HEADWEAR WITH PONYTAIL HOLDER

Embodiments are disclosed for headwear configured to accommodate a ponytail of a wearer. In some examples, a headwear includes a crown comprising a first crown portion terminating at a first edge at a rear of the crown and a second crown portion terminating at a second edge at the rear of the crown, with the second crown portion overlapping the first crown portion at the rear of the crown. Each of the first crown portion and second crown portion may be coupled along a bottom circumferential edge to a crown band. The first crown portion, the second crown portion, the first edge, and the second edge may be flexible and/or stretchable to enable access to an opening in the headwear, the opening framed by the crown band, the first edge, and the second edge and configured to accommodate a ponytail of a wearer of the headwear.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a headwear, and more specifically to headwear configured to accommodate a ponytail.

BACKGROUND

Headwear may be utilized to shield a wearer from environmental hazards, such as sunlight, low temperatures, wind, etc. Beanies may provide protection from such hazards, but may not be positioned as desired when worn over some hairstyles (e.g., the beanie may slip off, not fit correctly, get stretched out, etc.). Further, some hairstyles, such as ponytails, may cause the beanie to be uncomfortable for the wearer. Some hat types may provide openings to accommodate for ponytails, such as a baseball cap, but such hat types may not provide the same environmental protection to the wearer due to their design (e.g., a looser fit, a different material, etc.).

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides embodiments of headwear that mitigate the above-described issues. For example, headwear according to the following disclosure may include a crown comprising a first crown portion terminating at a first edge at a rear of the crown and a second crown portion terminating at a second edge at the rear of the crown, with the second crown portion overlapping the first crown portion at the rear of the crown. Each of the first crown portion and second crown portion may be coupled along a bottom circumferential edge to a crown band, and wherein the first crown portion, the second crown portion, the first edge, and the second edge are flexible and/or stretchable to enable access to an opening in the headwear, the opening framed by the crown band, the first edge, and the second edge and configured to accommodate a ponytail of a wearer of the headwear. In this way, the headwear may protect the wearer from environmental conditions, such as wind and cold temperatures, while maintaining functionality and comfort for the wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a front view of a headwear100. In the illustrated example, the headwear100may include a crown102that extends fully around the circumference of the wearer's head. In some embodiments, the crown102may be formed of suitable material or materials, such as a flexible woven, non-woven, or knit material, including synthetic materials (e.g., polyester, nylon), natural materials (e.g., cotton), or blended materials (e.g., polyester and cotton). For example, the crown102may be comprised of a knitted material with a moss stitch pattern. In some examples, the crown102may be formed of a single piece of material. In other examples, the crown102may include a plurality of pieces of material stitched or otherwise coupled together. In some embodiments, each piece of material (or the entirety of the crown102) may include the same type of fabric or other material. In other embodiments, one or more pieces of material (or the crown102) may include a different type of material than the other pieces. In examples where the crown102is comprised of a single piece of material or the same knitted material, the material of the crown102may be flexible/stretchable so that the crown102may stretch to accommodate a head of a wearer. In examples where the crown102is comprised of multiple pieces of material, at least portions of the material of the crown102may be flexible/stretchable so that the crown102may stretch to accommodate a head of a wearer. For example, at least the rear of the crown102may be comprised of flexible/stretchable material.

The headwear100shown inFIG.1includes a crown band104coupled to a bottom terminating edge of the crown102and that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the crown102. In some examples, the crown band104may be constructed of the same material as the crown102. In other examples, the crown band104may be constructed from a different material than the crown102. This different material may be coupled to the crown102through stitching, gluing, or another permanent coupling method. In still further examples, the crown band104may be comprised of a knit material but in a different pattern than a knit pattern of the crown102. For example, the crown band104may comprise a ribbed pattern (e.g., rather than the moss pattern of the crown102). Although the crown band104is illustrated as having a vertical ribbed pattern, it is to be understood that the crown band104may also have any other pattern that distinguishes it from the crown102. At least portions of the crown band104may be comprised of flexible/stretchable material. In some examples, all of the crown band104may be comprised of flexible/stretchable material.

The crown band104may have a suitable height from the outer terminal edge of the crown band104to the region where the crown band104couples to the crown102. In some examples, the height of the crown band104is the same height along the entirety of the crown band104, while in other examples, the height of the crown band104may vary at one or more points along the circumference of the crown band104. As illustrated, the height of the crown band104may be in a range of 10-25% of the overall height of the headwear100(e.g., from a bottom circumferential edge of the crown band104to a top-most, center point of the crown102). However, other heights are within the scope of this disclosure, such as less than 10% of the overall height of the headwear100.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the front of the crown102of the headwear100may include two darts, a first dart106and a second dart108, which serve aesthetic and/or utility purposes. In some examples, the first dart106and the second dart108may extend downwards from the top of the headwear100and have a suitable length, such as is in a range of 10-25% of the overall height of the crown102. In other examples, the first dart106and the second dart108may have a different uniform length or the first dart106may have a different length than a length of the second dart108. In some examples, the first dart106and the second dart108may affect the structure of the headwear100by reducing the circumference of the crown102near the top of the headwear100and allowing the crown102to match the contour of a wearer's head. The first dart106and the second dart108may therefore cause the headwear100to better fit the convex shape of a wearer's head. In other examples, the first dart106and the second dart108may only serve an aesthetic purpose or may be absent entirely depending on the construction of the headwear100.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the crown102may include one or more external peripherals, such as a pom-pom110, which may serve aesthetic purposes. Further, in some examples the pom-pom110may be removable and thus may be temporarily coupled to the crown102via hooks, snaps, or another suitable reversible fastener. While the pom-pom110is shown on the headwear100, it is to be understood that the headwear100may include any other type of aesthetic peripheral or none at all. Further, while the headwear100depicted inFIG.1is a beanie and thus includes a full crown and no brim, it is to be appreciated that in some examples, the headwear may include a partial or full brim (e.g., a brim extending only partially around the circumference of the headwear, such as on the front of the headwear, or a brim that extends around an entire circumference of the headwear).

FIG.2shows a top perspective view of a rear and side of the headwear100on a head of a wearer216. The back of the crown102of the headwear100may include two darts, a third dart212and a fourth dart214, which are similar to the first dart106and the second dart108from the front of the crown102. In the example shown, the rear of the crown102may be formed by two overlapping crown portions: a first crown portion202and a second crown portion204. As illustrated, the first crown portion202may extend from one side of the headwear100(e.g., the right side) to a central rear portion of the headwear100and the second crown portion204may extend from the opposite side of the headwear100(e.g., the left side) to the center rear portion of the headwear100. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the first crown portion202may extend continuously to the second crown portion204and that the first and second crown portions may form one continuous piece of material that wraps around the head of the wearer216.

As shown inFIG.2, the first crown portion202may end in a first terminating edge206and the second crown portion204may end in a second terminating edge208. In some examples, the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208may be constructed from the same material as the rest of the crown102. For example, the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208may each comprise a different knit pattern than the crown102, such as ribbing, and/or the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208may include reinforcing stitching, such as cross-stitching or zigzag stitching. In other examples, the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208may be constructed of a different material than the rest of the crown102. The different material may be coupled to the first crown portion202and the second crown portion204through stitching, gluing, or another permanent coupling method. Each of the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208may be comprised of flexible/stretchable material.

As shown inFIG.2, a first side dart220may extend from the top of the crown102to one side of the headwear100(e.g., the right side). In some examples, the first side dart220may extend downwards from the top of the headwear100and have a suitable length that is longer than the first dart106(and second dart, third dart, and fourth dart), such as is in a range of 45-55% of the overall height of the crown102. However, other lengths are within the scope of this disclosure, such as less than 45% of the overall height of the crown102. While not shown inFIG.2, a second side dart222(shown inFIG.3) may extend from the top of the crown102on the opposite side of the headwear100(e.g., the left side). In some examples, the second side dart222may extend downwards from the top of the headwear100and have a suitable length, such as the same length as the first side dart220. In other examples, the second side dart222may have a suitable length that is a different length than the first side dart220. In still other examples, the first side dart220and the second side dart may be absent from the headwear100.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the second terminating edge208of the second crown portion204may extend from the first side dart220to the top of the crown band104at the rear of the headwear100. In other examples, the second terminating edge208may extend from the first side dart220to a different point on the rear of the headwear100, such as the middle or bottom of the crown band104. In still other examples, the second terminating edge208may extend from a point other than the first side dart220, such as the third dart212or a point on the crown102, to the top of the crown band104at the rear of the headwear100.

The first terminating edge206likewise extends from the second side dart222to the top of the crown band104. However, as shown inFIG.2, the second terminating edge208and the second crown portion204may overlap the first terminating edge206except at a bottom region where the first terminating edge206couples with the top of the crown band104, and thus only a portion of the first terminating edge206is visible on the outside of the headwear100. The length of the first terminating edge206that is visible from the outside of the headwear100may vary depending on the location and orientation of the headwear100(e.g., laying flay on a table, scrunched up on a table, being worn on the head of a wearer, etc.).

As shown inFIG.2, an opening210may be created between the top of the crown band104and the point where the second terminating edge208overlaps the first terminating edge206. The opening210may allow an object to pass between the terminating edges and enter/exit the headwear100, such as a ponytail218. The opening210may allow the ponytail218to pass through the headwear100without affecting the rest of the headwear100. The wearer216may pass the ponytail218through the opening210before or after the headwear100is placed on the head of the wearer216. The wearer216may also wear the headwear100in the absence of the ponytail218.

FIG.3shows a rear view of the headwear100when the headwear100is not on the head of a wearer, such as when the headwear100is lying flat on a table. As shown inFIG.3, the second terminating edge208may extend from the first side dart220to the crown band104with a curvature, such that the second terminating edge208may form a curved edge of the second crown portion204. In some examples, the second terminating edge208may have a suitable radius of curvature that is greater than zero, such as in a range of 10-20 cm. In other examples, the second terminating edge208may have a suitable radius of curvature outside of this range, or the second terminating edge208may extend without any curvature.

When the headwear100is not being worn on a head of a wearer and is flat as is shown inFIG.3, only a small portion of the first terminating edge206may be visible, and less of the first terminating edge206may be visible than when the headwear is worn on a head of a wearer, as shown inFIG.2. For example, only 5-10% of the total length of the first terminating edge206may be visible when the headwear100is not being worn, while a larger amount (e.g., 25-30% of the total length) may be visible when the headwear is being worn, as illustrated inFIG.2. Likewise, when the headwear100is flat/not being worn, the opening210may not be visible, or only a small portion of the opening210may be visible, while a larger amount of the opening210may be visible when the headwear100is worn on a head of a wearer, as shown inFIG.2. Where the first and second crown portions overlap, the second crown portion204may sit on top of the first crown portion202. The amount of overlap between the second crown portion204and the first crown portion202may change along the length of the crown102. For example, toward a top of the crown102, the second crown portion204may overlap the first crown portion202along nearly the entire circumferential extent of the rear of the crown102(e.g., from the first side dart220to the second side dart222), and the extent of the overlap may decrease toward the bottom of the crown102(such that the second crown portion204does not overlap the first crown portion202at the crown band104).

As mentioned previously, the rear of the crown102(e.g., the first crown portion202and the second crown portion204) as well as the crown band104, the first terminating edge206, and the second terminating edge208may be comprised of flexible material that can be stretched, pulled, bunched, etc., at least a certain amount without ripping or permanently deforming. Further, the first crown portion202is not directly fixedly coupled to the second crown portion204at the rear of the crown102. As a result, the opening210may be accessed (e.g., made larger/visible) by pushing the first terminating edge206towards the first crown portion202and/or by pushing the second terminating edge208towards the second crown portion204. In some examples, the opening210may also be accessed by pulling the second terminating edge208outwards from the headwear100. In this way, the opening210may have a variable size depending on whether or not the headwear100is worn and whether or not a ponytail is accommodated in the opening210(as well as dependent on a size of the ponytail).

FIG.4shows an inside view of the rear of the headwear100(e.g., viewed as if the headwear100was turned inside out). All or some of the external peripherals that may have been visible in the previous illustrations may now be hidden from sight. The inside surfaces of the crown102and the crown band104are shown, including the inside surfaces of the first crown portion202and the second crown portion204. While the third dart212and the fourth dart214may be absent from the inside surface of the crown102, it is to be understood that the darts may be visible on the inside of the headwear, in some examples.

Similar to the second terminating edge208, the first terminating edge206extends from the second side dart222to the top of the crown band104with a suitable curvature and thus forms a curved edge of the first crown portion202. The first terminating edge206overlaps the second crown portion204and the second terminating edge208. It is to be appreciated that only a small portion of the second terminating edge208is visible on the inside of the headwear (e.g., 5-10%) and the remaining portion of the second terminating edge208that is shown in dashed lines is not visible from the inside of the headwear100.

As appreciated fromFIG.4, each of the terminating edges extends from a respective side dart to the crown band104with similar but opposite angled curvature. The first and second terminating edges cross over each other at an intersecting point402of the crown102, above the crown band104. The first and second terminating edges may not directly couple to each other along the entire length of the first and second terminating edges (e.g., the edges may touch at the intersecting point but are not permanently coupled to each other at the intersecting point). The first terminating edge206may couple to the crown band104at a point that is next to where the second terminating edge208couples to the crown band104. For example, the first terminating edge206may couple to the crown band104immediately adjacent to where the second terminating edge208couples to the crown band104, or a space (e.g., of 1-10 mm) may be present between where the first terminating edge206couples to the crown band104and where the second terminating edge208couples to the crown band104. A central longitudinal axis404is shown inFIG.4that extends from the top center point of the crown102to the bottom edge of the crown band104. The first terminating edge206couples to the crown band104on a first side of the central longitudinal axis404while the second terminating edge208couples to the crown band104on a second, opposite side of the central longitudinal axis404. The first side dart220may be positioned on the second side of the central longitudinal axis404and the second side dart222may be positioned on the first side of the central longitudinal axis404. The intersecting point402where the first and second terminating edges cross over may be positioned on/coincide with the central longitudinal axis404.

In this way, the headwear100may include a crown comprised of a single continuous panel of material that may be knit, woven, or another suitable type of material. The single panel of material may include a first end portion (e.g., the first crown portion described above) terminating at a first edge and overlapped by a second end portion of the panel of material (e.g., the second crown portion described above) at a rear of the crown, the second end portion of the panel of material terminating at a second edge. The headwear may further include a crown band coupled around a bottom circumferential edge of the crown. The crown band, the first edge, and the second edge may form an opening configured to accommodate a ponytail of the wearer.

FIG.5shows a rear view of a headwear500.FIG.6shows a rear view of the headwear500with the headwear500in a tousled state.FIGS.5and6will be described collectively. As illustrated, the headwear500may include a crown502, a crown band504, a first dart512, and a second dart514that are similar to the crown102, crown band104, third dart212, and fourth dart214of the headwear100, respectively.

InFIGS.5and6, the rear of the crown502may be formed by two overlapping crown portions: a first crown portion505and a second crown portion507. The first crown portion505may be similar to the first crown portion202and the second crown portion507may be similar to the second crown portion204of the headwear100. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the first crown portion505may extend continuously to the second crown portion507and that the first and second crown portions may form one continuous piece of material that wraps around the head of the wearer. As shown inFIG.6, the first crown portion505may end in a first terminating edge506and the second crown portion507may end in a second terminating edge508, similar to the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208of the headwear100. A first side dart520may extend from the top of the crown502to one side of the headwear500(e.g., the right side) similar to the first side dart220of the headwear100. A second side dart522may extend from the top of the crown502to the other side of the headwear500(e.g., the left side), similar to the second side dart222of the headwear100.

The second terminating edge508of the second crown portion507may extend from the first side dart520to the top of the crown band504at the rear of the headwear500. The first terminating edge506likewise extends from the second side dart522to the top of the crown band504. However, as shown inFIG.5, the second terminating edge508and the second crown portion507may completely overlap the first terminating edge506, and thus the first terminating edge506may not be visible on the outside of the headwear500. As shown inFIG.6, the first terminating edge506may become visible from the outside of the headwear500depending on the location and orientation of the headwear500(e.g., laying flay on a table, scrunched up on a table, being worn on the head of a wearer, etc.). The second terminating edge508may couple to the crown band504on a first side of a central longitudinal axis530. Unlike the headwear100, the second terminating edge508may be coupled to the crown band504at a point spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis530, such that the second crown portion507extends past the central longitudinal axis530to the first side of the central longitudinal axis530along the entire length of the second crown portion507. While not shown inFIGS.5and6, the first terminating edge506may be coupled to the crown band504on a second side of the central longitudinal axis530at a point spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis530, such that the first crown portion505extends past the central longitudinal axis530to the second side of the central longitudinal axis530along the entire length of the first crown portion505.

Each of the first terminating edge506and the second terminating edge508may have a curved shape, such as a C-shape or half-moon shape. For example, the second terminating edge508may extend from the first side dart220to the crown band504with a C-shaped curvature, such that the second terminating edge508may form a curved edge of the second crown portion507. In some examples, the second terminating edge508may have a suitable radius of curvature that is greater than zero, such as in a range of 10-20 cm. Likewise, the first terminating edge506may extend from the second side dart522to the crown band504with a curvature (which may be the same curvature of the second terminating edge508), such that the first terminating edge506may form a curved edge of the first crown portion505.

An opening510may be created between the first crown portion505and the second crown portion507at a point above the crown band504. Due to the overlap of the first and second crown portions along the crown band504at the central longitudinal axis530, the opening510may be formed further from the crown band504than the opening210of the headwear100. The opening510may allow an object to pass between the terminating edges and enter/exit the headwear500, such as a ponytail. The opening510may allow the ponytail to pass through the headwear500without affecting the rest of the headwear500. The wearer may pass the ponytail through the opening510before or after the headwear500is placed on the head of the wearer. The wearer may also wear the headwear500in the absence of the ponytail.

Similar to the headwear100, the rear of the crown502(e.g., the first crown portion505and the second crown portion507) as well as the crown band504, the first terminating edge506, and the second terminating edge508may be comprised of flexible material that can be stretched, pulled, bunched, etc., at least a certain amount without ripping or permanently deforming. Further, the first crown portion505is not fixedly coupled to the second crown portion507at the rear of the crown502. As a result, the opening510may be accessed (e.g., made larger/visible) by pushing the first terminating edge506towards the first crown portion505and/or by pushing the second terminating edge508towards the second crown portion507. In some examples, the opening510may also be accessed by pulling the second terminating edge508outwards from the headwear500. In this way, the opening510may have a variable size depending on whether or not the headwear500is worn and whether or not a ponytail is accommodated in the opening510(as well as dependent on a size of the ponytail).

FIG.7shows a rear view of a headwear700.FIG.8shows a rear view of the headwear700on the wearer of the headwear with a ponytail passing through the headwear.FIGS.7and8will be described collectively. As illustrated, the headwear700may include a crown702, a crown band704, at least a first dart712and a second dart714, and a pom-pom716that are similar to the crown102, crown band104, third dart212, fourth dart214, and pom-pom-110of the headwear100, respectively.

InFIGS.7and8, the rear of the crown702may be formed by two overlapping crown portions: a first crown portion705and a second crown portion707. The first crown portion705may be similar to the first crown portion202and the second crown portion707may be similar to the second crown portion204of the headwear100. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the first crown portion705may extend continuously to the second crown portion707and that the first and second crown portions may form a single continuous panel of material that wraps around the head of the wearer802. As shown inFIG.8, the first crown portion705may end in a first terminating edge806and the second crown portion707may end in a second terminating edge708, similar to the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208of the headwear100.

As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the second terminating edge708of the second crown portion707may extend from the second dart714to the top of the crown band704at the rear of the headwear700. The first terminating edge806likewise extends from the first dart712to the top of the crown band704. The second terminating edge708may be fixedly coupled to only the second dart714and the crown band704, and not to any other portion of the headwear700. Similarly, the first terminating edge806may be fixedly coupled to only the second dart714and the crown band704, and not to any other portion of the headwear700. In this manner, the first terminating edge806and the second terminating edge708may each terminate at a rear dart (e.g., the first dart712and the second dart714, respectively) rather than a side dart (as is the case for the headwear100and the headwear500), which may result in the first terminating edge806and the second terminating edge708each being shorter than the first and second terminating edges of the headwear100and the headwear500. Additionally, as shown inFIG.7, the second terminating edge708and the second crown portion707may completely overlap the first terminating edge806, and thus the first terminating edge806may not be visible on the outside of the headwear700. As shown inFIG.8, the first terminating edge806may become visible from the outside of the headwear700depending on the location and orientation of the headwear700(e.g., laying flay on a table, scrunched up on a table, being worn on the head of a wearer, etc.).

The first terminating edge806may couple to the crown band704at a point that is next to where the second terminating edge708couples to the crown band704. For example, the first terminating edge806may couple to the crown band704immediately adjacent to where the second terminating edge708couples to the crown band704, or a space (e.g., of 1-10 mm) may be present between where the first terminating edge806couples to the crown band704and where the second terminating edge708couples to the crown band704. A central longitudinal axis718is shown inFIG.7that extends from the top center point of the crown702to the bottom edge of the crown band704. The first terminating edge806couples to the crown band704on a first side of the central longitudinal axis718while the second terminating edge708couples to the crown band704on a second, opposite side of the central longitudinal axis718. The first dart712may be positioned on the second side of the central longitudinal axis718and the second dart714may be positioned on the first side of the central longitudinal axis718. The point where the first and second terminating edges cross over may be positioned on/coincide with the central longitudinal axis718.

As appreciated fromFIGS.7and8, the second terminating edge708may have a curved shape. For example, the second terminating edge708may extend from the second dart714to the crown band704with a curvature, such that the second terminating edge708may form a curved edge of the second crown portion707. In some examples, the second terminating edge708may have a suitable radius of curvature that is greater than zero, such as in a range of 50-100 cm. The radius of curvature of the second terminating edge708may be larger (e.g., two to five times as large) than the radius of curvature of either the second terminating edge208or the second terminating edge508of the headwear100and the headwear500, respectively. In some examples, the second terminating edge708may curve outward, away from the central longitudinal axis718. This outward curvature may be opposite the curvature of the second terminating edge208or the second terminating edge508(which may each curve inward, toward the central longitudinal axis). The outward curvature of the second terminating edge708may match the overall curvature of the crown702, which may provide the appearance of the second terminating edge708extending linearly (without side curvature) when the headwear700is worn by a wearer and a ponytail is not accommodated within the opening. Likewise, the first terminating edge806may extend from the first dart712to the crown band704with a curvature (which may be the same curvature of the second terminating edge708), such that the first terminating edge806may form a curved edge of the first crown portion705. However, in some examples, the first terminating edge806and the second terminating edge708may extend without curvature (e.g., the first terminating edge806and the second terminating edge708may each be linear/straight edges).

As shown inFIGS.7and8, an opening710may be created between the first crown portion705and the second crown portion707at a point above the crown band704. Due to the first and second crown portions coupling to the crown band704at points adjacent to the central longitudinal axis718(e.g., within 10 mm), the opening710may be formed closer to the crown band704than the opening510of the headwear500(e.g., similar to the opening210of the headwear100). The opening710may allow an object to pass between the terminating edges and enter/exit the headwear1000, such as a ponytail804inFIG.8. The opening710may allow the ponytail804to pass through the headwear700without affecting the rest of the headwear700. The wearer802may pass the ponytail804through the opening710before or after the headwear700is placed on the head of the wearer802. The wearer802may also wear the headwear700in the absence of the ponytail804.

Similar to the headwear100, the rear of the crown702(e.g., the first crown portion705and the second crown portion707) as well as the crown band704, the first terminating edge806, and the second terminating edge708may be comprised of flexible material that can be stretched, pulled, bunched, etc., at least a certain amount without ripping or permanently deforming. Further, the first crown portion705is not fixedly coupled to the second crown portion707at the rear of the crown702. As a result, the opening710may be accessed (e.g., made larger/visible) by pushing the first terminating edge806towards the first crown portion705and/or by pushing the second terminating edge708towards the second crown portion707. In some examples, the opening710may also be accessed by pulling the second terminating edge708outwards from the headwear700. In this way, the opening710may have a variable size depending on whether or not the headwear700is worn and whether or not a ponytail is accommodated in the opening710(as well as dependent on a size of the ponytail).

FIG.9shows a rear view of a headwear900.FIG.10shows a rear view of the headwear900on the wearer of the headwear with a ponytail passing through the headwear900.FIGS.9and10will be described collectively. As illustrated, the headwear900may include a crown902, a crown band904, at least a first dart912and a second dart914, and a pom-pom916that are similar to the crown102, crown band104, third dart212, fourth dart214, and pom-pom-110of the headwear100, respectively.

InFIGS.9and10, the rear of the crown902may be formed by two overlapping crown portions: a first crown portion905and a second crown portion907. The first crown portion905may be similar to the first crown portion202and the second crown portion907may be similar to the second crown portion204of the headwear100. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the first crown portion905may extend continuously to the second crown portion907and that the first and second crown portions may form a single continuous panel of material that wraps around the head of the wearer1002. The first crown portion905may end in a first terminating edge1006(shown inFIG.10) and the second crown portion907may end in a second terminating edge908, similar to the first terminating edge206and the second terminating edge208of the headwear100.

The second terminating edge908of the second crown portion907may extend from the second dart914to the top of the crown band904at the rear of the headwear900. The first terminating edge1006likewise extends from the first dart912to the top of the crown band904. The second terminating edge908may be fixedly coupled to only the second dart914and the crown band904, and not to any other portion of the headwear900. Similarly, the first terminating edge1006may be fixedly coupled to only the second dart914and the crown band904, and not to any other portion of the headwear900. In this manner, the first terminating edge1006and the second terminating edge908may each terminate at a rear dart (e.g., the first dart912and the second dart914, respectively) rather than a side dart (as is the case for the headwear100and the headwear500), which may result in the first terminating edge1006and the second terminating edge908each being shorter than the first and second terminating edges of the headwear100and the headwear500. Additionally, as shown inFIG.9, the second terminating edge908and the second crown portion907may completely overlap the first terminating edge1006, and thus the first terminating edge1006may not be visible on the outside of the headwear900. As shown inFIG.10, the first terminating edge1006may become visible from the outside of the headwear900depending on the location and orientation of the headwear900(e.g., laying flay on a table, scrunched up on a table, being worn on the head of a wearer, etc.).

The first terminating edge1006may couple to the crown band904at a point that is next to where the second terminating edge908couples to the crown band904. For example, the first terminating edge1006may couple to the crown band904immediately adjacent to where the second terminating edge908couples to the crown band904, or a space (e.g., of 1-10 mm) may be present between where the first terminating edge1006couples to the crown band904and where the second terminating edge908couples to the crown band904. A central longitudinal axis918is shown inFIG.9that extends from the top center point of the crown902to the bottom edge of the crown band904. The first terminating edge1006couples to the crown band904on a first side of the central longitudinal axis918while the second terminating edge908couples to the crown band904on a second, opposite side of the central longitudinal axis918. The first dart912may be positioned on the second side of the central longitudinal axis918and the second dart914may be positioned on the first side of the central longitudinal axis918. The point where the first and second terminating edges cross-over may be positioned on/coincide with the central longitudinal axis918.

As appreciated fromFIGS.9and10, the second terminating edge908may have a straight shape (e.g., a linear shape). For example, the second terminating edge908may extend from the second dart914to the crown band904with no curvature, such that the second terminating edge908may form a straight edge of the second crown portion907. In some examples, the overall curvature of the crown902may provide the appearance of the second terminating edge908extending with curvature (not linearly) when the headwear900is worn by a wearer and a ponytail is accommodated within the opening. Likewise, the first terminating edge1006may extend from the first dart912to the crown band904with no curvature, such that the first terminating edge1006may form a straight edge of the first crown portion905. However, in some examples, the first terminating edge1006and the second terminating edge908may extend with curvature (e.g., the first terminating edge1006and the second terminating edge908may each be curved edges).

As shown inFIG.10, an opening910may be created between the first crown portion905and the second crown portion907at a point above the crown band904. Due to the first and second crown portions coupling to the crown band904at points adjacent to the central longitudinal axis918(e.g., within 10 mm), the opening910may be formed closer to the crown band904than the opening510of the headwear500(e.g., similar to the opening210of the headwear100). The opening910may allow an object to pass between the terminating edges and enter/exit the headwear900, such as a ponytail1004inFIG.10. The opening910may allow the ponytail1004to pass through the headwear900without affecting the rest of the headwear900. The wearer1002may pass the ponytail1004through the opening910before or after the headwear900is placed on the head of the wearer1002. In some examples, the wearer1002may also wear the headwear900in the absence of the ponytail1004.

Similar to the headwear100, the rear of the crown902(e.g., the first crown portion905and the second crown portion907) as well as the crown band904, the first terminating edge1006, and the second terminating edge908may be comprised of flexible material that can be stretched, pulled, bunched, etc., at least a certain amount without ripping or permanently deforming. Further, the first crown portion905is not fixedly coupled to the second crown portion907at the rear of the crown902. As a result, the opening910may be accessed (e.g., made larger/visible) by pushing the first terminating edge1006towards the first crown portion905and/or by pushing the second terminating edge908towards the second crown portion907. In some examples, the opening910may also be accessed by pulling the second terminating edge908outwards from the headwear900. In this way, the opening910may have a variable size depending on whether or not the headwear900is worn and whether or not a ponytail is accommodated in the opening910(as well as dependent on a size of the ponytail).

Thus, the headwear100, the headwear500, the headwear700, and the headwear900described herein include an opening formed by two ends of a crown panel that overlap each other at a rear of the headwear100, the headwear500, the headwear700, and the headwear900. The crown panel may be a continuous panel of material (or materials), or formed from two or more segments of material stitched or otherwise coupled together, that forms the crown shape (that is shaped to conform to/match the shape of a wearer's head) due to being coupled to a crown band along a bottom edge of the panel and due to darts present at the top of the crown. The two ends of the crown panel are not directly coupled to each other and thereby form/accommodate the opening, with the bottom of the opening defined by the crown band. The two ends of the crown panel each include a bottom circumferential edge coupled to the crown band, and the crown band may extend continuously, without any gaps or openings, around an entirety of the bottom of the crown. The crown panel may be formed from suitable flexible/stretchable material or materials, such as an elastomeric material, and may be knit in some examples. In examples where the crown panel is a knitted material, the opening is not integrally formed in the knit pattern (e.g., by simply not stitching together adjacent loops of yarn/fabric) but instead is formed by overlapping portions/edges of the knitted material. For example, the opening is not integrated within a cable knit pattern. The flexible/stretchable material of the crown panel and the crown band may allow the headwear to firmly fit on a variety of head sizes without the inclusion of a separate size adjusting mechanism. For example, the headwear disclosed herein may lack a snapback sizing mechanism or other traditional headwear sizing mechanisms.

In this way, the opening described herein may be included in headwear such as a beanie to provide protection from environmental factors while allowing the wearer more choice in hairstyle. By including an overlapping first crown portion and second crown portion to create an opening at the rear of the crown, the headwear can benefit from the same warmth and tight fit of a beanie without limiting the comfort of a wearer with a ponytail. Further, because the opening is formed from two overlapping (but not directly coupled together) crown portions and a crown band (with the terminating edges of the crown portions and the crown band framing the opening), the opening may accommodate a wide range of ponytail thicknesses and the headwear may not be prone to structural degradation.

It will be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various structures and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

As used in this application, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects. The following claims particularly point out subject matter from the above disclosure that is regarded as novel and non-obvious.