Abstract:
An article of headwear made of a resilient material includes at least two panels that cooperate to form openings or pass-through slots through which a user may thread earbuds or headphones while maintaining coverage of the ear. The ends of the at least two panels may overlap one another. The ends of the panels may be reconfigurable between a first configuration where the panels lay flat over one another and a second configuration, where the panels are manipulated to no longer lay flat over one another to define at least one opening. One of the panels may include a non-resilient material coupled to at least one of the panels proximate to the end of the panel to aid the user in threading earbuds through the at least one opening at least partially defined by the non-resilient material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/160,756, entitled “Headwear with Pass-Through Slots”, filed May 13, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to headwear covering the ears. More specifically, the present invention relates to headwear with openings configured to receive objects therein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    During cold weather/temperature activities, headwear is typically utilized to warm the ears, neck and head. During these activities, people often listen to music, podcasts, or make phone calls through the use of earbud headphones connected by wire to a mobile device. During movement or athletic activities, however, earbuds are more likely to shift and slip within the ear, and may even be accidentally pulled from the ear, which can be aggravating, or even dangerous, to the wearer. In addition, it is uncomfortable for people to wear earbuds while also wearing headwear that cover their ears because the earbuds extend outwardly from the ears of the wearer and the headwear presses the earbuds further into the ear of the wearer, which creates an unwanted pressure in the ears of the wearer. The earbuds may also prevent the headwear from resting comfortably against the ears and/or the sides of the head of the wearer, which then allows cold air to enter the interior of the headwear. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an article of headwear having the ability to keep earbuds comfortably in place without the need for frequent adjustment and readjustment that also keeps the head, neck, and ears of a wearer warm. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An article of headwear surrounds at least the substantial circumference of the wearer&#39;s head and has a front side and a rear side, a first side, and a second side. In an embodiment, the headwear may include a first fabric panel and a second fabric panel that are joined by stitching proximate to the first and second edges of each of the panels. The stitching joining the first and second panels is positioned at the top and bottom regions of each of the first and second edges such that a portion of the first and second edges of the first panel overlaps a portion of the first and second edges of the second portion. By way of such stitching and the positioning of the edges, the first and second panels cooperate to form an opening, or slot, at the first and second sides of the headwear, while maintaining coverage of the ears. With this configuration, an article of headwear is provided that allows for auditory equipment, i.e., headphones or earbuds, to pass through the openings on the first and second sides of the headwear to securely and comfortably position the earbuds within the ear of the user. This configuration also allows the headwear to rest closely against the sides of the head of the wearer and the ears of the wearer to prevent cold air from entering the interior of the headwear. The described configuration of the headwear allows for a wearer to comfortably secure headphones to their ears while keeping their ears and head warm. The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of the exterior surface of a beanie hat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of the interior surface of the embodiment of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0007]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a rear view of the exterior surface of the embodiment of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0008]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a rear view of the interior surface of the embodiment of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of the first side of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the first side of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of second side of the embodiment of the beanie hat illustrated  FIG. 1A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the second side of the embodiment of the beanie hat illustrated  FIG. 1A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of the first side of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the first side of the beanie hat illustrated in  FIG. 1A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of the second side of the beanie hat illustrated  FIG. 1A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the second side of the embodiment of the beanie hat illustrated  FIG. 1A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a front view of the exterior surface of a headband in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a front view of the interior surface of the embodiment of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a rear view of the exterior surface of the embodiment of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a rear view of the interior surface of the embodiment of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of the first side of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the first side of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of second side of the embodiment of the headband illustrated  FIG. 7A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the second side of the embodiment of the headband illustrated  FIG. 7A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the closed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of the first side of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the first side of the headband illustrated in  FIG. 7A , where the first pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12A  illustrates a side elevational view of the exterior surface of the second side of the headband illustrated  FIG. 7A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12B  illustrates a side elevational view of the interior surface of the second side of the embodiment of the headband illustrated  FIG. 7A , where the second pass-through opening is positioned in the opened position. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B , a beanie hat  10  capable of receiving at least a portion of a human head is shown. The beanie hat  10  may be a head-hugging brimless hat or headwear. The beanie hat  10  includes a front side  12 , a rear side  14  opposite the front side  12 , a first side  16  spanning between the front side  12  and the rear side  14 , and a second side  18  spanning between the front side  12  and the rear side  14  and disposed opposite of the first side  16 . The beanie hat  10  further includes a top side  20 , a bottom side  22 , an exterior  24 , and an interior  26 . The beanie hat  10  illustrated is constructed of a first panel  100 , a second panel  130 , a third panel  190 , and a fourth panel  240 . The four panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  are interconnected to form the beanie hat  10 . The panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  may be constructed from a knitted, woven, or nonwoven fabric with resilient or stretch properties, e.g., a breathable fabric including elastane resilient fabric configured to stretch in multiple (e.g., two way or four way stretch) directions. The fabric of the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  may further be wind resistant, water resistant, and/or water repellant. 
         [0031]    Turning to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B , the first panel  100  may be substantially dome shaped and includes an exterior surface  105  and an interior surface  110 . The first panel  100  includes a continuous edge  115 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2A , mounted on the exterior surface  105  of the first panel  100  is an icon or indicia  125 . The indicia  125  may be a reflective material that provides additional visibility of the user wearing the beanie hat when light is shown in the direction of the user. 
         [0032]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a second panel  130  is coupled to the first panel  100  proximate to the front side  12  of the beanie hat  10 . The second panel  130  includes an exterior surface  135  and an interior surface  140 . As further illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the second panel  130  includes a first terminal edge  145  disposed proximate to the first side  16  of the beanie hat  10  and a second terminal edge  160  disposed proximate to the second side  18  of the beanie hat  10 . The second panel  130  further includes a top edge  175  and a bottom edge  180 . The top edge  175  of the second panel  130  is attached to the edge  115  of the first panel  100  via stitching  120 . As illustrated, the stitching  120  that couples the first panel  100  to the second panel  130  may be a flatlock stitch. However, other types of stitching may be used to couple the first panel  100  to the second panel  130 . In addition, the first and second panel  100 ,  130  may be coupled to one another by other means, including, but not limited to, fusing the first and second panels  100 ,  130  together, bonding the first and second panels together  100 ,  130 , etc. As best illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the second panel  130  may include indicia  185  mounted on the exterior surface  135  of the second panel  130 . In the example embodiment of the hat  10  depicted in the figures, the indicia  185  is located on the second panel  130  at a location equidistant between the first terminal edge  145  and the second terminal edge  160 , and also equidistant from the top edge  175  and the bottom edge  180 . However, indicia may be provided at any other one or more suitable locations along the second panel  130 . Similar to the indicia  125  disposed on the first panel  100 , the indicia  185  may also be constructed of a reflective material that provides additional visibility of the user wearing the beaning hat. 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a third panel  190  and a fourth panel  240  are coupled to the first panel  100  proximate to the rear side  14  of the beanie hat  10 . As illustrated, the third panel  190  is disposed on the rear side  14  of the beanie hat  10  proximate to the first side  16  of the beanie hat  10 , while the fourth panel  240  is disposed on the rear side  14  of the beanie hat  10  proximate to the second side  18  of the beanie hat  10 . The third panel  190  includes an exterior surface  195  and an interior surface  200 . The third panel  190  further includes a first terminal edge  205  and an opposite second terminal edge  210 . The third panel  190  also includes a top edge  215  and a bottom edge  220 . Similarly, the fourth panel  240  includes an exterior surface  245  and an interior surface  250 . The fourth panel  240  also includes a first terminal edge  255 , an opposite second terminal edge  260 , a top edge  265  spanning between the first and second terminal edges  255 ,  260 , and a bottom edge  270  opposite the top edge  265 . Similar to that of the second panel  130 , the top edge  215  of the third panel  190  and the top edge  265  of the fourth panel  240  are coupled to the edge  115  of the first panel  100 . Stitching  120  may couple the top edge  215  of the third panel  190  and the top edge  265  of the fourth panel  240  to the first panel  130 , where the stitching  120  may be a flatlock stitch. Other types of stitching, however, may be used to couple the first panel  100  to the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240 . In addition, the first panel  100  may be coupled to the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240  by other means, including, but not limited to, fusing the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240  to the first panel  100 , bonding the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240  to the first panel  100 , etc. 
         [0034]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240  are coupled to the first panel  100  such that the first terminal edge  205  of the third panel  190  is coupled to the first terminal edge  255  of the fourth panel  240 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the first terminal edge  205  of the third panel  190  is coupled to the first terminal edge  255  of the fourth panel  240  via stitching  256  on the interior  26  of the beanie hat  10 . Stitching  256  may form any type of seam, including but not limited to, a flatlock seam, an overlock seam, blind stitch seam, etc. In addition, the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240  may be coupled to one another by other means, including, but not limited to, fusing, bonding, etc. As further illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  is disposed proximate to the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  with a slight overlap between the edges as described herein, while the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  is disposed proximate to the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  with a slight overlap between the edges as described herein. 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , illustrated is the positioning of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  in relation to the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  when the first terminal edge  145  and the second terminal edge  210  are in the closed position A. As best illustrated in  FIG. 3A , on the exterior  24  of the beanie hat  10 , and proximate to the first side  16  of the beanie hat  10 , the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  overlaps the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 3A ). Conversely, as best illustrated in  FIG. 3B , on the interior  26  of the beanie hat  10 , and also proximate to the first side  16  of the beanie hat  10 , the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  overlaps the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 3B ). 
         [0036]    Turning to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , illustrated is the positioning of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  in relation to the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  when the second terminal edge  160  and the second terminal edge  260  are in the closed position B. As best illustrated in  FIG. 4A , on the exterior  24  of the beanie hat  10 , and proximate to the second side  18  of the beanie hat  10 , the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  overlaps the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 4A ). Conversely, as best illustrated in  FIG. 4B , on the interior  26  of the beanie hat  10 , and also proximate to the second side  18  of the beanie hat  10 , the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  overlaps the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 4B ). 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , illustrated is the positioning of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  in relation to the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  when the first terminal edge  145  and the second terminal edge  210  are in the opened position C. When in the opened position C, the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  is at least partially separated from the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190 . This partial separation of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  from the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  creates a first opening  225 . The first opening  225  enables objects, such as earbuds, to be threaded through the first opening  225  when the beanie hat  10  is worn by a user. The first opening  225  must be large enough to receive objects, such as earbuds, but must be small enough to retain the earbuds in the opening, and thus the ear, when the user wearing the hat  10  is performing activities, such as running. 
         [0038]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 5B , a portion of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  is folded towards the interior  26  of the beanie hat  10  and over the interior surface  140  of the second panel  130  to form a first capped end  150 . Coupled to the first capped end  150  is reflective piping  155 . The reflective piping  155  may be coupled to the first capped end  150  by, but not limited to, stitching, bonding, adhesives, etc. As best illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the reflective piping  155  extends beyond the first capped end  150 . The reflective piping  155  may be constructed from a reflective material wrapped around a structure, such as foam, a pipe, a cord, etc. The reflective material of the reflective piping  155  may be configured to reflect light to provide additional visibility of the user wearing the beanie hat  10  when light is directed in the user&#39;s direction. Furthermore, the reflective material and/or the inner structure of the reflective piping  155  may be of a non-resilient material that eases manipulation of the first terminal edge  145  to separate the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  from the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  when reconfiguring the first terminal edge  145  and the second terminal edge  210  from the closed position A to the opened position C. By constructing the reflective piping  155  of a material with a contrasting texture from that of the material of the second and third panels  130 ,  190 , the user of the beanie hat  10  can more easily locate and separate the first terminal edge  145  from the second terminal edge  210  to thread objects through the first opening  225 . 
         [0039]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  may be coupled to the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  by upper stitching  230  and lower stitching  235 . Upper stitching  230  may couple a portion or region of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  to a portion or region of the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  proximate to the top edge  175  of the second panel  130  and the top edge  215  of the third panel  190 . The lower stitching  235  may couple a portion or region of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  to a portion or region of the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  proximate to the bottom edge  180  of the second panel  130  and the bottom edge  220  of the third panel  190 . The upper and lower stitching  230 ,  235  may enable deformation and separation of a portion of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  from a portion of the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  when a user pulls on the reflective material  155  of the first terminal edge  145 . Thus, the coupling of the first terminal edge  145  to the second terminal edge  210  by the upper and lower stitching  230 ,  235  causes the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  to simultaneously move away from the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  as the first terminal edge  145  is manipulated by the user wearing the beanie hat  10 . The separation of a portion of the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  from a portion of the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  creates the first opening  225 . 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , illustrated is the positioning of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  in relation to the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  when the second terminal edges  160 ,  260  are in the opened position D. When in the opened position D, the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  is separated from the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  190 . The separation of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  from the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  190  creates a second opening  275 . Similar to the first opening  225 , the second opening  275  enables objects, such as earbuds, to be threaded through the second opening  275  when the beanie hat  10  is worn by a user. In addition, the second opening  275  must be large enough to receive objects, such as earbuds, but must be small enough to retain the earbuds in the opening, and thus the ear, when the user wearing the hat  10  performing activities. 
         [0041]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a portion of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  is folded towards the interior  26  of the beanie hat  10  and over the interior surface  140  of the second panel  130  to form a second capped end  165 . Coupled to the second capped end  165  is reflective piping  170 . The reflective piping  170  may be coupled to the second capped end  165  by, but not limited to, stitching, bonding, adhesives, etc. As best illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the reflective piping  170  extends beyond the second capped end  165 . Similar to the reflective piping  155 , the reflective piping  170  may be constructed from a reflective material wrapped around a structure, such as foam, a pipe, a cord, etc. The reflective material of the reflective piping  170  may be configured to reflect light to provide additional visibility of the user wearing the beanie hat  10  when light is shown in the direction of the user. Furthermore, the reflective material and/or the inner structure of the reflective piping  170  may be of a non-resilient material that eases manipulation of the second terminal edge  160  in order to separate the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  from the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  when reconfiguring the second terminal edges  160 ,  260  from the closed position B to the opened position D. By constructing the reflective piping  170  of a material with a contrasting texture from that of the material of the second and fourth panels  130 ,  240 , the user of the beanie hat  10  can more easily locate and separate the second terminal edge  160  from the second terminal edge  260  to thread objects through the second opening  275 . 
         [0042]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  may be coupled to the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  by upper stitching  280  and lower stitching  285 . Upper stitching  280  may couple a portion or region of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  to a portion or region of the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  proximate to the top edge  175  of the second panel  130  and the top edge  265  of the fourth panel  240 . The lower stitching  285  may couple a portion or region of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  to a portion or region of the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  proximate to the bottom edge  180  of the second panel  130  and the bottom edge  270  of the fourth panel  240 . The upper and lower stitching  280 ,  285  may enable deformation and separation of a portion of the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  from a portion of the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  when a user pulls on the reflective material  170  of the second terminal edge  160 . Thus, the coupling of the second terminal edge  160  to the second terminal edge  260  by the upper and lower stitching  280 ,  285  causes the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  to simultaneously move away from the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  as the second terminal edge  160  is manipulated by the user wearing the beanie hat  10 . The movement of the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  away from the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  creates the second opening  275 . 
         [0043]    When the beanie hat  10  is worn by a user, the overlap of the terminal edges  145 ,  160  of the second panel  130  with the second terminal edges  210 ,  260  of the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240 , respectively, are positioned proximate to, or over, the ears of the user. Thus, when the beanie hat  10  is worn by a user, the first and second openings  225 ,  275  are also positioned proximate to, or over, the ears of the user. It then follows that the second panel  130  may be disposed proximate to the forehead of the user, while the third and fourth panels  190 ,  240  are disposed proximate to the back of the head of the user. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 4A , by having the first terminal edge  145  of the second panel  130  overlap the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  on the exterior  24  of the beanie hat  10 , and by having the second terminal edge  160  of the second panel  130  overlap the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  240  on the exterior  24  of the beanie hat  10 , the first and second openings  225 ,  275  open towards the rear side  14  of the hat  10 . This rear entry of the first and second openings  225 ,  275  enables earbuds threaded through the openings  225 ,  275  to remain in place in the ears of the user wearing the hat  10 . Furthermore, by having the terminal edges  145 ,  160  of the second panel  130 , which is disposed on the front side  12  of the hat  10 , overlap the second terminal edge  210  of the third panel  190  and the second terminal edge  260  of the fourth panel  250 , wind and precipitation is prevented from entering the openings  225 ,  275  while the user wearing the hat  10  is performing activities (e.g., running, jogging, cycling, etc.). 
         [0044]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B , coupled to the bottom edge  180  of the second panel  130 , the bottom edge  220  of the third panel  190 , and the bottom edge  270  of the fourth panel  240  is an encircling member  290 . The encircling member  290  may be configured to further interconnect the second panel  130 , third panel  190 , and the fourth panel  240 . The encircling member  290  may be configured to wrap around the circumference of the user&#39;s head, and secure the beanie hat  10  to the head of the user. Additionally, encircling member  290  may be constructed from the same material as the first, second, third, and fourth panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240 . In another embodiment, the encircling member  290  may be constructed from a material have a lesser degree of resiliency or stretch than the material from which the first, second, third, and fourth panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  are constructed. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B , the encircling member  290  and the bottom edge  180  of the second panel  130  contains a curved or arcuate profile. The curvature of the bottom edge  180  of the second panel  130  and the portion of the encircling member  290  proximate to the second panel  130  enables the first and second sides  16 ,  18  of beanie hat  10  to fully cover the ears of the user wearing the beanie hat  10  while the front  12  of the beanie hate  10  is disposed above the eyes of the user wearing the beanie hate  10 . Thus, the curvature of the of the bottom edge  180  of the second panel  130  and the portion of the encircling member  290  proximate to the second panel  130  prevents the front  12  of the beanie hat  10  from covering the eyes of the user wearing the beanie hat  10  when the user positions the beanie hat  10  such that the first and second openings  225 ,  275  are disposed proximate to the user&#39;s ears and the first and second sides  16 ,  18  cover the user&#39;s ears. 
         [0045]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B , disposed on the interior surface  110  of the first panel  100 , the interior surface  140  of the second panel  130 , the interior surface  200  of the third panel  190 , and the interior surface  250  of the fourth panel  240  is a heat retaining coating  300 . The heat retaining coating  300  may be disposed on the interior surfaces  110 ,  140 ,  200 ,  250  of the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  by, but not limited to, infusing the heat retaining coating  300  into the material of the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240 , bonding the heat retaining coating  300  to the interior surfaces  110 ,  140 ,  200 ,  250  of the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240 , or adhering the heat retaining coating  300  to the interior surfaces  110 ,  140 ,  200 ,  250  of the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240 . The heat retaining coating  300  may be configured to reflect some degree of heat radiated from the head of the user back onto the head of the user to further aid in keeping the head of the user warm. The heat retaining coating  300 , in conjunction with the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  of the headwear  10 , help to retain the generated heat around the portion the head covered by the headwear  10 . The heat retaining coating  300  may be an aluminate (AlO 2 ), a zinc oxide (ZnO), a tin dioxide (SnO 2 ), a titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), a silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), a silicon carbide (SiC), a zirconium carbide (ZrC), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B , the heat retaining coating  300  may be disposed on the interior surfaces the interior surfaces  110 ,  140 ,  200 ,  250  of the panels  100 ,  130 ,  190 ,  240  in striations or lines. 
         [0046]    In other example embodiments, the headwear with pass-through slots can be implemented in configurations other than a beanie hat. 
         [0047]    For example, the present invention can be implemented in the form of a headband. Turning to  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B , a headband  40  capable of receiving at least a portion of a human head is shown. The headband  40  may be a head-hugging brimless and topless headpiece that is configured to wrap around a user&#39;s head while leaving the top of the head exposed. The headband  40  includes a front side  42 , a rear side  44  opposite the front side  42 , a first side  46  spanning between the front side  42  and the rear side  44 , and a second side  48  spanning between the front side  42  and the rear side  44  and disposed opposite of the first side  46 . The headband  40  further includes a top side  50 , a bottom side  52 , an exterior  54 , and an interior  56 . The headband  40  is constructed from a first panel  400  and a second panel  460  that are interconnected. The panels  400 ,  460  may be constructed from a knitted, woven, or nonwoven fabric with resilient or stretch properties, e.g., a breathable fabric including elastane resilient fabric configured to stretch in multiple directions (e.g., two way stretch or four way stretch). The fabric of the panels  400 ,  460  may further be wind resistant, water resistant, and/or water repellant. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the first panel  400  of the headband  40  is disposed on the front side  42  of the headband  40 . The first panel  400  includes an exterior surface  405  and an interior surface  410 . In addition, the first panel  400  includes a first terminal edge  415  disposed proximate to the first side  46  of the headband  40  and a second terminal edge  430  disposed proximate to the second side  48  of the headband  40 . The first panel  400  further includes a top edge  445  and a bottom edge  450 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the first panel  400  may include indicia  455  disposed on the exterior surface  405 . In the example embodiment shown in the figures, the indicia  455  is located on the first panel  400  at a location equidistant between the first terminal edge  415  and the second terminal edge  430 , and also equidistant from the top edge  445  and the bottom edge  450 . However, one of more forms of indicia may be provided at any one or more suitable locations on one or more panels of the headband. Similar to the indicia  125  and the indicia  185  of beanie hat  10 , the indicia  455  may be constructed of a reflective material that provides additional visibility of the user wearing the headband. 
         [0049]    Turning to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a second panel  460  is coupled to the first panel  400  and is disposed on the rear side  44  of the headband  40 . As illustrated, the second panel  460  contains an exterior surface  465  (illustrated in  FIG. 8A ) and an opposite interior side  470  (illustrated in  FIG. 8B ). The second panel  460  further includes a first terminal edge  475  and an opposite second terminal edge  480 . Spanning between the first terminal edge  475  and the second terminal edge  480  are a top edge  485  and a bottom edge  490 . 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B , the bottom edge  450  of the first panel  400  contains a curved or arcuate profile that differs from that of the bottom edge  490  of the second panel  460 . The curvature of the bottom edge  450  of the first panel  400  enables the first and second sides  46 ,  48  of headband  40  to fully cover the ears of the user wearing the headband  40  while the front  42  of the headband  40  is disposed above the eyes of the user wearing the headband  40 . Thus, the curvature of the bottom edge  450  of the first panel  400  prevents the front  42  of the headband  40  from covering the eyes of the user wearing the headband  40  when the user positions the headband  40  such that the first and second sides  46 ,  48  of the headband  40  cover the user&#39;s ears. 
         [0051]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the first panel  400  is coupled to the second panel  460  such that the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  is coupled to the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  on the first side  46  of the headband  40 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 9A , on the exterior  54  of the headband  40 , and proximate to the first side  46  of the headband  40 , the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  overlaps the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 9A ). Conversely, as best illustrated in  FIG. 9B , on the interior  56  of the headband  40 , and also proximate to the first side  46  of the headband  40 , the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  overlaps the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 9B ).  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  and the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  in the closed position E. 
         [0052]    Turning to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first panel  400  is coupled to the second panel  460  such that the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  is coupled to the second terminal edge  480  of the second couple  460  on the second side  48  of the headband  40 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 10A , on the exterior  54  of the headband  40 , and proximate to the second side  48  of the headband  40 , the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  overlaps the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 10A ). Conversely, as best illustrated in  FIG. 10B , on the interior  56  of the headband  40 , and also proximate to the second side  48  of the headband  40 , the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  overlaps the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  (shown as a phantom line in  FIG. 10B ).  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  and the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  in the closed position F. 
         [0053]    Turning to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , illustrated is the positioning of the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  in relation to the second terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  when the terminal edges  415 ,  475  are in the opened position G. When in the opened position G, a portion of the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  is separated from a portion of the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  to create a first opening  495 . The first opening  495  enables objects, such as earbuds, to be threaded through to the interior  56  of the headband  40 . The first opening  495  must be large enough to receive objects, such as earbuds, but must be small enough to retain the earbuds in the opening, and thus the ear, when the user wearing the headband  40  is running or performing activities. 
         [0054]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a portion of the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  is folded towards the interior  56  of the headband  40  and over the interior surface  410  of the first panel  400  to form a first capped end  420  of the first panel  400 . Coupled to the first capped end  420  is reflective piping  425 . The reflective piping  425  may be coupled to the first capped end  420  by, but not limited to, stitching, bonding, adhesives, etc. As best illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the reflective piping  425  extends beyond the first capped end  420 . Similar to the reflective piping  155 ,  170  of the beanie hat  10 , the reflective piping  425  may be constructed from a reflective material wrapped around a structure, such as foam, a pipe, a cord, etc. In addition, the reflective material of the reflective piping  425  may be configured to reflect light to provide additional visibility of the user wearing the headband  40  when light is shown in the direction of the user. The reflective material and/or the inner structure of the reflective piping  425  may be of a non-resilient material that eases manipulation of the first terminal edge  415  to separate the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  a least partially from the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460 . Thus, enabling the terminal edges  415 ,  475  to be reconfigured from the closed position E to the opened position G. By constructing the reflective piping  425  of a material with a contrasting texture from that of the material of the first and second panels  400 ,  460 , the user of the headband  40  can more easily locate and separate the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  from the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  to thread objects through the first opening  495 . 
         [0055]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 11B , the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  may be coupled to the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  via first upper stitching  500  and first lower stitching  505 . The first upper stitching  500  may couple a portion or region of the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  to a portion or region of the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  proximate to the top edge  445  of the first panel  400  and the top edge  485  of the second panel  460 . The first lower stitching  505  may couple a portion or region of the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  to a portion or region of the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  proximate to the bottom edge  450  of the first panel  400  and the bottom edge  490  of the second panel  460 . The first upper and lower stitching  500 ,  505  may enable deformation and separation of the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  from the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  when a user pulls or manipulates the reflective piping  425  of the first terminal edge  415 . Thus, the coupling of the first terminal edges  415 ,  475  by the first upper and first lower stitching  500 ,  505  causes the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  to simultaneously move away from the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  as the first terminal edge  415  is manipulated by the user wearing the headband  40 . The movement of first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  away from the first terminal edge  415  of the first panel  400  creates the first opening  495 . 
         [0056]    Turning to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , illustrated is the positioning of the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  in relation to the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  when the second terminal edges  430 ,  480  are in the opened position H. When in the opened position H, a portion of the second terminal edge  430  of the second panel  400  is separated from a portion of the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460 . The at least partial separation of the second terminal edges  430 ,  480  creates a second opening  510 . Similar to the first opening  495 , the second opening  510  enables objects, such as earbuds, to be threaded through to the interior  56  of the headband  40 . In addition, the second opening  510  must be large enough to receive objects, such as earbuds, but must be small enough to retain the earbuds within the opening, and thus the ear, when the user wearing the headband  40  is performing activities (e.g., running). 
         [0057]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 12B , a portion of the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  is folded towards the interior  56  of the headband  40  and over the interior surface  410  of the first panel  400  to form a second capped end  435 . Coupled to the second capped end  435  is reflective piping  440 , which may be coupled via, but not limited to, stitching, bonding, adhesives, etc. As best illustrated in  FIG. 12A , the reflective piping  440  extends beyond the second capped end  435 . Similar to the reflective piping  425 , the reflective piping  440  may be constructed from a reflective material wrapped around a structure, such as foam, a pipe, a cord, etc. The reflective material of the reflective piping  440  may be configured to reflect light to provide additional visibility of the user wearing the headband  40  when light is shown in the direction of the user. Furthermore, the reflective material and/or the inner structure of the reflective piping  440  may be of a non-resilient material that eases manipulation of the second terminal edge  430  in order to separate the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  from the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  when reconfiguring the second terminal edges  430 ,  480  from the closed position F to the opened position H. By constructing the reflective piping  440  of a material with a contrasting texture from that of the material of the first and second panels  400 ,  460 , the user of the headband  40  can more easily locate and separate the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  from the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  to thread objects through the second opening  510 . 
         [0058]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 12B , the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  may be coupled to the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  by second upper stitching  515  and second lower stitching  520 . Second upper stitching  515  may couple a portion or region of the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  to a portion or region of the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  proximate to the top edge  445  of the first panel  400  and the top edge  485  of the second panel  460 . The second lower stitching  520  may couple a portion or region of the second terminal edge  430  of the second panel  400  to a portion or region of the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  proximate to the bottom edge  450  of the first panel  400  and the bottom edge  490  of the second panel  460 . The second upper and lower stitching  515 ,  520  may enable deformation and separation of the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  from the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  when a user pulls on the reflective piping  440  of the second terminal edge  430 . Thus, the coupling of the second terminal edges  430 ,  480  by the second upper and second lower stitching  515 ,  520  causes the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  to simultaneously move away from the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  as the second terminal edge  430  is manipulated by the user wearing the headband  40 . The movement of the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  away from the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  creates the second opening  510 . 
         [0059]    Similar to the beanie hat  10 , when the headband  40  is worn by a user, the overlap of the terminal edges  415 ,  430  of the first panel  400  with the terminal edges  475 ,  480  of the second panel  460  are positioned proximate to the ears of the user. Thus, when the headband  40  is worn by a user, the first and second openings  495 ,  510  are also positioned proximate to and over the ears of the user. It then follows that the first panel  400  may be disposed proximate to the forehead of the user, while the second panel  460  is disposed proximate to the back of the head of the user. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 10A , by having the first terminal edge  145  of the first panel  400  overlap the first terminal edge  475  of the second panel  460  on the exterior  54  of the headband  40 , and by having the second terminal edge  430  of the first panel  400  overlap the second terminal edge  480  of the second panel  460  on the exterior  54  of the headband  40 , the first and second openings  495 ,  510  open towards the rear side  44  of the headband  40 . This causes the first and second openings  495 ,  510  to be rear facing, which enables earbuds threaded through the openings  495 ,  510  to remain in place in the ears of the user wearing the headband  40 . Furthermore, by having the terminal edges  415 ,  430  of the first panel  400 , which is disposed on the front side  42  of the headband  40 , overlap the terminal edges  475 ,  480  of the second panel  460  located on the rear side  44  of the headband  40 , wind and precipitation is prevented from entering the openings  495 ,  510  while the user wearing the headband  40  is performing activities (e.g., running, jogging, cycling, etc.). 
         [0060]    Similar to the beanie hat  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B, and 12B , disposed on the interior surface  410  of the first panel  400  and the interior surface  470  of the second panel  460  of the headband  40  is a heat retaining coating  300 . The heat retaining coating  300  may be disposed on the interior surfaces  410 ,  470  of the panels  400 ,  460  by, but not limited to, infusing the heat conducting coating  300  into the material of the panels  400 ,  460 , bonding the heat retaining coating  300  to the interior surfaces  410 ,  470  of the panels  400 ,  460 , or adhering the heat retaining coating  300  to the interior surfaces  410 ,  460  of the panels  400 ,  460 . The heat retaining coating  300  may be configured to reflect some degree of heat radiated from the head of the user back onto the head of the user to further aid in keeping the covered portions of the head of the user warm. The head retaining coating  300  may be an aluminate (AlO 2 ), a zinc oxide (ZnO), a tin dioxide (SnO 2 ), a titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), a silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), a silicon carbide (SiC), a zirconium carbide (ZrC), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B, and 12B , the heat retaining coating  300  may be disposed on the interior surfaces the interior surfaces  410 ,  470  of the panels  400 ,  460  in striations or lines. 
         [0061]    While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. 
         [0062]    Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.