),
elasticized strip 42, or straps 34 (not shown) or any other means
of gathering long hair that are well known and used in the
arts.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 2, the secondary aperture 22 further comprises of a
seam 40 fully covered with fabric that extends circumferentially
around the secondary aperture 22 such that it applies pressure to
the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place without the use
and necessity of a hair accessory and without forming an
undesirable mark on the gathered hair. In certain embodiments of
the invention, the seam 40 is constructed to be hollow such that a
band of elastic 46 (not shown) may be threaded throw the hollow 47
(not shown) of the seam 40 to provide additional hold by the
secondary aperture 22 of the hair.
[0039] The secondary aperture 22 is encompassed by gathering means
90, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises of an
elasticized strip 42 that extends circumferentially around the seam
40, supporting the hair when it is gathered through the secondary
aperture 22 and provides extra hold for keeping the hair in place.
Here, the elasticized strip 42 comprises of a separate band 44 in
mating engagement with the rear portion 18 of the apparel 10 where
the band 44 helps reinforce the secondary aperture 22 for multiple
uses. The band 44 may also comprise of additional elastic 46 (not
shown) to help the secondary aperture 22 retain its shape when
engaged in gathering the hair. The shape, configuration, structure
and fabric used to form the seam 40, in combination with the
gathering means 90, uniquely blend such that when the apparel 10 is
removed it eliminates the necessity of combing the hair.
[0040] As seen in FIGS. 1 & 2, the two side portions 20, 20' of
the invention are joined by a line of stitching on the crown 50 of
the apparel 10 for an innocuous joining 48. In alternate
embodiments the joining 48 may be glued, or knitted together or
joined by any other joining means for fabrics that are well known
and used in the arts.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate
gathering means 90. As discussed supra, the gathering means 90
include a drawstring 28, which is sufficiently long enough to be
strung with remaining length through the hollow 47 (not shown) of
the seam 40 of the secondary aperture 22 for gathering and keeping
the hair in place without the use and necessity of a hair
accessory. Once strung, the drawstring 28 encircles the seam 40
with two remaining ends 28, 28' which may be pulled tighter or
extended, depending on the volume of hair being gathered.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate
gathering means 90, i.e. the adjustable sheath 54. In this
embodiment of the invention, the adjustable sheath 54 is made from
a reasonably long strip of leather 56 or some other like firm
and/or sturdy material that can withstand multiple wear. It is
desirable that the adjustable sheath 54 is long enough to expand to
the desired circumference of the wearer's hair when gathered, e.g.
up to 5 inches in diameter or more. The adjustable sheath 54 is
also equipped with a buckle 58 to lock the sheath 54 at the desired
level of expansion when the hair has been gathered.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
secondary apertures. As seen in FIG. 5 the secondary aperture 22 of
the apparel 10 is oriented vertically to accommodate the gathering
of hair which may not lend itself to being gathered in a
cylindrical style because of its volume. In alternate embodiments
of the invention, the secondary apertures 22, 22' are oriented
horizontally as seen in FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, hairstyles where the natural lay of the hair frames the
face and the nape of the neck requires special accommodations and
as such the secondary apertures 22, 22' are oriented horizontally
along the sides 20, 20' of the apparel 10 (not shown).
[0044] On occasion, bad weather dictates that hair should be
bundled inside the apparel 10 of the invention to keep it dry. The
invention provides for these contingencies with closing means 59
such that the hair can be worn inside the invention if the wearer
so desires deriving some protection from the outside elements like
rain or snow. As shown in FIG. 5, the closing means 59 include but
is not limited to buttons 60, 60' and buttonholes 62, 62', snaps
64, 64' (not shown) in combination with fasteners 66, 66' (not
shown), internal flaps (80, 80', not shown) or any other closing
means 59 that are well known and used in the arts for apparels. As
such, the wearer may use the buttons 60, 60' and buttonholes 62,
62' to close the secondary aperture 22 of the apparel 10 of the
invention that is shown in FIG. 5.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
secondary aperture. There is no restriction on the number of
gathering hairstyles that an individual may wear, especially if the
individual wearer has a lot of hair with many individual braids or
dreads. As seen in FIG. 6, the apparel 10 may be configured to have
more than one secondary aperture 22, 22' for more than one
gathering of the hair. Here the secondary apertures 22, 22' are
oriented horizontally and are almost of equivalent width. It is
understood that the secondary apertures 22, 22' may be configured
in a variety of different widths to accommodate different
hairstyles, e.g. 4 or 5 inches or more in diameter.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the apparel 10 is
all inclusive with a primary aperture 12 (not shown) configured to
allow the wearer to place the apparel 10 on the wearer's head, a
front portion 16 (not shown), a rear portion 18, two side portions
20, 20', and at least one secondary aperture 22, 22', and is in
combination with a collarless shirt 70, e.g. a sweatshirt, with
sleeves 64, 64', that is adapted to clothe the torso of the wearer.
It is understood that although the present embodiment is shown with
sleeves 64, 64', the sleeves 64, 64' are optional and are not
necessary to practice the invention. Similarly, it is understood
that the invention does not necessarily have to be in combination
with a sweatshirt, as the invention may be practiced with a
t-shirt, muscle shirt or sports shirt or any other type of shirt to
accomplish the objectives of the invention.
[0047] The secondary apertures 22, 22' as shown comprises of a seam
40, 40' and gathering means 90 (not shown) which operates in the
identical manner as other embodiments of the invention wherein it
is similarly covered with fabric that extends circumferentially
around the secondary apertures 22, 22' applying pressure to the
hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place without the aid of
any additional hair accessories. As such, when the apparel 10 is
removed, the apparel 10 acts as a comb or brush to comb the hair in
place.
[0048] The invention further comprises of flaps 80, 80' (not shown)
as the closing means 59 for the secondary apertures 22, 22'. The
flaps 80, 80' (not shown) are made of fabric, and are preferably
positioned on the underside of the apparel 10 substantially
overlapping the secondary apertures 22, 22' such that the apparel
10 denies access to the elements, e.g. raindrops when the flap 80
is in the closed position, i.e. it remains on the underside of the
apparel 10. As such, the wearer may close the apparel 10 and wear
their hair inside the apparel 10 as desired without the hair
getting wet. In alternate embodiments, the closing means 59 may
include but is not limited to buttons 60, 60' (not shown) and
buttonholes 62, 62' (not shown), snaps 64, 64' (not shown) in
combination with fasteners 66, 66' (not shown), or any other
closing means that are well known and used in the arts for
apparels.
[0049] The apparel 10 as shown in FIG. 7 is formed from a firm,
flexible fabric that is adapted to substantially surround and cover
a head with varied hair thickness, wherein the sides 20, 20' of the
invention is of sufficient length of fabric to extend beyond the
wearer's jaw line to fully encompass and cover the wearer's ears
and is in mating engagement with a collarless shirt. The rear of
the apparel 10 similarly has additional fabric to extend beyond the
nape of the wearer's neck and is in mating engagement with the rear
of a collarless shirt. The secondary apertures 22, 22' as seen in
FIG. 7 are positioned to the rear portion 18 of the invention, but
could easily have been positioned to one side 20, both sides 20,
20', or the crown 50 of the apparel 10. Similarly, the secondary
apertures as shown in FIG. 7 are oriented horizontally but could
also have been substantially rounded or oriented vertically, or
comprise of a sole secondary aperture 22.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a side view of the invention with hair being worn
outside the invention. Here, the hair is gathered though the
secondary apertures 22, 22', which are positioned to the rear
portion 18 of the apparel 10 for the hair to be threaded through
the secondary aperture 22. In this manner, the hair may be removed
from the nape of the neck and shoulders for a cooler more
comfortable fit.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
invention. Some hairstyles, like cornrows or braids result in
several large braids which the wearer may wish to showcase. In that
event, the wearer may choose to wear the apparel 10 of the
invention with the resulting braids extending through the multiple
secondary apertures 22, 22', as seen in FIG. 9. Again, the shape,
configuration, structure and fabric used to form the seam 40, in
combination with the gathering means 90 (not shown), uniquely blend
such that when the apparel 10 is removed it keeps the hair in place
and eliminate the necessity of a comb or brush. The secondary
apertures 22, 22', separate long/thick hair from the body allowing
for better ventilation and cooling.
[0052] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the invention is to be
defined not only by the preceding illustrative description but also
by the following claims.
* * * * *