U.S. patent application number 12/081748 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-22 for stretchable sweatband with seaming portion and stretchable cap using the same.
Invention is credited to Tai-Kuang Wang.
Application Number | 20090260130 12/081748 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41199838 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090260130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Tai-Kuang |
October 22, 2009 |
Stretchable sweatband with seaming portion and stretchable cap
using the same
Abstract
A stretchable sweatband for using a cap comprising a stretchable
band, a fabric and a seaming portion is provided. The stretchable
band has at least one rubber band and a plurality of elastic yarns,
which are sewed together along a longitudinal direction. The fabric
covers the stretchable band along the longitudinal direction
thereof. The seaming portion is used to seam the fabric and the
stretchable band together, which is capable of adjusting the
longitudinal direction of the stretchable sweatband.
Inventors: |
Wang; Tai-Kuang; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
41199838 |
Appl. No.: |
12/081748 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/182.8 ; 2/181;
2/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42C 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/182.8 ; 2/184;
2/181 |
International
Class: |
A42C 5/02 20060101
A42C005/02 |
Claims
1. A stretchable sweatband for using a cap, comprising: a
stretchable band having at least one rubber band and a plurality of
elastic yarns sewed together along a longitudinal direction; a
fabric covering the stretchable band along the longitudinal
direction thereof; and a seaming portion used to seam the fabric
and the stretchable band together.
2. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the fabric
includes at least two cut ends.
3. The stretchable sweatband of claim 2, wherein the two cut ends
of the fabric are lapped over one surface of the stretchable band,
and then are seamed together with the seaming portion.
4. The stretchable sweatband of claim 2, wherein the two cut ends
of the fabric are disposed corresponding to each other on one
surface of the stretchable band, and are seamed together with the
seaming portion.
5. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the stretchable
band includes a meshed-elastic band.
6. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the fabric
includes a stretchable fabric.
7. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a vertical looper and flatbed weave made
by using a multi-needle and double chain stitch machine.
8. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a vertical looper and flatbed weave made
by using two needles and double chain stitch machine.
9. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a high speed, flatbed and interlock weave
made machine.
10. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a high speed, cylinder-bed and lockstitch
weave made by using a needle and bar tacking machine.
11. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a high speed, lockstitch and cylinder-bed
weave made by using a single needle and electronic round hole
tacking machine.
12. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a lockstitch and presser foot feed weave
made by using a single needle and zigzag sewing machine.
13. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes a high speed and lockstitch weave made by
using a single needle and zigzag sewing machine.
14. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes one-thread high speed weave made by using
one needle and over lock machine.
15. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion includes three-threads high speed weave made by
using one needle and over lock machine.
16. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion is made by using a blind stitching machine.
17. The stretchable sweatband of claim 1, wherein the weave of the
seaming portion is made by using a blanket stitching machine.
18. A stretchable cap comprising the stretchable sweatband as cited
in claim 1.
19. A stretchable cap comprising the stretchable sweatband as cited
in claim 2.
20. A stretchable cap comprising the stretchable sweatband as cited
in claim 3.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a stretchable
sweatband. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
stretchable sweatband with a seaming portion and a stretchable cap
using the same.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Caps are becoming one part of life of human being. In
occasions such as exercises or going-out, people often utilize a
cap/headgear to shade the sunlight, to absorb sweat or to hold
their hair to prevent the hair from interfering eyesight.
Generally, a cap usually has a peak to shade the sunlight. The cap
is made of fabrics with good absorption, and is provided with a
stretchable elastic band, so that the cap may fit the wearer's head
properly and comfortably. Such cap allows the wearer to easily put
on and to avoid the tense feeling of having something tied to
his/her head.
[0005] Caps not only can serve the purposes of shading rain and
sunlight but also can be used to match clothing of various styles,
thus they are becoming one essential part of the clothing among
consumers.
[0006] Taking a cap structure for example, the conventional
structure of a cap is provided with a peak made of soft plastic,
the top of the peak is combined to a crown portion having an
elastic band at the rear end. The tension of the elastic band, the
cap can fit to wearers with various head sizes. Therefore, the
extensibility of the elastic band is an important requirement of
headgear products.
[0007] According to the prior art under U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,818
disclosures an elastic band including layers of stretchable fabrics
and elastic stitching, such that when the elastic band is pulled by
force, the area thereof will expand. However, as the layers of
fabrics are secured by the elastic stitching in a lengthways
direction of the elastic band, the lengthways stretch ability of
the elastic band is the smallest of all the fabrics and the
stitching, which could be none since the fabrics may be uniaxially
or multiaxially stretchable as disclosed in the patent
specification.
[0008] Since the lengthways stretch ability of the elastic band is
limited by its material, therefore the choice of materials for the
elastic band is also limited. When improper materials are selected
and the lengthways stretch ability will be poor, a wearer may feel
tense while wearing a wrong cap, and gradually feel stressed after
a period of time.
[0009] Accordingly, the inventor provides a new idea to improve the
extensibility of the elastic bands of the prior art which allows
the wearer to wear the elastic band products, such as headbands and
headgears comfortably without feeling restrained or stressed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
stretchable sweatband, which utilizes a fabric covering a
stretchable band and utilizes a particular sewing method/weave to
increase elasticity. It is another object of the present invention
to provide at least one or more than one seaming portion sewed on
the stretchable band directly, and would not limit its elasticity.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
stretchable sweatband, which can increase ventilation, sweat
absorption, sweat drain and heat dissipation. It is another object
of the present invention to provide a stretchable band which
expands in a longitudinal direction in accordance a variety of head
sizes.
[0011] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned
objectives by providing a stretchable sweatband or a stretchable
cap comprising a stretchable band, a fabric and a seaming portion.
The stretchable band has at least one rubber band and a plurality
of elastic yarns sewed together to form the stretchable band
extending along a longitudinal direction. The fabric entirely
covers the stretchable band along the longitudinal direction. The
seaming portion is used to seam the fabric and the stretchable band
together for adjusting the length of the stretchable sweatband in
the longitudinal direction.
[0012] In a preferable embodiment, the fabric includes at least two
cut ends. The two cut ends of the fabric are lapped over one
surface of the stretchable band, and then are seamed together by
the seaming portion. In other embodiments, the two cut ends of the
fabric are disposed corresponding to each other and position on one
surface of the stretchable band. Moreover, the type of the
stretchable band is preferably a meshed-elastic band knitted by the
rubber bands and elastic yarns. The fabric includes a stretchable
fabric. Therefore, the stretchable sweatband is made of the
above-mentioned components which can stretch in the longitudinal
direction.
[0013] The foregoing objects and summary provide only a brief
introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these
and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention
itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the
art, the following detailed description of the invention and the
claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical
reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.
[0014] Many other advantages and features of the present invention
will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making
reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets
of drawings, where a preferred structural embodiment incorporating
the principles of the present invention is shown by way of
illustrative example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the stretchable sweatband
according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the stretchable sweatband
of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2a.
[0018] FIG. 3a-3d illustrate a perspective view of embodiments of
the invention, showing the stretchable sweatband sewed with the
seaming portion;
[0019] FIG. 4a-4d illustrate a perspective view of a
cross-sectional view of FIG. 3a-3d;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the stretchable sweatband under
a lengthwise force;
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the combination of the
stretchable sweatband with a cap according to the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the combination of another
embodiment of the present invention with a cap; and
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplified application of the present
invention in a headband.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] The present invention provides a stretchable sweatband
having an elastic fabric covering a meshed stretchable band for
increasing ventilation, sweat absorption, sweat drain and heat
dissipation. In a preferable embodiment, the elastic fabric uses
needles and is sewed with the elastic band, so that a seaming
portion is formed in a seamed part there between. The weave of the
seaming portion could be varied. Furthermore, the embodiments of
the present invention, is preferably applied to headgear products
including caps and headbands. However, in other embodiments, the
present invention can also be used in clothes or other textile
products. In order to illustrate the present invention, various
embodiments and structures thereof are described below and are
accompanied with drawings.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the stretchable sweatband 100 in
accordance with the present invention includes a stretchable band
200, a fabric 300 and a seaming portion 400. The stretchable band
200 further includes at least one rubber band 210 and a plurality
of elastic yarns 220 woven together. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the stretchable band 200 is preferably a meshed-elastic
band. Each of the rubber bands 210 and the elastic yarns 220
crosses one another to form the stretchable band 200. The materials
of the elastic yarns 220 may include polyester, polyamides,
polypropylene, spandex fibers, acrylic, acetate, nylon or other
textile materials. However, in other embodiments, the flexibility
of the stretchable band 200 may be contributed by a structure
thereof instead of the material of the stretchable band 200. For
example, the material of the stretchable band 200 can be
contributed by a structure having provided spaces between each of
the yarns. The material of the stretchable band 200 mentioned above
includes pure cottons, pure linens or other suitable materials.
[0026] The fabric 300 has four cut ends, wherein two cut ends 302,
304 are wound around the stretchable band 200 along a longitudinal
direction thereof, as shown in FIG. 2a. Afterwards, the two cut
ends 302, 304 of the fabric 300 are covered the stretchable band
200 to form the stretchable sweatband 100. The material of the
fabric 300 mentioned above is selected from one of the materials
above-mentioned of the elastic yarn 220 or the combination thereof,
and therefore the fabric 300 not only has flexibility but also the
advantage of absorbing sweat and increasing ventilation.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the two cut ends 302, 304
of the fabric 300 are sewed together by the seaming portion 400
while the fabric 300 is covered the stretchable band 200. The two
cut ends 302, 304 can be disposed in various positions depending on
the weave of the seaming portion 400. The seaming portion 400 could
be made by using one needle or more than one needle, and the sewed
position of the seaming portion 400 also depends on the demand of
the invention. However, in other embodiments, the seaming portion
may also include attaching, sticking, fastening or other connecting
methods. In the embodiment of shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the two cut
ends 302, 304 of the fabric 300 lap over one surface of the
stretchable band 200. One cut end 304 is disposed at bottom end of
the stretchable band 200, and one end of the other cut end 302 is
folded disposed close to the middle of the stretchable band 200.
The weave of the seaming portion 400 according to the preferable
embodiment is a vertical looper and flatbed made by using a
multi-needle and double chain stitch machine.
[0028] However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the cut end 302
may not also required to be folded disposed near the middle of the
stretchable band 200. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3b,
the cut end 304 is disposed close to the middle of the stretchable
band 200, and the other cut end 302 is folded corresponding to the
cut end 304. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3c, the two cut ends
302, 304 of the fabric 300 may also disposed facing each other on
one surface of the stretchable band 200. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3d, the two cut ends 302, 304 may overlap one another near the
middle of the stretchable band 200.
[0029] The position of the two cut ends 302, 304 are relative to
weave of the seaming portion 400. FIG. 4a to FIG. 4d illustrate the
front elevation view of the stretchable sweatband according to the
present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, the weave of
the seaming portion 400 is three-threads high speed weave made by
using one needle and over lock machine, and corresponds to FIG. 3a.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the weave of the seaming portion 400
is a high speed and lockstitch weave made by using a single needle
and zigzag sewing machine, and corresponds to FIG. 3b. In the
embodiment of FIG. 4c, the weave of the seaming portion 400 is a
vertical looper and flatbed weave made by using two needles and
double chain stitch machine, and corresponds to FIG. 3c.
Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG. 4d, the weave of the seaming
portion 400 is a high speed, flatbed and interlock weave made
machine, and corresponds to FIG. 3d.
[0030] As depicted above, the weave of the seaming portion 400 may
further include a vertical looper and a flatbed weave made by using
a multi-needle and double chain stitch machine. A high speed,
cylinder-bed and lockstitch weave made by using a needle and bar
tacking machine. A high speed, lockstitch and cylinder-bed weave
made by using a single needle and electronic round hole tacking
machine. A lockstitch and presser foot feed weave made by using a
single needle and zigzag sewing machine. One-thread high speed
weave made by using one-needle and over lock machine, a blind
stitching machine, or a blanket stitching machine, etc.
[0031] When the stretchable sweatband 100 is under a force, the
seaming portion 400, the stretchable band 200 and the fabric 300
will expend along the longitudinal direction or the orientation of
the exerted force, as shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, the seaming portion 400 may slightly limit the
extensibility of the stretchable sweatband 100, where the weave of
the seaming portion is a lockstitch and presser foot feed weave
made by using a single needle and zigzag sewing machine, etc.
However, in other embodiments, some of the weave of the seaming
portion 400 may help the elasticity of the stretchable sweatband
100, such as the weave of the seaming portion is a high speed,
cylinder-bed and lockstitch weave made by using a needle and bar
tacking machine, etc.
[0032] The stretchable band 100 has a preferred extensibility, so
that the headgear products can fit different wearers with a range
of head sizes. Thus, when the stretchable sweatband 100 is worn,
the wearers will feel comfortable without any constraint.
Accordingly, any position on the stretchable band 100, would not
create any constraint within the stretchable band 200 or the
seaming portion 400 due to the force exerted to the stretchable
sweatband 100.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, the stretchable sweatband 100 structure
according to the present invention can be applied to headgear
products. The headgear products such as a stretchable cap 500 which
includes a peak 520, at least a crown portion 530 and a stretchable
sweatband 100. The stretchable sweatband 100 is sewed on the inner
side of the lower peripheral rim 510 of the crown portion 530 and
forms a ring. However, in other embodiments, the stretchable
sweatband 100 can also be disposed in two segments and sewed on the
top and bottom ends of the lower peripheral rim of the crown
portion respectively (not illustrated). In addition, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the stretchable sweatband 100 can be
sewed at the rear of the stretchable cap 600 such as tennis caps or
a sun visor hats. The stretchable sweatband 100 in the preferred
embodiment can be formed a ring on the rear of the stretchable cap
600. However, in the other embodiments, the stretchable sweatband
100 may be disposed in a single segment and is sewed at the rear of
the stretchable cap 600.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 8, the embodiment is preferably applied to
a headband 700. When use wears the headband 700 (the headband 700
is substantially a stretchable sweatband 100), an extra covering
layer of the fabric 300 contacts the use's skin, and then gives the
wearer comfort and also drains sweat more easily. Meanwhile, the
headband 700 not only can be easily bound to the wearer's head to
hold the wearer's hair but also absorbing sweat without putting
pressure on the wearer's head. Furthermore, the lengthways
extensibility of the stretchable sweatband 100 is greater than the
sideways extensibility of the stretchable sweatband 100.
Nevertheless, the sideways extensibility of the stretchable
sweatband 100 may be inefficient according to wearer. Even so, the
stretchable sweatband 100 according to present invention can be
expanded both lengthways and sideways, and thereby has a
multi-directional extensibility.
[0035] While certain novel features of this invention have been
shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is
not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be
understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and
changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in
its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *