U.S. patent application number 12/863393 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for adjustable headwear.
Invention is credited to Alan Norman Higgins, Eric Craig Irwin, Mark S. Soderberg.
Application Number | 20110283440 12/863393 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40885025 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110283440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higgins; Alan Norman ; et
al. |
November 24, 2011 |
ADJUSTABLE HEADWEAR
Abstract
There is provided headwear comprising, a crown defining an
opening for receiving a head of a wearer, an actuator configured to
receive an application of a force, and a force transmission member
coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to effect, when
a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head
received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force
transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in
response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at
least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of
the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown. The surface fraction of the
head extends substantially continuously from: a point within a
first distance of about two inches from a first temple reference
plane defined by one of the temples of one side of the head and
rearwardly towards the rear of the head, about the rear of the head
and towards the other side of the head, and to a point within a
second distance of about two inches from a second temple reference
plane defined by the other one of the temples of the other side of
the head, wherein the first distance is measured along an axis
normal to the first reference plane and wherein the second distance
is measured along an axis normal to the second reference plane, hi
each one of the at least one of the plurality of conditions where
the operative surface is bearing against a surface fraction of a
head received within the crown, the bearing of the operative
surface against the surface fraction of the head is limited to a
surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead.
Inventors: |
Higgins; Alan Norman;
(Toronto, CA) ; Irwin; Eric Craig; (Lakewood,
CO) ; Soderberg; Mark S.; (Evergreen, CO) |
Family ID: |
40885025 |
Appl. No.: |
12/863393 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
January 16, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA09/00044 |
371 Date: |
March 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61022134 |
Jan 18, 2008 |
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61112539 |
Nov 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/195.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42C 1/00 20130101; A42B
1/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/195.2 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/22 20060101
A42B001/22 |
Claims
1.-72. (canceled)
73. Headwear comprising: a crown defining an opening for receiving
a head of a wearer; an actuator configured for receiving an
application of force, and including a force transmission member
coupling unit; a force transmission member coupling portion; and a
force transmission member including an operative force transmission
member section, wherein the operative force transmission member
section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling
portion, and wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to
the force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein
the crown coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission
member coupling portion, and wherein the force transmission member
includes a relatively harder portion and a relatively softer
portion; such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a
head is received within the crown, an application of a force to the
operative force transmission member section, such that the
operative force transmission member section changes its condition
relative to a surface fraction of the head received within the
crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an
application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of
the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the operative
force transmission member section is bearing against a surface
fraction of the head received within the crown.
74. The headwear as claimed in claim 73, wherein the force
transmission member is a strap.
75. The headwear as claimed in claim 73, wherein the force
transmission member includes a strap.
76. The headwear as claimed in claim 73, wherein the crown includes
the force transmission member coupling portion.
77. The headwear as claimed in claim 76, wherein the force
transmission member includes a strap.
78. The headwear as claimed in claim 76, wherein the force
transmission member is attached to the force transmission member
coupling portion.
79. The headwear as claimed in claim 73, wherein the relatively
softer portion includes a resilient portion, and the resilient
portion is at least about 5.5% of the length of the operative force
transmission member section.
80. The headwear as claimed in claim 79, wherein the resilient
portion is less than about 18.5% of the length of the operative
force transmission member section.
81. The headwear as claimed in claim 73, wherein the length of the
relatively harder portion is less than about 33% of the length of
the operative force transmission member section.
82. The headwear as claimed in claim 73, wherein the relatively
harder portion is a plastic.
83. The headwear as claimed in claim 80, wherein the relatively
harder portion is a plastic.
84. The headwear as claimed in claim 83, wherein the relatively
softer portion also includes a substantially inelastic strap
portion.
85. The headwear as claimed in claim 80, wherein the length of the
relatively harder portion is less than about 33% of the length of
the operative force transmission member section.
86. The headwear as claimed in claim 81, wherein the relatively
harder portion is a plastic.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to headwear and, in particular, to
adjustable headwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Head size varies from person to person. In supplying
headwear to the marketplace, headwear manufacturers must make
headwear available to accommodate persons of different head sizes.
In this respect, headwear manufacturers provide adjustable headwear
which is suitable for use by wide segments of the headwear wearing
population.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,687 issued to Kronenberger discloses a
size adjustable headwear piece includes an actuator with a dial
which is manually rotatable to effect a change in size of the
opening of the crown. Amongst other things, the actuator of
Kronenberger is disposed within the sweatband, which renders
manufacture of the headwear piece difficult.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,648 issued to Frydman discloses a
rotatable closure device for hats which includes a spool for
drawing in and taking up twine. The twine is coupled to the cap
base, such that the drawing in action causes the cap base to
decrease in size in order to accommodate smaller head sizes.
Amongst other things, the twine of the device in Frydman tends to
effect an undesirable degree of bunching fabric as the twine is
drawn in and taken up by the spool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured to receive an application of a force; a force
transmission member coupled to the actuator; such that the actuator
is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown,
and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in
disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a
plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to
the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member
is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within
the crown; wherein the surface fraction of the head extends
substantially continuously from: a point within a first distance of
about 5.08 centimetres from a first temple reference plane defined
by one of the temples of one side of the head and rearwardly
towards the rear of the head, about the rear of the head and
towards the other side of the head, and to a point within a second
distance of about 5.08 centimetres from a second temple reference
plane defined by the other one of the temples of the other side of
the head, wherein the first distance is measured along an axis
normal to the first reference plane and wherein the second distance
is measured along an axis normal to the second reference plane, and
wherein in each one of the at least one of the plurality of
conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface
fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the
operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is
limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the
forehead.
[0006] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member
including an operative force transmission member section, wherein
the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the
actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling
portion is attached to the force transmission member coupling
portion, such that the operative force transmission member section
extends from: the actuator coupling unit and rearwardly towards the
rear of the crown, about the rear of the crown and towards the
other side of the crown, and to the force transmission member
coupling portion; and wherein the force transmission member
coupling unit of the actuator is disposed at one side of the
headwear, and between a front and a rear of the headwear; and
wherein the force transmission member coupling portion is disposed
at a side of the headwear which is opposite to the side on which
the operative portion of the actuator is disposed, and between a
front and a rear of the headwear; such that the actuator is
configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, an
application of a force to the operative force transmission member
section, such that the operative force transmission member section
changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of the head
received within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions
in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in
at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface
of the operative force transmission member section is bearing
against a surface fraction of the head received within the
crown.
[0007] In a further aspect, there is provided headwear comprising:
a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured to receive an application of a force and
including a force transmission coupling unit; a force transmission
member coupling portion; a force transmission member including an
operative force transmission member section, wherein the operative
force transmission member section includes an actuator coupling
portion and a crown coupling portion, wherein the actuator coupling
portion is coupled to the force transmission coupling unit of the
actuator, and wherein the crown coupling portion is attached to the
force transmission member coupling portion; and wherein the
distance from the most rearward edge of the actuator coupling unit
to a first temple reference plane, defined by one of the temples of
one side of the head, is less than about 5.08 centimetres, wherein
the distance is measured along a longitudinal axis of the force
transmission member; and wherein the distance from the most
rearward edge of the force transmission coupling portion to a
second temple reference plane, defined by the other one of the
temples, is less than about 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance
is measured along a longitudinal axis of the force transmission
member; such that the actuator is configured to effect, when a head
is received within the crown, and relative to the head received
within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission
member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an
application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of
the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force
transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the
head received within the crown.
[0008] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member
including an operative force transmission member section, wherein
the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, and wherein
the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling
portion is coupled to the force transmission member coupling
portion, and wherein the force transmission member includes a
relatively rigid portion and a relatively resilient portion; such
that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received
within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force
transmission member section, such that the operative force
transmission member section changes its condition relative to a
surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one
of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force
to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the operative force
transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown.
[0009] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; and a force transmission
member including an operative force transmission member section,
wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, and wherein
the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling
portion is coupled to the force transmission member coupling
portion, and wherein the force transmission member includes a
relatively harder portion and a relatively softer portion such
that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received
within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force
transmission member section, such that the operative force
transmission member section changes its condition relative to a
surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one
of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force
to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the operative force
transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown.
[0010] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; and a force transmission
member including an operative force transmission member section,
wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, and wherein
the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling
portion is coupled to the force transmission member coupling
portion, and wherein the force transmission member includes a
relatively harder portion and a relatively softer portion; such
that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received
within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force
transmission member section, such that the operative force
transmission member section changes its condition relative to a
surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one
of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force
to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the operative force
transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown.
[0011] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; and a force transmission
member including an operative force transmission member section,
wherein the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling portion, and wherein
the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the crown coupling
portion is coupled to the force transmission member coupling
portion, and wherein the force transmission member includes a
relatively harder portion and a relatively softer portion; such
that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received
within the crown, an application of a force to the operative force
transmission member section, such that the operative force
transmission member section changes its condition relative to a
surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one
of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force
to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the operative force
transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown.
[0012] In a further aspect, there is provided headwear comprising:
a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer, and
including: two adjacent panels attached to one another along
respective and abutting sides to define a seam, seam tape disposed
across the seam and coupled to each one of the two adjacent panels;
an actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member including an operative force transmission
member section, wherein the operative force transmission member
section includes an actuator coupling portion and a crown coupling
portion, wherein the actuator coupling portion is coupled to the
force transmission coupling unit of the actuator, and wherein the
crown coupling portion is attached to the seam tape; such that, the
actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within
the crown, an application of a force to the operative force
transmission member section, such that the operative force
transmission member section changes its condition relative to a
surface fraction of the head received within the crown to any one
of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force
to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the operative force
transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown.
[0013] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member
including an operative force transmission member section, wherein
the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator; wherein the ratio of: (i) the
operative surface area of an operative surface of at least a
fraction of the operative force transmission member section, to
(ii) the length of the at least a fraction, is from about 6.3
mm.sup.2/mm to about 13.6 mm.sup.2/mm, wherein the at least a
fraction includes at least one portion of the operative force
transmission member section, and wherein each one of the at least
one portion includes a respective operative surface portion and a
respective portion length, such that, where the at least one
portion is one portion of the operative force transmission member
section, the operative surface fraction is defined by the
respective operative surface portion of the one portion and the
length of the at least a fraction is defined by the respective
portion length of the one portion, and where the at least one
portion is at least two portions of the operative force
transmission member, the operative surface fraction is defined by
the sum of the respective operative surface portions of the at
least two portions and the length of the at least a fraction is
defined by the sum of the respective portion lengths of the at
least two portions; such that, the actuator is configured to
effect, when a head is received within the crown, application of a
force to the operative force transmission member section, such that
the operative force transmission member section changes its
condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received
within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in
response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at
least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of
the operative force transmission member section is bearing against
a surface fraction of the head received within the crown, and
wherein the operative surface includes the operative surface
fraction.
[0014] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member
including an operative force transmission member section, wherein
the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator; a guide system for guiding movement
of the force transmission member; wherein the minimum width of at
least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section
is at least about 13 millimetres, such that the minimum width
co-operates with the guide system during the forward movement of
the force transmission member relative to the actuator such that
the vertical displacement of the operative force transmission
member section is limited during the movement of the force
transmission member relative to the actuator; and wherein the ratio
of: (i) the operative surface area of an operative surface of at
least a fraction of the operative force transmission member
section, to (ii) the length of the at least a fraction, is less
than about 13.6 mm.sup.2/mm; and wherein the at least a fraction
includes at least one portion of the operative force transmission
member section, and wherein each one of the at least one portion
includes a respective operative surface portion and a respective
portion length, such that, where the at least one portion is one
portion of the operative force transmission member section, the
operative surface fraction is defined by the respective operative
surface portion of the one portion and the length of the at least a
fraction is defined by the respective portion length of the one
portion, and where the at least one portion is at least two
portions of the operative force transmission member, the operative
surface fraction is defined by the sum of the respective operative
surface portions of the at least two portions and the length of the
at least a fraction is defined by the sum of the respective portion
lengths of the at least two portions and wherein the length of the
at least a fraction is defined as a sum of the portion lengths;
such that, the actuator is configured to effect, when a head is
received within the crown, application of a force to the operative
force transmission member section, such that the operative force
transmission member section changes its condition relative to a
surface fraction of a head received within the crown to any one of
a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to
the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the operative force
transmission member section is bearing against a surface fraction
of the head received within the crown, wherein the operative
surface includes the operative surface fraction; and wherein, while
changing a condition of its disposition relative to a head received
within the crown in response to the application of force to being
effected by the actuator, the force transmission member moves
forwardly relative to the actuator.
[0015] In another aspect, there is provided headwear comprising: a
crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer; an
actuator configured for receiving an application of force, and
including a force transmission member coupling unit; a force
transmission member coupling portion; a force transmission member
including an operative force transmission member section, wherein
the operative force transmission member section includes an
actuator coupling portion coupled to the force transmission
coupling unit of the actuator; such that the actuator is configured
to effect, when a head is received within the crown, application of
a force to the operative force transmission member section, such
that the operative force transmission member section changes its
condition relative to a surface fraction of the head received
within the crown to any one of a plurality of conditions in
response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at
least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of
the operative force transmission member section is bearing against
a surface fraction of the head received within the crown, and
wherein, while changing a condition of its disposition relative to
a head received within the crown in response to the application of
force being effected by the actuator, the force transmission member
moves forwardly relative to the actuator; and a guard configured
for disposition between the crown and the force transmission member
as the force transmission member moves forwardly relative to the
actuator while the actuator effects application of the force to the
operative force transmission member section.
[0016] In a further aspect, there is provided a method of
manufacturing headwear of a predetermined size, the headwear
including a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a
wearer, an actuator configured for receiving an application of a
force, and a force transmission member configured for disposition
relative to a head received within the crown, wherein the force
transmission member is coupled to the actuator, such that the
actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within
the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a
change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one
of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force
to the actuator, and wherein in at least one of the plurality of
conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member
is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within
the crown; comprising: providing a longitudinally extending force
transmission member portion pre-form including a plurality of
cutting indications, wherein each one of the plurality of cutting
indications corresponds to a pre-determined location for cutting
the pre-form to provide a modified pre-form suitable for use as at
least a portion of the force transmission member; cutting the
pre-form at a predetermined cutting indication corresponding to the
pre-determined size of headwear being manufactured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one side of an embodiment
of the adjustable headwear while the headwear is being worn by a
person;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a second side of the
adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 while the headwear is being worn by a
person, wherein the second side is opposite to the side illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the adjustable headwear
of FIG. 1 while the headwear is being worn by a person;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the adjustable headwear of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the adjustable headwear of FIG.
1, illustrating the force transmission member, in hidden lines, in
two conditions;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the adjustable headwear of
FIG. 1, illustrating the force transmission member, in hidden
lines, in two conditions relative to a head received within the
crown (the head also being illustrated in hidden lines)
[0023] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
adjustable headwear, substantially identical with the adjustable
headwear of FIG. 1, with the exception that this embodiment
includes a guard disposed between the force transmission member and
the crown wherein the force transmission member is illustrated in
hidden lines in two conditions and the guard is also illustrated in
hidden lines;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable
headwear of FIG. 1, partly in fragment, illustrating the
disposition of the force transmission member relative to the
crown;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a force transmission
member of the adjustable headwear illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a force transmission member of the adjustable
headwear illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 7B is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of the
force transmission member illustrated in FIG. 7A;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a strap portion of a
pre-form of the force transmission member illustrated in FIG.
7;
[0029] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of the end of the force
transmission member of FIG. 7 including the strap portion;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a force
transmission member of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1,
illustrating the force transmission member embodiment disposed
within a guide member and coupled to an actuator;
[0031] FIG. 10 is an exploded fragmentary top perspective view of a
portion of a guide member and an actuator of the adjustable
headwear of FIG. 1, illustrating the locations of the guide member
to which the actuator is stitched;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a portion
of a guide member and an actuator of FIG. 10, illustrating the
actuator after it has been stitched to the guide member;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of the
adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partly finished condition and as
it is being assembled;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable
headwear of FIG. 1 in a further partly finished condition and as it
is being assembled, and after the force transmission member has
been coupled to the crown and to the actuator;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of an
interior portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partly
finished condition and as it is being assembled, illustrating the
force transmission member being fed through a slit provided in the
guide member to facilitate coupling of the force transmission
member to the actuator;
[0036] FIG. 14A is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of an
interior portion of the adjustable headwear illustrated in FIG. 5B
in a partly finished condition and as it is being assembled,
illustrating the force transmission member being fed through a slit
provided in the guide member to facilitate coupling of the force
transmission member to the actuator;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevation view of an interior
portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partially
finished condition and as it is being assembled, illustrating the
force transmission member coupled to the actuator and before the
guide member is rotated to effect insertion of the actuator through
an aperture of the crown;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exterior
portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 in a partially
finished condition and as it is being assembled and before the
guide member is rotated to effect insertion of the actuator through
the aperture of the crown;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exterior
portion of the adjustable headwear of FIG. 1 after the actuator has
been inserted through an aperture of the crown;
[0040] FIG. 18 illustrates a set of components for implementing a
cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral from a
perspective view, in accordance with some embodiments of the
inventions.
[0041] FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrate the cam assembly and
strap based closure system of FIG. 18 from a side, top, and bottom
view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.
[0042] FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate the cam of FIG. 18
from a top, bottom, and perspective views, in accordance with some
embodiments of the inventions.
[0043] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate the track insert of FIG.
18 from a perspective, top, and side view, in accordance with some
embodiments of the inventions.
[0044] FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D illustrate the housing of FIG.
18 from a perspective, side, top, and bottom view, in accordance
with some embodiments of the inventions.
[0045] FIG. 23 illustrates the knob of FIG. 18 from a perspective
view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.
[0046] FIG. 24 illustrates the overmold of the knob of FIG. 23 from
a bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the
inventions.
[0047] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate the undermold of the knob of
FIG. 23 from a perspective and bottom view, in accordance with some
embodiments of the inventions.
[0048] FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, and 26F illustrate a
flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins of FIG. 7 with the
cam spirals of FIG. 20C when the strap of FIG. 18 is being driven
into the cam assembly of FIG. 18, in accordance with some
embodiments of the inventions.
[0049] FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, and 27F illustrate a
flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins of FIG. 7 with the
cam spirals of FIG. 20C when the strap of FIG. 18 is being driven
out of the cam assembly of FIG. 18, in accordance with some
embodiments of the inventions;
[0050] FIG. 28A is a front plan view of another embodiment of a
force transmission number of the adjustable headwear illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 28B is a front plan view of the relatively harder strap
portion of the force transmission member illustrated in FIG. 28A;
and
[0052] FIG. 28C is a side elevation view of the relatively harder
strap portion of the force transmission member illustrated in FIG.
28A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, properties such as distance, operating
conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are
to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term
"about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and
attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.
At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application
of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each
numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the
number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary
rounding techniques.
[0054] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contain errors necessarily resulting from the standard
deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 5B and 6, there is
provided headwear 10 including an adjustment system for
accommodating various head dimensions. In this respect, there is
provided headwear 10 defining an opening 12 for receiving a human
head 14, and an adjustment system for adjusting the fit of the
headwear 10 to the human head 14 received thereby.
[0056] To assist in understanding the described embodiments, the
terms "first temple reference plane" and "second temple reference
plane" are defined as follows. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5A,
the first temple reference plane 16 is a vertical plane in which a
vertical axis 20a of the temple 22a of a side of the head 14
closest to the actuator 38 (see below) is disposed, and which is
parallel to a vertical plane which is tangent to the most forwardly
disposed portion of a wearer's forehead 24. The second temple
reference plane 18 is a vertical plane in which a vertical axis 20b
of the temple 22b at the other side of the head 14 is disposed, and
which is parallel to a vertical plane which is tangent to the most
forwardly disposed portion of a wearer's forehead 24.
[0057] The following discussion and associated figures describe the
headwear 10 as having the form of a baseball cap. The concepts and
features of the headwear 10 may be applied to a wide variety of
headwear 10 types. Examples of such headwear 10 types include
baseball caps (full-back and open-back), fedoras, "engineer"-type
hats, "ivy"-type hats, "newsboy"-type hats, bucket hats, visors,
and knitted hats.
[0058] The spatial disposition of certain elements of the headwear
10 are sometimes described relative to a head of a person received
within a crown 26 of the headwear 10, or relative to other elements
of the headwear 10, or relative to each other. It is intended to
describe such spatial disposition when the headwear 10 is being
worn in its intended position relative to the head 14 of a wearer.
As well, terms such as "front", "rear", "side", "above", or "below"
are also sometimes used to describe the disposition of elements of
the headwear 10. Such terms are intended to refer to the
disposition of the element relative to a head 14 of a person
wearing the headwear 10, or relative to another element of the
headwear 10, when the headwear 10 is being worn in its intended
position relative to the head 14 of a wearer. For example, with
respect to a baseball cap-type of headwear 10, the baseball cap is
intended to be worn with its visor 30 extending forwardly relative
to the forehead, even though the baseball cap may be worn with the
visor 30 extending rearwardly or to one side.
[0059] For example, with respect to the headwear 10, the headwear
10 includes a crown 26, and the crown 26 is of a generally
hemispherical form configured for the covering of a head 14 of a
person.
[0060] For example, with further respect to the crown 26, the crown
26 includes a plurality of panels 28 (or gores) that are attached
together along respective and abutting sides. For example, each of
the panels 28 is made from flexible material. Also, for example,
the panels 28 may be made from relatively inflexible material. With
respect to the flexible material, for example, the flexible
material is textile. For example, a suitable textile is fabric. For
example, the flexible material can be made from a blend of
weaveable fibers. For example, the flexible material is 100% wool.
For example, the flexible material includes an elastic component,
and the elastic component is characterized as being resilient. For
example, the elastic component is spandex which is weaved into the
flexible material. For example, the flexible material includes from
0 vol. % to 5 vol. % of elastic component based on the total volume
of the flexible material. For example, the elastic component is
disposed substantially uniformly throughout the flexible
material.
[0061] For example, the attachment of the panel 28 is effected by
the stitching together abutting sides of the panel 28 to define
seams. For example, seam tape 70 may be applied to the interior
surface across and joined to abutting panels 28 to reinforce the
seams between panels 28. For example the seam tape 70 is stitched
to each one of a respective one of each pair of abutting panels 28.
For example the seam 70 includes the same material as that used for
the panels 28. For example, with respect to each of the panels 28,
the thickness of each of the panels is from one (1) millimetre to
two (2) millimetres.
[0062] For example, with respect to the headwear 10, the headwear
10 further includes a peak 30. The peak 30 is attached to a front
portion 32 of the crown 26 and extends forwardly of the crown 26.
In this respect, the headwear 10 including a peak 30 is configured
to be worn on the head 14 of a human such that the peak 30 extends
forwardly relative to the face of the human. For example, with
respect to the attachment of the peak 30 to the crown 26, the peak
30 is attached to the front facing portion of the crown 26 by
sewing the peak to the front facing crown portion along and
proximate to the bottom edge of the front facing crown portion. The
lower edge of the front facing portion is folded inwardly along the
length of the lower edge. A stiffening or reinforcing tape is then
laid over the fold, and the peak 30 is then stitched along and
proximate to the edge formed by the fold.
[0063] For example, with respect to the peak 30, the peak 30
includes material which is relatively more rigid than the crown
portion to which the peak 30 is attached. For example, as is
typical with peaks, the relatively more rigid material is a
pre-molded and cut plastic form with a material sheath pulled over
it.
[0064] For example, with respect to the crown portion attached
along a rear edge 34 of the peak 30, from one side 31a of the peak
30 to the other side 31b of the peak 30, the crown portion includes
a material band 36 disposed immediately above the peak 30. For
example, the material band 26 is made from any one of: terry cloth,
wicking fabric, cotton, wool, foam, and thick interface material.
For example, nanomaterials can be added as a treatment to these
materials.
[0065] The adjustment system includes an actuator 38 and a force
transmission member 40. The force transmission member 40 includes
an operative section 44 including an operative surface configured
for bearing against a surface fraction of a head received within
the crown 26.
[0066] The actuator 38 is configured to receive an application of a
force effected by a human hand. For example, the actuator 38 is
coupled to the crown 26. Further details of an embodiment of the
actuator 38, and its relationship to the force transmission member
40, are set out on below.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 5, 9, and 15, the force transmission
member 40 is coupled to a force transmission member coupling unit
42 of the actuator 38. For example, such coupling is a releasable
coupling. By virtue of such coupling, the actuator 38 is configured
to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown 26, and
relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, a change in
disposition of the force transmission member 40 to any one of a
plurality of conditions. Referring to FIGS. 1,2,3 and 5A, in at
least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of
the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is
bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within
the crown 26, in response to an application of force to the
actuator 38. In this respect, the bearing of the operative surface
of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40
against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the
crown 26 is effected by an application of force to the actuator 38.
For example, by effecting the bearing of the operative surface of
the operative section 44 of the force transmission member 40
against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the
crown 26, the actuator 38 effects tightening of the headwear 10
relative to the head 14 received within the crown 26, and thereby
effects a better fit of the headwear 10 relative to the head 14
received within the crown 26. For example, the force transmission
member 40 is disposed within an interior of the crown 26.
[0068] For example, with respect to the effect on the force
transmission member 40 of applying a force to the actuator 38,
while changing a condition of disposition relative to a head 14
received within the crown 26 in response to the application of
force to the actuator 38, the force transmission member 40 changes
position (or moves) relative to the actuator 38. Each of FIGS. 5,
5A, and 5B illustrate the change in condition of the force
transmission member 40 as a force is applied to the actuator 38. In
each case, reference numeral 800 represents the force transmission
member 40 in an original condition, and reference numeral 900
represents the force transmission member in a new condition, having
become repositioned as a result of a force being applied to the
actuator 38.
[0069] It is understood that bearing of the force transmission
member 40 against a surface function of a head 14 received within
the crown 26 does not necessarily require that the force
transmission member 40 be in direct contact with the head 14. The
bearing of the force transmission member 40 effects mounting of the
headwear 10 to the head 14 in a desired position (but not
necessarily a permanently fixed position, and it is understood that
application of relatively minor forces to the headwear, such as
that which may be applied by a human hand, may be sufficient to
dislodge the headwear from the desired position) relative to the
head.
[0070] For example, and referring to FIGS. 5, 5A, 6, and 7, with
respect to the relationship between the actuator 38 and the force
transmission member 40, the operative section 44 of the force
transmission member 40 includes an actuator coupling portion 46
coupled to the force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the
actuator 38. The operative force transmission member section 44
further includes a crown coupling portion 48 coupled to a force
transmission member coupling portion 50. For example, and referring
to FIG. 13, where the force transmission member coupling portion 50
is a portion of the crown 26, the coupling of the crown coupling
portion 48 to the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of
the crown 26 is effected by stitching the crown coupling portion 48
to the force transmission coupling portion of the crown 26. In this
respect, the operative force transmission member section 44 extends
from: the coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38 and rearwardly
towards the rear 52 of the crown 26, about the rear 52 of the crown
26 and towards the other side of the crown 26, and to the force
transmission member coupling portion 50. The actuator 38 is
configured to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown
26, application of a force on the operative force transmission
member section 44 such that the operative force transmission member
section 44 changes its condition relative to a surface fraction of
a head 14 received within the crown 26 to any one of a plurality of
conditions in response to an application force to the actuator 38,
wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an
operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force
transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the
head 14 received within the crown 26. For example, the force, whose
application the actuator 38 is configured to effect, is a tensile
force. For example, with respect to the effect on the force
transmission member 40 of applying a force to the actuator 38,
while changing a condition of disposition relative to a head 14
received within the crown 26 in response to the application of
force to the actuator 38, the force transmission member 40 changes
position (or moves) relative to the actuator 38, and, in doing so,
effects a change in the length of the portion of the force
transmission member disposed between the force transmission member
coupling unit 42 and the force transmission member coupling portion
50 of the crown (i.e. a change in the length of the fraction of the
force transmission member 40 which is the operative force
transmission member section 44).
[0071] For example, and referring to FIG. 7, with respect to the
force transmission member 40, the force transmission member 40
includes a strap, such as an elongated strap 56. For example, with
respect to the elongated strap 56, the width of the elongated strap
56 is substantially uniform and the thickness of the strap 56 is
substantially uniform. For example, with respect to the width of
the elongated strap 56, the width of the elongated strap 56 is
substantially uniform, and the substantially uniform width is 19
millimetres. For example, with respect to the thickness of the
elongated strap 56, with the exception of the crown coupling
portion 46 (see below), the thickness of the elongated strap 56 is
substantially uniform, and the substantially uniform thickness is
0.7 millimetres. For example, with further respect to the elongated
strap 56, the elongated strap 56 includes the operative force
transmission member section 44 which includes the operative
surface, and the bearing of the operative force transmission member
section 44 of the strap 56 against the surface fraction of the head
14 received within the crown 26 is effected by the operative
surface. The operative surface includes an operative surface area.
For example, with respect to the operative surface area, the
operative surface area of the elongated strap 56 is from 2500
mm.sup.2 to 3460 mm.sup.2, depending on the desired adjustment of
the force transmission member 40 by the actuator 38. For example,
with further respect to the operative force transmission member
section 44 of the elongated strap 56, the length of the operative
force transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56
varies from 275 millimetres to 295 millimetres, depending on the
desired adjustment of the force transmission member 40 by the
actuator 38. In larger-sized headwear, for example, the length of
the operative force transmission member section varies from 325
millimetres to 345 millimetres, depending on the desired adjustment
of the force transmission member 40 by the actuator 38. For
example, with respect to the disposition of the operative force
transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56 relative
to the crown 26, the lower edge 60 of the operative force
transmission member section 44 of the elongated strap 56 is
disposed above a lower edge 62 of the crown 26 by a maximum
vertical distance of no more than 0.635 centimetres. For example,
the lower edge 60 of the operative force transmission member
section 44 is disposed as close as possible to the lower edge of
the crown 26. For example, the elongated strap 56 is formed of
plastic, such as BASF A3K.TM. Nylon 66.
[0072] A further example of the force transmission member 40 is
illustrated in FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C. Exemplary dimensions
provided in FIGS. 28A and 28B are in millimetres. The force
transmission member 40 includes the strap 56. The force
transmission member 40 includes a relatively harder strap portion
4002 and a relatively softer strap portion 4004. For example, the
relatively harder strap portion 4002 is made from plastic, such as
BASF A3K.TM. Nylon. For example, the relatively softer strap
portion 4004 includes a substantially inelastic (in the lateral
direction) strap portion 4006 and a resilient strap portion 4008.
For example, the material of the substantially inelastic strap
portion 4006 is nylon ribbon. For example, a suitable nylon ribbon
is No. 1 Nylon Ribbon supplied by Yama Ribbons & Bows Co. Ltd.
of China. For example, the material of the resilient strap portion
4008 is woven fabric consisting essentially of elastic and
polyester. For example, a suitable woven fabric for portion 2008 is
Article No. AP602370ELW supplied by Golden Cedar Garment
Accessories International Limited of Kwai Chang, New Territories,
China. For example, the strap portion 4006 is attached to the strap
portion 4002 by stitching, and the strap portion 4008 is attached
to the strap portion 4006 by stitching. For example, the relatively
harder strap portion 4002 defines a strap insertion end 1063 which
is inserted into the actuator 38. The strap portion 4002 includes a
plurality of strap pins 1060 which function as the actuator
coupling portion 46. A chamfer 1062 may be provided on each of the
strap pins 1060, for purposes described below. A hard stop 1067 is
also provided and includes a hole 1066 and one or more outward
projections 1064. The hard stop 1067 may be used as an alternative
to the chamfer 1062 and/or in combination with the chamfer 1062.
Elements 1060, 1062, 1064, 1066, and 1067 of the strap portion 4002
are discussed below in further detail. The strap portion 4002 is
further provided with a detent 4010 defined by a raised surface
portion 4012. The detent 4010 functions as a stop, preventing the
strap 56 from being pulled any further into the actuator 38.
[0073] For example, and referring to FIGS. 6 and 10 to 17, the
headwear 10 further includes a guide system 64 configured for
guiding movement of the force transmission member 40 substantially
about a section of the perimeter of the headwear 10, while the
force transmission member 40 is moving in response to an
application of force to the actuator 38. For example, the guide
system 64 facilitates guiding of the movement of the force
transmission member 40 within the interior of the crown 26. For
example, with respect to the guide system 64, at least a portion of
the guide system 64 is a guide member disposed between: (i) the
force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38, and
(ii) the force transmission member coupling portion 50. For
example, with respect to the guide member, the guide member is a
tubular member 66 which receives the force transmission member 40
as the force transmission member 40 is moving in response to an
application of force to the actuator 38. For example, with respect
to the tubular member 66, the tubular member 66 is disposed
between: (i) the force transmission member coupling unit 42 of the
actuator 38, and (ii) the force transmission member coupling
portion 50. For example, with further respect to the tubular member
66, the tubular member 66 is formed of a textile material sheet
which is stitched onto itself to create a tubular passage 68 for
receiving the force transmission member 40 as the force
transmission member 40 is moving in response to an application of
force to the actuator 38 and thereby changing its position relative
to the actuator coupling unit 42 (see FIG. 5). For example, with
respect to the textile material sheet, the textile material sheet
is a wicking fabric such as nylon. For example, the tubular member
66 also functions as a sweatband. For example, the tubular member
66 is attached (such as by stitching) to the interior surface of
the crown 26. For example, the tubular member 66 includes an
aperture 72 through which the force transmission member 40 extends
for coupling to the actuator 38.
[0074] For example, the tubular member 66 is formed as follows. A
textile sheet is cut in a long narrow length and is 6.35 to 7.62
centimetres in width. An access slit is provided on one side of the
textile sheet, and this functions as the aperture 72 to facilitate
coupling of the force transmission member 40 to the actuator 38.
For example, the access slit has a width of 9 mm to accommodate
travel of the force transmission member 40.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the actuator 38 is stitched to
the textile sheet on the side on which the slit is provided. After
the actuator 38 is stitched to the textile sheet, the textile sheet
is folded and stitched onto itself to form the tubular member 66.
Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16, the tubular member 66 is then
stitched proximate to the lower edge of the crown 26. Referring to
FIGS. 12, 14, and 15, the force transmission member 40 is inserted
through the open end of the tubular member 66 furthest from the
actuator 38, and is then fed through the tubular member 66 and out
through the aperture 72. Once extending through the aperture 72,
the force transmission member 40 is coupled to the actuator 38. The
end of the operative section 44 of the force transmission member
40, remote from the end which has been coupled to the actuator 38,
is stitched to the crown 26 at the force transmission coupling
portion 50. For example, the force transmission coupling portion 50
is disposed at the seam tape 70. The tubular member 66 is then
positioned such that the actuator 38 becomes disposed in opposition
to an aperture 261 provided in the crown 26. The crown edge
defining the aperture 261 is itself defined by a reinforcing stitch
for mitigating fraying of the crown edge. For example, a trim ring
263 is stitched to the crown 26 about the perimeter of the aperture
261. The trim ring 263 is provided for the aesthetic purpose of
concealing the reinforcing stitch provided about the perimeter of
the aperture 261. The actuator 38 is pushed through the trim ring
263, thereby becoming disposed and extending externally relative to
the crown 26 (see FIG. 17).
[0076] In an alternative embodiment, and referring to FIG. 14A, a
guard 88 is provided. The functions of the guard 88 are further
explained below. The guard 88 is in the form of a plastic sheet
including an aperture 89. For example, the plastic is polyurethane
or polyvinylchloride. The aperture 89 is snapped over a knob 1042
of the actuator 38 prior to pushing the actuator 38 through the
trim ring 236, thereby effecting positioning of the guard 88
against a interior position of the crown 26.
[0077] For example, with respect to the relationship between the
force transmission member 40 and the guide system 64, the force
transmission member 40 co-operates with the guide system 64 during
movement of the force transmission member 40 (in response to an
application of force to the actuator 38) such that vertical
movement of the operative force transmission member section 44 is
limited during movement of the force transmission member 40
relative to the actuator 38. For example, with respect to the
limiting of the vertical movement of the operative force
transmission member section 44, at least a fraction of the
operative force transmission member section 44 is disposed relative
to the guide system 64 such that a clearance is defined for
limiting vertical movement of any fraction of the operative force
transmission member section 44 within a range.
[0078] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the actuator 38 coupled
to a strap 56 of the force transmission member 40 from a
perspective view. As depicted in this drawing, the actuator 38 is
in the form of a cam assembly 1030 which may comprise housing 1044,
a knob 1042, a cam 1040, and a track insert 1046. The cam assembly
1030 and housing 1044 may be adapted to receive a strap 56. The cam
assembly 1030 and strap 56 may be made from numerous materials
including various plastics, metals, composites, polymers, and
alloys. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1044 has a track
insert 1046 positioned inside the housing 1044. The track insert
1046 may be adapted to allow a strap 48 to move in both an inwards
and outwards direction. The housing 1044 has a first opening 1050
and a second opening 1052, which may be configured to receive a
strap 1048 moving in both an inwards and outwards direction as
well. In some embodiments, the track insert 1046 may be integrally
formed with the housing 1044.
[0079] As further depicted in FIG. 18, the cam assembly 1030 has a
knob 1042 and a cam 1040. In some embodiments, once the cam 1040
has been correctly positioned, and the knob 1042 is positioned over
the cam 1040, the two can be snapped together using a locking
mechanism. Alternatively, the cam 1040 and knob 1042 may be adhered
together, stitched together, divided into three or more components,
be a single component, or use other attachment means. The cam 1040
includes the force transmission member coupling unit 42.
[0080] The strap 56 may comprise one or more strap pins 1060. In
some embodiments the strap pins 1060 may be a pointed piece of
wood, metal, or plastic. In some embodiments the strap pins 1060
may be a short rod. In some embodiments, the strap pins 1060 may be
projections, teeth grooves, channels, and/or other variations and
combinations. The strap pins 1060 include the actuator coupling
portion 46.
[0081] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate the cam assembly 1030 and
strap 56 based closure system of FIG. 18 from a side, top, and
bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.
As depicted in the side view of the FIG. 19A, by rotating the knob
1042 in one direction the strap 56 can be pulled into the cam
assembly 1030 through the first opening 1050, onto the track insert
1046 (not visible from this view), through the second opening 1052,
and out of the housing 1044. As further depicted in FIG. 19A, by
rotating the knob 1042 in another direction the strap 56 can be
pulled back through the track insert 1046 (not visible from this
view), through the first opening 1050, and out of the housing 1044.
The strap 56 is driven through the cam assembly 1030 when the strap
pins 1060 engage with the cam 1040.
[0082] As further depicted in the top view of FIG. 19B, in some
embodiments the cam 1040 sits inside the knob 1042. The knob 1042
may then be rotated to drive the strap 56 through the first opening
1050 into the cam assembly 1030, and out the second opening
1052.
[0083] As depicted in the bottom view of FIG. 19C, in some
embodiments, the track insert 1046 is positioned to sit inside the
housing 1044. The cam 1040 is then positioned to sit above the
track insert 1046 on top of the housing 1044. The cam may include
one or more cam spirals 1041 that cause the strap pins 1060 on a
strap 56 to be pulled through the cam assembly 1030.
[0084] FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate the cam 1040 of FIG.
18 from a top, bottom, and perspective views, in accordance with
some embodiments of the inventions. As depicted in the top view of
FIG. 20A, the cam may have a crown 1047 that may be placed in one
or more channels or grooves on the knob 1042 that are fitted to the
cam 1040, and allow the cam 1040 to attach to the knob 1042. In
some embodiments, once the cam 1040 has been correctly positioned,
and the knob 1042 is positioned over the cam 1040, the two are
configured to be snapped together using a locking mechanism.
Alternatively, the cam 1040 and knob 1042 may be adhered together,
divided into three or more components, or be a single
component.
[0085] As further depicted in the bottom and perspective views of
FIGS. 20B, and 20C, in some embodiments, the cam 1040 contains one
or more cam spirals 1041. The knob 1042 may then be rotated to
drive the strap 56 through the first opening 1050 into the cam
assembly 1030, and out the second opening 1052. In some
embodiments, the cam spirals 1041 are in the shape of logarithmic
spirals, also known as equiangular spirals. In some embodiments,
other types of spirals may be used, including Archimedean spirals.
In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more cam spirals 1041 may
be used. Increasing the number of cam spirals 1041 may be used to
increase the speed at which the strap 56 is inserted. This may be
particularly useful for applications where the closure is
large.
[0086] The use of cam spirals 1041 may allow the strap 56 to
self-lock into the cam assembly 1030 at certain contact angles.
Logarithmic spirals may allow the strap pins 1060 on the strap 56
to be pulled at a linear velocity and constant contact angle.
Different materials may also be used to vary the friction
coefficients and make the system self-locking. Self-locking may
allow the strap 56 to remain in the same position in the cam
assembly 1030 when outwards forces and/or inwards forces are
applied to the cam 1040 and/or strap 56. When logarithmic cam
spirals are used, a constant angle of contact may be maintained
with the strap pins 1060 on the strap 56, resulting in a
self-locking system that may be infinitely adjustable, and one
where the torque felt by the knob 1042 may be constant. However, an
Archimedean spiral may be used to vary the contact angle, such as
by continuously decreasing it.
[0087] The self-locking mechanism may be determined by the contact
angle 1045 and the friction applied to the circumference of the cam
spirals 1041 on the cam 1040. The contact angle 1045 may correspond
to an angle between lines tangent to a strap pin 1060 and a cam
spiral 1041. In some embodiments, the contact angle 1045 of a
self-locking mechanism may be less than 20 degrees, and less than
15 degrees. In some self-locking embodiments, the contact angle is
between 10 and 12 degrees. Low contact angles may allow the cam
assembly 1030 to be self-locking and continually adjustable both
inwards and outwards. Various contact angles can be generated
depending on the speed of wind and power desired. Larger contact
angles 1045 may result in faster insertion speed. Other secondary
frictional elements can also be added to resist the turning of the
cam 1040. In some embodiments, these secondary frictional elements
may be "stepless" to maintain infinite variability of position.
[0088] FIGS. 7 and 7B illustrate the strap 1048 of FIG. 18 from a
perspective and top view, in accordance with some embodiments of
the inventions. The strap 56 comprises one or more strap pins 1060.
The strap pins 1060 may be in the shape of cylinders extending from
the surface of the strap 56 as illustrated. In some embodiments,
the strap pins 1060 may be other shapes including but not limited
to rivets, teeth, threads, spirals, spiral threads, slots, strips,
channels, and/or grooves that may be perpendicular or at other
angles to the strap 56. In some embodiments, the cam 1040 may have
cam spirals 1041 in complementary form and/or surfaces that may be
complementary or correspond to the shape of the strap pins
1060.
[0089] In some embodiments, the strap 56 may have a chamfer 1062 on
the first strap pin closest to the cam assembly insertion end 1063,
to allow the first strap pin to skip past the cam 1040. The chamfer
1062 may be at a range of angles, including 45 degrees. The chamfer
1062 may also maintain engagement between the cam 1040 and the
strap 56 to ensure that they continue to function. In some
embodiments, a chamfer 1062 may be on other strap pins 60,
including the last strap pin furthest from the cam assembly
insertion end 1063 of the strap 56. In some embodiments, a chamfer
1062 may be included on the last strap pin, in addition to, or in
lieu of, being on the first strap pin.
[0090] In some embodiments, the chamfer 1062 on the last strap pin
may face the opposite direction of the chamfer 1062 on the other
strap pins. The chamfer 1062 on the last strap pin may prevent the
cam spirals 1041 from pulling the strap 56 further into the cam
assembly 1030. In some embodiments, the chamfer 1062 on the first
strap pin, may keep the strap 56 from being pushed any further out
of the cam assembly 1030 and/or the chamfer 1062 on the last strap
pin may prevent the strap 56 from being pulled any further into the
cam assembly 1030.
[0091] In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 described in greater
detail below, may be used as an alternative to the chamfer 1062
and/or in combination with the chamfer 1062. In some embodiments,
the hard stop 1067 may be located near the first strap pin and/or
last strap pin. In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 may not
include a hole 1066 when used in conjunction with the chamfer 1062
on the last strap pin. In some embodiments, this may prevent the
strap 56 from compressing and entering into the cam assembly 1030
regardless of the pressure applied to the strap 56.
[0092] As further depicted in FIGS. 7 and 7B, the strap 56 has a
cam assembly insertion end 1063 which is the end of the strap 56
that is inserted directly into the cam assembly 1030. The strap 56
may be configured to resist being completely removed from the cam
assembly 1030 after insertion. In some embodiments, this resistance
may be provided by a hard stop 1067. In some embodiments, the hard
stop 1067 may be a variable stop that may be overcome given enough
force. In some embodiments, the hard stop 1067 may be placed near
the first strap pin, the last strap pin, near other strap pins
and/or multiple hard stops may be used.
[0093] The hard stop 1067 may include a hole 1066 and one or more
outward projections 1064. The hole 1066 may allow the outward
projections 1064 to compress toward the axial center line of the
strap 56 to allow the strap 56 to be inserted into the housing 1044
of the cam assembly 1030. Gently tapered leading edges 1064a allow
the strap 56 to enter the housing 1044 with relative ease. More
steeply tapered trailing edges 1064b make it more difficult to
remove the strap 56 from the housing 1044. In some embodiments, the
trailing edge 1064b may catch the strap 56 on the housing 1044 to
prevent the strap from falling out of the housing 1044 and may
leave the strap 56 in a position to be pulled back in, i.e. in a
position such that the first strap pin is in a position to be
engaged by the cam spirals 1041 as soon as the knob 1042 is rotated
in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, if enough force
is used to pull the strap 1048 out of the housing 1044 the outward
projections 1064 can temporarily collapse into the hole 1066 and
the strap 56 may be removed.
[0094] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate the track insert 1046 of
FIG. 18 from a perspective, top, and side view, in accordance with
some embodiments of the inventions. The track insert 1046 has a
tunnel 1072 that pulls the strap 56 away from the cam 1040 as it is
passed through the tunnel 1072. In some embodiments, the track
insert guides the strap 1048 along and engages the strap 56 with
the cam 1040 along a front edge 1070 but then disengages the strap
56 on the back edge 1074. In some embodiments, the track insert
1046 pulls the strap 56 away from the cam 1040 so that the cam
spirals 1041 are engaged in a reduced number of the strap pins 1060
on the strap 56 relative to the number of strap pins 1060 within
the housing 1044. In some embodiments, the number of strap pins
1060 engaged at any given time is one or two. This guide component
or bend back mechanism may be a tunnel and/or S-shape bend and/or
an arc which allows the strap pins 1060 to disengage the cam
spirals 1041 of the cam 1040. In some embodiments, the strap pins
1060 are guided away from the cam spirals 1041 such that fewer than
all of the cam spirals 1041 engage the strap pins 1060 when the
strap 56 extends through the housing 1044.
[0095] In some embodiments, the guide component pulls the strap 56
away from the cam 1040 so that the strap pins 1048 do not engage on
the backside of the cam 1040. In some embodiments, the guide
component prevents the system from locking up and/or may strengthen
the system by bringing the strap in parallel to the cam 1040 for
maximum holding strength. In some embodiments, the load placed on
the cam assembly 1030 by the strap 56 may be a shear load, which
places a stress parallel or tangential to the cam assembly 1030.
The guide component is particularly useful in providing the lowest
possible height and/or profile of the housing 1044. The guide
component may also allow the strap 56 to be fed into the cam
assembly 1030 without catching on the cam 1040.
[0096] FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D illustrate the housing 1044 of
FIG. 18 from a perspective, side, top, and bottom view, in
accordance with some embodiments of the inventions. The housing
1044 has a first opening 1050 and a second opening 1052, which are
configured to receive a strap 1048 moving in both an inwards and
outwards direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing also
has a circular opening 1080, which allows the track insert 1046 to
be positioned inside the housing 1044. The circular opening 1080
need not be in the shape of a circle, and may be in the form of
other shapes including a square, oval, or triangle. In some
embodiments, the cam 1040 and the knob 1042 may be attached to each
other, using a locking mechanism, an adhesive or any other
attachment mechanism or method known to those of skill in the art.
The knob 1042 and cam 1040 are then positioned in the circular
opening 1080 of the housing 1044, to sit above the track insert
1046 and on top of the housing 1044. The knob 1042 may then be
rotated to drive the strap 1048 through the first opening 1050,
onto the track insert 1046, and out the second opening 1052 of the
housing 1044.
[0097] As further depicted in FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D, in some
embodiments, the housing 1044 has a bend 1086 that may be an
S-shape bend and/or an arc. The bend 1086 may match the shape of
the bend back mechanism of the track insert 1046. The bend 1086 is
particularly useful in providing the lowest possible height and/or
profile of the housing 1044. In some embodiments, the shape of the
housing 1044 may be adjusted based on the application. In some
embodiments, the shape of the housing 1044 may be flatter or more
curved than an S-shape or an arc.
[0098] FIG. 23 illustrates the knob 1042 of FIG. 18 from a
perspective view, in accordance with some embodiments of the
inventions. The knob 1042 has an overmold 1092 and an undermold
1100. In some embodiments, once the undermold 1100 has been
correctly positioned, and the overmold 1092 is positioned over the
undermold 1100, the two can be snapped together using a locking
mechanism. Alternatively, the undermold 1100 and overmold 1092 may
be adhered together, divided into three or more components, or be a
single component. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 may be
injection molded around a pre-made undermold 1100.
[0099] As further depicted in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the
knob 1042 has a cam opening 1090. The cam opening 1090 allows the
cam 1040 to sit inside the knob 1042. The cam opening 1090 need not
be any particular shape, and may be in the form of any shape
including a circle, square, oval, or triangle. Once assembled, the
knob 1042 may be rotated to drive the strap 1048 through the first
opening 1050, into the cam assembly 1030, and out the second
opening 1052.
[0100] FIG. 24 illustrates the overmold 1092 of the knob of FIG. 23
from a bottom view, in accordance with some embodiments of the
inventions. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 also has one or
more overmold teeth 1094. In this embodiment, the overmold teeth
1094 allow the overmold 1092 and the undermold 1100 to be snapped
together and unitized when the undermold 1100 has corresponding
teeth that fit in the one or more overmold grooves or channels 1096
of the overmold 1092. In some embodiments, the overmold 1092 has a
cam opening 1090, which may allow different designs or colors to be
used. As with the other cam openings, it may be in the form of any
shape including a circle, square, oval, or triangle. In some
embodiments, the overmold 1092 does not include the cam opening
1090.
[0101] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate the undermold 1100 of the knob
1042 of FIG. 23 from a perspective and bottom view, in accordance
with some embodiments of the inventions. In some embodiments, the
undermold 1100 has a cam opening 1090, which allows the cam 1040 to
sit inside the knob 1042. As previously mentioned the cam opening
1090 may be in the form of any shape including a circle, square,
oval, or triangle. In some embodiments, the undermold 1100 also has
one or more undermold teeth 1102. In some embodiments, the
undermold teeth 1102 allow the undermold 1100 and the overmold 1092
to be snapped together and unitized when the overmold 1092 has
corresponding overmold teeth 1094 that fit in the one or more
undermold grooves or channels 1108 of the undermold 1100. As
described above, in some embodiments the overmold 1092 may be
injection molded around a pre-made undermold 1100. In some
embodiments, the cam 1040 and the knob 1042 may be a single
component; two components; three components, such as an overmold
1092, an undermold 1100, and a cam 1040; or four or more
components.
[0102] As further depicted in the bottom view of FIG. 25B, the
undermold 1100 of the knob 1042 may have one or more cam channels
or grooves 1106. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the
cam channels 1106 may be fitted to the shape of the crown 1047 of
the cam 1040, and allow the cam 1040 to attach to the knob 1042. In
some embodiments, once the cam 1040 has been correctly positioned,
and the knob 1042 is positioned over the cam 1040, the two may be
snapped together using a locking mechanism or interference fit. In
another embodiment, the crown may be placed on the knob 1042 and
channels matching the shape of the knob crown on the cam 1040. Yet
alternatively, the cam 1040 and knob 1042 may be adhered together,
divided into three or more components, be a single component, or
attached using other means. In some embodiments, the outer edge of
some or all of the knob 1042 may include friction enhancing
features such as outward projections or inwards grooves to increase
the traction a user's hand would have on the knob 1042.
[0103] FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, and 26F illustrate a
flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins 1060 of FIG. 7A with
the cam spirals 1041 of FIG. 20C when the strap 56 of FIG. 18 is
being driven into the cam assembly 1030 of FIG. 18, in accordance
with some embodiments of the inventions. Proceeding alphabetically,
each figure represents the progression of the strap 56 into the cam
assembly 1030 over subsequent steps of time. The cam spirals 1041
of the cam 1040 may drive the strap 56 into the cam assembly 1030,
and may engage them at a constant angle. In some embodiments, a
lower contact angle may be chosen to automatically lock the strap
56 into the cam assembly 1030. Alternatively, higher contact angles
may be chosen to increase the wind speed. If the cam assembly 1030
is not self-locking, an external lock such as a button or lever may
be incorporated to allow the user to lock the cam assembly 30 in a
desired location. In some embodiments, where the cam assembly 1030
is self-locking, a secondary locking mechanism is still provided to
ensure the closure system remains in position when force is applied
in the inwards and/or outward directions.
[0104] FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, and 27F illustrate a
flowchart of the engagement of the strap pins 1060 of FIG. 4A with
the cam spirals 1041 of FIG. 20C when the strap 56 of FIG. 18 is
being driven out of the cam assembly 1030 of FIG. 18, in accordance
with some embodiments of the inventions. Proceeding alphabetically,
each figure represents the progression of the strap 56 out of the
cam assembly 1030 over subsequent steps of time. The cam spirals
1041 of the cam 1040 drive the strap 56 out of the cam assembly
1030, and may engage them at a constant angle. In some embodiments,
a lower contact angle may be chosen to automatically lock the strap
56 into the cam assembly 1030. Alternatively, higher contact angles
may be chosen to increase the wind speed.
(A) Configuration of Adjustment System for Effecting Bearing of
Headwear Against Head
[0105] In one aspect, the headwear 10 includes an adjustment system
configured for effecting bearing of the headwear 10 against a
surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26 of the
headwear 10.
[0106] As discussed above, by virtue of the coupling of the
actuator 38 to the force transmission member 40, the actuator 38 is
configured to effect, when a head 14 is received within the crown
26, and relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, a
change in disposition of the force transmission member 40 to any
one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of
force to the actuator 38. In at least one of the plurality of
conditions, the operative surface of the operative section 44 of
the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface
fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26.
[0107] Referring, in particular to FIGS. 1 to 3, in one sub-aspect,
the surface fraction of the head 14 (against which the force
transmission member 40 is bearing) is disposed rearwardly of the
forehead and extends substantially continuously from a point within
a distance of 5.08 centimetres from a first temple reference plane
16 defined by one of the temples of one side of the head 14,
wherein the distance is measured along an axis normal to the plane
16 and rearwardly towards the rear 52 of the head 14, about the
rear 52 of the head 14 and towards the other side of the head 14,
and to a point within a distance of 5.08 centimetres from a second
temple reference plane 18 defined by the other one of the temples
of the other side of the head 14, wherein the distance is measured
along an axis normal to the plane 18. In this context,
`substantially continuously" means that there may be discontinuous
portions of the surface fraction against which the operative
section 44 does not bear, and that the surface fraction is regarded
as being substantially continuous as long as the bearing of the two
operative section 44 effects mounting of the headwear 10 to the
head 14 in a desired position (but not necessarily a permanently
fixed position, and it is understood that application of relatively
minor forces to the headwear, such as that which may be applied by
a human hand, may be sufficient to dislodge the headwear 14 from
the desired position) relative to the head.
[0108] In each one of the at least one of the plurality of
conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface
fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the
operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is
limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead.
If only for greater clarity, the operative surface of the operative
force transmission member section 44 is configured to bear only
against a surface fraction of the head 14 disposed rearwardly of
the forehead of the wearer, and does not bear against the forehead
of the wearer in any one of the plurality of conditions which the
operative force transmission member is configured to assume when a
head is received within the crown 26.
[0109] In a related sub-aspect, the force transmission member 40
includes a crown coupling portion 48 attached to the force
transmission member coupling portion 50. As such, the operative
section 44 of the force transmission member 40 extends from: the
actuator coupling unit 42 and rearwardly towards the rear 52 of the
crown 26, about the rear 52 of the crown 26 and towards the other
side of the crown 26, and to the force transmission member coupling
portion 50. The actuator 38 is configured to effect, when a head 14
is received within the crown 26, an application of a force to the
operative force transmission member section 44, such that the
operative force transmission member section 44 changes its
condition relative to a surface fraction of a head 14 received
within the crown 26 to any one of a plurality of conditions in
response to the application of force to the actuator 38. In at
least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative surface of
the operative force transmission member section 44 is bearing
against a surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown
26. For example, the force whose application is effected by the
actuator 38 is a tensile force. The coupling unit 42 of the
actuator 38 is disposed at one side of the headwear 10, and between
a front and a rear 52 of the headwear 10, and the force
transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed at a side of
the headwear 10 opposite to the side on which the coupling unit 42
of the actuator 38 is disposed, and between a front and a rear 52
of the headwear 10. For example, with respect to the dispositions
of the actuator 38 and the force transmission coupling portion 50,
the actuator 38 is disposed relatively closer to the front of the
headwear 10 than the rear 52 of the headwear 10, and the force
transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed relatively
closer to the front of the headwear 10 than the rear 52 of the
headwear 10. In each one of the at least one of the plurality of
conditions where the operative surface is bearing against a surface
fraction of a head received within the crown, the bearing of the
operative surface against the surface fraction of the head is
limited to a surface fraction disposed rearwardly of the forehead.
If only for greater clarity, the operative surface of the operative
force transmission member section 44 is configured to bear only
against a surface fraction of the head 14 disposed rearwardly of
the forehead of the wearer, and does not bear against the forehead
of the wearer in any one of the plurality of conditions which the
operative force transmission member is configured to assume when a
head is received within the crown 26.
[0110] In a further related sub-aspect, with respect to the
dispositions of the actuator 38 and the force transmission member
coupling portion 50, the distance from the most rearward edge of
the actuator coupling unit 42 to the first temple reference plane
16 is less than 5.08 centimetres, wherein the distance is measured
along the longitudinal axis 58 of the force transmission member 40,
and the distance from the most rearward edge of the force
transmission member coupling portion 50 to the second temple
reference plane 18 is less than 5.08 centimetres, wherein the
distance is measured along the longitudinal axis 58 of the force
transmission member 40. For example, with respect to the distance,
measured along the axis 58, from the most rearward edge of the
actuator coupling unit 42 to the first temple reference plane 16,
this distance is 2.54 centimetres. For example, with respect to the
distance, measured along the axis 58, from the most rearward edge
of the force transmission member coupling portion 50 to the second
temple reference plane 18, this distance is 2.54 centimetres.
[0111] For example, where the headwear 10 further includes a peak
30, with respect to the dispositions of each one of the actuator 38
and the force transmission coupling portion 50, the force
transmission member coupling portion 50 is disposed on an opposite
side of the peak 30 relative to the disposition of the actuator 38.
For example, with further respect to the disposition of the
actuator 38 and the force transmission member coupling portion 50,
the actuator 38 is disposed closer to the peak 30 than to the rear
52 of the headwear 10, and the force transmission member coupling
portion 50 is disposed closer to the peak 30 than to the rear 52 of
the headwear 10. With further respect to the disposition of the
force transmission member coupling portion 50, the minimum distance
from the most rearward edge of the force transmission member
coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 to the attachment between the
crown 26 and a portion of the peak 30 is less than 5.08
centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along a side
surface of the crown which includes the portion 50. For example,
this minimum distance is equal to or less than 0.159 centimetres.
For example, with respect to the peak portion to which the crown 26
is attached, the peak portion is more rigid than the force
transmission coupling portion. Suitable crown and peak materials
are described above.
(B) Force Transmission Member Including Resilient Portion
[0112] In another aspect, and referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the
operative force transmission member section 44 includes a
relatively rigid portion 74 and a relatively resilient portion
76.
[0113] In this respect, the length of the relatively resilient
portion 76 is at least 5.5% of the length of the operative force
transmission member section 44. For example, the length of the
relatively resilient portion 76 is less than 18.5% of the length of
the operative force transmission member section 44. For example,
the relatively resilient portion includes a length of about one (1)
inch.
[0114] For example, with respect to the relatively rigid portion
74, the material of the relatively rigid portion 74 is a plastic,
such as BASF A3K.TM. Nylon 66. For example, with respect to the
relatively resilient portion 76, the material of the relatively
resilient portion 76 is woven fabric consisting essentially of
elastic and polyester. For example, the material of the relatively
resilient portion consists essentially of elastic and polyester,
and the ratio of the volume of elastic to the volume of polyester
is 2:3. For example, the resilient portion 76 is Article No.
AP602370ELW, supplied by Golden Cedar Garment Accessories
International Limited of Kwai Chang, New Territories, Hong Kong.
For example, the relatively resilient portion 76 is attached to the
force transmission coupling portion, such as by stitching.
[0115] For example, by providing the resilient portion 76, when the
operative section 44 is released from the actuator coupling unit
38, the force transmission member 40 returns to an original
unactuated condition.
(C) Force Transmission Member Including Softer/More Flexible
Portion
[0116] In another aspect, and referring to FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C,
the operative force transmission member section 44 includes a
relatively harder (or less flexible) portion 4012 and a relatively
softer (or more flexible) portion 4004. For example, each one of
the portions 4002 and 4014 are in the form of strap portions 4002,
4004, respectively. For example, strap portion 4002 includes a
strap insertion end 1063 for insertion into the actuator 38, to
thereby facilitate coupling with the actuator 38. For example, the
strap portion 4002 is attached to the strap portion 4004 by
stitching. For example, the strap portion 4004 is coupled to the
coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 by stitching. For example, the
relatively harder strap portion 4002 is made from a plastic, such
as BASF A3K.TM. Nylon. For example, the relatively softer strap
portion 4004 includes a substantially inelastic (in the lateral
direction) strap portion 4006 and a resilient strap portion 4008.
For example, the material of the substantially inelastic strap
portion 4006 is nylon ribbon. For example, a suitable nylon ribbon
is No. 1 Nylon Ribbon supplied by Yama Ribbons & Bows Co. Ltd.
of China. For example, the material of the resilient strap portion
4008 is woven fabric consisting essentially of elastic and
polyester. For example, the material of the relatively resilient
portion consists essentially of elastic and polyester, and the
ratio of the volume of elastic to the volume of polyester is 2:3.
For example, the material of the resilient portion 4008 is Article
No. AP602370ELW, supplied by Golden Cedar Garment Accessories
International Limited of Kwai Chang, New Territories, Hong
Kong.
[0117] The length of the relatively harder portion 4002 is less
than 33.9% of the length of the operative force transmission member
section 44. For example, the length of the relatively harder
portion 4002 is less than 33% of the length of the operative force
transmission member section 44. For example, the length of the
relatively resilient strap portion 4006 is at least 5.5% of the
length of the operative force transmission member section 44. As a
further example, the length of the relatively resilient strap
portion is less than 18.5% of the length of the operative force
transmission member section 44. For example, the relatively
resilient strap portion 4008 includes a length of about one (1)
inch.
[0118] For example, by providing the resilient portion 4008, when
the operative section 44 is released from the actuator coupling
unit 38, the force transmission member 40 returns to an original
unactuated condition.
(D) First Mode of Coupling of the Force Transmission Member to the
Crown
[0119] In another aspect, the headwear 10 is configured so that the
force transmission member 40 is robustly coupled to a force
transmission coupling portion of the crown 26.
[0120] In this respect, and referring, in particular, to FIG. 5,
the headwear 10 includes the crown 26, the peak 30, the actuator
38, and the force transmission member 40. The force transmission
member 40 is coupled to the coupling unit 42 of the actuator 38. By
virtue of such coupling, the actuator 38 is configured to effect
disposition of the force transmission member 40 relative to a head
14 received within the crown 26 in any one of a plurality of
conditions, in response to an application of force to the actuator
38. In at least one of the plurality of conditions, the operative
surface of the operative section 44 of the force transmission
member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the head 14
received within the crown 26. The force transmission member 40 is
also coupled to the crown 26. In this respect, the force
transmission member 40 includes a crown coupling portion 48
attached to the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of
the crown 26. The headwear further includes the peak 30. With
respect to the coupling of the force transmission member 40 to the
crown 26, the crown coupling portion 48 is attached to the crown 26
at the force transmission member coupling portion 50, and the
minimum distance from the force transmission member coupling
portion 50 of the crown 26 to a point of attachment 78 between the
crown 26 and a portion of the peak 30 is less than 5.08
centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along a side
surface of the crown which includes the portion 50. For example,
the minimum distance is less than 0.159 centimetres. For example,
with respect to the peak portion to which the crown 26 is attached,
the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission coupling
surface. Suitable crown and peak materials are described above.
[0121] For example, and also referring to, in particular, FIG. 13,
the crown 26 includes two adjacent panels 28 which are attached to
one another along respective and abutting sides, such as by
stitching, to define a seam, and seam tape 70 is applied across the
seam and joined to each one of the two adjacent panels 70. The seam
tape 70 extends upwardly proximate to a portion of the peak 30. For
example, the peak portion is more rigid than the force transmission
member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26. The force transmission
member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed relative to
the seam tape 70 such that the force transmission member coupling
portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed at the seam tape 70, and the
minimum distance between: (i) the force transmission member
coupling portion 50 of the crown 26, and (ii) a point of attachment
78 between the seam tape 70 and the portion of the peak 30, is less
than 5.08 centimetres, the minimum distance being measured along
the seam tape 70. For example, the minimum distance is less than
0.159 centimetres.
(E) Second Mode of Coupling of the Force Transmission Member to the
Crown
[0122] The headwear 10 is also configured with other aspect(s) so
that the force transmission member 40 is robustly coupled to a
force transmission coupling portion of the crown 26.
[0123] In this respect, and referring, in particular to FIGS. 5 and
13, the headwear 10 includes the crown 26, the peak 30, the
actuator 38, and the force transmission member 40. The force
transmission member 40 is coupled to the coupling unit 42 of the
actuator 38. By virtue of such coupling, the actuator 38 is
configured to effect disposition of the force transmission member
40 relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26 in any one of
a plurality of conditions, in response to an application of force
to the actuator 38. In at least one of the plurality of conditions,
the operative surface of the operative section 44 of the force
transmission member 40 is bearing against a surface fraction of the
head 14 received within the crown 26. The force transmission member
40 is also coupled to the crown 26. In this respect, the force
transmission member 40 includes a crown coupling portion 48
attached to the force transmission member coupling portion 50 of
the crown 26. The crown 26 includes two adjacent panels 28 which
are attached to one another along respective and abutting sides to
define a seam. For example, the adjacent panels 28 are attached to
one another by stitching. Seam tape 70 is disposed across the seam
and joined to each one of the adjacent panels 28. For example, the
seam tape 70 extends upwardly from proximate to a portion of the
peak 30. For example, the peak portion is more rigid than the force
transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26. The force
transmission member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed
relative to the seam tape 70 such that the force transmission
member coupling portion 50 of the crown 26 is disposed at the seam
tape 70.
(F) First Configuration of Force Transmission Member
[0124] In another aspect, the force transmission member 40 is
configured to facilitate air flow across the operative force
transmission member section 44. For example, this configuration
also mitigates frictional losses during movement of the force
transmission member 40.
[0125] In this respect, and referring to, in particular, FIG. 7,
the ratio of (i) the operative surface area of an operative surface
fraction 441 of at least a fraction of the operative force
transmission member section, to (ii) a length of the at least a
fraction 441, is from 6.3 mm.sup.2/mm to 13.6 mm.sup.2/mm. For
example, with respect to the at least a fraction 441 of the
operative force transmission member section 44, the ratio is 8.1
mm.sup.2/mm. The at least a fraction 441 of the operative force
transmission member section 44 defines at least 50% of the length
of the operative force transmission member section 44. For example,
the at least a fraction 441 defines 70% of the length of the
operative force transmission section 44.
[0126] The at least a fraction includes at least one portion of the
operative force transmission member section 44. Each one of the at
least one portion includes a respective operative surface portion
and a respective portion length. The operative surface of the
operative force transmission member section 44 includes each one of
the respective operative surface portions.
[0127] Each one of the operative surface fraction and the length of
the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission
member section 44 is defined as follows. Referring to FIG. 7 where
the at least one portion is one portion 441a of the operative force
transmission section, the operative surface fraction is defined by
the respective operative surface portion of the one portion and the
length of the at least a fraction 441 is defined by the respective
portion length of the one portion 441a. Referring to FIG. 7A, where
the at least one portion is at least two portions 441b and 441c of
the operative force transmission member section, the operative
surface fraction is defined by the combination of the respective
operative surface portions of the at least two portions 441a, 441b
and the length of the at least a fraction 441 is defined by the sum
of the respective portion lengths of the at least two portions
441a, 441b.
[0128] It is understood that each portion of the operative force
transmission member section 44 is a continuous material, such that
each portion is spaced apart from each and every other portion.
Referring to FIG. 7, for example, the at least a fraction is a
single portion of continuous material.
[0129] By providing a force transmission member 40 including this
relationship between the operative strap surface area of the at
least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission section 44
and the length of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative
force transmission member section 44, air flow across the operative
force transmission member section 44 is facilitated. For example,
this configuration also mitigates frictional losses arising during
movement of a force transmission member 40, while still providing a
force transmission member 40 which feels comfortable to the wearer
of the headwear 10 as the force transmission member 40 is bearing
against the surface fraction of the head 14 received within the
crown 26.
[0130] For example, and referring to FIG. 7, the at least a
fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44
includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 82. For example, the
at least a fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member
section 44 Is a single portion of the operative force transmission
member section 44, and the single portion includes a plurality of
substantially equally spaced apart apertures 82.
[0131] For example, the minimum width of the at least a fraction
441 of the operative force transmission member section 44 is at
least 13 millimetres.
[0132] For example, and referring to FIG. 9, the at least a
fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44
includes alternating wider and narrower portions 86 along the
length of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force
transmission member section 44 of the force transmission member 40.
For example, and referring to FIG. 7, with further respect to the
width of the at least a fraction 441 of the operative force
transmission member section 44, the width of the at least a
fraction of the operative force transmission member section 44 is
substantially uniform throughout the length of the at least a
fraction 441 of the operative force transmission member section 44
of the force transmission member 40. For example, where the width
is substantially uniform throughout the length of the force
transmission member 40, the width is 19 millimetres.
(G) Second Configuration of Elongated Strap
[0133] The force transmission member 40 is also configured with
other aspect(s) to facilitate air flow across the force
transmission member. For example, this configuration also mitigates
frictional losses arising during movement of the force transmission
member 40.
[0134] In this respect, and referring to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, and 9,
with respect to the force transmission member 40, the minimum width
of at least a fraction of the operative force transmission member
section 44 of the force transmission member 40 is at least 13
millimetres.
[0135] For example, the at least a fraction is at least 25% of the
length of the operative force transmission member section 44. As a
further example, the at least a fraction is at least 50% of the
length of the operative force transmission member section 44.
[0136] The at least a fraction of the operative force transmission
member section 44 of the force transmission member 40 with the
minimum width co-operates with the guide system 64 during movement
of the force transmission member 40 (in response to an application
of force to the actuator 38) such that vertical movement of the
operative force transmission member section 44 is limited during
movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the
actuator 38. For example, with respect to the limiting of the
vertical movement of the operative force transmission member
section 44 during movement of the force transmission member 40
relative to the actuator coupling unit 42, the at least a fraction
of the operative force transmission member section 44 of the force
transmission member 40 with the minimum width defines a clearance
for limiting vertical movement of any fraction of the operative
force transmission member section 44 to a maximum vertical movement
during movement of the force transmission member 40 relative to the
actuator coupling unit 42. For example, with respect to the
limiting of the vertical movement of a longitudinal axis 58 of the
operative force transmission member section 44, the vertical
movement of the axis 58 is limited to 0.635 centimetres above the
axis 651 of the guide member 65 and 0.635 centimetres below the
axis 651.
[0137] The at least a fraction of the operative force transmission
member section 44 also includes a ratio of the operative strap
surface area to length of no less than about 13.6 mm.sup.2/mm.
[0138] For example, and referring to FIG. 9, with respect to the at
least a fraction of the operative force transmission member section
44 with the minimum width, the at least a fraction includes a
plurality of portions 84 including the minimum width, such that
portions of the at least a fraction alternate with narrower
portions 86 (portions whose width is less than the minimum width).
For example, with respect to the plurality of portions with the
minimum width, the maximum length of an operative force
transmission member section portion with less than the minimum
width, connecting successive portions with the minimum width, is
7.62 centimetres. For example, the maximum length is 5.08
centimetres.
(H) Guard for Mitigating/Eliminating Interference by Crown to
Movement of Force Transmission Member 40
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 5B and 14A, in another aspect, the
actuator 38 is configured to effect a change in position (or
movement) of the force transmission member 40 relative to the
actuator 38 while effecting a change in the disposition of the
force transmission member 40 relative to a head 14 received within
the crown 26, such that the force transmission member 40 moves
forwardly relative to the actuator 38 when the actuator 38 effects
application of a force to the operative force transmission member
section 44, and the guard 88 is provided to mitigate or eliminate
interference by the crown 26 to the forward movement of the force
transmission member 40 relative to the actuator 38.
[0140] In this respect, the headwear 10 is further provided with a
guard 88 configured for disposition between the crown 26 and the
force transmission member 40 as the force transmission member 40
moves forwardly relative to the actuator 38 as the actuator 38
effects application of a force to the operative force transmission
member section 44. For example, the guard is a thin, flexible,
pliable material which is fitted over a knob 1042 of the actuator
38. For example, the guard is a plastic material, such as
polyurethane or polyvinylchloride.
(I) Method of Manufacturing Adjustable Headwear of a Pre-Determined
Size
[0141] In another aspect, there is provided a method of
manufacturing adjustable headwear 10 of a predetermined size,
including a step of configuring the force transmission member 40
such that the force transmission member 40 corresponds to the
predetermined size of the headwear 10.
[0142] In this respect, there is provided a method of manufacturing
headwear 10 including the crown 26 defining an opening 12 for
reception of a head 14 of a wearer, the actuator 38 configured for
receiving an application of a force, and a force transmission
member 40 configured for disposition relative to a head 14 received
within the crown 26. The force transmission member 40 is coupled to
the actuator 38, such that the actuator 38 is configured to effect,
relative to a head 14 received within the crown 26, a change in
disposition of the force transmission member 40 to any one of a
plurality of conditions. In at least one of the plurality of
conditions, the force transmission member 40 is bearing against a
surface fraction of the head 14 received within the crown 26.
[0143] Referring, in particular, to FIGS. 8 and 8A, the method
includes providing a longitudinally extending force transmission
member portion pre-form 90 including a plurality of longitudinally
spaced cutting indications 92. For example, each one of the
indications 92 is a score-mark. Each one of the cutting indications
92 corresponds to a pre-determined location for cutting the
pre-form to provide a modified pre-form suitable for use as at
least a portion of the force transmission member 40. In this
respect, cutting of the pre-form at one of the plurality of cutting
indications is effected. For example, the cutting is effected by
known cutting methods such as by shears, clippers, scissors,
knives, bladed cutting tools, or by hot wire.
[0144] For example, the method further includes providing a crown
26 of a predetermined size, providing an actuator 38, coupling the
actuator 38 to the crown 26, and coupling the modified pre-form to
each one of the crown 26 and the actuator 38. For example, the
modified pre-form is incorporated in a force transmission member
40, and the force transmission member 40 is then coupled to each
one of the crown 26 and the actuator 38.
[0145] For example, prior to coupling to each one of the crown 26
and the actuator 38, the modified pre-form is attached to the
resilient member 76. For example, the resilient member is stitched
to the modified pre-form. The modified pre-form includes an
attachment indication corresponding to a pre-determined location
for attaching the resilient member. In this respect, the resilient
member is attached, such as by stitching to the modified
pre-form.
[0146] In a related respect, for example, the longitudinally
extending force transmission member pre-form also includes a
plurality of longitudinally spaced attachment indications 93. Each
one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced attachment
indications 93 corresponds to and is paired or associated with a
respective one of the plurality of the cutting indications 92, such
that cutting of the pre-form at one of the plurality of cutting
indications 92 provides a modified pre-form including a free end
wherein the one of the plurality of the attachment indications 93
closest to the free end is for attachment to the resilient member
76. In this respect, the pre-form is cut at one of the plurality of
cutting indications 92 to produce a modified pre-form including a
free end. Referring to FIG. 8A, the resilient member 76 is then
attached to the one of the plurality of the attachment indications
93 closest to the free end to provide a further modified pre-form.
The further modified pre-form is then coupled to each one of the
actuator 38 and the crown 26.
[0147] For example, the pre-form is an elongated strap 561. For
example the strap 561 is made from BASF A3K.TM. Nylon 66.
[0148] Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various
embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many
variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the
art of headwear. For full definition of the scope of the invention,
reference is to be made to the appended claims.
* * * * *