GB2283053A - Adjustable attachment device - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable attachment device for joining portions of flexible material together. The device employs oppositely directed tabs 65, 67 engaging with one or more pairs of linear bearings eg slit edges 68 arranged in a parallel manner, the bearings comprising elongate edges of material and/or an adjoining surface or surfaces, the application of a force being required to overcome frictional resistance. The combined length of the attached portions may be optionally lengthened, shortened or maintained. The present invention advances the state of the art in relation to attachment devices for use with headwear and other items of apparel, spectacle frames, cylindrical and frusto-conical artefacts and looped bands of all kinds. The invention facilitates the manufacture of circular brims, upon which may be mounted pyramidal or other features required to be centrally positioned above the head of a wearer, and visors provided with headbands able to be pulled tight after being placed upon the head. <IMAGE>

Description

ADJUSTABLE ATTACHMENT DEVICE This invention relates to an adjustable attachment device for joining together items made from flexible material such as paper, paper-board and sheets of plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. In specific embodiments the invention relates to attachment devices for use in connection with items of apparel such as headwear, spectacles and belts intended to be worn by people of all ages and sizes and to items designed to adorn or to contain or to be otherwise juxtaposed with artefacts of varying sizes and volumes. A principal application of the invention is headwear and this application is the first to be addressed in this document.

The general idea of providing headwear from flexible material with means for adjusting the size of the headband which are integral to the material and not requiring the addition of any extraneous agency such as, for example, elastic, contact adhesive, tape provided with co-operating hooks and eyes of the kind known as "Velcro" (Registered Trade Mark, press studs, buttons, ribbons and buckles, has been addressed before.

Headwear made from paper or paper-board which is of unitary construction and in which the means of adjustment is integral with the remainder of the headwear may be placed into four main categories. In the first category is headwear which is secured upon the head in use by means of a headband which wraps around the head, the headband assuming a substantially vertical plane as it does so. Such headwear may be adjusted to the size of the head of the wearer by a mechanism comprised of a single tab placed in the portion lying at one end of the headband, the tab being adapted to engage with any one of a plurality of slits incorporated into the portion lying at the other end of the headband.Alternatively, slits may be provided in the respective portions of the headband, each slit extending half way across the headband, the direction of the slits being opposed so that a slit in one portion is able to interlock with a slit in the other portion.

In the second category is headwear in which the headband is split into two or more portions along its long axis by one or more elongate slits, the length of a slit or slits being of the order of one half of the circumference of a head, the slits generally not extending to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby.Such headwear can be adapted to accommodate a range of head sizes either by the use of a paper-board (the term "board" being in common usage within the paper trade to describe paper with a weight in excess of approximately 220 grammes per square metre) of sufficient thickness and elasticity to spring back against the sides of the head of the wearer after being placed upon the head, or by the incorporation of perforations at the ends of the slits or by the provision of a plurality of smaller slits positioned laterally on one side of and extending from the edge of the slit forming the headband, the portions of material lying between the smaller lateral slits bending outwardly to enlarge the head opening and engaging with the head of the wearer when the headwear is placed upon the head.

In the third category are items of headwear formed from a piece of flat material such as paper or paper-board in which a generally circular shaped aperture is provided through which the head is inserted. Means of adjustment to individual head sizes may take of the form of subdividing the headband at one point so as to provide two ends which ends are provided with complementary means of attachment, or the provision of protuberances projecting inwardly of the circular portion, the protuberances bending outwardly to enlarge the head opening and engaging with the head of the wearer in use in a manner similar to that of the portions between the lateral slits as described in the preceding paragraph.

In the fourth category are items of headwear of the kind often used for promotional purposes at sporting and other outdoor events which items consist of an eye shade attached to a crown, the crown portion being integral with the eye shade and being provided with a plurality of slits generally arranged in a spiral pattern, the slits extending over the larger part of the area of the crown. When the item is place upon the head the portions comprising the crown thus split open outwardly so as to provide strips of material able to engage with the head in a manner which accommodates its curvature.

For convenience of reference the four categories of headwear are further identified in this specification by short descriptions, respectively, "wrap-round headband", "split headband" "circular headband" and "split crown".

The individual devices providing means for attachment and/or for adapting headwear to conform to specific head sizes described above may be applied to more than one of the categories of headwear referred to and more than one kind of device may be present in the same item of headwear at the same time. In many applications factors are present which make the employment of such devices not altogether satisfactory. The disadvantages inherent in such devices are addressed by the present invention.

The use of tab and slot or tab and slit ("slit" having the same meaning as "slot" in the present context) attachment mechanisms in relation to headwear falling into the first (wrap-round headband) category will generally result in an article which is not symmetric about its vertical axis in use. In an embodiment in which the headband has at its central point words or an image which requires to be located at or above the centre of the forehead when the headwear is worn the final location of the tab with the active slot will vary according to the individual head size of the wearer and may lie substantially to one side of the head. The absence of symmetry precludes the use of a rear mounted feature centred above the back of the head even if the complications presented by the conjunction of the opposite ends of the headband at that point can be successfully overcome.Wording or an image intended to be visible at the back of the head will, therefor, generally be offset to one side in use.

A further disadvantage of the traditional tab and slot mechanism, in whichever of the categories of headwear it is employed, stems from the fact that, in the case of a head size at the lower end of the range for which provision is made, a significant proportion of the total length of the headband will lie beyond the point at which the tab interlocks with the active slot. This portion of the headband will flap about in use unless it is either captured in some way by the remainder of the headband or the headwear is worn in a manner in which the overlapping portion is tucked inside the remainder of the headband. An arrangement whereby the surplus part or the headband is tucked inside the remainder of the headband is not an option in the case of circular headbands of the kind comprising the third (circular headband) category.

Headgear in which opposed slits are utilised to attach portions of a headband together tends to be less tidy in use than headwear incorporating a tab and slot device. The presence of the slits weakens the headband and the separate portions of the headband may articulate about the bearing point of the opposed slits in use.

Adjustment of headbands provided with tab and slot or opposed slit attachment devices will generally be a matter of trial and error on the part of the wearer and for those who lack the necessary manual dexterity removal of the headwear will be required every time a further adjustment is made.

Items of headwear incorporating a headband which is wrapped around the head and which is provided with a tab and slot or opposed slit type of attachment mechanism falling within the first (wrap-round headband) category are disclosed by a number of prior documents. US-A-2679047 (Bozzi) relates to an eye shade which can be cut out from a printed programme. The item consists of a single solid headband which is extended downward to form a visor and which is sufficiently curved in a manner convex to the wearer's chin to permit it to be contained within a relatively small area. The mechanism for securing the ends of the headband together is comprised of pairs of perforations transversely extending halfway across the headband which are torn open to provide opposed slits which interlock together in use.

US-A-3184757 (Pennington) and UFA"4247957 (Rogers) disclose eye shades broadly similar to that of US-A-2679047 in that the constructions rely upon a wrap-round headband one portion of which is extended to form a visor, the headband being in both cases curved about a sufficiently short radius in a manner convex to the wearer's chin to enable the ends of the band to be carried around the wearer's head and attached together by means, respectively, of a tab and slot and an opposed slit attachment device. In the former document a hook-like tab is first captured by being threaded though a slit located in the other portion of the headband. The tab then engages with any one of a plurality of slits extending inwardly from the edge of that part of the headband.

US-A-2787791 (Linney et al) relates to an item of headwear in which a visorshaped portion is extended downward from a wrap-round headband which is straight and not curved. The method of securing the ends of the two portions of the headband together comprises a tab adapted to engage with any one of a plurality of slits arranged diagonally across the headband. US A-2988743 (Wagenfeld) relates to another wrap-round headband item of headwear incorporating a visor. In this case the securing means comprises an elongate portion, which in the course of assembly is detached from the remainder of the headwear, the portion having notched edges which engage with slits at the ends of the headband somewhat in the manner of a ratchet.

US-A-2679711 (Learnard) discloses an item of headwear which does not relate to an eye shade but to an arrangement of whirling feathers rotating about a hub placed above the head in use. The item is provided with an adjustable headband. The joining mechanism takes the form of a key shaped tab with engages with any one of a plurality of key hole shaped slits.

Items of headwear in the second (split headband) category, in which a headband is formed by one or two slits of fixed length and which for their fit depend upon the elasticity of the paper-board from which they are made, represent a compromise with what, in many applications, will be considered to be undesirable consequences. Such headwear will tend to fall about the ears of small children and to be perched a-top of the head of adults - in either case with risible effect.This may not greatly militate against the suitability of such headwear for use on a light-hearted occasion, such a Christmas day dinner, where the wearing of the headwear upon the head may only be momentary, but in circumstances where the intended use extends over hours rather than seconds and minutes such as, for example, a children's party or an annual dinner, or at a discotheque or sports event, or for wear in the street, office or home, a means of adjustment of the length of the headband to the individual head size is desirable.

An alternative arrangement, which can be used for items of headwear made from paper or paper-board and which is employed by a visor style construction disclosed in US-A-4247947, referred to above, is one in which tearable perforations are provided which allow a headband opening to be further enlarged. Embodiments of GB 2178299 (Samuelson) use perforations to extend the line of a slit or slits. The use of perforations can, however, also bring about a number of undesirable consequences. Perforations, once torn, can not be un-torn and so it is incumbent upon a wearer to tear a little at a time until the exact length of headband slit is achieved.A designer has to reach a compromise between closely pitched perforations, which tear relatively neatly without leaving tell-tale wisps of white substrate contrasting with what will generally be a darker printed surface but which tear all too readily, on the one hand, and coarsely pitched perforations which detract from the appearance of the headwear when torn but which (the individual incisions being separated by a greater length of paper or paper-board) are unlikely to tear by accident. The problems in this area are compounded when the substrate is coated or foiled. The effect of tearing all but the most closely pitched perforations incorporated into such material is one of considerable disfigurement of the headwear.

A further disadvantage of perforations is that they require to be accommodated into a portion of the headband at the ends of that portion of the slit which is of fixed length. In certain headwear embodiments this portion provides the mounting for ears which project outwardly from the head in use. Where such is the case, and perforations extend into the ears, the result is that the smaller the head size the more prominent the projection of the ears and the larger the head size the less prominent are the ears.

Difficulties may also arise where ears incorporate a design feature in the form of a cut-out portion since such a feature (where the material is easily tearable such as paper-board) will preferably be located as far away from the end of a slit splitting the headband as possible. Where ears are not present, and the perforations are provided in stump-like portions at the extremities of the headband, items of headwear worn by people with smaller head sizes will incorporate unsightly projections which in use may appear to be more than mere stumps. Again, difficulties may arise where the stump incorporates a joining mechanism (a tab and slot for example) which is designed to allow the optional attachment of ears.

In items of headwear in the second (split headband) category in which folds are incorporated along the line of a slit it may not be possible to incorporate perforations for the purpose of enlarging a slit in such a way that the appearance of the headwear does not materially change according to whether the slits are torn or not torn and, if torn, to what extent they are torn.

The problems described above which are attendant upon the use of perforations in items of headwear of the second (split headband) category can be avoided or mitigated by the use of lateral slits which open out and enlarge the head opening and provide portions of material able to engage with the head as the headwear is placed upon the head but this kind of construction also has disadvantages. SE-A-0096454 (Sonnergard) relates to an eye shade containing one long slit and a number of smaller non-parallel slits.

While the long slit is convex to the wearer's chin when worn, the length of the slit relative to the degree of curvature is insufficient to accommodate the wearer's head without folding the portions of material bounded by the smaller non-parallel slits. The lateral slits can not be disguised and a headband into which they are incorporated is noticeably different in appearance to any other kind of headband. The scope for shaping such a headband and for applied design is significantly restricted.

A further means of enlargement of the slit of an item of headwear falling within the second (split headband) category is provided by US-A-2474507 (Wolfe) which document relates to a play hat having a single slit which slit is curved in a manner concave to the wearer's chin when worn. The essentially landscape format design of the hat does not lend itself to the enlargement of the slit by means of perforations and the method adopted takes the form of apertures at the ends of the slit the diameters of which can be enlarged so as to enable the headwear to fit a larger head size. These apertures, like perforations, once torn open can not be restored and they are likely to be no less unsightly.

Items of headwear in the third (circular headband) category, which utilise a circular headband which takes up a position in a substantially flat plane around the head and does not wrap round it in a vertical plane, may be provided with means of enlargement similar to that employed in SE-A-0096454 referred to above. UStA-4246659 (Lyons) discloses a brim the centre of which is punched-out leaving a head opening the size of which can be increased by tearing perforations and/or by deforming a plurality of finger-like protuberances remaining after removal of the punched-out portion. UFAZ3354, 1 (Quigley) is an eye-shade provided with a solid band which is made from a resilient material such as foam rubber which is able to expand so as to adjust to the wearer's head size.A further means of enlargement is provided in the form of a display area which deforms so as to take up a position in front of and in engagement with the head of the wearer in use. The angle assumed by the display area depends in part upon the individual head size of the wearer.

Items of headwear in the fourth (split crown) category may incorporate multiple slits which are usually arranged as a spiral. The disadvantage of this type of configuration lies in the limited potential for applied design. The crown of the headwear follows the curvature of the head and beyond what is afforded by upper surface of a portion acting as an eye-shade, there is little scope for a sponsor's message or other display matter.

Attachment devices in accordance with the present invention not only largely counter the disadvantages above described as regards headwear of unitary construction made from flexible material but may also be used with equal efficacy for other items of apparel which in art are provided with means for adjustment which may not be integral such as belts and bracelets, and for other articles which in art are provided in a range of sizes such as spectacle frames. The devices can also be employed in place of the elastic which is customarily used to fix a face mask in a position in which it is able to obscure the facial features of the wearer.

US-A-2205957 (Kinkis) relates to a hand shield which may be made from a flexible material such as "an old inner tube" which is provided with an elongate slit through which the hand is inserted. The means of enlargement takes the form of non-tearing holes arranged along the line of the slit which can be cut by a sharp bladed instrument. As with perforations, the drawback to such an arrangement is that once the cut is made the original size can not be restored. Similar considerations apply where items are designed to be placed around an object the diameter of which at its widest point is greater than at the point where the item will finally rest and the means of enlargement take the form of non-reversible perforations.Such a situation will often arise in the case of headwear made from paper or paper-board which falls into the second (split headband) and third (circular headband) categories described above which is required to be worn over a traditional item of headwear. Recent improvements in the art brought about, inter alia, by means of attachment in accordance with the present invention may popularise such a usage.

Items provided with attachment devices in accordance with the present invention will often serve a decorative as much as, or rather than, a functional purpose and this may be particularly the case where the material from which they are made is paper-board. The constituent elements of constructions in accordance with the invention, namely the oppositely directed tabs slidably engaging with material incorporating either a single or a pair of parallel elongate slits, are readily identifiable and lend themselves to the application of primary colours and simple patterns. The joining device and/or an item in which it is incorporated thus has the potential to become a generic object in its own right. This potential is not lessened by the fact that many articles incorporating the device may, like much else in the world of fashion, be designed for transient rather than permanent use.

An attachment device comprising oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with the edges of an elongate slit is employed in a known stationary product, called an "Adaptafile" (Registered Trade Mark). This product is the subject of UK-A-9404124.1 (Corbishley) and comprises a container for documents in the nature of a file wallet. The wallet is provided with a front cover and a rear cover. A pocket is formed by providing the rear cover with hinged flaps which overlie the rear cover in use. A sliding connection is formed between at least two of the flaps so that they can move relative to each other so as to vary the capacity of the file. A further sliding connection is provided between front cover and the flap lying along the side of the rear cover to secure the front and rear covers in a closed position.The sliding connections in each case take the form of oppositely directed tabs (referred to as tongues in the application) which hook over and slide along guide edges.

The tongues connecting the flaps slide along parallel guide edges formed by the opposite sides of a single slit, those securing the front cover and the side flap slide along parallel guide edges at opposite ends of the flap. The purpose of the sliding connections is to prevent, in the first instance, the pocket formed by the rear cover and the flaps from bursting open, and in the second instance the front cover from opening. When used in this way it is unnecessary, and indeed undesirable for the sliding motion of the tongues to be inhibited by frictional resistance as they pass along the guide edges. In this respect the sliding connections differ from those which are the subject of the present invention in which friction is a necessary element.

A somewhat similar attachment device, albeit employed in a different manner, is to be found in a second stationery product which is the subject of US-91/02739 (Crisanti) This product comprises an adjustable band formed from a flexible strip arranged in a continuous loop, its purpose being to organise and accommodate stacks of documents of varying thickness. The ends of the strip are secured together in a sliding engagement with each by means of a pair of tabs provided at each end of the strip being inserted into a pair of parallel slits in the respective other end. Frictional resistance again plays no part in the attachment device.The invention provides means for preventing the band from expanding in use which take the form of engagement of a further tab functioning as a locking tab located at one end of the band with one of a plurality of parallel slits located at the other end, the tab being first registered against a locking scale so as to select a slit which will provide a predetermined girth of the band. Adjustment of the girth of the band is achieved by disengagement of the locking tab in the slit and insertion into a different slit.

Attachment devices provided in connection with headbands and similar items in accordance with the present invention operate on a somewhat similar principle to those adopted in UK-A-9404124.1 and US-91/02739 inasmuch as they are comprised of one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with one or more slits. The constructions now disclosed are, however, configured in such a way that frictional resistance is present as the tabs slide along the slit or slits. The effect of the frictional resistance is to prevent or inhibit the attachment mechanism from inadvertently enlarging the circumference (or girth) of the headband or other item once it is in position on the head or other object.

Where an adjustable attachment device is to be used to vary the size of headwear, regard must be had to the fact that regardless of whether the headwear falls into the first (wrap-round headband), second (split headband) or third (circular headband) category, the attachment device is likely to be placed at the back of the head in use. It is desirable, therefor, that the procedure to be followed for final adjustment should be capable of being carried out quickly and without the need to exercise any special contortionist skills. The employment of a device such as a locking slit of the kind disclosed in US-91/02739 and the requirement to predetermine the girth of the band will make the product relatively unattractive in comparison with competing items of promotional headwear and unsuitable for use in the street, sporting arenas and for general leisure purposes.

B here the application of the attachment device now disclosed relates to a band to be used for the organisation and containment of documents, as in US-91/02739, it likewise represents a technical advance in the art. This is most particularly the case in those preferred embodiments described below in which a band may be tightened by gripping two tabs incorporated into the attac lment mechanism between the fingers and thumbs of either hand and pulling them in opposite directions, the presence of frictional resistance ensuring that the band maintains its tightened state.Such tabs are referred to in this specification as "thumb tabs" and may be distinguished which from the oppositely directed tabs which form part of the mechanism whereby one portion slidably engages with another portion.

In the case of bands not incorporating thumb tabs it is likely that the procedure for adjustment will generally begin with setting the band to a size slightly smaller than the girth of the object to be contained - in the case of an item of headwear, the head size of the wearer. In headwear applications where the attachment mechanism is already in position at the back of the head, and in many other applications, it is relatively easy to gradually apply sufficient force to overcome the static frictional resistance and enlarge the band but less easy to accomplish the opposite result and reduce the size of the band. Taking a headband as an example, pre-setting the size of the headband may be accomplished by reference to the known head size of the wearer and indicia placed along one of the slits or by trial and error.Clearly an alternative arrangement whereby a headband can be both easily enlarged and tightened when in position on the head, with the final setting being maintained by frictional resistance, will have considerable advantages and will have numerous applications other than headwear, including other items of apparel such as belts.

According to this invention there is provided an attachment device for joining a first portion of flexible material to a second portion; the device comprising in at least one of the portions a pair of linear bearings arranged in a parallel manner, a bearing comprising an edge of the material and/or the adjoining material, an edge comprising either one side of an elongate slit not extending to any other edge of the material or an elongate outer edge of the material; the device comprising in the other portion a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with the respective bearing edges and/or adjoining material to join the first portion to the second portion, the configuration being such that a force must be applied to enable the tabs to overcome frictional resistance from the material comprising the said edges and/or adjoining surfaces when sliding from a first position to a second position.

A device in accordance with the present invention enables the combined length of the first and second portions to be varied (lengthened, shortened or maintained) at will.

The first and second portions may be portions of the same piece of flexible material or of different pieces; the invention is equally applicable in either case. The material may be paper, board, plastics material (such as polystyrene or pvc) or any other suitable sheet material.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are often unitary in construction and can generally be assembled and used without resort to glue or any other extraneous joining agency.

Attachment devices are possible in accordance with the present invention in which a first portion of material incorporates a pair of oppositely directed tabs, each tab being provided along its base with a single point of contact (referred to in this specification as a "bearing point") so that the tabs are able to slidably engage with the opposite edges of a single slit, or with the edges of a pair of slits arranged in a parallel manner, or with the parallel outer edges of a second portion of material,(such an edge in each case being referred to in this specification as a "linear bearing"). Configurations are possible in which each one of a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided with two bearing points.Configurations are possible in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs are so arranged that the base of a larger tab lies within the base of a smaller tab, the tabs having a common vertical axis and four bearing points being provided.

Configurations are possible in which the tabs may be arranged so that their bases are parallel but spaced apart. Configurations are possible in which the point of engagement between a pair of tabs in a first portion and material comprising a second portion is not confined to a single point at the base of a tab on the one hand and an edge of material on the other but to areas of surface adjoining the base of a tab and a corresponding edge. In many embodiments the configuration of the attachment mechanism is such that both points of engagement and surface to surface engagement are present, each form of engagement contributing to the required frictional resistance.

It has been found that, in the absence of a second tab, a mechanism based upon a tab sliding along an edge of a slit or an outer edge of a portion of material has relatively little to offer as an attachment mechanism. Only limited frictional resistance to the sliding motion will be present. Single tabs more readily fall out of the slit and, even if they are provided with two bearing points, they are likely to freely pivot about one of them.

A tab comprising one of a pair may also be able to pivot about a bearing point but is less likely accidentally to fall out of a slit and the frictional resistance to the sliding motion is greater. Where the pair of tabs are accurately configured with respect to a slit or pair of slits so that contact with the edges comprising linear bearings is made and maintained at both ends of each of the respective bases of the tabs so as to make a total of four bearing points, there is no possibility of a tab pivoting about a point of contact without distorting the slit by, for example, making its edges gape open.

Provided that the material in which the attachment device is incorporated has reasonable properties of rigidity, such as those possessed by paper even as light as copying paper (i.e. approximately 80 gsm), and provided that the tabs and slit or slits are accurately configured, the frictional resistance which is present is substantial and at least sufficient for normal headband purposes. A preferred embodiment of the invention accordingly comprises an attachment device which incorporates in a first portion two oppositely directed tabs, each tab provided with two bearing points, the bearing points bearing against opposite edges of a single slit or two edges provided by a pair of parallel slits or two parallel outer edges in a second portion.A second category of preferred embodiment comprises an attachment device which incorporates two oppositely directed tabs in each of the first and second portions, each tab being provided with at least one bearing point, the bearing points bearing against opposite edges of a single slit or two edges provided by a pair of parallel slits or two parallel outer edges in the respective other portion.

Within the parameters defined by these two categories of preferred embodiment a number of different configurations of the attachment device are possible.

Configurations are possible in which a pair of linear bearings can be comprised of the two opposite edges of a single slit the sides of which are not contiguous so that the slit forms in effect an elongate aperture, or an edge of a slit and an outer edge. A slit with non-contiguous sides tends to intrude upon a headwear design to a greater extent than does a pair of slits arranged in a parallel manner and performing a similar role (in terms of engagement of the tabs) and it also has more of a de stabilising effect. However, open slits do have certain advantages when a mechanism for adjustment of the headband is incorporated, as will be seen later.

Configurations are possible in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is placed side by side with another pair acting in the opposite direction. Such a configuration increases the available frictional force and in certain embodiments in which portions have to be bent in a curved manner for attachment to take place the presence of the second pair of tabs may inhibit a tendency for a tab forming one of the first pair from inadvertently leaving the slit through which it has been inserted.

A simple form of attachment device in accordance with the present invention comprises one in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided in a first portion of material and single slit is provided in the second portion, the slit not extending to any edge of the material and its sides abutting each other.

The tabs, comprising a larger tab and a smaller tab, are arranged along the same vertical axis and provided with bases which are co-linear or substantially co-linear, the base of the smaller tab lying within that of the larger tab. Assembly of the device is accomplished by one tab being inserted through the slit and bearing upon one of its edges and the other tab being similarly inserted and bearing upon the opposite edge. In such an embodiment comprising a band the ends of which are being attached together to form a loop, or in an embodiment comprising completely separate portions to be attached together in such a way that their combined length can be varied, the end of the attached portion in which the slit is placed will be floating about loose whenever the desired size is significantly less than the maximum size permitted by the construction in question.This situation is avoided in preferred embodiments, and the available frictional force doubled, by incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a slit into each of the two portions to be attached. The relationship between the attached portions is also inherently more stable if the overlapping portions are secured together, albeit slidably, at either end.

Such a construction is of particular value in applications where two elongate but relatively narrow portions are required to be joined together in an adjustable manner. One particularly preferred embodiment comprises spectacle frames. A similar form of attachment can also be used in connection with masks, which can be designed to be secured in front of the face by elongate elements hooked around the ears in the manner of spectacle frames.

Spectacle frames in art which are made from paper-board are generally of a novelty kind. Such items may be distinguished from paper headwear in that, lacking the rigidity imparted by the curvature of the head, they will generally require to be made from a heavier weight of material. In the case of paper headwear it is possible, moreover, to provide an item capable of fitting a range of head sizes by relying upon the decreasing circumference of the individual human head the higher above the forehead the measurement is taken. As already noted, the fact that small sized headwear perched upon a large head takes on a comical (or more comical) appearance may not be considered to be a disadvantage in the context in which the headwear is used.

The size of spectacle frames, by contrast, as regards the side elements securing the front (facial) portion to the ears, has to closely reflect the individual physiognomy of the wearer or they are virtually unwearable. In the art, therefore, only novelty spectacles of the cheapest kind are provided in a single ("one size fits all") size. Such novelty spectacles have the advantage of comprising a unitary construction, can be produced very cheaply and can be sold loose and without packaging; but unless they happen to fit the wearer their use will inevitably be only momentary. Other novelty spectacles along with face masks commonly rely upon elastic to secure them in position. The elastic is attached by hand and adds to the cost of such items.The necessity for the addition of elastic at the final stage of the manufacturing process effectively precludes the use of spectacles and spectacle-type masks as topical items reflecting breaking news and as bound-in inserts in books and magazines.

A most preferred embodiment of spectacle frames and spectacle-type masks provided in accordance with the present invention is not of unitary construction but divided into three parts. The largest of the three parts incorporates the front facial portion in which eye-holes are provided and in which optical lenses can be incorporated if desired. At either end of the facial portion an elongate element integral with the facial portion is folded through 90 degrees so as to return in a vertical plane along a side of the face in the direction of an ear. The two separately provided parts are similarly elongate and of similar width to the elongate portions integral with the facial portion and are adapted to be attached thereto in an adjustable manner. The two parts are shaped as hooks at their respective further ends so that they are able to be secured to the ears in the traditional manner.The means of attachment adopted takes the form of four pairs of oppositely directed tabs, one pair at either end of the folded parts of the facial portion and another pair in each of the separately provided hook-ended side parts. Each pair of tabs comprises a larger tab and a smaller tab with parallel bases, the base of the smaller tab lying within the base of the larger tab but not in a co-linear manner. The tabs engage with single slits, four in number, likewise incorporated into each of the folded parts of the facial portion and the side parts. In the assembled state it is a matter of choice as to whether the folded parts of the facial portion overlap or are overlapped by the side parts. In use the overlapping parts can be made to slide alongside each other so as to vary their combined length in a manner corresponding to the facial features of the wearer. The spectacles or mask are thus securely positioned in front of the eyes and resting upon the nose in a manner which is comfortable to the wearer. In another preferred embodiment a visor may supported in front of the head and above the eyes by similar means.

The flexible material used for spectacle-te embodiments may be heavier than that found appropriate to headwear. For reasons of design the width of the elongate elements will, however, be made to conform as closely as possible to width of the side elements of traditional spectacle frames. In the preferred embodiments described, elongate elements with a width of 22 mm constructed from paper-board with a weight of 350 gsm has been found to be satisfactory. Such a material of such a width can only conveniently accommodate a single slit and hence the form of attachment adopted. Each of the parts to be attached incorporates a pair of oppositely directed tabs with substantially co-linear bases, the extent of the overlap being 5 mm. The width of the wider tab is 13 mm and that of the narrower tab 6 mm.The length overall of the two tabs from top to bottom is 18 mm so that there is only 2 mm of material between the end of a tab and the edge of the element. Each of the four elements are provided with a slit which is 52 mm in length and the range of adjustment of each pair of side elements is from 90 mm to 125 mm.

In this embodiment the frictional resistance comes not from bearing points at the bases of the tabs bearing against the edges of the slits but from the surface to surface contact. This configuration is dictated by the need to make the inevitably very small tabs as long and as flexible as possible so as to limit the manual dexterity required for assembly. The effectiveness of the contact would be severely diminished in terms of frictional resistance if a lighter weight of material were to be employed.

Embodiments comprising spectacles and masks and visors of the kind described can be supplied in an unassembled state, die-cut but un-pressed out from the paper-board, retention being assured by nicks placed in the cutting knives. If preferred the components can be removed from the surrounding material and supplied unassembled in packs. A further advantage of this type of construction lies in the facility to provide the consumer with a choice of side elements to be attached to a particular front facial portion.

The same basic form of attachment may be applied to items of headwear or facial adornment falling into the first (wrap-round headband) category. In preferred embodiments the headband is integral with the remainder of the item. Such an embodiment may comprise, for example, goggles (novelt or protective) which closely fit the front of the face and around the eyes. There is a requirement for disposable goggles suitable for supply with certain categories of hire plant where the user may not wish to make use of heavy duty goggles previously worn by another customer. In such an embodiment the same weight of paper-board may be employed, the optical portions being separately attached. Alternatively the item may be constructed from the optical material in its entirety.In either case, elements extended from either side of the facial portion and folded through 90 degrees so as to return along the side of the head are carried on round to the back of the head where the distal ends are attached to each other in an adjustable manner. Each of the elements incorporates a pair of oppositely directed tabs comprising a larger tab and a smaller tab uith co-linear or substantially co-linear or parallel but overlapping bases engaging with the material adjoining a single slit in the other element Because of the heavy weight of material employed adjustment can be easily made when the item is already in place upon the head but sufficient frictional resistance is present to ensure that the desired size is maintained in use.

In a second type of configuration of particular value in headwear designs the tabs comprising a pair operate along the same vertical axis and are provided with bases which are parallel but not co-linear. The tabs are similar in shape and size and do not overlap each other. Tabs of this kind are only able to interlock with a single slit if the sides of the slit are not contiguous but separated by a distance corresponding to the distance between the respective bases of the tabs. As is the case with the embodiments incorporating co-linear or overlapping-based tabs previously referred to, tab arrangements of the second type are more satisfactory if they are present in both portions to be joined together and the associated slits in the respective other portions.Tabs with non-overlapping bases may be incorporated into a portion of material in such a way as to be totally surrounded by it, in which case each tab has two bearing points and/or surfaces. Unlike overlapping tabs in a larger tab smaller tab configuration, however, tabs with non-overlapping bases may be provided at the end of a portion. A lesser number of bearing points and/or surfaces provide less frictional resistance but against this there may be distinct advantages in terms of economy of space and ease of attachment of the portions to be brought together.

Another advantage possessed by attachment devices employing tabs of the non-co-linear base type lies in the ability to provide them in such a way that they are not necessarily totally enclosed within the surrounding material.

Total enclosure of the tabs results in a reduction in the aggregate length of the portions to be joined together. In many preferred embodiments the tabs comprising a pair of non-co-linear base tabs are of equal size which size, because of the economies of space which the construction affords, can be larger than the size of the smaller of a pair of tabs with linear bases incorporated into an attachment device of the same dimensions overall. The distinction is important because the smaller the tab the more difficult it is to manipulate into position.

The economies on space which can be gained by an attachment device of the kind referred to in the preceding paragraph may be judged by taking as an example an application in which the end portions of a headband of a first category (wrap-round headband) item of headwear made from paper-board are required to be joined together.On the premise that those elements of the mechanism which require to be totally enclosed and/or kept apart from other elements are separated by 10 mm of material, so as to reduce the possibility of irretrievable damage from inadvertent tearing, the reduction in the aggregate length of a headband incorporating an attachment device in which the oppositely directed tabs are placed at one end of the headband and the pair of slits as closely as possible to the other end, will be 20 mm compared with 40 mm where totally enclosed tabs with co-linear or overlapping bases are employed. A saving in space of this order will be critical in many applications, as will be seen from examples of preferred embodiments of the invention which are given below. It will also be seen that a further advantage of the double slit configuration is that it is able to incorporated a line of fold between the slits in such a way that the line of fold is parallel or concentric with the slits.

As the spectade embodiment demonstrated, however, the savings in space are not all one way. A headband or an elongate portion incorporating an attachment device in accordance with the invention and utilising only a single elongate slit can be narrower, by 10 mm on the basis of the parameters given above, than one incorporating a pair of slits.

In another particularly preferred embodiment a headband is provided with a slit which is open at one end. Such an item of headwear falls between the first (wrap-round headband) and second (split headband) categories of headwear.

In this embodiment the portions comprising the headband which lie on either side of the split are folded through 180 degrees about lines of fold which are placed diagonally across them in such manner as to bring them into alignment with each other. At the ends of the portions corresponding to the open end of the split the portions are provided with means of attachment in accordance with the present invention in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs slidably engage with two pairs of elongate slits arranged in a parallel manner so that a continuous headband similar in appearance to a solid headband is provided in a form which wraps round the head and which is readily adjustable to the head size of the individual wearer.The configuration is able to provide a headband mounted display area at the front of the head and is particularly compact in the flat pre-assembled form, it being possible to provide nine such items, each with headbands 34 mm in width, on a single sheet of paper-board of SRA 2 (450 mm by 640 mm) size.

The form of construction adopted is such that the headbands are laid across the shorter dimension of the material. The advantage afforded by the construction in terms of compactness may be judged by the fact that the headband adjusted to its largest size will accommodate a head size slightly greater than 7 1/4 inches (imperial) which size requires a circumference of 580 mm, and there is nevertheless room for a front mounted display area of the order of 100 mm high by 70 mm wide. If a device incorporating oppositely directed tabs with co-linear or overlapping bases each pair of tabs slidably engaging with a single slit were to be adapted, either the head size or the height of the display area would have to be reduced and the flush surface at the rear of the headband in use would be lost.

Whether a pair of oppositely directed tabs with parallel spaced apart bases forming part of an attachment device in accordance with the invention is totally enclosed by material or not two kinds of configuration are possible. in that may project from their respective bases away from each other or towards each other. Oppositely directed tabs incorporated into a first portion engaging with linear bearings comprising of the outer edges of the second portion fall into the latter category. A configuration is also possible in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs falling into the first category is combined with a pair of tabs falling within the second category.

Attachment devices in accordance with the invention are possible in which the effective length of a band or the combined length of a first and second portion to be attached is extended by incorporating either the tabs or the linear bearings into an element comprising an enclosed partial cut-out. In the course of assembly the partial cut-out portion is folded outwardly through 180 degrees in the direction of the other portion. Embodiments are possible in which the partially cut-out portion is perforated around its periphery or a part of its periphery so that it can be allowed to remain in situ if preferred.

Attachment devices in accordance with the invention are possible in which the portions which are brought together form a T-shaped configuration.

Embodiments may comprise a first portion and a second portion, one of which portions is positioned at a right angle to the other and following attachment slides laterally with respect thereto. In another group of embodiments a third portion is also present which third portion slidably engages with one or both of the first and second portions. The device is used in preferred headwear embodiments to attach the opposite ends of a headband together and at the same time provide means of attachment to the headband of a further portion which may provide either a display area or other feature which is placed at the back of the head or above the head in use.

By means of such an attachment device the headband can be adjusted to the size of the head of the wearer and the back-of-the-head or cross-head element remains centred notwithstanding. In a particularly preferred embodiment the construction is use to simulate the placing of a laurel wreath on the head of the wearer, the rear component of a split headband being subdivided into two elements each incorporating a single slit, a pair of oppositely directed tabs being provided in a third portion which is maintained in position at the back of the head in use by being secured to the elements of the headband. These elements are able to slide in relation to each other, although not directly attached, so as to vary the circumference of the headband.

T-shaped configurations are also of value in headwear embodiments incorporating headbands comprised of horseshoe shaped portions of material bent into a brim.

Attachment devices in accordance with the present invention generally are particularly suited to horseshoe shaped portions of material which are bent into a brim. In a group of particularly preferred headwear embodiments each of the ends of a "horseshoe" shaped portion is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs and either a single slit or a pair of parallel and concentric slits. The slit or slits are curved along approximately the same elongate axis as the edges of the brim and the vertical axes of the tabs lie along an approximate radial to the curvature of the brim.The arrangement of a pair of tabs and a slit or a pair of slits in each of the portions to be attached is of particularly importance in this kind of embodiment as the stress imparted to the material in the act of curving it into a brim are such as to make it spring open if the ends of the horseshoe are not secured to the portions which they overlap. The internal diameter of the brim is nevertheless easily adjustable so as the conform to the head size of the wearer. The resulting brim is generally frusto-conical in shape and does not undergo any material change in appearance as a result of adjustment in diameter in normal use. The brim can be worn with the notional vertex of the cone above or below the head.In the first case a "turned- down" brim somewhat in the manner of a deer-stalker hat results, in the second case an item of headwear which may be thought to be Chinese in style emerges.

In another group of particularly preferred embodiments a line of fold is provided along, or approximately along, the elongate axis of the horseshoe extending either from end to end or along a part or parts of its length. When and to the extent that such a fold is activated the brim assumes a troughshaped section similar to a turned-up hat brim. Thus, the brim may be turned-up all the way round so as to resemble the brim of a bowler hat, the effect being enhanced by widening the material lying outermost of the fold along the elongate axis at the sides of the brim as worn. Alternatively, the fold may be activated at the back of the brim but not at the front so as to produce a brim evocative of an alpine hat. In these embodiments an attachment device consisting of a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a pair of parallel elongate slits is provided at both ends of the horseshoe.The line of the fold continues between the parallel slits and between the bases of the oppositely directed tabs up to the respective ends of the horseshoe, the trough section continuing across the attached portions after assembly, the ends of the horseshoe overlapping each other. In these embodiments the vertical axes of the oppositely directed tabs are again generally radial to the line of the curve.It should be noted that a single slit is unsuited for use in connection with an upturned brim embodiments since the it is not possible to superimpose a fold on a slit and the introduction of a fold at the end of a slit would make the slit gape open, thereby disengaging any tabs inserted therein In many of the particularly preferred embodiments incorporating turneddown and turned-up brims formed from horseshoe shaped portions of material the brim is used as a mounting for features which are integral with the brim and are placed above or below the head in use.In one such embodiment a brim turned down all the way round supports a cruciform grid upon which are placed simulations of hair placed in curlers in the manner used by ladies for their beautification The grid is integral with the brim at the front of the headwear as worn and is further attached by tabs inserted into slots at either side. The rear element of the grid is also secured to the back of the brim at its centre point by means of a sliding attachment which permits the longitudinal cross-head element of the grid to be tightened about the head as required while at the same time allowing the oppositely directed tabs and parallel slits incorporated into the brim to perform their normal function.

Even without the embellishment of "curlers" the brim and integral grid may be considered to form a viable item of headwear. The grid can also act as a general purpose mounting for differently styled features.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the brim, folded into a troughsection, is provided with four apertures spaced in such a manner as to form the four corners of an approximate square when the headwear is worn, the apertures adapted to receive the four corners of knotted handkerchief in the British seaside tradition.

In another preferred embodiment the brim, folded into a trough section and shaped so as to resemble the brim of a hat of a school girl, is provided with integral dependent extensions replicating platted pigtails.

In another particularly preferred embodiment the brim is folded into a trough section and provided with an integral feature in the form of a geometric solid comprising a pyramid. The pyramid is furnished with appendages at each corner resembling legs and an optional display portion which is able to be presented above the vertex of the pyramid. The pyramid is integrally attached to the front of the brim via a cobra-styled member bearing some resemblance to an Egyptian uraeus. A more sophisticated form of attachment at the back of the head is required than is the case with a turned-down brim. The trough section is incorporated into a third portion directly connected to the pyramid which third portion is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs at either end and a pair of elongate slits between the tabs.The ends of the horseshoe shaped portion are attached not to each other as in the other embodiments but to the third portion engaging with it in a T-shaped configuration in a slideable manner so as to be able to adjust to the head size of the wearer without de-centring the pyramid. In common with other embodiments incorporating attachment devices in accordance with the invention the range of adjustment available is sufficient to allow the pyramid to be worn over an item of traditional headwear.

There are innumerable examples of pyramids in the prior art extending back almost to the dawn of civilisation. Czechoslovakian Patent CS-A-0091304 discloses a pyramid made of cardboard the purpose of which is allegedly to regenerate the sharpened edge of a razor blade. This disclosure and other known pyramidal structures do not possess the advantages of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

Reference has been made to the stress imposed upon a headband which is formed by bending together the opposite ends of a horseshoe shaped portion of material. In certain applications the effect of this stress is seen on a tab which tends to leave an elongate slit in which it has been inserted. The slits may also become distorted if they are overlong. These faults do not materially impinge upon the efficacy of the attachment mechanism but may make adjustment marginally more difficult and may be thought to detract from the appearance of the headwear. In preferred embodiments the slits may be partially perforated so that the full range of adjustment is not immediately available to a wearer. A wearer with an exceptionally large or an exceptionally small head size may have to tear open certain of the perorations so as to lengthen the slits.Alternatively, a linear bearing may be comprised of two or more slits separated from each other by small portions of material which can be readily torn open so as to allow the tab to slide from one slit to another. In preferred embodiments a lateral fold may be incorporated into a tab allowing it to be hooked over the edge of a slit to prevent accidental disengagement. In a particularly preferred embodiment each pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided with a second pair of oppositely directed tabs which hook-over the portion of material lying between a pair of slits so as to inhibit accidental disengagement. This configuration has the further advantage of providing a more substantial portion of material to be grasped between finger and thumb than would otherwise be available.

The frictional force upon which attachment devices in accordance with the present invention depend may be enhanced beyond what is provided by the points of contact between the bearing points at the bases of the tabs and linear bearings comprised of edges and/or contact between adjoining surfaces. In preferred embodiments the edges of a slit comprising a linear bearing may be roughened by the incorporation of notches or serrations.In the same or other preferred embodiments the adjoining surfaces may be provided with a plurality of folds alternating in opposite senses the effect of which is to impart a moderately corrugated appearances. in particularly preferred embodiments the surface of the other portion which in use is juxtaposed with the first surface may be ridged or folded in a complementary manner so that the two surfaces mesh together at certain points as they slide against each other. In another preferred embodiment the frictional resistance between juxtaposed surfaces is increased by the application of embossed nodules.

It has been found that attachment mechanisms in accordance with the invention employed to join together the ends of headbands in preferred headwear embodiments made from paper-board of 300 gsm weight must generally be configured, as regards the tabs and slits, within a tolerance of plus or minus 500 microns. This tolerance may vary slightly according to the bulk of the paper-board and the surface coating.

An advantage of the present invention is -mat adjustment of an attachment mechanism to bring it within the required tolerance can be conducted in stages since it comprises a reduction in the length of the vertical slit whereby a tab is formed and the necessary reduction can be achieved empirically by successively shortening the related cutting knife in the forme used to stamp out the embodiment. An increase in the thickness of the material does not necessary bring about a commensurate enlslrgement of the tolerance since a fine balance may be required between assuring the necessary frictional resistance between the surfaces and reaso=iable ease of assembly.Since the cutting formes in most general usage are comprised of type-high cutting knives (and of course creasing and other types of knife) set into grooves cut into plywood by means of a jig saw, it is also the case that, where an overlong slit is provided in the first instance and the knife is reduced in length so as to reduce the length of the slit, the reduction can be restored by simply inserting a longer knife into the forme, the receiving groove still retaining its original length.

It may here be noted that the respective configurations of the oppositely directed tabs employed both in the document file which is the subject of UK A-9404124.1 (which are shown as having curled-up ends) and in the document and file organiser which is the subject of US-91/02739, a V-shaped instead of a straight slit being employed, do not permit such a form of adjustment; there being no requirement in either case, however, for frictional resistance. Nor, presumably, any anticipation of short runs utilising the same cutting forme but employing different materials.

A group of preferred embodiments incorporating attachment devices in accordance with the present invention of the second (non-co-linear base) comprises artefacts made from flat portions of flexible material which are fashioned into a variety of hollow-sectioned artefacts which may be cylindrical, or frusto-conical or otherwise tubular in shape. The dimensions of the artefact are required to be variable so as to allow a range of other objects such as for example, drinks cans, jars, bottles or other similarly round containers to be inserted into the cylinder or other hollow-sectioned artefact.

Alternatively, or additionally, the diameter of the cylinder or other hollowsectioned artefact may require to be reduced so as to correspond to the internal diameter of another item which. is to be positioned around it. In particularly preferred embodiments such an item may be an item of headwear or an item comprising a miniature version of headwear. In the former case a cylindrical artefact may comprise a hat-stand for an item of adult size headwear, its diameter requiring to be varied from approximately 6 inches to approximately 7 and one half inches.An adjustable attachment device in accordance with the present invention is well suited to the purpose, it being possible to place an imperial and/or metric scale of head sizes alongside one or more slits, thereby enabling the diameter to be predetermined before the headwear is positioned upon the artefact. In the latter case, a miniature version of headwear may be adapted to be placed upon a cylindrical artefact with a diameter equivalent to that of a drinks can, namely approximately 65 mm. Alternatively the cylindrical artefact may be desired to be placed around the can and the miniature headwear placed upon the can direct. In this event it the diameter of the cylindrical artefact will require to be increased, a procedure which is made possible by the adjustable attachment mechanism which is employed.

Given that, even if the cylindrical artefact in the embodiment just described did not need to be provided with a variable diameter, there would still be a requirement for the opposite ends to be attached together. Even without allowing for the facility of adjustment, devices in accordance with the invention represent a convenient form of attachment. This is particularly the case where the oppositely directed tabs of spaced apart parallel based type are employed and are arranged so as to project outwardly from the opposite ends to be attached. Insertion of a tab into an elongate slit is easier than is the case if the length of the slit is restricted to the precise width of the tab.

Insertion of a tab within a slit may be further facilitated by the inclusion of a widened section along a small section of the slit. In preferred embodiments this widened section may be positioned at one end of a slit and may be semicircular in shape.

Attachment devices in accordance with the invention may be provided with additional tab-like appendages the purpose of which is to facilitate manual adjustment of the attached portions so that their girth or combined length is what the user requires. The function of these appendages (which in this application are termed thumb tabs") may be distinguished from that of oppositely directed tabs the purpose of which is to engage with linear bearings comprised of the edges of a slit or slits or an outer edge of a portion of material. In preferred embodiments a thumb tab comprises a portion capable of being gripped between finger and thumb for the purpose of adjusting the combined lengths of the two portions. In the case of a headband this adjustment may take place when the headwear is in situ upon the wearer's head.Since the attachment mechanism will generally be located at the back of the head a certain amount of manual dexterity will inevitably be required. The provisions of a satisfactory mechanism for positive adjustment of a headband to a required size is, however, a principal advantage of the constructions in accordance with the present invention.

Mechanisms affording manual adjustment of the combined length of the portions joined together provided in accordance with the present invention fall into three distinct categories. In the first category are devices which comprise thumb tabs projecting outwardly from the side or sides or an end of a headband portion at a point adjacent to the oppositely directed tabs or slit or slits. While these thumb tabs provide a portion or portions of material capable of being grasped between finger and thumb or moved by a combination of finger and thumb their efficacy is impaired by the fact that the force is imparted indirectly and not along a line co-linear with the linear path along which the attached portions are required to move in the course of increasing or decreasing their combined length.In preferred embodiments made from paper-board of 300 gsm it has been found that such thumb tabs need to be handled with care to avoid inadvertent tearing of the material.

They are not thought to enhance the appearance of an item of headwear.

In the second category are adjustment devices for incorporation into cylindrical artefacts of the kind suitable for use as hat stands and/or advertising displays. In the latter case such embodiments may be likened to a miniaturised version of a Parisian Morris column, adapted however for tabletop use. In preferred cylindrical embodiments the thumb tabs are positioned away from any oppositely directed tabs or slit or slits. They are formed by partial cut-outs which are folded outwardly of the surface of the cylinder. Again, in preferred embodiments in which such thumb tabs are provided, it has been found that careful handling is necessary. It is however possible to position the thumb tabs so that the direction in which the force is applied corresponds to that of the required movement.

The third category are adjustment device. which are suitable for use in connection with headbands and may be applied with equal effect to other items including items of apparel such as ba:s and items for organising and bundling up documents and enclosing other objects. In particularly preferred embodiments the devices comprise readily identifiable tabs (i.e. thumb tabs) which can be pulled in opposite directions thereby reducing the combined length of the first and second portions. in a headwear application the headband is assembled prior to being placed upon the head. At the assembly stage a headband size, estimated by the wearer to be approximately equal to or slightly in excess of his or her head size. is selected.If the selected size turns out to be too small the headband can easily be enlarged as it is placed on - le plead. Once in position the two thumb tabs are gripped between finger anc thumb and pulled in opposite directions until the headband is tightly fixed t on the head. Frictional resistance ensures that the headband does not enl ge after the tractive force is released. The mechanism in these par cularly preferred embodiments is such that the direction of the force req red to pull the tabs apart exactly corresponds to that of the required mo- ament of the headband portions.

The novelty of the device (the tabs comprising which may be characterised as "pul -tabs") is such that the general public uill require to become accustomed to the manner in which it is assembled and operated. In preferred embodiments the process of familiarisation may be assisted in several ways.

The actual tabs for pulling in opposite directions, the so called pull-tabs, may be distinctively shaped, and/or coloured, and/or identified by applied decoration. Whatever shape is selected, it must be compatible with the function of the device and must allow a sufficiently large area of pull-tab to be capable of being located, grasped and pulled even though placed in a position out of the wearer's field of vision. In a particularly preferred embodiment one of the pull-tabs is undivided and the other pull-tab sub-divided along its horizontal axis, the sub-division being necessary to enable it to circumscribe the overlying portion and to take up a position in which it is aligned in the same plane as the other (undivided) pull-tab. In these embodiments the undivided pull-tab may preferably be positioned so that it is grasped by the right hand.In this embodiments the process of assembly of the pull-tab mechanism may preferably be assisted by providing a clear indication, by means of printing or other indicia, of which portion is place over which at the initial stage of assembly. Cross-hatching may be one of the kinds of indicia employed. It is considered that standardisation of the mechanism, as between different kinds of headwear and other items of apparel and other applications of the invention, will bring worthwhile benefits.

A most particularly preferred embodiment in which a pull-tab adjustment device is incorporated comprises a visor. In art such an item, falling within the first (wrap-round headband) category of headwear, is usually provided with a single tab adapted to engage with any one of a plurality of slots. Such an attachment device is functional but untidy in use, does not permit on-head adjustment, and unsuitable for more durable forms of visor such as visors made from a plastic material such as PVC.

In another most particularly preferred embodiment the pull-tab adjustment device is incorporated into an item of headwear formed from . horseshoe shaped portion of material such as, for example, the simulatic t of hair in curlers embodiment previously referred to.

Two variations on the mechanism for pull-tabs as described about e should be noted. In an embodiment in which at least one of the two portions to be attached together incorporates a single slit with non-contiguous edges there is no requirement for either pull-tab to be sub-divided along its horizontal axis, the gap between the edges of the slit permitting the pull-tab attached to the underlying portion to be passed through to the upper surface of the attached portions. In particularly preferred embodiments such a device will be employed either on its own or possibly in conjunction with a friction enhancing device of the kind previously described.

A second variation again utilises a slit with non contiguous edges but does so by forming a pull-tab from a part of the material lying between the opposite edges of the slit which would otherwise be discarded. The pull-tab portion is attached to the remainder of the portion of which it forms part at its outermost end. The pull-tab is folded outwardly therefrom and passed between the non-contiguous sides of a similar slit in the other portion. The pull-tab may be provided with a slight enlargement at its distal end so as to provided a greater area for gripping between finger and thumb and to indicate its purpose. The advantage of this particular pull-tab mechanism is that it requires no additional space. In a particularly preferred embodiment the pull-tab is incorporated into the exceptionally compact item of headwear incorporating a split headband open at one end previously described.The nature of the mechanism is such that it is still possible for nine such items of the headwear to be provided on a single sheet of SRA 2 material without any reduction in the size either of the headband or the display area.

Pull-tabs in the various forms described in the preceding paragraphs would represent a valuable addition to the document and file organiser which is the subject of US-91/02739 already referred to. US-91/02739 provides for the reduction in girth of the adjustable band by pushing right and left end panels longitudinally inwardly relative to one another. This manipulation is facilitated by the provision of three finger recesses in the nature of half circles formed along one of the outer edges of a portion underlying the centre panel, the purpose of the finger recesses being to assist in stabilising the centre panel when the end panels are being pushed towards each other. Such an arrangement does not confer the advantages of constructions in accordance with the invention now disclosed.

Pull-tabs could not be used to any purpose in the "Adaptafile" product which is the subject of UK-A-9404124.1. This document makes no provision for manipulation of the sliding connections between the flaps and between the front and rear covers and none is needed. The position of the oppositely directed tongues relative to the guide edges is a response to the volume of the contents of the file from time to time.

In another particular preferred embodiment the pull-tab adjustment device is incorporated into an item of fashion wear comprising a lady's belt. Such items have not generally been made from paper-board or PVC but there would not seem to be any reason why the advent of a simple fully adjustable integral attachment mechanism should not bring about a change.

The invention will now be described by way of example by reference to the accompanying drawings. The first group of drawings refer to the prior art.

The second group of drawings shows plan and perspective views of pieces of flexible material which can be assembled for use as attachment devices in accordance with the invention and preferred embodiments wherein such devices are incorporated. The material from which the devices and embodiments illustrated are constructed is generally paper-board of approximately 300 gsm weight. The constructions shown can be incorporated into items produced from other grades of paper-board and from other flexible materials. In a number of figures in which two or more portions of material contributing to a single attachment device are shown a portion is stippled or hatched so that it may be distinguished from the other portion or portions when the portions are interlocked.

The numbering scheme which has been adopted allows each figure two numbers, the first number relating to the individual construction and the second number denominating individual drawings in relation to the construction A reference to a construction by its first number includes any individual drawings relating to the construction, if more than one.

FIGURES 1 and 2 show items of prior art headwear of the type which fall within the first (wrap-round headband) category described above; FIGURES 3 and 4 show items of prior art headwear of the type which fall within the second (split headband) category described above; FIGURE 5 shows an item of prior art headwear falling within the third (circular headband) category described above; FIGURE 6 shows an item of prior art headwear falling within the fourth (split crown) category described above; FIGURES 7 to 59 show attachment devices in accordance with the present invention; FIGURES 7 to 15 show attachment devices consisting of a pair of oppositely directed tabs in one portion slidably engaging with a pair of linear bearings in another portion;; FIGURES 16 to 21 show attachment devices consisting of a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a pair of linear bearings in one portion slidably engaging with similar tabs and bearings in another portion; FIGURE 22 shows a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a pair of linear bearings in a schematic form; FIGURE 23 shows an embodiment incorporating pairs of oppositely directed tabs and linear bearings in both first and second portions; FIGURES 24 to 26 show attachment devices consisting of a pair of oppositely directed tabs slidably engaging with a pair of linear bearings incorporated into a foldable partial cut-out in another portion; FIGURES 27 to 31 show attachment devices in a T-shaped configuration; FIGURES 32 to 43 show attachment devices in a circular configuration;; FIGURES 44 and 45 show attachment devices incorporating means for increasing the frictional resistance between portions; FIGURES 46 to 57 show attachment devices provided with thumb tabs; FIGURE 58 shows an attachment device in which apertures are incorporated into otherwise contiguously sided slits to facilitate insertion of tabs; and FIGURE 59 shows an embodiment comprising an adjustable spectacle frame.

FIGURE 1 shows a headband 1 falling within the first (wrap-round) category in which the means of attachment of the opposite ends comprises pluralities of oppositely directed slits 3 and 5 positioned at the ends of the band.

FIGURE 2 shows another example of a wra?-round headband 7 in which a tab 9 provided at one end is adapted to engage with any one of a plurality of slots 11, the diameter of the headband being greater or lesser according to which slot is selected.

FIGURE 3 shows an item of headwear 21 falling within the second (split headband) category in which a single spit 23 allows a headband to be formed.

FIGURE 4 shows a similar headband 31 ir.;orporating a single split 33 in which variation of the circumference is afforded by the inclusion of lines of tearable perforations 35 at either end of the split FIGURE 5 shows an item of headwear 41 falling within the third (circular headband) category in which the means of enlargement take the form of plurality of protuberances 43 which fold outwardly and enlarge the head opening when placed upon the head.

FIGURE 6 shows an item of headwear 51 falling within the fourth (split crown) category in which a visor is positioned in front of the head, the visor being attached to a crown provided with t plurality of slits 53 adapted to open up when placed upon the head. In use, the centre part of the crown 55 is positioned at the centre of the head of the wearer.

The preceding figures form part of the prior art. The figures which follow illustrate attachment devices and/or embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 7 shows a first portion 61 and a second portion 63 such as might comprise the opposite ends of a band. The portions are joined together by means of a pair of oppositely directed tabs comprising a larger tab 65 and a smaller tab 67 placed in the first portion 61 which tabs are adapted to slidably engage with a pair of linear bearings formed by the edges of a single elongate slit 68 in the second portion 63. Drawing 7.4 illustrates the manner of configuration of a similar assembly 69 of oppositely directed tabs. In this drawing the base of the larger tab 71 is cc-linear with the base of the smaller tab 73 along the line I - I, the base of the smaller tab being placed inwardly of that of the larger tab.Bearing points at the respective bases of the tabs which slidably engage with the sides of the slit which form the linear bearings are identified by the numerals 75 and 77 as regards the larger tab 71, and 79 and 81 as regards the smaller tab 73. The tabs operate along the same vertical axis II - II. In drawing 7.5 a differently configured tab assembly 83 formed from a pair of oppositely directed tabs is illustrated. In this example the base of the larger tab 91 is not co-linear with the base of the smaller tab 93 but instead is parallel thereto and spaced apart therefrom. As before, however, the base of the smaller tab lies within that of the larger tab. The respective ends of the cut comprising the larger tab lie along the line m - m and are identified by the numerals 95 and 97.The respective ends of the cut comprising the smaller tab lie along the line IV - IV and are identified by the numerals 99 and 101. The tabs operate along the same vertical axis V - V. The ends of the cuts do not necessarily comprise bearing points since contact with an attached portion which is not relatively thick may be effected not by the ends of the cuts forming the tabs but by adjacent surfaces of the material comprising the tabs.

Drawing 7.6 shows the tab assembly 83 depicted in drawing 7.5 in a perspective view. The cut-outs left by the oppositely directed tabs denominated 91 and 93 in the previous drawing can be seen as the surfaces of the tabs slidably engage with the surfaces of the material of a second portion 103 adjoining a single elongate slit 105 incorporated therein. The configuration has to be such that, given the nature and thickness of the material in which the tabs and slit are placed, sufficient frictional resistance is generated by the contact between the surfaces of the tabs and the surfaces of the material adjoining the slit to ensure that the attachment device performs in the required manner.

FIGURE 8 shows a piece of material comprising a band 121 to be formed into a loop of adjustable size. A first portion (comprising one end of the band) 123 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 125 adapted to engage with the material forming the edges of a single elongate slit 127 at the other end of the band comprising the second portion 129. Such a band might form a headband falling within the first (wrap-round) category. The second drawing of the figure shows a reverse view following attachment of the respective portions.

FIGURE 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising an item of headwear 141 falling within the second (split headband) category. In this embodiment a headband is provided with a first portion 143 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 145 and a second portion 147 incorporating a single elongate slit 149. The second drawing of the figure shows a reverse view following attachment of the respective portions.

FIGURE 10 shows a third (circular headband) category embodiment in which the material 161 is provided with a first portion 163 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 165 and a second portion 167 incorporating a single elongate slot 169. It should be noted in passing that in this construction the bases of the tabs 165 are necessarily arranged along the line of a curve, the common vertical axis of the tabs being an approximate radial of the circle defined by the headband. The slit 169 is likewise arranged along the line of a curve which is concentric with the circle. The second drawing shows that the assembled item will be frusto-conical in form. Similar constructions are the subject of a number of the Figures which are described below.

FIGURES 11 to 15 show a number of other possible configurations for attachment devices in which a first portion is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs being similarly shaped, operating along the same vertical axis and adapted to engage with a pair of linear bearings arranged in a parallel manner in the second portion. In these figures the bases of each pair of tabs are parallel and spaced apart FIGURE 11.1 shows a first portion 171 and a second portion 173, the first portion provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 175 and 177 forming bearing points 179 and 181 at their respective bases. The material comprising the bearing points slidably engages with linear bearings formed by the respective outer edges of a pair of elongate slits 183 and 185 incorporated into the second portion 173 and arranged in a parallel manner.The tabs 175 and 177 are positioned at the end of the portion 171 and project therefrom.

FIGURE 12 shows a similar construction comprising first and second portions of material 191 and 193 in which, however, the oppositely directed tabs 195 and 197 are directed towards each other and not away from each other and are totally enclosed within the material by which the first portion 191 is formed. Enclosure of the tabs provides them with four bearing points instead of two and some increase in both frictional resistance and stability is thereby achieved. Such tabs may be less easily inserted into the slits than are those of the kind depicted in the preceding figure. The bearing points 191 and 201 at the base of the tab 195 engage with the material forming a linear bearing along the inner edge of the slit 203 and the bearing points 205 and 207 at the base of the tab 197 engage with the material forming a linear bearing along the inner edge of the slit 209.

FIGURE 13 shows an arrangement in which a first portion 211 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 215, the tabs directed away from each other as in Figure 11 but endosed within the material forming the first portion as in Figure 12. The tabs are adapted to slidably engage with a pair of linear bearings provided by a pair of elongate and parallel slits 219 in the second portion 213.

FIGURE 14 shows an arrangement in which a first portion 221 is provided with a pair of hook-shaped tabs 225 and 227 adapted to engage with linear bearings formed by the outer edges 229 and 231 of the second portion 223. In the example illustrated the second portion is provided with a pair of stops 233 which prevent the tabs from sliding off the end.

FIGURE 15 shows an arrangement in which a first portion 239 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 243 and 245, the tabs adapted to engage with a single elongate slit 247 placed within the second portion 241.

The sides 249 and 251 of the slit 247 are not contiguous. Bearing points 253 and 255 at the bases of the tabs 243 and 245 slidably engage with linear bearings formed by the edges 249 and 251 of the slit 247.

FIGURES 16 to 21 show means of attachment in which each of the first and second portions incorporate both a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a pair of linear bearings.

FIGURE 16 shows a first portion 261 and a second portion 263 in each of which are incorporated a pair of oppositely directed tabs, respectively 265 and 267, and a single elongate slit, respectively 269 and 271, each of the pairs of tabs adapted to slidably engage with the corresponding slit in the other portion. The construction affords eight bearing points thereby providing useful frictional resistance in combination with exceptional lateral stability as between the two attached portions.

FIGURE 17 shows first and second portiors 281 and 283 provided with oppositely directed tabs 285 and 287 enclosed by the surrounding material, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with respective elongate slits arranged in pairs and in a parallel manner 289 and 291.

FIGURE 18 shows first and second portions 301 and 303 provided with pairs of oppositely directed tabs 305 and 307 not enclosed by the surrounding material but projecting from the ends of the portions of which they form part. The tabs are adapted to slidably engage with respective elongate slits arranged in pairs and in a parallel manner 309 and 311. Although the construction incorporates only four bearing points the placing of tabs and slits in both portions affords the same lateral stability as that provided by enclosed tab constructions.

FIGURE 19 shows first and second portions 311 and 313, the first portion provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 315 and 317 incorporating bearing points 319 and 321 and the second portion incorporating oppositely directed tabs 323 and 325 incorporating bearing points 327 and 329. The material at the bearing point 319 engages with the material comprising a linear bearing formed by the outer edge 331 of the second portion 313. The material at the bearing point 321 engages with the linear bearing formed by the opposite and parallel outer edge 333. Similarly with the bearing points 327 and 329 located in the second portion 313, which respectively engage with linear bearings formed by the parallel outer edges 335 and 337 of the first portion 311.

FIGURE 20 shows a first portion 341 provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 345 affording bearing points 349 and 351 and adapted to engage with linear bearings formed by the upper edge of the slit 353 and the outer edge 355. The second portion 343 is similarly provided with a pair of tabs 347 adapted to engage with the upper edge of the slit 357 and the outer edge 359 in the first portion 341.

FIGURE 21 shows a first portion 361 and a second portion 363 each of which portions is provided with two pairs of opositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with two pairs of linear bearings in the respective other portion. In the first portion the tabs 365 an 367 are adapted to engage with the edges of pairs of slits 369 and 371 in the second portion. In the second portion the tabs 373 and 375 are adapted to engage with the edges of pairs of slits 377 and 379 in the first portion. A gap o81 between the edges of the tabs 365 and 367 and the remainder of the first portion 361 facilitates insertion of the tabs into the slits but makes adjustmen of frictional resistance during the die-cutting process more difficult.Similarly t gap 383 is provided between the tabs 373 and 375 and the remainder of the second portion 363. The distance between the ends of the slits and the tabs, identified by the numerals 385 in the first portion and 387 in the second portion is such as to obviate or largely obviate the possibility of the slits being unintentionally torn up to the tabs in use. Of course, in particular embodiments, tiis distance will necessarily reflect the material of which the embodiment is made and the use to which it is put.

FIGURE 22 shows the means whereby the frictional resistance to a first portion sliding along a linear path in relation to a second portion may be increased by shortening a cut or cuts defining an oppositely directed tab. The figure shows a first portion 391 and a second portion 393 which reproduce, to a larger scale (and disregarding the broken lines), a detail of the first and second portions depicted in Figure 11 above. The first portion is provided with linear bearings comprised of a pair of slits 395 and 397 arranged in a parallel manner. The second portion is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 399 and 401 adapted to slicably engage with the respective outer edges of the slits 395 and 397, the tabs being defined by the cuts in the material 401 and 403, the cuts following a straight line in each case.At the innermost ends of each of the cuts are the points 405 and 407 at which slideable engagement is made with the respective outer edges of the slits 395 and 397 and which, accordingly, may be termed bearing points. If one or both of the cuts 401 and 403 is fractionally reduced in length the distance between the bearing points 405 and 407 is increased relative to the distance between the outer edges of the slits 395 and 397, which latter distance is constant. In this way the bearing points are forced against the said outer edges and frictional resistance to the bearing points sliding along the edges is increased. Conversely, if either one or both of the cuts 401 and 403 is lengthened by extending the cuts 401 and 403 along the broken lines 409 and 410 the frictional resistance must decrease.In this second case, whether or not sufficient frictional resistance remains to assure satisfactory operation of the attachment mechanism in terms of being able to maintain a desired intermediate position depends upon what frictional resistance is present as between the respective adjacent surfaces of the two portions. This in turn depends, inter alia, on the thickness and elasticity of the material and the respective surface textures. In embodiments of the invention in which manufacture involves the use of a cutting forme it is likely, as a practical matter, to be a relatively simple matter to adjust frictional resistance in an empirical manner during the die-cutting process by shortening the cutting knife in the forme (a thin strip of metal easily removed and replaced), thereby shortening the cut in the material.

FIGURE 23 shows an embodiment comprising an item of headwear which falls between the first and second categories in that a quasi-split headband construction is employed to produce a wrap-round headband. In this embodiment an elongate portion of material 411 is sub-divided along the greater part of its length into two largely detached strips 413 and 415. The activation of diagonal folds 417 and 419 positions the strips along a common line, a display area 421 being provided at their centre point and at an angle of 90 degrees thereto. The display area is provided with means for maintaining its upright position. The distal end of the strip 413, forming a first portion, is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 423 and a pair of slits arrange in a parallel manner 425.Similarly the strip 415, forming a second portion, is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 427 and a pair of slits 429. The two portions are brought together and slidably engaged with each other in a similar fashion to that shown in Figure 18. The embodiment in question, which measures 435 mm from end to end in plan and has a width of 70 mm (as viewed in the first drawing of the figure) is notable for its compactness. A comparable item of headwear employing a wrap-round headband would require to be at least 640 mm in length and 100 mm wide. 435 mm represents the maximum length for an item of headwear of this type which is to be printed and die-cut on an SRA 2 cylinder press and laid out at a right angle to the axis of the cylinder so as to minimise the possibility of inadvertent stripping-out during the die-cutting process.In such a format, nine items may be laid out on the same sheet of SRA 2 material. Figure 55 below, also refers.

FIGURE 24 shows an attachment device allowing an extension in the combined length of the attached portions while still permitting a degree of adjustment. A first portion 431 and a second portion 433 are respectively provided with a single elongate slit 435 and a pair of oppositely directed tabs 437. The slit 435 is incorporated into an enclosed partial cut-out 439 provided with a fold acting as a hinge 441 at the end nearest the second portion in use.

The partially cut-out portion incorporating the slit is adapted to be folded outwardly in the direction of the second portion through 180 degrees so as to be able to slidably engage with the tabs 437 in the manner already described.

FIGURE 25 shows a similar attachment device incorporating first and second portions 451 and 453, oppositely directed tabs 455 and a single slit 457 incorporated into an enclosed partial cut-out 459. An additional slit is incorporated into each portion, the slits 461 and 463 being positioned in such a way as to be able to capture and stabilise the enclosed partial cut-out 459 if required.

FIGURE 26 shows another similar device in which a first portion 471 is attached to a second portion 473, the first portion incorporating a slit 475, which slit is contained within a hinged partial cut-out 477. In this example, however, the periphery of partial cut-out portion is not cut round but perforated instead. This construction allows a greater variation between the minimum and maximum lengths of the combined portions since the perforations need not necessarily be torn open and the hinge 481 activated prior to the tabs 479 being inserted into the slit 475.

FIGURES 27 to 31 show attachment devices in which a T-shaped configuration is present. Embodiments with similar characteristics are the subject of Figures 33 and 43.

FIGURE 27 shows an attachment device in which first and second portions 491 and 493 incorporate, respectively, a pair of oppositely directed tabs 495 and a single elongate slit 497. The edges of the slit comprise linear bearings with which the tabs 495 are able to engage and enable the first portion 491 to slide along the second portion with its long axis at a right angle thereto.

FIGURE 28 shows an attachment device in which a first portion 511 is slidably engaged with a second portion 513 and a third portion 515. A pair of oppositely directed tabs 517 is simultaneously inserted into pairs of slits 519 and 521. In the result a construction is achieved in which the combined lengths of the first and third portions can be varied in relation to each other, the same attachment device serving to join them to each other and to a further element, which further element (the second portion 513) is positioned with its long axis at a right angle to the first and third portions and able toslide along them. In this construction the first and third portions are connected to each other only via the second portion.

FIGURE 29 shows an embodiment in which a device of the kind depicted in the preceding figure is employed to secure a display area mounted on an adjustable headband and positioned above the head . The item of headwear 521 is of unitary construction and is intended to suggest that the wearer is, or at least ought to be accorded the honours due to a victor, an image of Victory bestowing a laurel wreath being employed for the purpose. A portion 523 representing that part of the headband to be worn at the front of the head is joined at either end to two further portions 525 and 527 which combine together to form the rear part of the headband. A further portion 529, forming the display area above the head, is attached to the remainder of the headwear by ear-like enlargements 531 (in the embodiment depicting hands, however) placed at each end of the headband.The portion 529 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 533 adapted to engage with the rear headband portions 525 and 527 each of which portions incorporates a single slit, respectively 535 and 537. It will be evident from the second drawing of the figure that the tabs 533 (indicated in the second drawing by the outline of their cut-out 539) are able to slide along the slits 535 and 537 so that, whatever the adjustment required to ensure that the combined length of the two portions 535 and 537 reflects the size of the wearer's head, the display area is centred at the back of the head, as it has to be.

FIGURE 30 shows an attachment device in which a first portion 541 lies at a right angle to a second portion 543 and a third portion 545 in a T-shaped configuration. The first portion incorporates a pair of oppositely directed tabs 549, the tabs adapted to engage with linear bearings comprised of pairs of slits 551 in each of the other portions. This construction operates in a somewhat similar manner to that which is shown n in the preceding figure, the additional bearing points affording greater stability and frictional resistance.

FIGURE 31 shows first, second and third portions 561, 563 and 565 in a Tshaped configuration in which all three portions are provided with both pairs of oppositely directed tabs and pairs of slits. The first portion 541 is itself Tshaped, pairs of tabs 567 and 569 being positioned at either end of the crossmember of the "T" and a pair of slits 571 lying between them. The second portion 563 is provided with a pair of slits 573 and tabs 577 and the third portion 565 is similarly provided with a pair of slits 575 and tabs 579. This construction, which is symmetrical in the pre-assembly plan view, can be seen in a practical application in the headwear embodiment illustrated at Figure 43 below in which a pyramid is positioned above the head.

FIGURE 32 shows an embodiment comprising an item of headwear 581. In this item the first and second portions 583 and 585 form the opposite ends of a circular headband, the headband being assembled from a horseshoe shaped piece of material. The first portion 583 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 587 and a pair of linear bearings comprising the respective outer edges of curved parallel slits 589. The second portion is similarly provided with tabs 591 and slits 593. When assembled the headwear may be placed upon the head so as to assume a frusto-conical shape in which the notional vertex is positioned downwardly of the base, which is to say in a somewhat Chinese manner. The attachment device allows the headwear to be varied in size without noticeably changing its contours.A feature of the headwear is that the vertical axes of the pairs of tabs are substantially co-axial with each other along the lines VI - VI and also with the radii of the linear bearings formed by the slits 589 and 593 and likewise with the radii of the bases of the tabs and inner edge 595 of the headwear. This geometry can and may be varied, the more particularly since the human head is oval and not round in section. An advantage of the attachment device is that it is able to adapt to a wide range of shapes and sizes of headwear without detracting from the sartorial qualities of the design.

FIGURE 33 shows another frusto-conical circular headband embodiment 591 in which, however, the headwear is worn so that the notional vertex of the cone is upward of the base. The embodiment incorporates a first portion 593 and a second portion 595, the former incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 597 and linear bearings comprised of a pair of curved slits 599 arranged in a parallel manner, the latter portion similarly incorporating tabs 601 and slits 603. The embodiment incorporates an overhead covering made up of a plurality of curled elements resembling hair rollers. The rollers are held in position by a cruciform grid which is integrally attached to the front of the headband at point 607 and by means of attachment devices comprising tabs 609 which are inserted into pairs of slots 611 placed at either side of the headband.The fourth point of connection between the overhead portion and the circular headband is provided at the back of the headband as worn The depending fourth element 613 of the cruciform grid is provided with an enclosed partial cut-out 615 which secures the element 613 to the headband in a mechanical fashion some what in the manner of a sock or stocking suspender fastening. The element 613 is able to maintain a position at the centre of the back of the head regardless of the head size of the wearer and the related position of the oppositely directed tabs and elongate parallel slits comprising the headband attachment mechanism. The embodiment depends for its effectiveness on the element 613 taking up a central position so that the covering is evenly distributed about the head.In the fourth, fifth and sixth drawings of the figure the cruciform grid is shown as providing a head covering in its own right in an item of headwear 591 a. The headband attachment mechanism utilised in the item 591a is similar to that employed in the item of headwear 591 and incorporates a direct-pull tab device at its distal ends 617 and 618 similar to that illustrated below in Figures 48 to 50.

FIGURE 34 shows a circular headband 619 again formed from a horseshoe shaped portion of material which incorporates first and second portions 620 and 621, respectively incorporating pairs of oppositely directed tabs 623 and 625 and linear bearings comprised of curved parallel slits 627 and 629. In this embodiment a line of fold 631 is also present the curvature of which corresponds to that of the slits 627 and 629 and inner edge 637. The fold extends between the parallel slits up to the ends of the first and second portions passing between the bases of the oppositely directed tabs 623 and 625 as it does so. When the fold is activated and the ends of the headband are brought together and attached there results a circular brim with a trough shaped section. In the embodiment illustrated the outer edge of the headband is permitted to bulge outwardly at either side of the assembled item so as to evoke images of a rakishly brimmed bess ler hat or top hat. The brim is, however, topless and thus can not avoid becoming a generic item of apparel in its own right. The attachment mechanism copes adequately with the additional stresses imposed by the line of fold. A wide range of adjustment to the diameter of the circular headband is available as before.

FIGURE 35 shows an item of headwear 21 with the same headband as that employed in the embodiment which is th subject of the preceding figure. In the present embodiment, however, a pair of dependent extensions 653 and 655 from the rear part of the headwear as worn are provided, the extensions resembling pigtails and being assisted into an appropriate position by fold lines 657 and 659. The position of the dependent extensions coincides with the attachment mechanism joining the first and second portions together in a slide able manner. This notwithstanding, the range of adjustment to the diameter of the assembled item remains unchanged, the pigtails remaining centrally positioned and possibly overlapping each other at the point of attachment to the headband.

FIGURE 36 shows an item of headwear 6D1 with a brim shaped in plan view similarly but not identically to the brim shown in Figure 34. In the preassembly state the embodiment incorporates two lines of fold 663 and 665 which are brought together when the first portion 667 and the second portion 669 are slidably attached to each other in the course of assembly. In the assembled item only a common line of fold, lying at the back of the brim, may be discernible. When the fold is activated there results a brim turned-up at the back and down at the front in the manner of an alpine hat or trilby.

FIGURE 37 shows an item of headwear 661 utilising an identically shaped brim to that depicted in Figure 34 with the incorporation, however, of four apertures 683. The apertures are placed so as to take up a position approximating to the four corners of a square in the assembled item. The apertures are adapted to accept the four corners of a separately provided handkerchief 685 or other similarly proportioned piece of material capable of having its corners gathered up and threaded through the apertures and knotted (at the points indicated by the numeral 687) below the brim.

FIGURES 38 to 42 show alternative tab and linear-bearing assemblies which may be suitable for incorporation into an attachment mechanism bringing together first and second portions forming parts of a circular headband.

FIGURE 38 shows a first portion 721 and a second portion 723 each provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 725, the direction of which tabs is towards each other rather than away from each other as in the preceding figures 32 to 37.

FIGURE 39 shows a first portion 741 and a second portion 743, each portion being provided with a tab assembly. The tab assemblies may be described as hybrid in character in that each comprises a pair of oppositely directed tabs 745, which tabs are directed away from each other as in Figures 32 to 37, and a pair of oppositely directed tabs 747, which tabs are directed towards each other as in Figure 38. Such a construction may go some way to overcoming the strains which may be inherent in a tightly curved headband incorporating both elongate slits and a fold in close proximity. The second pair of tabs 747 provide an additional locking mechanism which may assist in maintaining tabs within a slit when the headband is being manipulated. A further advantage lies in the greater area of material available for grasping between finger and thumb.

FIGURE 40 shows another approach to the same problem. In the construction illustrated an oppositely directed tab 761 forming part of the attachment mechanism incorporated into a first portion 763 is folded along its base line 765 so as to return towards the centre axis of the second portion 767 after passing through the respective one of a pair of slits 769 comprising linear bearings in the second portion For the device to be effective it necessary for the second portion to lie uppermost of the first portion following assembly and in use.

FIGURE 41 shows a circular headband embodiment 801 similarly shaped in a plan view to that shown in, inter alia, Figure 34. In the present case, however, the first portion 803 and the second portion 805 are each provided with pairs of oppositely directed tabs 807 and with parallel linear bearings which are partly formed by cuts 809 and partly formed by lines of perforation 811. The perforations are adapted to be torn open so as to allow the respective tabs 807 to slide along the remaining part of the slits as required.In this manner headwear can be provided with slits of a length appropriate to adult head sizes but with the option of lengthening them so as to accommodate children's head sizes if desired, and vice versn. The rule is that the shorter the slit the less de-stabilising it is on the headwear as a whole. In those headwear embodiments which place heavy demands on the construction techniques available, either on account of the designer's ambition or a lack of strength in the material from which the headwear is to be made, the facility may be a useful one.

FIGURE 42 shows a similar approach to the problem of limiting the operational length of a slit in so far as may be practicable. In this headwear embodiment 817 first and second portions 819 and 821 are each provided with linear bearings in the form of pairs of slits 825, each slit being subdivided into a plurality of sections 825, the sections connected together by small easily-tearable connecting portions 827 of the material. The length of such a sub-divided slit can be extended according to requirements without difficulty. The small portions 827 of material may be barely more than those provided by the "nicks" incorporated into a cutting forme by the die-maker for the purpose of retaining the work in the sheet as it passes through the press.

FIGURE 43 shows an embodiment of an item of headwear of unitary construction 841 incorporating a circular headband sub-divided into two segments, the larger of which 843 is placed at the front of the head, following assembly and in use, and the smaller of which 845 is placed at the back of the head. Essentially the construction is along the lines of that illustrated in Figure 31 above, the role of the first portion (identified by the numeral 561 in the earlier figure) being taken by the smaller of the two segments 845, at either end of which are a pair of oppositely directed tabs 857 adapted to engage with linear bearings comprised of pairs of slits 859 placed at either end of the larger segment 843. At each end of the larger segment are placed oppositely extending tabs 861 adapted to engage with linear bearings comprised of pairs of slits 863 placed at either end of the smaller segment 845. Each of the segments is curved in a similar manner and each is provided with a curved fold, respectively 865 and 867, whereby a trough-shaped section is formed.

B7hen the two segments are brought together the ends of the smaller segment 845 fit inside the ends of the larger segment 843 and provide a firm mounting for a connecting element 869 which in turn supports one side of the assembly 871, which assembled is folded into a pyramid and placed above the head in use. The other side of the pyramid is supported by a connecting element 873 which extends from its base to the centre of the larger segment 843 so as to be placed at the front of the head in use. The pyramid is furnished with dependent elements 874 resembling legs at each corner which serve a mainly decorative purpose. The pyramid is further provided with an integral display portion 875 which can be either projected upwards from the vertex of the pyramid or detached and discarded.The form of construction adopted permits a substantial range of adjustment in diameter not withstanding that the individual slits are relatively short in length - a feature which contributes to the sturdiness of the embodiment. As with other similar embodiments the pyramid embodiment can be worn directly above the head or, if preferred, over an item of traditional headwear. In the fourth drawing of the figure the pyramid embodiment is shown being worn over a baseball cap type of headwear.

FIGURE 44 shows two similar devices for increasing the frictional resistance afforded by a linear bearing. In the first drawing first and second portions 877 and 879 are each provided with a slit 891 one edge of which forms a linear bearing. What would other wise be a straight edge is interrupted by spaced apart notches adapted to catch bearing points 893 at the bases of the tabs adapted to engage with the respective edges. A second pair of bearing points 895 engages with the edges of slits 897 in the normal manner.

FIGURE 45 shows a further device for increasing the frictional resistance afforded by a linear bearing which further device operates on a surface-tosurface basis. A first portion 901 and a second portion 903 are similarly configured, each portion incorporating a slit 905 the edges of which are not contiguous. While the bearing points 907 at the bases of the oppositely directed tabs 909 bear against the edges of the slits in the usual way, the free movement of the surfaces of the portions of material on either side of the slits is inhibited by the incorporation of a plurality of folds alternating in opposite senses so as to provide a corrugated effect.The pitch of the folds being approximately the same as between the two portions, with peaks and troughs alternating at a set distance, the juxtaposed portions mesh together each time a peak in one portion overlies a trough in the other portion.

Following assembly and in use the folds may tend to fall out when the band is stretched around an object such as a head - particularly if the material is paper-board - but will nevertheless remain sufficiently in evidence to substantially increase the frictional resistance of the attachment mechanism.

In the second and third drawings of the figure bands 913 and 919 (which might be headbands falling within the first category of headwear, or bands intended for the enclosure of other items such as bundles of documents) are shown in their entirety. In these two drawings, as in the first drawing, the opposite senses of the folds are indicated by the use of alternating lines of solid dots and dots incorporating holes. The amount of friction between two such portions will increase as their surfaces are pressed more closely together as the br -sd is tightened about the enclosed item or items.In the second 6razing & the figure an embodiment 913 is provided with a first portion 915 and a SE end portion 917 each portion incorporating a pair of oppositely directed l bs adapted to engage with a single elongate slit provided with non contiguous ) edges. In the third drawing an embodiment 919 is provided with a first pc tion 920 and a second portion 921. Each portion incorporates additiona direct-pull tabs of the type described below in relation to Figure 47.

Such a d ect-pull device is well suited to constructions incorporating a friction-er dancing device of the kind illustrated in the present figure. In drawing 45.6, first and second portions 923 and 924 are shown in which the folds are replaced by embossed ridges, the manner of embossment being such that the raised surface of the first portion slides over that of the second portion as the band is tightened, the surfaces interlocking together when the final point of adjustment is reached. A similar construction is possible in which the embossed ridges of a first portion (defining a male element) are adapted to engage with the troughs (defining a female element) corresponding to embossed ridges placed within a second portion. In drawing 45.7 a first portion 925 and a second portion 926 are shown with embossed nodules rather than ridges.Again the surface-to-surface friction may be imparted by the interaction of raised nodules on one portion either with similarly raised nodules on the second portion or with corresponding depressions within the second portion. Embossed ridges and nodules are particularly suitable for bands constructed from certain types of material, plastic in particular, and in embodiments where a direct-pull tab device is present, as shown in the two drawings.

FIGURE 46 shows a headwear embodiment designed to resemble a tiara. The headband (which may be said to fall within the second (split headband) category) is sub-divided into a first portion 927 and a second portion 929 each of which are provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 931 and a pair of linear bearings comprised of slits 933. Each of the first and second portions 927 and 929 is additionally provided with a thumb tab 935 and 937. The thumb tabs are extended in each case from an oppositely directed tab. In the third and fourth drawings of the figure each of the first and second portions 927 and 929 are provided with an additional thumb tab, respectively denominated by the numerals 935a and 937a.Regardless of whether each portion is provided with a single thumb tab or a pair of thumb tabs, the thumb tabs do not form part of the sliding mechanism per se, their role being to provide something capable of being gripped between i nger and thumb thereby facilitating adjustment of the position of the two p portions relative to each other. Such an adjustment may be particularly d fficult when the headwear is placed upon the head with the attachment mec ianism positioned at the back of the head. The effectiveness of the thumb zabs illustrated is lessened by the fact that they do not lie along the same axis as the force required to move them and can not, therefor, be described is a direct-pull tab device.

FIGURES 47 to 57 illustrate devices, and embodiments incorporating devices, which provide thumb tabs adapted to respond to a direct pull along an axis corresponding to the linear path followed by the first and second portions when moving from a first position to a second position. Where the embodiment is a band formed by a narrow strip of flexible material, as in an item of headwear, the device can only achieve its purpose with an arrangement in which a part of a portion which, following assembly, underlies another portion is brought to the surface.

FIGURE 47 shows an attachment device incorporating thumb tabs which may be described as falling within the "direct-pull" category. In this figure a first portion 941 and a second portion 943 are each provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs. In the first portion these tabs are identified by the numerals 945 and 947 and the square portion of material lying between them which connects them to each other and to the remainder of the first portion (and which may be termed a "bridge") is numbered 949. In the second portion the tabs and bridge are respectively numbered 951, 953 and 955.Each of the portions is further provided with a pair of linear bearings, those in the first portion being comprised of an edge of each one of a pair of slits 957 and 959, and those in the second portion being comprised of the edges of a single slit 961 the sides of which slit are not contiguous. Such a slit in effect forms an elongate aperture and this permits the passage of not only the oppositely directed tabs 945 and 947 of the first portion but of the bridge 949 lying between them and a further portion 963 extended from the fourth side of the bridge and forming a thumb tab. The bridge 955 connecting the oppositely directed tabs 951 and 953 of the second portion is likewise extended to form a thumb tab 965, which in shape matches the thumb tab 963 of the first portion.

When the first and second portions are interlocked their combined length may be reduced simply by pulling the two thumb tabs in opposite directions.

Provided that the necessary frictional resistance is also present the first and second portions will maintain their tightened position. If desired, the two slits providing linear bearings in the first portion can be replaced by a single slit with non-contiguous sides, but this is not essential to the operation of the thumb tabs. It should also be noted that the two thumb tabs do not have to be the same shape, as in the present figure. It is essential, however, that the width of the neck 967 of the thumb tab 965 is not greater than the distance between the slits 957 and 959, the ends of the neck forming the bases of the oppositely directed tabs 951 and 953 at the point where they meet.

FIGURE 48 shows an alternative form of attachment device in which a first portion 971 and a second portion 973 are each provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs. In the first portion these tabs are identified by the numerals 975 and 977 and the square portion of material lying between them and forming a bridge is numbered 979. In the second portion the tabs and bridge are respectively numbered 981 and 983 and the portion of material lying between the tabs is subdivided into two parts by a T-shaped slit 985.

Each of the portions is further provided with a pair of linear bearings, those in the first portion being comprised of an edge of each one of a pair of slits 987 and 989, and those in the second portion being comprised of the edges of a each one of a pair of slits 991 and 993. Each of tab assemblies are extended to form a thumb tab. The thumb tab 995 of the first portion is extended from the bridge 979 as in the preceding figure. The thumb tab 997 of the second portion is extended from the material lying between the tabs 981 and 983 and is subdivided by the same T-shaped slit 985. In the course of assembly the tabs 975 and 977 in the first portion are inserted in a downward manner through the slits 991 and 993 in the second portion in the usual way, the thumb tab 995 remaining in view above the surface.The tabs 981 and 983 of the second portion are passed upwardly through the slits 987 and 989 of the first portion so as to come into view above the surface. At the same time the thumb tab 997 which is integral with the tabs 981 and 983 also comes in view, the two subdivided parts passing on each side of the portion of material lying between the slits 987 and 989 and, in effect, wrapping round them. As with the device depicted in the preceding figure, the combined length of the interlocked first and second portions may be reduced simply by pulling the two thumb tabs in opposite directions. For the device to function the width of the neck 999 of the thumb tab 995 must be no greater than the distance between the slits 991 and 993 and the length of the "cross-member" of the Tshaped cut 985 must be at least equal to the distance between the slits 987 and 989.

FIGURE 49 shows the tiara headwear embodiment illustrated in Figure 46 in which, however, thumb tabs of the kind shown in Figure 48 are incorporated instead of the previously adopted mechanism. The item 1001 is provided with a first portion 1011 and a second portion 1013. The configuration of the oppositely directed tab/thumb tab assemblies 1015 and 1017 is along similar lines to that shown in Figure 48, albeit in a somewhat more stylish form. In the example shown indicia have been applied showing the procedure to be followed in the first stage of assembly. The indicia take the form of applying hatched markings 1119, and 1121 and 1123, to the surfaces required to be concealed from view. It will be seen that the profiles in plan view of the assemblies 1015 and 1017 are identical.In the first drawing of the figure the headwear is shown in its entirety when viewed from the front The second drawing of the figure shows a reverse view of the first and second portions incorporating the attachment mechanisms, indicia in the form of hatched markings again being applied. The arrangement depicted in both drawings is such that the thumb tab to be pulled by the right hand of the wearer when the headwear is in position on the head is that which is undivided. The thumb tab subdivided by a T-shaped cut 1123 is pulled by the left hand.

FIGURE 50 shows a visor type embodiment in which a single piece of material 1041 is provided with a first portion 1043 and a second portion 1045 which are brought together at the back of the head to form a headband. The portions are provided with pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1043 and 1045 and pairs of slits comprising linear bearings 1047 and 1049. The curvature of the slits approximately corresponds with the curvature of the adjacent outer edges 1051 and 1053 of the band and the radii of the vertical axes of the pairs of tabs 1043 and 1045 in the manner previously described in relation to embodiments illustrated earlier. The obverse surface of the visor is viewed in the first drawing of the figure and indicia in the form of hatched markings are again present.The second and third drawings show the reverse of the attachment mechanism as it might appear in the course of assembly and prior to the visor being positioned on the head. The drawing 50.6 shows a rear view of the visor as worn with the headband pulled tight and it will be seen that the protocol of the undivided thumb tab being presented to the right hand of' the wearer is again followed. In the penultimate drawing of the figure the versatility of the attachment mechanism is demonstrated by the embodiment being shown in position over a smooth surfaced item of traditional headwear such as a fez. The final drawing of the figure shows a wearer in the act of adjusting the headband while the headwear is in position on the head and demonstrates the efficacy of such an attachment device.

FIGURES 51 to 55 address the problem which may be encountered when it is desired to incorporate thumb tab mechanisms of the direct pull type illustrated in Figures 47 to 53 into a band the length of which in its unassembled form is restricted. The problem may frequently occur in headwear embodiments which are designed to a format the parameters of which are determined on the one hand by what is needed to provide a headband able to encompass a human head and on the other hand by the means of printing and distribution to be adopted. The problem is exemplified by the embodiment illustrated in Figure 23 above. The overall dimensions of the headwear in a plan view representing the flat pre-assembled form (as shown in the drawing 23.1) are 435 mm. An attachment device of the kind shown in Figures 47 to 50 will absorb 20 mm of the length of at least one of the headbands which must be compensated for by either accommodating a smaller maximum head size or reducing the height of the display area (denominated 421 in the drawing 23.3). Figures 51 to 54 show alternative thumb tab mechanisms of the direst-pull type which do add to the length of the portions to be attached.

FIGURE 51 shows an attachment device comprising a first portion 1059 and a second portion 1061. Each portion incorporates a pair of oppositely directed tabs, respectively 1063 and 1065, and a pair of linear bearings comprised of single slits, respectively 1067 and 1069, the slits having non-contiguous sides.

The slit 1067 is formed by an elongate aperture. The slit 1069 in the second portion 1061 is, however, formed in part by a partially cut round portion 1073 and in part by a fully cut-out portion 1075. The partially cut-out portion is provided with a fold 1071 acting as a hinge and allowing the portion 1073 to be folded through 180 degrees in the direction of the first portion so that its distal end extends beyond the tabs 1065. When the first and second portions are interlocked the distal end of portion 1073 is presented between the noncontiguous sides of the slit 1067 and may be gripped between finger and thumb and raised above the surrounding surface. This distal end portion comprises one of a pair of thumb tabs of the direct-pull type, the other being the assembly comprising the tabs 1065.

FIGURE 52 shows a development of the same attachment device as that which is the subject of the preceding figure. In this figure the second portion is denominated 1061a and the folded portion 1073a. The distal end of the folded portion 1073a is captured by a slit 1077 which lies along the vertical axis of the tabs 1065. The capturing mechanism tidies-up the construction and improves the presentation of the folded portion.

FIGURE 53 shows a further development of the attachment device. The portions to be attached comprise a first portion 1083 and a second portion 1085. The distal end of the folded portion 1081 is enlarged so as to provide a visual indication of its thumb tab function. As before, a capturing slit 1089 is provided. In the embodiment illustrated the tab assembly at the end of the first portion 1083 has been re-shaped at point 1091 so as to give the assembled mechanism a symmetrical appearance. The size of the enlargement 1087 is limited in practical terms by the fact that it must leave its outline 1093 along the sides of the slit 1095 which sides comprise bearing edges. A further limitation to the size of the enlargement 1087 is imposed by the requirement for it to pass through the capturing slit 1089 in the first portion 1083.

FIGURE 54 shows the attachment device in what may be thought to be its fully developed form. The capturing slit, now identified by the numeral 1105, has been bowed along a part of its length so as to reveal substantial the entire circumference of the enlargement 1109 and a visual indication 1107 has been applied to the surface of the tab assembly of the first portion 1101. This configuration is perhaps the most elegant of those which are available but requires, however, an increase in the length overall of the first portion and/or a reduction in its effective length as a part of, for example, a headband.

FIGURE 55 shows the embodiment illustrated in Figure 23 modified by the incorporation of a direct-pull thumb tab device of the kind illustrated in the drawing 54.1. The design considerations as regards the overall dimensions of this particular embodiment have already been referred to and are further demonstrated by the second drawing of the figure which shows the headwear arranged "nine-up" on a single sheet of material of SRA 2 size (450 mm by 640 mm), the edges of the stock indicated by the broken line 1163. As before the headband is provided with a first portion and a second portion which lie alongside each other in the pre-assembly state. In the present case the first portion 1143 is provided with a slit the sides of which are not contiguous.The slit is formed from a totally cut-out portion 1145 and a partially cut-out portion 1147 provided with a hinge 1149 and an enlargement 1151 at its distal end. The second portion 1153 is provided with a pair of parallel slits 1155 and 1157. If desired, the second portion 1153 can be configured in an identical manner to the first portion 1143 so as to provide a symmetrical arrangement without any penalty in terms of the effective length of the assembled headband.

FIGURE 56 shows an attachment device of the kind incorporated into the visor illustrated in Figure 50. In this example the thumb tabs are visually distinguishable from each other and from the remainder of the mechanism and a visual indication of head size has been provided. The first portion 1171 is provided with a thumb tab 1175 with an applied design in the style of a bull's-eye. The second portion 1173 is provided with a thumb tab 1181 with an applied design in the form of a bar along the line of and indicating the point of sub-division. The first portion is additionally provided with an applied design of differentially sized bars 1183 indicating in a stylised manner head sizes ranging from small to large.A pair of oppositely directed pointers 1185 in the second portion indicate a setting appropriate to a head size and allow pre-selection of a setting before the headwear is placed upon the head.

FIGURE 57 shows an embodiment in which the first portion 1189 and the second portion 1191 comprise the opposite ends of a piece of material which ends are to be attached together to form a hollow sectioned cylinder 1187.

Each portion is provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1193 and two pairs of linear bearings 1195, each pair of bearings being comprised of parallel slits. Such a cylinder may provide a suitable stand for an items of headwear of the kind illustrated in preceding figures, the attachment device allowing the diameter of the cylinder to be varied. The act of adjustment is facilitate by the provision of two thumb tabs 1197 and 1199 each of which is provided with a line of fold allowing it to be folded outwardly through approximately 90 degrees so as to project from the surface of the cylinder in a radial manner.

FIGURE 58 shows an embodiment in which the first portion 1201 and the second portion 1203 comprise the opposite ends of a piece of material which are to be attached together to form a hollow sectioned frusto-cone 1199. The first portion is provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1203 and the second portion is provided with two pairs of linear bearings, each pair of bearings being comprised of parallel slits 1205. Each of the slits 1205 is provided with sides which are contiguous along the greater part of its length, a non-contiguous portion 1207 being incorporated at one end to facilitate the insertion of a tab. The aperture formed by the non-contiguous portion is shaped as the arc of a circle the bases of the arc lying along the line of the slit.

The width of the arc is approximately equal to that of the base of the respective one of the tabs 1203.

FIGURE 59 shows an embodiment comprising an adjustable spectacle frame.

The centre portion 1209 of the spectacle frame is provided with eye-holes 1211. At either end of the centre portion tab assemblies 1213 are placed, the assemblies comprising in each case oppositely directed tabs in the form of a larger tab 1215 and a smaller tab 1217. The tabs operate along the same vertical axis, the base of the smaller tab being within that of the larger tab and parallel thereto and not co-linear therewith. The tabs 1215 and 1217 are adapted to engage with linear bearings comprised of single slits placed in the two side elements of the spectacle frame respectively denominated 1221 and 1225. the slit 1219 in side element 1221 matching the slit 1223 in side element 1225. The spectacle frame is assembled by attaching the side elements to the centre portion.The centre portion is provided with folds 1233 which allow those parts of the centre portion incorporating the attachment mechanism to be returned down the sides of the face of the wearer at an angle approximating to 90 degrees to the centre portion. The attachment devices allow the length overall of the side elements and returned parts of the centre portion to be adjusted to the individual features of the wearer. The extent of the adjustment available is shown by the second and third drawings of the figure. The end of each of the side elements 1221 and 1225 furthest from the centre portion is fashioned into a hook so that it may engage with an ear in the traditional manner. The attachment devices are similar to that illustrated in Figure 7.5 above. The extent to which the bases of the larger tabs overlap the bases of the smaller tabs in each case is determined in part by the thickness and rigidity of material from which such an embodiment must be made and in part by the difficulty of manipulating the tabs into the slots, the size of the tabs and the width of the material wherein they are contained being limited by what is acceptable to a wearer with a preconception of how such an embodiment should appear when placed upon the head. The tabs and linear bearings rely upon frictional resistance between the surfaces of the material wherein they are respectively provided to maintain a required position with respect to each other. A balance has to be achieved between appearance on the one hand and ease of assembly and adjustment and stability of the spectacle frame in use on the other.

Claims (80)

CLAMS

1. An attachment device for joining a first portion of flexible material to a second portion1 the device comprising in at least one of the portions a pair of linear bearings arranged in a parallel manner, a linear bearing comprising an elongate edge of the material and/or the adjoining surface of the material, an edge comprising either one side of a slit not extending to any other edge of the material or an outer edge of the material; the device comprising in the other portion a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with the respective linear bearings so as to join the first portion to the second portion, the arrangement of linear bearings and tabs being such that a force must be applied to enable the tabs to overcome frictional resistance from the material comprising the said edges and/or adjoining surfaces when sliding from a first position to a second position.

2. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion of material is integral with the second portion of material.

3. An attachment device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are opposite ends of a piece of material comprising a band to be formed into a loop of adjustable size.

4. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the effect of the device is to enable the combined length of the first and second portions to be optionally lengthened, shortened or maintained.

5. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs and the second portion is provided with a single elongate slit, the edges of the slit and/or the adjoining surface of the material comprising parallel linear bearings, the tabs adapted to slide along the slit to the extent required to adjust the overall length of the two portions.

6. An attachment device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the edges of the slit are contiguous prior to insertion of the oppositely directed tabs.

7. An attachment device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the edges of the slit are not contiguous.

8. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one tab forming one of a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided with a base which is configured so as to slidably engage at each of its ends with the respective linear bearing.

9. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tabs forming a pair of oppositely directed tabs operate along the same vertical axis.

10. An attachment device as daimed in claim 1, wherein the tabs forming a pair of oppositely directed tabs are similarly shaped.

11. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tabs forming a pair of oppositely directed tabs are comprised of a large tab and a small tab operating along the same vertical axis, the base of the small tab being either co-linear with or placed inwardly of the base of the large tab.

12. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tabs forming a pair of oppositely directed tabs are comprised of tabs of the same or different sizes, the bases of the tabs being parallel and spaced apart.

13. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of oppositely directed tabs of the same shape and operating along the same vertical axis and provided with bases which are parallel and spaced apart are positioned at the end of a portion so as to project therefrom.

14. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tabs forming a pair of oppositely directed tabs are totally enclosed by surrounding material.

15. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tabs forming a pair of oppositely directed tabs are directed either towards or away from each other.

16. An attachment device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tabs forming a pair o oppositely directed tabs are connected to a second pair of tabs acting in the opposite direction.

17. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of linear bearing s is formed either by the parallel edges of a single slit or by an edge of each one of a pair of slits arranged in a parallel manner or by a combination of one or other thereof with an outer edge.

18. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each one of the first and second portions is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs, each pair of tabs adapted to engage with a pair of linear bearings in the respective other portion

19. An attachment device as claimed in claim 18, wherein an elongate slit or a pair of elongate slits forming linear bearings are provided in the same portion as a pair of tabs, the end or ends of the slit or slits being sufficiently distant from the tabs as to obviate or largely obviate the possibility of them being unintentionally torn up to the tabs in use.

20. An attachment device as claimed in claim 18, wherein each one of the first and second portions is provided with a two pairs of oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with two pairs of linear bearings in the respective other portion.

21. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a pair of oppositely directed tabs and/or a pair of linear bearings are provided within an element comprising an enclosed partial cut-out within the first portion, the element being adapted to be folded outwardly in the direction of the second portior the second portion being provided with either a pair of oppositely directed tabs, or a pair of linear bearings, as required.

22. An attachment device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the foldable element may be captured by means of a vertical slit in either or both the first and second portions.

23. An attachment device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the peripheral edges of the foldable element are wholly or partially perforated so as to be capable of being torn out as required.

24. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrangement of oppositely directed tabs and/or linear bearings provided in one portion is symmetric with the arrangement provided in the other portion.

25. An attachment device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the arrangement of a pair of oppositely directed tabs is symmetric with the arrangement within the other portion save that one pair of tabs is inverted with respect to the other.

26. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first portion of material incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs is elongate and set at a right angle to a pair of linear bearings provided in a second portion, the two portions being joined together in a T-shaped configuration.

27. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of material are joined to a third portion, the third portion incorporating either one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs and/or a pair of linear bearings so that the first and second portions are capable of sliding in relation to each other and/or to the third portions

28. An attachment device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the three attached portions form a T-shaped configuration.

29. An attachment device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first and second portions are positioned at a right angle to each other, the first and third portions forming the cross-member of the "T" and the second portion the vertical member, the first and third portions being connected to each other via the second portion.

30. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear bearings are provided about a curved line.

31. An attachment device as claimed in claim 30, wherein in the assembled state the linear bearings are curved about a ine concentric or approximately concentric with the inner edge of the combined portions and the bases of the oppositely directed tabs, the vertical axes of the tabs being approximately coaxial with each other and with the radii of the said inner edge, linear bearings and bases.

32. An attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 30 or 31, wherein the first and second portions are each provided with an elongate fold, the fold being placed between and parallel with the linear bearings, the fold extending to the ends of the respective portions and passing between and parallel to the bases of oppositely direcred tabs if such tabs are present at the ends of the portions, the fold being straight or curved so as to correspond with the linear bearings.

33. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second portions comprise opposite ends of a band which is approximately horse-shoe shaped in the pre-assembly state

34. An attachment device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the band is provided with an elongate fold along a part or parts of its length, the fold being approximately along a line which is either parallel with or co-linear with a line parallel with the linear bearings.

35. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second portions form opposite ends of separate segments which together comprise a band which is approximately horse-shoe shaped in its preassembly state, the respective other ends of the said Segments being provided with similar means of attachment

36. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a linear bearing is formed by an edge of each one of a pair of Slits.

37. An attachment device as claimed in ciaim 36, wherein at least one tab is adapted to be folded through 180 degrees along a fold line at a right angle to its vertical axis, the fold occurring at or about lt the point of insertion of the tab through a slit, thereby securing the position of the tab within the slit in use.

38. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one slit is provided in a form in which it is perforated along all or part of its length, the perforations being torn open so as to allow a tab or tabs to slide along all or part of the slit, or to position a tab within the slit as required.

39. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a linear bearing is subdivided into two or more co-linear slits, the slits separated from each other by a small portion of material, which portion may be optionally torn open to allow a tab to slide from one slit to another.

40. An attachment device as claimed in claim 39, wherein a second similarly configured linear bearing is provided along a line parallel to the first linear bearing, the two lines of paired slits adapted to receive a tab comprising a respective one of a pair of oppositely directed tabs, portions of material separating the slits being optionally torn open to allow the tabs to slide from one pair of slits to another.

41. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one slit is provided with edges which are contiguous along the greater part of its length, a relatively short non-contiguous portion being provided at or towards one end of the slit or elsewhere along the line of the slit, which noncontiguous portion is adapted to facilitate the insertion of tab.

42. An attachment device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the noncontiguous portion is shaped as a minor arc of a circle, the base of the arc corresponding with the line of the slit.

43. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frictional resistance from the material comprising a linear bearing is increased by roughening the edge by the introduction of spaced apart notches or nicks or other serrations adapted to engage with the material at the base of a tab.

44. An attachment device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the serrations are so configured as to impede the sliding movement of the tab in the direction which brings about an increase in the combined length of the first and second portions.

45. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frictional resistance from the material comprising a linear bearing is increased by the incorporation of alternating folds and/or ridges and/ into portions coming into surface-to-surface contact following assembly and in use.

46. An attachment device as claimed in claim 45, wherein a first and second portion are each provided with a plurality of spaced apart folds or ridges alternating in opposite senses, the folds or ridges being at or about a right angle to the line of the linear bearings.

47. An attachment device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the spacing between the folds or ridges in a first portion is constant as between each other, and corresponds to the spacing between the folds or ridges in the second portion

48. An attachment device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the spacing between the folds or ridges of a portion curved round in a loop and lying outermost in use is marginally greater than that between the corresponding folds or ridges of the portion lying innermost

49. An attachment device as claimed in claim 45, wherein alternating folds and/or ridges and/or embossed features are provided in portions lying outermost of slits in each the first and second portions the edges of which slits comprise linear bearings and which are not contiguous.

50. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the bearing points at the bases of the oppositely directed tabs relative to edges of material forming linear bearings is such that material comprising a bearing point is forced against a said edge so that frictional resistance to the tab sliding along the edge results.

51. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the bases of the oppositely directed tabs relative both to edges of material forming linear bearings and to the thickness and elasticity of the material is such that the surface of the material adjoining the base of a tab is forced against the surface of the material adjoining a said edge so that frictional resistance to the tab sliding along the edge results.

52. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first portion is provided with at least one tab forming one of a pair of oppositely directed tabs which is hook shaped or otherwise adapted to engage with a linear bearing formed by an outer edge of a second portion

53. An attachment device as claimed in claim 52, wherein the outer edge is provided with a protuberance at the point where the portion ends, the protuberance adapted to act as a stop for the tab so as to prevent it from sliding off the end and the two portions separating as a result.

54. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one oppositely directed tab is configured so that frictional resistance to the tab sliding along an edge of a slit forming a linear bearing can be increased by shortening a cut in the material defining one side of the tab, the side being formed either in a straight line or in a line bent into a radiused curve by the said cut, the sides of the cut being contiguous.

55. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thumb tab or a pair of thumb tabs adapted to be grasped between finger and thumb is provided for purposes of adjusting the combined length of the first and second portions.

56. An attachment device as claimed in claim 55, wherein a thumb tab projects from the side or end of a portion at a point adjacent to the attachment mechanism.

57. An attachment device as claimed in claim 55, wherein a thumb tab is incorporated into a portion in such manner to be separate from any oppositely directed tabs and linear bearings, the thumb tab comprising an enclosed partial cut-out which is folded outwardly through approximately 90 degrees so as to be raised above the surface of the surrounding material.

58. An attachment device as claimed in claim 55, wherein a pair of thumb tabs are provided for purposes of adjustment, a thumb tab being incorporated into both the first portion and the second portion, the thumb tabs adapted to be pulled apart and/or pushed together so as to increase or reduce the combined length of the first and second portions as required.

59. An attachment device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the thumb tabs are extended outwardly from one or both ends of each of the respective pairs of oppositely directed tabs and along the vertical axis thereof, the thumb tabs projecting outwardly of the upper and/or lower edges of the first and second portions when the portions are joined together to form a looped band.

60. An attachment device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the thumb tabs each comprise an addition to respective pairs of oppositely directed tabs placed at the ends of each portion, the thumb tabs being extended along the horizontal axis of the oppositely directed tabs.

61. An attachment device as claimed in claim 60, wherein a thumb tab extended horizontally from a pair of oppositely directed tabs incorporated into the first portion underlies the second portion at the initial stage of assembly of the attachment mechanism, the thumb tab being passed through the gap between the edges of a slit in the second portion the sides of which slit are not contiguous, the edges of the slit forming linear bearings, the thumb tab overlying the second portion when assembly is completed, the thumb tab extended from the second portion likewise overlying the first portion.

62. An attachment device as claimed in claim 61, wherein a thumb tab extended horizontally from a pair of oppositely directed tabs incorporated into the first portion underlies the second portion at the initial stage of assembly of the attachment mechanism, the thumb tab incorporating a Tshaped or other shaped cut the effect of which cut is to sub-divide the thumb tab along its horizontal axis into two parts, the thumb tab thereby enabled to circumscribe the second portion (or an element thereof) and to overlie the second portion when assembly is completed, the two parts of the thumb tab then abutting each other, the undivided thumb tab extended from the second portion likewise overlying the first portion.

63. An attachment device as claimed in claim 62 wherein the element of the second portion circumscribed by the thumb tab attached to the first portion is that part of the second portion as lies between parallel slits the outer edges of which comprise linear bearings.

64. An attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein the tractive force to be applied to pull the thumb tabs in opposite directions for the purpose of reducing the combined length of the first and second portions lies along or substantially along the long axis of the first and second portions and/or the linear bearings therein incorporated.

65. An attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 60 to 64, wherein the overlying portions of the thumb tabs not comprising a part or a substantial part of the oppositely directed tabs are configured in a circular or rectangular or other polygonal or distinctively shaped manner, whether undivided or not, for the purpose of ready identification by visual means and/or by touch as the portions to be gripped between finger and thumb and pulled in opposite directions.

66. An attachment device as claimed in claim 65, wherein the arrangement of thumb tabs is symmetrical, or symmetrical save for one element being undivided and the other element being sub-divided.

67. An attachment device as claimed in claim 65, wherein the arrangement of thumb tabs is symmetrical save for one element being undivided and the other element being suSdivided, the undivided element being positioned so as to require to be gripped between the finger and thumb of the right hand, the application permitting.

68. An attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 67, wherein the manner and order of assembly of the device is indicated by hatching, stippling or other indicia which distinguish portions which are overlaid by other portions in the course of assembly.

69. An attachment device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 68, wherein the first and second portions to be joined together form the headband of an item of headwear.

70. An attachment device as claimed in claim 69, wherein a scale calibrated according to head sizes is provided alongside a slit or between a pair of slits or along an outer edge, suitable indicia and/or a window being provided in or on the other portion enabling the headband to be adjusted prior to being placed upon the head.

71. An attachment device as claimed in claim 68, wherein the permitted range of variation in the combined length of the first and second portions is such as to accommodate adult head sizes from 6 inches diameter to 7 and one half inches diameter, or thereabouts.

72. An attachment device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 68, wherein the portions to be joined together form part of an item of apparel to be placed around the waist in the manner of a belt or girdle or to be worn elsewhere on the body.

i3. An attachment device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a scale calibrated according to the size of the thing to be accommodated by the portions to be joined together is provided.

74. An attachment device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 68, wherein the portions to be joined together form the sides of a spectacle frame.

75. An attachment device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 68, wherein the portions to be joined together comprise the opposite sides of a portion of material whereby a cylindrical, frusto-conical or other tubular-shaped hollow sectioned artefact is formed.

76. An attachment device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 68, wherein the portions to be joined together comprise a band to be placed around a cylindrical, frusto-conical or other tubular-shaped or spherical-shaped artefact.

77. An attachment device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portions of flexible material to be joined together comprise paper, paperboard, plastic or sheet metal.

78. An attachment device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portions to be joined together form part of the same single sheet of flexible material.

79. An attachment device substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings stated to be in accordance with the present invention.

80. Attachment devices as claimed in more than one of the foregoing claims.