| 1. | : An article of protective headwear apparel formed from a flexible panel; the panel including a periphery having at least one recess in a part of the periphery of said flexible panel; the first recess defined by first and second tab members which terminate at either end in free end extremities, a bridging member which joins the tab members, and a tab member having a free end extremity and which is connected to the bridging member and which together with the first and second tab members define respective second and third recesses, wherein the recesses allow* folding of each said tabs such that a free end of each the tabs engage at least one said tabs to form the headwear. A protective headwear according to claim 2 wherein the panel is symmetrical about at least one axis through the panel. A protective headwear according to claim 2 wherein the first and second tabs are symmetrical about an axis through the tab depending from the bridging member. A protective headwear according to claim wherein each said first and second tabs each have convergent side edges that meet in an apex on said respective first and second tab members, such that the first and second tabs are symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the panel.; . |
| 2. | A protective headwear according to claim 4 wherein the panel forms a template from which is made the headwear garment, wherein the panel is capable of movement between a first state in which the panel is generally planar and a second state when said panel is assembled to form the head ware apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs. |
| 3. | A protective headwear according to claim 5 wherein the first and second tab members are of like profile. |
| 4. | A protective headwear according to claim 6 wherein the panel is a template and the tabs engage by means of fasteners to form said headwear. |
| 5. | A protective headwear according to claim 7 the panel is irregular in shape and the first and second tabs each terminate in means to enable mutual engagement of free ends of said tabs. |
| 6. | A protective headwear according to claim 8 wherein the third tab engages free ends of the first and second tabs. |
| 7. | An article of headwear apparel comprising: a flexible body of cloth material, the flexible body having a periphery including a plurality of recesses formed in said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second members are tabs symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the head wear; second and third recesses which are formed by free ends of the first and second tabs and sides of the third tab connected to the bridging member; the head wear forming a planar template from which is made the headwear article, wherein the flexible body of cloth material is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs. A protective headwear according to claim 10 wherein the first and second tab members are of like profile. A protective headwear according to claim 11 wherein the tabs engage by means of Velcro fasteners to form said head wear. A protective headwear according to claim 12 wherein, a free end of each said tabs engage at least one other tab via Velcro pads . |
| 8. | A protective headwear according to claim 13 wherein, the panel comprises an inner layer, an outer layer and therebetween a padding layer. |
| 9. | A protective headwear according to claim wherein, 14 the periphery of the panel is sewn with a border which encloses a space between the inner and outer layers. |
| 10. | An article of protective headwear apparel formed from a flexible flat panel; the panel comprising at least one layer of a padding material and including a periphery defining a panel shape which allows the panel to be folded between a flat planar condition and an assembled folded condition in which the panel forms the protective headwear; the panel further comprising a first recess formed by part of first and second tab members joined by a bridging member; second and third recesses formed by another part of said first and second tab members and a third tab member depending from the bridge ; each said tab members connected to said bridge and having at least one free end extremity, wherein the first, second and third tab members co operate to enable formation of said protective head wear. A protective headwear according to claim 16 wherein, the bridging member is deformed to form an arc which draws ends of at least two said tab members together, wherein engagement between tabs holds the headwear in a shape conducive to fitting a head of a wearer. A protective headwear according to claim 17 wherein, a free end of each said tabs engage at least one other tab via Velcro pads . |
| 11. | A protective headwear according to claim 18 wherein, the panel comprises an inner layer, an outer layer and therebetween a padding layer. |
| 12. | A protective headwear according to claim 19 wherein, the periphery of the panel is sewn with a border which encloses a space between the inner and outer layers. |
| 13. | An article of protective headwear apparel comprising: a flexible body of formed from layered materials, the flexible body having a periphery including a plurality of recesses formed in said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second members are tabs symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the head wear; second and third recesses which are formed by free ends of the first and second tabs and sides of the third tab connected to the bridging member; the head wear forming a planar template from which is made the headwear article, wherein the flexible body of cloth material is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs. A protective headwear according to any of the foregoing claims wherein, the headwear comprises an envelope formed by inner and outer layers defining an internal space which receives and retains therein a padding material. A protective headwear according to claim 22 wherein the layers may be sewn together to retain the padding and the padding is sufficiently thick to provide adequate padding but not so thick that flexibility of the panel is compromised. A protective headwear according to claim 23 further comprising a removable auxiliary padding locatable on an external surface of the headwear. A method of assembly of an article of headwear apparel comprising: a flexible body of cloth material, the flexible body having a periphery including a plurality of recesses formed in said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second tabs are symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the head wear ; second and third recesses which are formed by three peripheral tabs; the method comprising the steps of; a) taking a first and third tab of said three peripheral tabs; b) engaging free ends of said tabs and at the same time engaging with the first and third tab the second of said three peripheral tabs; c) engaging opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs in such a way so that the body of cloth material assumes a generally dome shape to form a recess to receive a head of a wearer; d) optionally engaging said first and second tabs to complete the headwear. A method according to claim 25 wherein, when the head wear is to be disassembled the method comprises the further steps of; a) removing the headwear from the head of a wearer and taking a first and third tab of said three peripheral tabs; b) disengaging free ends of said tabs and at the same time disengaging the first and third tab from the second of said three peripheral tabs; c) disengaging opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs and disengaging said first and second tabs in such a way so that the body of cloth material assumes a generally planar shape; the head wear forming a template from which is made the headwear article, wherein the flexible body of cloth material is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs. |
The present invention relates to the field of body safety and protection devices, and more particularly to items of apparel that are easy to wear and also offer protection to the head of a wearer's body. The present invention further relates to improvements in protective headwear that may be assembled and disassembled for convenience of storage and for space economy when not in use. The present invention also provides a head wear garment capable of assembly from a generally planar sheet of flexible material and which when assembled provides a wearer with head protection against low impact loads.
PRIOR ART
The prior art is replete with examples of various types of headwear apparatuses. There are items which perform a single function ( such as allowing a pony tail to extend from the back) and those which fold and unfold to achieve a particular configuration. There are a variety of headwear items which are typified by the manner of operation.
By way of example, United States Patent 5,058,211 discloses a bandanna- type article of wearing apparel is fabricated from an integral piece of fabric folded in a manner to have forward and back panels of substantially triangular shape and an intervening pocket region. The configuration of the article is such that its upper edge is essentially the base of a triangle, and a downwardly directed apex constitutes the lower extremity of the forward panel. Tying ears extend from both extremities of the upper edge. A sheet of compliant thermally insulative material such as a polyurethane sponge is held by sewn seams within the pocket region.
In another example, United States Patent 5,161,260 discloses an athletic headwear especially suitable for sporting activities and high wind conditions. The headwear comprises a body portion adapted for covering the head and hair of a wearer, the body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, and the body portion having a generally linear forward edge, so that the forward edge of the body portion at its median portion is adapted for positioning on the forehead of the wearer, an elastic headband integral with the forward edge of the body portion on its outer surface, the elastic headband having opposite free ends extending beyond the forward edge, and the opposite free ends having means for fastening the ends to each other, so that the ends may be fastened to each other behind the head of the wearer at the nape of the neck to secure the headwear to the wearer's head, and a sweat pad integral with the forward edge of the body portion on its inner surface.
In yet a further example of the prior art, United States Patent 5,542,127 discloses an article of headwear providing the advantages of a bandana and that of a baseball-type cape. The article includes a visor brim in the form of a bill, a self-supporting upstanding crown, and a triangular bandana cloth. The bill has a front edge and an arcuate rear edge. The bandana is formed of a flexible fabric having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front edge and a pair of angularly extending side edges. The front edge merges with each of the side edges in a pair of pointed ends, while the side edges merge with each other in another pointed end. The rear edge of the bill is fixedly secured to the front edge of bandana cloth. The crown is a generally triangular shaped, slightly concave member having a concave inner surface, a convex outer surface, and a bottom edge. The crown is disposed under and secured to the bandana cloth so that the inner surface of the bandana cloth engages the convex surface of the crown. The bottom edge of the crown is secured to the arcuate rear edge of the bill to form a self-supporting portion headwear arranged disposition on the forehead of the person wearing the headwear, whereupon the brim is located above the person's eyes. The remaining portion of the bandana cloth can be disposed over the person's head and with the pointed ends thereof being tieable to one another to secure the headwear in place.
Further, United States Patent 5,594,956 discloses a head bandanna for protecting and covering the head area, which is used in sporting, recreational and work activities and includes a head covering made of fabric having a front and a rear portion, wherein the front portion has a front curved edge substantially in the shape of a semicircle. There is also a curved headband made of absorbent material and having the shape of a longitudinal strip and being integrally connected to the front curved edge of the front portion of the head covering at a 90.degree, angle facing downwardly relative to the headband. Velcro closure tabs are connected to opposite ends of the headband for fitting the head bandanna on the wearer's head in a conforming and secure fit.
In another example of the prior art, United States Patent 5,685,016 discloses a head covering made of a flexible material member wherein the flexible material member includes an inside surface, an outside surface and at least three comers. A first portion of the flexible material member is formed between the first corner and the second corner and is inclusive of the first and second corner. A first fastener is used to secure the first comer in close proximity to the second comer. A second fastener is used to secure the third comer to the first portion. In another embodiment disclosed, a first fastener is used to connect the first comer to the third comer and a second fastener is used to connect the second comer to the third comer. In still another embodiment disclosed, an elastic material is incorporated in the first portion of the flexible material member.
United States Patent 6,247,181 discloses a device designed to reduce head injuries among soccer players, and others who would not otherwise wear head protection. The device integrates closed-cell foam padding into a traditional bandana form. Foam padding is sewn between layers of fabric in positions which will provide a degree of protection from rotational forces and from direct blows to the forehead, sides, and top of the head.
United States Patent 6,711,749 discloses an article of headwear having an integrated hairband and method for their construction is provided for cooperating with the headband for maintaining the headwear in a substantially fixed position on the wearer's head irrespective of the exercise or amount of activity of the wearer. In applications where the fixed position of the novel headwear dominates such as ski hats and exercise wear a substantially coplanar relationship is maintained to use the hair to anchor the headwear on the head. Ih applications where fashion vagaries dictate an angular relationship can be provided between the headband and headwear in novel knitted articles of the invention. The invention integrates the hair band into the novel articles of headwear utilizing a plurality of loops to incorporate the hairband into the novel articles of headwear.
Conventional handkerchief scarfs, commonly called bandannas, in the usual form of squares or rectangles, are formed from thin fabrics of silk, cotton, rayon or the like which may be characterized as being of a limp and thin nature. Such bandannas are often used as a facial covering to protect the wearer's face from cold and wind and to filter dust out of inhaled air.
However, due to the thin nature of the material, the bandanna provides very little insulating quality in cold temperatures, very little barrier in strong winds and virtually no impact protection. .
All of these proposals are intended to fulfil the market's need upon considering the criteria of use. Headwear' s are normally designed according to the objectives and environment of use required.
The prior art has items of head wear which are purpose specific. Thus there are many items of protective head wear used in a variety of sporting activities and separate headwear garments which can be formed from flexible materials such as a bandana but there is a long felt want to provide a head wear apparel which can be assembled from a generally planar sheet of material and which is also able to provide at least low impact protection for a wearer.
INVENTION
The present invention provides improvement in the manufacture and design of headwear so as to offer protection to a part of the wearer's body. The present invention further provides improvements in headwear and more particularly relates to headwear having unique construction.
Furthermore, the invention provides a head wear which has little or no stiffness and, may be used as a protective covering able to easily conform to the shape of a head of a wearer.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cloth wearing apparel headwear article improved with respect to protecting the wearer's head against exposure to weather elements and from low level impact.
It is another object of this invention to provide a wearing apparel article of the aforesaid nature formed from a limp fabric yet capable of folding and unfolding.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wearing apparel article of the aforesaid nature which can be worn in different ways such as by adjusting the size of a recess for protection of the head from the effects of weather elements and low impact.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wearing apparel article of the aforesaid nature of simple construction and amenable to economical manufacture.
These objects and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description. The above and other beneficial objects and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by an article of wearing apparel which will be described below.
In one broad form the present invention comprises:
an article of headwear apparel comprising: a flexible panel including a panel body having a periphery defining a first recess in a part of a periphery of said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second tabs are symmetrically disposed bout a neutral axis bisecting the panel.;
second and third recesses which are formed by three peripheral tabs;
the panel forming a template from which is made the headwear garment, wherein the panel is capable of movement between a first state in which the panel is generally planar and a second state when said panel is assembled to form the head ware apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
Preferably the first and second members are of like profile and form tabs.
Preferably the panel is a template and the tabs engage by means of fasteners to form said head ware.
According to one embodiment the panel is irregular in shape and the first and second tabs each terminate in means to enable mutual engagement of free ends of said tabs. Preferably the three peripheral tabs are formed by a second and third peripheral recesses.
In another broad form the present invention comprises:
an article of headwear apparel comprising: a flexible body of cloth material, the flexible body having a periphery including a plurality of recesses formed in said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second tabs are symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the head wear ;
second and third recesses which are formed by three peripheral tabs;
the head wear forming a template from which is made the headwear article, wherein the flexible body of cloth material is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
Preferably the first and second members are of like profile and form tabs.
Preferably the panel is a template and the tabs engage by means of fasteners to form said head ware.
In its broadest form the present invention comprises:
an article of protective headwear apparel formed from a flexible panel;
the panel including a periphery having at least one recess in a part of the periphery of said flexible panel; the first recess defined by first and second tab members which terminate at either end in free end extremities,
a bridging member which joins the tab members, and
a tab member having a free end extremity and which is connected to the bridging member and which together with the first and second tab members define respective second and third recesses, wherein the recesses allows folding of each said tabs such that a free end of each the tabs engage at least one said tabs to form the headwear.
Ih a further broad form the present invention comprises:
an article of headwear apparel comprising: a flexible body of cloth material, the flexible body having a periphery including a plurality of recesses formed in said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second members are tabs symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the head wear;
second and third recesses which are formed by free ends of the first and second tabs and sides of the third tab connected to the bridging member; the head wear forming a planar template from which is made the headwear article, wherein the flexible body of cloth material is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
In another broad form according to a method aspect the present invention comprises:
a method of assembly of an article of headwear apparel comprising: a flexible body of cloth material, the flexible body having a periphery including a plurality of recesses formed in said panel; the first recess defining first and second members each having convergent side edges that meet in an apex on respective first and second members, such that the first and second tabs are symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis bisecting the head wear ;
second and third recesses which are formed by three peripheral tabs;
the method comprising the steps of;
a) taking a first and third tab of said three peripheral tabs;
b) engaging free ends of said tabs and at the same time engaging with the first and third tab the second of said three peripheral tabs;
c) engaging opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs in such a way so that the body of cloth material assumes a generally dome shape to form a recess to receive a head of a wearer;
d) optionally engaging said first and second tabs to complete the headwear.
When the head wear is to be disassembled the method comprises the further steps of;
a) removing the headwear from the head of a wearer and taking a first and third tab of said three peripheral tabs;
b) disengaging free ends of said tabs and at the same time disengaging the first and third tab from the second of said three peripheral tabs;
c) disengaging opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs and disengaging said first and second tabs in such a way so that the body of cloth material assumes a generally planar shape;
the head wear forming a template from which is made the headwear article, wherein the flexible body of cloth material is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
According to one embodiment, the headwear comprises an envelope formed by at least two layers defining an internal space which receives and retains therein a padding material. The layers may be sewn together to retain the padding and the padding is sufficiently thick to provide adequate padding but not so thick that flexibility is compromised.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention will be now described according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein:
Figure 1 shows a plan view of a panel according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows a plan view of the panel of figure 1 assembled into a headwear garment.
Figure 3 shows a plan view of a panel according to an alternative embodiment. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the panel of figure 2 with internal layering.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the headwear garment partially assembled.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the headwear of figure 5 fully assembled
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to figure 1 there is shown a plan view of a flexible panel 1 capable of moving between a generally flat planar state and assembly into an item of protective headwear apparel.
Panel 1 comprises a piece of flexible fabric which may be formed from layers and padding between the layers according to utility requirements and degree of padded protection required. Panel 1 further comprises a body 2 defining a periphery 3. Periphery 3 according to the embodiment shown, has an irregular boundary and includes a first recess 4 bounded by first and second tabs members 5 and 6. First and second tab members 5 and 6 each have convergent side edges 7 and 8 that meet in respective apices 9 and 10. Tabs 5 and 6 are symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis 11 bisecting the panel 1. Tab members 5 and 6 are joined by bridge member 12 which also bounds recess 4.
Further disposed about periphery 3 are second and third recesses 13 and 14 respectively which are defined by bridge member 12, tab 15 and respective ends 16 and 17 of tabs 5 and 6. Panel 1 is capable of movement between a
first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
Preferably the first and second tab members 5 and 6 are of like shape and configuration and therefore symmetrical about axis 11. The tabs engage by means of fasteners to form said head wear. Front and /or rear surfaces of each tab may be adapted with fastening means such as Velcro pads. For example in the embodiment shown, panel 1 includes Velcro pad 18 on tab
5, Velcro pad 19 on tab 6, pad 20 at end 16 of tab 5 and pad 21 at end 17 of tab 6. Although the shape of panel 1 is a desirable shape to achieve a convenient headwear fit, it will be appreciated that alternative tab shapes may be adopted to achieve an effective headwear configuration.
In use, the headwear apparel shown in figure 1 is according to one embodiment fitted according to the following regime.
The user takes the planar panel 1 which is a flexible layered material and pre assembles the panel into the headwear. In the first step, the user bends bridge member 12 so it forms an arc. This draws tabs 5 and 6 close together as a result of which ends 9 and 10 and ends 16 and 17 of respective tabs 5 and 6 are drawn together to the point where ends 9 and 10 are close enough to engage and ends 16 and 17 are close enough to engage. Tab 15 works in conjunction with ends 16 and 17 . This has the effect of surrounding recesses 4, 13 and 14 which when the headwear is on a wearer's head provides ventilation openings. The wearing configuration is held in position by means of the Velcro pads 18, 19, 20 and 21 takes first and third tabs 12 and 14 of said three peripheral tabs 12, 13 and 14.
Free ends 16 and 17 of said tabs 5 and 6 are urged into apposition which causes the body of panel 1 to gradually form a dome shape suitable for fitting a users head. At the same time end 16 is brought into engagement with the tab 15 and end 17 is brought into engagement with tab 15 ,. This secures tab 15 in position and provides an additional layer of padding at the location of engagement.
Opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs 9 and 10 and 16 and 17 are brought into engagement in such a way so that the body of cloth rises upwards and assumes the generally dome shape to form a recess to receive a head of a wearer which may be adjusted in size according to the requirements of the wearer by the amount of overlap between the respective tabs. There may be optional engagement of said first and second tabs to complete the headwear.
When the head wear is to be disassembled for removal of the headwear from the head of a wearer or simply to be returned to its flat state, the engaging tabs 9 and 10 and 16 and 17 are disengaged, via their free ends. Opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs 5, 6 and 15 are rotated away from each other in such a way so that the body of cloth material assumes a generally planar shape;
The headwear may be adapted with a back panel as shown in figure 3 for added protection.
Referring to figure 2 there is shown an assembled view of the flexible panel 1 of figure 1 assembled as an item of headwear apparel. Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the headwear panel 1 of figure 1 fully assembled. Figure 2 has like parts with numbers corresponding to the numbering of figure 1.
As shown in figure 1 periphery 3 has an irregular boundary and includes a first recess 4 bounded by first and second tabs 5 and 6. First and second tabs 5 and 6 each have convergent side edges that meet in respective apices 9 and 10. Tabs 5 and 6 are symmetrically disposed about a neutral axis 11 ( see figure 1 ) bisecting the panel 1.
Further disposed about periphery 3 are second and third recesses 13 and 14 respectively which are formed by three peripheral tabs 5, 6 and 15. Panel 1 is capable of movement between a first state shown in figure 1 in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state shown in figure 2 when
said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
Preferably the first and second tab members 5 and 6 are of like shape and configuration. The tabs engage by means of fasteners to form said head wear. Front and /or rear surfaces of each tab may be adapted with fastening means such as Velcro.
In use, the headwear apparel is according to one embodiment fitted according to the following regime.
As before, opposing faces of the three peripheral tabs 5, 6 and 15 are brought into engagement in such a way so that the body of cloth rises upwards and assumes the generally dome shape to form a recess to receive a head of a wearer which may be adjusted in size according to the requirements of the wearer by the amount of overlap between the respective tabs. Preferably head wear 1 further comprises ventilation openings 18 and 19 to assist head dissipation from the head.
Figure 3 shows a plan view of a headwear assembly 30 according to an alternative embodiment. Assembly 30 includes panel 31 with removable auxilary closure panel 32.
Panel 31 comprises a piece of flexible fabric which may be formed from layers and padding between the layers according to utility requirements and degree of padded protection required. Panel 31 further comprises a body defining a periphery 33. Periphery 33 according to the embodiment shown, has an irregular boundary and is a variant shape from the panel ,1 described with reference to figure 1. Panel 31 includes a first recess 34 bounded by first and second tabs members 35 and 36. First and second tab members 35 and 36 each have convergent side edges 37 and 38 that meet in respective apices 39 and 40. Tabs 35 and 36 are symmetrically disposed about a
neutral axis 41 bisecting the panel 31 , Tab members 35 and 36 are joined by bridge member 42 which also bounds recess 34.
Further disposed about periphery 33 are second and third recesses 43 and 44 respectively which are defined by bridge member 42, tab 35 and respective ends 46 and 47 of tabs 35 and 36. Panel 31 is capable of movement between a first state in which the flexible body is generally planar and a second state when said flexible body is assembled to form the head wear apparel by mutual engagement of at least two said tabs.
Figure 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of a panel 50 showing constituent layers 51, 52 and 53. This figure shows how the 3 layers which may be in the order of 6mm thick co operate to form the body of the headwear.
Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the headwear assembly 60 partially assembled. According to the embodiment shown the headwear garment 60 is exploded so that panel 61 is disposed in its working configuration and closure member 62 is opposing. Retainer 63 engages flaps 64 and 65 to secure the headwear.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the headwear of figure 5 fully assembled and with corresponding numbering.
One advantage of the present invention in all its embodiments is that a complete head wear may be constructed from a flat panel of an irregular shape having front and rear surfaces, convergent side edges and tabs that form respective apices and define peripheral recesses. The tabs are formed such that their extremities can meet at the same time causing thee body of the headwear to form a hemispherical shaped head garment. This causes the head wear to have a line of symmetry in both the assembled and disassembled form.
The panel is according to one embodiment formed from a sheet of compliant thermally insulating material . The insulating material sewn within the pocket region by stitching that penetrates forward and back panels.
The insulating material may comprise cellular foam fabricated from a synthetic resilient polymer such as but not limited to polyurethane.
It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.
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