CAP FOR SHOWING HIGH PONYTAIL

A cap including at least a first and a second rear panel, wherein each of the first and second rear panels are removably affixable to each other and wherein each of said first and second rear panels includes a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side and a fifth side. Four of the five sides of each of the first and second rear panels are linear and one of the five sides is substantially curved.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to caps with a rear structure for allowing a high-positioned ponytail or bun to protrude. More particularly, the invention relates to caps and hats with two rear panels which can open and close with a fastener assembly, creating a substantially vertical oval-shaped hole.

2. Background of the Invention

While baseball caps with a conventional shape allow users to stick out their ponytails, they generally limit the location of ponytail. Namely, in conventional baseball caps, a ponytail can protrude only through the space between the upside-down “U” shape of two back panels and the snap.

Based on focus group research, aesthetic needs regarding hair style options worn with baseball caps were identified. In most of the cases, consumers wear baseball caps with their hair down or tied in a ponytail located in the bottom-center of the rear of their heads (i.e., at the nape of their neck). Currently, there exists a cap which addresses this issue by simply cutting a hole above the “U” shape.

However, conventional caps have some drawbacks, particularly in terms of lack of ease of use. When the hair is tied up into a high ponytail, it is difficult to put the cap on. In addition, pulling the ponytail out through such a small hole at the bottom of the cap takes some effort and can damage the hair. Thus, it is also difficult to put the cap on and off without damaging the hair style.

Accordingly, an improved cap which enables the user to wear a ponytail hairstyle, without damage or discomfort, and provides ease of use, is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a cap which accommodates a user's ponytail or bun hairstyle, in particular, a ponytail or bun which is located between the middle portion and upper portion of the rear of their heads. Advantageously, the present invention provides a cap which enables the user to wear and maintain a high ponytail or bun, while being comfortable and easy to wear and remove, without damaging the hairstyle or quality of the hair.

According to an aspect of the present invention,

These, and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configurations for illustrating the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cap in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be worn by a user while at the same time, enabling the user to easily and neatly wear their hair in a style which has a ‘high’ ponytail or bun, namely, wherein the ponytail or bun protrudes from the general rear area of head in between the top and bottom of the head.

Advantageously, a cap according to an aspect of the present invention provides inimitable ease of use for the user, in being easy to apply and remove from the head in a comfortable manner, without pulling on the hair, ruining the hairstyle, or requiring the user to undo and redo their hairstyle (ponytail or bun).

Further, such a cap according to an aspect of the present invention not only promotes comfort for the user, but also enhances aesthetic appeal by elevating and improving support of the ponytail/bun and providing a neat appearance.

An exemplary cap100according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in and will now be described with respect to the various views ofFIG. 1toFIG. 3. According to one embodiment, the cap100comprises a plurality of panels which may comprise two adjoining front panels comprising a first front panel101and a second front panel103each connected to a respective left side panel105and a right side panel107. A brim structure109may optionally be provided connected to at least a portion of the front panels101,103for providing sun glare protection.

Each side panel105,107comprises a respective outer edge109,111. A first outer edge109of the left side panel105adjoins and is affixed to a first rear panel113. A second outer edge111of the right side panel107adjoins and is affixed to a second rear panel115.

The first and second rear panels113,115may be releasably attachable to each other via a fastener assembly117. Such fastener assembly117may comprise, e.g., a hook and loop fastening system, eyes and hooks, buttons, snaps and the like.

The cap100may be constructed of one or more materials having suitable properties for the desired application, for example, such as any kinds of natural and/or synthetic fabrics, including cotton, polyester, wool, and any combinations thereof, and may include features such as mesh panels, elasticized panels, elastic, etc.

FIG. 2depicts a view of the individual two rear panels113,115. In one exemplary embodiment, each rear panel113,115comprises five sides. For example, left side rear panel113comprises first side201, second side202, third side203, fourth side204and fifth side205. Right side rear panel comprises first side206, second side207, third side208, fourth side209and fifth side210.

In one embodiment, each rear panel113,115is substantially a mirror image of each other. In one embodiment of a finished cap100, each panel113,115is attached together via at least their respective second sides202,207(e.g., at their top parts) to form a seam301, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3.

In one exemplary embodiment, each second side202,207comprises the shortest side of all the five sides, and may comprise for example, a length of about one inch.

In one exemplary embodiment, elements of the fastener assembly117may be affixed adjacent to or near each of the respective fourth sides204and209. In this embodiment, the rear panels113,115may be removably affixed or affixable to each other at the ‘flaps’ or tabs formed by the fourth sides204,209, which may be overlapped onto each other to enable the elements of the fastener assembly117to join and be connected.

In one exemplary embodiment, the third sides203,208are curved or substantially curved, such that they define an elongated aperture303when the fastener assembly117is in a closed position. For example, the aperture303may be in an elongated oval shape, located in a central area of the rear of the cap100, and between the top305and bottom307of the cap100.

In one exemplary embodiment, each of the first sides201,206, second sides202,207, fourth sides204,209and fifth sides205,210are substantially linear.

FIG. 3illustrates the cap100where the panels113,115are in a closed position. For example, as shown, the aperture303is of an elongated oval shape which starts beneath the top center of the crown (top) of the cap100. In one embodiment, the curved third sides203,208of the oval shaped open section are advantageously designed to keep the oval aperture303as slim (narrow) as possible. In one exemplary embodiment, when the panels113,115are in a closed position, a maximum width309of the aperture303is about less than or equal to 1.75 inches.

The aperture303as shaped advantageously provides a comfortable and more forgiving opening, allowing the hair to move, providing increased air-flow and improved comfort. The elongated oval shaped hole303, in particular, allows for greatly improved freedom of hair movement and thus allows the hair to exit and protrude from the cap100with comfort.

Thus, a cap according to the present invention enables the user's hair to more naturally escape the confines of the cap, and not just be limited to any specific direction or within only a small area.

FIGS. 4-5depict an exemplary alternate embodiment of a hat400comprising rear flaps401,403having a fastener assembly405. The hat400may comprise, e.g., a beanie style (with or without any brim) which may be comprised of any material or fabric, e.g., any kinds of natural and/or synthetic fabrics, including cotton, polyester, wool, and any combinations thereof, and may include features such as mesh panels, elasticized panels, elastic, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, the rear flaps401,403fasten to each other in an overlapping manner. When in a closed position (as shown inFIG. 4,), the rear flaps401,403define an aperture409which may comprise an oval or a substantially oval shape, and is located at approximately the mid-point of the rear of the hat400.

The aperture409as shaped and described advantageously provides a comfortable and more forgiving opening, allowing the hair to move, providing increased air-flow and improved comfort. The oval shaped hole409, in particular, allows for greatly improved freedom of hair movement and thus allows the hair to exit and protrude from the hat400with comfort.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other alterations, modifications and improvements may be affected therein by one skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. This invention should be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.