Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a bespoke cap for people with long dreadlocks or long un-matted hair. The cap covers long dreadlocks in an aesthetically pleasing way. The bespoke cap provides a deeper crown to accommodate a large volume of dreadlocks about a wearer&#39;s head, a wide oval aperture, and an adjustable closure set at a unique angle at the rear of the cap that, together, allows locks to be gathered more naturally without being constricted. The present invention addresses the special need to cover dreadlocks without damaging them and giving a cleaner profile and a more refined appearance than caps typically worn by persons with dreadlocks.

Description:
[0001]    This non-provisional patent application does not claim priority to any previously filed application. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a bespoke cap for people with long dreadlocks or long un-matted hair. More specifically, the bespoke cap provides a deeper crown to accommodate a large volume of dreadlocks about a wearer&#39;s head, a wide oval aperture at the back of the cap, and an adjustable closure set at a unique angle at the rear of the cap that, together, allows locks to be gathered more naturally without being constricted. The present invention addresses the special need for a cap to cover dreadlocks without damaging them and gives a refined look when worn. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Dreadlocks, hereinafter locks, is a hairstyle common for afro-textured hair, but others with finer hair may also wear the hairstyle. Locks are matted coils of hair. To matt hair for locks, one stops brushing, combing, or cutting their hair and twist their hair into separate small sections. The more sections one creates the more locks will form. Once a lock is formed, new hair will continue to grow into a tangled pattern. Up close each lock looks like steel wool. The hairs are tangled and woven together so thoroughly that they form one solid mass. As hair continue to grow, locks become more and more interwoven until permanent. 
         [0004]    Because locks vary greatly in size, width, shape, length, and texture, people with long locks have a hard time finding nice fashionable caps that fit comfortably and cover the entire head without damaging the hair. Thick long locks substantially increase the volume about the wearers head when gathered into a ponytail or worn freely at ear or neck length. 
         [0005]    Common caps for locks include, but are not limited to, large crochet tams, beanies, wool knitted tams, and large adjustable baseball caps with rear apertures and a closure. These caps are informal looking and not very chic when wearing a nice suit of clothing. Also, for people with long thick locks, baseball caps and fine caps, such as newsboy and ivy caps, derbies, and such, are ill fitting, uncomfortable, and do not cover the entire head of locks. 
         [0006]    People often resort to cutting holes in baseball caps to make headroom for their locks. They use cap stretchers to increase the circumference of the cap band. The most widely known size adjuster for casual caps is a pair of plastic straps. The cap uses snaps located at the ends of a semicircular aperture forming a gap at the back. The straps are attached at opposite ends of the gap. A first strap has a plurality of holes, and a second strap has a plurality of snaps designed to engage the holes of the first strap. The cap with the snap closures typically accommodates cap sizes from about 6½″ to about 8″. 
         [0007]    Another type of adjustment is a Velcro hook and loop fastener. A first strap having a patch of Velcro loop fastener is attached to one end of the gap, and a second strap having a patch of corresponding Velcro hook fastener is attached to the opposite end of the gap. 
         [0008]    Caps having either the Velcro hook and loop or the snap closure have similar disadvantages for long dreadlocks. These sorts of caps do not preserve a person&#39;s locks by limiting pressure at friction points that cut and damage locks. The lining materials for these caps are abrasive and are bad for maintaining healthy locks. The apertures for these sorts of caps do not naturally gather locks to reduce pulling and cutting of matted hair. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,850 to Han concerns an improved fit cap having an elastic sweat band to fit wearers within a predetermined range of cap sizes. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,540 to Cho concerns a free-size cap fitting a range of head sizes. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. D632875 to Bischel concerns a pony tail gathering ball cap. This cap is made of traditional fabrics used to make balls caps that pull, tug, and damage afro-textured dreadlocks. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,494 to Garnire and Bradley concerns headwear with a closeable hair opening. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,814,573 to Greenburg concerns a self-sizing ball cap with diverse head band segments. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. D517,781 to Ortley and Kuhtz concerns a cap. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. D424,282 to Crumpton et. al. concerns a cap to accommodate a ponytail. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,334 to Griffith and Griffith concerns a baseball cap for pigtail hair styles. 
         [0017]    The listed references do not provide caps for people with afro-textured dreadlocks needing a fine cap, where the cap covers the entire head and gathers long locks without damaging them. Therefore, there is a need for a bespoke cap that covers an entire head of dreadlocks, and gathers them to lay naturally when worn in various styles. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention disclose a bespoke cap that gathers and protects long dreadlocks comprising a crown, a brim, and a rear aperture, where six pie shaped gore panels are sewn together to form a large crown, a brim is attached to the front portion of the crown, a half oval aperture cut into the rear center of the crown, and the crown being shaped by a five piece fabric pattern that includes left and right top panels that are modified bodice pieces. 
         [0019]    It is an aspect of the present invention wherein the cap is shaped by outer fabric pieces including modified bodice pieces that have adjustable straps that rest at the nape of the wearer&#39;s neck at a sloping 25 degree angle relative to apex of the crown. 
         [0020]    It is an aspect of the present invention wherein the six pie shaped gore panels are made from buckram mesh, satin, silk, or rayon/cotton blend, or any combinations thereof. 
         [0021]    It is an aspect of the present invention wherein the brim has a crescent shape and is made from double bonded leather. 
         [0022]    It is an aspect of the present invention wherein the outer covering is made from a five piece fabric pattern including left and right side panels that are tear drop shaped, a crescent shaped brim piece, and left and right 
         [0023]    It is an aspect of the present invention wherein the left and right side panels that are tear drop shaped may extend down as ear flaps. 
         [0024]    It is an aspect of the present invention wherein a fold is between the front portion of the covered cap and the brim to simulate a flat cap look. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         [0025]      FIG. 1   a  shows the bespoke cap on a silhouette having dreadlocks collected as a bun and naturally gathered by the rear aperture and straps. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1   b  shows the bespoke cap on a silhouette having dreadlocks free flowing and naturally gathered by the rear aperture and straps. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  shows the uncovered crown having an equestrian helmet like shape. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  shows the uncovered crown with a rear aperture, where the aperture has a half oval shape centered at the back of the crown and is cut before being covered by outer fabric pieces. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  shows the side view of the bespoke cap with dimensions in a simplified x-y plane. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  shows a rear view of the cap, aperture, and straps with line-segments. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6   a  shows a pie shaped gore panel with line-segments used to make the crown. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6   b  shows a crescent shaped brim with line-segments. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  shows the outer covering&#39;s fabric pattern, which includes left and right side panels, left and right top panels, and a brim cover. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  shows the outer covering&#39;s side panel with line-segments. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  shows the outer covering&#39;s top panel as a modified bodice in a simplified pattern making grid. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    From this point forward, the following words will describe a bespoke cap for dreadlocks. These words are not a limitation on the scope of the present invention but are written to detail certain embodiments. After reading the detailed description, modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. 
       Definitions 
       [0037]    The following non-limiting terms are used to detail the invention. 
         [0038]    The term “bespoke” generally refers to the cap being custom made for people with long dreadlocks or unmated hair. 
         [0039]    The terms “dreadlocks” or “locks” generally refer to matted coils of hair. 
         [0040]    The terms “fusing,” “fusible fabric,” or “buckram mesh” generally refer to a stiff cloth made of cotton or linen coming in various weights, including but not limited to baby buckram, single ply buckram or double buckram. 
         [0041]    The terms “rear aperture,” “oval aperture,” or “aperture” generally refer to a half oval shaped hole at the back of the cap that is adjusted by closure straps. 
         [0042]    The Design 
         [0043]    The present invention generally relates to a bespoke cap for dreadlocks. The bespoke cap has a crown sewn with five to six gore panels made from a fusible fabric, a brim, and an outer covering.  FIG. 1   a  shows the bespoke cap on a silhouette having dreadlocks collected as a bun and naturally gathered by the rear aperture and straps.  FIG. 1   b  shows the bespoke cap on a silhouette having locks free flowing and naturally gathered by the rear aperture and straps. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  shows the uncovered crown having an equestrian helmet like shape.  FIG. 3  shows the uncovered crown with a rear aperture, where the aperture has a half oval shape centered at the back of a crown made with five gore panels. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  shows the side view of the bespoke cap with line-segments in a simplified x-y plane.  FIG. 4  line-segment A measures 12¼″ from the brim tip  20  to the top of the rear aperture  22 .  FIG. 4  line-segment B measures 6⅜″ from the apex of the crown  21  to the lower peripheral edge  24  that extends circumferentially around the crown.  FIG. 4  line-segment C measures 6″ from the center tip of the brim  20  to the connection point of the brim at the lower peripheral edge  24  that extends circumferentially around the crown. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  line-segment D measures 10⅜″ inches from the tip of the brim  20  to the center of the nape of the neck  22 , where the adjustable straps are positioned. The straps rest at a 25 degree angle  23  relative to the apex of the crown  21 .  FIG. 4  line-segment E measures 6″ from the top of the rear aperture  22  to the center of the nape of the neck  23 , where the adjustable straps are positioned. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  shows a rear view of the covered cap, aperture, and straps with line-segments.  FIG. 5  line-segment A measures 6″ from the top center of the aperture  22  to the nape of the neck, where the adjustable straps are positioned  23  and defines the short [vertical] axis of the oval aperture.  FIG. 5  line segment B measures from about 3½″ to about 8″ and defines the long [horizontal] axis of the oval aperture. 
         [0048]    From  FIG. 7 , the uncovered crown and brim are covered by an outer fabric pattern. When sewn, the outer covering provides closure straps and shapes the outer portion of the crown giving the bespoke cap the above dimensions and a sleeker newsboy or ivy cap look. It is an aspect of the present invention where a fold is between the front portion of the covered cap and the brim to simulate a flat cap look. 
         [0049]    The cap retains the greater head room allotted by the equestrian styled crown for wearers of dreadlocks. The closure straps are a part of the outer covering&#39;s fabric pattern and rests at the nape of the wearer&#39;s neck just behind the ears at a 25 degree angle relative to the apex of the crown when worn. The fabric pattern includes left and right side panels A, left and right top panels that are modified bodice pieces B, and a brim covering C. 
         [0050]    Raw Materials 
         [0051]    From  FIG. 6   a , the bespoke cap may include five to six pie shaped gore panels cut from wool, cotton, a cotton-synthetic, buckram mesh or any combinations thereof.  FIG. 6   a  line-segment A measures 6″ from the top center to the center of the convex side of the gore.  FIG. 6   a  line-segment B measures 4¼″ from left side to right side. 
         [0052]    For example, a gore panel can be made of cotton and the inner panel surfaces are reinforced with buckram mesh of a similar size. The mesh is either glued or sewn onto each gore panel to stiffen the crown and give the crown a shape similar to an equestrian helmet. It is an embodiment of the present invention where the gore panels are made entirely of buckram mesh. Preferably six gore panels used to make the crown of the cap and are cut from buckram or fusible mesh. Fabrics such as silk, satin, wool, cashmere, or a rayon/cotton blend may be used to line the exposed buckram mesh, which comes into contact with the wearer&#39;s dreadlocks. These materials are safe for course matted hair, where other liner materials can strip and cut course matted hair. 
         [0053]    The brim for the cap may be made from some kind of stiffening material, which may preferably be a plastic insert or cardboard covered by a bonded leather material or solely made of double bonded leather. The cap band is a strip of fabric that lines the inner portion of the cap and measures from about 10″ to about 29″ and is attached to the lower peripheral edge,  24  of  FIG. 4 , which extends circumferentially around the crown. Cap bands may be made from cotton, cotton-synthetic, thin leather, silk, satin, a rayon-cotton blend, or any combinations thereof. 
         [0054]    The outer covering of the cap is made from five fabric panels cut from a soft fabric, preferably wool. The rear aperture is cinched by a closure which maybe be made from, non-limiting examples being, Velcro and hooks, clasps, straps and buckles, or snaps. 
         [0055]    The Crown and Brim 
         [0056]      FIG. 2  shows the uncovered crown and brim. The crown can be made with five gore panels as shown, but six are preferred and give the best results. The crown includes double sided pie shaped gore panels, where six panels are cut from a fusible buckram mesh with a one inch allowance for sewing and six panels are cut from fabrics including but not limited to silk, satin, or a rayon/cotton blend with one inch seam allowance for sewing. It is within the scope of the present invention where cathedral shaped, petal shape, or Reuleaux triangle shape gore panels may be used to form the crown. 
         [0057]    One pie shaped liner panel is overlaid flush onto one fusible panel and stitched together. The result is one pie shaped panel having a fusible side and a smooth liner side. This is repeated for the remaining fusible and liner gores until there are six panel pieces having a liner and fusible side. 
         [0058]    The crown is formed by overlaying two gore panels right edge to right edge with the liner sides facing inward and the fusible sides facing outward. Sew the two panels together at the overlaid right side. Open the two pieces, overlay a third panel right edge to right edge for one of the two sewn pieces, where the liner sides are facing inward and the fusible sides are facing outward and sew. Repeat with the three remaining panels until the basic shape of the cap is formed, preferably an equestrian helmet like shape. A complete six panel crown will include two generally front facing gore panels, two generally back facing gore panels, and two generally side facing gore panels. 
         [0059]    From  FIG. 2 , the crown will have an equestrian helmet type shape reaching from the apex to a lower peripheral edge that extends circumferentially around the crown. The outside of the crown should show the buckram mesh, and the inside of the crown should be the smooth lining that will have direct contact with the dreadlocks when worn. A cap band is circumferentially attached to the inside of the crown, the smooth liner surface, at the lower peripheral edge that extends around the crown. The circumference of the crown and cap band maybe from about 10″ to about 29″. This disparate circumference range includes using smaller dimensioned gore panels to make the crown. 
         [0060]    A brim is attached to the uncovered crown construction. The brim is sewn onto the front edge of the lower periphery of the uncovered crown. However, any suitable manner of joining or connecting the brim will be fine. The brim is made from double bonded leather and is crescent shaped.  FIG. 6   b  the line-segment C measures 2¼″ from the top center arc of the brim to the lower center arc of the brim.  FIG. 6   b  line-segment D measures 6½″ from left edge to right edge. The brim extends forwardly from the crown and defines the front of the cap. 
         [0061]    The Aperture 
         [0062]      FIG. 3  shows the rear of the uncovered cap with five gore panels sewn together. The brim is attached to the front portion. For the aperture, approximately three rear gore panels are cut to make a half oval, such that the long [horizontal] axis of the half oval goes from left to right at a distance from about 4″ to about 8″. The half oval measures 6″ from the center top of the oval to the nape of the neck where the closure straps are. It is within the scope of the invention where six gore panels are sewn together to form the crown and a half oval is cut into the two rear gore panels so that it is centrally located at the rear of the uncovered cap. 
         [0063]    In this embodiment the center point at the top of the half oval measures 6″ from the center top of the oval to the nape of the neck where the closure straps are. The long [horizontal] axis of the half oval goes from left to right at a distance from about 4″ to about 8″, but only covers two rear facing gore panels. 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  shows the rear of the covered cap for either the five or six gore panel crown.  FIG. 5  line-segment A measures 6″ from the center top of the oval to the nape of the neck where the closure straps are. The long [horizontal] axis of the half oval goes from left to right at a distance from about 4″ to about 8″. 
         [0065]    Fabric Pattern for the Outer Covering 
         [0066]      FIG. 7  shows the fabric pattern for the outer covering for the cap. The pattern has five pieces, left and right side panels, left and right top panels with closures, and a brim cover. When cut each pattern piece is given a fabric allowance from about a ¼″ to about 1½″. 
         [0067]      FIG. 8  shows a side panel with line segments.  FIG. 8  line-segment A measures 6″ from the top edge to the right edge  1  of the convex side.  FIG. 8  line-segment B measures 6½″ from the bottom edge to the bottom edge  2  of the convex side.  FIG. 8  line-segment C measures 5″ from the bottom edge  2  of the convex side to the top edge  1  of the convex side.  FIG. 8  line-segment D measures 8″ from the center angle  3  of the side panel to the center  4  of the convex edge.  FIG. 8  line-segments E and F together measure 5″ from the bottom edge  2  of the convex side to the top edge  1  of the convex side. It is an aspect of the invention where the left and right side panels may extend down an act as ear flaps. 
         [0068]    The brim covering is crescent shape and similar to the measurements for line-segments of  FIG. 6  with an allowance from about ¼″ to about 1½″. 
         [0069]      FIG. 9  shows a top panel depicted in the fabric pattern of  FIG. 7 . The top panel is a modified bodice piece. Bodice pieces are typically used as an upper part of a woman&#39;s dress or a part of a corset. Because the top panel has irregular curves and angles,  FIG. 9  shows the top panel in a simplified pattern making grid abcd. As a reference, the modified bodice looks like an inverted trace of the state of Massachusetts. 
         [0070]    The outer shape and surface measurements of the top panel are defined by line-segments. The front of the top panel is defined by  FIG. 9  line-segment A and measures 4½″ inches from the front edge  10  to the bottom edge  11  of the top panel. The part of the top panel that will be sewn to the side panel is defined by the  FIG. 9  line-segment B, which measures 7″ from the bottom edge  11  of the top panel to the center of the french curve  16  used to cut the convex portion of the side panel, and  FIG. 9  line segment C, which measures 5″ from the bottom of the panel that starts to gently curve  16  to the back edge  12  of the closure strap. The bottom length of the closure strap is defined by  FIG. 9  line-segment D and measures 6″ from the back edge  12  of the closure strap to the bottom edge of the round tip  13  for the closure strap. 
         [0071]    The trace between the top edge of the round tip  14  for the closure strap and the top edge  15  for the back of the panel includes half of the construction and orifice for the rear aperture.  FIG. 9  line-segment G measures 12¼″ from the front edge  10  of the top panel to the top edge  15  for the back of the panel. 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  line-segment E is the uppermost portion of the panel and includes a slight curve  17  that begins just before the top of the rear aperture  15 , which helps to angle the closure strap 25 degrees relative to the apex of the crown, see  FIG. 9  line-segment K defining the 25 degree angle.  FIG. 9  line-segment F includes half of the oval aperture and measures from about 3″ to about 6″ in length. 
         [0073]    Near the apex,  FIG. 9  line-segment H measures 3½″ from the upper most portion of the top panel to the bottom of the panel.  FIG. 9  line-segment I measures 12″ in length from the upper most portion of the panel to the bottom of the closure strap.  FIG. 9  line-segment J measures 16″ from the front edge  10  of the panel to the bottom of the closure strap.  FIG. 9  grid markers m and n show the panel as a front portion and a back portion, where the front portion is the top panel used to cover the top of the crown and the back portion includes the closure straps and aperture. The bespoke cap,  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  4 , is formed when all fabric pieces are sewn together at their natural points to the uncovered crown. 
         [0074]    The foregoing words describe one embodiment for making a bespoke cap for dreadlocks. However, these words are not a limitation on the scope of the present invention, but are written to detail certain embodiments thereof. It should be understood that changes may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, thus, the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the following claims.