WO2008034949A1

WO2008034949A1 - Headwear piece

Info

Publication number: WO2008034949A1
Application number: PCT/FI2007/050498
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikael Vainio; Liisa Vainio
Original assignee: Mikael Vainio; Liisa Vainio
Priority date: 2006-09-22
Filing date: 2007-09-19
Publication date: 2008-03-27
Also published as: US20080092272A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a headwear piece (1) comprising a crown (2). The headwear piece (1) has a first opening (7) through the crown (2) to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail (8) and a second opening (9) through the crown (2) to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail (10)- The first opening (7) and the second opening (9) are provided with enlarging means for enlarging the openings to produce enlarged openings through the crown (2).

Description

HEADWEAR PIECE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to headwear piece for the wearing on a person's head.

More particularly, the invention relates to a headwear piece comprising a crown defining an opening to accept the head of a wearer. The crown is dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head. The crown has a peripheral crown wall having an annular configuration and a top wall. The headwear piece comprises a first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head, and a second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. The first opening is provided on a first side of the front-to-back median of the crown and the second opening is provided on the opposite second side of the front-to-back median of the crown.

The headwear piece of the invention is preferably, but not necessarily, a baseball style cap having generally a crown to which a frontal bill is attached.

US 5,511,249 (Higgins) discloses a headwear piece comprising a crown and having two openings through the crown, each of the openings being fully surrounded by the crown and allow passage of a ponytail therethrough, the openings being provided in the crown oppositely spaced with respect to the front-to-back median of the crown. Since the openings through the crown in this known headwear piece are relatively small, 1 - 3 inches (about 2.5 to about 7.5 cm), it is difficult for a wearer to fit the headwear piece on the head when the wearer, at the same time when fitting the headwear piece into place on his/her head has to fit a first ponytail through the first opening and a second ponytail through the second opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to solve this problem.

In a headwear piece according to the invention both the first opening and the second opening is provided with enlarging means for enlarging the opening to produce an enlarged opening through the peripheral crown wall to facilitate the placement of an ponytail trough the opening. Several embodiments of the headwear piece according to the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention both the first opening and the second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall. In this first advantageous embodiment of the invention the both the first enlarging means and the second enlarging means comprise entry means provided on the crown for providing a closable entryway in the crown in communication with the first opening through the peripheral crown wall to allow an elongate ponytail to be placed in the opening through the peripheral crown wall without threading the ponytail lengthwise into the opening in the peripheral crown wall. In this first advantageous embodiment both the first closable entryway and the second closable extends between the opening and the bottom edge of the crown. In this first advantageous embodiment the crown is defined by fabric and both the first means and the second means for providing a closable entryway comprises two fabric flaps each defining a portion of the crown outer surface and comprises joining means for releasable joining the flaps in mutually overlying relationship.

In a second advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece of the invention the crown is defined by fabric and both the enlarged first opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall and enlarged second opening through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall the are completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall. In this second advantageous embodiment the first enlarging means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and comprises joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In this second advantageous embodiment the second enlarging means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and comprises joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In a third advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece of the invention the crown defined by fabric. In this third advantageous embodiment the enlarged first opening is in communication with the enlarged second opening and the enlarged second opening is in communication with the enlarged first opening. In this third advantageous embodiment the first enlarging means comprises first and second fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged first opening to produce said first opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening to produce said enlarged first opening, wherein said first and second fabric flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and comprises joining means for releasable joining the first and second flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the second enlarging means comprises third and fourth fabric flaps for closing a part of said enlarged second opening to produce said second opening and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening to produce said enlarged second opening, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown outer surface and comprises joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the first fabric flaps are joined together with the third fabric flaps and the second fabric flaps are joined together with the fourth fabric flaps. The first enlarging means and the second enlarging means can in addition to enlarging the openings through at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall also form adjustment means for adjusting the size of the opening to accept the head of the wearer in the crown.

The invention also provides for a fourth advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece, which differs from the above presented first, second and third advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece of the invention, since in the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention is the first opening is in the form of a first cutout through the peripheral crown in the bottom edge of the crown not completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall and the second opening is in the form of a second cutout through the peripheral crown in the bottom edge of the crown not completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall and the top wall.

In this fourth advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece, the headwear piece comprises a first cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge. The first cutout is provided with a first strap. The first cutout and the first strap form together the perimeter of a first opening to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. In this fourth advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece, the headwear piece comprises in addition to the first cutout a second cutout through the peripheral crown wall in the bottom edge. The second cutout is provided with a second strap. The second cutout and the second strap form together the perimeter of a second opening to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail on the head of a wearer with the headwear piece in place on a wearer's head. The first cutout and the second cutout are provided on opposite sides of the front -to-back median of the crown. The first strap is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout, and the second strap is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the second cutout. The first strap of the first cutout and the second strap of the second cutout can in addition form adjustment means for adjusting the size of the opening to accept the head of the wearer in the crown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG 2 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 3 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 4 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention and shows the headwear piece with the enlarged first and second enlarged openings produced;

FIG 5 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 6 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 7 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 6 and show the headwear in a state where an enlarged opening is produced; FIG 8 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 9 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 8 and show the headwear in a state where an enlarged opening is produced;

FIG 10 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 11 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 12 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention; FIG 13 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG 14 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention; FIG 15 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 16 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention and shows the headwear piece with the enlarged first and second enlarged openings produced;

FIG 17 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG 18 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention; FIG 19 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 20 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a third advantageous embodiment of the invention and shows the headwear piece with the enlarged first and second enlarged openings produced; FIG 21 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG 22 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 23 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 24 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 25 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 24 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened; FIG 26 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 27 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 28 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 29 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 28 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG 30 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention; FIG 31 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 30 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG 32 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention; FIG 33 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 34 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention; FIG 35 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 36 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 37 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 38 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 39 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 28 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened; FIG 40 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 41 is a detailed view of the headwear piece shown in FIG 30 and show the headwear in a state where a cutout is opened;

FIG 42 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a variant of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG 43 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a fifth advantageous embodiment of the invention in place on a wearer's head;

FIG 44 is a side view of a headwear piece according to a fifth advantageous embodiment of the invention; and FIG 45 is a rear view of a headwear piece according to a fifth advantageous embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The headwear piece 1 shown in FIGs 1 to 42 comprises a crown 2 defining an opening 3 to accept the head 4 of a wearer (not shown in the drawings).

The crown 2 dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head 4 . The crown 2 has a top and bottom, a peripheral crown wall 5 having an annular configuration and a top wall 6. The headwear piece 1 comprises a first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail 8 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4. The headwear piece 1 also comprises a second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail 10 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4.

In the embodiments shown in FIGs 1 to 12, the first opening 7 is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 and the second opening 9 is completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6.

The first opening 7 is provided on a first side of the front -to-back median (not marked with a reference numeral) of the crown 2 and the second opening 9 is provided on the opposite second side of the front-to-back median of the crown 2.

The first opening 7 is provided with first enlarging means 11 for enlarging the first opening 7 to produce an enlarged first opening 12 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to facilitate the placement of the first ponytail 8 trough the first opening 7. The second opening 9 is provided with second enlarging means 13 for enlarging the second opening 9 to produce an enlarged second opening 14 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to facilitate the placement of the second ponytail 10 trough the second opening 9.

FIGS 1 to 4 show a first advantageous embodiment of the invention. In FIGs 1 to 4, the first enlarging means 11 comprise first entry means 15 provided on the crown

2 for providing a first closable entryway 16 in the crown 2 in communication with the first opening 7 through the peripheral crown wall 5 to allow a first ponytail to be placed in the first opening 7 through the peripheral crown wall 5 without threading the first ponytail 8 lengthwise into the first opening 7 in the peripheral crown wall 5. In FIGs 1 to 4, the second enlarging means 13 comprise second entry means

17 provided on the crown 2 for providing a second closable entryway 18 in the crown

2 in communication with the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 to allow a second ponytail to be placed in the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 without threading the second ponytail 10 lengthwise into the second opening 9.

In FIGs 1 to 4, the first closable entryway 16 extend s between the first opening 7 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2 and the second closable entryway 18 extends between the second opening 9 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

In FIGs 1 to 4 the crown 2 is defined by fabric. The first means for providing a closable entryway comprises in FIGs 1 to 4 first fabric flaps 20 and second fabric flaps 21 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second fabric flaps, preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. The second means for providing a closable entryway comprises in FIGs 1 to 4 third fabric flaps 23 and fourth fabric flaps 24 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth fabric flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

Figs 5 to 12 show variants of the headwear piece shown in figs 1 to 4. The first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 for releasable joining two fabric flaps of can comprise a Velcro® strap 31 as shown in Fig 6 and 7.

In Figs 8 and 9 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise several co-operating buttons 32 arranged at the fabric flaps for releasable joining two fabric flaps.

In Fig 10 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise magnets 33, for connecting the fabric flaps together.

In Fig 11 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise fabric pieces 34 which can be tied to a knot 35 for connecting the fabric flaps together. Each of the fabric flaps 20, 21, 23 and 24 comprises in this embodiment advantageously an integrated fabric piece 34 , which can be tied to a knot 35 with another fabric piece 34.

In Fig 12 the first joining means 22 and the second joining means 25 comprise a zipper 36 for releasable joining the fabric flaps together.

Alternatively can the first closable entryway 16 extend between the first opening 7 and the second opening 9 and the second closable entryway 18 extend between the second opening 9 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2 . In this embodiment is the crown 2 preferably is defined by fabric. In this embodiment the first means for providing a closable entryway preferably comprises first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship and the second means for providing a closable entryway preferably comprises third and fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 each defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

Figs 13 to 16 show a second advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In this second advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece 1 of the invention the crown 2 is defined by fabric and both the enlarged first opening 12 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 and enlarged second opening 14 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall

6 the are completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6. In this second advantageous embodiment the first enlarging means 11 comprises first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 for closing a part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said first opening 7 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said enlarged first opening 12, wherein said first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. In this second advantageous embodiment the second enlarging means 13 comprises third and fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 for closing a part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said second opening 9 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said enlarged second opening 14 , wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. Alternatively can only the enlarged first opening 12 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 being completely surrounded by the peripheral crown wall 5 and the second opening 9 be provided with a second closable entryway 18 extending between the second opening 9 and the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2. In this alternative can the first enlarging means 11 comprise first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 for closing a part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said first opening 7 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said enlarged first opening 12, wherein said first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship.

In the second advantageous embodiment of the invention can the first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps and/or the second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps for example comprise such joining means, which are presented in fig 6 to 12.

Figs 17 to 20 show a third advantageous embodiment of the invention. In this third advantageous embodiment of the headwear piece 1 of the invention the crown 2 defined by fabric. In this third advantageous embodiment the enlarged first opening 12 is in communication with the enlarged second opening 14 and the enlarged second opening 14 is in communication with the enlarged first opening 12. In this third advantageous embodiment the first enlarging means 11 comprises first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 for closing a part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said first opening 7 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged first opening 12 to produce said enlarged first opening 12, wherein said first and second fabric flaps 20, 21 defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the second enlarging means 13 comprises third and fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 for closing a part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said second opening 9 and correspondingly for opening said part of said enlarged second opening 14 to produce said enlarged second opening 14, wherein said third and fourth flaps defining a portion of the crown 2 outer surface and comprises second joining means 25 for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps preferably, but not necessarily, in mutually overlying relationship. In this third advantageous embodiment the first fabric flaps 20 are joined together with the third fabric flaps 23 and the second fabric flaps 21 are joined together with the fourth fabric flaps 24.

Alternatively can the first and the third fabric flaps in this third advantageous embodiment be separate fabric flaps, i.e. not joined together. Alternatively can the second and the fourth fabric flaps 23, 24 in this third advantageous embodiment be separate fabric flaps, i.e. not joined together.

In the third advantageous embodiment of the invention can the first joining means 22 for releasable joining the first and second flaps and/or the second joining means for releasable joining the third and fourth flaps for example comprise such joining means, which are presented in fig 6 to 12.

The headwear piece 1 of the invention is preferably, but not necessarily a such that the crown 2 outer surface is substantially uninterrupted by any opening at the front half of the crown 2. The bottom of the first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, spaced at least 1 cm upwardly from the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

The bottom of the first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, spaced at least 1 cm upwardly from the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2 and t he bottom of the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 is preferably, but not necessarily spaced at least 1 cm upwardly from the bottom edge 19 of the crown 2.

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 2.5 and 10 cm.

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 5 and 7.5 cm. The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 2.5 and 10 cm, and the second opening 9 in through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 the peripheral crown wall 5 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 2.5 and 10 cm.

The first opening 7 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between 5 and 7.5 cm, and the second opening 9 through at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 and the top wall 6 has preferably, but not necessarily, a diameter between5 and 7.5 cm. The headwear piece 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily a frontal bill

30.

Figs 21 to 23 show a fourth embodiment of a headwear piece 1 according to the invention.

The headwear piece 1 shown in Figs 21 to 23 comprises a crown 2 defining an opening 2 to accept the head 4 of a wearer. The crown 2 is dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head 4. The crown 2 has a top and bottom, a peripheral crown wall 5 having an annular configuration and a top wall 6. The peripheral crown wall 5 ha s a bottom edge 19. The crown 2 has an exposed outer surface; The headwear piece 1 shown in Figs 21 to 23 comprises a first opening 7 in the form of a first cutout 26 through the peripheral crown wall 5 in the bottom edge 19. The first cutout 26 is provided with a first enlarging means 11 in the form of a first strap 27. The first cutout 26 and the first strap 27 forms together the perimeter of a first opening 7 to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail 8 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4.

The headwear piece 1 shown in Figs 21 to 23 also comprises a second opening 9 in the form of a second cutout 28 through the peripheral crown wall 5 in the bottom edge 19. The second cutout 28 is provided with a second enlarging means 13 in the form of a second strap 29. The second cutout 28 and the second strap 29 forms together the perimeter of a second opening 9 to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail 10 on the head 4 of a wearer with the headwear piece 1 in place on a wearer's head 4.

The first cutout 26 and the second cutout 28 are provided on opposite sides of the front -to-back median of the crown 2. At least the first strap 27 is preferably an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout 26.

In the headwear piece 1 shown in Figs 21 to 23 both the first strap 27 is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout 26, and the second strap 29 is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the second cutout 28.

At least one of the first strap 27 and the second strap 26 may consist of two overlapping straps, of which the first is fastened on one site of the cutout and of which the second is fastened on the opposite site of the cutout and which are fastenable with respect to each other in at least two positions so that the length of the strap is adjustable. In such embodiment at least one of the overlapping straps may be provided with fastening means for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each other. The fastening means for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each other may be realized so that one of the overlapping straps is provided with studs and the other overlapping strap is provided with apertures for receiving the studs when the overlapping straps are in a overlapping state. The fastening means for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each other may also comprise a Velcro ® band for releasable fastening the overlapping straps to each other as shown in FIG 32. At least one of the first strap 27 and the second strap 26 may be a strap, which is fixedly fastened on one site of the cutout and which is releasable fastenable on the opposite site of the cutout in at least two positions preferably, but not necessarily, by means fastening means, so that the width of the cutout can be altered.

Figs 24 to 42 shows variants of the fourth advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In figs 24 to 25 the cutouts are provided with a lashing 37 so that the lashes form the strap of the cutout. The crown is provided with several holes 38 for the lashes on opposite sides of the cutouts. The lashing may form a continuous loop as shown in fig 24 or have two ends, as shown in fig 25, so that the lashing is suitable for being be tied into a knot 39.

In fig 26 the straps are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutouts 26 and

28, but the straps 27 and 29 are made of a flexible material, for example of a flexible fabric, so that the distance between the opposite sides of the cutout and the length of the straps 27 and 29 can flexible vary to facilitate placement of a ponytail through the openings 7 and 9.

In fig 27 the straps are fixedly fastened on one of the opposite sides of the cutout 26 and 28 and the straps can be releasable fastened on the opposite side of the cutout 26 and 28 in various predefined positions by means of several co-operating buttons 40 provided on the crown 2 and the strap 27, 29 to facilitate placement of a ponytail through the openings 7 and 9 and so that the distance between the opposite sides of the cutout 26 and 28 can be varied.

In fig 28 and 29 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 comprises two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout and the strap portions of the cutout can be releasable fastened to each other in various portions by means of co-operating buttons 40 provided on both strap portions of a cutout to facilitate placement of a ponytail through the openings 7 and 9 and so that the distance between the opposite sides of the cutout 26 and 28 can be varied.

In fig 30 and 31 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 are made of two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout. A first strap portion is provided with a ring 45 through which the second strap portion of the cutout can be tread so the second strap portion can be releasable fastened to itself in various positions and form a closed loop of the second strap portion. For releasable fastening the second strap portion to itself and to form the closed loop, the second strap portion is provided with fastening means 46, which may be a Velcro ® strap as shown in fig 31.

In fig 33 both cutouts are provided with a strap in the form of a plastic two- part plastic buckle 47, which can be repeatable opened and closed. In other words, the plastic two-part buckle comprises a first buckle part 48 and a second buckle part 49, which can be releasable attached to the first buckle part. The first plastic buckle part of the plastic buckle is fastened at one side of the cutout and the second plastic buckle part of the plastic buckle is fastened at the opposite side of the cutout. At least one of the first buckle part 48 and the second buckle part 49 can be fastened by a strap portion at the crown. At least one of the first buckle part 48 and the second buckle part 49 can be releasable fastened by a strap portion at the crown. Woo Jin-Duraflex in Korea makes suitable plastic two-part buckles.

In fig 34 both cutouts are provided with a strap, which is fixedly fastened at one side of the cutout and which can be releasable fastened at the opposite side of the cutout by means of several holes 50 formed in the strap and a button 51 attached by sewing to the crown 2, which button 51 can be tread through a selected hole 50 in the strap to releasable attach the free end of the strap 27 and 29 to the crown 2.

In fig 35 the headwear piece is provided with an adjustable strap 52, which is releasable fixed by mean of fastening elements 53 at the annular peripheral crown wall 5 so that the adjustable strap 52 extends over the part of the annular peripheral crown wall 5 having the first cutout 26 and second cutout 28. The adjustable strap 52 is releasable fixed at the annular peripheral crown wall 5 by means of two fastening elements 53 , so that the adjustable strap 52 can be releasable fixed to the fastening elements 53 at several positions at the adjustable strap 52, which positions for example as in fig 35 are defined by the teeth 54 of the adjustable strap 52. By fixing he fastening elements 53 to the adjustable strap 52 at different distances from each other can the user adjust the size of the opening 3 on the crown 2. Such adjustment mechanisms are for example used in helmets.

In fig 36 the headwear piece is provided with an adjustable annular collar 61 , which surrounds the opening 3 of the crown 2 so that the size of the opening 3 can be varied by adjusting the size of the adjustable annular collar 61, more precisely by adjusting the diameter of the adjustable annular collar 61 . Alternatively cam the adjustable annular collar 61 in fig 36 be an adjustable collar portion 61, which do not completely surround the opening 3 of the crown 2. In other words, the adjustable collar 61 can alternatively only extend over the part of the opening 3 of the crown 2 at which part the first cutout 26 and the second cutout 28 is disposed or situated so that the size of the opening 3 can be varied by adjusting the size of the adjustable collar portion 61, more precisely by adjusting the length of the adjustable collar portion 61. In this alternative the adjustable collar portion 61 is fastened to the crown 2. The adjustable collar 61 may comprise a wire 62 which can be reeled up on a reel member 63 by rotating the reel member so that the length of the adjustable collar decreases and reeled off the reel member 63 in the other direction so that the length of the adjustable collar increases. Such adjustable collars are for example used in helmets.

In fig 37 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 comprises two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions of one cutout are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout. One of the strap portions 41, 42, 43 or 44 of the cutout is provided with a tensioning buckle 55 made for example of plastic through which the other strap portion 41, 42, 43 or 44 of the cutout can be lead. The tensioning buckle can for example be a plastic tensioning buckle of the type used in backpacks and similar articles. Woo Jin-Duraflex in Korea makes suitable tensioning buckles. In fig 38 and 39 the straps of both cutouts 26, 28 are made of two strap portions 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, respectively. The strap portions of one cutout are fixedly fastened on opposite sides of the cutout. One of the strap portions of the cutout is provided with several holes 58 and the other strap portion of the cutout is provided with buckle having a ring 56 and a prong 57 , which prong can be inserted into a selected hole in the other strap portion of the cutout.

In fig 40 and 41 both cutouts are provided with a strap, which is fixedly fastened on one side of the cutout and which comprises a hook element 61 in the free opposite end. On the other side, the crown is provided with several holes 59 at different distances from the cutout. By placing the hook element strap trough a selected hole in the crown, will the side of the cutout, at which the strap is fastened be closer or more distant from the side of the cutout, which is provided with the holes.

In fig 42 both cutouts are provided with a strap 27 and 29, which is fixedly fastened on one side of the cutout. On the other side of the cutout the crown is provided with a locking device 60 for releasable locking the free end of the strap to the crown at a selected position of the strap.

At least one of the first strap 27 of the first cutout 26 and the second strap 29 of the second cutout 28 can at least partly be formed of flexible material. Figs 43 to 45 show a fifth embodiment of the headwear piece according to the invention. In the fifth embodiment of the invention at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 of the crown 2 and the top wall 6 of the crown 2 being at least party formed of elastic fabric 64 and the first opening 7 being at least partly surrounded by said elastic fabric 64 and said elastic fabric 64 forms first enlarging means 11 for enlarging the first opening 7 to produce an enlarged first opening 12.

In the fifth embodiment of the headwear piece according to the invention also the second opening 9 is preferably, but not necessarily at least partly surrounded by said elastic fabric 64 so that said elastic fabric 64 forms second enlarging means 13 for enlarging the second opening 9 to produce an enlarged second opening 14. In the fifth embodiment of the headwear piece according to the invention, the first opening 7 and/or the second opening 9 is preferably, but not necessarily, completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall 5 of the crown 2 and the top wall 6 of the crown 2 and the peripheral crown wall 5 of the crown 2 and the top wall 6 of the crown 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, completely made of elastic fabric 64.

Above some embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed by way of example, but for a person skilled in the art it will be clear that the invention is not limited to those alone, but rather it can be modified in many different ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A headwear piece comprising: a crown (2) defining an opening (3) to accept the head (4) of a wearer; said crown (2) dimensioned to extend from the back to the front of a wearer's head (4); said crown (2) having a top and bottom, a bottom edge (19), a peripheral crown wall (5) having an annular configuration and a top wall (6); a first opening (7) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) to allow passage therethrough of a first ponytail (8) on the head (4) of a wearer with the headwear piece (1) in place on a wearer's head (4); and a second opening (9) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) to allow passage therethrough of a second ponytail (10) on the head (4) of a wearer with the headwear piece (1) in place on a wearer's head (4); and wherein the first opening (7) is provided on a first side of the front -to-back median of the crown (2); and wherein the second opening (9) is provided on the opposite second side of the front -to-back median of the crown (2); characterized in that the first opening (7) is provided with first enlarging means (11) for enlarging the first opening (7) to produce an enlarged first opening (12) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) to facilitate the placement of the first ponytail (8) trough the first opening (7); and in that the second opening (9) is provided with second enlarging means (13) for enlarging the second opening (9) to produce an enlarged second opening (14) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) to facilitate the placement of the second ponytail (10) trough the second opening (9).

2. The headwear piece according to claim 1, characterized in that the first opening (7) being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6); in that the second opening (9) being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6); in that the first enlarging means (11) comprise first entry means (15) provided on the crown (2) for providing an enlarged first opening (12) in the form of a first closable entryway (16) in the crown (2) in communication with the first opening (7) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) to allow a first ponytail (8) to be placed in the first opening (7) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) without threading the first ponytail (8) lengthwise into the first opening (7); and in that the second enlarging means (13) comprise second entry means (17) provided on the crown (2) for providing an enlarged second opening (14) in the form of a second closable entryway (18) in the crown (2) in communication with the second opening (9) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) to allow a second ponytail (10) to be placed in the second opening (9) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) without threading the second ponytail (10) lengthwise into the second opening (9).

3 The headwear piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the first closable entryway (16) extending between the first opening (7) and the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2).

4. The headwear piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the first closable entryway (16) extending between the first opening (7) and the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2), and in that the second closable entryway (18) extending between the second opening (9) and the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2).

5. The headwear piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the first closable entryway (16) extending between the first opening (7) and the second opening (9); in that the second closable entryway (18) extending between the second opening (9) and the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2).

6. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the crown (2) is defined by fabric; in that the first entry means (15) for providing a first closable entryway (16) in the crown (2) comprises first fabric flaps (20) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface and second fabric flaps (21) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface; and in that the first entry means (15) comprises first joining means (22) for re leasable joining the first fabric flaps (20) and the second fabric flaps (21).

7. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the crown (2) is defined by fabric; in that the second entry means (17) for providing a second closable entryway (18) in the crown (2) comprises third fabric flaps (23) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface and fourth fabric flaps (24) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface; and in that the second entry means (17) comprises second joining means (25) for re leasable joining the third fabric flaps (23) and the fourth fabric flaps (24).

8. The headwear piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the enlarged first opening (12) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6).

9. The headwear piece according to claim 8, characterized in that the crown (2) is defined by fabric; in that the first enlarg ing means (11) comprises first fabric flaps (20) and second fabric flaps (21) for closing a part of said enlarged first opening (12) to produce said first opening (7) and correspondingly for opening said part of said first opening (7) to produce said enlarged first opening (12), in that said first fabric flaps (20) and second fabric flaps (21) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface; and in that the first enlarging means (11) comprises first joining means (22) for releasable joining the first fabric flaps (20) and second fabric flaps (21).

10. The headwear piece according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the enlarged second opening (14) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) being completely surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6).

11. The headwear piece according to claim 10, characterized in that the crown (2) is defined by fabric; in that the second enlarging means (13) comprises third fabric flaps (23) and fourth fabric flaps (24) for closing a part of said enlarged second opening (14) to produce said second opening (9) and correspondingly for opening said part of said second opening (9) to produce said enlarged second opening (14), in that said third fabric flaps (23) and fourth fabric flaps (24) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface; and in that the second enlarging means (13) second joining means (25) for releasable joining the third fabric flaps (23) and the fourth fabric flaps (24).

12. The headwear piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the crown (2) is defined by fabric; in that the enlarged first opening (12) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) is surrounded by the peripheral crown wall (5) and is in communication with the enlarged second opening (14); and in that the enlarged second opening (14) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) is surrounded by at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) and is in communication with the enlarged first opening (12).

13. The headwear piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the crown (2) is defined by fabric; in that the first enlarging means (11) comprises first fabric flaps (20) and second fabric flaps (21) for closing a part of said enlarged first opening (12) to produce said first opening (7) and correspondingly for opening said part of said first opening (7) to produce said enlarged first opening (12), in that said first fabric flaps (20) and second fabric flaps (21) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface; in that the first enlarging means (11) comprises first joining means (22) for releasable joining the first fabric flaps (20) and second fabric flaps (21); fabric flaps (24) for closing a part of said enlarged second opening (14) to produce said second opening (9) and correspondingly for opening said part of said second opening (9) to produce said enlarged second opening (14); in that said third fabric flaps (23) and fourth fabric flaps (24) defining a portion of the crown (2) outer surface; and in that the second enlarging means (13) comprises second joining means (25) for releasable joining the third fabric flaps (23) and the fourth fabric flaps (24).

14. The headwear piece according to claim 13, characterized in that the first fabric flaps (20) are joined together with the third fabric flaps

(23); and in that the second fabric flaps (21) are joined together with the fourth fabric flaps (24).

15. The headwear piece according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) being at least party formed of elastic fabric (64); in that the first opening (7) being at least partly surrounded by said elastic fabric (64); and in that said elastic fabric (64) forms first enlarging means (11) for enlarging the first opening (7) to produce an enlarged first opening (12).

16. The headwear piece according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) being at least party formed of elastic fabric (64); in that the second opening (9) being at least partly surrounded by said elastic fabric (64); and in that said elastic fabric (64) forms second enlarging means (13) for enlarging the second opening (9) to produce an enlarged second opening (14).

17. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first opening (7) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall

(5) and the top wall (6) is spaced at least 1 cm upwardly from the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2).

18. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second opening (9) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall

19. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 1 to 18 characterized in that the first opening (7) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) has a diameter between about 2.5 and about 10 cm, preferably between about 5 and about 7.5 cm, more preferably between about 2.5 and about 5 cm.

20. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the second opening (9) through at least one of the peripheral crown wall (5) and the top wall (6) has a diameter between about 2.5 and about 10 cm, preferably between about 5 and about 7.5 cm more preferably between about 2.5 and about 5 cm.

21. The headwear piece according to claim 1, characterized in that the first opening (7) is in the form of a first cutout (26) through the peripheral crown wall (5) in the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2); in that the first cutout (26) is provided with a first enlarging means (11) in the form of a first strap (27); in that the first cutout (26) and the first strap (27) forms the perimeter of the first opening (7); in that the second opening (9) is in the form of a second cutout (28) through the peripheral crown wall (5) in the bottom edge (19) of the crown (2); in that the second cutout (28) is provided with a second enlarging means (13) in the form of a second strap (29); and in that the second cutout (28) and the second strap (29) forms the perimeter of the second opening (9).

22. The headwear piece according to claim 21, characterized in that the first strap (27) is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the first cutout (26).

23. The headwear piece according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the second strap (29) is an adjustable strap for altering the distance between opposite edges of the second cutout (28).

24. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the first strap (27) is fixedly fastened on one side of the first cutout (26), and in that the first strap (27) is releasable fastened on the opposite side of the cutout by means of means for releasable attaching the first strap (27) to the crown (2).

25. The headwear piece according to claim 24, characterized in that the second strap (29) is fixedly fastened on one side of the second cutout (28), and in that the second strap (29) is releasable fastened on the opposite side of the second cutout (28) by means of means for releasable attaching the second strap (29) to the crown (2).

26. The headwear piece according to claim 21, characterized in that the first strap (27) comprises a first strap portion (41) fixedly attached to one side of the first cutout (26), in that the first strap (27) comprises a second strap portion (42) fixedly attached to the opposite side of the first cutout (26), and in that the first strap portion (41) and the second strap portion (42) comprises fastening means for releasable joining the first strap portion (41) and the second strap portion (42) together.

27. The headwear piece according to claim 26, characterized in that the second strap (29) comprises a third strap portion (43) fixedly attached to one side of the second cutout (28), in that the second strap (29) comprises a fourth strap portion (44) fixedly attached to the opposite side of the second cutout (28), and in that the third strap portion (43) and the fourth strap portion (44) comprises fastening means for releasable joining the third strap portion (43) and the fourth strap portion (44) together.

28. The headwear piece according to any of the claim 1 to 27, wherein the headwear piece (1) comprises a frontal bill (30).

29. The headwear piece according to any of the claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the crown (2) having a front half and a back half; and in that the crown (2) outer surface being substantially uninterrupted by any opening at the front half of the crown (2).