GB2294385A - Items of adornment and display - Google Patents

Abstract

The items are adapted to be placed around cylindrical artefacts such as drinks cans and similarly configured artefacts and non cylindrical artefacts of similar dimensions such as dolls and figurines. The items bear a resemblance to headwear and are made from flexible material in which a split is formed to accommodate the artefact. The split can be curved or partially curved in a convex or a concave form. It can be associated with a parallel second split and/or upward or downward extensions. Numerous modifications and additional features are disclosed.

Description

HEADWEAR FOR USE ON ARTEFACTS This invention relates to items of adornment and display material for cylindrical artefacts such as drinks cans and similarly configured artefacts and non-cylindrical artefacts of similar dimensions such as dolls and figurines.

Items in accordance with this invention will generally be, both in appearance and in the constructions employed, miniature versions of items designed to be worn on the human head, and will be referred to as "headwear". In specific embodiments, the invention relates to such headwear which is fashioned, or fashionable, out of a single piece of flexible material which may, for example, be paper.

The general idea of providing headwear or other items of apparel out of flexible material has been addressed before as regards headwear intended for human wear. The following are pertinent developments in the art.

SE-A-0C96454 (Sonnergard) relates to an eye shade containing one long split and a number of smaller non-parallel splits. While the long split is convex to the wearer's chin when worn, the length of the split 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 splits. The patent makes no provision for, inter alia, perforations or earlike extensions, or for extensions other than the dependent extension from which the visor is formed.

US-A-2205957 (Kinkis) relates to a hand shield containing a single curved split with provision for enlargement by cutting along the line of the split but is too small to be an item of headwear for use on a human head and too large for use on an artefact of the size of a drinks can.

US-A-2474507 (Wolfe) relates to a play hat having a single split which split is curved in a manner concave to the wearer's chin when worn. The configuration of the hat means that a relatively large piece of material has to be used to accommodate the human head. 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 (as opposed to a headband incorporating a split) 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 construction makes no provision for earlike protrusions and again offers generally limited design possibilities.

US-A-2988743 (Wagenfeld), US-A-3184757 (Pennington), US-A4247957 (Rogers) and US-A-4335471 (Quigley) all disclosure eye shades broadly similar to that of USA-2679047 in that all three constructions rely upon a solid headband ("solid" in the sense of not incorporating a split or splits) one portion of which is extended to form a visor, the headband being in each case 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 either in a continuous circle or to be secured by means of a tab and slot mechanism. UFAZ247957 also discloses a second eye shade construction in which a headband opening formed by a split is able to be enlarged by the tearing of perforations allowing the detachment or folding of portions of the headband.

US-A-2787791 (Linney et al) relates to a solid band type item of headwear in which a visorshaped portion is extended downward from a headband which is straight and not curved. The presentation of the visor at the front of the wearer's head at an angle halfway between the horizontal and the vertical is secured by two folds one of which is along a straight line and the other along a curved line, the two lines meeting at their extremities.

None of the prior documents cited above discloses items in accordance with the present invention or suggests the advantages that flow from the constructions of the present invention whether for use as headwear for human beings or in miniature versions suitable for placing on artefacts such as drinks cans.

GB-A-2178299 (Samuelson) discloses an invention relating to an item of apparel for the head which comprises a single piece of flexible material the length of at least one of its dimensions being sufficient to accommodate a single split or a pair of splits the length of which split or splits is of the order of half the circumference of the head. Such headwear is capable of being produced inexpensively and in quantity. It is simple to assemble since it requires no gluing, stapling or other form of fastening. It is easy to place in position and can be adjusted to different sizes and readily lends itself to the incorporation (if desired) of earlike appendages which stick out from either side of the headwear at an angle approximating to 90 degrees to the circumference of the head.Headwear in accordance with GB-A-2178299 can, if desired, be worn over other (for example more traditional) headwear or placed directly upon the head. GB-A-2178299 envisages small scale embodiments to be worn on the heads of very small children and babies and large scale embodiments for statues and scarecrows, but makes no reference to the possibility of items of the kind which it discloses being used in connection with artefacts such as drinks cans.

The present ins mention relates at least in part to developments in headwear as described above. For reasons of brevity and to assist in a better understanding of the present invention definitions have been provided for a number of frequently recurring technical descriptions. These definitions are set out below. The meanings assigned to the expressions shall apply throughout this document excepting where the context necessarily requires otherwise and/or indicates a contrary or more restricted meaning.

The expression "means of attachment" shall be taken to mean a construction adapted to join portions comprising an item of headwear together, the construction taking the form of a complementary tab and slot or similar device, such device being for example either in accordance with aspects of the present invention or the known art and made only from the material of which the headwear is made.

The expression "enclosed cut-out" shall be taken to mean an aperture which is provided by means of a portion of material being either totally cut round and removed, or partially cut round and folded outwardly so as to provide an aperture (or a combination of such actions), the periphery of the aperture being either continuous or made continuous in the course of assembly.

The expressions "perforated" or "partially perforated" used in relation to an enclosed cut-out shall be taken to mean a section or sections of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out which are comprised of perforate of otherwise weakened sections, the section or sections adapted to be torn open so as to optionally provide or enlarge an aperture.

The expression "ear" used in relation to a headband shall be taken to mean an earlike enlargement (whether resembling a human or other animal ear or other configuration) to the stump like portion at the end of a headband which enlargement in use responds to the opposing forces exerted on the headband by the curvature of the artefact and which (unless re-aligned by another aspect of the construction) projects outwardly from the artefact accordingly.

The expressions "ears being provided at the ends of the headband" and "ears" used in relation to a construction shall be taken, respectively, to include a single ear being provided at only one end of a headband and a single ear being the subject of similar construction.

The expression "extension" used in relation to a headband shall be taken to mean an element added by way of enlargement to a portion of material containing a split or splits, the nature of the enlargement being such as to add a further portion of material either above or below that part of the headband in which the split or splits are provided, the further portion being in addition to that which is required to contain the split and provide a headband.

The expressions "headband extension", "extension to the headband" and "headband-mounted extension", shall be taken to mean an extension to the portion of headwear which contains the split or splits, the extension being above or below the split or above or below the split uppermost or lowermost in use, the base of the extension not including any portion of material lying beyond the extremities of a split or any earlike enlargement or any perforations incorporated at the end of a split for the purposes of extending its length, in use the lateral plane of the extension curving (unless re-aligned by another aspect of the construction) in response to the curvature of the artefact.

The expression "ear-mounted extension" shall be taken to mean an extension the base of which is confined to one or both earlike enlargements at the end or ends of a headband.

The expressions "headband and/or ear-mounted extension" and "mounted upon a headband element and/or ears" shall be taken to refer to an extension which may either be a headband-mounted extension or an ear-mounted extension or may take a hybrid form being mounted upon the headband together with an ear or together with both ears.

The expressions "upward extension" and "downward extension" used in relation to an extension to a headband and/or ears shall be taken to mean, respectively, an extension upwards or downwards of the headband and/or ears, realignment of the portion comprising the extension by another aspect of the construction in use notwithstanding.

The expressions "fold" or "foldablen shall be taken to mean a fold or line of fold wherein the planes of the material on either side of the line of fold either meet at an angle so as to form a crease or come together in a radiused bend, in some instances the expressions "creased fold" and "radiused fold" or "fold through a radiused bend" being used to distinguish the two kinds of fold, respectively.

The expressions "straight line fold" or "straight fold" and "curved line fold" or "curved fold" shall be taken to mean, respectively, a fold about a straight line and a fold about a curved line, which folds may be either creased folds or radiused folds.

The expressions "practical fold" and "packaging fold" shall be taken to mean, respectively, a fold which is activated in the course of assembly of an item of headwear and/or performs a functional purpose when the headwear is placed upon an artefact, and a fold which is incorporated into an item of headwear for the purpose of reducing its plan dimensions either pre-assembly and/or post-assembly and is unfolded in the course oi assembly and in use.

Expressions such as "90 degrees", "180 degrees", "270 degrees", "360 degrees" and "right angles" used in relation to a fold shall be taken to be an indication of the nature and extent of the fold and not a precise measurement either of the angle through which the portion is folded in the first instance or the angle which is assumed following the removal of external pressure.

Expressions such as "parallel", "horizontal", "vertical", "centre", "circle", "concentric", "symmetrical", "line", "co-linear", "coaxial", "radial", "flat", "cylinder", "cone", and "pyramid", used in relation to the locus or direction of the line of a fold or a split or the axis of rotation or the plane or position assumed by a portion of material or to denote shape or structure shall be taken to be an approximate indication and not a precise description of the geometry of the construction.

The expressions "vertical plane", "horizontal plane" and "inclined plane" used in relation to the position assumed by a portion of material shall be taken to be an approximate indication and not a precise description of the geometry of the construction and to not necessarily apply to the portion in its entirety.

The expression "vertical axis" used in relation to the symmetry of an item of headwear shall be taken to refer to an axis the line of which bisects the headband.

The expressions "quasi-cone" and "quasi-pyramid" used in relation to a portion of material adapted to be folded into the shape of at least part of the surface of a geometrical solid shall be taken to refer to a construction having one or more pairs of vertices, each pair connected by a ridge, the construction bearing a general resemblance to a cone or pyramid as the case may be.

The expression "mountain fold" shall be taken to mean a fold in which the direction of folding from the view point of the folder is such as to leave the surfaces on either side of the fold facing outwardly of each other.

The expression "valley fold" shall be taken to mean a fold in which the direction of folding from the view point of the folder is such as to leave the surfaces on either side of the fold facing inwardly of each other.

The expression "solid headband" shall be taken to mean a headband the length of which is greater than the circumference of the artefact and which extends around the artefact in use, the ends of the headband being provided with means of attachment for the purpose of securing the headband on the artefact.

The expression "headband" shall be taken to refer to the portion of material which contains a split or splits through which the artefact is inserted and to the parts on either side of the split or splits, or between two splits, which lie against the artefact and perform the function of a headband in use, taken either separately or together, which parts may also be referred to individually as "headband elements".

The expression "above the artefact" used in relation to the position assumed by a portion of material shall be taken to be an indication of the horizontal position of the portion with reference to the headband, the portion being either above, above and inward or above and outward of the headband in use.

The expression "headwear" shall be taken to mean an item of adornment or display suitable for placing upon an artefact, which artefact may be cylindrical or otherwise configured in such a way as to prol ide a mounting for such an item. In preferred embodiments the size of the headwear is appropriate to a drinks can.

The expression "split" used in relation to a split in an item of headwear stated to be of the order of one half the circumference of an artefact shall be taken to mean either a single split or a pair of substantially parallel splits, a split being elongate but the material on either side not necessarily being contiguous. A reference to a portion of material being foldable through the split shall be taken to mean either or both splits where a pair of splits are present.

The expression "perforations", used in relation to a split shall be taken to mean a perforated or otherwise weakened section incorporated into a split for the purpose of optionally extending its length, the section being incorporated at either or both ends of and substantially along the line of the split, the perforated portion being considered to be a part of the split for all purposes.

The expressions "above a split", "below a split", and "above or below a split", or "above the split", "below the split", and "above or below the split" used in relation to a portion of material comprising a headband in use shall be taken to mean the portion of material which in use lies above or below a single split or, if a pair of splits are provided, above or below the split uppermost or lowermost in use.

The expression "split" used in relation to a split incorporated into a portion of material comprising a headband shall be taken to mean either a single split or a pair of substantially parallel splits, a split being elongate but the material on either side not necessarily being contiguous. A reference to a portion of material being foldable through the split shall be taken to mean either or both splits where a pair of splits are present.

The expressions "convex" and "concave" used in relation to the curvature of the line of a split or splits incorporated into a portion of material comprising a headband shall be taken to mean generally convex or generally concave with reference to a point below the headwear in use, irregularities and other variations in the locus of the line being averaged.

The expressions "curve" and "curvature" used in relation to the line of a split or splits incorporated into a portion of material comprising a headband shall be taken to denote a line which is configured in such manner that the length of the split or splits is greater than the distance in a straight line between the ends.

The expression "unitary construction" used in relation to an item of headwear shall be taken to mean a construction in which the item pre assembly is comprised of single piece of material and in which the constituent parts continue to comprise an integral whole when assembly has been comrleted.

The expression "componentised" used in relation to an item of headwear shall be taken to mean a construction in which the item pre assembly is conprised of two or more pieces of material provided with means of attauhment, the pieces being brought together and attached as required in the course of assembly.

The expression "tether" used in relation to an item of headwear shall be taken to mean an elongate element integrally connecting two or more otherwise physically separate pieces of material provided with additional means of attachment, the pieces being brought together and attached as required in the course of assembly Headwear made in accordance with the invention disclosed in GB-A-2178299 which is intended for adult wear will require a split of a certain length which length must be at least equal to one half of the circumference of the head.

Headwear for use in connection with an artefact such as a drinks can will require a split with a length at least equal to one half of the circumference of the can. While the volume of contents of drinks cans in popular sizes varies from 250 rnl to over 400 ml their diameter is largely standardised at 65 mm.

The length of split required to fit such a can will be of the order of 100 mm.

Headwear for drinks cans with a human head size equivalent of 7 (58 cm) will require to be reduced by approximately 65 per cent if it is to slip reasonably comfortably over the top of a can and fit it tightly even so.

As with headwear intended to be worn on the human head, the pre-formed split in items in accordance with the present invention may not be cut through the material along its entire length. At the extrernities of the split there may, instead, be a line of perforations covering an anticipated variation in the sizes of the artefacts upon which the headwear may be mounted. These perforations will be torn open only as required. Embodiments are possible in which headwear intended for a range of artefacts in use in the kitchen is provided with a split which can be extended by means of perforations from 10 mm up to 12 mm. Such headwear will be able to accommodate not only drinks cans but jam jars and tins of baked beans and the like. These latter containers tend to have a diameter of 75 mm, with the weight of contents ranging from 300 gm to 450 gm.

In addition to the length of the split (including any perforated sections) there has to be a portion of material which keeps the upper and lower parts of the material containing the split (i.e. the stump portions at the end of the headband) joined together. Where the material is paper in the 80 to 150 gsm range the requirement is of the order of 5 mm at either end.

In many of the preferred embodiments disclosed in GB-A-2178299 the portion of the material acting as the headband has at its extremities representations of human or animal ears or inanimate objects or other pictorial images and as a consequence the portion of material forming the headband requires to be further lengthened. It is also the case that in many of the preferred embodiments the portion of material forming the headband is extended upwards and/or downwards thereby broadening it. Depending upon the effect that is desired, headwear made in accordance with GB-A-2178299 thus generally requires a piece of material which is substantially longer and/or broader than the piece of material which would be needed merely to accommodate the headband.

It has been found that among the methods that are likely to be adopted for disseminating headwear made in accordance with GB-A-2178299 are publication in book form, insertion in packaged products, facsimile transmission, letter post, rack merchandising and news and street vending. In such forms of dissemination the dimensions of the piece of material or the individual portions of the material from which the headwear is to be assembled will have a significant bearing on the overall size and packaging of the product and the ease or otherwise of its distribution. There is accordingly a need for forms of construction which reduce the dimensions of the flexible material on which the headwear is provided to the greatest extent compatible with maintenance of the functional and aesthetic qualities of the headwear when worn.

The same methods of dissemination are likely to be adopted in the case of items in accordance with the present invention. This is the case even though in many preferred embodiments the items may comprise or be incorporated into greetings cards, picture postcards, trading cards or novelty products or may be intended for use on dolls or models.

Of the forms of dissemination referred to above one of and very probably the most important as regards headwear to be worn on the head is likely to be that comprised by news and street vending. Headwear produced for this market will require to have good distribution and display properties. It will need to be as compact as possible and to be capable of being quickly designed and speedily produced. Headwear intended as adornment for artefacts in accordance with the present invention will in many instances imitate or mimic what may be termed the "full-size" products intended for human use, even to the extent of topicality.

Prior art printed media suffer from a number of disadvantages which headwear of the kind disclosed in GOA-2178299 and the present application is able to overcome. Chief among these disadvantages are the huge editorial and production costs of newspapers and magazines and the intense competition which exists within the industry which requires frequent and expensive promotional campaigns. The essentially ephemeral nature of the medium means that these costs have to be set against a product with a short useful life. In the result, ownership of popular organs of the press is mostly confined to a handful of exceptionally wealthy individuals and international groups.

A newspaper designed to be worn on the human head or placed upon an artefact, that is to say an item of topical (not to be confused with tropical) headwear, constructed in accordance with the inventions disclosed in GOA- 2178299 and the present application will require approximately the same editorial effort as that entailed in producing a single cartoon. It can be produced in unitary form on standard presses with each copy typically consisting of a single piece of paper or paper-board. Such topical headwear will be self-promoting on account of being worn or used in the presence of other persons among whose number will be potential customers.

Topical headwear may possess the same combination of intrinsic qualities as those with which the cartoon genre is invested, namely their value as a commentary on contemporary society and politics and as an art form in their own right. It is for this reason that works by satirical and anecdotal illustrators and caricaturists of former times (who would now be called cartoonists) continue to be held in high regard - those by Gillray, Rowlandson, Hogarth, Dore and Sir Leslie Ward (published under the pseudonym "Spy") being cases in point - and this is so even though the subject matter has long since ceased to be of moment.

Topical headwear may also fulfil a role which traditional newspapers have increasingly lost to satellite television in the area of "breaking news". The days of newsboys rushing through the streets of our cities shouting "Extra! Extra! " carrying a truly "extra" edition hurriedly put together to bring news of a major event to the public are largely in the past. The constructions now disclosed are designed in part to make it possible to produce an item of headwear of appropriate design carrying a banner headline in a minimum of time and using a minimum of plant and production space. It is perhaps in the last mentioned department that the greater advantage is conferred because it is possible to contemplate production in central locations abounding with tourists, shoppers and office workers who have not had recent access to radio and television.

In preferred embodiments headwear will be printed on paper which will be die-cut so that it can be easily pressed out by the customer prior to assembly and it will be possible to incorporate advertising in areas of material surrounding the headwear. Such advertisements may themselves be capable of being individually pressed out in which event their usefulness as a bearer of the advertiser's message will be enhanced. Special offer coupons (which may be similar in size and shape to a credit card) which can be conveniently stored in a wallet or purse against the opportunity to use them, picture postcards and promotional bookmarks are examples of items which can be produced in die-cut form in the areas surrounding the headwear.

As with existing forms of print media the revenue generated by advertising will play a significant part in subsidising the cover price of topical headwear.

This will enable it to be placed on sale at a price attractive to the general public At the present time there is an over supply of trained graphic designers and illustrators and arts graduates generally. There is a surplus of printing capacity and used origination and printing equipment is readily available on the second-hand market. It is even possible to purchase job lotsf paper and paper-board at prices substantially below those charged for standard grades from stock. Under present conditions, however, the manufacture of headwear from paper and paper-board and similar flexible material is mainly in the hands of established paper converters (many of whom are based in low wage cost countries) and conducted with a view to supplying the needs of the entertainment and leisure industries.Production runs are substantially greater than those which may be foreseen for topical headwear.

Notwithstanding the desktop publishing revolution, the known methods of construction induding those disdosed in the first application are inadequate for the production of topical headwear for sale at a price which is within the reach of the less affluent section of society. The known methods of construction are not versatile enough to allow the issues of the day to be reflected in an item of headwear quickly and in a manner which is both artistically satisfying and capable of being sold and worn in the street. The constructions now disclosed, which taken together amount to a co-ordinated system of headwear production in which each aspect interrelates and interacts with other aspects, remedy these deficiencies.

In addition to the special requirements of topical headwear which have been already mentioned there is a need for it to be capable of being quickly and easily assembled by the user. Regard must be had to the likelihood that the process of assembly will often take place in the street or elsewhere out of doors and for this reason it will be important that wherever possible the headwear should be of unitary design and construction. This is to say that the headwear should for preference physically consist of a single piece of material at all times including immediately before and during assembly. In this way the danger of a piece of the headwear becoming lost (after it has been pressed out of a die-cut sheet of paper by the customer for example) is avoided.Many of the constructions in this application provide the means whereby the advantages which can be derived from the subdivision of headwear into components (in terms of making the most effective use of available space) are largely realised even though the components remain integrally connected to each other at all times.

Headwear intended for use in connection with artefacts such as drinks cans will require to resemble, in certain embodiments, headwear for human use which is intended to be worn out of doors and to take account of the prevailing climate. Designs based upon human headwear designs incorporating protection for the head from rain and protection of the eyes from strong lights or the glare of the sun will also be needed and are disclosed by the present application. The comparable items of human headwear require to possess properties of rigidity and/or wind resistance beyond those afforded by the constructions disclosed in the first application and the known art and these properties will in turn be reflected in certain embodiments of the present invention.In preferred embodiments constructions in accordance with the present invention perform the useful purpose of reducing the danger of a marauding wasp finding its way into an opened can.

There is a further requirement which the present application meets for embodiments of topical headwear which offer a degree of flexibility in the information which is conveyed to an onlooker. Such flexibility may take the form of incorporating an unlettered area into the design which will give the consumer the opportunity to say in words or pictures whatever he or she wishes. Alternatively (or additionally) a device can be incorporated into the headwear which allows the consumer to express a personal opinion relative to an issue of the day.

While it is common commercial practice for a consumer product to be distinctively designed so as to identify it with its manufacturer or to carry a trade mark it is particularly important for topical headwear which is intended to convey a message to prominently identify the publisher. This requirement can be met at the pre-assembly stage by allowing sufficient space on the flat sheet of material on which the headwear is laid out for the display of a masthead of the kind found in newspapers. The same or a similar mast-head can be reproduced on the headwear itself so that it is visible when the headwear is worn.Preferred embodiments of topical headwear place greater reliance on distinctively shaped "ears" at the extremities of the headband (typically in the shape of a 60 degree ellipse) which will have the effect of immediately announcing he publisher's identity to onlookers. The presentation of such ears so that they stick out from the headband as nearly as possible in a flat plane and as prominently as possible given the restrictions on space becomes critical. The present application discloses forms of construction which meet these needs.

A field of activity in which the forms of construction disclosed in GB-A-21, 8299 and the present application are likely to exdte the interest of the general public is that of design competitions. Such competitions may be between individuals or teams. The challenge to the intellect and to creative ingenuity which is posed by designing headwear in accordance with the inventions is very considerable. It becomes even greater if the rules of the competition provide that the end product has to be assembled from physically connected components, and/or at the disposal of the designer there is a piece of flexible material of only limited size, and/or the use of glue, elastic or any other extraneous joining or attachment agency is proscribed.If designers for the mass production market in large part conform to the same disciplines a valuable degree of what might be termed "cross-fertilisation" will result.

The infinity of design possibilities offered by the invention now disclosed are also likely to appeal to hat makers and milliners working with felt, fabrics and other traditional materials to produce full size headwear. They are a diminishing breed and it may be that the facility with which embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention now disclosed can be combined with evocations of traditional headwear in use will assist in bringing about a revival in their fortunes. They may also benefit from the increased public awareness as regards contemporary headwear fashion which may be triggered by the launch of products made in accordance with this invention.

It may be here noted that milliners have, over the years, frequently indulged in producing designs which, on account of their outlandishness and/or the use of non-traditional materials and found objects, have been dubbed by the trade as "surreal". Such excursions of fancy have rarely enjoved a life beyond the catwalk and the pages of the glossy magazines. By contrast, artists working with the traditional materials of their calling, canvas, paint, day, and so on, and jewellers and gold and silversmiths working with gems and precious metals, have rarely turned their attention to headwear. The surrealist artist Eileen Agar, it is true, famously produced her "Ceremonial Hat for Eating Bouillabaisse" but this work was a departure from her normal oeuvre.The constructions made possible by the present invention provide the opportunity for these disparate worlds to cross-over and express their creativity in a practical form which will be capable of generating mass popular appeal.

The present invention meets a requirement for a way in which members of the public who, because of their natural shyness feel unable to take advantage of the sartorial possibilities offered bv full size headwear constructed in accordance with the general principles of the present invention, may nevertheless participate as consumers in the popularisation of the products. Such members of the public may feel equally inhibited in becoming personally involved in the world of designer fashion. Items in accordance with the present invention are likely to provide a substitute in miniature form for full size headwear of similar design.Such miniature headwear can be displayed upon a drinks can or upon the head of a doll or upon a small artefact specifically designed for the purpose (fulfilling the same function as did fashion dolls in the Victorian and Edwardian eras) or upon a toy or mini-hat stand or any other suitably proportioned object.

There is another marketing opportunity available for headwear, in both full size and miniature versions, which can be produced speedily and inexpensively. It can best be characterised as one which meets the need for a present day equivalent to the impresa . The impresa was a device much favoured by establishment figures of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and took the form of a personal badge commemorating significant achievements and events. The first impresa is said to have been the impresa amorosa, a personal emblem worn by jousting knights with a meaning known only to a certain lady among the spectators. In our own age the individual has few opportunities for one-to-one combat but will nevertheless readily identify himself or herself with famous victories on the football pitch, through the ballot box, in the law courts and on the concert stage.Head wear performing the function of an impresa would have to be on the streets within moments of the notable event to be celebrated, would have to be compact, simple to assemble, distinctive in appearance, able to make a statement and capable of being worn over traditional forms of headwear. There are embodiments of the present invention designed to be placed upon artefacts which are well suited to such a role.

Before reviewing in detail the constructions disclosed by the present invention to which brief reference has been made above it is necessary to consider the choice of format to which the headwear is to be produced.

Inasmuch as items in accordance with the present invention will seek in preferred embodiments to replicate items designed for wear on the human head, albeit in a scaled-down form, the starting point must be to determine what is appropriate for the headwear intended for wear on a human head.

The choice of format for headwear to be worn on the human head will depend in part on the equipment available to the publisher and the means of distribution to be adopted. It has been found that in many respects a format of 320 mm by 448 mm, which combines a useful degree of compactness with adequate scope for design, is ideal. It is the maximum format to which headwear can be laid out if it is to be produced on machines such as the Heidelberg GTO 52 offset-litho printing press and the Heidelberg 13 by 18 letterpress (cutting and creasing) platen. Both of these items of equipment are found in large numbers virtually everywhere in the world.

The maximum sheet size which can be handled by a GTO 52 is 360 mm by 520 mm. The maximum printed area is 340 mm by 505 mm. The dimensions 320 mm by 448 mm represent the maximum area which can be cut and creased on the 13 by 18 platen (after a minor modification). It follows that in addition to the area containing the headwear design the format permits of a small mast-head occupying an area which is 57 mm by 340 mm.

The disadvantages of the GTO 52 / 13 by 18 platen combination as concerns the production of topical headwear are, firstly, that there is little room for a headline or advertisements or instructions in the space surrounding the headwear and, secondly, that the material, not being of a stock size, requires to be guillotined. Both of these disadvantages can be overcome br going to the next higher standard size which is SRA 2, i.e. 450 mm by 640 mm.

While, due to the saving in cutting charge, the material cost for SRA 2 size paper-board is likely to be marginally less than that with dimensions of 360 mm by 520 mm, and there is scope for other matter in addition to the headwear itself, there are disadvantages. The equipment needed is rather larger and the feed stock more bulky. Where topical headwear is concerned the main problem arises from the fact that it is unrealistic to contemplate distribution in a market which is dominated by commuters, such as London, without the sheet of material being folded in half.

Experiments have shown that die-cut headwear is likely partially to strip out of the sheet when the sheet is folded across the die-cut area. The problem can be avoided by reducing the maximum dimensions of the headwear to those which can be accommodated within an area of 320 mm by 450 mm, i.e. a sheet of SRA 2 folded in half. Allowing for the grip edge of the presses and the margin of material needed to contain the die-cut product, a format of 310 mm by 436 mm emerges.

The figures representing headwear designs in this application are in the majority of cases drawn to a scale of approximately one to four with reference to an item of human head size where the format is 310 mm by 436 mm. Certain of the more fully worked drawings of preferred embodiments are in a scale of approximately one to four with reference to the 320 mm by 448 mm format. The principles of construction illustrated are common to both formats. Headwear originally designed to fit a 310 mm by 435 mm format requires to be reduced by 65 per cent if it is to be able to fit a drinks can. This degree of reduction produces a format of approximately 110 mm by 150 mm.

It is possible that headwear produced in all other respects in accordance with the constructions disclosed in GB-A-2178299 and the present application will require to be made available in the human headwear forms in configurations able to fit smaller formats such as A3 (297 mm by 420 mm), B4 (240 mm by .320 mm) and A4 (210 mm by 297 mm). Such formats are likely to apply, inter alia, to headwear produced for human wear, respectively, on laser colour copying machines, for publication in book form and for facsimile transmission and may be imitated, suitably scaled down, by items provided in accordance with the present invention.

GB-A-2178299 makes no reference to any problem which might be posed by the requirement that, while headwear made in accordance with the invention disclosed therein might hae to be designed to fit into a strictly limited space, it would of necessity have to have one dimension which would be sufficient to accommodate both the headband and any earlike extensions permanently joined thereto and another dimension which would be sufficient to accommodate the width of the headband and any extension or extensions there might be above and below it.

On the basis that the splits incorporated into the preferred embodiments illustrated in GB-A-2178299 are all exactly 320 mm long (perforated and tearable sections included) so that wearers with hat sizes up to 7 inches can be accommodated it can be ascertained that less than one half are capable or nearly capable of being contained within a 320 mm by 448 mm format. More than a quarter of the embodiments would have one dimension longer than 600 mm.

While certain of the embodiments described in GB-A-2178299 do incorporate either one or other of two forms of construction (curved splits and detachable ears) which are capable of providing some amelioration of the problem of designing headwear to fit into a restricted space, these two forms of construction are designed to serve an altogether different purpose and are not developed in GB-A-2178299 to the point where they can provide an effective solution.

While the imperative to provide headwear in as compact a form as possible which is ever present with many applications of headwear designed in accordance with GOA-2178299 does not apply to embodiments of the present invention beyond what may be entailed by a requirement to reproduce in faithful detail what could have been full size designs for the human head, compactness remains a virtue. In many applications of the present invention, items (which may or may not be stripped out of a die-cut sheet) will be placed in packets or wrapped round the side of cans and other containers which may themselves not be very large.Items in accordance with the present invention may, as already noted, be incorporated into greetings cards or picture postcards with the intention that the recipient should place the headwear on a can or other suitably proportioned domestic artefact and enjoy its message at leisure. The efficacy with which such an ultimate use can be accommodated within the distribution means will be a material factor in the selection of the construction to be employed.

There are further advantages to be derived from the compactness of the constructions employed in that printing and cutting and creasing is likely to employ layouts in which a plurality of items is present. In this way costs can be kept to a minimum in every department of production The opportunities to effect savings will be the more sought after where the scaled-down items of the kind provided in accordance with the present invention are concerned on account of the higher standard of detailing and accuracy which be required both as regards design, printing and cutting and creasing. The cost of a cutting-form, as might be expected, does not decrease in line with the dimensions of the subject matter, but the reverse. For certain designs the use of a hand-fed platen press at the die-cutting stage may be unavoidable.

It will be seen from the definitions, supra, that in this document the expressions "convex" and "concave" in relation to the curvature of a split in a headband are defined as meaning convex and concave with reference to a point below the headwear in use. The first aspect of the present invention refers to constructions incorporating a convex curved split headband in the sense described.

Items of headwear in accordance with the first aspect possess a number of advantages over known headwear. The convex curved split or splits can be enlarged by being torn along perforated sections; ears can be provided at or close to the ends of the split which in use will protrude from the sides of an artefact, an upwardly folded extension can be provided to the portion of headwear forming the lower headband element so as to make available a further area for visual communication at the front of the artefact; the rear headband element of the headwear can be extended upwards to provide a design feature which is located at the back of and above the artefact; a second split can be incorporated into the headband and a visor which is either offset from the vertical axis of the headband or combines with another of the foregoing features can also be provided.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an othenvise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the split describing a line which is curved or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the item of headwear having at least one of the following (1) a second split parallel to the first split being provided, the second split not extending to any edge of the material; (2) ears being provided at the ends of the headband; (3) perforations being incorporated into the split or at least one of the splits, the perforations continuing into ears at the ends of the headband; (4) an upward extension to the headband; (5) a downward extension to the headband, the portion comprising the downward extension being folded upwards so as to pass in front of or through the split; (6) a downward extension to the headband, the portion comprising the downward extension being provided in the form of a visor the centre of symmetry of the visor being largely offset from the centre of symmetry of the remainder of the headwear.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, the portion comprising the downward extension is adapted to be folded upwards about a straight line in front of the split. In another preferred embodiment, the line of the fold is curved instead of being straight A pre-set crease may be provided along the line of the fold and the user may be left with the choice of whether not to activate the fold and place the headwear upon the artefact with an upturned brim or not. Wearer of baseball caps are able to take a similar decision. Ears (as defined, supra) may be provided at the ends of the headband and in certain preferred embodiments are not mounted upon any portion forming the headband element per se.The absence of direct contact with the artefact enables ears to stand away from the artefact in use but such a configuration may be less compact than one in which the split and/or perforations extend into the ears. In certain embodiments ears will take up a position towards the back of the artefact in use and may be so proportioned as to be nevertheless visible from the front. Baseball cap lore provides the inspiration for another preferred embodiment of a mini version of human headwear in which (in the full scale version) 2 downward extension forming a peak is offset from the centre of symmetry of the remainder of the headwear so that the ears, which form part of the same piece, are symmetrical as regards the wearers facial features and real ears. These features are faithfully replicated in the miniature edition.

GB-A-2178299 disclosed only one example of an item of headwear incorporating a convex curved split. The embodiment, comprising a representation of a telephone and illustrated at Figure 20 of GB-A-2178299, did not provide perforated or weakened sections for the purpose of enlargement, did not incorporate anything resembling ears and did not offer the other advantages of items in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Another example of an item of headwear incorporating a headband containing a convex curved split is that disclosed in SE-A-0096454. This patent (referred to, supra, and also referred to in GB-A-2178299) relates to an eye shade formed by a headband incorporating a single split. The method of enlargement of the split differs from that disclosed in the first aspect of the present invention in that, instead of the split being provided with a weakened or perforated section (in effect continuing the line of the split) enlargement is achieved by activating a number of cuts depending from the split. SE-A0096454 does not disclose any of the other advantages of items in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

USA-2205957 (also referred to, Supra, and in GB-A-2178299) relates to a hand shield containing a single split which split is capable of being extended at the ends by a line of weakness or perforations which extension may introduce an element of curvature to the split. The hand shield by reason of its size is not capable of forming an item of headwear. In the nature of things it makes no provision of ears or earlike protuberances and it does not offer the other advantages of items in accordance with the present invention.

It may here be noted that the eye shade embodiment illustrated in GB-A-2178299 at Figure 14 is in certain respects unsatisfactory in use on account of the split in the headband being straight and not curved. It has been found that in order to obtain a reasonable degree of forward vision it would be necessary for the wearer of an item of headwear so designed to lower the portion of the split headband located at the back of the head and to raise the front portion from which is extended the eye shade. The lowering of the rear headband and the raising of the front headband has the effect of tilting backwards the ears at the extremities of the headband. The sartorial qualities of the headwear are thereby severely diminished. The facility of extending the rear headband upwards behind the head if desired is also materially prejudiced.The use of a deeply curved headband of the kind disdosed in the present application provides what may be considered to be an elegant solution to the problem whether the headwear is designed for the human head or (as in the present case) a an artefact which may be as small as a drinks can.

The use of a convex curved split headband does, however, have an effect on the way in which the portions of the headband above and below the split lie against the artefact (the word 'split' is defined in this document to also mean a pair of splits where the context permits). There is a tendency for the individual portions of the headband above and below the split to stand out from the line of the surface of the artefact. The shape which is assumed is that of part of the curved side of a cone the vertex of which is above the top of the artefact. This tendency can be used to good effect where a visor is required.

When the portion of material below the split is extended downward it will protrude from the surface of the artefact at an angle inclined approximately halfway between the vertical and the horizontal.

The coning effect affects portions of the headband above and below the split.

Whilst it can be put to good uce at the front of the head, in cases where a visor is required, a headband which lays flat (or more nearly flat) against the back of the artefact may often be considered preferable to one which sticks out. Items in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention can be configured so that the line of the rear headband is not parallel to the upper edge of the lower headband (and visor if incorporated) but is curved to a greater radius with the result that the headband will lie flatter against the artefact. Subdivision of the rear headband into two portions equipped with means of attachment, in the manner provided by later aspects of the present invention, will also assist in producing a flatter headband.

Preferred embodiments of both the first aspect of the present invention and of the second aspect described below (which aspect relates to headbands incorporating splits curved in the opposite sense to those which are the subject of the first aspect) can be categorised as employing moderate, medium or deeply curved splits.

The incorporation of only slightly curved splits which are regularly or irregularly curved along a line centred upon an imaginary point below the top of the artefact (that is to say concave in the sense used herein) in the headbands of a number of the embodiments illustrated in GB-A-2178299 (viz: Figures 8, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, 37, 42, 43 and 45) is for aesthetic reasons related to the subject matter of the design. The modest degree of curvature employed ensures that the consequences of the inclusion of a curved split or splits are almost entirely aesthetic and that no material shortening of the length of the headband of which the split or splits form part occurs.

GB-A-2178299 does not address the potential afforded by such curved splits to reduce the overall dimensions of an item of headwear. There are no examples in GB-A-2178299 of headwear incorporating a headband containing a concave curved split in which the degree of curvature is such as to permit the length of the split to exceed the straight line distance between its ends by in the ratio of not more than 1.or:1. Such constructions are disclosed in the present application and play an important part in reducing the overall dimensions of certain of the headwear designs which are the subject of the invention.

The ratio referred to above (called, for convenience, the "efficiency ratio") is the basis of a method for expressing the degree of curvature of a headband split. It is calculated by dividing the length of the split by the distance in a straight line between the ends of the split. The latter will always be less than the former and the result, which may be pressed as a percentage, will indicate the extent to which the capacity of the headband to accommodate a artefact is increased, relative to its length os erall. A ratio of 1.05:1 may, for example, be expressed as 105%. In the case of irregularly curved splits the mean curve of the split (i.e. the line in contact s ith the surface of the artefact) is taken and not the total length of the line desired by the split.

For the purposes of the present application the calculation referred to above can be based upon the length of the split induding weakened or perforated sections located at the extremities to facilitate enlargement. Since one of the main reasons for incorporating a curved split will often be to reduce the length of the headband containing the split so as to fit the headwear into a smaller format than would otherwise be possible the percentage by which the length of the split exceeds the distance between its ends can be justifiably said to represent its "efficiency". Even where there are other reasons for utilising a significantly curved split the efficient use of the available space will often be considered an additional advantage.

While there are examples in the known art to which reference has already been made of headwear incorporating a headband containing a split curved in a convex manner in which the degree of curvature is such as to produce an efficiency greater than 105%, these examples do not offer the other advantages of items in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the first aspect, which incorporate features which are new to the art, can (like those of the second aspect) nevertheless be grouped according to the degree of curvature employed. A split possessing an efficiency of at least 105% and ranging up to 110% may be characterised as being moderately curved. Those splits with an efficiency ratio between 110% and 120% are considered to be medium curved, and those splits with an efficiency ratio of between 12C'xó and 200% are rated deeply curved. Preferred embodiments incorporating a visor are generally to be found in the latter category.

Preferred embodiments of both the first and second aspects respectively make use of convex and concave curved split headbands in which the obverse side of the upper and lower headband elements are forward facing in use as well as in the flat, pre-assembly state. The incorporation of folds along the line of the split whereby one headband element is reversed relative to the other, in the course of assembly, is apt to lessen or entirely negative the advantages which curved split headbands offer both in terms of reduction in the length of the headband overall, the positioning of the headband elements on the head, the opportunities for providing dependent extensions such a visors, and the scope for ears. The use of perforations as a means for enlargement is also severely circumscribed.Constructions incorporating folds along the line of the split are not without certain countervailing advantages, particularly where other split configurations and special features are present, and they are the subject of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects of the present invention, infra.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otheru ise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the split describing a line which is at least partially curved, the line of the curve being concave, the length of the split exceeding the straight line distance between the ends in the ratio of not less than 1.05:1.

In the embodiments incorporating a concave curved split illustrated in GB-A2178299 (at Figures 8, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27, 30, 37 and 45) the degree of efficiency as measured in accordance with the definition given above in no case reaches 105% (1.05:1). This latter figure is the starting point for this aspect of the present invention.

Elsewhere in the prior art there is an example of an item of headwear with a headband incorporating a concave (in the manner described) curved single split. The item in question is the subject of US-A-2474507, to which reference is made, Supra, and in GB-A-2178299. The curvature of the split is such as to give it an efficiency of substantially less than 105% and the means of enlargement adopted are dissimilar to those used in items in accordance with the present invention In preferred embodiments of the second aspect ears are provided at the ends of the headband. A portion of the material above or below the split may be foldable through the split. The foldable portion may comprise an extension to the headband and/or ears.

A high efficiency concave curved split headband can be more readily configured to stand proud of the artefact at the centremost point than can a concave curved split headband incorporating a low efficiency curve, or a straight split headband, or (a forfiori) a convex curved split headband. In the same way ears provided at the ends of such a headband will assume a position at the sides of the artefact which will be lower than would otherwise be the case all other things being equal. In a preferred embodiment a headband-mounted extension folded outside the split in accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention is brought across the top of the artefact to provide protection against the elements.The split being a high efficiency concave curved split, advantage is able to be taken of the raised centre portion of the headband to provide means of attachment able to secure the placement of the extension above the artefact in accordance with the fiftythird aspect of the present invention. It is also possible to position ears underneath the extension, its conical shape notwithstanding.

The present invention further provides for an item of headwear to be provided with a split which may be curved or straight as it passes through the headband but which, on entering ears located at the ends of the headband, becomes curved or (if already curved within the headband) becomes curved to a different radius and/or straight.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the line of the split being continued into the ears and at a point within the ears becoming curved or, if already curved, curved to a different radius and/or radii, and/or straight.

In preferred embodiments ears are provided at either end of the headband and the split continues into both ears. Perforations may be incorporated into the split.

Items in accordance with this aspect possess the advantage of incorporating ears which, on account of the configuration of the split or splits, present a narrower profile when viewed from the side of the artefact and a flatter appearance when viewed from the front. Greater prominence to the ears is afforded thereby.

It should be noted that constructions are also possible in accordance with this aspect in which a headband is provided with only one ear, or in which a headband is provided with ears at either end but the split only enters one ear.

It is inevitable, however, Art following Nature, that mono-eared embodiments will be less likely to find favour with designers and users than double-eared versions conforming to the popular notion of how earedheadwear should be configured. The possibility that constructions in accordance with the present or other aspects which are mainly intended for use with a pair of ears will be applied asymmetrically to a single ear is, however, allowed for in the definitions, Supra.

The present invention additionally provides for an item of headwear which is configured in the manner referred to in the preceding paragraph excepting that the line described by the split, from the point where it enters the ears, takes the form of a spiral. In such an item the radius of the curve gradually changes along at least part of its length within the ear or ears.

Spiral patterns have featured in applied art since the Stone Age. They are frequently found in designs emanating from the Arabian, Celtic and Classical Greek eras and have been thought to possess mystical properties. Be this as it may, spirals offer undoubted functional advantages in terms of headwear design According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the split being continued into the ears and within the ears describing the line of a spiral.

Items in accordance with the fourth aspect are able to possess a degree of efficiency, in terms of length of split in relation to distance between ends, not found in other headband configurations.

Spiral splits as used in accordance with the fourth aspect can take one of many forms each of which will impart to the headwear in use its own distinctive appearance. Variations are possible, inter alia, in the number of winds of the spiral, the shape overall of the spiral (it is possible to contain a spiral within a diamond, square, oval or other shape), the line described by the edges of the wound portion (for example a deckle edge or a serrated edge) the line described by the wound portion in toto (it can be made to zig zag or wave or form a key pattern, etc.), and the distance between the edges of the wound portion (it is not necessary for them to be contiguous).Spirals can be captured by being interlocked with another portion of material equipped with means of attachment In a preferred embodiment of the present aspect and of the nineteenth aspect described below a portion of a headband incorporated into a spiral is subjected to lateral folds thereby enhancing the three dimensional effect which is present in some degree in all spiral configurations as a result of the wound portions opening up in response to forces exerted by the artefact in use.

The present invention provides the means whereby ears can be adapted to what may be termed the streetwear environmentby the incorporation of gutters into ears for the purpose of deflecting rain from the side of the artefact. More advantageous than the facility with which they perform this function will be the visual statement which they make as regards the intemperate nature of the prevailing climate - rather as does a tightly rolled umbrella carried by an officer in the Brigade of Guards - and the opportunity for embellishment inherent in such a device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an othenise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the ears each incorporating a portion of material fashioned into a trough, the trough sloping downwards and extending at least to the outer edge of the ear and adapted to act as a rainwater gutter in use.

The portion fashioned into a trough may extend beyond the outer edge of the remainder of the ear. The trough may be formed from the material above a split extending from approximately the centre of the ear to the outer edge.

It is unnecessary to look very far for an example of what can be achieved with regard to the decorative use of gutters, medieval craftsmen having left innumerable examples of their talent to both amuse and shock with what would otherwise have been purely functional objects.

The extent to which ears project from the side of the artefact can be reduced when desired by the introduction of a mechanism which allows them to be strapped back to the rear portion of the headband. In the human headwear torm such a device will be useful where headwear is likely to be worn in breezy conditions or in confined spaces such as, for example, those found on public transport. It will also be of value in circumstances where, for aesthetic or other reasons, a streamlined design is required. Headwear intended for wear in auditoria, in particular, can put such a device to good use. These design features must necessarily be faithfully reproduced in the miniature versions.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the ears being equipped with means of attachment to the headband or to a portion of material adjacent thereto, the means of attachment adapted so as to enable the ears to be re-aligned into a different plane or configuration from that which they would have assumed but for attachment.

Such an arrangement may be characterised as a "strap-back" mechanism.

Identically configured, or different, elongate strips may be provided, one end of each of which is attached to the headband (for example at the back of the artefact in use) and the other end of each of which is adapted to be attached to a respective ear. The elongate strips may be provided with hooks (or slots) for engaging with corresponding slots (or hooks) in or on the ears. A ratchet or other adjustable mechanism may allow the plane or configuration adopted to be varied. In other embodiments, the means of attachment for adjusting the plane or configuration of the ears may comprise a lug extending from the ear and so positioned as to be capable of either being secured between the headband and the artefact in use, or engaging with a slot provided in the headband.

The present invention provides a second construction which allows an alternative arrangement to the strap-back mechanism referred to in the preceding paragraphs where the requirement (in human headwear) is for ears which do not unduly obstruct the forward view of persons seated or standing immediately behind the wearer. Such conditions will be present in theatre auditoria, stadia and other places where people gather to collectively witness or participate in an event. The requirement can be met by incorporating into the ears a partially cut and partial! folded enclosed cut-out a portion to be folded outwardly so as to produce an aperture similar to that which could have been produced if the cut-out had been executed in its entirety. Typically, the line described by the cut in a partially cut round cutout will follow the curved side of a "D".In use, such a construction functions in a similar manner to a hinged shutter, being openable or closable according to choice. The foldable portion can be provided in such a way that, when in the open position, it can be positioned against the back of the wearers head thus affording an unobstructed view for those behind through the resulting aperture in the ear. These design features will require to be reproduced in miniature versions.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, an ear or ears comprising an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cutout or partial cut-out.

In such an arrangement the enclosed cut-out may be totally cut round and a further portion of material may be provided in a shape and of a size capable of covering the resulting aperture, the further portion being suitably provided with means of attachment. Where the endorsed cut-out is partially cut round, a section of the periphery of the cut-out irLay comprise the line of a fold, an element within the periphery of the cut-out being optionally foldable outwardly, so as to provide an aperture, a pre-set crease being suitably provided in that behalf. The periphery of the enclosed cut-out may also be perforated in certain preferred embodiments.Where the line of the fold is vertical and forms that section of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out that lies closest to the artefact in use; the portion folded may lie against the back of the artefact in use and be adapted to be optionally unfolded so as to restore largely the surface continuity of the enlarged portion Other items can be provided in accordance with the present aspect since GB- A-2178299 made limited albeit what may be thought to be imaginative use of ears but did not envisage the possibility of ears incorporating apertures of any kind. One or more enclosed cut-outs comprising either single holes or splits or a plurality of holes or splits may be incorporated into one or both ears and one or more of the cut-outs may be threaded by an elongate element or elements extended from another portion of the headwear.The effect of such arrangements can range from a theme as mundane as, for example, a cheese full of worms to representations of spatial infinitude of the kind explored by the celebrated Italo-Argentinean abstractionist Lucio Fontana. In either case there is provided a third dimension which does not detract but rather builds upon such essentially ear-like properties as those comprised by the projection of the ears from the sides of the artefact in use.

Ears which are round or oval and which are provided with large circular cutouts at the centre take on something of the appearance of a doughnut. This may be what the designer is looking for, alternatively it may be a vehicle for a construction which breaks-up the otherwise largely flat surface of the ear.

In certain preferred embodiments of the seventh aspect enclosed cut-outs are provided in conjunction with a pattern of folds, the folds being incorporated into the portion of material lying between the cut-out and the outer edge of the ear. Folds may apply a corrugating effect, imparting to the ear something of the appearance of a rosette, or may be more subtle, applying facets to the surface which provide variations of light and shade not present when the ear is largely flat. An embodiment is possible in which a moderate degree of curvature (which can be readily imparted by the thumb in the course of assembly) can be applied to each of the facets. In such a construction slightly radiused surfaces alternate with pre-set creases or with folds about creases.In preferred embodiments doughnut type ears are provided in association with splits which take on a sharp curve within the ear in order to avoid the hole.

These splits are of the kind provided in accordance with the third aspect, supra.

The invention disclosed in GB-A-2178299 also makes only limited provision for the use of any construction which will allow ears to assume a position which is not a substantially flat vertical plane located at either side of the wearer's head. Figure 5 of that document shows a pair of elongate earlike enlargements which in use are allowed to droop in spaniel type fashion about the face of the wearer. The text of the application emisages the provision of vertical fold lines in relation to alsatian type earlike enlargements for the purpose of keeping them upright but no such fold lines are shown in Figure 6 of the application illustrating the embodiment in question.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, an ear or ears being distorted from a flat plane by means of a single fold about the line of a curve, or by two or more folds incorporated into the material.

The introduction of a curved line fold rather than a straight line fold into an alsatian type ear results in a compound curve in the shape and thereby adds to the realism of the design. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention a plurality of parallel straight line folds operating in alternating directions, arranged laterally across dependent enlargements at the extremity of a headband, is employed in a representation of the artefact armour of a Samurai warrior. Assuming that such a design can be placed within the public consciousness as symbolising warrior-like qualities of strength, courage and loyalty, it can be made to do duty over a wide range of headwear in accordance with other aspects of the inventions.A visual quotation of such a kind may be thought to be more accessible to the ordinary man or woman in the street than the plastic volumetric structuralisation said to be present in Fontana's work.

While the presenration of ear-like properties is as much a concomitant of embodiments in accordance with the present aspect as with the preceding aspect, the purpose of incorporating folds will be defeated if the folds are allowed to fall out in use. A locking mechanism can be provided to prevent this situation occurring.

Items in accordance with the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth aspects of the present invention enjoy a number of advantages beyond those disclosed in GB-A-2178299. That document does not envisage any role for an extension mounted upon a headband other than remaining in situ or being folded through a split in a headband. The possibility that such an extension might be folded so as to pass outside the split, or might be folded more than once, was not appreciated. Neither was the possibility that an extension folded through a headband might incorporate or form part of an enclosed cut-out, or that an extension might be subdivided into two or more folded portions, each taking separate paths vi-a-vis the split or splits in the headband.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being foldable forwardly and either upwardly or downwardly in front of the headband, or foldable backwardly and either upwardly or downwardly behind the headband, the folded portion in neither case passing through the split in the headband.

Such an arrangement may use to advantage the locking effect imparted by the curvature of the artefact on an extension to a headband which is folded along the line of the headband. Such a locking effect is generally present even where the extension is partially mounted wholly or partly upon the ears.

Additional security may, however, be afforded in certain embodiments by providing the folded portion with means of attachment to another portion of the headwear.

In cases where the headband split is convex curved a dependent extension may project outwardly in a visor-like fashion and the effect of folding it along a straight line may be to double the folded portion back against the surface of the visor. This situation can be avoided by ensuring that the folded portion is contiguous with the visor-like portion along only a small part of its upper edge. Folded extensions may also be provided to headbands in which the split is concave curved and, where the extension depends from the headband, similar considerations apply.

The fold whereof a folded extension is comprised may be a fold along a straight or a curved line and may comprise either a creased or a radiused fold as defined in this document (supra). The elastic properties of a piece of material such as paper-board in which a radiused fold is incorporated may be restricted by the incorporation of laterally positioned creased folds acting as stops at either end of the radiused portion.

Items in accordance with the ninth aspect enjoy advantages beyond those disclosed in GB-A-2178299 wherein were provided items of headwear employing folded extensions in which the portion folded passed through the split or splits. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 37, 38, 39 and 40 in GB-A-2178299 were so configured. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 44 portions of the material folded forwardly and upwardly in front of the portion of material in which the split is provided are secured in place by being passed through pairs of splits provided in adjacent upright members.

Items in accordance with this aspect are less complicated to assemble than those employing folded extensions which are passed through a split and this is particularly the case where the extension has a dimension which is longer than the length of the split. The visual appearance of the portion folded is not affected by the superimposition of the headband and, in a preferred embodiment, the line of the fold is interrupted so as to prevent the formation of an unbroken straight line across the front or the back of the headwear as the case may be.

An extension folded along a straight line may lie flat against the headband element on which it is mounted, on account of being held in place by the curvature imparted to the headband by the curvature of the artefact in use.

Certain preferred embodiments in accordance with this aspect employ an extension folded wholly or partly along the line of a curve. By this means a brim or an upturned peak can be represented, the physical characteristics of the design varying according, inter alia, to the radius of the curve. If required, the curve can be constructed to different radii at various points along its path, the process of assembly being assisted by the introduction of a pre-set crease or two or more pre-set parallel creases, the creases being close together.

Extensions folded about a convex curved line do not lie flat against the headband on which they are mounted but incline to the horizontal, the angle of incidence being determined by the radius of curvature.

As previously noted, in the present document folds are defined, supra, as being either creased folds or radiused folds. Extensions are classified as being either headband-mounted, ear-mounted or mounted on both headband and ears, namely hybrid. In an embodiment illustrated at its Figure 42, GB-A2178299 utilises a radiused fold whereby a hybrid-mounted extension is rotated inwardly through 180 degrees to take up a suspended position over the artefact in use. In its ninth aspect the present invention provides an extension which is subjected to a radiused fold, in preferred embodiments a headband-mounted extension, which takes up a suspended position outwardly of the artefact in use. Such a construction takes on what may best be described as a dangling effect and, provided that the configuration is such as to maintain the equilibrium of the extension, it becomes agitated in response to movements of the artefact. In preferred embodiments the extension is tapered as it rises from the headband and extent of the radiused bend is delimited by the introduction of a creased fold at one or two points along the long axis of the extension.

In its tenth aspect the present invention provides extensions which are folded two or more times, the extension either passing through the split or outside the split. The only example of a multiple folded extension to be found in GO A-2178299, is that shown at Figure 40 of that document. The construction in question is one where a dependent extension is folded upwardly through the split and carried across the top of the artefact in a radiused bend and is distinguished from those in accordance with the tenth aspect of the present invention According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being foldable forwardly or backwardly, upwardly or downwardly, in front of or behind, above or below or through the split in the headband, the said portion being additionally folded one or more times, provided that where the first fold is a creased fold through the split, the second fold is either about the line of a crease or such as to adapt the foldable portion to lie outwardly of the artefact in use.

Preferred embodiments of the present aspect utilise multiple folds to provided an element which is attached to a dangling extension of the kind already described, the element assuming an upstanding position at the end of the extension either above or in front of the artefact in use. The upstanding element is necessarily small and light in weight in comparison with the remainder of the extension in order to maintain equilibrium but on account of its jiggling motion it draws the eye.

A further group of embodiments in accordance with the tenth aspect employ two folds at right angles to each other, one fold being through 180 degrees and the other through 90 degrees, to transform an extension to a headband into a portion projecting outwardly from the surface of the artefact in a vertical plane.

The expression "enclosed cut-out" is defined, supra, and describes an aperture which is produced by totally cutting round a portion of material or partially cutting it round and partially folding it outwardly so as to produce an aperture. Enclosed cut-outs are not employed to any great extent in GB-A-2178299. The only such constructions disdosed consist of ear-mounted or hybrid extensions not incorporating any folds. The eleventh aspect in common with a other aspects of the present invention make use of extensions incorporating or contributing to enclosed cut-outs in a number of ways not envisaged by G & -2178299.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of the material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a headband and/or ear-mounted extension providing or contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the element or a part of the element being foldable forwardly or backwardly, upwardly or down ardly, in front of or behind, above or below or through the split in the headband.

Enclosed cut-outs which are the subject of this aspect may be formed wholly or partly by a folded portion, such a folded portion being either within the periphery or comprising a part of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out. The cut-outs may be a triangular, rectangular, arch or other open shape. In preferred embodiments folds may be incorporated in the sides of such a cutout so as to allow the portion comprising the cut-out to assume a position different from what would otherwise be the case.

A portion comprising an enclosed cut-out may be provided with means of attachment to a headband, ears, another headband-mounted extension or another headband-mounted enclosed cut-out or to a portion within the periphery of such a cut-out. In other embodiments a portion comprising the periphery of an enclosed cut-out may be folded in such a way as to project outwardly from the headband in use, assuming a vertical plane in front of the headband. The periphery of an enclosed cut-out may be continuous when the headwear is in its flat, pre-assembly, state or it may become so following attachment of separate parts in the course of assembly.

The major advantage of extensions comprising an enclosed cut-out, in comparison with what may be termed "solids extensions, is the ability inherent in many such constructions to assume a plane of the designer's choosing, avoiding or countering the distortion imparted by the curvature of an artefact. Re-alignment of the extension incorporating a cut-out is achieved by the insertion of lateral folds across the sides of the elements providing the sides of the cut-out, the plane of the extension being determined by the angle and positioning of such folds.

Preferred embodiments of the present aspect provide extensions which assume a horizontal plane in front of the artefact in use, or a vertical plane above and in front of the headband in use or, in association with a similarly configured extension from the opposite headband, an open framework over the top of the artefact in use. A portion of material within the periphery of the enclosed cut-out can be extended outwardly, either to assist in attachment to another portion of the headwear (effectively extending the extension beyond its outer dimensions) or to provided a further design feature.

A further group of preferred embodiments employs a construction in which the enclosed cut-out is not present in a continuous form initially but is formed during the course of assembly. The portion defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out depends at one end from an ear at the end of a headband.

Means of attachment are provided at the opposite end to the other ear. The distance across the base of the cut-out is equal to the distance between the ears when the headwear is placed on the artefact. In this manner it is possible to achieve a construction resembling the flat horizontal peak of a French military kepi.

In the limited recognition accorded by GB-A-2178299 to the possibilities afforded by extensions, there was no disclosure of any construction incorporating two extended portions acting in different ways as regards the headband split.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a single split or a pair of parallel splits, the length of the split or splits being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split or splits being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it or they do not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being foldable forwardly or backwardly, upwardly or downwardly, in front of or behind the headband so as to pass through a split in the headband, one or more further portions of the material being foldable in front of or behind the first portion of material so as to not pass through the said split or any split.

Preferred embodiments of the twelfth aspect utilise differentially folded extensions, which may be headband-mounted or ear-mounted, to provide cubist or abstract rather than figurative headwear designs. In such examples contrasting colours and patterns are used to juxtapose extensions passing in front of and behind a headband, and/or each other, with the headband itself.

The invention disclosed in GWA-2178299 includes a single example (a sailor's hat design illustrated at Figure 8) in which the headband is laterally folded along the line of the split, the crease of the fold continuing on from the end to the split at either end. The embodiment in question employs a moderately curved concave split and the effect of the fold is to reverse the lower headband element as it takes up position behind the artefact. As a consequence the existence of a rear headband securing the two dimensional representation of the sailor's hat to the artefact is rather more concealed when viewed from the front than would otherwise be the case. The lie of the headband against the back of the artefact is further modified by the inclusion of vertical fold lines at the ends of the split.The embodiment relies mainly upon the curvature of the artefact to keep the rear headband in its upwardly folded position and in this respect it is only partially successful. GB-A-2178299 failed to appreciate a number of advantages offered by such a construction when accompanied by other design features of the kind nos disclosed.

According to a thirteenth the aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, perforations being incorporated into the split, the perforations continuing into ears provided at the ends of the headband, the piece being foldable at the ends of the split about the line of the split, the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds not passing through the split.

Items in accordance with this aspect are provided with perforations as a means of enlargement of the headband so as to accommodate larger artefact sizes, the perforations extending into ears provided at the ends of the headband, the fold beyond the perforations either extending through the ears or the enlargement comprising the ears being applied only to a portion of material lying to one side of the split. In the same or other embodiments vertical fold lines (similar to those shown in the Figure 8 sailor's hat albeit not in combination with perforations) may be provided at the ends of and at right angles to the split the purpose of the folds being to re-align the portions of material beyond the ends of the split.These portions may be stumps which need to be tucked away beside the artefact or ears which need to be adjusted so as to project outwardly from the artefact in a more prominent fashion than would othen ise be the case. Perforations, it should be said, have only limited advantages in embodiments incorporating headbands which are folded along the line of the split but in certain constructions they represent the most practical means available for varying the length of the split.

An area offering greater design potential is that of extensions to the portions of material lying to the sides of a split. As a consequence of the headband being folded along the line of the split such extensions are, in effect, in many instances brought into alignment. These extensions can be secured together in a way in which they overlap each other and embodiments are possible in which a cylinder or a moderately conic shape, resembling either a bucket or an inverted bucket, is produced either above the artefact or around the artefact. In the latter case the facial features may be largely concealed, eyeholes being provided in preferred embodiments to facilitate forward vision.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at the ends of the split about the line of the split,

the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds being brought together so that the surface of one portion overlaps the surface of the other portion in at least one place, complementary means of attachment being provided to secure the overlapping portion or portions together.

Preferred embodiments of the present aspect may overlap the respective portions in two different ways. The portions may brought together face to face or in a wrap-round fashion, a suitable attachment mechanism being provided in either case. In the first type of construction the overlapping portions can be made to project outwardly in much the same way as ears, in the second a smooth surface may be produced and a form of ear-like protuberance may also be provided. Depending upon which way up the item is placed upon the head, headwear either bearing a strong resemblance to that worn by a prelate in the Greek Orthodox rite or the Australian malefactor Ned Kelly may result. Another preferred construction carries one of the portions over the top of the artefact and places it in a position where it is able to overlap the other portion from above. In another preferred embodiment three overlaps are provided, one at either side of the of the headwear and a third from above in the manner just described.

This may be an appropriate moment to make the point that items in accordance with the present invention can be expected to achieve more than the mere provision, with varying degrees of credibility, of paper replicas of headwear made from traditional materials and in the traditional manner in the art. Allusions such as those made in the preceding paragraph may be useful as a kind of shorthand whereby individual constructions may be identified or as a marketing device. What is just as important, however, is that headwear should be produced in accordance with the present invention which forms part of a family of headwear designs which break new ground and in which there is a strong family likeness among the constituent members.Thus, in the constructions referred to, it would be possible to lose the stumps at the ends of the headband (in a preferred embodiment they are carried around the artefact and secured flat against the side of the "bucket" by means of a tab and slot mechanism) but it would also be possible to use them imaginatively as mountings for ears (in the wider sense used in this document) while producing an item of headwear the like of which has never been seen before.

As is the case with the previous aspect and with the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth aspects which follow, preferred embodiments of the fourteenth aspect may incorporate vertical fold lines at the ends of and at right angles to the split in order to re-align the portions of material beyond the ends of the split.

Embodiments of the fifteenth aspect utilise forms of construction in which portions lying to the sides of the split are interlocked together.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at the ends of the split about line of the split, the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds being provided with means of interlocking together and/or attachment.

Items in accordance with this aspect may be provided with a headband and/or ear-mounted extension which is folded either through the split or, in accordance with the ninth aspect already described, outside the split.

In preferred embodiments a portion of material lying to one side of the split is folded through the split at points close to the extremities of the split at either end, appropriately configured splits or indentations being provided laterally (to the line of the split) in the headband element on the other side of the split to the folded portion. By this means interlocking of the headband element with the folded portion is made possible. Alternatively, or additionally, interlocking may be further facilitated by the incorporation into the folded portion itself of laterally positioned splits or indentations which splits or indentations may be configured so as to engage with the headband element or to engage with complementary splits or indentations provided in therein.The effect of such a construction is to wrap a headband element around the artefact more tightly than would otherwise be the case, the difference being most noticeable at the ends of the headband where the front headband element (as positioned) hugs the sides of the artefact.

It is also possible to secure the folded portion in position by means of a tab and slot mechanism whereby it is attached to the portion of material on the other side of the split. In certain embodiments ears are provided at the extremities of the portion of material on the other side of the split and in these embodiments a part of the tab and slot mechanism may be located in such ears. Ears may be provided in such a way as to project either from the portion lying to one side of the fold at the end of the split or from the portions on both sides. In the latter case the fold lines will extend through the ears.

GB-A-2178299 does not envisage a sailor's hat style embodiment in which a pair of splits are present. Such a construction is able to benefit from folds along the lines of one or both splits. The effect of folding a double split headband at both ends along the line of one of the splits is to combine the advantages of a double split headband as regards the facility to mount two extensions at, for example, the front of the artefact (with the opportunity of folding one extension upwards so as to be superimposed in front of or behind the other) with what may be thought to be the neater appearance of a single split headband.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a pair of parallel splits, the length of the splits being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the splits being provided in the piece of material in such a way that they do not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at the end of the splits about the line of at least one of the splits.

Embodiments of the present aspect are possible which incorporate folds along the line of each split at either end, so as to make a total of four such folds, or which incorporated a lesser number of folds along the line the splits, a portion of material at least one end of at least one of the splits remaining unfolded.

Preferred embodiments of the present aspect may incorporate an extension which is folded through a split or extension on either side of the headband each of which is folded through a split. Ears may be provided, if desired, at the ends of the headband and in a preferred embodiment in which folds along the lines of both splits are extended through ears at either end the ears take on a fluted and streamlined appearance.

Certain advantages may (in association with constructions in accordance with other aspects of the present invention, most particularly the twenty-fifth aspect dealing with subdivided headband elements) be derived from an arrangement in which a headband is provided with a fold along the line of the split at only one end.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the spli: being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at only one end of the split about the line of the split.

Items in accordance with this aspect will inevitably take on an asymmetric appearance but this is not necessarily disadvantageous. It is possible, inter alia, for such headwear to be positioned with the headband element (and the split) running from the back of the artefact to the front instead of from side to side.

A further device is available which is able to bring upper and lower headbands into alignment in a manner similar to that found in embodiments provided in accordance with the foregoing aspects without requiring creased folds along the line of a split and with useful consequences where earlike enlargements are present.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, portions of the material lying above and below the split being rotated about a horizontal axis so as to form headband elements which lie on opposite sides of the artefact in use, the sense of rotation being either clockwise or anticlockwise for both elements, the reverse or obverse sides of the elements respectively coming into contact with the surface of the artefact.

The usefulness of items in accordance with this particular aspect, per se, would seem to be limited to the more surreal applications of the present invention. Such items do, however, have an important role to play when those later aspects of the present invention relating to subdivided and openended split headbands are brought to bear. Embodiments of this aspect are able to incorporate perforations at the ends of the split and/or ears at the ends of the headband incorporating the split. Folds about the line of the split in the portions of the headband lying beyond its extremities can be provided.

It is possible for the split to be elongate with the portions of material on either side not being contiguous, the inner edges of such portions being convex curved in relation to each other.

Items in accordance with this aspect differ from those constructed in accordance with the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects in that, in those aspects, the re-alignment of the portions forming a headband is achieved by folding the piece in a creased fold along the line of a split so that one of the two portions is rotated through 180 degrees with respect to the other. In the result, the upper and lower headbands (given a straight and not a curved split) come into line. The vertical plane of any earlike enlargements is unchanged (albeit that they may be folded in half along the line of the split).

In the present aspect the portions of the headband are rotated (which is to say subjected to a radiused fold) with respect to each other but the rotation is through less than 180 degrees and there is no folding along the line of the split in a creased fold In preferred embodiments the angle of the radiused fold is of the order of 135 degrees at the centre of the headband, becoming greater towards the extremities. With such a folding, the plane of the portions of material lying beyond the extremities of the split, and that of any enlargements thereto, tends towards a horizontal position.

Embodiments in accordance with the eighteenth aspect are able to incorporate lateral folds across the headband portion in-board of the extremities of the split in the manner provided by the next aspect of the present invention By this means portions lying beyond the extremities of the split can be stabilised in a horizontal or horizontally inclined plane.

With the exception of the sailor's hat construction illustrated at Figure 8 the invention disclosed in GB-A-2178299 took no account of the advantages which can be derived from providing a headband element with folds across its long axis, the folds extending from the ends of the split to the outer edge of a headband element.SE-A-0096454 (referred to, supra) provides co-linear lateral fold lines across the two headband elements along their axis of symmetry the effect of which folds is to fold the headwear in its flat preassembled state in half. UFA*4247957 (also referred to, supra) in one of its constructions provides folds extending between the ends of the split and the outer edge for the purpose of providing a hinge between a rear headband adapted to lie flat against the back of the artefact in use and a visor portion occupying a generally horizontal position.These documents do not provide constructions in accordance with the present invention According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material comprising a headband element being provided with at least two lateral folds about lines extending from the split to the outer edge of the element, provided that where a headband element is provided with only two lateral folds which folds lie at the respective ends of the split the folds are matched by corresponding lateral folds in the other headband element.

Folds incorporated into a headband in accordance with this aspect will almost invariably be symmetrical about the vertical axis of the headband element. In preferred embodiments the folds may be continued through an extension mounted upon the headband. Folds may be provided which are parallel to each other or arranged in groups, the folds comprising each group being parallel to each other. The line of a fold may be coaxial with the line or lines of another or other folds. The arrangement of the folds may impart a corrugated appearance to the headband or provide it with a castellated section. Folds may either be continuous or interrupted by splits or apertures along the fold line in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, infra.

Folds incorporated into a headband in accordance with the present aspect are able to serve a number of purposes. They can be designed to be purely decorative with the headband, or one of its elements, folded and unfolded at the assembly stage about pre-set creases at right angles to the long axis of the element or (if the element is curved) radially thereto. A headband so treated will be slightly shortened and take on a faceted appearance which in preferred embodiments complements the applied artwork. The shortening effect becomes the greater the more creases are provided but the creases, of whatever number, will inevitably tend to fall out in use where the flexible material is paper or paper-board.

Folds arranged in pairs, the lines of the folds being at an inclined angle to the long axis of the headband element, as distinct from a right angle, will have the effect of both realigning that part of the headband element innermost of the folds and shortening it relative to the other element, assuming that other element remains unfolded. In this kind of construction the direction of folds comprising each pair will be opposed. In preferred embodiments the folded portion may be locked into position by a locking device or by tucking it between the remainder of the same element and the artefact in use.

In embodiments in which a plurality of lateral folds providing a corrugated effect are incorporated into a straight split headband an improvement results in the capacity for such a headband to engage with the lip of an artefact (where the artefact is so configured) in the manner envisaged by the sixtythird aspect of the present invention, infra.

Lateral folds incorporated into a convex curved split headband element can be utilised to rotate an extension mounted upon the element and/or to realign the outer edge of the element. Such a device performs well when the headband is required to engage with the lip of an artefact. Lateral folds incorporated into a concave curved split can be similarly utilised.

The incorporation of inclined folds into a double split headband can be arranged so as to bring the two outermost headband elements into alignment with each other and with the centre element, the outer elements becoming shortened with respect to the centre element.

Where pairs of inclined folds are provided in a convex or concave curved headband (preferably of medium or high efficiency as described in connection with the first and second aspects, supra) it is possible, by varying the angle of one of the folds in each pair to ensure that the plane of the folded portion, and any extension thereto, projects outwardly from the surface of the artefact in use at an angle irstead of following the contour of the remainder of the element as it follows the circumference of the artefact.

In a group of embodiments of the present aspect lateral folds are utilised to realign the plane of one or both portions extended outwardly from the end or ends of the headband so that it or they may follow the contour of the artefact. In preferred embodiments a pair of lateral folds are placed at the end of a split diagonally across the headband elements and at right angles to each other. The effect of such folds is to lay the extended portion against the surface of the artefact at the point of folding. Given sufficient length the extended portion may upstand from the headband, and may gain rigidity from the curvature of the artefact. Alternatively, the folded portion may depend from the headband and where its width is of the order of a headband, for example 50 mm, it will take on something of the appearance of a Samurai headband scarf.By varying the angles of the folds as regards the headband and each other the extended portion can be made to stand out from the artefact in an inclined plane.

In other preferred embodiments the extended portion is folded across its width one or more times through 180 degrees. In this way an initially dependent portion can be made to rise above the headband, the advantage of such a construction being that the diagonal folds are concealed by the extension. The extended portion can be folded a first time through 180 degrees and then be folded a second time through 180 degrees so that its further end is returned to the headband at the point of extension complementary means for attachment of the extended portion to the headband at or adjacent to the point of extension being provided. A construction in which the extended portion is twice folded through 180 degrees so as to be returned in this way is exceptionally rigid and benefits from having its obverse side uppermost.In a preferred embodiment the further portion incorporates an enclosed cut-out, the periphery of which is subject to the second fold of 180 degrees Activation of this fold leaves the centre of the cut-out in situ but leaves the peripheral portion available for return to the headband and attachment thereto. The periphery of an enclosed cut-out may if desired be treated with a pattern of radial-type folds which will enhance its decorative appearance. A similar construction, in which the headband is provided with an open-ended split, is the subject of the twentysixth aspect of the present invention, infra.

In a further embodiment of the present aspect a headband is provided with extended portions at both ends. The extended portions are folded in the manner previously described and, being of sufficient length, are brought together above the artefact so as to overlap each other, complementary means to attach them to each other being provided.

The invention disclosed in GOA-2178299 failed to recognise the advantages which can be derived from taking a single or double split headband and reconfiguring it so that the construction becomes, in effect, inside out.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a single split or a pair of parallel splits, the length of the split or splits being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split or splits being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it or they do not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion or portions of the material lying either above or below a single split, or between a pair of splits, or above and/or below a pair of splits, fonning a first headband element, the remaining portion or portions lying respectively below or above the single split, above and below the pair of Splits or between the pair of splits as the case may be, forming a second headband element, the first headband element being folded laterally across the long axis through 180 degrees at a point or points at or adjacent to at least one extremity of the split or splits, the plane of the second headband element being rotated through 180 degrees in relation to the plane of the first headband element, a portion or portions of the material beyond the extremity of the split or splits being placed between the artefact and an outer portion in taRe.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect will utilise a pair of symmetrically arranged 180 degree folds located at the ends of the split in the headband and at right angles to the line thereof. Alternatively a single 180 degree fold may be provided at only one end of the headband, further folds being provided if- desired for the purpose of flattening the surface of the headband so as to improve contact with the artefact.

As already noted, GOA-2178299 provides a representation of dependent spaniel type ears in the form of enlargements at the extremities of the split headband. The plane of such enlargements is essentially a vertical one which when worn by a person would be oriented substantially along a radial from the centre of the wearers head in use. This would remains largely the case even where the ears are provided in a form which is initially upward and allowed to droop about the face of the wearer.

Items in accordance with the present aspect can be configured in such a way that the base of an earlike enlargement at the extremity of a headband, including one of the spaniel type, is tucked in between the headband and the artefact. The pressure exerted by the artefact will secure the ears firmly in place and the curvature imparted will result in a flattening of the ears against the side of the artefact thereby tending to negate any tendency in upwardly extended ears to droop. If, on the other hand a droop is what is required it can be achieved by the incorporation of one, or preferably two, lateral folds.

The plane assumed by such an enlargement will be oriented along the line of a chord to the surface of the artefact, assuming it a cylindrical drinks can or similar, rather than a radial.

A similar device can be employed to produce wing-like enlargements in a horizontal or horizontally inclined plane. In such an embodiment an elongate element securing the enlargements (i.e. ears) to another portion of the headwear array be provided and the ears may be capable of flexing in such a way as to allow them to flap in response to movements of the artefact in use.

Alternativel, it is possible to maintain the horizontal position of the ears by inserting obtuse (when viewed from the further extremities of the ears) angled folds at points located at the extremities of the split.

This type of construction is no less efficaciol ^ in a case where the headband is provided with a convex or concave curved c:'lit (high efficiency or otherwise).

It can also be utilised with single and double split headbands not provided with enlargements of any kind at the extrer=ities, the effect in this case being to produce a smooth wrap-round of the Nnd associated with traditional headbands of the type referred to in this document as "solid". In such an embodiment the stump-like projections at the extremities of the headband are tucked in between the headband proper and the surface of the artefact.

Items constructed in accordance with this aspect can also include folds along the line of a split of the kind which are the object of earlier aspects, the effect of such folds being to align one headband element with another.

While GB-A-2178299 provides for attachable and detachable ears and shows such a configuration at Figure 46 it does not disclose any means whereby extensions of material located above and below the headband can be constructed so as to be attachable and detachable to and from the headband.

There is a requirement for such attachable and detachable extensions which can be provided with means of attachment such as a tab and slot mechanism.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headband being provided with. means of attachment to one or more other separate portions of material which other portions, following attachment and in use, are located above end/or below the headband in a manner similar to an extension to the headband Items in accordance with this aspect will, following assembly, appear almost identical to items in which a portion is folded forwardly and upwardly in front of, or backwardly and downwardly behind, a portion of material containing the split or splits. While such headwear will not be capable of being described as being of unitary construction it will possess a number of advantages.

Principal among these advantages is that the necessity to print on both sides of the material from which the headwear is constructed will often be avoidable. This sometimes arises when, as a result of a portion being folded, the reverse side is brought to the front.

A further important advantage is that a headwear design which in a unitary form would fill a sheet of material of a particular size can, by subdivision into separate components capable of being attached to each other during the course of assembly, be reproduced in two individual parts on a single sheet of smaller size, the layout being made more compact, or on two or more smaller sheets of material. The avoidance of a requirement to print on both sides the material and the ability to reproduce a design within a relatively small format will be of particular advantage in the publication of headwear in a form in which it can be used as a "trading card" or for distribution in markets in which there are practical limits of the size of the product, promotions of breakfast food and greetings cards being two examples.

Constructions in accordance with the twenty-first aspect which provide alternative imagery on the obverse and reverse sides of the separate extension-like portion allow the user the option of which side, if any, should be displayed. There is a requirement for such a facility which is also addressed by later aspects of the invention The invention disclosed in GB-A-2178299 does not provide any means whereby ears and other similar extensions to the extremities of the headband which are designed to be attachable and detachable to and from the headband (typically by means of a tab and slot mechanismj can nevertheless remain integrally connected thereto at all times. This deficiency applies, a fortiori, to extensions above and below a headband since the possibility of their being physically separate (i.e. non-integral) is not envisaged in GB-A 2178299. Without such integral connection a constituent part of an item of headwear may be lost in the course of etching out from the die-cut sheet and assembly and headwear which i produced by slotting together individual components cannot qualify for the description of unitary or onepiece headwear.

In this present application, as already ir.dicated in the definitions set out above, the expressions "unitary" or "one-p.ece" are used to describe an item of headwear made from a piece of flexible material in which all the parts of the headwear remain integrally attached :o each other at all times. The expression "componentised" refers to headwear which is constructed from two or more physically entirely separate portions of material which are brought together only when the headwear is assembled.

The present invention provides for the interfacing of a narrow strip of the material from which the headwear is constructed between two larger portions of the material so that they remain physically connected at all times and what would otherwise have been a componentised embodiment becomes a one-piece (or unitary) embodiment.

The narrowness of such a strip, (which acts 2s and in this application is called a ?1tether1?) relative to its length gives it a degree of multi-dimensional flexibility.

The portions of the material to which the tether is attached at either end are equipped with tab and slot or similar mecr.anisms by which they can be more securely attached to each other or to some other portion of the headwear at the moment of assembly. While remaining essentially elongate in shape tethers may assume a number of configurations. They may be irregular in shape and/or provided with appendages. They will often have a useful decorative roll to play and may have practical applications beyond that of keeping the components physically connected to each other.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half oi the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, one or more portions of the material being provided with means of attachment to one or more other portions of the material as well as being integrally connected to the same or other portions of the material by one or more elongate strips of the material.

Embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the present invention and other similar aspects will become particularly worthwhile once the public has become familiar with full size versions of the headwear designs. As in other forms of miniaturisation (modelling and painting for example) the more accurate the detail the more attractive the product.

The connecting strips may be configured as a loop wound in a spiral, which spiral may be largely encompassed by one of the portions to which it is connected. The connecting strips may be irregularly shaped and/or provided with appendages. In preferred embodiments, a connecting strip may join a portion or the portions to which it is connected at its or their centres of symmetry.

In preferred embodiments utilising a loop wound in a spiral the same range of variation in the configuration of the wound portion as has been noted in connection with the fourth aspect of the present invention, Supra, may be present. Wound spirals also lend themselves to an additional preferred feature whereby a symbol shaped portion is inserted into the wound portion at the centre of the spiral at the point where it reverses direction.

Headwear in accordance with the present aspect will often bear a similarity to items of headwear of unitary construction in accordance with the two inventions as regards the basic shape of the components from which it is assembled and the various components, being linked together by elongate strips acting as tethers, will of necessity be reproduced on a single sheet of material. The advantage which is derived from employing the design techniques which are the subject of this aspect of the invention is that while the principle of unitary construction is preserved layouts more economical of space are made possible, the necessity of printing on both sides of the material can often be avoided and the facility of presenting the obverse or reverse side of a portion of the material according to choice may be present.

It has been found that the design of a number of the embodiments illustrated in GB-A-2178299 is such as to require printing upon both sides of the flat sheet of material upon which the headwear is reproduced. In many cases it is only on account of the form of unitary construction adopted that the doublesided printing is made necessary. As already noted, double-sided printing is both costly and time consuming and it is desirable that it should be avoided wherever possible.

The problem mainly arises in cases where an extension to a headband requires to be folded upwards or downwards and repositioned behind or in front of the headband. In such cases the reverse side of the material from which the extension is formed is brought into view. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 37, 38, 39, 40,42,43 and 44 of GB-A-2178299 are cases in point.

The present invention provides a form of double hinge which enables a portion of the material from which the headwear is made to be folded into position and then turned around again at the assembly stage. By this means the necessity of printing the reverse side of the material can often be avoided altogether or at least restricted to one or two colours in the manner of a lining as in the traditional art. Very considerable benefits in terms of presentation and marketing are also derived from an arrangement which places all the surface imagery on the same side of the flat sheet prior to the headwear being punched out and assembled.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the materia: being provided with means for its rotation either through 360 degrees or a lesser arc, the rotation means comprising two 180 degree folds adapted to be successively activated or one 180 degree fold and a second fold adapted to be successively activated, the cumulative effect in either case of activating the two folds being to keep the obverse side of the rotated portion to view in use.

Items in accordance with this aspect may be provided with two folds both of which are creased folds. or with one fold which is a creased fold and another which is a radiused fold. The folds may be positioned at right angles to or parallel with each other and may adjoin. The folds may be so arranged that rotation takes place about the axes of symmetry for both portions, the axes being linear with the line of fold of the connecting element with the result that the plan of the two portions with respect to each other does not change.

The folds may be so arranged and the connecting element configured in such a way that, following rotation the plan of the connecting element remains within its former boundaries and in part unchanged.

In certain preferred embodiments the portion rotated is associated with and rotated with reference to a rear headband element in use. It is also possible for the portion rotated to be associated and rotated with reference to a front headband in use in which case greater care has to be taken to avoid an unsightly rotating mechanism compromising the appearance of the headwear. In a preferred embodiment the rotation means comprises one fold of 180 degrees and one fold of 90 degrees, the portion rotated taking up a position in a largely horizontal plane above the artefact in use. In other preferred embodiments the rotational means comprises either two folds of 180 degrees, or one fold of 180 degrees and one fold of 90 degrees, the portion rotated taking up a position in a largely vertical plane in use.In the latter case the fixed portion is largely horizontal in use and, in a preferred embodiment a "ticket" is installed above and at the side of a visor.

A locking mechanism of some kind is generally be necessary to secure the rotated portion in position. Such a mechanism may be located at or adjacent to one of the folds so as to act directly on the portions of material adjacent thereto. In a preferred embodiment the locking mechanism takes the form of interlod-g flaps, the constituent parts of which are located on either side of the element connecting the rotated portion to the fixed portion, which element incorporates the folds providing the rotation means. The flaps interlock with each other and provide 2 stable link between the rotated portion and the remainder of the piece.

In another preferred embodiment utilising .aps as a locking mechanism, the flaps adjoin and are attached to one sia of the element connecting the rotated portion to the fixed portion. Following rotation the flaps are interlocked with the connecting element.

A double lock is possible in accordance M the present aspect, the effect of the device being to secure a portion rotate through a radiused bend at two separate points along the arc of the bend.

In a further preferred embodiment the -;-xed portion comprises a male element and the portion rotated a female element. Following rotation the male element is within the female element The rotated portion may, in its turn, act as a fixed portion to a further portion. Following rotation of the further portion the further portion may be within the first rotated portion.

Items of headwear in accordance with inis aspect enjoy a number of advantages, in addition to those already referred to, over known constructions. The use of pairs of 180 degree folds, while ensuring that the obverse side of the headwear remains uppermost, can provide an economic use of available space, extend the dimensions of the piece beyond what would otherwise be possible given the dimensions of the format and superimpose one portion of the material over another. The preferred unitary principle of construction is preserved.

In preferred embodiments an important advantage in terms of achieving maximum symmetry is obtained by placing the two 180 degree folds at right angles and/or adjoining each other. A doçle-acting pivot is formed about which a largely detached portion of the material can be rotated. Activation of the first fold moves the portion folded to a new position. Activation of the second fold leaves the portion in the new position but returns the obverse face to view (usually uppermost) once more. The respective roles of the first and second folds may be reversed. A broadly similar and sometimes desired result can be achieved by providing the viz degree folds at angles to each other which are not right angles and/or by providing them at locations which are not adjoining each other.

In configurations of the kind described in the preceding paragraphs the portion manipulated will often not be sufficiently contiguous to the remainder of the headwear to be stable in its final position. It is in such cases that a locking mechanism needs to be provided. An optimum locking mechanism is one which is compact, unobtrusive, easy to engage as well as bringing directional stability to the rotated element. Such devices are incorporated into embodiments of this aspect.

In a different type of embodiment of the present aspect the two folds are positioned so as to be parallel to each other and also adapted to be activated in opposite senses. This displaces the folded portion with respect to the remainder of the headwear. Such items in accordance with this aspect of the invention enjoy the advantage of having a portion of the design superimposed while keeping the obverse side uppermost and preserving the principle of unitary construction. In such constructions the portion of the headwear which is manipulated may again be locked into its new position by a locking mechanism.

Reference has already been made to SE-A-0096454 which uses a pattern of small non-parallel splits along the lower portion of a single split, convex curved, headband for the purpose of enlargement. Similar mechanisms are to be found elsewhere in the prior art, but not in association with headwear of the kind disclosed in GB-A-2178299 and the present document. Although preferred embodiments under the two documents may incorporate other means of enlargement, perforations at the extremities of the splits for example, a pattern of lateral cuts or cut-out portions applied in a manner not envisaged by SE-A-0096454 and not in the known art along one or more splits can be useful not only in bringing about an increase in the dimensions of a given item relative to the size of the artefact and in providing a means of enlargement where perforations can not be made available, but also in giving effect to a design feature and in improving the lie of a headband against the side of the artefact at the point of contact.

In certain embodiments of this aspect of to present invention the line of a split is configured so as to incorporate tht peripheral outline of alternating flowers and ribbons in a manner reminisient of the Tudor-style headwear worn by the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London (Beefeaters) and which is also worn (not entirely ir.appropriately but somewhat incongruously) by the porter of the Sir Fra cis Drake Hotel in San Francisco in the United States of America as he goes about his duties.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary ccrstruction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of che circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drink can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed t;;-ereby, a portion or portions of material bordering the split incorporating a series of relatively shallow lateral cuts along the edge formed by the split, the portions between the lateral cuts being either rounded or convolute or irregular in shape and adapted to distort readily under pressure from the artefact in use in a manner which accommodates its curvature and/or size, cnd/or to provide a plurality of largely detached free standing elements alone the line of the split, and/or to provide a plurality of male elements adapter to engage with female elements the female elements being provided either in the same or another portion of the material.

Preferred embodiments in accordance wit? this aspect utilise a headband incorporating a straight or concave curved s?lit. Other embodiments utilise a headband incorporating a straight or convex or concave curved split in conjunction either with a second split parallel to the first split or with perforations or with ears at the ends of the broadband. SE-A-0096454 does not disclose constructions of this kind, or any in which the lateral cut construction is provided in addition to and not in substitution for other enlargement devices.

Embodiments are also available which utilise the portions between the lateral cuts to provide a design feature, folding them upwardly so as to assume an erect position or forwardly or upwardly and backwardly, as the case may be, so as to lay almost flat against the surrounding material. More than one fold may be applied to individual portions. Where the portions between the lateral cuts comprise male elements complimented by female elements, the portion incorporating the female elements may overlay the portion providing the male elements in use so as to provide a visor.

In many of the embodiments described above the effect of the construction may be entirely or mainly decorative and other means of enlargement of the split to accommodate different artefact sizes may be necessary. Constructions in accordance with the present aspect are also of value in providing means of enlargement where perforations or other devices for lengthening the split are not practicable. Such is the case, for example, with certain embodiments of the fifteenth and twentieth aspects of the present invention already described.

The particular characteristics of headbands incorporating a single split or a pair of splits in the manner described by GB-A-2178299 and the present document continue to be present when one of the headband elements is subdivided into two separate parts. For a headband element so subdivided to continue to perform the functions of a headband it will be necessary for means of attachment of the two separate parts to be provided, either to each other or to another part of the headwear.

Advantages stemming from subdivision of a headband element into two separate parts included the facility to extend or reduce the aggregate dimensions of the separate parts and the ability to extend a portion of material lying below a split upwards between the inner extremities of two separate parts of the subdivided headband element. It is also possible and on occasion useful to reverse one portion of a subdivided headband element prior to attachment to the other portion.

According to twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length o the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of material lying to one side of the split comprising a headband element being subdivided into two separate parts, the. separate parts being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached together, or to another portion or portions of the headwear, in use.

Items in accordance with this aspect possess the advantage of having one headband element which is continuous and a another headband element which is subdivided and joined together to form a continuous headband in use. The means of attachment may be such as to allow the aggregate length of the subdivided headband element to be reduced and/or extended and/or fixed and/or varied following attachment of the separate parts. In preferred embodiments the means of attachment allows the separate parts of the subdivided headband element to articulate with reference to each other.As a result the extent of projection from the artefact of ears at the ends of the headband can be varied and the addition of a locking mechanism to the means of attachment enables the ears to be displaced laterally so as to take up a position further apart than would otherwise be possible given the dimensions of the piece. The ability for subdivided parts of the headband element to articulate when attached to each other also allows the lie of the headband against the back of the artefact to be improved.

In embodiments where advantage is taken of a gap between the innermost extremities of the separate parts of the subdivided headband element to extend the portion of the material lying on the opposite side of a split to the subdivided portion outward between the separate parts, relatively unrestricted upward vertical potential for a lower headband element is opened up and with it a wide range of design possibilities. Such an extension is able to make use, for example, of the area lying above a subdivided headband such as that which is often present between ears. With a suitable attachment mechanism such an area can provide a design feature mounted on the front headband element.

In the same or other embodiments the gap between the innermost extremities can be bridged by folding a portion of one or both of the subdivided parts through 180 degrees thereby extending their effective length to what it would have been but for subdivision or, if desired, to a greater length, complementary means of attachment being provided in either case.

In certain embodiments a reduction in the aggregate length of a headband element is required. Such a reduction can often be more conveniently achieved by shortening one or both parts of a subdivided headband element than by reducing the length of the split. This is particularly the case where a lower portion of the headband is extended downwards and folded along the line of a curve in the manner provided by the forty-third aspect of the present invention, infra, so as to provide a representation of what in traditional headwear for human beings would be a curled hat brim.

Subdivided headband elements are also of value in embodiments in which it is not practicable to lengthen a split, in the manner envisaged by GB-A2178299 and in a number of aspects of the present invention, by means of tearable perforations at the ends of the split. Subdivision of the headband element may, accordingly, accompany constructions in accordance with the fifteenth and twentieth aspects. Means of attachment of the separate parts allowing a considerable amount of variation can be provided. In this way a single item of headwear can be produced which will fit a wide range of artefact sizes even though there are no perforations at the ends of the split.

A number of embodiments of the present aspect are able to take advantage of the facility afforded by a subdivided headband element to provide extensions to the separate portions (and/or ears) which are able to overlap and/or interlock with each other.

It is also possible for the separate portions of a subdivided headband element to be individually connected to a single (common) extension. In embodiments of this kind the separate parts lying to one side of the split are extended outwardly along a short part of their length so as to be contiguous with or otherwise act as supports for a third relatively elongate portion, the elongate portion comprising a common extension. Alternatively, a common extension (which may lie above, in front of or behind the artefact in use) may be earmounted or hybrid in the manner dened supra. Unless modified it will assume a bowed shape in response to the contractive force resulting from attachment of the parts in a manner that reduces their length relative to the common extension, as measured between the points of connection.The addition of lateral folds in the supports for a common extension will allow the common extension to assume a position outwardltof the subdivided headband element in use. An alternative arrangement is possible in which the common extension is provided with a dependent portion which in use is folded inwardly so as to lie between the extension and the artefact thereby encouraging the extension to stand awar from the artefact.

A common extension can be preventec from rising up above the separate portions of a subdivided headband element at their point of attachment by means of a anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism may be incorporated into a flap which is folded downwards and secured to the separate portions at the point of attachment. In a preferred embodiment the anchoring mechanism is provided by configuring the common extension so that a part of it depends between the inner extremities of the separate parts of the subdivided headband element, the dependent portion forming part of the attachment means overall. In other embodiments the common extension is modified in such a way that its length overall is reduced so as to compensate for the bringing together of the separate parts of the subdivided headband element and the curvature imparted as a result of placing the headwear on the artefact.In one such embodiment the common extension is split vertically along the greater part of its width, short right angled splits allowing the parts of the common extension to overlap so as to avoid bowing.

Embodiments of the present aspect are able to incorporate a fold about the line of the split at one or both ends. It is possible for one of the separate parts to be reversed relative to the other prior to attachment. The separate parts may, following attachment, form a base for an enclosed cut-out. In a preferred embodiment, representing, in effect, a variation of the curved brim-like headband, separate portions o-f a headband element contribute to what becomes, upon assembly, an enclosed cut-out which forms a horizontal peak in the style of a French military kepi. This construction is similar in certain respects to the Beefeater-style design referred to in connection with the previous aspect.Embodiments of the present aspect may incorporated extension defining or contributing to the periphery of an enclosed cut-out in which the periphery is either continuous ab initio or becomes so following attacrunent of its separate parts.

Items in accordance with the present aspect may incorporate portions of material extended outward from the material on the opposite side of the line of the split to the subdivided headband element between its separate parts.

The portion extended outward may be provided with means of attachment to another portion of the headwear, which other portion may be ears at the ends of the headband or an ear-mounted enclose cut-out. A construction is possible in which the portion extended outward is folded through 360 degrees and attached to the portion of material from which it is extended.

The portion of material extended outward may be integral with ears at the ends of the headband.

It is possible to combine the single and double split approach to headwear design with the traditional solid band technique so as to produce items which combine the compactness of a single or double split construction found in items provided accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the present invention with the characteristics of a solid band which, in the case of human headwear, wraps around the head.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such 2 way that it extends to an edge of the material so as to be open ended, the portions of material at the open end of the split being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached together to form a headband in use.

This aspect is somewhat analogous to the previously described seventeenth and twentieth aspects, the difference between the types of construction being that, in the earlier aspects, a headband with r totally enclosed split is provided whereas in the present aspect the split (or .: there are a pair of splits, one or both splits) is open ended. In the course oi assembly the ends of the split at the open end are brought together so a to overlap each other and are attached together. In this way a continuous -adband is formed.

It is possible for the portions at the ends of 2 split to be brought together endon with or without reversing one portions. with respect to the other. The means of attachment of the two portions can be such as to allow their aggregate length to be reduced or extended or variably reduced and/or extended following attachment.

Unless a fold along the line of the split is incorporated at the non-open end the resulting construction will resemble a split headband design at one end (with the facility to add an earlike enlarge=lent beyond the end of the split which will stick out at right angles to the surface of the artefact) and will smoothly wrap round the surface of the artefact at the other. Such a construction may be thought to possess no, only surreal design possibilities but also the ingredients necessary to re?licate the artistically fruitful, notwithstanding somewhat aberrant, conduct of a leading member of Impressionist art movement of the last Cen'rury.

In preferred embodiments of the present aspect, however, a fold along the line of the split at the dosed end is generally employed. Where such a fold is provided it is possible to provide a single continuous headband in which the upper and lower portions are aligned together. The addition of right angled lateral folds at the enclosed end, to turn the construction inside out on itself and to tuck the stump between the headband and the head, will result in a relatively smooth surface, with minimal proiections, both at the enclosed end and at the non-enclosed end.Extensions, including headband-mounted and foldable extensions, and extensions above and below the split, can be provided in much the same way as envisaged in GB-A-2178299 and elsewhere in the present document. it is possible for a foldable portion to comprise or contribute to the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present invention the headwear is provided with diagonal lateral folds inboard of the enclosed end bringing the portion beyond the split into a horizontallr inclined plane. At the further end of the piece the two portions are brought together as previously indicated so as to become a continuous strip hugging the surface of the artefact. The point of attachment of the two headband portions being placed at the back of the artefact and matching upward extensions from what can not properly be termed the "upper" and "lower" headbands being provided on either side, in the result there emerges an item of headwear not unlike that ascribed to the legendary figure known as Robin Hood.

Other preferred embodiments align the end of the headband enclosing the split to the front of the artefact. Folds along the line of the split and lateral folds extending from the end of the split to either edge of the headband at angles of 45 degrees provide a placard-like extended portion which rises above the headband at the front of the artefact. The portion can then be folded through 180 degrees so as to bring the side which is obverse in plan to the fore and at the same time provide a straight edge to the lower part of the headband. a further fold can be provided, paralleled to the fold last mentioned, for the purpose of tucking the end of the portion into the top of the headband and providing, if desired, a cut-out feature which remains upstanding after folding. The tucked-in portion can be further secured in position by the use of an attachment device.This construction is similar to that previously described as being employed in connection with a group of embodiments in accordance with the nineteenth aspect, Supra. In common with the other already mentioned embodiments this kind of construction can make good use of an enclosed cut-out. Like them, it enjoys the advantage of being extremely compact in comparison with a comparable item of headwear utilising a solid band configuration but without the necessity of having to incorporate ears or deal with the stumps at the end of the split in some other way. It is particularly appropriate to an impresa role, celebrating an event within minutes of its happening, it being possible to print as many as eight-up on an SRA 2 sheet. The advertising potential of the remainder of the headband is deserving of attention.

It will be self-evident to every observer of present day scene that the baseball cap has become the headwear of choice for every stratum of society from Presidents to itinerants. Its popularity is undoubtedly due in some measure to its ability to carry a message. Visor-style headwear made from paper-board, in the known art, has been less successful in this important respect. This lack of success may be attributable in part to the absence of a suitable vertical surface. Suppliers have had, perforce, to rely upon the surface of the visor itself (which is inclined to the horizontal) and, in some cases, a substantially horizontal surface over the head. These surfaces do not read well when viewed from the same or a lower level and this is the case whether the viewing means is a pair of human eyes or a television camera.If further evidence should be needed on this point it is only necessary to consider the crownless visors made from sewn fabric (in the same way as baseball caps) which are supplied by sponsors to tennis and golf stars. These items of sporting apparel invariably feature an integral front headband extending vertically above the visor for a distance of several centimetres. It is on this part of the headwear, and not on the peak, that the sponsor's logo is customarily displayed.

The problem of producing a vertical surface above the visor in a split headband construction is not addressed either by SE-A-0096454 or by GWA- 2178299 although clearly both documents recognise the suitability of visors as a subject for headwear made from a flexible material such as paper-board.

GB-A-2178299 illustrates at its Figure 14 a visor type embodiment which, for reasons which will be discussed later in connection with the thirty-third aspect of the present invention, was largely unsuccessful . The present invention does, however, provide a solution.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an edge of the split following the line of an ox-bow, a portion lying to one side of the split and within the ox-bow being integrally connected to the remainder of the headwear on that side of the split while remaining partially or largely detached therefrom and in the absence of any complementary means for attachment thereto.

The portion within the ox-bow can be provided with means of attachment, if required, to another portion of the headwear lying on side of the split opposite to that to which the ox-bow portion is connected Items in accordance with this aspect enjoy the advantage of a headband one element of which is, in effect, extended into the area lying between two edges of the split, one edge of which follows a circuitous path. As already noted, in many preferred embodiments a dependent extension is provided in the form of a visor. The availability of an additional portion of material above the visor enables a badge or placard be mounted above the visor and in front of the artefact as positioned. Means of attachment may be provided to attach the portion of material lying between the edges of the split to the portion of material from which it is extended in the first place.The tendency for the oxbow portion to lay against the artefact is countered by incorporating a relatively narrow elongate strip of material acting as a bridge between it and the remainder of the headwear so as to provide the connection. Parallel folds are provided in the connecting (bridge) portion allowing the ox-bow portion to be stepped forward over the visor portion and secured in a semi-erect position by means of a tab and slot mechanism. It is possible for two or more connecting portions to be provided.

In certain embodiments a vertical slit is inserted down the centre of the portion of material acting as a bridge facilitating the lateral manipulation of the two portions of material relative to each other so that the tabs and slots can be more readily engaged. In the same or other embodiments each of the tabs is notched at the end of its base outermost in use so as, in effect, to dick into position in its slot and remain in place thereafter. In a preferred embodiment a pair of connecting portions are provided with a single tab placed between them, the tab corresponding with a single slot in a visor shaped portion lying on the other side of that edge of the split which is interrupted by the neck of the ox-bow.

In a number of preferred embodiments the tab and slot mechanism is arranged so that the slot or slots in a visor are broadly parallel to the interrupted edge and concentric therewith, the tab or tabs being provided with notches to secure them in position. In other preferred embodiments the ox-bow portion is provided with vertical folds to enable it to be returned at the sides at an angle of 90 degrees in each case. The tabs depend from the returned sides and engage with slots which are placed in the visor portion and are arranged so as to be parallel with the interrupted edge. In the result, a three dimensional and somewhat structural feature emerges vertically above the visor rather than a two dimensional placard.

In other embodiments the interrupted edge forms part of the headband element uppermost in use. The portion of material lying between the edges of the split is folded upwardly and either inwardly or outwardly so as to lie flat against the headband element to which it is connected and any extension thereto. In this way two layers of material are superimposed at the point where the headband crosses the back of the artefact with advantages which are both practical and aesthetic to the embodiment in question.

There is a clear analogy between the present aspect and the twenty-fifth aspect previously described in that both aspects are able to provide constructions which add portions of material to one headband element at the expense of the other. In the present aspect, however, each of the headband elements remains whole, one edge of the split being re-aligned along a circuitous path. Constructions in accordance with the earlier aspect feature a subdivided headband in which the two separate parts must necessarily be provided with complementary means of attachment To that extent the embodiments of that aspect may tend to be less simple than those conforming to the present aspect.

A further aspect of the present invention allows constructions which incorporate features which are ordinarily found either in a single split headband design or a double split headband design but not in both at the same time.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed there, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, at least part of at least one of at least one of the ears being separated from the proximal headband element by a further split, the further split being parallel to the split first mentioned.

Items in accordance with this aspect, may for preference be based on a single split headband. Such items combine certain of the advantages offered by single split headbands with those of double split headbands by replicating the third portion of a double split headband at the point of connection to ears at the ends of what would otherwise be a normal single split headband with elements above and below the split. The part of the ear separated from the headband element by a further split can be positioned in front of or behind the artefact in the same plane as the portion of material lying on the opposite side of the headband split. Embodiments are possible in which perforations are incorporated into the further split.

In this manner a distinctive presentation of the ears is obtained, the narrow profile of which when viewed from the side closely resembles that achieved by a double split headband in which the dimensions of the splits are significantly in excess of the circumference of the artefact.

In preferred embodiments a headband-mounted extension is extended outwardly from the headband element through the gap between the inner extremities of those parts of the ears which are separated from the headband element by a further split. The characteristics of such an extension are those of a simiiarly configured extension from a single split headband, not those of a double split headband. Items provided in accordance with this aspect are in some respects similar to those described in connection with double split headbands conforming to the twenty-fifth aspect with the difference that, in the case of the latter, means of attachment of the separate parts are present.

The present invention provides a further construction which brings together the advantages of a split headband with those of the traditional solid headband.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that unless it is an open ended split it does not (following assernbly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a first portion comprising a headband being formed thereby, a second portion of the material lying above or below the split and being attached to the first portion, the second portion being sufficiently elongate either wholly or partly to encompass the artefact, the second portion being secured in position around the artefact either by means of attachment at its extremities or by attachment to another portion of the headwear or by pressure from the first portion, the first and second portions being contiguous along only a short distance relative to their individual linear dimensions.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect are able to utilise a single or double split headband (including a headband incorporating an open ended split) to which a solid band-like element, elongate in shape, is attached. Items in accordance with this aspect, may for preference be based on a single split headband in which the single split does not extend to any edge of the material following assembly of the piece and in use. In certain preferred embodiments the split does not extend to any edge of the material ab initio.

In embodiments of this aspect a headband element may be subdivided into two separate parts, the parts being provided with means of attachment.

Where the split is open ended the portions of material at the open end will be provided with means of attachment. For preference the elongate portion attached to the headband which wholly or partly encompasses the artefact will be attached to the headband at or close to the centre of the headband and at or close to its own centre point. In certain preferred embodiments a headband element is subdivided and the elongate portion is attached to the further headband element by means of an extension acting as bridge, the bridge being placed between the separate parts of the subdivided element.

The dimensions of the elongate element in itself (as distinct from any extensions thereto) will typically be of such order as to allow of it to be tucked in between the split headband and the artefact without any portions which are not featured in the active part of the design showing. An arrangement of lateral folds may be provided for the purpose of facilitating relocation of the elongate element. Once in position the inner (solid) headband comprised by the elongate element will be held in place by the pressure against the artefact of an outer headband.

In certain preferred embodiments the inner headband is of sufficient length to go round the artefact. It is used to support extensions which form a circle round the artefact and which are required to lie close to its circumference, not only at the front and the back but at those points where a normal split headband departs from the surface of the artefact so that the ends of the headband and any ears can take up a radial positions In other preferred embodiments the inner headband is shorter than the circumference of the artefact, being only of the length required to support the extensions.In practice the length of an inner headband provided in accordance with this aspect will always be of such order as to carry itself round the sides of the artefact, the principal raison d'être of such a construction being to access those parts which can not be reached by other types of extension to a headband. It is also the case that, in practice, inner headbands will generally be found in association with headbands folded along the line of a split where the upper and lower headbands are brought into alignment.

The twenh-ninth aspect also allows a somewhat different configuration to those described above in which the elongate element is curved so as to resemble an arc of a circle or a horse-shoe, The portion comprising a headband may also be curved, its curvature being not necessarily concentric with the curvature of the elongate element. Embodiments are possible in which a split headband is convex curved and the elongate element representing a solid headband likewise. The two portions are joined together at their respective midway points. In use the split headband section is placed upon the artefact in the normal way and the elongate element representing the solid headband is wrapped around the artefact and provided with means of attachment so that its ends are joined together at the back of the artefact.

In a preferred embodiment the latter portion becomes a brim, which can be curved about its axis along all or part of its length so as to be turned up or turned down. In this embodiment the convex curved split headband provides a mounting for ears.

Headbands which are subdivided, as for example those which are found in embodiments provided in accordance with the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth aspects of the present invention, necessarily require complementary means of attachment for the purpose of bringing the separate portions together.

Such means of attachment can amount to the provision of a single tab in one portion and an appropriately located and dimensioned slot in the other portion. Alternatively, as is commonly found elsewhere in the art, a degree of adjustment can be provide by allowing the tab to engage with one of a number of slots.

It has been found that something more is required for headwear which is designed to be worn in the street by people of all ages and head sizes. The point has already been made that such headwear has not only to be compact but capable of being produced quickly and inexpensively. It must also be, so far as possible, uncomplicated and readily comprehensible so that it can be assembled with the minimum of explanation. Not all of these requirements can be readily met by every design, and certain constructions dictate certain parameters with regard to the joining mechanism incorporated into them.

means of attachment not found in the prior art have, accordingly, been developed for use in connection with embodiments of headwear in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the present invention. Such means of attachment are likely to become a feature of headwear designed for human heads and it is accordingly important that similar constructions are to be found in miniature versions provided in accordance with the present invention.

For the most part such means of attachment are utilised in connection with headbands but they are also capable of doing duty where other portions of headwear require to be joined together. A chin band would be a case in point.

When used in connection with headbands, regard must be had to the facility which headbands designed in accordance with GWA-2178299 and the present document generally possess for the provision of other means of enlargement ir. the form of perforations. In such circumstances the fact that an attachment device effectively shortens a headband, or of itself provides only a limited range of adjustment, or perhaps none at all, does not necessarily make it less suited for a particular design.

Among the criteria by which a joining mechanism has to be judged is the degree of symmetry as between the respective components. It will be seen that minor differences, as between, for example, a hook and an eye, or a tab and a slot, can be accommodated without incurring additional expenditure on that account on doubling-up on colour separations and plates. The additional cost in producing an asymmetrical cutting form is minuscule in comparison with that of a second set of colour plates. As regards the appearance of the headwear and its acceptability in the market place symmetry in a mechanical aspect such as a joining mechanism may, however, be thought to be a virtue in its own right.

The three aspects of the present invention next described are concerned with joining mechanisms. A fourth, the thirty-ninth aspect (infra), deals with rotating elements which are able to double as a means of attachment where required.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such 2 way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material, which may be a portion lying to one side of the split and comprising a headband element, being formed into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment being symmetrical and comprising a split in each of the elements comprising the separate parts, the line of the splits being co-linear with the direction of the tractive force exerted from either end of the two elements in use, the splits being adapted to form hooks in each of the elements able to cooperate with each other so as to attach the separate elements together, and the elements being adapted to articulate with each other following attachment and in the absence of any locking device.

The complementary means of attachment incorporated into items in accordance with this aspect are constituted by strips of material cut as cooperating hooks. This arrangement is generally achieved by having the complementary means of attachment comprise enlarged portions provided in each of the elements to be attached together. Each of the enlarged portions may be substantially circular in shape and partially split along a radial line; the splits will generally commence at the outer edges of the enlarged portions furthest away from each other. For most secure attachment, the splits will extend across approximately one half of the width of the enlarged portions in a direction towards each other.

The enlarged portions may be equipped with a secondary interlocking mechanism, for example in the form of symmetrical radial cuts, for the purpose of providing a pre-determined degree of deflection in the elements attached to the enlarged portions. At least one of the splits may not extend to any edge of the portion of the material in which it is located. In such a circumstance, the split in question forms an eye-shaped hook.

The advantage of an eye-shaped hook is that the mechanism lies flatter against the artefact in use. Although there is a slight loss of symmetry the loss is of an acceptable order. The enlargements do not have to be circular; they may be another shape, such as an ellipse. Elliptical enlargements may be partially split along a line from the circumference to either focus or to a line joining the two foci; the split may extend beyond the focus or line.

Whatever the shape of the enlargements, the outer edge (circumference, if circular or elliptical) of one of them may be configured as a ratchet, adapted to engage with the split on the other enlargement so as to provide a degree of deflection which can be applied variably in the elements attached thereto.

Items in accordance with this aspect possess the advantage of being equipped with an extremely simple mechanism which is particularly suitable for joining the ends of subdivided headbands together, the mechanism being held in place by the pressure exerted by the artefact. The advantage of such a mechanism is greatly enhanced by the fact that the two parts of the mechanism can be identically or symmetrically shaped to each other, or so nearly symmetrically shaped that the same coloured art work can be used for both sides of the material.

Where the two parts of the mechanism are capable of flexing and/or articulating with respect to each other they can be left to find their own position which will vary according, inter alia, to the size and shape of the artefact. Alternatively, they can be locked or hooked together in a different position and fixed so as to change the presentation, for example by lateral displacement, of ears in a desired manner. As indicated above, such a locking mechanism can take the form of symmetrically placed short slits in each portion or a ratchet. By this means, ears can be made to extend over a greater area than would otherwise be possible given the dimensions of the piece.

A limited range of adjustment can be incorporated into the mechanism by replacing a part of the length of the splits by tearable perforations. Such a device is likely, however, to be of more use in connection with a chin band, where other forms of adjustment may not be present, than with a headband.

Sub-division of an elongate element such as a headband with a view to attachment of the separate parts in use will inevitably, in the absence of countervailing measures, bring about an effective reduction in the length of the element. This is because a tab and a slot have to be inserted in-board of the inner extremities of the separate parts and these have to overlap in order to engage with each other. The present invention provides a joining mechanism able to extend the length of one or both separate parts.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material, which may be a portion lying to one side of the split and comprising a headband element, being formed into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment being adapted to reduce and/or maintain and/or extend the combined length of the separate parts following attachment, the means of attachment comprising at least one tab and at least one slot and at least one element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the element being partially cut round and foldable outwardly in such a way as to extend the length of the separate part wherein it is placed, the said element either comprising a tab and/or incorporating a tab or tabs or incorporating a slot or slots.

Items in accordance with the present aspect are provided with a joining mechanism which is capable of extending the aggregate length of the portions to be attached beyond what it would otherwise be. In preferred embodiments the amount of extension available is such as to make the overall length of the attached parts greater than their individual dimensions notwithstanding the foreshortening effect of tab and slot mechanism per se.

Items in accordance with present aspect are able to possess a further advantage in the facility which is afforded for adjusting the aggregate length of the separate portions following attachment. The amount of adjustment may be sufficient in the case of a headband to encompass a wide range of artefact sizes. When combined with perforations at the ends of the splits, the range of adjustment can be even more substantial.

The importance of this aspect is the greater on account of the uncertainty as to the acceptability of perforated splits as a means of adjustment in certain consumer markets for products in accordance with the invention.

Perforations, for all their undoubted advantages when applied to headwear made from paper-board of average quality and sold in the street, may not be practical where the flexible material is coated board of high quality, or plastic, or where the headwear is destined for the world of designer fashion or institutional usage. Even in the case of ordinary paper-board there is a tradeoff necessary between the advantages and disadvantages of perforations which are set well apart and are unlikely to tear accidentally but which leave jagged edges in the paper to the extent that they are torn deliberately and perforations which are close set and tear easily and cleanly but tear too readily.Perforations generally suffer from the disadvantage that, once torn, they can not be put back together and this places a premium on the consumer getting it right and not over-tearing while attempting so to do. A further possibly adverse factor is introduced by the incompatibility of perforated splits when used in association with certain of the constructions now disclosed. The difficulties in this respect in relation to constructions incorporating folds along the line of a split in conjunction with an interlocking mechanism or involving a headband being "turned inside out" - as happens with embodiments of the fifteenth and twentieth aspects - have already been noted.

The use of perforations along with other means for adapting headwear to fit a range of artefact sizes may be avoided altogether by the use of a relatively heavy grade of cardboard or other flexible material the headband being provided with a split corresponding to the largest artefact size envisaged. The material must be sufficiently elastic to spring against the front surface of the artefact and the back surface of the artefact regardless of its precise size. Such a configuration may, however, be unsightly and may not lend itself to the more complex of the constructions made possible by the present invention. It will not be suitable for topical headwear in accordance with the seventysecond aspect, infra, where the headwear may occupy less than one half of the sheet on which it is provided.With all headwear made from paper there is a premium on keeping the material as light as possible have regard to the other requirements of the construction.

The device whereby the separate portions are extended takes the form of an element comprising an enclosed cut-out which is partially cut round so as to provide an inner portion which is capable of being outwardly foldable. The shape of the element is elongate and may be rectangular or radiused so as to correspond to the general shape of the headband element in which it is inserted. The short dimension of the foldable portion nearest to the other portion of the headband forms a hinge which lies across the horizontal axis of the outer portion. The hinge will be located in-board of the inner extremity of the outer portion to the extent required to ensure that in use it does not accidentally tear to an outer edge.The foldable portion of the enclosed cutout is activated by being pressed out of the surrounding material and folded along the line of the hinge in the direction of the other portion, thereby bridging the gap.

In preferred embodiments identically shaped foldable enclosed cut-outs are provided in both parts of the headband which, following activation, overlap each other. An arrangement of tabs and slots is provided within the cut-outs which allows a degree of variation in the effective length of the headband following engagement of at least one tab with at least one slot. Where the elements comprising an enclosed cut-out are curved the bases of the tabs and the slots provided therein may be arranged radially in a concentric manner.

An additional device can be incorporated whereby the foldable portion of an enclosed cut-out which has been folded is captured by the other headband portion in addition to being secured to it by means of the engagement of one or more tabs and slots. A capturing device may prevent tabs inadvertently slipping out of slots and may produce a better lie of the headband against the surface of the artefact..

Constructions are possible in which the enclosed cut-outs themselves form tabs, engaging with complementary slots in the other portions. Notches or ratchet-type serration's, can be provided along an edge of such a foldable portion so as to fix its position. Additionally, or alternatively, adjustment can be afforded by varying the length of the tab according to the point at which it is folded. Creases and calibration assisting and indicating the position of engagement or the fold appropriate to a particular artefact size can be provided. In use the tab may be secured in its folded position by being tucked between the outer part of the headband and the artefact. Such an embodiment, in its less developed forms, has the virtue of simplicity.

It is also possible to produce embodiments of this aspect in which the range of adjustment is increased by providing a foldable portion with perforations allowing it to be optionally left in situ. In such circumstances it may be necessary to provide for tabs to be folded across their base line so as to reverse their operational direction.

The present invention provides a further attachment mechanism which, by employing either a single slot or a pair of elongate slots and one or more sliding tabs, can be used in the majority of instances where an adjustable headband is required.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material, which may be a portion lying to one side of the split and comprising a headband element, being formed into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment being adapted to reduce and/or maintain and/or extend the combined length of the separate parts following attachment, the means of attachment comprising at least one tab and at least one slot, the slot being an elongate split not extending to any edge of the material, the split adapted to permit the tab to slide along its length and to engage with the material as it does so.

Items in accordance with this aspect are not so readily adaptable as those in accordance with the preceding aspect to extend the overall effective length of separate parts of a subdivided headband or, indeed, to make good the reduction on account of the inclusion of a joining mechanism. The reduction is not, however, very considerable (in preferred embodiments, a total of 40 mm to 60 mm) and may be considered a small price to pay for what would seem to represent a significant step forward in the art.

In its simplest form, the device consists of a tab acting at right angles and engaging with an elongate slot. A plurality of positions is thereby afforded.

The mechanism secures the two parts effectively into a single plane at the point of engagement but must rely upon other agencies (such as pressure against the surface of the artefact in use, friction, notches, a ratchet, additional tabs and additional slots, etc.) for any other kind of positional stability.

Attachment devices comprising oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with the edges of an elongate slit or slits are employed in two known stationary products which are the subject of UK-A-9404124.1 (Corbishley) and US-91/02739 (Crisanti). The subjects of the two documents are respectively a file wallet and a band formed into a continuous loop for the purpose of securing documents. In the case of the file wallet the attachment device provides means whereby two flaps are able to slide against each other.

In such an application frictional resistance is avoided. In the case of the band formed into a loop the arrangement is such that the girth has to be predetermined and, in the absence of frictional resistance, is then fixed by means of a locking tab. Neither document discloses the benefits which flow from the present invention In a preferred embodiment of this aspect a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided in one part of a subdivided headband and a single elongate slot is provided in the other part. The tabs operate along the same vertical axis, comprising one large tab and one small tab, the base of the small tab being inside the base of the large tab. The engagement of the respective bases of tabs with the sides of the slot along a section of its length prevents any significant rotation of the part of the headband in which they are provided in relation to the other part.The corresponding increase in friction is such as to inhibit the tendency of the tabs to slide long the slot once manual adjustment has taken place.

In another preferred embodiment of this aspect a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided in one part of a subdivided headband and a single elongate slot is provided in the other part. The tabs operate along the same vertical axis, comprising one large tab and one small tab, the base of the small tab being inside the base of the large tab. The engagement of the respective bases of tabs with the sides of the slot along a section of its length prevents any significant rotation of the part of the headband in which they are provided in relation to the other part. The corresponding increase in friction is such as to inhibit the tendency of the tabs to slide long the slot once manual adjustment has taken place.

In another preferred embodiment of this aspect a pair of oppositely directed tabs operating along the same vertical axis are provided in one part of a subdivided headband and a pair of elongate parallel slots is provided in the other part, the tabs being adapted to engage with the slots. The tabs are of equal size and arranged so that their bases are parallel but separated by approximately the distance between the slots.

In the most preferred embodiments of the present aspect both parts of a subdivided headband are provided with an identical arrangement in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is located at the end of each part of the headband, in-board of which tabs either a single or a pair of elongate parallel slots adapted to engage with the tabs are positioned. Such constructions possess significant advantages over any other known means of attachment as applied to headwear made from paper or paper-board. If the width of the slots exactly corresponds to the distance between the bases of the tabs, allowing for a small amount of clearance (commensurate, inter alia, with the thickness of the material) the two portions of material can be made to slide alongside each other without difficulty.Once the piece is positioned on the head, the pressure from the artefact and the curvature imparted to the mechanism adds to the inherent frictional force to lock the two parts firmly together in whatever position has been selected. With a small amount of experience it is possible to make the final adjustment when the headwear is in position on the artefact. The necessity for doing even this may be obviated by the provision of a graduated scale showing the position of the tabs vis-a-vis the slots relative to specific artefact sizes.

While in many applications there is little to choose between the two configurations referred to in the preceding paragraph each has its advantages and disadvantages. The single slot device can be more easily inserted into a narrow headband element or other portion of material. The length of the material taken up by its tab array, however, is 50 per cent greater than that required by the tabs appropriate to a pair of slots.

The extent of the frictional force mainly depends upon whether or not a combination of tab and slot elements are present in both parts of the headband. The friction generated b! a pair of opposed tabs engaging with a single slot is approximately the same as that generated by a pair of opposed tabs engaging with a pair of slots. It should be noted, however, that the frictional force is also influenced by pressure from the artefact and the curvature imparted by the artefact in use and this is apt to be greater in the case of opposed tabs engaging with a pair of slots than opposed tabs engaging with a single slot. Adjustment of the double slot device may accordingly be slightly more coarse but stability following adjustment mav be correspondingly greater.

Constructions in which a combination of a pair of tabs and either a single elongate slot or a pair of elongate slots is provided in both parts of the headband possess the further advantages of simplicity in appearance and operation. Articulation of the two parts with respect to each other is to all intents and purposes eliminated. The device is self-capturing and no loose ends of headband are left to flap about. The tabs may be arranged in such a manner that their vertical axes are coaxial and the slots may be arranged along a curved line so as to correspond to the curvature of the headband in which they are inserted. Surfaces for calibration are available and a raised tablike element (having nothing to do with the actual attachment means) can be provided for the purpose of assisting in the drawing the two parts of the headband together or apart.In preferred embodiments "adjustment-only" tabs are provided to each of the separate parts in a way in which both are placed on the outside. In use the headband can be first adjusted to a smaller size than will be required and then, by means of the adjustment tabs being held between finger and thumb, gently extended until the right setting is achieved.

The mechanism can be incorporated into a headband which possesses other means of enlargement such as perforations. It is of particular value in configurations where a reduction in the length of a headband is in any event required, for example where another portion of the headband is folded along the line of a curve.

Embodiments incorporating more sophisticated constructions are available.

In one particular embodiment notches (which may take the form of a ratchet) are incorporated. In another embodiment a tab arrangement in which two tabs comprising a pair are horizontally aligned with one tab being folded about the line of its base so as to become an opposed tab. This tab may be captured by a further split in the other portion (additional to the split acting as a slot for the tabs) and/or secured in position in use by being placed between the headband and the artefact. Such arrangements are hardly necessary in view of the inherent positional properties of the mechanism as described above. Of more value may be the construction in which an elongate split or a pair or two pairs of elongate splits are provided within a foldable enclosed cut-out, in a manner similar to that described in the previous aspect.Such a device will extend the overall effective length of a headband albeit at some disadvantage in terms of appearance and stability.

It is possible to produce embodiments in accordance with the present aspect in which the two parts of a headband, each equipped with a pairs of elongate slots, are brought together and attached to a third portion in which are provided the opposed tabs. The overall length of the two parts of the headband will be adjustable vis-à-ris each other. The third portion will join the other two portions at right angles so as to form a "T". In preferred embodiments the "T"is inverted. In a variation of this embodiment the third portion is provided with an arm at either end of which are a pair of tabs. This device can be used to extend the aggregate dimensions of the separate parts in which the slots are incorporated.

In another variation one portion of an item of headwear is equipped with a pair of parallel elongate slots and a second portion with opposed tabs, the second portion being adapted to engage with the first portion at right angles.

Such a construction can be used to provide a joining mechanism which permits one portion to move laterally with regard to the other after attachment has taken place.

Headwear for human beings incorporating a mask or similar form of concealment is likely to find a ready market overseas in countries where carnival is celebrated immediately before Easter and will also have a part to play in the celebration of Halloween and where an individual seeks anonymity. It may be noted that in the time of the Venetian Republic masks were in everyday use and were considered an essential concomitant of the individual's right to privacy. So much was this the case that during one period the wearing of masks at the theatre was mandatory.

The text of the specification of GOA-2178299 envisages that an extension depending from the lower portion of the headband might function not only as an eye shade (an embodiment of which is illustrated at Figure 14 of GB-A2178299) but also as a face mask. Tho embodiments cited and illustrated in the first application did not however include any item of headwear incorporating a mask. It has been found in practice that an extension made from a partially flexible material such as paper or paper-board which is dependent from the headband and attached thereto along its entire length strikes the wearer's nose.For this reason the dependent extension while acting as a mask does not take up the vertical position in front of the face which would be assumed by a mask made from a material as flexible as fabric and secured by traditional means such as elastic. A mask depending from the headband in the manner of the eye shade embodiment would therefore be unlikely to find favour with wearers. although artefacts are by no means always provided with a protuberance resembling a nose the requirement to keep faithfully to the design appropriate to full size headwear means that constructions providing a solution to the nose problem referred to will find a useful roll where artefacts are concerned.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material comprising a downward extension from the headband and/or ears adapted to conceal (had the item been designed to be worn by a human being) all or part of the wearer's facial features, the said extended portion being either connected to the headband and/or ears by a relatively small section or sections along its upper edge, or comprising in part a visor, the extended portion being provided with a hole or holes to facilitate (had the item been designed to be worn by a human being) the wearer's forward vision.

Items in accordance with this aspect would, in an human headwear environment, provide a degree of anonymity for the wearer by incorporating a portion of material extended downwards from the lower or lowermost split in use in a way which provides concealment for all or part of the features of the face. As already stated, such a possibility is alluded to in the specification of the original application but no method of achieving it is disclosed.Face masks, as already indicated, are by no means uncommon elsewhere in the prior art but there is no known example in which a portion of flexible material formed into a mask is positioned in front of the wearer's face by being suspended from a headband configured in accordance with the inventions disclosed in the original application and in the present application, the last mentioned concerning itself with versions designed to fit artefacts.

Items in accordance with this aspect are equipped with the means to assume a substantially vertical position nohvithstanding the contours of the wearer's face, the nose in particular. In embodiments incorporating a mask of limited size where only the area of the face surrounding the eyes is covered (such as, for example, is worn by Harlequin in the Commedia dell 'Arte and are frequently to be observed in paintings of Venetian life by the Eighteenth Century master Pietro Longhi), a single point of connection between the mask portion and the headband portion is found to be satisfactory, the lower portion of the mask being shaped to avoid the wearer's nose.Where the mask is required to cover the whole of the wearer's face or to accommodate spectacles complementary attachment means may be provided, the arrangement being such as to allow the mask portion to assume a vertical position which stands away from the face, vertical folds can be provided at the sides which wrap them round so as to afford concealment of the features when viewed from the side. Additional attachment means may be provided to enable the extended portion to be attached to another part of the headwear. An arrangement may be incorporated into the design which allows the mask portion to be optionally secured in a position in which it ceases to conceal the wearer's features.

A mask which in human headwear terms is suitable (in human headwear terms) for wearers of spectacles is provided by a further group of preferred erribodiments of the present aspect in which the mask portion depends from a visor-type extension to a convex curved split headband. Alternatively the holes allowing forward vision are inserted in the visor portion itself, enabling it to be worn low over the face. Such eye holes may lend themselves to ornamentation which can take the form, not inappropriately it may be thought, of eyelash-shaped elements which are folded above the upper surface of the visor in use. Similarly configured eye holes may be provided in masks of the kind referred to in the preceding paragraph.

The present invention provides a further form of concealment (in human headwear terms) of the facial features not previously found in the art, in which the masking component is formed by vertical strips of flexible material.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material comprising a downward extension from the headband and/or ears being adapted so that (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) it would conceal all or part of the wearer's facial features, the portion being divided by splits into a plurality' of elongate vertical strips of material.

Items in accordance with this aspect offer a different form of mask to that which is the subject of the previous aspect. The elongate vertical strips are of sufficient length relative to their width as to readily deflect when impinged upon by the wearer's features but are nevertheless sufficiently resilient to remain close together and provide an effective degree of concealment.

Embodiments in accordance with this aspect feature a number of different forms of vertical strip in the same way as does the wound portion of a spiral split which is the subject of the fourth aspect of this invention. The lines described by the edges of the vertical strip can be parallel or they can take a number of other forms. The width of the strips and the distance between them can be varied, their length relative to each other can be varied and the strips can be so configured as to not extend to the lower edge of the portion of material in which they are provided, so that they are in effect captured by a horizontal strip of material. The lower ends of certain of the elongate strips may be enlarged, and other of the strips may be narrowed and/or cut short in the manner of a fringe composed of a number of strings of beads.

Further differentiation in the vertical strips can be provided by arranging for some of the strips to be folded upwards and others to remain in situ. The strips may be folded upwardly and through the split or splits or otherwise secured in place. Some or all of the strips can be provided with a series of substantially horizontal folds which will have a corrugating effect. As with embodiments of the previous aspect the face masking portion may be provided in association with a visor depending from a convex curved split headband.

The present invention provides a further construction which is capable of being used in a way which conceals (in human headwear terms) the wearer's features although its intended purpose is more likely to be that of a fashion accessory rather than one of a functional kind.

According to thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being provided with a multiplicity of holes so as to be largely perforate.

Items incorporating a perforate portion of material in accordance with this aspect are akin to traditional articles of millinery which are equipped with a veil, the perforate portion providing concealment for the wearer's features while permitting forward vision, or acting as what may be thought to be an enticing decorative embellishment, or both As with a traditional veil, the portion of material may configured so that it can be positioned so as to conceal or not to conceal at the wearer's option.

Wide variations in the shape and incidence of the perforated holes and in the shape and dimensions of the portion in which they are contained are possible.

The holes may form a patterned array. The degree of concealment afforded will in part depend upon size of the holes relative to the width of the material between them. In embodiments in accordance with this aspect a balance is struck between the degree of concealment and the forward vision of the wearer. As in the milliner's art, it is.not essential for perforate portions of material in the nature of a purely decorative veil to be positioned in front of the wearer's face.

In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the largely perforate portion is formed by a downward extension of a headband element and is positioned in front of and so as to conceal all or part of the features of the wearer. Alternatively or additionally, the largely perforate portion can be attached to the ears or to another part of the headwear. As is the case with the two preceding aspects, the portion concealing the face may be provided in association with a convex curved split headband from which may depend a visor.

Headwear made in accordance with the invention disclosed in GB-A-2178299 and the present application will provide an ideal vehicle for the expression of a point of view on a topical and on occasion controversial issue. In addition to the facility for attaching and detaching ears which is disclosed in GB-A2178299, and to which reference has already been made, GB-A-2178299 provides another method whereby a wearer is able to express his or her own, and possibly contrary, opinion. This takes the form of a facility to attach and detach by means of a tab and slot arrangement separate pieces of material ("plaques") to and from ears located at the ends of the headband. An embodiment of such a device is illustrated at Figure 12 of GB-A-2178299.

These plaques are capable of bearing a message which can either be extempore or pre-printed.

Other than as described above GB-A-2178299 makes no provision for the wearer to express an opinion or to modify or negate any opinion implicit in the headwear design itself. The devices disclosed are useful but are not suitable for all purposes. The lack of an effective facility would be likely to restrict sales of the headwear and to limit its value as a communication mediurn in both human head and artefact applications. The present invention accordingly provides a varies of additional constructions permitting the wearer or user of an item of headwear to express an opinion and/or to convey information according to the wearer's or user's own choosing.

The ability to present to the front either side of a non-permanent extension attached to a headband is one of the means by which the information conveyed by an item of headwear can be varied. This facility can be retained even if the non-permanent extension is joined to the headband or to some other part of the headwear by a tether.

A number of alternative forms of construction for conveying variable information are provided by the present invention. Among these are a thumb tab which is adapted, literally, to be pressed into use and a windmilllike device in which two or more placards revolve around a fixed point which point is capable of being located at the back of the artefact so that only one of the placards will be in view at 2 time. Another device consists of a placard which can be made to partially rotate about its horizontal axis so that either the front or the back will be in iew at one time.

A first of this group of constructions to be described consists of a moveable tick (or other symbol) which can be partially inserted into one or other of slits associated with two boxes marked "Yes" and "No" which are prorninently depicted on the headwear. Further boxes can be made available, including one marked "Don't Know".

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitan- construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being provided with one or more elongate strip portions, each elongate strip portion having or being integrally connected to a display area, eacv display area being adapted to be separately attached to the headwear in use in such a way as to be visible (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) to others when the headwear is worn on a wearer's head.

Items in accordance with this aspect possess the advantage of providing the user with a choice as regards the visual information displayed by the headwear. The user may exercise the choice by taking a decision as to whether to discard or deploy one or more of the elongate strip portions of the headwear. These portions can be configured in such a way as to be capable of being removed from the headwear and discarded without materially affecting the aesthetic qualities of the headwear, the connecting strips in preferred embodiments being relatively narrow in comparison with the display area and perforations being provided to ensure that any signs of tearing or other evidence of the discarded portion are kept to a minimum.To facilitate deployment means of attachment may be provided, the portion taking up a new position which is prominently visible to an onlooker.

In preferred embodiments words and symbols are juxtaposed at the point of deployment in such a manner as to convey the desired information in a manner that leaves no doubt. Ticks, crosses and boxes, and well known hand signs such as the "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" are utilised. Headwear in accordance with this aspect is particularly suitable for use in connection with those issues of the day which have the effect of polarising public opinion.

In a further preferred embodiment the portion of material which can be discarded or re deployed is positioned to the side of the headwear in a manner deliberately reminiscent of the ticket or tab placed in the hat band, a practice formerly favoured by journalists. The portion can be pre-printed or left blank for the wearer to insert a name or other words as desired.

In certain circumstances a device which is less obtrusive both before and after deployment, than that described above may be found to be more suitable.

According to a thirt-seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material incorporating an enclosed cut-out, the periphery of the enclosed cut-out being suitably proportioned and partly cut-roundand/or partly provided with perforations so as to permit the enclosed portion to be readily raised above the surface of the surrounding area by pressure from a thumb or other manual means, thereby to be brought more prominently to view in use.

Embodiments in accordance with this aspect will become more effective as members of the public become familiar with the invention. A simple thumb tab possesses the particular advantage that, when dormant, it barely impinges upon the general appearance of the headwear. It is considered that the deployment of such a device will be the more effective if it is governed by an established protocol.

The configuration of a thumb tab will vary slightly according to whether it is provided in a surface occupying a vertical plane in use or one which occupies a horizontal plane, as occurs for example with certain embodiments of the fifty-second aspect, infra. In the former case the thumb tab is rotated through 180 degrees to bring it into a vertical plane. In the latter case the rotation is through 180 degrees so as to bring the reverse surface to view.

In certain embodiments of the present aspect additional means of attachment to the remainder of the headwear are provided for the purpose of securing the thumb tab in position after activation. In the same or other embodiments two or more thumb tabs are provided, the tabs being capable of being activated one at a time or simultaneously.

From a manufacturing and marketing standpoint thumb tabs possess the advantage that they are unobtrusive and can be incorporated into almost any other kind of headwear produced in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the present document on an "as and when required" basis.

It is also possible to incorporated into an item of headwear made in accordance with the present invention a sliding element by means of which the information displayed is varied according to the position of the element.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headwear also comprising a slide device adapted to slidably engage so as to capture separately one or more of the elements forming a headband in use, wherein the slide device can move from a first position to a second position Items provided in accordance with this aspect offer the wearer of headwear the opportunity to express an opinion as in the case of items of headwear configured in accordance with the preceding aspects. The means whereby such expression is achieved are however, not the same. The slide element can be a separate portion of material; for preference, however, the slide element is attached to the main body of the headwear by means of an elongate strip of material acting as a tethe;. In this way, the principle of unitary construction is adhered to. The tether may, for example, be configured as a spiral.

A headband slide can also be used for the purpose of drawing an upper and a lower headband together so as to indicate visually (in a human headwear application) the size of the wearer's head. In a preferred embodiment the upper and lower headband elements are considerable longer that is necessary to accommodate the artefact. In use an ear at one end of the headband is lodged firmly against the side of the head in the usual way and the ear at the other end of the headband is some distance away from the artefact. The two headband elements on the side of the ear second mentioned are enclosed by a sliding element which draws them together at a point as close to the head as possible.The sliding element is able to act as a cursor and to be provided with a window and an arrow-shaped pointer, one part of headband being appropriately calibrated.

Such a device was illustrated at Figure 41 of GOA-2178299 but no provision was made either for unitary construction or for the stress which is imposed upon the sliding element as it endeavours to bring the two parts of the headband into a single plane at the side of the artefact.

It has been ascertained that for such a device to be fully functional the cursor must combine properties of rigidity with the facility to capture the two parts of the headband individually. At the same time if it is to preserve the principal of unitary construction it must do so by, in effect, wrapping round the two parts of the headband while at the same time keeping them apart. The present application discloses such a device, reproducing a construction employed in a human head sized version. For aesthetic reasons it is also necessary for the tether, which in a preferred embodiment is provided between the cursor and an ear enlargement, to be raligned at the cursor end.Without such realignment the tether, which in the preferred embodiment is presented as a depiction of a silken ribbon of the kind which might be found on a scientific instrument, is distorted into a plane which is rather more horizontal than vertical thereby flying in the face of gravity. The construction allows for the re-alignment means to be concealed from view between the front and rear panels of the cursor.

The present aspect provides a unitary construction for the cursor. In a preferred embodiment three rectangular panels are joined to each other by foldable portions acting as hinges and are held together, after the headband elements have been positioned, by means of tabs connected to one panel and threaded through slots located in the other panels. The hinged portions keep the headband elements at a short distance from each other, the elements being provided in a parallel manner but with the two sides of the intervening split not being contiguous. The dimensions of the piece are such as to allow the cursor to slide along the headband elements so as to tighten them against the side of the head (in the present context that is to say artefact) and remain in that position. An enclosed cut-out forming a window in the panel which is placed in front of the headband elements and the other panels in use reveals a graduated scale in the headband element positioned at the front of the artefact. A pointer incorporated into the lower edge of the window indicates, in conjunction with markings or. the scale, the size of a wearer's head, in the case of an artefact, imaginary.

The realignment of the tether takes place at the point of connection to the cursor and is achieved by interposing a connecting strip which is twice folded laterally through 180 degrees so as to largely conceal it between the cursor's panels, the angles of fold across the long axis of the strip being 90 degrees and 45 degrees respectively.

The present invention affords a further means of presenting a range of information in the form of a rotational device.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, two or more further portions of the material being provided, one adapted to be fixed in position relative to the remainder of the headwear the other or others adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the fixed portion by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

The portion defining the male element may be in the form of a hub and/or interlock with the portion defining the female element. The portion defining the male element and/or the portion defining the female element may be provided with a respective annular collar, which may have a plurality of (for example four or more) cuts extending radially outwardly to its outside edge.

The innermost and outermost ends of the cuts, if provided in the portion defining male element, may be of a lesser and greater diameter, respectively, than the female element; alternarively, the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts, if provided in portion defining the female element may be of a greater and lesser diameter, respectively, than the diameter of the male element. Material on each portion beys even the cuts can act as tabs, capable of being positioned on either side of the other portion so as to act as an interlocking mechanism. The rotatable element may be provided with one or more radial, or substantially radial, arms.

It is possible for a single male element to act as a hub and interlock with a plurality of female elements and in certain embodiments the insertion of washers of a slightly larger external diameter than the annular collars of the female elements can be employed with advantage for the purpose of reducing the risk of the radial arms catching on other portions of the mechanism.

It is possible for the display area to be provided in the form of a circularshaped portion at the centre of which either the male or the female element is located. In such a construction the circular-shaped portion takes the place of the radial arms, The circular-shaped portion may be captured, typically at its circumference, by another portion of the headwear in a way which permits the rotation required to bring the appropriate areas of the circular-shaped portion into view. A window can be provided in the other portion for the purpose of revealing and excluding matter as required.

One or more further arms can be attached to the radial arms, utilising similar male and female elements to those previously described at the point of attachment for the purpose of facilitating the manipulation of the radial arms.

Pendular elements can be made to depend from the arms which elements are adapted to respond to rotation of the arms.

Male and female elements of the kind provided in accordance with the present aspect can be used as an attachment mechanism. Such elements can, for example, be use to join together the separate parts of a subdivided headband. The elements can be use either for that purpose only or in combination with one or more rotational elements.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect offer wearers another means of expressing an opinion upon a public issue. In a preferred embodiment the rotatable element is equipped with two arms which are set at an angle of 140 degrees in relation to each other. At the ends of the arms furthest from the hub enlarged display areas, for example in the form of plaques, may be provided on which can be displayed symbols, words or other indicia.

Alternatively the display areas can be shaped as symbols. In repose the two arms slant downwards from the hub so that they and the display areas at the extremities are hidden behind the artefact or ears which may be incorporated in the headwear. When activated either display area can be made to appear to view, for example above the artefact, the other display area remaining hidden from view.

Two or more separately rotatable portions of the headwear can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, such separately rotatable portions comprise similar or identical female elements provided with annular collars free of radial cuts.

Embodiments of this aspect incorporating pendular elements are likely to have as a primary object the attracting of attention. Used in conjunction with arms incorporated into the construction for the purpose of manipulation, such pendular elements can be made to assume an up and down "jiggling" motion.

Embodiments are possible in which the fixed element and/or the rotatable element or elements are in a curved plane in use. Such a configuration will be found in a case where the fixed portion is incorporated into and forms part of a headband. Provided that the fixed element is the male element curvature of such an order can be accommodated without difficulty.

It is possible for the rotatable portion or portions to be linked to the fixed portion of the device, or to another portion of the headwear, by an elongate strip of material acting as a tether. In this way the principle of unitary construction will be adhered to. In preferred embodiments the headwear is generally of unitary construction save for the portion or portions capable of rotation.

A somewhat different device whereby a portion of the headwear is rotated in relation to the remainder for the purpose of varying the information displayed is the subject of a further aspect of the present invention.

According to a fortieth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order oi one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headwear being provided with an element which is connected to one or more supporting members so that it is free to rotate through 180 degrees, the result of such rotation being that one side or the other (tie obverse or the reverse) of the rotatable element is presented to view in use.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect provide a particularly useful method of varying the visual information presented by an item of headwear.

In certain embodiments a representation of a framed picture or photograph is rotated, in others the picture or photograph itself is rotated within the frame. Rotation can take place about a horizontal, vertical or other axis. A locking mechanism is desirable and is a relatively simple matter to provide, the hinge mechanism acting as a spring and holding the rotated portion firmly in position against a protuberance provided for the purpose in the remainder of the headwear. One method whereby a protuberance can be provided is to make the cut-out comprising the rotated portion asymmetrical about the axis of rotation It is possible for rotation of the surface to be viewed to take place about either 2 horizontal or a vertical axis one or more folds about the line of a crease being provided for the purpose. Where the axis is vertical either a single point of connection or two points of connection to the fixed element, respectively located at the top and bottom of the rotatable element, may be provided. Where the axis of rotation is horizontal (two points of connection on either side of the rotatable element being provided the subject, even if partially in view when in the reverse position, will be upside down and accordingly largely visually disengaged. In the case of a vertical rotation the subject will be the right way up, whether seen in its obverse or reverse positions. and in certain applications this will be what the designer requires.In preferred embodiments it is only the picture which rotates, the frame (which surrounds the picture, carries the written message and acts as a support) remaining stationary. Alternatively, support for the rotatable element may be provided by curved, straight or other shaped members on either side.

Locking mechanisms may act upon the point of rotation, tabs extending from one element engaging with corresponding slots in the other element, or may take the form of an attachment device adapted to secure the rotatable element to an upper or lower headband. The stress imparted as a result of the activation of such a locking device may add rigidity to the construction.

The scope offered by such a rotational device of the kind provided in accordance with this aspect for a wearer of headwear to express an opinion or a preference is obvious.

As in architecture, arches perform a valuable function in headwear design on account of their inherent strength and the opportunities which they offer for applied decoration. Other open structures which are rectangular or triangular in shape are possessed of similar properties, albeit not necessarily to the same extent According to a forty-first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a headband extension above or below the headband providing or contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect acquire a degree of rigidity as a result of the stress imparted by the curvature of the artefact to elongate members which are extended upwards from the portion of the material constituting a headband so as to form a continuous element above what would be, where the headwear is to be won by a human being, the wearer's head.

GB-A-2178299 discloses four embodiments (illustrated at Figures 13, 31, 32 and 33) in which elongate curved elements extended from ears located at the extremities of a headband, come together above the wearer's head in the form of a continuous arch. The advantages to be derived from an arch or other like-shaped structure extending from: a headband rather than the ears are not, however, appreciated in GOA-217299.

The degree of rigidity enjoyed by extensions from headbands can be further increased by the insertion of pairs of parallel folds along the long axis of the elongate elements, the cumulative effect of such folds being to step one portion of an element forward or backward of the other. The insertion of three parallel folds to produce a box section will bring a further increase in rigidity.

An alternative configuration, and the most practicable one where the elongate elements are curved so as to forrr. an arch, is the subdivision of the elements along their length into separate strips which are connected to each other at intervals by narrow and short bridles. The provision of pairs of folds parallel to each other and to the long axis or the adjoining elongate element at either end of these bridges enables one elongate strip to be stepped forward or backward of the other. In the case of cun-ed elements which it is desired to provide in a substantially vertical plane the outer strip will require to be shortened, the most preferred method being by the insertion of a tuck. The stepping forward or backward will require to be continued down through the headband from which the elongate element is extended.

In certain preferred embodiments projecting portions from a continuous elongate element extended from a headband are equipped with means of attachment to ears. Projecting elements may be extended inwardly and outwardly from the continuous element and either subjected to lateral folds or left unfolded.

Among the other possible constructions in accordance with this aspect are headband-mounted arches within ear-mounted arches (with or without connecting elements or elements extended from one arch and provided with means of attachment to the other), enclosed cut-outs mounted above and below a headband, and enclosed cut-outs which become continuous following the attachment of the separate parts of which they are comprised.

It is possible, in the case of the last mentioned, to incorporate adjustable means of attachment which allow for the distortion stemming from the curvature of the artefact.

With the incorporation of appropriate folds, a continuous element such as an arch or a triangle extended from a headband can be made to assume a horizontal position in front of the head. Where necessary, a locking device to secure the horizontal alignment can be provided. In a preferred embodiment, in which the extension depends from a headband element, the folds consist of a pair matching 180 degree folds, bringing the extension above the headband, and a pair of matching 90 degree folds to bring it into a horizontal plane. The angle of the 90 degree folds across the long axis of the extension largely determines the final configuration.

A further device which is able to ralign the plane of the curved element, and strengthen it at the same time, is available in the form of matching pairs of 180 degree folds which, when incorporated into the vertical sections of the arch, have the effect of doubling-up a section of the structure and shortening it. A locking mechanism to keep the pairs of folds in place can be provided. A lock may not be necessary if the arch in its entirety is further subjected to a curved fold, the line of the fold running along the central axis of the arch.

Although, as stated above, GOA-2178299 discloses five embodiments in which enclosed cut-outs are mounted at the extremities of a headband beyond the portion containing the split or splits, the application took no account of the deflection from the flat plane which will occur as a result of the reduction in the distance between the mounting points when the headwear is placed upon the head. The present invention provides the means whereby such deflection can be reduced or prevented.

According to forty-second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to acconunodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension mounted on the headband and/or ears at the ends of the headband providing or contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the element being provided with means whereby its deflection from a flat plane in use is reduced or prevented.

The element may be a dependent extension folded upwards and/or outwards so as to be placed above, in front of or behind the artefact in use or it may be an upward extension folded with similar effect.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect counter the problem of deflection either by the incorporation into the element crossing over the top of the artefact of one or more pairs of folds, which folds acting in opposite directions and may be locked into position, and/or by subdividing the element into two portions, the element being effectively shortened in the course of attachment. An alternative arrangement is available which proportions the element crossing over the top of the artefact to a size appropriate to what is required in use (the dimensions calculated on the basis that the headband is already circling the head) means of attachment to the headband being provided and the principle of unitary construction being preserved by the incorporation of a tether.A further alternative is a construction which leaves the dimensions of the element crossing over the top of the artefact unchanged, incorporating into the headband instead a mechanism for expanding its length to accommodate the size of the artefact.

Among the embodiments making use of anti-deflection devices of the kind described here are those in which, in the case of human headwear, the crosshead element is central to the purpose of the design. A preferred embodiment represents the head as being placed in a clamp, a ratchet mechanism being employed to ensure a tight fit, the impression conveyed to a beholder being one of thought suppression on the part of the wearer. Other essentially linear side-to-side themes featuring festoons, banners, washing lines and electric arcs can be similarly portrayed.

In certain other preferred embodiments the element crossing over the top of the artefact is integral with the headband and/or mounted upon an ear at one end and provided with an adjustable tab and slot mechanism at the other end whereby oppositely directed tabs engage with an elongate slot or slots of the kind which are the subject of the thirty-second aspect, supra.

GB-A-2178299 disclosed a means whereby elongate protrusions incorporated into a headwear design can be folded about a long axis for the purpose of imparting rigidity. It has been found in practice that headwear designed in accordance with the specification set out in the first application and made from light weight flexible material including paper-board will nevertheless often lack the rigidity necessary to give effect to the designer's intentions.

This is particularly so in the case of items of headwear worn out of doors which are exposed to breezy conditions.

The present invention provides constructions whereby rigidity can be imparted to an elongate protrusion by either the incorporation of two or more substantially parallel folds or the re-enforcement of a single fold (or a plurality of folds) by means of a locking device. The incorporation of a locking device obviates the tendency of folds to fall out in use.

According to a forty-third aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headwear being provided with one or more elongate protrusions or elements, each protrusion or element being either folded about a single line, a locking mechanism being provided to maintain the fold, or folded about two or more parallel lines, the effect being to impart rigidity.

Although GB-A-2178299 discloses a method of importing rigidity into an elongate protrusion by folding it about a long axis, an item of headwear configured in such a manner being illustrated at Figure 27, the earlier document makes no provision for fold locks or for doubling-up on folds, which doubled-up folds may also be locked into place.

Parallel folds may be incorporated in an elongate element either along or across the long axis or both along and across the long axis in the same embodiment. A lock may take the form of a fork-shaped attachment at the extremity of the elongate element or a tab and slot mechanism acting across the line of a fold or folds.

The present invention provides further constructions based upon the folding of elongate elements in a manner not envisaged in GB-A-2178299.

According to forty-fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, one or more portions of the material being folded about the line of a curve or lines of curves and/or one or more portions of the material being folded about a line incorporating enclosed cut-outs or perforations.

The introduction of holes or perforations along the line of a fold will often have practical as well as aesthetic advantages because the tendency of the fold to fall out will be reduced. Holes may be regularly or irregularly spaced and shaped and may take the form of totally or partially enclosed cut-outs including tab-shaped cut-outs.

It should also be noted that this aspect of the present invention introduces a construction not envisaged by GB-A-2178299 in which the line of the fold is not straight but curved. rne setting of a curved fold requires a greater degree of manual dexterity than that needed for a straight fold but the task can be made more easy by the inclusion of one or more pre-set creases or lines of perforations or holes along the line of the curve or parallel thereto. A portion of material which has been folded along the line of a curve will possess a trough-shaped section, the curvature of which will correspond to the radius of the line of the intended fold (which will generally be a pre-set crease) in advance of the fold being activated.

Embodiments of this aspect make use of a curved fold for the purpose of replicating the brim found on items of traditional headwear. B hen a front headband is fashioned in this way the rear headband, in a split headband construction (and all other things being equal) will require to be reduced in length. Such a reduction is effected either by sub-division of the rear headband into two parts equipped with means of attachment to each other, or the introduction of 180 degree folds. In a preferred embodiment ears are provided at the ends of the headband, the inner rim part of the brim portion being integral with an ear at either end. The outer rim parts of the brim portion at either end are provided with means of attachment to the respective ears and are thereby maintained in a horizontal position in front of the head, or in the present case artefact, in use.

By varying the plan shape of the curve-folded brim section and/or utilising a plurality of folds along the line of the curve rather than one continuous fold it is possible to reproduce brim styles varying from Stetsons to bowler hats and from trilbys to top hats. The allusion is further encouraged by a suitably shaped headband-mounted extension worn at the back of the head or artefact in use. Such items of headwear possess a symbolic meaning beyond their sartorial qualities and in the case of human headwear are of particular value in the context of topical streetwear.

In another preferred embodiment a curved fold is utilised not to fashion a brim but to add an upturned peak to a normal headband - normal, that is to say, in the sense of headbands constructed in accordance with the inventions disclosed in GB-A-2178299 and the present document. The gradient of the peak can be clangged according to requirements by varying the radius of the curve along vs which it is folded relative to the degree of curvature imparted upon the headband by the artefact in use. In configurations of the kind encountered by a designer working in accordance with the inventions disclosed in this and GOA-2178299 the greater the radius of the curve along which the peak is folded the more vertical still be the plane which it assumes in front of the head or artefact.In addition to offering useful stylistic potential, such constructions are possessed of exceptional rigidity.

Preferred embodiments incorporating curved folds for the purpose of providing either a brim or a peak are able to make good use of variable attachment mechanisms. Those utilising opposed tabs and elongate slots, which are the subject of the thirty-second aspect, supra, are favoured, the more so since the headband elements in which they are provided are in any event being shortened and they are not at a disadvantage on that account. It is possible to incorporate the tabs and elongate slots into a trough sectioned portion of material of the kind resulting from folding about the line of a curve.

Folds in accordance with the present aspect, whether curved or incorporating perforations or enclosed cut-outs, can be provided with locking devices and/or doubled up in a similar manner to the constructions referred to in connection with the preceding aspect.

The propensity for even creased folds to fall out thereby requiring the provision of locking devices to keep them in place, to which reference has been made, is not matched by a capacity for such folds to relinquish all signs of their physical presence once their usefulness in that regard has ceased.

Thus folds inserted into a flexible material such as paper-board for the purpose of display and/or packaging of headwear will have a continuing effect even when the material is unfolded. This effect is almost entirely nullified if, as part of the process of assembly, the material is again folded (including, for example, along the line of a gentle curve) in the opposite sense to the first fold. In the case where the design does not call for such a fold the presence of the earlier fold will, however, distort the headwear. Where the component is of a structural nature the effect of the distortion may be to destroy its structural integrity.

The problem of "undoing" folds made for packaging and marketing purposes will inevitably arise in the case of objects made from a flexible material such as paper-board in which unitary construction is a prime consideration and which are necessarily of a size which makes them inconveniently large to be marketed, distributed and/or transmitted by post in a single flat sheet. These factors are commonly present in items of headwear such as may be produced in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the present invention provides a solution to the problem which they pose.

According to forts-fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material requiring to be folded along the line of a first fold for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions of the headwear pre-assembly and to be unfolded in the course of assembly and in use, the portion being provided with a bracing element in the form of a dependent element or a partially cut round enclosed cut-out, the bracing element provided with a second fold and positioned so as to lie across the line of the first fold and act as a hinge, in use the portion of material folded so as to reduce the plan dimensions being unfolded and held rigidly in its unfolded position by means of the bracing element being foldable outwardly along the line of the second fold through 90 degrees and acting as a brace across the first fold.

Bracing elements may be provided in varying degrees of sophistication, the choice of construction depending upon the space available, the prominence of the location in use and the degree of structural reinforcement needed.

Preferred embodiments make use of constructions ranging from elongate elements activated by a single right angled fold to elongate elements folded outwardly and then backwardly through the aperture created by their own outline, being secured therein by the combined effect of a wedged (tapered) shape and notches.

In certain preferred embodiments items of headwear are assembled and then reduced in size by folding so as to minimise the effort and time required to make them ready for use. When reduced in size in this way such items may be regarded as being again in a pre-assembly state.

In certain constructions the effect of a packaging fold is such as to leave the headwear with a vestigial crease which, while not seriously prejudicing its structural properties, nevertheless leaves it visually unbalanced unless compensated. The present invention provides for the introduction or utilisation of combinations of practical and/or packaging creases in such a way as to maintain or enhance the cosmetic appearance of the headwear. As previously mentioned, the visor embodiment disclosed in SE-A-0096454 incorporates a co-linear fold about the vertical axis of symmetry. The disadvantage of such an arrangement is that, while it halves the dimensions overall of the piece the shape which is presented is no longer symmetrical and may be thought visually unattractive from a display point of view.

According to a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, one or more folds incorporated into the piece adapted to be activated in the course of assembly of the headwear and comprising practical folds being further adapted for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions of the headwear pre-assembly, and/or additional folds comprising packaging folds being provided for the same purpose, the packaging folds being so positioned as to not to materially prejudice the functional and/or design properties of the headwear..

Every embodiment of the present invention, in accordance with whatever aspect provided, is capable of being modified in accordance with the present aspect for the purpose of reducing its size in the flat sheet. Where the item in question is designed in such a way as to be largely symmetrical about its vertical axis, i.e. a reflective symmetry, the present aspect can be most readily applied by the introduction of symmetrically placed folds at either extremity of a headband, the folds being at right angles to the long axis of the headband and adapted to fold ears at the ends of the headband backwardly so that they are displayed behind the headband in the packet. Un-folded, the creases will be apparent but being symmetrical will provide, in preferred embodiments, a not un-pleasing design feature in the form of a faceted headband.

In a preferred embodiment the design allows for pairs of parallel folds to be inserted at either end of the headband. The effect of these folds is to step the ears inwardly and backwardly so that, when packaged, they remain face up.

In those cases where coloured artwork appears on the obverse side only, such a device may be the sine qua non for an attractive display. Similar pairs of folds can sometimes be used to good effect elsewhere in the headwear. It is not essential that the folds should be parallel or, in a headband, at right angles across the long axis. Pairs of parallel folds may also be inserted into elongate extensions for the purpose of stepping them down in length or wrapping them round the headband. Such folds will largely cease to be of effect in use and in many embodiments will in any event be wholly or partly concealed behind the artefact. Subdivided headbands, provided in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect, supra, allow an overlap which makes possible an arrangement of packaging folds which would not otherwise be available.

In another preferred embodiment one or more packaging folds are incorporated into a headband fashioned into a brim by being folded about the line of a cun-e in the manner provided by the forty-third aspect, supra.

The packaging fold or folds are placed radially across the curved fold and are adapted to be folded in the opposite sense to the curved fold so as to leave little if any trace when the item is assembled and in use. The principle of inserting packaging folds across the line of a practical fold and in the opposite sense thereto is utilised in other preferred embodiments.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect will normally be stripped out of the flat sheet before being packaged. In certain preferred embodiments combinations of packaging creases and practical creases are used to disguise, as far as is possible, the subject of the headwear so as to provide an element of expectation and surprise, one analogy being that of a fortune cookie and another being that of a "transformer" type robot toy. It is desirable but not essential that the piece should be largely strmmetrical with the obverse side only uppermost in its reduced state.

In the case of headwear to be worn be human beings the purpose of the folds may (or may also be) to provide an item of headwear which can be conveniently carried in a handbag or pocket. In many such applications the headwear will be folded-down in its post-assembled form so as to be available at instant readiness.

A number of the techniques used in connection with the present invention for the purpose of importing rigidity will bear a certain familiarity for structural engineers. Multiple folds, for example, of the kind already described have something in common with box girders. The adaptation of civil engineering practices to the design of headwear from flexible material goes further.

According to a forty-seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cxlindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material forming or being joined to a non-rigid member, the first portion being held in position by one or more elongate elements of material connected to a second portion of the headwear, the second portion comprising a rigid member in use, the effect of connection being to stabilise the position of the first portion in use.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect use established engineering techniques to ensure that non-rigid portions of the design are maintained in the desired position. Among the devices adopted may be included struts, ties, braces, cantilevered sections and springs.

A number of embodiments of the present aspect are concerned mainly with placing a portion of the headwear over what would be in the case of human headwear the centre of the head and in the present case an artefact in use in such a way that the position of the portion is maintained without a connecting element running from the featured item to the front headband. In this manner the illusion of a totally detached element above the artefact is largely maintained. at all events when viewed from the front. In a preferred embodiment a halo is made to appear to be floating above the artefact more realistically, it may be thought, than the wired devices supplied by the sculptors of statues adorning the facades of Italian churches of the Baroque period.

In a second preferred embodiment a funnel-like device is placed centrally above an artefact in the manner of that worn by an avian figure depicted in the Hieronymus Bosch triptych "The Temptation of St. Anthony". Such applications show that the versatility of the present invention is such as to lend itself to classical allusion as well as being able to provide a lively medium for the interpretation of current events.

Embodiments of the kind represented by the halo and funnel devices may be connected to the remainder of the headwear by an elongate element which is either integral at its ends with both the portion required to be positioned above the artefact and the remainder of the headwear or integral at only one end and provided with means of attachment at the other. The elongate element may be capable of deflection or braced and may be cantilevered.

Instead of being positioned above the artefact (either floating or in direct contact) the stabilised portion may be positioned at the side or in front or at the back of the artefact.

In preferred embodiments where the portion to be stabilised is a partially enclosed solid open at the base, such as a cone or a pyramid, the stabilising device may consist of three elongate elements extending outwardly from a headband element, the centremost being integral at one end with the partially enclosed solid and at the other end with the headband element and the outermost elements being integral at one end with either the partially enclosed solid or the headband element and provided with means of attachment at the other end. The effect of attachment of the outermost elements is to place the device under stress, the better to maintain the position of the partially enclosed solid.The construction may also be assisted by the introduction of a pair of splits cut into the lower edge of the partially enclosed solid the effect of which is to allow it to assume a more upright position.

A construction similar to that described in. the preceding paragraph can be used in conjunction with an element or elements extending from the portion placed above the artefact to the opposite headband element. Additional locating devices of this kind are used where the portion above the artefact has a relatively high centre of gravity and might otherwise topple over when the artefact is moved or breezy conditions are present. An embodiment of the fiftieth aspect of the present invention, infra, in which a cross is provided directly above the centre of the artefact is a case in point.

Another embodiment of the present aspect uses cantilevered and/or stressed elements to maintain a largely free-standing portion above a headband or projecting outwardly from a headband. A further embodiment provides wing-like portions in a horizontal position outwardly projecting from the sides of the artefact in use. The struts maintaining the wings in position are able to flex to a sufficient extent to allow the wings to assume a flapping motion as the artefact is moved.

A preferred embodiment of the present aspect consists of a free-standing Ushaped portion above the head, somewhat in the manner of a pair of monoliths. In this embodiment stability comes from the support afforded by attachment of the portion to both headband elements at same time. The degree of stress imparted can be adjusted by means of either a multipositional elongate tab adapted to engage with that headband element to which the U-shaped portion is not integrally connected or perforations incorporated into vertical splits in the monolith like portions or both, the perforations being tearable as required, the act of tearing reducing the amount of stress.

As is the case with many other constructions in accordance with the present invention, cantilevered and/or stressed elements can be use decoratively. A preferred embodiment of the forty-first aspect, supra, as well as of the present aspect, provides a headband-mounted arch from the lower parts of which elements loop back to the ears, means of attachment being provided.

These elements provide an interesting detail while at the same time adding to the rigidity of the arch The act of placing a split headband on the head, whereby one headband element is separated from another, transmits opposing forces to a portion above the artefact which is integrally connected or attached by means of a joining mechanism to both headband elements, the means of connection being necessarily elongate and narrow relative to the dimensions of the headband. These opposing forces can be harnessed in such a way as to maintain the portion in a vertical plane which does not reflect the curvature of the artefact to the same extent as if the portion were supported by only one headband element.

According to fort',-eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headband being provided with two headband elements, the headband comprising a first portion of the piece, a member being extended upward from the first portion so as to be integrally connected with a second portion of the material passing above the artefact in a vertical plane from side to side, the second portion being further supported by means of additional members passing between the two portions, the additional members being either integrally connected to both portions or integrally connected at one end to one portion and provided with means for attachment to the other portion, the upward extending and dependent members comprising relatively elongate strips, the width of the strips individually and in aggregate being narrow in comparison with the length of the first portion.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect feature extensions above the headband which incorporate a degree of rigidity which is imparted by the curvature of the artefact. Such items are nevertheless able to take up a position in a vertical plane which is either flat or curved to a greater radius than the headband itself.

In a preferred embodiment the extended (second) portion is integral with the headband (forming the first portion) at either side. A connecting strip, which is integral with and depends from the centre of the lower edge of the second portion is secured to the headband by means of a tab and slot mechanism.

The second portion is thereby rigidly fixed in position in front of the headband but in a different, and substantially flat, plane. Such a configuration is particularly suited to picture frame-style embodiments in which one element is rotatable about its horizontal axis in accordance with the fortieth aspect of the present invention.

Tripod-style constructions can be employed to produce a "billboard" type display area above the artefact. In this kind of embodiment the centremost of the three elongate members may be integral with the second portion at one end and provided with means for attachment to a headband element at the other end, the other elements each being integral with a headband element at one end and with the second portion at the other end. Alternatively, the centremost element may be the element which is integral at both ends.

Other embodiments of the present aspect utilise a subdivided headband to provide a second portion which is integrally connected to the first portion at all three points. The problem which is presented by a difference in height of the respective headband elements in this and other embodiments of this aspect is met in a number of ways. Means of attachment incorporating an enclosed cut-out of the kind described in connection with the thirty-first aspect, supra, with varying degrees of sophistication, can be employed. An elongate member depending from the second portion may itself be comprised of a partially cut round enclosed cut-out, with a portion being foldable outwardly and provided with multi-positional means of attachment to the first portion.Another form of construction shortens the element integrally connecting the second portion to the first portion by incorporating a pair of 180 degree "step folds (of the kind referred to in connection with the twenty-third aspect, supra) and a further construction provides a dependent extension to a first portion which is folded upwards through 180 degrees and goes 2 part of the way to meet an element depending from the second portion.

Where the elongate elements of a tripod-type construction adjoin, a section of the subdividing splits can be replaced by perforations. Tearing the perforations extends the operational dimensions of the element thereby providing a means of adjustment to the height of the second portion in use.

In certain embodiments where, for the purpose of investing the construction with greater rigidity and strength, the second portion is tied in to ears at the ends of the headband, the ears retain their separate identity. In this respect embodiments of tis aspect are readily distinguishable from those which incorporate extensions crossing over the top of an artefact which are mounted upon the ears or which are in part mounted upon the ears and in part upon a headband.

A portion which is mounted on a headband and on ears at the ends of a headband, tripod fashion, will tend to be drawn in a vertical plane above the artefact. Where the headband mounting point constitutes a rear headband element in use, such a construction is useful and offers design possibilities not afforded by constructions in accordance with other aspects of the invention.

According to a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headband element uppermost in use being extended upwardly from its centre point, the extension comprising a relatively elongate portion, the width of the portion being narrow in comparison with the length of the headband, the portion subdividing into two separate elements, the separate elements being either integral with ears provided at the ends of the headband or provided with means for attachment thereto.

A preferred embodiment of this aspect utilises an extension from a rear headband which is deeply split into three elements to produce a fleur-de-lis like configuration in which the central element retains a substantially vertical position above the rear headband. The elongate elements on either side of the central element form connecting arches with the ears. Each elongate element may be further subdivided into a plurality of narrow elongate strips one of which will either be integral with the proximate ear or provided with complementary means of attachment thereto, the other strips being freely suspended over the artefact and able to respond to movements of the artefact. An elongate element can, if desired, incorporate an enclosed cut-out which may be elongate and which may incorporate a portion folded outwardly in use.

In another preferred embodiment the central element is shaped so as to resemble the upper part of a human figure and the elongate elements on either side are shaped to resemble arms, which arms are integrally attached to ears shaped as hands. Such a design depends for its effect on the exaggerated perspective which it simulates.

A further aspect of the invention allows for the achievement of an upstanding or largely upstanding feature positioned above an artefact by means of an arrangement whereby elements extended from either side of an elongate portion mounted upon one headband element and passing over the top of the artefact in a front to back direction, or vice versa, are folded upwardly and attached together in a way which provides an erect construction with inherent properties of rigidity.

According to a fiftieth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed there?'y, an extension to the headband passing or partially passing over the artefact from front to back or from back to front, the extension being connected to the headband along a relatively short section of the headband at or dose to the centre of the headband, the extension being either adapted to be braced to the headband element on which it is mounted or being provided with means of attachment so that it can be secured to the headband element lying on the other side of the head, a further elongate portion or portions being extended from either or both sides of the extension or otherwise forming part of the extension being folded upwardly so as to assume an erect or other position above the artefact in use.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect will possess the advantage of incorporating a portion of the design which in use is directly over the artefact.

The extension passing or partially passing over the artefact may depend from a headband and require to be first folded through 180 degrees. It may pass from front to back or from back to front and may be provided with means for attachment to the opposite headband element. Alternatively, it may extend only as far at the midway point above the artefact, or thereabouts, bracing elements being incorporated for the purpose of maintaining it in position. The bracing elements may be integral with the element above the artefact and provided with means for attachment to the headband element under stress or vice versa.

In certain embodiments the element extended from a headband element passes across the top of the artefact to the other side where it is attached to the opposite headband element. Portions extended upwards from either side of the element crossing over the top of the artefact are locked into their erect position by means of a tab and slot or similar mechanism. The upwardly extended portion possesses considerable properties of rigidity. These properties of rigidity are sufficient to allow a further portion or portions of material to be mounted upon the upwardly extended portion or to be maintained by it in ar erect position.

In a preferred embo- ment the upwardly extended portion forms a hoop in which is placed a further portion, means for attachment of the further portion to the hoop shaped portion in the form of a plurality of tabs and slots being provided, the slots being arranged around the circumference of the hoop.

The construction is strong enough to allow a another portion of material to be threaded through the portion inside the hoop, thereby providing a representation of an animal figure jumping through a hoop.

In a further group of embodiments a multiplicity of extensions to either side of the elongate portion passing over the artefact are interlocked together at a point approximately halfway along their length. The extensions being themselves elongate, folded about their long axes, and possessed of pointed ends, the effect produced is reminiscent of the core of a London punk or a Mohican Indian. Alternatively, the elongate extensions can be corrugated or curled to produce a "top knot" feature above the artefact. In a preferred embodiment the portion passing over the top of the artefact is subdivided along a part of its length, the portions on either side of the subdivision being held apart by inwardly projecting elements provided with means for attachment.An elongate member may be provided between the subdivided parts which is folded outwardly through 180 degrees so as to cross over the centre of the headband element lying on the opposite side of the artefact to the headband element on which the extension is mounted, means for attachment being provided.

A further group of preferred embodiments utilises the portions extended upwards from either side of the element crossing over the top or partially crossing over the top of the artefact as base supports for a vertical construction rising above the centre of the top of the artefact. As previously stated such a construction can resemble a cross and in this regard it will replicate headwear worn by ecclesiastics of the Russian Orthodox Church - if not now, in the time (so we are lead to believe) of Bonus Godunov. The same configuration can provide other largely monolithic elements.In these embodiments each of the two portions extended from either side of the crossover or semi-crossover element are adapted to be folded through a radiused bend of 180 degrees so as to overlap each other and wrap round the base of the erect portion, a split being provided along their long axes, the split being either "T" shaped or hook shaped. Notches in the erect portion may be provided at the point of engagement for the purpose of securing the elongate (radiused bent) portions in positions In certain embodiments within this group the construction may be braced from the rear headband element in use. An alternative form of construction is available in which narrow elongate elements are extended from the elongate (radiused bent) portions at right angles to their long axes for attachment to the headband element worn at the front of the artefact.These narrow elements may cross-over each other.

In a further embodiment the extension is secured to the headband element opposite that from which it is extended by means of a partially cut round portion folded outwardly through 180 degrees from the portion of material connecting the extension to the headband element. The cut round portion is passed through a split close to the base of the erect portion prior to attachment to the opposite headband element.

A feature crossing over the top of an artefact of a somewhat different kind is possible in accordance with a further aspect of the invention In this aspect provision is made for a portion of material to cross the artefact from headband element to headband element in a vertical plane.

According to a fifty-first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension to the headband passing over the artefact from front to back or from back to front, the extension being connected to the headband along a relatively short section of the headband at or close to the centre of the headband, the extension being provided with means of attachment so that it can be secured to the headband element lying on the other side of the head, the extension being foldable through an angle of 90 degrees about a vertical line extending upwardly from a point at or close to the point of connection, the larger part of the extension passing in a vertical plane across the top of the artefact in use.

Items in accordance with this aspect may utilise an extension which depends from a headband element and must first be folded upwardly through 180 degrees before being further folded through 90 degrees and passing over the artefact. The point of connection of the extension may be offset from the centre of the headband element to the extent necessary for the extension to pass centrally over the artefact after folding. The point of connection of the extension may be inward of its extremity so as to allow a part of it to project outwardly from the artefact above the headband. One or more vertical folds may be incorporated into the extension as it passes over the top of the artefact, the folds being through angles of less than 180 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect there is provided an item of headwear very much in the style of a cock's comb. The upper edge of the extension describes an undulating line in the manner of a comb of a chicken.

The likeness is further encouraged by the inclusion of dependent earlike enlargements adapted to be folded backwardly thereby suggesting, if not exactly replicating, a chicken's wattles. Further realism is afforded by the provision of the relatively small part of the element comprising the comb in such a way as to project forwardly from the headband at the front of the surface of the artefact, such a construction being the subject of the tenth aspect, supra.

A requirement has been identified for headwear in accordance with the present invention in which a portion of material is carried across the artefact in a manner which aligns it with 2 notional cylindrical surface as it crosses from headband to headband, Such constructions may be wholly elongate or may be broadened so as to provide a largely flat, plate-like portion above the surface of the artefact.

According to a fifty-second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension to the headband passing over the artefact from front to back or from back to front, the extension being connected to the headband along a relatively short section of the headband at or close to the centre of the headband, the extension being provided with means of attachment so that it can be secured to the headband element lying on the other side of the artefact in use, the extension lying within the notional surface of a horizontally aligned circular-sectioned cylinder as it crosses over the top of the artefact GB-A-2178299 indicated only one embodiment of the invention disclosed therein in which a portion of material is carried across the top of a head in a way in which a quasi flat plane is maintained. The construction, illustrated at Figure 40 of that document, consists of two portions of material passing over the artefact.The first portion is formed by an elongate extension depending from the portion of material below a single split (located at the front of the head in use) which extension is folded backwardly and upwardly. The second portion is formed by a portion of the material above the split (located at the back of the head in use) which is not of an elongate nature but is sufficiently high to meet and interlock with the first portion at a point above and towards the back of the artefact. The second portion follows and acquires a degree of rigidity from the lateral curvature of the artefact.

Items provided for use in connection with artefacts in accordance with the present aspect, by contrast, largely avoid the effect of lateral curvature by ensuring that the points of connection to the upper and lower headbands are relatively narrow in comparison with their length and the elongate element or elements is or are continuous as they pass over the top of the artefact. In this way the structural integrity of the portion passing over the artefact is maintained and the continuous arc leaves it with no alternative but to assume a plane which equates to the notional surface of a horizontally aligned cylinder.

Items in accordance with the present aspect may comprise one or more elongate elements, each element being provided with means for attachment to the headband element lying on the opposite side of the artefact from which the elements are extended. An element may comprise a single element at the point at which it is integral with a headband element, subdividing into two elongate elements which are provided with means for attachment to the opposite headband element. A pair of elongate elements may cross over, in effect coming together and then subdisiding. A portion of material may be provided between two separate elements at the point of subdivision.Such a portion may be folded upwardly through 90 degrees so as to assume an erect position above the artefact and may be secured in that position by portions extended from either side each of which are folded through 180 degrees so as to wrap-round its base in the manner referred to in connection with the fiftieth aspect, Supra. An extension which comprises a narrow elongate strip of material at the point of connection with the headband element may broaden into a circular or other sufficiently proportioned shape to cover the artefact in use. The headband element being placed at the back of the artefact in use, an extension may be mounted upon the headband element lying above the split or below the split, in the latter case the extension being folded upwardly through 180 degrees before crossing the artefact from back to front and attaching to the opposite headband.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect include items of headwear in which elongate elements pass from the rear headband to the front headband, either individually or having a single point of connection to the rear headband and subdividing above the artefact into two separate elongate elements. In either case the quotation is that item of functional apparel which in the United Kingdom are termed "braces" and in the United States of America are known as "suspenders" or "galluses". In such embodiments the lower headband is likely to be extended downwardly to form a visor and the means of attachment will either replicate or simulate trouser buttons on the upper surface of the visor.

In a second group of preferred embodiments of this aspect an element extended from the rear headband (being mounted upon the headband element lying above the split which is placed at the back of the artefact in use) is carried across the artefact from back to front having broadened into a shape suggestive of a flat cap, à la mode, perhaps, of the cartoon strip character Andy Capp. the dimensions being of sufficient order for the flat cap portion to cover the artefact and protect it from the atmospheric elements, or at least such of those elements which are vertical in their incidence. The further part of the flat cap portion is attached to the headband element lying below the split, which element is placed at the front of the artefact in use, or to a downward extension therefrom.The allusion to a flat cap may be heightened by rotating (and, in effect, rolling) the further extremity of the flat cap portion through 360 degrees before attaching it to a peak-shaped visor depending from the front headband element - the upper side of the flat cap portion laying against the upper side of the visor following attachment and in use. The next following aspect of the invention provides a preferred form of attachment for such a rotated portion which employs two sets of tabs and two sets of slots.

In a variant of the flat cap design, ears are projected upwardly through splits in the flat cap portion, the better to secure it in position and to provide a feature of interest. Elongate elements passing over the artefact in a form resembling braces, or crossing-over each other can also be provide with means of attachment to ears.

In a further variant of the flat cap design, a circular and relatively small portion of headwear is provided at the centre of what in a human headwear embodiment would be the head, means of attachment to the further headband being provided in the form of a pair of matching elongate elements which, in plan and prior to assembly, are placed alongside the circular portion, the elongate elements returning in the direction of the headband from which the circular portion is extended in the first instance.

Attachment is achieved by rotating the elongate elements through an angle approaching 180 degrees at the point of attachment to the circular portion and carrying them across to the opposite headband. This embodiment may be thought to be an example of the ingenuity which will often be required to meet operational needs given limited means in terms of available material and a highly preferred requirement for a unitary construction.

The great majority of headwear products produced by milliners and hatters are constructed so as to incorporate an element of enclosure. This is so even where the main or only purpose of the headwear is appearance and not protection. A flexible material such as paper-board lends itself to the formation not only of headbands but also of constructions with the character of a geometrical solid. Such constructions, even when incomplete, are invariably invested with considerable properties of rigidity and stability, and these are properties which many embodiments of the present invention are able to put to good use.

According to a fifty-third aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a first portion comprising a headband being formed thereby, the headwear being further provided with a second portion of material, the second portion adapted to be folded in to the shape of at least part of the surface of a geometrical solid, any requisite creases and means of attachment being provided, the second portion being either mounted upon the first portion or integrally connected to the first portion and/or another portion of the headwear by means of an elongate or other shaped element The geometrical solid upon which the construction is based may be a cone, cylinder, cube, n-sided pyramid (where n is an integer greater than two], polyhedron or other solid. When only part of the surface is present, the solid may be regarded as open.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect may incorporate a second portion which is positioned above the artefact and wholly or partially covers its top. Such a portion may be sufficiently proportioned to protect the artefact from the elements. Items may also be provided in which the second portion is positioned in front of or behind the artefact, the base of the portion projecting from the headband in a horizontal plane. Items may be provided in which the second portion is positioned above the artefact, the base of the portion assuming a vertical plane.

Geometrically shaped second portions may be provided with preformed creases which may be radial creases. With the assistance of such creases the surfaces of such portions may be corrugated or faceted. An elongate element or elements extending from the base of a second portion to another portion of the headwear and provided with mear for attachment will enable the second portion to be secured in position ac'ove the artefact in use. Such an elongate element may comprise an inner and outer portion formed by means of a partially enclosed cut-out, the inner Fsnsition being folded outwardly so as to assume a position forward of and ir. a different plane from the outer portion in use.

The pyramids upon which a second portion provided in accordance with this aspect may be based will preferably have -aree or four sides, although any convenient number of sides may be adopted. Frusto-pyramids, cones and frusto-cones and cylinders are other geomerical solids upon which a second portion may be based. When the geomer;ical solid is a cone, the second portion may resemble and even be decorated in the form of a dunce's cap; when it is a frusto-cone, the second portion may resemble and be decorated as, a fez.

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 this aspect of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the pyramid type the second portion is attached to a headband element by means of an elongate element. The portion is folded (with the assistance of preformed creases) into the shape of a four sided square based pyramid and secured to the opposite headband element in use by means of a second elongate portion equipped with a tab and slot mechanism at its extremity. This second elongate portion encloses an elongate shaped member in the form of a cobra which is folded outwardly so as to provide a resemblance of an Egyptian uraeus. The lower part of the elongate portion depicts the heads of vultures at the point of attachment with the headband element lying at the front of the artefact in use.

In the preferred embodiment the second portion is provided with functional appendages in the form of legs at each of ine four corners of the base of the pyramid. They are connected to the base of the pyramid at t > to separate points in each case, step folds being provided at the point of dependence to realign the legs so that they are proud of the lower edge of the pyramid. The legs are shaped to resemble winged scarabs, the wings furnishing the connections with the pyramid portion proper. In this way imagery associated with ancient Egy'pt is used to some purpose.

Appendages to a second portion other than or additional to legs can be provided as required. Slots can, if desired, be inserted in to the sides of a pyramid or other shaped second portion to facilitate the positioning of accessory items above its surface.

The element of enclosure which embodiments of the present aspect possess can be put to good use on account of the fact that either the obverse or reverse surfaces of a part of the headwear may be concealed from view at any given time. In preferred embodiments the headwear is designed so as to be fully reversible. In an embodiment in which a pyramid-like portion is placed over the head, the inner and outer surfaces may be patterned and coloured differently. For a construction of this kind to be effective it is necessary for folds and other features to be reversible and/or identical in material respects as between the back and the front of the headwear in use.

It is possible to construct a device in accordance with the present aspect which in appearance but not in construction resembles a miniature umbrella. In a preferred embodiment the second portion takes the form of a faceted cone the base of which is open. The dimensions of the cone shaped portion are of sufficient order to cover the whole of the artefact and to protect it from the elements. The lower edges of the portion forming the base of the cone are scalloped in a convex manner so as to resemble the base of an umbrella, the resemblance being further enhanced by the applied decoration.

Umbrellas designed to be physically worn on the human head are part of the art but such items have, so far as is known, hitherto been configured in the same manner as a full size hand held umbrella with collapsible spokes extending from a central shaft. Such prior items do not possess the advantages of items in accordance with the present aspect.

An umbrella shaped covering made in accordance with the present invention from paper-board or other flexible material may be secured in position above the artefact by elements extended upwardly from each of two ears placed at the ends of the headband, the elements passing upwards through splits located in the cone shaped portion Alternatively, or additionally, an element or elements may be extended upwardly from a headband element either to pass through a split or splits in the cone shaped portion or to provide a support upon which the cone shaped portion is able to rest. In the first two cases the extended elements will be visible to other persons and the decorative possibilities which they afford will not be lost on designers.The umbrella allusion can be re-enforced by shaping the extensions so as to resemble curved umbrella handles and a further split at the vertex of the cone shaped portion can be provided to make way for an elongate member resembling a ferrule. It is also possible for the extended elements to be fashioned in the manner favoured by medieval craftsmen, dealing with the effects of the elements (and also, one may hope, designers of human headwear corresponding to artefact-type embodiments in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention, supra), as representations of gargoyles. The point has already been made that it is in the proliferation of such decorative opportunities and their accessibility as an art form that one of the principal advantages of the invention lies.

The geometrical solids which are based upon a cone will generally be formed from a substantially circular piece of material. A number of cone-type constructions constitute preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention and such items are able to make use of the forces imparted by the curvature of the artefact which can be transmitted through a headband to an adjacent conical structure. Such a structure, as already stated, in itself will always have worthwhile properties of rigidity.

A cone can be formed by making a radial cut in the circular portion and overlapping a segment thereof so as to form a cone. A tab and slot or similar mechanism can be provided to maintain the conical configuration. In certain embodiments the cone shaped second portion is folded forwardly along a narrow strip joining a short section of the circumference of its base to a similarly short section of the headband. The portion thereupon takes up a position in which its base occupies a horizontal plane forward of the headband. In the absence of such a fold the cone shaped portion will, if placed at the back of the artefact with the vertex pointing outwardly, remain in an erect position.

The cone shaped portion may be sufficiently rigid in its final position to permit other portions of headwear to be mounted upon it or threaded through it. In a preferred embodiment the cone projects forward of the artefact and is subjected to radial corrugating folds giving the impression of a pleated skirt, A vertical element resembling a female figure is inserted through a slit located at the vertex of the corrugated portion.

In many of the conical and pyramidal embodiments of this aspect of the invention the principle of unitary construction is preserved by providing a connecting element which is integral at one end with the base of the cone or pyramid and integral with another portion of the headwear forming a headband at the other end. A second connecting element, integral at one end with the base of the cone or pyramid at a different point along the length of the base, is incorporated. The further end of this second connecting element is provided with means for attachment to the opposite headband the point of attachment being at the midway point of the headband element in question.

An alternative arrangement to that just described, no less compatible with the unitary principle may also be employed. In this arrangement the cone or pyramid shaped second portion is attached only to the rear headband element in use. The portion is secured in position above the centre of the artefact by means of three elongate elements, the centremost element being integral with the cone or pyramid portion at one end and the rear headband element at the other, the two outer elements being integral at one end and provided with attachment means at the other. Engagement of the attachment means places the construction under stress thereby contributing to its stability. In certain embodiments a pair of splits set at right angles to the base of the cone or pyramid shaped second portion are provided on either side of the elongate elements, the cuts permitting the portion to assume a more upright position above the artefact in use than would otherwise be the case.

Constructions of thiC type are similar to certain constructions referred to in connection with the forty-seventh aspect, supra.

It is the case that, a cone or pyramid being formed by a radial cut, or by two radial cuts with the removal of a segment, followed by the overlap and attachment of portions on either side of the cuts, connecting elements of the kind just described, which attach a cone or pyramid to opposite headbands at their respective midway points in use, are not able to be located on diametrically opposite sides of the cone or pyramid. The lack of symmetry about the vertical axis of the headwear when in the flat pre-assembly state can some times be an inhibiting design consideration.

A solution to the problem of symmetry which is employed by certain embodiments of the present aspect is for the connecting element which is integral with both headband and second portion and which is joined to a headband element at its midway point in use, to extend from a point near to the vertex of the second portion and not from an outer edge (that is to say, base) of the second portion In such a configuration the cone or the pyramid more properly termed quasi-cone or quasi-pyramid in accordance with the definition of these term, supra) - is formed by overlapping and attaching together portions on either side of the connecting strip.A second elongate element depends from the outer edge (base) of the second portion at a point diametrically or (in the case of a square based pyramid shape) directly opposite the integrally connecting element, the second elongate element being provided with means for attachment to the opposite headband element at its midway point in use. The constructions are thus fully symmetrical about an axis bisecting the midway points of the headband elements. In these examples the second portion is formed with two vertices rather than a single vertex, the vertices separated by a ridge. Such a construction may be compared with structures found in architecture such as the ridged semicircular medieval church apse on the one hand and the ridged and hipped roof of a modern house on the other.

A broadly similar result to that achieved by the last mentioned constructions can be obtained from a configuration in which a generally cone or pyramid shaped portion is provided with two connecting elements both of which elements extend from the outer edge (base) of the portion, and both of which are nevertheless diametrically or directly opposite to each other both in the flat (pre-assembly) state and following assembly and in use. Symmetry is again made possible by providing the quasi-cone or quasi-pyramid, with two vertices rather than a single vertex, the vertices separated by a ridge.In this type of embodiment either a pair or two pairs of matching splits symmetrically placed as regards the connecting elements extend inwardly from the base of the portion to the twin or (if there are two pairs of matching splits) multiple vertices, a sufficient area of material being provided around their respective inner ends to allow the portion to remain whole. Means for attachment enable the portions on the outermost sides of the splits to be brought together and overlapped, thereby imparting to the piece a conic or pyramidal configuration. in the latter case folds being also provided.

A third kind of constru.tion is possible in which a pair of diametrically or directly opposed elongate elements extend from beyond the outer edge or base of a quasi-cone or quasi-pyramid shaped second portion up to a point close to the vertices, thereby to secure it in position above the artefact in use.

The conic or pyramidal effect is provided by two diametrically or directly opposed splits (in preferred embodiments located halfway between the elongate elements) extending inwardly from the base to each of the two vertices respectively. The portions on either side of each of the splits are provided with means for attachment and brought together and overlapped.

If desired a segment can be removed thereby reducing the extent of the overlap needed, or a po,-tion of the segment utilised for another purpose, for example to provide a feature protruding from the surface of the second portion. Such is also the case with the conic and pyramidal constructions previously described.

Where the second portion is based upon a geometrical solid such as a box, cylinder, frusto-cone or frusto-pyramid, constructions which provide a lid which interlocks with the upper edge of the second portion are available. In a preferred embodiment the lid is integral with the top edge of the second portion along a short section of its circumference. Additional means for attachment of the lid to the remainder of the second portion take the form of incorporating a rim along the upper edge of the second portion, a lip along the bottom edge of the rim being provided by means of a inward 180 degree fold. Both the lid and the lip of the second portion are provided with tabs which are adapted to engage with either the lip or complementary slots, thereby to secure the lil in position.

In a preferred embodiment featuring a frusto-cone, a circular lid portion is provided with a pair of splits generally resembling radial splits, the splits being parallel and extending outwardly from a point close to the centre of the lid. Between these splits a narrow elongate element extends outwardly from the centre of the lid (at which point the element is integral with the remainder of the lid portion) to a point beyond its circumference and down n the side of the frusto-cone. Means for attachment of the elongate element to the side of the frusto-cone and also to a headband element are provided. An enlarged portion, resembling a tassel, is provided at the further end of the elongate element.The tassel both completes the allusion to an Egyptian fez and provides a convenient attachment means to secure the frusto-cone in position over the centre of the head, the tassel acting in conjunction with a further element connecting the second portion to the opposite headband element in use.

It is possible with most kinds of embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention to embellish the surface of the second portion with perforations, enclosed cut-outs (including foldable portions) the threading by other portions of the headwear and the addition of further constructions based upon geometrical solids . Reference has been made in connection with the forty-seventh aspect of the present invention to an embodiment incorporating a funnel type construction which is placed above the artefact in use, due acknowledgement having been made to Hieronymus Bosch. The narrow part of the funnel is provided by a cylindrical element which is inserted into a hole located at the point where the vertex of the cone would normally be found, the cylinder being secured in both shape and position by the restraint provided by the edge of the hole. In a preferred embodiment the narrow end of the funnel is provided with a flag or similar device which projects from the opening.

A further construction in accordance with the present aspect employs a single connecting element which is integral with a headband at one end and the ridge lying between the vertices of a quasi-cone at the other end. The connecting element is itself split along its length, the split extending through the headband, which is subdivided, the two separate parts being provided with their own means of attachment. In a preferred embodiment the portions of the quasi-cone overlap and are attached to each other above and independently of the connecting element. The two portions of the connecting element also overlap each other. The generally conic portion is somewhat elongate and is held in position above the artefact by ears passing through splits in its surface in a manner similar to that employed in certain embodiments of the preceding aspect.The effect of the double split configuration is to provide an item of headwear which fits securely upon the artefact with a certain amount of clearance above the artefact. In a second preferred embodiment the ears are bent forward before passing through the conic portion, thereby providing springs which exert upward pressure on the conic portion so as to further prevent it from bearing down on the artefact.

Conic constructions may be present in items of headwear without being readily recognisable as such. Preferred embodiments incorporating convex curved split headbands in which the rear headband is subdivided and in which ears are present and in which an element connecting the ears together at a point above the headband is also provided, will be aligned in a way which corresponds to a part of the surface of a notional cone when the separate parts of the headband element are brought together so as to shorten the length of the headband overall. In use the ears and the element connecting them are brought forward around the sides and over the top of the artefact.

Another construction which does not immediately announce itself as being conic, but which nevertheless is such a construction, is a rotational device employed in a preferred embodiment for the purpose of re-aligning ears at the ends of a headband from the vertical to the horizontal. The ears being essentially elongate, their extremities project out further as a result of realignment than would otherwise be possible in a restricted format. The rotation means comprises a lateral cut which extends from the outside edge of the base of the ear inwardly almost but not quite to the opposite edge. The portions on either side of the cut are made to overlap and are provided with means of attachment securing them in their new position.In the result the ears are not only cocked-out but also take on a moderately conic shape not out of keeping with the subjec: of the design.

The use of a flexible material uch a paper-board permits a construction in which the unitary principle is reserved and, at the same time, one portion of an item of headwear is able to adopt a pendulate motion relative to another adjacent portion to which it is integrally connected. The pendulum portion should be mounted in such a way that it is able to swing freely.

According to a fift-fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half o. the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material being fixed in position in relation to the remainder of the headwear, a second portion of the material in the form of a dependent element being either integrally connected to and provided with additional means of attachment to the first portion or integrally connected to the first portion in such a way that the point of connection is wholly or partly concealed from view, in either case the second portion being able to depend from the first portion and to respond to gravitational force and movements of the artefact in use.

Constructions in accordance with this aspect achieve a pendulate motion by ensuring that the ratio between the mass of what may be termed the "dangling" element and the distance between its centre of gravity and the axis of rotation is of a sufficient order to overcome any lack of elasticity in the connecting link. For an visually interesting design something extra is required, however, namely that the means of connection should not be obvious. To achieve this, a secondary attachment device is imported into the construction, the second portion depending from the portion forming the secondary attachment device.

It should perhaps be said that the word "dangling" is employed because it more accurately describes the uneven and multi-directional pendulate motion of somewhat coarse constructions made from a material such as paper-board of 300 gsm weight than a term of art formulated with reference to the movement of a true pendulum.

One of the means whereby items provided in accordance with the present aspect are able to achieve their purpose is the provision of a dangling element with secondary attachment device in the form of a hook which is inserted into a slot in the fixed portion. The shape and size of the slot is such as to provide a point about upon which the hook can pivot so that the dangling element is able to swing, at least within a limited range. The principle of unitary construction is preserved by providing a connecting link which is independent of the hook and slot and which is sufficiently elongate and narrow as to be capable of readily deflecting as the dangling element swings about the pivot point. Such a construction is employed in a preferred embodiment which provides a representation of pendant ear rings.

A second category of preferred embodiments employs parallel folds which are arranged in such a way as to rotate the connecting link between the dangling element and the fixed portion of the headwear through 360 degrees.

In the result the dangling element is seen to depend from the top and in front of the fixed portion and not below it.

The suspension of the dangling element in such a way that it has sufficient room in which to swing requires, in certain kinds of embodiment, a construction which places the element above or in front of the artefact. The present invention provides a constructions which makes use of enclosed cutouts mounted upon a headband and/or ears. In a preferred embodiment a subdivided headband is utilised to bring the point of attachment of the dangling element to the fixed portion to a position above the centre of the artefact in use. The construction is sufficiently rigid to provide a generous allowance of height thus permitting a pendular element of adequate mass and length to produce a worthwhile swing.

A second cantilever-type construction places the dependent element in front of the artefact, the point of attachment being level with the rim or other uppermost part, or slightly higher and far enough forward for the element not to come into contact with the surface of the artefact. In this construction an enclosed cut-out in the form of an arch is employed, the headband comprising the base of the arch. The sides of the arch are subjected to radiused folds and the top of the arch is brought forward in front of the artefact. The projection of the top of the arch is secured by struts attached to the headband.

If a requirement should emerge for an item of headwear for artefacts which symbolically represents the proverbial carrot before the donkey, it will doubtless be met by this aspect of the invention.

The present invention meets the need which is brought about by pressures generated by the restricted format, to which many human headwear items resembling embodiments of the present invention will have to conform, and which may also apply to headwear designed for artefacts, for means to be available for one or more elements within a design to be able to expand beyond the dimensions of the material from which they are made.

According to a fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being configured in a manner permitting deflection from a flat plane following the application of a tensile force so that the length of the portion expands.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect incorporate a portion of material which is capable of expanding to a longer dimension than that possessed by the material from which it is made. Such a facility, when incorporated into a headband, will enable the overall plan dimensions of the headwear to be reduced and is accordingly of value in cases where headwear is being published in a restricted format, for example a book.

Portions of material capable of expansion will invariably possess a lesser degree of lateral stability than portions of a similar shape not so configured.

This property may be advantageous or disadvantageous in design terms. In the latter case the extent oi the disadvantage can be limited by the provision of an additional elongate element not undergoing deflection which is threaded through the expanding portion in 2 manner which partially captures it by restricting the scope for movement ir. any direction other than that of the applied force.

In embodiments of this aspect a portion capable of deflection may have an axis which is straight or curved. In the former case the splits may be parallel to each other, in the latter case they may be radial. Splits may extend inwardly from an outer edge of the portion capable of deflection, alternating with splits extending inwardly from the opposite edge, the inner extremities of the splits from one edge overlapping the inner extremities of those from the other edge.In other embodiments opposed splits may extend inwardly from the outer edges, not quite meeting each other, the splits alternating with other splits contained within the element. By varying the distance between splits and/or their individual dimensions it ' possible to condition the degree to which certain sections of the element expand relative to other sections when the tensile force is applied.

In preferred embodiments the configuration of a strip capable of expansion when a tensile force is applied is related to the overall design theme. Within the parameters which apply it is possible to incorporate linear features which may, for example, be splits largely defining hearts, flowers, lips, arrows, key patterns, repeating spirals, sponsor's logos and the like.

The capacity for a portion of flexible material to distort and expand in response to a tensile force is harnessed in a second group of embodiments in accordance with the present aspect in which the portion to be expanded is provided with (in preferred embodiments; two sets of elongate elements, each set comprising three elements, the three elements connected serially and in echelon fashion, lateral folds being incorporated at the points of connection. These folds enable a first element to rotate through 180 degrees with respect to a second element and the second element to rotate in turn through 180 degrees, in the opposite sense to the first rotation, in respect of a third element. A second set of similarly configured elements operates in parallel to the first set.The effect of successive rotations is to maintain the construction in an essentially flat plane while allowing it to expand in length.

A locking device may be provided for the purpose of stabilising the construction.

This expansion device is of particular value when used in relation to constructions in accordance with the fifty-second aspect of the present invention in which it is desired to pass an element not only across the top of the artefact but well above it in a manner not otherwise permitted to a unitary construction by the dimensions of the applicable format. Such a construction may be ear-mounted with the portion at the further extremity attached to the front headband element in use. As with other preferred embodiments of this aspect the expansion device is likely to be symmetrical about its long axis.

A requirement for compression devices for use in connection with products made in accordance with the invention now disclosed is less obvious but nonetheless does exist.

According to a fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being provided with a number of parallel folds so that the length of the portion can be compressed.

The number of folds comprising a compression device will generally be two or more, and will preferably be five or more.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect possess a feature which can be of pronounced decorative as well as functional value. Among the purposes served by compression devices is the case where the portion designed to undergo compression is a headband, the length of which requires to be reduced. A second case arises where the profile of a headband element, viewed from directly above, needs to be changed from a thin section, the width of which corresponds to the gauge of the material, to something capable of engaging, for example, with the underside of a lip or other protrusion. This requirement is also addressed by the sixty-second to sixtysixth aspects of the present invention, infra.

Compression devices are also employed in preferred embodiments to act as a spring. The elastic properties of paper-board do not permit elaborate devices but other flexible materials such as polyvinyl acetates perform better.

Where parallel compression folds are incorporated into a portion of material which is square rather then elongate and the folds are relatively narrow in relation to the dimensions of the portion overall, the portion takes something of the appearance of a corrugated roof. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of this feature. In such embodiments what amounts to a second plane may be introduced by the incorporation of a bellows-type fold through 90 degrees along a line placed at right angles to the direction of the corrugating (that is to say, compression) folds. The corrugated portion the assumes the shape of a pitched roof, the dimensions of which may be sufficient to largely cover the artefact and protect it from the elements.Such a covering can be conveniently extended via an elongate member from a headband, the direction of the headband being at right angles to that of the corrugating folds, a bellows-type fold being provided at the point where the corrugated portion is connected to the elongate member, the effect of which is to rotate surface of the portion into position in which it is able to cover the artefact. If desired the corrugated portion can be secured in position by attachment to ears. Such ears may be folded under the corrugated portion for a part of their length so as to provided a sprung support. Splits or apertures can be provided in the corrugated portion allowing one or more elements to be passed through so as to take up a visible position above the artefact. In a preferred embodiment a cat on a tin roof is depicted.

Features found in a number of embodiments of the present aspect are similar in some respects to those present in certain embodiments of previously described aspects, viz. the nineteenth, forty-third and fiftieth aspects. These aspects deal with constructions such as headband and rigidising folds and those which provide "flat cap" type headwear.

As with expansion strips, compression strips which are relatively elongate will possess a limited degree of stability which can be countered, with decorative advantage, by the insertion of an elongate element through slots in the folding portion. Insertion can be most easily effected by threading. In the case where the elongate element is attached to other parts of the headwear at both ends and threading is accordingly impossible, the folding portion may be provided with oppositely directed tabs which can be partially opened so as to permit insertion of the elongate element.

The functional properties possessed by oppositely directed tabs have been amply demonstrated by embodiments in accordance with the thirty-second aspect, supra, in which they are juxtaposed with elongate slots. Such tabs can also be used with advantage in what may be termed a stationary situation.

According to a fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece incorporating fastening means, the fastening means comprising a first portion of material in the form of a strip or incorporating one or more pairs of splits and a second portion of material incorporating one or more pairs of tabs, the tabs being defined by a series of cuts in the material in the shape of an H (whether vertically or otherwise aligned), wherein in use the tabs serve to grip the material comprising the first portion.

Although, as in other aspects of this invention, the principle of unitary construction is preferred, it may well be that certain embodiments of this aspect will depart from that principle. The mechanism is well suited to the role of attaching an extensio-iike portion to a headband (the headband forming a strip) where the portion is provided separately or attached to the remainder of the headwear only by a tether. It is also of value in any construction in which a portion of the headwear located above the artefact in use requires to be attached to a headband by means of an elongate connecting element. In such applications it is possible to provide locating slots within the headband or, alternatively, notches along the edge of the headband for the purpose of preventing unwanted sideways movement.

The sides of the tabs need not be contiguous with the surrounding material in which they are provided. In certain preferred embodiments the tabs take the form of an H-shaped polygon, the empty space on either side of the tabs greatly facilitating engagement in circumstances where the portion in which the tabs are provided is subject to folding for the purpose of compressing its length in the manner provided by the fifty-sixth aspect described above.

Many of the foregoing aspects of the present invention provide designers with the means to convert what may otherwise be a visually twodimensional object into one with three dimensions. A further aspect of the invention affords designers the opportunity of applying thematic decoration in a process which possesses some similarities to those of embroidery and weaving but which is adapted to the production of headwear from a flexible material such as paper-board.

According to a fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material being provided with one or more pre-formed splits and/or apertures, a second portion of the material comprising or being provided with one or more largely detached elongate elements, in use the elongate element or elements being threaded through one or more of the splits and/or apertures in the first portion.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect will vary in complexity from the simple threading of a ribbon-like elongate strip of material though an aperture in an attached portion to the use of elongate elements adapted for threading which are laid out in the flat sheet in panels which have been die cut. In the latter case the multiple elongate elements may employ a linear repeating pattern which both duplicates and reciprocates that of adjoining elongate elements so that the edges of one elongate strip are contiguous with those of adjoining strips on either side. In place of the simple aperture or split, embodiments of the present aspect may rely upon one or more matrices, each matrix configured in a style which matches and/or compliments that of other matrices and the elongate strips.Such matrices will incorporate one or more enclosed cututs, the individual cut-out portions being cut round or partially cut round and folded outwardly in use.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect ear-like enlargements incorporating a plurality of diamond shaped apertures in the manner of a trellis are threaded (in a process in some respects akin to embroidery) by elongate elements attached to a headband representing trailing stems with leaves and flowers branching off at intervals. In the result what emerges is a product evocative of the Et in Arcadia Ego school which has its roots in 17th century Italy but has been largely lost sight of since the time of Poussin.

In another preferred embodiment of this aspect there is provided an item of headwear in the form of a bird's nest which in use is situated above the artefact. The bottom of the nest is based upon a circular-shaped matrix which is provided with spoke-shaped radial elements and semi-spoke-shaped elements radiating inward from the circumference but not connecting to any other portion of the material at the further end. The frame for the sides of the nest are provided by a plurality of circular matrices of sufficient length in aggregate to more than encompass the circumference of the matrix forming the bottom of the nest. The elongate character of the individual elements comprising the various matrices is rusticated, in the sense of being superficially irregular and angular and twig-like with a multiplicity of small extensions.The same style is found in the threading elements which are arranged in a die-cut panel in the flat sheet, the contiguously edged repeating and reciprocating pattern being reminiscent, in this instance, of a drawing by the Dutch artist M.C.Escher. Art follows nature in that the tortuous shape of the elongate elements from which the matrices are formed and of those which comprise the threads tightly interlock in use. It is thus possible to use the elongate threading elements to join the matrices forming the bottom and sides of the nest together and to provide a covering which, once in place, makes the underlying matrices undetectable. As in all preferred embodiments of all aspects of the invention no glue or other extraneous joining agency is required.

A particular advantage of embodiments of the kind described is that in the final stage of assembly, namely the threading of the elongate elements, the consumer is able to adopt an individual approach. It can safely be said, in the case of the bird's nest certainly, that under the law of averages no two assembled versions will be alike.

It ought not to be supposed that the range of applications of a construction of the bird's nest kind is limited, in the context of headwear, to the depiction of avian habitats and, perhaps, a kind of Chinese soup. Constructions equating to the surface of a geometrical solid of all kinds are possible using the same technique. The distinguishing feature of preferred embodiments in this group is that the elements which are threaded are sufficiently elongate and sufficiently irregular in shape, relative to the female part of the configuration, as to provide a three-dimensional surface which is multi-planer in detail but less so in its macro form. A sufficiency of elongation, it may here be noted, is a function of the mechanical characteristics of the substrate in relation to those of the design.Where the substrate is paper-board or similar the ability to rotate an element about its long axis provides one means of judging its properties of elongation. A rotational capability of twice through 360 degrees has been found to be appropriate to preferred embodiments of the present aspect. This form of measurement can be applied whether or not such rotations are required by the design in question.

In another group of embodiments of this aspect the elongate threading elements are provided in an inner sleeve which in use is placed behind an outer portion. The shape of the sleeve is likely to be similar to that of the outer portion but the dimensions will usually be a little smaller so that the outer edges of the sleeve are entirely obscured from view. An advantage of a sleeve, as compared with having the threading elements floating around individually, is that it is able to place the threading elements in the best position vis-à-vis the applicable aperture or split in the outer element. This makes both for economical use of space and convenience of assembly.A further advantage is derived from the greater strength imparted to the piece by reason of the planar surfaces being doubed-up and interlocked together.

The number of sleeves providing elements ror threading is not limited to one.

In applications of the invention making aye of 300 gsm paper-board there would, however, appear to be a practical livid of two inner sleeves in relation to any one surface portion.

In certain embodiments incorporating one o~ more sleeves additional means of attachment are provided beyond what is afforded by the threading of the elongate elements for the purpose of stabili < ;ng the position of the surfaces of the portions with respect to each other in. the course of and following assembly In a further group of embodiments of the present aspect, in which threaded elements are used structurally, constructions are provided whereby a tight fit is assured by means of either tapering and or notching the male element or providing a second, threading, split. This last arrangement is of value where the male element incorporates a neck which corresponds to the length of the split in the female element.The second split is provided at right angles to the first split and is sufficiently large to allow the male element at its widest point to be threaded through it. The male element is then rotated about its neck until it is able to engage with the active (small) split so as to achieve its final position. In certain embodiments the female element is curved or otherwise distorted and the edges of the larger split rise up and grip the enlarged portion of the male element so that its plane is maintained at right angles to that of the female element regardless of any forces which may be exerted upon it via the neck.

Another structural embodiment of the present aspect allows a portion of material to be threaded through an adjacent portion which is provided with a rigidising fold, the split or aperture being placed along the line of the fold.

Such a construction affords the threaded element a degree of directional stability not otherwise attainable. In this category of embodiment it is possible to provide the splits or apertures in 2 portion folded about the line of a curve, the elongate (male) elements, which may for example be tab-like or resemble flowers or symbols, being provided inwardly of the curve. Valley folds being employed both for the curved fold and the elongate elements, there results a design feature in which the line of the curved fold (mountainside) is relieved by a pattern of projections.With the incorporation of pleats extending from apertures outwardly of the curved fold and in the opposite direction (pre-assembly) to the elongate male elements, it is possible to the execute the curved fold through 180 degrees so that the folded portion largely overlays the portion on the other side of the curve, the projecting male elements coming more prominently into view. In preferred embodiments constructions of this kind are employed to embellish the lower edge of a visor.

In another group of embodiments the fold along the line of a curve is replaced by an enclosed cut-out in which the cut-out is elongate and curved somewhat in the shape of a banana. Splits or apertures are provided along one of the longer sides of the periphery of the cut-out and complementary elongate male elements are incorporated along its opposite side. The male elements are brought into a position in which engagement is possible by the activation of pairs of parallel folds located in each of the two remaining sides of the cut-out, the effect being to step forward one portion so that it overlaps the other. In a preferred embodiment the male elements are arranged along the longer of the two elongate curved sides but are brought into alignment with the splits or apertures on the other side with the help of tucks inserted between them.This is another construction suited for incorporation into a visor for purposes of ornamentation.

The balance between the properties of rigidity and flexibility which is present in paper-board and similar flexible materials makes it also possible to provide constructions in which one portion of the material follows a different path to that taken by the portion to which it is attached.

According to a fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being configured to act as a freely projecting element so that it takes a path different from that taken by the portion of the material to which it is attached.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, making use of the aplastic properties of paper-board, there is provided an elongate element the outer portions of which are largely cut out of a headband so that it remains attached to it only at its centre. When the headband is bent into a radiused fold, as when the headwear is placed upon an artefact, the two ends of the elongate element perform in a vector-like manner and stand out from the artefact.

The role of headwear provided in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the human headwear designs resembling ernbodiments of the present invention can be functional or decorative, or both, as indeed is often the case with headwear of traditional design. In its decorative applications, the intention of the wearer is that the headwear (whether traditional or otherwise) will interact with the perceptional judgements of other persons to whom it is visible. This remains the case whatever the wearer may maintain to the contrary. The present invention reproduces human headwear designs which take the interactive role which human headwear performs by reason of being at eye-level a stage further.

According to a sixtieth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material being provided with a reflective surface, the portion being positioned so as to reflect an image provided by or reproduced on a second portion of the material.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect a reflective surface is positioned above the artefact in a plane inclined to the vertical, being secured in position inter alia by struts connecting it to earlike enlargements at the extremities of the headband. The image is provided in an inverted form on a portion of material which is attached to the reflective portion by means of a tab and slot, the plane of the image being at an obtuse angle to that of the reflective surface. In the result the image becomes visible the right way up, via the reflective surface, to a person standing in front of the wearer.The reflective surface is provided in the form of a framed mirror, a banner across the top providing space for a caption It is possible to incorporate means for varying the angle of incidence between the reflective surface and the image surface and/or to provide for the rotation of one or both surfaces so as to change the display as to its subject matter or in some other material respect. Either or both reflective surfaces can be distorted from the flat plane so as to produce a distorted image. Such a construction possesses humorous, not to say satirical possibilities.

The principle of unitary construction can be preserved by the use of modern paper-boards coated with metallised film such as those sold under the trade name 'Mirri'. These boards provide an almost mirror-like surface which is superior both to ordinary aluminium foil boards and to what can be achieved by the hot foiling process.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are asymmetrical in shape.

Headwear designed to be worn by human beings for street use will frequently be put on the head without the benefit of a mirror or even a shop window. The invention reproduces designs which provide the means whereby the intended centre of the headwear, as worn, can be located by touch thus obviating any tendency for it to be put on lop-sided.

According to a sixty-first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cvlindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a headband element adapted to be positioned at the front of the artefact being provided with a feature capable of being identified by touch, the feature being located at the point on the headwear which (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) would be positioned at the centre of the forehead of the wearer in use.

The feature capable of being identified by touch may be, for example, a tab, crease, aperture, notch, embossment, printed or other surface application or an indentation or protuberance along or approximate to the line of the 'split In a preferred embodiment of this aspect a convex curved split design is provided with a peak, the peak being capable of being optionally turned-up along the line of a pre-set curved crease. The peak is not extended from the centre of the headband but offset to one side. Ears are placed in the normal position at the ends of the headband equi-distantly from its centre. In the result there emerges an item of headwear which if placed on the head or in the present case an artefact, correctly, with the peak either turned-up or not turned-up, takes on what in the vernacular is termed a 'kooky' appearance.It should be noted that the meanings assigned to the adjective 'kooky', vis: 'strange', 'eccentric' (National Text Book Company, Dictionary of American Slang), and 'crazy', 'eccentric' (Oxford University Press, Dictionary' 9f Modern Slang), do not quite convey the nuance of the expression.

Correct placement of the item of headwear is facilitated by the provision of a small notch at the centre point of that part of the split which lies against the artefact in use. The notch can be readily detected to the touch but is not so large as to be readily visible to an onlooker. With the assistance of the notch, users will be able to line up the centre of the headband with a selected point upon the surface of the artefact, along the rim of a drinks can for example.

The importance of this aspect of the invention lies in the likelihood that the appeal of human headwear of this kind will be to groups of people to whom conformity to normal dress codes is an anathema whereas conformity to the dress code of their peer group is de rigueur. The situation will commonly arise where there are many such people wearing the same item of headwear in the same place and at the same time and in full view of each other. In these circumstances it will not be enough to be kooky, if that is the order of the day, the kookiness will require to be standardised. Preferred embodiments of the present aspect which reproduce "koolv" items of headwear for use with aspects may in time come to be viewed in The same light.

The invention now disclosed applies to items resembling headwear constructed in accordance with the invention in its various aspects regardless where the subject of adornment is an artefact. The word 'head' has innumerable lexical applications beyond those specifically directed to items of apparel and although the concept of providing headwear and items of apparel generally for domestic artefacts, other than dolls, is not one which has found wide currency it can not be said, of itself, to be entirely novel. The use of items either of apparel or resembling apparel in art includes such diverse examples as laurel wreaths for statues and doors, crowns for heraldic lions, chamber pots for steeples, decorative cosies for teapots and eggs and stocking-like coverings for piano legs. In each of these examples, to a greater or lesser degree, a statement is being made.The psychological urge which comes upon people in a relaxed moment to put something which is capable of being placed upon the head, but which is intended for another purpose, on the head is matched by an equally deep-seated urge to put something resembling an item of headwear on any object which will accept it.

Headwear items in accordance with the present invention are particularly suitable for small artefacts of the kind found on the shelves of supermarkets and retail establishments for the sale of alcoholic beverages of the type known in the United Kingdom as 'off licences'. Suitably proportioned, such items are likely to prove an effective point of sale marketing device as well as providing a source of entertainment for the customers in their social and home environments. The fact that paper headwear is not commonly provided for such products underlines the novelty of the constructions now disclosed.

Among the small artefacts most able to benefit from the addition of headwear in accordance with the invention are cans, bottles and jars. These kinds of container generally have a profile which incorporates a lip of some kind. Items in accordance with the following five aspects of the invention are provided with the means of engaging such a lip (and also a raised rim, if present) for the purpose of better securing their position.

According to a sixty-second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising one or more tabs set into the said portion or arranged along the line of the split, the tabs being readily capable of deflection from the flat plane so as to impinge against the said lip and/or other protrusion thereby to inhibit or prevent the headwear slipping off the top of the artefact.

The precise nature of the engagement means to be employed will depend in part upon the container or other artefact and in part upon the headwear construction in question. The lips provided on beer and soft-drink cans are particularly shallow and lacking in what may be termed 'bite'. The problem thus presented is in a direct ratio to the marketing opportunity which such products offer. In certain applications it may be useful to combine with the engagement means which are the subject of the present aspect a range of devices which are the subject of other aspects of the present invention including constructions directed to the attachment of sub-divided headbands.

While certain split configurations are particularly well suited to the drink-can role - convex curved splits being a case in point - the presence of an extension above and/or below a headband tends to make it a headband like any other as regards its ability to sit securely atop a can. This difficulty is met by the use of tabs of one kind or another, the precise configuration to be employed being determined by the design of the headwear, the nature of the material and the shape of the artefact Embodiments of this aspect may be provided with one or more tabs for the purpose of engaging with a lip or other protrusion from the surface of an artefact.Such tabs may be provided in either headband element although in many cases only one headband element requires to be so equipped, the other element being so configured as to re capable of engagement without a tab.

Tabs may be set into a headband element so as to comprise an enclosed cutout or they may be placed along the upper edge of a headband element (which may or may not be the headband split) being formed by pairs of relatively short lateral splits extending downwardly from the upper edge.

Tabs provided in accordance with this aspect of the invention inay be dependent and require to be folded upwardly so as to engage with the artefact. In embodiments incorporating an extension to a headband a tab depending from the extension and let into the headband element on which the extension is mounted has been found to work particularly well. Another preferred means of providing a dependent tab is for it to be sufficiently proportioned for it to be passed through adjacent slot in the headband after being folded upwardly so that it impinges against the lip of the artefact more directly and rigidly.

Where an extension is mounted upon a headband element and is connected to it by a relatively short piece of material comprising a bridge, a tab can be formed by activating two folds in opposite senses one of the folds being along a line parallel to and slightly above the upper edge of the headband element, the effect of the two folds being to form the lower part of the extension into a tab able to engage 'ith the artefact.

Another possible arrangement is for a line of tabs to be set into or along the edge of a headband, the tabs adjoining having radiused ends and able to be activated with pressure from a finge- nail.

The engagement of tabs provided in accordance with this aspect may be assisted by tightening the headband around the artefact, a subdivided headband of the kind described by the twenty-fifth aspect, supra, for example, forming a part of the design of the item.

A largely alternative construction to the tab, in the present context, is one in which either one or both of the upper and lower headband elements are corrugated or in which one or more corrugated or un-corrugated strips are introduced into a headband. In the latter case the strip, which may be termed a secondary strip, is attached to but separate from the headband element per se.

According to a sixty-third aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising one or more elongate strips of material either forming a part of the said headband portion or an additional elongate element or elements adjacent thereto, the strip or strips being parallel to the split and extending along the length or part of the length of the headband portion, in use the strip or strips engaging with a said lip and/or other protrusion thereby to inhibit or prevent the headwear slipping off the top of the artefact.

The effect of introducing corrugations into a headband element is both to shorten it and, by introducing a pattern of inward projections from its general plane as it passes from side-to-side in use, improve its ability to engage with the lip of an artefact. In certain combinations of headwear and artefact, however, it is possible to secure adequate engagement by means of a secondary strip which is free of corrugations or other folds, the secondary strip assuming a different lie to that of the proximal headband and one which is better able to impinge upon the lip of the artefact. In certain embodiments the secondary strip may be corrugated. A secondary strip, corrugated or uncorrugated may be used in association with the headband element situated on the opposite side of the headband split to itself, which headband element may or may not be corrugated.In use headband elements and strips provided in accordance with this aspect lodge under a lip thereby preventing the headband from riding up over the top of the artefact - in the case of a drinks can, its rim. As is the case with items provided in accordance with the preceding aspect, the precise nature of the construction employed will be conditioned by the profile of the artefact and the type of headwear design employed.

For those kinds of headwear design incorporating a convex curved split further means of securing an item in position on an artefact are available.

These further means are the subject of the three aspects of the present invention next described.

According to a sixty-fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the split describing a line which is cured or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising a modification in the line of the split so that the upper edge of the headband element lying below the split in use almost exactly corresponds to the curvature of the artefact at the point of least diameter, the length of the split being such as to allow the piece to pass over the top of the artefact at a wider point.

Where a headband incorporates a convex curved split the mechanical characteristics of engagement between the headband and the lip of an artefact such as a drinks can are dissimilar to those of a straight split headband in that the plane of the headband elements in the latter case is essentially vertical and an additional feature of the kind referred to in connection with the two preceding aspects is required in order to engage either of the upper or lower headband elements with the lip. The disposition of a convex curved split headband to assume a generally conic attitude, the vertex of the notional cone being above the headband, has already been remarked.In the present context the result of such a property is that in preferred embodiments of the present aspect the lower headband element is able to impinge against the lip along its upper edge, viz. the edge abutting on to the split. To do so effectively it is necessary for the line of the curved split both as to its length and as to its curvature to be made to conform as closely as possible to the circumference of the container as measured immediately below the lip. In preferred embodiments the radius of the convex split varies along the split, being at its greatest at the midway point of the split. An optimum configuration is one in which there is no gap between the top of the lower headband element in use and the lip of the artefact until a point adjacent to the extremities of the split and the lower part of the ears assuming that ears are present as is generally the case.If the gradient of the decrease in the radius is too little a gap opens up between the top of the lower headband element and the lip. If it is too steep the lower element tends to ride-up over the lip.

In certain preferred embodiments the length of the split is kept to a minimum by providing a gap between the two headband elements, the split being elongate but its edges not being contiguous, at least along the greater part of the length of the split. As with embodiments of the preceding two aspects and the three which follow, it is preferable for the length of the split to be only so long as allows the headwear to slip over the top of the can and spring back against the sides of the can, the exception being those with subdivided headbands provided with variable means for attachment.Embodiments of these aspects will very often not incorporate perforations at the ends of the split, being designed with a particular artefact or group of artefacts in mind, Provision of a convex curved split tailored to the circumference of a drinks can or similar container takes care of the lip on only one side and it is necessary for some other special device to be employed to secure the back of the headwear in position. Such a device may be a tab or tabs or a corrugated strip. A further form of construction is provided by the fourth of the present group of aspects whereby the upper (outer) edge of a convex split headband lying at the back of the head in a human headwear design is adapted to engage with the lip of a can or other container.

According to a sixty-fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the split describing a line which is cueed or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising a modification to the headband element lying above the split in use so that it is provided with an upper edge which almost exactly corresponds to the curvature of the artefact at the point of least diameter, the length of the split being such as to allow the piece to pass over the top of the artefact at a wider point In preferred embodiments a headband so adapted is provided with an upper edge which is largely parallel to the convex split or, if the sides of the split are not contiguous, the upper edge of the split.The line of the upper edge may incorporate a flat section in the middle the edge at that point being curved to a lesser radius than is the case on either side.

According to a sixty-sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the split describing a line which is curved or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising (in the event that the artefact is provided with a vertical rim) the incorporation into the upper edge of the headband element lying above the split at the points where it comes into contact with the rim of a pair of symmetrical cuts, the cuts extending inwards from the said upper edge, the line of the cuts being such as permit the part of the headband portion outermost of the cuts to relocate inside the rim.

In preferred embodiments a headband so adapted is provided with an upper edge which is largely parallel to the convex split but contains a flat section in the middle. Cuts in the upper edge towards the ends of the headband are provided to relieve the headband as it crosses over the rim of the container, such cuts taking the form of splits and/or notches. Angled splits, proximal to ears, are able to better secure the headwear in position and at the same time improve the presentation of the ears so that they give the impression of emerging from the lid of the can.

It remains to be seen to what extent it will be possible to reproduce in miniature form the intricacies of design which are present in designs for human headwear which are reproduced by embodiments of the present invention. The lighter weight of material appropriate to the miniature versions will be helpful. Paper of the order of 100 to 150 gsm in weight has been found to have sufficient properties of rigidity and durability for use in scaled-down editions of items initially design for the human head and based upon 300 gsm paper-board. Recent advances in die-making in the areas of laser technology, computer aided design, chemical etching and the use of titanium alloys, and a broadening of the range of substrates employed to include vinyl's, polyesters, acetates and other man-made flexible materials will further assist in masts production of miniature versions.

One of the constructions included among the embodiments described with reference to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention employs a horseshoe shaped elongate portion of material incorporating a fold along the line of a curve. This portion is assembled into a brim-like element which, in a human head version, would encompass the head of the wearer. In the design in question the brim is provided in association with a headband incorporating a convex curved split of the kind referred to elsewhere in this document. It is possible for a brim formed from such a horseshoe shaped portion to be employed as an item of headwear, either for a human head or as in the present case an artefact, in its own right without the presence of a split headband.

According to a sixty-seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate two or more curved portions, or a horseshoe shaped portion of material, the portion or portions being elongate and adapted to be folded about a cured line or parts of a curved line the line of which is equidistant or largely equidistant from the inner and outer edges of a portion, the fold or folds being activated so as to form a trough-like construction, the ends of the portion or portions being provided with means of attachment so that they can be brought together to form a continuous brim in use, the inner dimensions of the brim corresponding to the circumference of artefact.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect of the invention are able to make use of constructions which are the subject of other aspects of the invention in much the same way as does the split headband design already mentioned. In particular, extensions above and below the headband (as regards the present aspect, a curved brim), folded and unfolded, can be fashioned so as to produce features above the artefact and in front of and behind and at the sides of the artefact. Such extensions can be doubled back and re-attached to the brim from which they are extended in the first place and/or threaded through a split or aperture in the brim and/or attached to other similar extensions.

The joining mechanism which is the subject of the thirty-second aspect is of particularly value in the present context since adjustment of a horseshoe shaped headband can most readily be achieved by varying the amount of overlap of its two ends, a function which the sliding catch is able to perform admirably while at the same time accommodating a trough shaped section continuing, as is often the case, right up to the very extremities of the brim requiring to be joined together to form a headband.

In a preferred embodiment of the present aspect a construction configured in a human head version so as to be contained within a 310 mm by 436 mm format is horseshoe shaped, the horseshoe possessing two foci-like points along its vertical axis of symmetry, the two points being 30 mm apart. The inner edge of the horseshoe is substantially, albeit irregularly, curved along radii of the order of 150 mm from one or other of the foci or from a line connecting them. The open ends of the horseshoe shaped portion are 40 mm apart at their closest point. Parallel to and outwardly of the curved inner edge is a pre-set crease, the radii of which crease measured from the two foci and the connecting line is of the order of 170 mm.The radii of the further outer edge, measured in the same way varies, in the embodiment in question, between 190 mm and 210 mm. Attachment of the extremities is effected by means of two pairs of parallel elongate slots, the slots being of the order of 12 mm inwardly of the inner edge of the piece and 15 mm apart and having a mean length of 130 mm. The slots are slidably engaged by opposed tabs at each of the two extremities of the horseshoe shaped portion, the tabs being 15 mm wide across their horizontal axes and having an aggregate length along their vertical axes which is the same as the width of the headband at the same point, namely 40 mm. Tne axes of the tabs in each case are set along radii from the uppermost of the points representing foci.

Following activation of the cut wed line of fold and attachment of the separate ends of the headband so as to form a brim, the inner diameter of such an item of human headwear varies according to the linear positioning of the tabs along the elongate slots. The range of variation extends from a mean diameter of 200 mm (corresponding to a metric head size of 63 cm and an imperial head size of 8 inchesj down to one of 155 mm (corresponding to a head size of 49 cm and 6 1/4 inches respectively).While slots of such an order of elongation work well in practice, it is possible to bring about a further improvement in their performance by providing tearable perforations along a part or parts of their length, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the brim to a greater extent than would otherwise be the case, and/or to provided lateral folds along the horizontal axis of each tab forming whichever of the pairs of opposed tabs lies inside the brim following engagement. The effect of sucr. folds is to obviate any tendency of the tabs to fall out of the slots when the brim flexes, as may happen when it is placed on the artefact.A further (and what may be thought to be a somewhat more sophisticated variation) is possible in which the elongate slots are not continuous but arranged at intervals, the wearer selecting whichever two pairs of slots correspond to his or her head size. In whatever form provided, slots may be marked with a scale showing the position of the tabs corresponding to the range of possible head sizes.

In the item described, the greater width of the portions outermost of the fold at midway points along the sides of the horseshoe give the brim a somewhat rakish appearance when turned up and slightly curled inwards and lying at the sides of the head in use. It is possible to vary the width of the brim on either side of the fold and, by juxtaposing the variations with discontinuous folds, replicate many different styles of headwear. These styles may range rrom that of a Chinese laundry man of the American Wild West (sent, as the saying goes, by Central Casting) to a turned down brim in the fashion made famous by the fictional character Dick Tracy and even more famous by the real life American artist Roy Lichtenstein.Somewhere in between these extremes are hats or, more accurately, brims reminiscent of the Tyrol and the Avenger's John Steed.

Although, where a requirement that the unitary principle be observed is present, the scope for extensions inwardly and upwardly from a horseshoe tyrpe headband is somewhat restricted on account of the limited space which lies within the horseshoe, it is nevertheless possible within a restricted format to achieve a cone or pyramid-type construction above the artefact. In certain designs a feature resembling a geometrical solid is integrally connected by means of a short connecting element to the centre of the front of the brim in use and provided with means of attachment to the back of the brim at the point where the extremities of the brim are brought together.

in one such design a pyramid or similarly shaped portion is attachable to the rear part of the brim by means of an element extended from its base, the element being provided at its further end with opposed tabs. These tabs engage with elongate slots located at the extremities of horseshoe shaped portion and, there being no tabs adjoining the slots, provided the exclusive means whereby the extremities of the horseshoe portion are secured together so as to form a brim. In a second embodiment the extended element is provided with opposed tabs, the tabs arranged along the same vertical axis, the base of one within the base of the other. the tabs adapted to engage with the uppermost in use of the slots in t;.e respective extremities of the horseshoe shaped portion at a point where they overlap each other.In this design the extremities of the horseshoe shave portion are provided with tabs at the ends which engage with corresponding pairs of slots in the opposite portion in the manner previously described. The advantage that this latter construction offers in making use of what may be regarded as the standard mechanism has to be offset against the redaction in the extent of the travel of the tabs in the slots, thereby limiting the maximum head size which can be accommodated. Either construction offers the designer the very worthwhile advantage of a self-centring form of attachment which allows the geometrically shaped feature to take up a precisely central position over the head in use regardless of the wearer's heac size and of the position taken up by the tabs relative to the slots.The employment of such a joining mechanism is, accordingly, critical to the success of the design. These selfcentring mechanisms are similar to certain of the mechanisms described in connection with the thirty-second aspect, sU7'ra.

It may here be noted that, with the possible exception of the case previously mentioned in which a slot is not continuous, a configuration in which slots are paired is preferred to that incorporating a single slot as regards embodiments of the present aspect. This is because the portion incorporating the elongate slots will in most configurations also incorporate the line of the fold and it is unsatisfactory for the fold to be replaced by a slot rather than continuing along its path with the slots on either side.

In addition to those designs described above, the horseshoe shaped construction lends itself to another type of design which is one calculated to evoke warm memories of former times when members of the British working class taking their annual holiday at the seaside were want to exchange their workaday headwear, often comprising a bowler hat (in American English 'derby') for a handkerchief knotted at the corners. A bowler hat type brim is provided with four splits or holes adapted to engage with the four corners of a real handkerznief made from a fabric such as cotton, the allusion being completed by the knotting of the corners of the said handkerchief.

While nostalgia of this kind is part of the stuff of the invention there is always a serious intent which should not be overlooked. Using constructions in accordance with other aspects of the invention, and handkerchief substitutes ranging from plastic bin-liner to silken designer scarves, it is possible to establish a new genre of leisure headwear with which people from all walks of life will be able to identify. The resulting products can be readily reproduced in miniature form for artefacts such as drinks cans. The designs above described which are intended to be worn on the human head constitute preferred embodiments of the present aspect when they are adapted for use as headwear for artefacts.

It may here be noted that adapting constructions in accordance with the designs described above to the associated imagery to the knotted handkerchief, which imagery is comprised of the flowered frock (in American English 'gown') tucked into the elasticated legs of an undergarment, have so far eluded the applicant.

Embodiments incorporating semi-circular rather than horseshoe shaped portions possess the advantage of greater scope for inwardly and upwardly mounted extensions. Any such advantage may be limited in practice by restrictions on space imposed by a specified format. A disadvantage likely to be suffered by such embodiments is that mechanism joining the portions of the brim together will be more obtrusive.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a multi-directional, multipurpose tab and slot mechanism.

According to a sixty-eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, two or more portions of the material being equipped with multi-functional and/or multi-directional tab and slot mechanisms, each of the mechanisms being identically configured and incorporating at least one tab and at least one slot.

Multi-functional and multi-directional tab and slot mechanisms are akin, in paper engineering terms, to the metal and plastics construction systems sold under the trademarks Meccano and Lego. Incorporated into items of headwear made from flexible material such as paper or paper-board in accordance with the original application and the present application, such tab and slot mechanisms will provide an unprecedented degree of versatility with regard to the accommodation of different sizes of artefact and the positioning of elements of the design in relation to the remainder of the headwear and the imparting of rigidity generally.

A number of aspects of the invention detailed above make a virtue of symmetry which, as applied to headwear constructed in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the present document, implies symmetry about a vertical line bisecting the headband at right angles. Such symmetry permits, all other things being equal, the same artwork to be used for the obverse and the reverse sides. Thus, even where the construction in question does not depend for its efficacy on its constituent elements being symmetric with each other, symmetry about the vertical axis of the headwear, or even a partial symmetry, is always worth having for the savings which follow in the prepress department and the print shop.

A distinction has to be made between symmetry in manufacture and symmetry in use. It is the first kind of symmetry which matters in terms of savings of time and costs and it will be present to a greater or lesser extent in the constructions in accordance with the present aspect which are now disclosed, notwithstanding that the headwear is asymmetric in its post printing/die-cutting state and following assembly and in use.

According to a sixty-ninth the aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to pros e a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being symmetric about a vertical line bisecting the headband in such manner as to permit the use of a complete or partial commonalty of origination, and/or reproduction materials, and/or colour separations, and/or computerised data, and/or printing plates for the mechanical reproduction of the obverse and reverse sides, the piece incorporating asymmetric features in its final printed and post die-cut pre-assembly state and/or in use.

Headwear which is totally symmetric in manufacture, with both obverse and reverse sides of the headwear identical in every respect, including being symmetric about the vertical axes, will need art work, colour separations and printing plates only for one side of the work, the same plates doing duty for the other side as welt Using what printers call 'work and turn', the number of make-ready operations on the printing press may also be halved. In preferred embodiments of the present invention total symmetry of this kind can rarely be achieved but one of the many forms of partial symmetric will generally be available given sufficient foresight and, perhaps, the exercise of a certain degree of self-restraint as well as ingenuity on the part of the designer.

Partial symmetry may occur when there is a commonalty of some origination but not all of it. It not infrequently happens that an item of headwear can be so designed that the colour work on both sides is the same, the only difference between the obverse and the reverse sides being the image printed in black. Preferred embodiments of the present aspect make use of this device. Since a large part of the expense in producing headwear in accordance with GOA-2178299 and the present invention will relate to the cost of colour printing, which may in some instances require to be amortised over relatively short print runs, the savings on this account are important.

Paper headwear in art is generally printed on one side only, and this even though the print runs are greater than those which may be foreseen for many applications of the present invention. It is clear therefor that the cost of printing is a material factor in the production of headwear.

It is also possible for there to be complete commonalty of origination between the obverse and reverse sides but for the sides to be distinguished once die-cutting and stripping out has been completed. In certain preferred embodiments of this aspect the form of construction employed is such that one or more features peripheral to the main body of the headwear are arranged so as to not interfere with the symmetry of the remainder of the piece. In such embodiments it may be possible to use only one set of plates, which may be four colour plates, for both obverse and reverse sides, unwanted print being left on the sheet when the work is stripped-out.

Alternatively, there may be commonalty of the origination, separations and plates relative to the three process colours but not black in which event the unwanted colour art work may be over-printed in black thereby being blanked out. In certain embodiments of the present aspect a feature within the main body of the headwear such as, for example, a thumb tab provided in accordance with the thirty-seventh aspect, supra, may be asrmmetrically distinguished by being die-nt and/or printed with a black design.

It may here be noted that colour printing in the market for paper headwear general consists of the application of the three process colours, yellow, magenta and cyan, and black. In the trade the finishing process is known as "cutting and creasing" and this phrase may be employed to describe work which comprises the application of lines of perforation as well as work that does not include any creasing. The work may be retained in the sheet following cutting and creasing, being held in place by small nicks inserted into the knives of which a cutting die is comprised. These nicks may be necessary in any event in order to keep the work in place as the sheet passes through the machine.

Cutting and creasing is a letterpress process, platen and other forms of flat bed and cylinder presses being employed for the work. The manufacture of cutting and creasing dies (known also as formes and, in the vernacular, "cutters") continues to be in the hands of craftsmen but a recent innovation allows the wooden part of the die in which the knives are set to be cut by laser, the path to be followed by the laser requiring first to be digitised. This last is not a requirement of another recently introduced process in which a die is produced by chemical etching onto an alloy plate.Thus far the etching process is suitable only for small work and comparatively light weight material, the principal application apparently being the cutting out of irregularly shaped envelope windows but it would seem likely to be of value in embodiments of the present invention where the artefact is relatively small such as, for example, is the case with a drinks can.

A somewhat related process to cutting and creasing is foiling. This is also carried out on letterpress machines but since foiling generally requires a combination of pressure, heat and dwell the machines have to be modified or are designed from new in such a way as to not be able to carry out any other function. Cutting and creasing, by contrast, can sometimes be performed by the same machine and at the same time as printing. It is believed that, for all practical purposes, where the cutting is truly cutting (and not creasing or perforating) no machine is available which will simultaneously print and diecut the same area of paper-board at the same time. A process whereby different areas are so treated is the subject of the following aspect of the present invention.

A wide range of folding equipment is available on the market but, so far as is known, there is no equipment capable of folding a sheet of paper-board which has already been cut and creased to the extent generally present in embodiments of GB-A-2178299 and the present invention. This difficulty can be avoided by supplying headwear in the sheet un-die-cut, leaving this task to the customer. While the supply of embodiments of the present invention in such a form is not precluded it is unlikely to take a significant share of the total market. It has been found that it may take a half an hour or even longer using equipment such as scissors or a scalpel to cut out an embodiment, creases present a difficulty and it is not always immediately obvious what requires to be cut and what should not be cut. The more miniaturised the embodiment the greater the difficulty in cutting it out be hand.

The history of printing encourages the view that as the market for topical headwear develops designers and manufacturers of printing and finishing equipment will not be found wanting. Quite elaborate machinery was available for the production of newspapers, albeit hand-fed, as early as the first part of the nineteenth century by which time efficient steam-engines had been developed. Such machines were capable of printing 2000 copies an hour.

By the end of the century sheet-fed rotary presses capable of printing upwards of twenty thousand copies an hour were coming into general use.

What is required for topical headwear in an ideal world is machinery which is capable of printing the headwear in a newspaper type format at high speed and in full colour on both sides, and cutting and creasing and folding and wrapping it, all in a single pass. In some respects the present state of the art as concerns the printing of topical headwear may be likened to that of the of the Greenock Telegraph which in 1863 was printed on a cylinder press powered, it is said, "by a squad of naxa ies." It is possible that topical versions of headwear intended to be worn on the human head will be reproduced in miniature form for use in connection with artefacts, most particularly small artefacts such as drinks can.It is also possible that topical headwear for artefacts will be more popular than the human head variety, it being a less flamboyant action to place a miniature version on a drinks can than to wear it oneself.

Even where symmetry about the vertical axis is not present, it may be possible for a material degree of commonalty between the two sides of an item of headwear to be achieved by employing constructions in which the reverse of the headwear is identical to but a mirror image of the obverse. In such circumstances only one item of original art work and only one set of colour separations will be required, the separations being duplicated and at the same time reversed to make a second set of plates for the obverse side.

The two sides of the work u-ill require to be separately printed.

So far as is known, headwear designed in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and in accordance with (or resembling embodiments of) the present invention is almost unique among printed matter in extent to which it is able to derive an advantage from symmetry and commonalty of origination and pre-press matter. It is understood that the only other printed matter which employ the same design on both sides of the material are the posters printed on paper which are back-lit for display in locations such as underground stations.

Among paper headwear, headwear designed in accordance with GB-A2178299 and the present invention would also seem to be particularly well placed in its ability to make imaginative use of solid blocks of strong colours using overlays rather than transparencies. Using the same plates it is possible to apply different colours on the obverse and reverse side of a piece.

Countless permutations and combinations of colours are possible, sometimes over printing one colour on another, so ; to produce a range of products from the same origination, plates and cutting dies.

The invention also extends to any items of headwear being otherwise accordance with one or more of the preceding aspects excepting that it is not of unitary construction, separate portions of the headwear being provided with means of attachment and brought together in assembly.

According to a seventieth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of non-unitary construction, the item comprising two or more pieces of flexible material adapted ro be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the item in its assembled state being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the material in such t way that it does not (following assembly of the item and in use) extend to any edge of the assembled material, a headband being formed thereby, the item adapted to incorporate constructions disclosed in the present invention for use in connection with headwear otherwise in accordance with the present invention.

In many preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention the headband is provided as an individual component complete with a self-contained split.

Tabs at the ends of the headband permit the attachment of ears and attachment mechanisms at other points o- the headband and/or ears allow further what may be termed "bolt-on's".

Such items enjoy the same constructional advantages as those detailed in relation to items provided in accordance with the preceding aspects, but are provided in two or more separate part which are brought together in assembly. The use of such a device was disclosed in GB-A-2178299 as regards the attachment of ears and ear plaques and is, accordingly, part of the art in so far as those constructions are concerned.

Headwear made in accordance with GB-A-2178299 has the capacity to portray one image superimposed upon another so as to provide a perspective view.

As will be seen by reference to Figures 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44 and 45 of GW A2178299, such images are, however, separated by the width of the head. The forms of construction disclosed in the present invention permit the superimposition of two or more visual images at a time in close proximity to each other and the achievement of other multi-dimensional effects.

The present invention also provides the means to resolve a number of other constructional and design problems not covered in the GWA-2178299 and for which no solution is provided in the prior art. Among the constructions disclosed herein are improved tab and slot mechanisms and a method of providing an extension to a headband within the split. A number of devices by which portions of a design can be located directly over the top of an artefact are provided as well as constructions which enable a portion of the design to be expanded or compressed.

The present invention applies not only to headwear incorporating a headband containing one or more splits as provided by GB-A-2178299 and the present invention but also mutatis mutandis to items of headwear adapted to be placed upon an artefact, either by being reproduced in miniature form or otherwise) those items commonly found in the prior art for wear on the human head which are comprised of a piece of flexible material the length of one of the dimensions of which is sufficient to circumscribe a human head so that it can be secured in the form of a continuous headband by mears of a tab and slot or similar mechanism. Such a headband does not require the inclusion of a split or splits and can be conveniently referred to as "soiid headband" or "solid band" to distinguish it from headwear containing a split or splits which can be conveniently referred to as "split headband" or "split band" headwear. This usage is in accordance with the definitions of the terns already provided, supra.

In the prior art there are 2 number of unitary constructions in which headwear is made from a flexible material such as paper or paper-board and in which the use of any external agency such as glue, staples or elastic is avoided. Such constructions do not however possess the advantages offered by the present invention. In particular, such known constructions lack the means of establishing a positive identity in the form of ears or earlike appendages which project outwardly from the sides of a head. They do not offer the infinity of design opportunities inherent in the present invention and they do not provide a comprehensive system of headwear production within a limited format of the kind required for topical publication.

According to a seventy-first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a headband, the length of the headband being of the order of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the item adapted to incorporate constructions disclosed in the present invention for use in connection with headwear provided with a headband formed from a split the length of which is of the order of one half the circumference of an artefact.

There are no known examples in the prior literature of solid band headwear in which provision is made, as is the case with the present invention, for the use of folded extensions above and below the headband or which incorporate extensions to headbands and ears passing vertically above the artefact from side to side or from front to back, means of centring such extensions above the artefact being provided independently or in conjunction with means of adjustment to the size of the artefact.

Reference has been made, supra, to preferred headwear formats applying to headwear for human use which relate to specific printing presses and to the need to avoid wherever possible folding the sheet in which the headwear is provided across the die-cut area. It will be recalled that where the printing and cutting and creasing presses are respectively a Heidelberg GTO 52 and a modified Heidelberg 18 by 13 platen, a sheet size of 360 mm by 520 mm and a headwear size of 320 mm by 448 mm emerge as a practical possibility.

Where SRA 2 presses are employed the sheet size can be as large as 450 mm by 640 mm, but for distribution to be feasible at least one fold halving the size of the sheet will be required. The maximum headwear dimensions which can be accommodated without a fold being placed across the die-cut area are 310 mm by 436 mm after allowing for a grip edge of 9 mm and edges of 5 mm on the remaining three sides. Experiments conducted with the Heidelberg Kord and KSD presses have shown that these dimensions are so tight as to be only practical if the outermost line of the headwear is at least 2 mm thick allowing the unprintable grip area to trespass within it on occasion. Any reduction in the printing area can be achieved only at the expense of the length of the headband and the split.

It is possible to make use of constructions conforming to the previously disclosed aspects in the production of topical headwear for adorning artefacts which is produced to a deadline. The constructions may be thought to range from relatively unsophisticated devices up to quite complex examples of paper engineering technique. Even in the latter case, there is a requirement that no extraneous fixing means such as glue, staples and elastic, all of which are frequently employed in the manufacture of paper and other popular headwear in the art, should be present. Topical headwear requires to be produced speedily. It is necessary for it to be distributed with equal alacrity and for it to be able to be assembled and placed upon the artefact by the customer without difficulty.

Many preferred embodiments of the present invention, in any of its aspects, are capable of assembly and use without the employment of joining means of any kind which are extraneous to the material from which the headwear is made.

Preferred embodiments of the invention reproducing in miniature form items of topical headwear will generally incorporate a split headband. Such a headband allows a compact design able to accommodate the variations of size of artefact. Preferred embodiments will be die-cut but left in the sheet for ease of distribution and the better to provide an editorial and advertising dimension beyond what is available on the headwear itself. In this latter respect, the larger the sheet overall, the better. The customer, who may be a tourist, a shopper or a commuter, will be able to punch the headwear out of the sheet and place it on the artefact in a matter of seconds or minutes. The time required for assembly may depend as much on the expertise and experience of the customer as on the complexity of the design.It has to be accepted that the quality of the explanatory material will also play a significant part. The constructions employed in headwear for topical use for wear on the human head which are described in the paragraphs which follow are relevant to the present invention since realistic miniature versions will require to incorporate the same constructions. Such miniature versions may themselves be topical, reflecting news and events of the moment, or be reproductions oi topical human head-sized editions as momentos.

A topical newspaper publishing embodiments of the present invention and utilising SRA 2 stock is able to devote one half of the available area to traditional newspaper purposes such as a masthead, headlines, features, photographs, promotions and advertisements. Late news and an individual number for each copy can be incorporated at the cutting and creasing stage as required. The non-headwear scope afforded by the GTO 52 / Platen combination is relatively restricted, the headwear leaving little room for anything other than a masthead with advertising in the boxes on either side "ears" (so-called) and a headline, all of modest proportions.

Whatever format may be adopted it is in the publisher's interest that the remainder of the piece should be retained by the customer after stripping out the headwear rather than being disposed off immediately and that it should be a practical possibility for those customers wishing to take the piece home with the headwear still in situ to be able so to do. Preferred embodiments of topical headwear enhance the feature, promotional and advertising content of the non-headwear part of the newspaper by use of the same die-cutting procedures as are employed to produce the headwear itself.

Edge to edge pre-set fold lines may be provided which when activated have the effect of reducing the plan size of the sheet. Broad sheet newspapers on sale in news agents are folded in the same way and all newspapers of whatever size are folded when delivered to the door. Items of headwear for wear by human beings do not, however, lend themselves to folding with the same facility. A single sheet of 300 gsm card retains a degree of elasticity when folded which eight thicknesses of 40 gsm newsprint do not. The problem of head wear in human headwear sizes (or any other die-cut work) accidentally stripping out when folded across the die-cut area would appear not to have been met by folding machinery manufacturers.Offset-litho presses are available which allow cutting and creasing (including perforating) in the course of a print run (the GTO 52 is one) but the risk of headwear stripping-out and jamming the press, as mention in connection with the sixtyninth aspect, supra, can only be met by carrying out die-cutting of the headwear as the last stage of the production process.

It should also be noted that SRA 2 presses such as, for example, the Heidelberg KSD letter-press do not permit a fully edge to edge crease to be applied across the short axis of an SRA sheet, 9 mm being lost on account of the grip mechanism.

The production process for topical headwear for wear by human beings may utilise a perforating knife instead of a creasing knife to pre-set a line of fold which may more easily activated by hand. Alternatively or additionally perforations and/or creases might alternate with small holes. Such folds may be employed with advantage as the first fold across the short axis of the SRA 2 sheet, up to ten sheets at a time being folded, it being left to the retailer to ensure that parts straying from one sheet to another in the process are carefully extricated at the moment of sale. The crease will not extend right up to one of the two edges but this does not materially inhibit the folding process.

Certain preferred embodiments of topical headwear may incorporate a second pre-set line of fold which lies across either the short or the long axis of the folded portion. This second line of fold will in part lie across the headwear and must, accordingly utilise a regular creasing knife. In these preferred embodiments activation of the pre-set second crease is optional. It is left to the individual consumer to decide. That person, given that such a second fold lies across the headwear, may be trusted to be more attentive to the danger of the headwear becoming distressed and partially stripping out when folded than others in the distribution chain. In preferred embodiments the second line of fold may be sign posted and clear instructions on the direction of folding provided so as to ensure that the die-cut area is on the inside of the piece after folding.Second folds can frequently be contrived to lie along the vertical axis of symmetry of the headwear. Where necessary a re-enforcing strut can be incorporated into the design (as described in relation to the fortyfifth aspect, supra) so as to ensure that the headwear retains its sartorial qualities, the fold notwithstanding. Where an optional fold can not be aligned with the vertical axis of symmetry of the die-cut headwear it is possible to balance it with a second fold positioned in such a way as to restore symmetry to the headwear when worn. Pre-set optionally activated folds are of particular value to people on their way home by public transport who wish to retain the headwear in the sheet for the time being.

It will be appreciated that many of the more desirable embodiments of the invention will incorporate the features of more than one of the above described aspects of the invention. Further, certain preferred features described in relation to a particular aspect may also be suitable, and even preferred, in relation on one or more other aspects. For the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that preferred features of each aspect of the invention apply to each other aspect mutatis mutandis.

The invention in its various aspects will now be described by way of example by reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are grouped to show features of the aspects in the same order as that followed above.

The drawings show plan views of pieces of flexible material which can be assembled for use as headwear either to be worn by human beings or, in accordance with the present invention, to be placed upon artefacts of various types and sizes. The material from which the headwear illustrated is made, when used for artefacts of the size of a drinks can, is generally of approximately 150 gsm weight. The constructions shown can be produced from other grades of paper and from other flexible materials.

The numbering scheme which has been adopted assigns to each figure up to three numbers. In the first set of figures the subject of a drawing may be either a construction in accordance with the aspect in question or one which forms part of the GB-A-2;78299 prior art relevant to the aspect under consideration and which assists in a better understanding of the present invention. The first number relates to the aspect of the present invention to which the figure is directed. The second number denominates the individual construction and the third number individual drawings in relation to the construction. A reference to a construction by its first and second numbers includes any individual drawings relating to the construction, if more than one.

Figures in the second set illustrate worked-up embodiments of the invention and are provided with a number prefixed by the letter "E"to enable them to be distinguished from those of the first set illustrating individual constructions. In the second set of figures the second number denominates individual embodiments in which at least one construction in accordance with the aspect indicated by the first number is present and the third number denominates individual drawings in relation to the embodiment. A reference to an embodiment by its first and second numbers includes any individual drawings relating to the embodiment, if more than one. Figures in the second set may include drawings comprising the line artwork and the die-cutting outline as well as a perspective view of the headwear as worn.In certain drawings the outline of the format to which the design would conform in an embodiment of human head size is also included.

The description accompanying the second set of figures includes a note of constructions in accordance with aspects other than the aspect to which the figure is directed which are also present in the embodiment in question.

Constructions not considered to be a significant example of another aspect are not included in the cross-references.

While the drawings for the most part show headwear designed in the first instance to be worn on the human head the headwear is equally suitable for placing on artefacts in accordance with the present invention. An artefact may, of course, be configured to resemble a human head in either a life size, larger than life size, or miniature represention and the drawings are to be viewed in this context.

FIGURES 1.1 and 1.2 respectively illustrate headbands incorporating a single and a pair of parallel splits, as originally shown in GB-A-2178299. The splits are of such a length as to accommodate a human head or an artefact as the case may be. In Figure 1, the portion above the split lies either in front of the head or behind the head and the portion below the split lies behind the head or in front of the head as the case may be. In Figure 2, in use the portion of material which is between the splits lies either in front of or behind the head, and the portions above the upper split and below the lower split lie on the opposite side of the head.

FIGURES 1.3 and 1.4 respectively illustrate single and double split headbands in which the splits can be extended b' tearing along perforated sections.

FIGURES 1.5 and 1.6 respectively show single and double split headbands in which the splits are curved. The curvature of the splits is described as being "concave" taking as a reference point (in human headwear terms) the chin of the wearer.

FIGURES 1.7 and 1.8 respectively show headbands of the kind illustrated in Figures 1.5 and 1.6 in which perforated sections are included at the ends of the split or splits.

FIGURE 1.9 shows a single split headband in which the split is curved in a convex manner.

FIGURES 1.10 to 1.26, which follow, are embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention. This aspect embraces constructions incorporating a convex split in association with other design features in a manner not previously known in the art.

FIGURE 1.10 shows a double split headband in which the splits are curved in a convex manner FIGURE 1.11 shows a single split headband in which the split is curved in a convex manner in which perforated sections are included at the ends of the split.

FIGURE 1.12 shows a double split headband in which the splits are curved in a convex manner in which perforated sections are included at the ends of the splits.

FIGURES 1.13 and 1.14 show single and double split headbands in which the splits are curved in a convex manner and ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

FIGURES 1.15 and 1.16 shows single and double split headbands in which the splits are curved in a convex manner and the portion of material above the split is extended upwards.

FIGURES 1.17 and 1.18 shows single and double split headbands in which the splits are curved in a convex manner and the portion of material below the split is extended downwards, and folded upwardly through the split or splits.

FIGURE 1.19 shows a single split headband in which the split is curved in a convex manner and perforated sections are included at the ends of the split and the portion of material below the split is extended downwards to form a visor.

FIGURE 1.20 shows a double split headband in which the splits are curved in a convex manner and the portion of material below the split is extended downwards to form a visor.

FIGURE 1.21 shows a single split headband in which the split is curved in a convex manner and an upward extension is provided above the split and the portion of material below the split is extended downwards to form a visor.

FIGURE 1.22 shows a single split headband in which the split is curved in a convex manner and the portion of material below the split is extended downwards to form a visor, the extended portion being offset from the vertical axis of symmetry of the remainder of the headwear including the headband. In the drawing the vertical axis of symmetry of the remainder of the headwear is shown by the line (a) - (b).

FIGURES 1.23 and 1.24 show, respectively, a single convex curved split headband provided with ears and a visor-type extension and the same headband provided with ears and an offset visor.

FIGURES 1.25 and 1.26 show, respectively, a single convex curved split headband provided with a downward extension adapted to be folded upwards about a straight line and a similar item in which the downward extension is adapted to be folded upwards about the line of a curve. The extension folded about the line of a curve takes up a position more inclined to the horizontal than is the case with the extension folded about a straight line.

FIGURE 1.27 illustrates the basis upon which the expressions "moderate", "medium" and "deep" are applied to the varying degrees of curvature of a split in a convex curved split headband. An efficiency ratio of between 105% and 110% is categorised as "moderate", one between 110% and 120% is considered "medium", and anything in excess of 120% is considered to be a "deep' curved split. An efficiency ratio of 105% or greater may be considered to be one of "high efficiency".

FIGURES 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 illustrate the basis upon which the expressions "concave" and "convex" are defined. Shown in Figure 2.1.1 from top to bottom are a concave split of "high efficiency", a concave split of "low efficiency" and an irregular but substantially concave split of "low efficiency".

In Figure 2.1.2 the convex equivalents are shown. In Figure 2.1.3 the concave equivalents of "moderate", "medium" and "deep", as applied to concave curved splits are shown. Again, a degree of efficiency upwards of 105% is considered to be "high efficiency". High efficiency concave splits are the subject of the second aspect of the invention.

FIGURES 2.2 and 2.3 show how the degree of efficiency of a split incorporated in a headband varies according to its cun-ature. The degree of efficiency depends upon the length of the split or splits available to encompass the a head (or an artefact) and the length of the headband required to accommodate the split as measured in a straight line between the ends of the split or splits. The degree of efficiency of a curve will vary according to the points at which the measurements are taken but the variation is negligible in the case of splits of low efficiency. Unless stated to the contrary, the degree of efficiency has been ascertained on the basis of measurements taken at the extremities of the split, including any perforations.In the case of double (parallel) splits the length and distance between ends are based upon a notional split located halfway between the two actual splits. In the case of irregular splits the mean curve of the split is taken (e.g. in headwear for human wear the primary line of contact with a wearer's head) and not the actual length. The figures given are not 100% accurate and require to be mathematicawy calculated on the basis of the (given) chords and arcs.

FIGURES 2.4 to 2.19 show constructions ir. accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 2.4 and 2.5 illustrate headbands ::lcorporating a single concave split with high efficiencies of respectively 1250,,, and 182%.

FIGURES 2.6 and 2.7 correspond to Figures 2.4 and 2.5 and show the same headbands provided with double splits of -ne same respective efficiencies.

FIGURES 2.8, 2.9,2.10 and 2.11 show headbands incorporating splits curved to the same respective radii as those of the headbands depicted in Figures 2.4 to 2.7 but in the convex manner and are included for the purposes of comparison between the two types of split FIGURES 2.12, 2.13, 2.14 and 2.15 show headbands incorporating single concave and convex curved splits with perforations incorporated at the extremities of the splits. All the splits may be characterised as high efficiency splits. Double splits, not shown, can be similarly configured.

FIGURES 2.16 and 2.17 show headbands incorporating single high efficiency concave curved splits and enlargements forming ears at the extremities of the splits. Double splits, not shown, can be similarly configured.

FIGURES 2.18.1 and 2.18.2 show a headband incorporating a single high efficiency concave curved split with an extension below the split folded upwardly through the split. Double splits, not shown, can be similarly configured.

FIGURES 2.19.1 and 2.19.2 show a headband incorporating a single high efficiency concave curved split with eariike enlargements and an extension below the split folded upwardly through the split as in the preceding figure.

Double splits, not shown, can be similarly configured.

FIGURES 3.1 and 3.2 show headbands provided respectively with a single straight split and a Fair of straight splits which extend into ears at the ends of the headbands. Such headband and ear configurations are disclosed in GB-A2178299.

FIGURES 3.3 and 3.4 show headbands provided with convex curved splits extending into ears. the radius of curvature being constant along the entire length of the split. Such headbands fall within the first aspect of the present invention. FIGURES 3.5 to 3.8 show constructions in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention in which a split or splits are provided which are neither straight nor curved to a constant radius.

FIGURES 3.5 and 3.6 show in detail a straight split of the kind depicted in figure 3.1 becoming curved, respectively upwardly and downwardly, the curvature commencing within the enlargement.

FIGURES 3.6.1 and 3.6.2 show the effect of curving a straight split at its extremities. The first figure is a profile view of the construction shown in figure 3.1 and the second figure is a profile view of the upwardly curved split shown in figure 3.5.1.

FIGURE 3.7 shows an upwardly curving pair of parallel splits. Perforations, as illustrated in this figure, may be incorporated in all constructions in accordance with the third aspect.

FIGURE 3.8 shows a convexity curved split the radius of which increases so as to make the split follow almost a straight line within the enlargements.

FIGURES 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 show headwear in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein single and double split headbands are provided in which the degree of efficiency (as previously defined) is enhanced by the split or splits taking a spiral form within the ears. Perforations, as shown in Figure 4.4, may be incorporated into any such split.

FIGURES 5.1 to 5.6 show ears provided at the extremities of headbands of a different shape from those depicted in Figures 1.13, 1.14, 1.21, 2.16, 2.17, 2.19, 3.1 to 3.7 and 4.1 to 4.4. These ears, and the ears previously depicted, reproduce, in a simplified form the ears incorporated in embodiments in accordance with the invention disclosed in GB-A-2178299. The ears shown in Figures 5.5 and 5.6 are, however, attached to respectively convex and 'high efficiency' concave curved split headbands and are thus in accordance with the first and second aspects of the present invention.

FIGURES S7, 7, 5.8 and 5.9 show ears constructed in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention in which trough-like elements have been incorporated, the elements being adapted to carry away rainwater.

FIGURES 6.1 to 6.5 show headbands and ears which are equipped with complementary means for attachment so as to enable the ears to be optionally strapped back against the headband in accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention. Using such attachment means the ears can be permanently or temporarily re-aligned in a position behind (in human wear) the wearer s head rather than projecting from it. The attachment means utilised in Figure 6.3 is in the form of a ratchet, thereby allow the amount of re-alignment to be optionally varied. The attachment device illustrated in Figure 6.4 is in the form of a tab extended upwards from the ear which is tucked between the headband and the head when it desired to strap the ear back. In Figure 6.5 a slot is provided for the tab in the headband.

FIGURES 7.1 to 7.9 show ears incorporating enclosed cut-outs in accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention. Such cut-outs may take the form of one or more apertures which are totally cut round, as in Figures 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.6 to 7.9, or partially cut round as in Figures 7.3 and 7.5. Figures 7.4, 7.5, 7.7 and 7.9, it may be noted, feature straight splits with ends which curve within the ear, conforming to the third aspect of the present invention.

The curving of the ends of the split is to avoid the cut-out portion within the ear. In Figures 7.3 and 7.5 a portion within the cut-out is adapted to be optionally folded outwardly so as to produce a hole in the ear, thereby to afford a less obstructed view to a person behind the wearer. In Figure 7.4 the hole can be covered over by a suitably configure plaque, if desired. In Figure 7.6 an elongate element is threaded through the enclosed cut-out.

FIGURES 7.7 to 7.9 show ears incorporating large circular enclosed cut-outs so as to provide a doughnut shape. The incorporation of a plurality of folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre of the cut-out allows the periphery of the ears to be folded in a variety of different ways. In Figure 7.7 mountain folds alternate with valley folds in such a way as to provide a faceted texture to the surface of the ear. In Figure 7.8 the folds alternate as before but are closer together so as to corrugate the surface. In this configuration the ear takes on something of the appearance of a rosette. In Figure 7.9 the creased folds are all in the same sense, the areas between being moderately radiused (the radlusing being applied between finger and thumb, for example) so as to provide a scalloped appearance.

FIGURE 8.1 shows an ear of the kind illustrated in Figure 5.1 which is folded about its long axis for the purpose of imparting rigidity. Provision for a construction of this kind is made by GOA-2178299.

FIGURES 8.2 to 8.6 show ears which have been equipped with folds in accordance with the eighth aspect of the present invention. In Figure 8.2 the fold is about the line of a curve. In Figures 8.3 to 8.6 a plurality of folds is provided. In the figure last referred to, means of locking the folds into place is additionally provided.

FIGURES 9.1 show in simplified form headwear equipped with various forms of headband extension of a kind disclosed by GB-A-2178299. Figures 9.1 to 9.10 show single and double extensions to single and double split headbands.

Figures 9.11 to 9.13 show a single dependent extension folded backwardly and upwardly through a split. Figures 9.14 and 9.15 show the same arrangement, provided with a second headband extension, the second extension remaining unfolded.

FIGURES 9.16 to 9.20 show headbands provided in accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention in which the various items in plan are the same as those illustrated in the preceding figures but in which the extensions are folded behind or in front of (as the case may be) the split or splits, but not through a split.

FIGURES 9.21 to 9.24 show further constructions in accordance with the ninth aspect, namely an extension folded outside the split which is further adapted to be attached to the ears, an extension folded outside the split which is folded along the line of a curve, and extensions which are folded outside the split and, being either folded along the line of a crease or a radiused bend, lie outward of the artefact in use.

FIGURES 9.25 and 9.26 illustrate in simplified form two constructions incorporating headband extensions disclosed by GB-A-2178299 and illustrated in that document's Figures 42 and 43, the first featuring an extension depending over a head in use and the second a folded extension to an ear.

These items are differently configured from, and do not enjoy the same advantages as items provided in accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 9.27 to 9.38 show further constructions in accordance with the ninth aspect.

FIGURES 9.27 and 9.28 show extensions folded outside the split of convex curved split headbands.

FIGURES 9.29 and 9.30 show extensions folded outside the split of concave curved split headbands.

FIGURES 9.31 and 9.32 show convex curved and concave curved split headbands each provided with an extension folded outside the split and another extension which remains unfolded.

FIGURES 9.33 and 9.34 show single split and double split headbands each of which is provided with two foldable extensions, at least one extension being foldable outside the split FIGURE 9.35 shows a single split headband provided with a foldable extension which passes through a split in the headband which is not a split forming the headband and passing outside the split forming the headband.

FIGURE 9.36 shows a convex curved headband extended downwards to form a visor. The visor is partially cut through from either side, a lateral fold in the visor portion being thereby facilitated.

FIGURE 9.37 shows a single split headband provided with a foldable extension which depends outwardly of the artefact in use, the extension being tapered from the base.

FIGURE 9.38 shows a similar construction ro that shown in the preceding figure in which lateral folds are provided to delimit the extent of the radiused bend.

FIGURE 10.1 shows in simplified form the oniy construction disclosed in GB- A-2178299 (illustrated at Figure 40 of that document) in which a headband extension is folded through a split in a headband and subsequently folded a second time. In the particular case the extension is first folded along the line of a crease and then bent round in a radiused curve.

FIGURES 10.2 to 10.11 show constructions in accordance with the tenth aspect of the present invention in which an extension, which may be passed through or not passed through the split or splits, is folded a second time.

FIGURE 10.2 shows an item of headwear in which an extension is folded through a split and subsequently folded again, the second fold being along the line of a crease.

FIGURE 10.3 shows a similar construction in which both folds are radiused folds.

FIGURES 10.4.1 and 10.4.2 show an item of headwear in which the extension is first folded outside the headband so as to not pass through the split and is then bent round in a radiused curve so that it lies outwardly of the artefact in use. In Figure 10.4.3 similar construction is shown with the extension first folded through the split.

FIGURE 10.5 shows similar constructions in which both folds are creased folds.

FIGURES 10.6 and 10.7 show constructions in which an extension is twice folded but in a manner differing from the construction already depicted. In Figure 10.6 the folds do no more than mod-ir what is largely an unfolded headband extension. In Figure 10.7 an extension folded about the line of a curve, which in use projects outwardly of the artefact at an angle, is subjected to a further fold which make a small portion of the extension depend from the main body of the extension.

FIGURE 10.8 shows a construction in which an extension to a headband is firstly folded along a line parallel to the split and secondly along a line at right angles to the split. The effect of the two folds is to project a portion of the headwear outwardly from the head in a vertical plane.

FIGURE 10.9 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the second fold is partially replaced by a split. By this means it is possible to make the first fold through the headband split and, nevertheless, bring the extension outwardly of the artefact when the second fold is activated. The effect of the first fold passing the extension through the headband is to lock it into position when the headwear is placed upon the artefact. Constructions of this kind can provided projecting extensions above or below a headband.

FIGURE 10.10 shows a construction in which an extension is folded through a radiused bend and then subjected to a creased fold in the opposite direction, the effect of the two folds being to provide an upstanding element above the artefact.

FIGURE 10.11 shows a similar construction in which the extension is formed by an ear-mounted enclosed cut-out. The third and fourth drawings in the figure show the upstanding element positioned respectively above the back and the front of the artefact in use.

FIGURES 11.1 to 11.3 show in simplified form the three kinds of construction disclosed in GB-A-2178299 which feature extensions incorporating an enclosed cut-out. The periphery of the enclosed cut-outs is totally cut round and the extensions are either ear-mounted or part-ear-part-headbandmounted, that is to say hybrid, as that term is used in the present document.

There is no provision in GB-A-2178299 for extensions incorporating an enclosed cut-out to be mounted onlx on a headband or for a folded extension to incorporate an enclosed cut-out.

FIGURES 11.4 to 11.33 show constructions in accordance with the eleventh aspect of the present invention. This aspect, it should be noted, relates only to folded extensions incorporating enclosed cut-outs (which cut-outs may be totally or partially cut round) and does not cover non-folded extensions incorporating enclosed cut-outs. These latter are the subject of the forty-first and forty-second aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE 11.4 shows a headband-mounted extension incorporating a totally cut round enclosed cut-out which can be folded either through or outside the split.

FIGURE 11.2 shows an ear-mounted extension incorporating a totally cut round enclosed cut-out which is folded alongside the ears from whence it is extended.

FIGURES 11.6 to 11.17 show a range of headband mounted extensions incorporating partially cut round enclosed cut-outs in which the aperture is created by folding outwardly a portion of the material within the periphery of the cut-out or, in the alternative, folding the periphery of the cut-out itself, FIGURE 11.18 shows a similar construction to that depicted in Figure 11.4 in which a further pair of creased folds are provided, the further folds being arranged symmetrically and diagonally across the portions forming the sides of the dependent triangle, the effect of the further folds, in conjunction with the curvature of the head, being to position the extension so that it projects outwardly of the headband in a horizontal plane.

FIGURE 11.19 shows a similar construction in which the triangular shaped enclosed cut-out is mounted above the headband. Two folds, both through 180 degrees, are incorporated on either side of the extension which, when activated, have the effect of stepping the sides of the triangle forward of the headband.

FIGURE 11.20 shows a similarly folded arch-shaped extension.

FIGURE 11.21 shows a similar arch-shaped extension with 90 degree folds at the points where the extension joins the headband element and identical pairs of 180 degree step-folds along the sides of the arch, the folds set at angle to each other so as to bring the arch into an approximately horizontal plane in front of the artefact when in position.

FIGURE 11.22 shows a construction in which an extension forming an enclosed cut-out is subjected to a radiused fold through 180 degrees and secured in its folded position by attachment to the ears.

FIGURE 11.23 shows a construction in which a dependent headbandmounted extension and an ear-mounted extension are brought together above the head, complementary means of attachment being provided.

FIGURE 11.24 shows a construction in which an dependent ear-mounted extension is subjected to a radiused fold through 180 degrees and secured in its folded position by attachment to the headband.

FIGURE 11.25 shows a construction in which a headband-mounted extension is subjected to a creased fold through 180 degrees and secured in its folded position by attachment to an extension mounted upon the other headband element.

FIGURE 11.26 shows a construction in which a headband-mounted extension is subjected to a creased fold through 180 degrees and secured in its folded position by attachment to a portion folded outwardly from an enclosed cutout incorporated in an extension mounted on the other headband element.

FIGURES 11.27 to 11.29 show similar constructions to those depicted in Figures 10.8. and 10.9 in connection with the previous aspect, in the present figures an enclosed cut-out forrning part of the extension.

FIGURE 11.27 shows a construction in which the extension incorporating the enclosed cut-out is folded in front of the headband element on which it is mounted, a portion of the extension then being folded outwardly through 90 degrees so as to project outwardly from the surface of the artefact in use. In Figure 11.28 a similar construction is provided with a split enabling the extension to be folded between the headband and the artefact while still allowing the outward fold through 90 degrees. In Figure 11.29 a similar construction is provided with a further fold of 90 degrees, the further fold bringing a part of the extension back towards the face.

FIGURE 11.30 shows a construction in which a dependent ear-mounted extension comprises an enclosed cut-out the periphery of which is subdivided but becomes continuous following attachment.

FIGURE 11.31 shows a similar construction in which the extension depends from a headband.

FIGURE 11.32 shows a similar construction in which the dependent extension comprises a hybrid extension FIGURE 11.33 shows a similar construction in which the dependent extension is provided with additional means of attachment to the headband. In these four constructions last described a portion projecting in front of the artefact is connected only at one end to the headband, thereby to accommodate in some degree the bringing closer together of the ends of the headband when the headwear is placed upon the artefact.

FIGURE 12.1 shows a pair of matching headband extensions one of which is folded upwardly and outside of the split and the other of which is folded through the split, in accordance with the twelfth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 12.2 shows an embodiment of the same aspect which is similar to that depicted in the preceding figure excepting the extensions are of different shapes and sizes. Items provided in accordance with this aspect are in some respects analogous to those of the eleventh aspect in that, where a number of extensions are provided, or a single extension with a number of protuberant elements, the paths which are taken through the splits in the headband can be the subject of a number of permutations and combinations.

FIGURE 13.1.1 shows an embodiment of GB-A-2178299 in the form of a sailor's hat (illustrated at Figure 8 of that document) which features a concave curved split headband which is folded at its extremities along the line of the split. This construction comprises, in effect, a headband configured as shown in figure 13.1.2 with a hybrid extension above the headband. Items in accordance with the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth aspects of the present invention provide headbands folded along the line of the split in combination with other features for which no provision is made in GB-A-2178299.

FIGURE 13.2 shows a headband in accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the present invention incorporating a single split, sections of the split being provided with perforations for the purpose of enlargement, the headband being foldable at each end about the line of the split..

FIGURES 14.1 to 14.7 show constructions in accordance with the fourteenth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 14.1 shows a headband incorporating a single split, portions on either side of the split being folded about the line of the split and brought together so that the surface of the lower portion overlaps the upper portion at either end in a wrap-round fashion, means of attachment being provided in the form of tabs and slots. Stumps at the ends of the headband stick out at either side.

FIGURE 14.2 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the overlap is face-to-face. In the result the overlapped portions stick out at either side in a similar fashion to the stumps.

FIGURE 14.3 shows a construction in which the portion lying on one side of the split is folded about the line of the split and carried over the artefact before overlapping and becoming attached to the portion lying on the other side of the split.

FIGURE 14.4 shows a construction in which the respective portions are brought together in a wrap-round type overlap the means of attachment being such as to provide a flush sided and somewhat cylindrical item.

FIGURE 14.5 shows a construction which combines features of from each of the constructions illustrated in Figures 14.1 and 14.3, overlaps being provided both at the sides and above the artefact.

FIGURE 14.6 shows a construction in which ear-like protuberances are provided at each of the points of overlap. Lateral folds are incorporated which sharpen up the lines of the piece at the point where the ears and the ear-like protuberances project.

FIGURE 14.7 shows a construction in which ears are provided at the ends of the headband which are folded through 180 degrees so as to depend at the sides of the artefact in use.

FIGURES 15.1 to 15.4 show constructions in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the present invention incorporating a single split, the headband being foldable at each end about the line of the split, portions on either side of the fold either interlocking together or being provided with complementary means of attachment.

FIGURES 16.1 and 16.2 show items in accordance with the sixteenth aspect of the present invention each comprising a headband incorporating a pair of parallel splits. In Figure 16.1 the headband is foldable at each end about the line of one of the splits.

FIGURE 16.2 shows an item comprising a headband incorporating a pair of parallel splits, the headband being foldable at each end about the line of both splits, in the result the ears taking on a fluted appearance.

FIGURE 17.1 shows an item in accordance with the seventeenth aspect of the present invention comprising a headband incorporating a single split, the headband being foldable about the line of the split at one end only. This construction is mainly suitable for use in conjunction with constructions provided in accordance with other aspects of the invention such as the twenty-sixth aspect.

FIGURES 18.1 to 18.5 show items in accordance with the eighteenth aspect of the present invention in which a single split headband is provided with portions of material on either side of the split, the portions being rotated either in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction so that the edges along the line of the split are turned away from each other, the two portions being placed upon either side of the artefact and aligned in the same horizontal plane in use.

FIGURE 18.1 shows ears at the extremities of the headband assuming a downward sloping or upwardly inclined horizontal plane according to whether the edges along the line of the split are rotated upwards or downwards to provided a headband.

FIGURE 18.2 shows the same construction additionally provided with perforations to facilitate enlargement.

FIGURE 18.3 shows a similar construction in which the edges of the split dividing the two headband elements are convexity curved in relation to each other.

FIGURES 18.4 and 18.5 show the same construction with the addition, respectively, of ears and perforations.

FIGURES 19.1 to 19.29 show items in accordance with the nineteenth aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a headband in which lateral folds are incorporated, the folds extending from a split to an outer edge of a headband element.

FIGURE 19.1 to 19.4 show constructions in which single and double split headbands are provided with pairs of folds at either end, the folds arranged laterally across a headband element either at right angles to the line of split or (in the case of the curved split headbands) coaxially with the radius of the split, the folds comprising each pair operating in opposite directions. The effect of such a construction may be to introduce a symmetrical stepped feature into a headband element and to shorten it vis-à-vis another portion of the headband into which foids have not been introduced.

FIGURES 19.5 to 19.11 show similar constructions in which more than two pairs of folds have been incorporated into headband elements, the effect being to introduce a corrugated feature into the headband.

FIGURES 19.12 and 19.13 show constructions in which pairs of lateral folds arranged diagonally to the line of the split have been introduced, the effect of the folds being to realign the portion of the headband element between the folds relative to the adjoining portion, as well as shortening it.

FIGURE 19.14 shows the same type of construction in the context of a curved split headband, the pairs of lateral folds not being about lines which are coaxial with the radius of the split, the effect being to displace the portion of the headband element between the folds relative to the adjoining portion and to shorten it.

FIGURES 19.15 and 19.16 show curved headband elements provided with two single lateral folds, the effect being to transform the headband element in question from being totally convex curved to part convex and part concave curved, and to similarly reshape the outer edge of the element.

FIGURE 19.17 shows a double split headband construction provided with lateral folds at the extremities of the splits and adjacent to the ears, the effect of the folds being to re-align the ears and correct any tendency for them to sweep back against the artefact in use.

FIGURES 19.18 and 19.19 show constructions in which convex curved headbands are provided with dependent extensions to the headband element lying below the split, the extensions being folded upwardly outside the split, the line of the fold lying across the said headband element.

FIGURES 19.20 and 19.21 show similar constructions in which the dependent extension is folded along two divergent lines of fold lying across the headband. In the second figure the upper headband element is also folded in the manner depicted in Figures 19.15 and 19.16.

FIGURE 19.22 shows a construction in which a portion lying to one side of a convex curved split and attached to the upper portion of the headband is folded upwardly and outwardly, the line of the fold lying across the upper headband element.

FIGURES 19.23 to 19.30 show constructions similar to those depicted in relation to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention. Figure 19.23 shows the position of lateral folds required to establish the ears in a construction of the kind depicted in Figure 18.1 in an downward position outwardly of the headband and flat against the artefact in u;2.

FIGURE 19.24 shows the position of lateral folds required to establish the ears in a construction of the kind depicted in figure 18.1 in an upward position outwardly of the headband and flat against the artefact in use.

FIGURE 19.25 shows the position of lateral folds required to establish the headband in a position in which it lies fiat against the artefact in use, no earlike elements being provided.

FIGURE 19.26 shows the position of lateral folds required to establish ears in an upstanding position outwardly of the headband and swept back alongside the artefact in use.

FIGURE 19.27 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 18.3 in which the inner edges of the split dividing the two headband elements are convex curved in relation to each other. Lateral folds across the headband elements have the effect of turning the portions beyond the extremities of the split upwardly against the side of the artefact in use. In Figure 19.28 the headband is provided with perforations for the purpose of enlargement. In use it either droops or inclines upwardly from either side of the head, the portions comprising the headband being bent along the line of a curve.

FIGURE 19.29 shows a similar construction in which continuation on either side of the headband are extended outwardly and carried upwards over the artefact to a point where they are joined together, complementary means for attachment being provided.

FIGURES 20.1 to 20.13 show items in accordance with the toe twentieth aspect of the present invention in which a single or double split headband is turned inside out.

FIGURE 20.1 shows the effect of turning a single split headband inside out, the necessary lateral folds being shown with dotted lines.

FIGURE 20.2 shows the effect of turning a double split headband inside out, the necessary lateral folds being shown with dotted lines.

FIGURE 20.3 shows the effect of turning a double split headband inside out, the necessary lateral folds being shown with dotted lines, the process of turning the headband being the reverse of that shown in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 20.4 shows the effect of the same process on a convex curved single split headband.

FIGURE 20.5 shows the effect of turning inside out one end only of a single split headband.

FIGURE 20.6 shows the effect of the same process on a single split headband provided with ears extending above and below the line of the split, the upper part of the ears coming to rest outwardly of the upper headband element.

FIGURE 20.7 shows the effect on the Figure 20.6 headband of reversing the turning process, the upper part of the ears coming to rest inwardly of the upper headband element FIGURE 20.8 shows a Figure 20.7 type construction in which ears are allowed to project outwardly of the headband in use, the ears being flat against the headband when in the dependent position.

FIGURE 20.9 shows a similar construction incorporated into a visor type design in which struts are provided from the sides of the visor for the purpose of supporting the ears in a more upward position.

FIGURE 20.10 shows a similar construction to that illustrated in the preceding figure in which the ears are secured in position from above.

FIGURE 20.11 shows an arrangement of lateral folds at the bases of an ears attached to a headband configured in accordance with the present aspect which have the effect of maintaining them in a horizontal plane projecting outwardly from the side of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 20.12 shows an arrangement of folds in a single split headband provided without ears which have the effect of producing a near flush sided headband the two parts of which assume a co-linear position around the artefact in use.

FIGURE 20.13 shows a double split headband provided with ears and turned inside out, the headband folded along the line of both splits, the folds extending through the ears, the ears assuming a swept back position alongside the artefact in use.

FIGURE 21.1.1 shows an item in accordance with the twenty-first aspect of the present invention in which a portion of material resembling an extension to a headband is provided separately from the headband and equipped with complementary means of attachment thereto. Figures 21.1.2 and 21.1.3 show the portion in the attached position, the obverse and reverse sides respectively in view.

FIGURES 22.1 to 22.6 show items in accordance with the twenty-second aspect of the present invention in which portions of material are physically connected to each other by means of an elongate strip acting as a tether so as to form a unitary construction.

FIGURE 22.1.1 shows an item configured similarly to that which is the subject of the preceding figure in which the two otherwise physically separate portions of material are permanently joined together by a relatively narrow and flexible strip of the same material.

FIGURE 22.1.2 shows the same piece after the tab and slot mechanism has been engaged.

FIGURE 22.2.1 shows a similar item in which the tether has been provided in line with the vertical axes of symmetry of both headband and extension and is of sufficient length to permit one portion to be reversed relative to the other portion prior to engagement of the attachment mechanism. The alternative configurations following attachment are similar to those depicted in Figures 21.1.2 and 21.1.3.

FIGURES 22.3.1 and 22.3.2 show two relatively elongate members joined together by a tether.

FIGURE 22.4.1 shows a tether which is irregularly shaped and provided with appendages, the effect being to disguise the presence of the tether in use.

FIGURES 22.5.1 and 22.5.2 show an item of headwear incorporating a tether formed by a loop wound in a spiral.

FIGURES 22.6.1 to 22.6.6 show a number of possible configurations for spiralwound loops. These constructions, as illustrated, are particularly elongate, but are nevertheless compact and capable of acting both as a tether and as a design feature. In Figure 22.6.2 the in-going part of the looped strip is shaded, the out-going part left plain. In Figure 22.6.3 the point at which the two sections meet is modified by the inclusion of a curved portion for the purpose of smoothing the path of the strip of material at the point of transition. Figure 22.6.4 shows a similar looped spiral construction incorporating right angles.

Figure 22.6.5 shows a looped spiral construction in which a an enlarged design feature is incorporated at the centre of the spiral. Figure 22.6.6 shows a second construction incorporating a design feature at the centre but which is wound in a clock-wise spiral rather than an anti-ciockwise spiral as in each of the preceding figures.

FIGURE 23.1 shows a headband with a foldable extension below the split similar to an embodiment of GB-A-2178299 illustrated at Figure 39 of that document. In the embodiment in question the fold is a creased fold. Two further embodiments of GB-A-2178299 incorporating radiused folds have already been shown at Figures 9.26 and 10.1, supra. When the extensions incorporated into the items which are the subject of these three figures are folded into position (in the case of Figures 23.1 and 10.1, upwardly through the split) the reverse side of the portion folded comes to view.

FIGURES 23.2 to 23.34 relate to constructions in accordance with the twentythird aspect of the present invention whereby an additional fold is inserted into a construction incorporating a foldable extension (or other member) so as to bring the obverse side of a reversed portion back to forward view when the headwear is positioned on an artefact. Figures 23.2 to 23.9 show in schematic form certain of the combinations of folds employed in embodiments of the aspect. With the exception of Figures 23.10 and 23.15 the remaining figures are embodiments of the twenty-third aspect.

FIGURE 23.2 shows a construction in which a pair of 180 degree folds, successively activated in the manner shown in the diagrams, bring the obverse face of a piece of material back into view.

FIGURE 23.3 shows a construction in which a 180 degree fold and a 90 degree fold are paired in such a way as to bring a portion of the material which is in view at the commencement into a horizontal position so that it will finally be face uppermost when viewed from above.

FIGURES 23.4, 23.5 and 23.6 are similar schematic drawings of constructions incorporating pairs of folds in which either one or both folds is a radiused fold and not a creased fold. The end result is the same as if the folds are all creased folds in terms of bringing the obverse of the piece back to view.

FIGURES 23.7 and 23.8 show constructions featuring, respectively, nonadjacent and adjacent right angled folds.

FIGURE 23.9 shows a construction incorporating a pair of 180 degree folds which are arranged so as to be parallel to each other.

FIGURES 23.10 to 23.14 relate to broadly similar constructions in which a largely square portion attached by an elongate element to a headband element is rotated into an horizontal position above the artefact. Figure 23.10, which is not an embodiment of the present aspect but illustrates the problem which constructions in accordance with the aspect are designed to deal with, shows a construction in which the square portion is extended from an upper headband element placed at the back of the artefact and is positioned over the artefact by being rotated through 90 degrees, either by way of a creased fold or a radiused fold. In the result, the reverse side of the piece comes into view.

FIGURE 23.11 shows how the addition of a 180 degree fold prior to the 90 degree fold rotates the square portion into a position in which the obverse side ends up uppermost. The drawing also shows that the nature of the device is such that, for the square portion to be centred, vis-à-vis the headband, when in its final position, it has to be laid out asymmetrically in the first place.

FIGURE 23.12 shows how symmetry can be preserved by depending the square portion from the headband and inserting paralleled folds for the purpose of the 180 degree and 90 degree rotations.

FIGURE 23.13 shows how symmetry, as between the square portion and the headband, can be preserved in circumstances where it is required that the square portion is laid out above the headband. The 180 degree fold is incorporated in the connecting element along the combined axis of symmetry of the connecting element, the headband and the square portion. It will be seen that symmetry is lost in the connecting element following activation of the fold although it is preserved elsewhere in the piece.

FIGURE 23.14 shows a variation of the construction illustrated in figure 23.13 in which the 180 degree fold incorporated into the connecting element extends only for a part of its length, lateral cuts to the edges being provided to permit rotation to take place. In this case symmetry in the connecting element is partially lost but shoulders are left which assist in maintaining stability.

FIGURE 23.15 shows a construction similar to that illustrated at Figure 9.26, supra, and is not an embodiment of the present invention. The arrow indicates the vertical axis of symmetry.

FIGURES 23.16, 23.17 and 23.18 illustrate the manner in which such a construction can be rotated through 180 degrees so as to bring the obverse face uppermost and then locked into position. The construction is asymmetric prior to the 180 degree rotation. The locking mechanism shown in Figure 23.17 is adjacent to the ls0 degree fold and acts directly upon the portions of material adjoining the fold, which is not the case with the mechanism shows in Figure 23.18 FIGURE 23.19 shows a locking mechanism which can be applied to constructions of the kind illustrated in Figures 23.13 to 23.17. The connecting element is provided with two further elements which wrap-round and interlock with it. In this way the piece is stabilised in its rotated position which may be fully symmetrical in all material respects both before and after rotation.

FIGURE 23.20 shows a headband configured similarly to that depicted in Figure 9.15 in which a foldable extension depending from a headband is provided with a rotating mechanism consisting of two fold lines at right angles to each other so as to act as a double hinge. When the two folds are successively activated the obverse side of the extension is first lost and then restored to view, as in the other constructions in accordance with the twentythird aspect illustrated above.

FIGURE 23.21 shows a similar configuration to that depicted in Figure 23.20 excepting that the mechanism is inserted into the headband instead of the dependent extension so that it is concealed from view when the dependent extension is folded upwardly and outside of the headband.

FIGURE 23.22 shows the means whereby constructions of the kind depicted in the preceding figures 23.20 and 23.21 can be locked into position. Figure 23.22.2 shows a reverse view of the final configuration when the locking mechanism has been engaged.

FIGURE 23.23 shows a rotating mechanism in which the two fold lines are separated but parallel to each other. When the folds are successively activated one element rotates through 360 degrees, another through 180 degrees and the remainder of the piece remains in its original position.

FIGURE 23.24 shows a configuration similar to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the rotating element is equipped with means of attachment to the fixed element so as to lock it into its final position.

FIGURES 23.25 and 23.26 show a rotating mechanism operating in accordance with the same principles as those mechanisms which are shown in the preceding figures but which is adapted for use in connection with the rotation of relatively small portions of material. The mechanism acts as a double hinge in which the two folds operate in opposite directions so as to step back one portion of the material behind another.

FIGURE 23.27 shows the means whereby the portion of material stepped back behind another portion of material can be locked into position. Figure 23.27.2 shows a diagrammatic side view of the path taken by the locking tab through the other portions of material.

FIGURE 23.28 shows another double hinge device in which the rotated portion is passed through a slit in the fixed portion so as to assume a relatively erect final position.

FIGURES 23.29 shows a similar configuration to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the rotated portion is passed over the material containing the slit and secured in position by slotting its lower part into the slit.

FIGURES 23.30 and 23.31 show further double hinge devices in which a split or splits are provided in the fixed portion into which the adjoining member can be inserted.

FIGURE 23.32 shows a double hinge device in which the fixed portion represents a male element and the rotated portion a female element. The two elements are connected by a double hinge. The first fold, through 180 degrees, places the female element behind the male element, The second fold, again through 180 degrees, places the male element inside the female element and obviates any tendency of the folds to fall out.

FIGURE 23.33 shows a similar construction in which a further element is attached via a double hinge to the rotated portion (the female element of the piece). The further element is folded twice through 180 degrees and inserted through the female element, thereby being locked into position.

FIGURE 23.34 shows a locking device for use in conjunction with a portion of material which is rotated through a radiused bend of 180 degrees at a point adjacent to its point of attachment to a second portion of material. The mechanism consists of two separate tab and slot mechanisms working in parallel. The first mechanism incorporates a tab formed by a partially cut round enclosed cut-out. The tab is able to engage with a slot in the second portion but is sufficiently elongate as to not require the first portion to be folded along the line of a crease. A second tab is incorporated at the extremity of the first portion, its purpose being to engage with a second slot in the second portion.The two mechanism are proximate but sufficiently separated to provide stability to the piece FIGURES 24.1 to 24.14 illustrate constructions in accordance with the twentyfourth aspect of the present invention in which lateral cuts are incorporated into a headband split.

FIGURE 24.1 shows a headband provided with a straight split along one side of which there is a plurality of lateral cuts.

FIGURE 24.2 shows a headband provided with a straight split along both side of which there is a plurality of lateral cuts.

FIGURES 24.3, 24.4 and 24.5 show headbands incorporating splits which are respectively straight, convex curved and concave curved, along one edge of the splits a plurality of lateral cuts being provided, the portions between the cuts being radiused so that the ends are rounded.

FIGURE 24.6 shows a headband provided with a convex curved split along both sides of which are provided a plurality of lateral cuts, the portions between the cuts being radiused in the same manner as before.

FIGURE 24.7 shows a headband provided with a straight split and radiused cuts similar to that depicted in Figure 24.3 in which, additionally, perforations are provided at the ends of the split.

FIGURE 24.8 shows a headband provided with a straight split and radiused lateral cuts in which the lateral cuts are in pc--t represented by perforations.

FIGURE 24.9 shows a headband incorporaTing a reciprocal pattern of lateral cuts along the mean line of the split, an angular or radiused castellated pattern being formed on either side of the split.

FIGURE 24.10 shows a headband incorfc7rating a convex curved split in which portions between the lateral cuts are largely circular in shape, being attached to the remainder of the headwear only at their bases.

FIGURE 24.11 shows a headband similarly configured to the preceding figure with the addition of further portions berween the circular portions, the outline of the further portions being largely the contiguous with that of the circular portions, the further portions and the circular portions being partly formed by the same cut, the further portions being folded backwardly through 180 degrees along the line of their bases.

FIGURE 24.12 shows a headband similarly configured to the preceding figure in which the further portions are each subjected to a further fold parallel to the fold along the line of their bases, the further fold being through 180 degrees, the effect of the two folds being to produce a pattern of raised elements along the line of the split.

FIGURE 24.13 shows a similar construction in which the further portions are folded along the line of their bases so as to pass under the headband, to reappear through a line of small holes parallel to the splits. The further portions are folded upwardly through the holes so as to provided an upstanding feature along the headband.

FIGURE 24.14 shows a construction in which the lateral cuts are provided in a dependent headband-mounted extension comprising an enclosed cut-out the periphery of which is subdivided but becomes continuous following attachment. This construction is similar in certain respects to those illustrated at Figures 11.30 to 11.33, supra.

FIGURES 25.1 to 25.41 show headbands configured in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention in which one element of the headband is subdivided into two separate parts which are joined together in use.

FIGURE 25.1 shows a straight split headband similar to that depicted in Figure 1, supra, in which the element above the split has been subdivided into two parts provided with complementary means of attachment. In the construction illustrated the means of attachment takes the form of slots in each part, the slots able to interlock together.

FIGURE 25.2 shows a similar headband in which the element below the split is subdivided.

FIGURE 25.3 shows a double split headband in which the element between the splits is subdivided.

FIGURE 25.4 shows a double split headband in which the two outer elements are subdivided.

FIGURES 25.5 to 25.12 show concave curved and convex curved single and double split headbands incorporating subdivided elements equipped with means of attachment.

FIGURES 25.13 and 25.14 show double split headbands incorporating subdivided elements equipped with means of attachment in which cavities have been created between the outer elements of the headband.

FIGURE 25.15 show a headband incorporating subdivided elements in which one part is provided with a tab and the other part with a complementary slot, the effect of such means of attachment being to reduce the length of the split overall below what it would have been had the headband remained unsubdivided.

FIGURE 25.16 shows a subdivided headband element in which the means of attachment allows of an effective increase in the length of the split, the tab being provided on the end of an elongate arm adapted to be folded outwardly. This type of attachment device is the subject of the thirty-first aspect of the invention.

FIGURE 25.17 shows a subdivided headband in which the means of attachment allows the length of the split to be optionally increased or reduced, five tabs and five slots being provided, the tabs arranged along an arm similar to that shown in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 25.18 shows a subdivided headband in which the two parts overlap following attachment, extensions to the parts also overlapping.

FIGURE 25.19 shows a subdivided headband similar to that illustrated in the preceding figure in which the extensions both overlap and interlock together following attachment FIGURE 25.20 shows a subdivided headband element in which the separate parts of the headband element provide support for a common extension. In Figure 25.21 the common extension is shown provided with pairs of parallel folds at either end for the purpose of shortening or varying its length relative to the headband element following attachment of the separate parts.

FIGURES 25.22 and 25.23 show constructions similar to those illustrated in the preceding two figures in which the extension is ear-mounted.

FIGURES 25.24 to 25.28 show constructions bearing a similarity to those shown in relation to the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE 25.24 shows a construction in which a subdivided headband element is folded along the line of the split at both ends. Figure 25.25 shows a construction incorporating a subdivided headband element and folds along the line of a split, in this case the lower split of a double split configuration, an extension provided below the line of the fold being in consequence folded upwardly in use. Figure 25.26 shows a similar construction provided with variable means of attachment of the separate parts of the subdivided headband element.

FIGURE 25.27.1 shows a subdivided headband element which is foldable along the line of the split only at one end. Figure 25.27.2 shows the effect of attachment, the two parts of the headband element being reversed.

FIGURES 25.28.1 and 25.28.2 show a similar construction to that shown in the preceding figure in which what is, in effect, an ear-mounted enclosed cut is contorted by folding one end of the subdivided headband element along the line of the split.

FIGURES 25.29 to 25.36 and 25.38, illustrate a group of constructions in accordance with the twentT--fifth aspect of the present invention in which advantage is taken of the opportunity afforded by a subdivided headband element to allow an appendage to the opposite headband element to pass between the subdivided parts.

FIGURE 25.29 shows a single split headband incorporating a subdivided element equipped with means of attachment, the inner ends of the subdivided element being separated to a sufficient extent to allow an appendage to the lower element of the headband to pass upwards and between them.

FIGURE 25.30.1 shows a similarly configured headband to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a foldable extension depends from the opposite side of the element of the headband to which the appendage is attached.

Figure 25.30.2 shows the effect of folding the dependent extension backwardly and upwardly and through the split.

FIGURE 25.31 shows a double split headband configured with both upward and dependent appendages. The figure's second drawing shows the effect of folding the dependent appendage upwardly and backwardly so that it is relocated behind the upward appendage.

FIGURE 25.32 shows a convex curled split headband in which an appendage to the lower element of the headband passes upwards between the parts of the subdivided element.

FIGURE 25.33 shows a subdivided headband construction in which an appendage passes upwards between the separate parts and is provided with complementary means of attachment to ears at the ends of the headband.

FIGURE 25.34 shows a subdivided headband construction in which an appendage passes upwards between the separate parts and is provided with complementary means of attachment to the element of the headband to which it is appended, being rotated through 180 degrees prior to attachment, the means of attachment comprising a single tab and a single slot at the centre of the lower headband element FIGURE 25.35 shows a similar construction in which the means of attachment consists of two tab and slot mechanisms arranged symmetrically along the lower headband element.

FIGURE 25.36 shows a subdivided headband element construction in which an appendage provides attachment means for an ear mounted enclosed cutout which is provided with a slot at its apogee.

FIGURE 25.37 shows a subdivided headband construction in which an element supported by each of the separate parts is split laterally along the greater part of its length, the parts of the element lying on either side of the split being connected in such a way as to be able to overlap and thereby reduce or eliminate distortion from the flat plane in use.

FIGURE 25.38 shows a subdivided headband construction similar to that depicted in Figure 25.33 in which the appendage is connected to ears at the ends of the headband.

FIGURES 25.39 and 25.40 respectively show subdivided headband constructions similar to that depicted in Figure 25.22 in which an ear-mounted extension is provided with means of attachment to the separate parts of the subdivided headband element. In both cases the means of attachment are incorporated in the foldable element of an enclosed cut-out forming part of the extension.

FIGURE 25.41 shows a subdivided headband construction in association with a dependent headband-mounted extension, the extension comprising an enclosed cut-out the periphery of which is further subdivided but becomes continuous following attachment of the various parts. This construction is similar to certain constructions provided in accordance with the eleventh and twenty-fourth aspects of the present invention which are illustrated, supra.

FIGURES 26.1 to 26.9 show constructions in accordance with the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention in which a headband incorporates an open ended split, the elements on either side of the split being joined together in use to provide a complete headband.

FIGURE 26.1.1 shows a headband which is provided with a split which is contained by the headband at one end and open at the other, complementary means of attachment at the open end being provided. The figure's second drawing shows the ends of the headband attached in the face-to-face position.

The third drawing shows the ends of the headband brought together end-on before attachment.

FIGURE 26.2 shows a headband similar to that depicted in the preceding figure which is provided with a fold along the line of the split at the enclosed end.

FIGURE 26.3 shows an open split headband in which the individual elements of the headband are convex curved vis-a-vis each other, in plan.

FIGURE 26.4 shows an open split headband in which the complementary attachment means allow the overall length of the parts to be reduced, extended or varied, the attachment device being of a kind subject to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 26.5.1 shows an open split headband provided with a headband extension. The figure's second drawing shows the extension folded in front of the split, In the third drawing the extension is folded through the split.

FIGURES 26.6, 26.7, 26.8 and 26.9 show open split headbands incorporating folds along the line of the split at the enclosed end, in which are provided part headband/part ear extensions above and below the headband elements. In Figures 26.8 and 26.9 the extensions are in the form of enclosed cut-outs.

FIGURE 27.1 reproduces in a simplified form a construction similar to that illustrated in Figure 20 of GB-A-2178299. The construction incorporates an enclosed cut-out which is not in the form of a headband or an ear-mounted extension but is formed by a cavity between the upper and lower headband elements. The cut-out is totally cut round. The edges of the split are not contiguous but the characteristics of a split headband are retained. A similar enclosed cut-out, formed by a cavity between the upper and lower headband elements of a straight split construction, is shown at FIGURE 27.2 and at FIGURES 27.3 to 27.6 cavity-type enclosed cut-outs are shown incorporated into double split headbands.

FIGURES 27.7 to 27.21 show constructions in accordance with the twenty seventh aspect of the present invention in which a headband split follows the line of an ox-bow so that a portion of material lying between the edges of the split is integrally connected to a portion of material lying to one side of the split, thereby forming a semi-detached appendage to it. This appendage lies within or replaces a cavil of the kind illustrated in Figures 27.1 to 27.6.

FIGURES 27.7 and 2s.8 show ox-bow constructions bearing some resemblance to the items respectively illustrated at Figures 27.1 and 27.2.

FIGURES 27.9 to 27.11 show constructions in which a fold is provided along the neck of the ox-bow so that the appendage can be folded outwardly from the rest of the piece.

FIGURE 27.12 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 27.9 in which further folds are provided which have the effect of stepping back the sides of the appendage.

FIGURE 27.13 shows an appendage provided with means of attachment to the headband element adjoining the neck of the ox-bow, a connecting strip of material allowing the appendage to be stepped forward over the headband element. parallel folds being provided.

FIGURE 27.14 shows a similar construction with the addition of a vertical split inserted in the connecting strip FIGURE 27.15 shows a construction in which the appendage is attached to the headband element by two connecting strips arranged symmetrically.

FIGURES 27.16 and 27.17 show constructions in which the appendage is provided with attachment means to an extension depending from the headband element comprising separate pairs of tabs and slots so as to present additional elevations to an observer.

FIGURE 27.18 shows a construction in accordance with the present aspect which also features a subdivided headband element of the kind which is the subject of the twenty-fifth aspect FIGURE 27.19 shows a similar construction in which the appendage passes upwards between the separate parts of the headband element.

FIGURE 27.20 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 27.13 in which notches are provided at outer ends of the bases of the tabs for the purpose of securing them in position in the slots.

FIGURE 27.21 shows a construction in which the appendage is provided with attachment means to the headband element, comprising a single tab and a single slot, the tab placed between two connecting strips.

FIGURES 28.1 to 28.6 show constructions in accordance with the twentyeighth aspect of the present invention in which headbands incorporating a single split are provided with vestigial second splits extending inwardly from each ear..

FIGURES 28.1, 28.2 and 28.3 show headbands with ears incorporating portions created by the vestigial splits which act as flaps. In use these flaps can be located on the same side (i.e. at the back or the front) o the artefact as the portion of material on the further side of the continuous split. The incorporation of such flaps produces a presentation of the ears which resembles that afforded by a double split headband construction. The three figures show the presence of splits in the ears parallel to the main split In the second two figures perforations are provided at the ends of the main split.

FIGURE 28.4 shows a headband in which perforations have been provided both to the main split and the splits forming the flaps.

FIGURE 28.5 shows an asymmetric configuration in which only one flap is provided. Figure 28.6 shows a double flap version with a portion of the material extended outwardly between the two flaps.

FIGURES 29.1 to 29.15 show constructions in accordance with the twentyninth aspect of the present invention in which a split headband is combined with a portion of material resembling a non-split "solid" headband of the kind which (in items designed for human wear) wraps around the head.

FIGURES 29.1 and 29.2 show, respectively, single and double split headbands from the centre of the lower element of which depends the 'wrap-round' headband. The latter is provided with its own complementary means of attachment and takes up a position on the artefact which is below (or, if the construction is reversed, above) the split headband.

FIGURE 29.3 shows a similarly configured item in which the wrap-round headband does not have its own attachment means. In use it is folded upwardly and tucked-in between the split headband and the artefact.

FIGURE 29.4 shows a similarly configured item to that shown in the preceding figure excepting that the wrap-round portion is not sufficiently long to go right round the artefact. In use it is folded upwardly and tucked-in between the split headband and the artefact relying upon the pressure exerted by the (outer) split headband to maintain its position.

FIGURE 29.5 shows the same type of device in the context of a convex curved split headband.

FIGURES 29.6. 29.7 and 29.8 are respectively similar to Figures 29.1, 29.2 and 29.5 excepting that one of the portions comprising the split headband is subdivided in the manner provided by the tetenty-fifth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 29.9 shows a wrap-round headband combined with an open ended headband folded along the line of the split at the other end, similar to that illustrated in Figure 26.1 FIGURE 29.10 shows a single split headband connected to a wrap-round headband by means of an outward extension passing between separate parts of subdivided elements of the headband. Figure 29.11 shows a similarly configured convex curved headband.

FIGURE 29.12 and 29.13 show constructions in which the wrap-round portion is extended so as to provide a form of headband extension.

FIGURE 29.14 shows a headband in which the wrap-round portion is horseshoe shaped and provided with its own attachment means. Figure 29.15 shows the same basic shape with the addition of a fold in the wrap-round portion which adds a brim to the piece.

FIGURES 30.1 and 30.2 show simple joining mechanisms of the kind found in the prior art.

FIGURES 30.3 to 30.12 show joining mechanism in accordance with the thirtieth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 30.3 shows a mechanism based on symmetrical hooks.

FIGURES 30.4.1 and 30.4.2 show a similar mechanism to that depicted in the preceding figure in which short elongate "arms" have been incorporated.

When the splits in the arms are engaged the portions of the material to which the two parts of the mechanism are joined are made to assume a different position to that which would otherwise be the case.

FIGURE 30.5 shows a similar mechanism to that depicted in Figure 30.3 except that the hook shaped portions are provided above and not within the piece.

FIGURE 30.6 shows a similar mechanism to that depicted in the preceding figure except that one element is configured as an eye and not as a hook.

FIGURE 30.7 is a variations of the mechanism depicted in Figure 30.4.

FIGURE 30.8 is a variation of the mechanism depicted in Figure 30.5.

FIGURE 30.9 shows a hook configured as in the preceding figure, the circular shape of which permits the length of the slit in the eye portion to be reduced below what would otherwise be required.

FIGURE 30.10 shows a similar mechanism to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a serrated edge has been provided to the hook shaped portion so as to permit it to act as a ratchet and thereby provide a range of settings instead of only one as in Figures 30.4 and 30.7 FIGURE 30.11 shows a mechanism of the kind depicted in Figure 30.8 in the context of a single split headband.

FIGURE 30.12 shows a mechanism provided in accordance with the present aspect in which perforations are provided along a part of the line of the splits for the purpose of optionally increasing the length overall of the separate parts following attachment.

FIGURES 31.1 to 31.18 show joining mechanisms in accordance with the thirty-first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 31.1 shows a mechanism consisting of an element comprising a partially cut round enclosed cut-out in one portion adapted to engage with a slot in the other portion.

FIGURE 31.2 shows a mechanism consisting of elements comprising partially cut round enclosed cut-outs in both portions, each element adapted to engage with the aperture left by the cut-out in the other portion when folded outwardly by being inserted into the aperture and folded through 180 degrees.

FIGURE 31.3 shows a mechanism consisting of a partially cut round element incorporating a tab in one portion, the tab adapted to engage with a slot in the other portion.

FIGURE 31.4 shows a mechanism consisting of partially cut round elements in both portions, the elements respectively provided with a tab and a slot, the tab and the slot adapted to engage with eac. other.

FIGURE 31.5 shows a similar mechanism TO that depicted in the preceding figure in which one of the elements is provided with five slots instead of a single slot.

FIGURE 31.6 shows a mechanism consisting of partially cut round elements in both portions, the elements respectively provided with four tabs and a single slot, any one of the tabs adapted to engage with the slot.

FIGURE 31.7 shows a mechanism consisting of a partially cut round element in one portion, the element provided with four tabs, one or more of the tabs adapted to engage with one or more of the slots provided in the second portion.

FIGURE 31.8 shows a mechanism consisting of partially cut round elements in both portions, the elements respectively provided with four tabs and four slots, any one or more of the tabs adapted to engage with any one or more of the slots FIGURE 31.9 shows a mechanism consisting of a partially cut round element in one portion, the element adapted to be captured by a slot in the same portion and by a slot in the second portion and to engage with one or more of four slots provided in the second portior FIGURE 31.10 shows a mechanism consisting of partially cut round elements in both portions, the elements respectivels- provided with four tabs and five slots, any one or more of the tabs adapted to engage with any one or more of the slots, means for capturing the elements also being provided in both portions.

FIGURE 31.11 shows a mechanism similar to those already described, the mechanism adapted to precisely maintain the length overall of the two portions following attachment.

FIGURE 31.12 shows a mechanism similar to that depicted in Figure 31.1 with the addition of capturing means, the inclusion of perforated sides to the cutround element enabling its length to be varied, and pre-set lateral folds, the element adapted to variably engage with the slot in the other portion.

FIGURE 31.13 shows a mechanism similar to that depicted in the preceding figure, both portions incorporating perforated elements, the operational direction of the tabs in the first portion adapted to be reversible in the event that the element in which they are provided remains in situ.

FIGURES 31.14 and 31.15 show a mechanism similar to those depicted above in which adjustment is afforded by the inclusion of notches (which may take the form of a ratchet) along the side of the element comprising a cut-out.

FIGURE 31.16 shows a mechanism similar to those depicted above featuring a single tab, six slots and capturing means, the slots being calibrated to show imperial and metric head sizes.

FIGURE 31.17 shows a Figure 31.7-type mechanism incorporated into a straight split subdivided headband.

FIGURE 31.18 shows a Figure 31.7-type mechanism incorporated into a convex curved split subdivided headband, the tabs and slots arranged radially and the cut-round element being arranged concentrically with the headband Split.

FIGURES 32.1 to 32.20 show joining mechanisms in accordance with the thirty-second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 32.1 shows a mechanism consisting of a portion incorporating a single tab and a portion incorporating an elongate slot, the tab adapted to engage with the slot and slide along it.

FIGURES 32.2 and 32.3 show a similar mechanism to that depicted in Figure 32.1 with the addition of, respectively, notch-type indentations and a ratchet device, the notch-type indentations and ratchet adapted to engage with the base of the tab.

FIGURE 32.4 shows a mechanism consisting of a portion incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a portion incorporating an elongate slot, the tabs adapted to simultaneously engage with the slot and slide along it.

FIGURE 32.5 shows a mechanism similar in certain respects to those depicted in the preceding two figures, in which an additional tab and a second ratchet (the additional tab adapted to engage with the second ratchet) have been added for the purpose of stabilising the construction in use.

FIGURE 32.6 shows in various forms a mechanism consisting of a portion incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs and an elongate slot and a second portion likewise equipped, each pair of tabs being adapted to engage with the slot in the other portion.

FIGURES 32.7 and 32.8 show alternative configurations for the pairs of tabs.

FIGURE 32.9 shows a mechanism consisting of a portion incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs and a pair of parallel elongate slots and a second portion likewise equipped, each pair of tabs being adapted to engage with the slots in the other portion.

FIGURES 32.10, 32.11 and 32.12 show locking mechanisms for constructions of the kind depicted in Figure 32.9, the mechanisms comprising, respectively, notch-type indentations, a ratchet, and a secondary system of tabs and slots.

In the second drawing of Figure 32.11 the ratchet is an enclosed cut-out and not a slit with contiguous edges - the former comprising a more user-friendly arrangement.

FIGURE 32.13 shows a mechanism similar to that depicted in Figure 32.9 in which the pairs of tabs and pairs of elongate slots are incorporated into elements comprising partially cut round enclosed cut-outs, the elements adapted to be folded outwardly so as to increase the length of the separate portions comprising the piece overall, means of capturing the elements also being provided.

FIGURE 32.14 shows 4 different tab configurations suitable for a construction in which the portion incorporating the elongate slot or slots is at right angles to the elongate axis of the portion incorporating the tabs.

FIGURE 32.15 shows a construction in which a portion provided with a tab of the kind shown in the preceding figure is engaged with a portion incorporating a single elongate slot.

FIGURE 32.16 shows a construction in which a portion provided with a tab of the kind shown in Figure 32.14 is engaged with two separate portions, each portion incorporating a single elongate slot, the portions overlapping following engagement with the tab. Figure 32.17 shows a similar mechanism in which the elongate slots are paired.

FIGURE 32.18 shows a three part construction in which a portion comprising the tab section of the mechanism is provided with an elongate arm, at each end of which a pair of identical tab arrays are placed The additional tab (or tabs) allows the range through which the other two parts can slide to vary in a way which permits them, inter alia, to increase in length overall.

FIGURES 32.19 and 32.20 show, respectively, Figure 32.7 and 32.9 type mechanisms incorporated into a convex curved split subdivided headband (or similarly configured feature), the vertical axes of the tabs arranged radially and the elongate slots being arranged concentrically with the convex split.

FIGURES 33.1 to 33.9 show configurations in accordance with the thirty-third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 33.1 shows a mask construction in which a portion of material is suspended from a headband in front of what. in an item for human wear, would be the wearer's features. the two elements being joined only at the centre so as to permit the suspended portion to assume a position which affords a degree of concealment without pressing against the face.

FIGURE 33.2 shows a similar construction in which a fold has been provided together with a locking mechanism enabling the mask portion to be optionally secured above the headband when concealment is not required.

FIGURE 33.3 shows a mask construction in which the method of attachment to the headband is in the form of a bridging element which permits the mask to be stepped forward of the face in use thus obviating the necessity for a cutout section to accommodate the nose. The mask is fixed in position by straps at its extremities which are secured to the headband by a tab and slot mechanism.

FIGURES 33.4 and 33.5 show constructions similar to those depicted in Figures 33.2 and 33.3 in which the headband incorporates a convex curved split.

FIGURES 33.6 and 33.7 show constructions similar to that depicted in Figure 33.3 in which, respectively, there are three points of connection for the mask, and two points of connection for the mask with means of attachment comprising a tab and slot mechanism in between.

FIGURE 33.8 show a further mask construction in which a convex curved split headband is provided with an extension in the form of a visor, the visor being provided with enclosed cut-outs to facilitate the forward vision of the "wearer", the cut-outs being totally cut round.

FIGURE 33.9 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the enclosed cutout is partially cut round, portions within the periphery of the cut-out being folded outwardly to add a further detail to the design above the upper surface of the visor.

FIGURES 34.1 to 34.5 show consTructions in accordance with the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention FIGURE 34.1 shows a construction car able of effectively masking the "wearer's" features in the form of parallel elongate strips of material suspended from a headband.

FIGURE 34.2 shows a similar construction in which the strips are captured by a cross element at the end furthest from tre headband.

FIGURE 34.3 shows a similar construction in which the strips depend from a visor-type headband incorporating a convex curved split.

FIGURE 34A shows a similar construction to that depicted in Figure 34.1 in which certain of the elongate strips are enlarged and the length of the strips varies.

FIGURE 34.5 shows a construction in which the portion divided into strips depends from ears at the ends of the headband, the portion adapted to be optionally folded upwardly and secured ir. an inverted position by means of a tab and slot mechanism so that the elongate strips do not obscure the "wearer's" features.

FIGURES 35.1 to 35.3 show construction; in accordance with the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 35.1 shows a mask construction in the form of a perforate portion depending from a headband incorporating a straight split in which forward vision is permitted while affording a degree of concealment of the "wearer's" features.

FIGURE 35.2 shows a further mask construction in the form of a perforate portion depending from a headband incorporating a convex curved split, complementary means of attachment enabling the extremities of the perforate portion to be additionally connected to the headband being provided.

FIGURE 35.3 shows a construction in u which the perforate portion depends from a visor.

FIGURE 36.1 shows in simplified form an embodiment of GB-A-2178299, illustrated at Figure 12 of that document, in which a headband is provided with ears upon which ears separate message bearing plaques can be mounted if desired, complementary tabs and slots being provided for the purpose.

FIGURES 36.2 to 36.5 show constructions in accordance with the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention whereby a message or opinion can be conveyed by the deployment of an integrally attached portion which may be shaped as a plaque or a symbol.

FIGURES 36.2 and 3Ó.3 show headwear provided respectively with single portion and a pair of portions comprising a display area, the portion or portions being attached to the remainder of the piece by an elongate strip and being additionally attachable by means of a tab and slot mechanism. The display area portions are further provided with lateral perforations enabling them to be discarded if required.

FIGURE 36.4 shows a similarly configured item of headwear in which the display areas are comprised of symbols in the form of a tick and a cross. The first of the three drawings shows the headwear in the flat form, the second with the tick deployed and the cross discarded and the third vice versa.

FIGURE 36.5 shows an item of headwear in which the display area is mounted on the end of an elongate element formed by a coiled spring in use, the element being captured along its length by the remainder of the headwear so as to secure its position.

FIGURES 37.1 to 37.3 show constructions in accordance with the thirty seventh aspect of the present invention in which thumb-operated tabs are provided for the purpose of bringing a display area into view.

FIGURE 37.1 shows an item of headwear provided with a thumb tab which can be raised upwardly through 180 degrees so as to bring the reverse surface into view.

FIGURE 37.2 shows an item of headwear similarly equipped, in which the thumb tab, when raised through 90 degrees protrudes from a horizontal surface in use, the display area thereby cording into view.

FIGURE 37.3 shows a thumb tab provided with additional means of attachment enabling it to be secured in position once raised.

FIGURE 38.1 shows in simplified form an embodiment of GB-A-2178299, illustrated at Figure 41 of that document, in which a single split headband is provided with a movable element which adjusts the length of the headband and performs the functions of cursor.

FIGURES 38.2 to 38.6 show constructions in accordance with the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention in which one or both separate portions comprising headband elements are captured individually.

FIGURE 38.2 shows a single split headband provided with an element configured to act as a slide, the sliding element capable of engaging with one portion of the headband so as to reveal or conceal parts of that portion as required.

FIGURE 38.3 shows the two pieces depicted in the preceding figure permanently connected by a tether so as to form a unitary construction.

FIGURE 38.4 shows a configuration in which the separate portions comprising the headband are individually captured, the portions being parallel to each other but not contiguous except at their extremities.

FIGURE 38.5 shows a sliding element which is arranged in three hinged panels, the outer panels being secured in position on the opposite side of the headband to the centre panel by means of a tab and slot mechanism, the centre panel being provided with a window and a pointer.

FIGURE 38.6 shows a tether in which a section provided with a foldable member has been inserted so as to vary the path taken by the tether in use.

FIGURES 39.1 to 39.12 show constructions in accordance with the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion which rotates relative to the remainder of the headwear by means of one or more male and female elements.

FIGURE 39.1, in its first two drawings, 39.1.1 and 39.1.2, shows the two components of a device which permits a movable element to be slotted into a fixed element in a way which allows the movable element to be rotated in a plane. The third drawing shows the device in its assembled form.

FIGURE 39.2 shows a modification of the fixed element which allows the movable element to be locked into a pre-selected position.

FIGURE 39.3 shows a similar construction in which the rotating element itself contains a circular hole into which a further rotating element can be inserted, the two rotating elements being capable of rotation independently of each other.

FIGURE 39.4 shows an alternative construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a single male element is provided with two female elements, the female elements being capable of rotation independently of each other.

FIGURE 39.5 shows a rotatable element provided with two arms set at an angle of 140 degrees to each other.

FIGURE 39.6 shows a construction in which the fixed portion of the device is located at the back of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 39.7 shows a construction in which the rotatable element is captured by another portion of the headwear in such away as to permit rotation, a viewing aperture being provided.

FIGURE 39.8 shows a construction in which the rotatable element is provided with an elongate member for the purpose of manipulation.

FIGURE 39.9 shows a construction similar to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the elongate member is adapted to articulate with respect to the rotatable element to which it is attached.

FIGURE 39.10 shows a construction in which two articulating elongate members are provided. The construction depicted also includes two depending elements at the ends of arms, the depending elements adapted to take on a pendular motion when the elongate members are agitated.

FIGURE 39.11 shows a construction in which the fixed portion and the rotating element are permanently connected by a tether so as to form a unitary construction.

FIGURE 39.12 shows a construction in which male and female elements are provided at the ends of the parts of a subdivided headband element, the male and female elements adapted to engage with each other and with a third element which may be free to rotate or attached to another part of the headwear in such manner as to be capable of limited or negligible rotational movement.

FIGURES 40.1 to 40.14 show constructions in accordance with the fortieth aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion which is able to rotate through 180 degrees relative to the remainder of the headwear so that the obverse or the reverse side of the portion is presented to view and/or able to be attached to a headband under stress, the effect of the stress being to impart rigidity.

FIGURE 40.1 shows a construction in which a portion of material mounted at its sides on two post-type supports extended from a headband is rotated through 180 degrees and secured to the opposite headband by means of a tab and slot mechanism.

FIGURE 40.2 shows a similar construction in which the mounted portion of material is secured to the opposite headband without being first rotated.

FIGURES 40.3 and 40.4 show constructions similar to those depicted in the two preceding figures in which the mounted portion is secured to the same portion of the headband as that from which the side supports are extended.

FIGURE 40.5 shows a construction in which the mounted portion is able to be attached to the middle portion of a double split headband under stress.

FIGURE 40.6 shows a construction in which an ear-mounted portion is adapted to be rotated through 180 degrees and attached to an upper or lower element of the headband under stress.

FIGURE 40.7 shows a construction in which lateral creased folds adapted to act as a hinge have been provided along the horizontal axis of the rotatable portion.

FIGURE 40.8 shows s a construction similarly provided with creased folds in which support for the rotatable element is provided by curved members.

FIGURE 40.9 shows a construction provided with creased folds in which support for the rotatable element is provided by a member which totally surrounds the rotatable element.

FIGURE 40.10 shows a construction provided with creased folds along the vertical axis of the rotatable element, two points of connection being provided, the rotated element being held in position in its rotated state by an asymmetric shape about the axis or rotation whereby portions of its periphery can be made to overlap and engage with the edge of the surrounding portion.

FIGURE 40.11 shows a similar configuration in which only one point of connection is present, the rotatable element depending from a surrounding portion, a locking mechanism in the form of a foldable tab incorporating a pair of slots being provided.

FIGURE 40.12 shows a construction similarly mounted to those depicted in Figures 40.1 to 4C.7 in which a locking mechanism acting at the point of rotation is provided in the form of laterally extending tabs, the tabs either engaging with the supports or with slots provided in the supports.

FIGURES 40.15 and 40.14 show constructions similar to that depicted in Figure 40.9 in which the asymmetry of the piece about the axis of rotation provides a locking mechanism similar to that illustrated in Figure 40.10.

FIGURES 41.1 to 41.23 show constructions in accordance with the forty-first aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with an extension in the form or shape of an enclosed cut-out, the extension being mounted upon the headband. Simplified versions of extensions in the form of enclosed cut-outs of the kind illustrated in GB-A-2178299 at Figures 13, 31, 32, 33 and 44 have already been shown at Figures 11.1 to 11.3, supra..

As noted, the cut-outs in question are either ear-mounted or hybrid in the sense of being mounted partly upon the ears and partly upon the headband, GB-A-2178299 making no provision for extensions in the form of enclosed cut-outs which are solely headband-mounted FIGURES 41.1 to 41.4 show items of headwear incorporating headbandmounted extensions in the form of an enclosed cut-out, the periphery of the cut-out being totally cut round so as to produce an aperture. In the case of the constructions shown in Figures 41.2 to 41.4, a part of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is formed by a contribution from the headband itself.

FIGURE 41.5 shows a headband-mounted extension in the form of an enclosed cut-out, the periphery of which is partially cut-round and folded outwardly so 2s to provide an aperture, FIGURE 41.6 shows a hooped shaped extension to a headband in which two parallel elements are connected at intervals by short bridges.

FIGURE 41.7 shows a similar construction in which folds are provided enabling the outer element to be stepped forward or backward of the inner element. In use this construction, and that shown in the preceding figure will assume a distorted, albeit rigid, posture above the artefact.

FIGURE 41.8 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which further folds are provided which enable the outer element to be effectively shortened, relative to the inner element, so as to allow the construction to assume an erect posture above the artefact in use.

FIGURE 41.9 shows a similar construction in which the shortening of the outer element is achieved by its division into separate sections which are connected to each other by tab and slot mechanisms.

FIGURE 41.10 shows a construction similar to those depicted in the Figures 41.6 to 41.9 in which the lower portions of the outer element are connected to the ears by means of projecting members.

FIGURE 41.11 shows a similar construction in which the projecting members are provided with complementary means of attachment to the ears.

FIGURE 41.12 shows a construction similar to those depicted in Figures 41.6 to 41.9 in which the elongate members are extended inwardly and outwardly.

FIGURE 41.13 shows a similar construction in which the outward extensions are folded through 180 degrees so ac to bring them back within the periphery of the cut-out.

FIGURE 41.14 shows a construction in which both headband-mounted and ear-mounted extensions are provided, each extension being in the form of an enclosed cut-out.

FIGURE 41.15 shows a similar construction in which both extensions are connected to each other by portions extending between the two elements.

FIGURE 41.16 shows a similar construction in which both extensions are connected to each other by portions extending between the two elements, the portions being integral with one or other of the elements at one end and provided with complementary means of attachment at the other end.

FIGURE 41.17 shows a headband-mounted extension which depends from the headband.

FIGURE 41.18 shows extensions mounted on both portions of a headband, above and below it, troth extensions being in the form of an enclosed cut-out.

FIGURE 41.19 shows a construction in which the enclosed cut-out is not continuous, the portions forming the periphery of the cut-out being provided with complementary means of attachment and brought together in use to produce an arch-type feature above the artefact. The top of the arch takes up a position backward of that which would be assumed but for the shortening effect of subdivision and attachment and its plane inclines from the vertical FIGURE 41.20 shows a similar construction provided with 180 degree folds at the point where the extensions connect to the headband. Such a construction allows the extensions to somewhat stand away from the headband following attachment of the separate parts.

FIGURE 41.21 shows a similar construction in which the arch portion is continuous but the headband is subdivided. In use the top of the arch takes up a position above and in front of the artefact.

FIGURES 41.22 and 41.23 show similar constructions in which both the headband and the extensions are provided with sliding catches and are brought together in use. In the second figure folds along the line of the headband are provided at the point where the extensions connect to the headband and in use the arch takes up a visor-like position in front of the artefact.

FIGURE 41.24 shows the same construction as that depicted in the preceding figure save that the line of the folds is not co-linear with the edge of headband but at an acute angle thereto. The inclination of the visor-like portion is changed as a result.

FIGURES 42.1 to 4. show constructions similar to those shown at Figures 11.1 to 11.3, supra, in which an item of headwear incorporates an earmounted extension:n the form of an enclosed cut-out. The drawings in the present figures illustrate the extent of deflection from the flat plane which occurs when such constructions are placed on the artefact in use. The constructions depicted in these figures are representative of embodiments of GB-A-2178299.

FIGURE 42.5 shows a construction in which a dependent ear-mounted extension in the form of an enclosed cut-out is folded upwardly in use, in accordance with the eleventh of the present invention, deflection from the flat plane occurring in the same way as happens with the non-folded earmounted enclosed cut-out extensions.

FIGURES 42.6 to 42.24 show similarly configured constructions to those depicted in Figures 42.1 to 42.5 in which means to prevent or reduce or modify deflection from the flat plane are provided. These constructions are in accordance with the forty-second aspect of the present invention FIGURE 42.6 shows a construction of the kind illustrated at Figure 42.4 in which two pairs of folds have been introduced into the element crossing the artefact so as to effectively shorten it.

FIGURE 42.7 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 42.1 which has been likewise provided with pairs of folds.

FIGURE 42.8 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 42.5 which has been likewise provided with pairs of folds.

FIGURE 42.9 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 42.6 in which a locking device has been incorporated to secure the folds in place.

FIGURE 42.10 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 42.1, and (except as regards the placing of the folds) 42.7, in which a locking device has been incorporated. The second drawing in the figure shows a schematic plan view of the locking mechanism.

FIGURE 42.11 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 42.2 in which a part of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is subdivided into two separate parts, the parts being equipped with complementary means of attachment and brought together in use in such a way as to shorten the element.

FIGURE 42.12 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the portion comprising the enclosed cut-out is partially cut round and folded outwardly so as to produce an aperture, the periphery being subdivided into taco separate parts and brought together in use.

FIGURE 42.13 shows a similar construction to that depicted in Figure 42.4 in which the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is subdivided into two parts, one part being provided with an elongate slot through which the other part can pass.

FIGURE 42.14 shows the same construction provided with an adjustable locking device in the form of a ratchet mechanism.

FIGURE 42.15 shows the same construction provided with an adjustable locking device in the form of a sliding catch of the kind provided by the thirty-second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 42.16 shows a construction of the kind depicted in Figure 42.2 in which the tab element of a sliding catch has been provided at one end of the ear-mounted extension, the slotted element being incorporated in an extension to the opposite ear.

FIGURE 42.17 shows a similar construction in which a pair of folds have been provided at one end of the ear-mounted extension and a sliding catch at the opposite end of the headband.

FIGURE 42.18 shows a similar construction in which the pair of folds are angled so as to re-align the ear-mounted extension, the sliding catch at the other end of the headband being provided with curved slots so as to accommodate the rotation of the extension, a further variable being provided by the size of the artefact.

FIGURE 42.19 shows a similar construction in which the crossover portion is not in itself contiguous with the headband but connected to it by a tether, complementary means of attachment in the form of sliding catches being provided at both ends.

FIGURE 42.20 shows a similar construction in which a simple tab and slot mechanism has been substituted for a sliding catch at one end of the headband.

FIGURE 42.21 shows a similar construction, inverted, and provided with lateral folds so as to bring the arch-shaped portion into a horizontal plane in front of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 42.22 shows a similar construction in which a feature of the kind illustrated in Figure 24.10, supra, is incorporated.

FIGURE 42.23 shows a construction in which an arch-shaped feature is subdivided into two parts in a similar manner to that depicted in Figure 42.11, the two parts being brought together by means of a sliding catch.

FIGURE 42.24 shows a similar construction in which a plurality of folds are provided along either side of the archshaped feature, thereby shortening its length, the activation of such folds bringing the top of the arch more closely to a point above the centre of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 43.1 shows in simplified form a construction incorporating elongate protrusions, each protrusion being folded about its long axis for the purpose of imparting rigidity. Constructions of this kind are shown in GB-A-2178299 at Figures 9 and 27 and referred to in the text of that document as regards Figure 6, although not shown.

FIGURES 43.2 to 43.10 show constructions in which folds are provided in accordance with the forty-third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 43.2 shows an element comprising an elongate protrusion folded along its long axis, the element provided with a locking mechanism for the purpose of keeping the fold in place.

FIGURES 43.3, 43.4, and 43.5 show similar elements respectively provided with two, three and four parallel lines of fold.

FIGURES 43.6 and 43. show alternative locking mechanisms suitable for a construction of the kind shown in Figure 43.5 FIGURE 43.8 shows an element comprising an elongate protrusion folded along its long axis which is provided with a re-enforcing device in the form of a pair of lateral folds, the folds operating in opposite directions, the effect of the folds being to add two additional layers of material along part of the length of the element.

FIGURE 43.9 shows a headband-mounted extension comprising an enclosed cut-out the extension being provided with two sets of three parallel folds for the purpose of imparting rigidity.

FIGURE 43.10 shows an ear-mounted extension comprising an enclosed cutout, the extension being provided with two pairs of parallel folds for the purpose of imparting rigidity.

FIGURES 44.1 to 44.16 show constructions in which curved and perforate folds are provided in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 44.1 shows an element incorporating a fold along the line of a curve.

FIGURES 44.2 and 44.3 show elements in which the fold line alternates with slits along the same locus.

FIGURES 44.4 to 44.s show elements in which the fold line is straight or curved and alternates with enclosed cut-outs or perforations.

FIGURE 44.9 shows an element in which the fold line alternates with enclosed cut-outs, the element being provided with a locking device acting across the line of the fold.

FIGURE 44.10 shows an element in which a curved fold incorporated into an enclosed cut-out is provided with a re-enforcing device in the form of two pairs lateral folds, each. pair of folds operating in opposite directions.

FIGURE 44.11 shows an element in which a pair of parallel folds are provided with a similar doubling-up device.

FIGURE 44.12 shows a construction in which a portion of material folded along the line of a curve forms a headband.

FIGURE 44.13, 44.14 and 44.15 show constructions in which a portion of material is folded wholly or partly along the line of a curve so as to form a headband, the portion and the fold being secured in position by being interlocked with ears at the extremities of the headband. The three constructions incorporating rear headbands provided with shortening means in the form of pairs of 180 degree folds, each pair of folds being equipped with a locking device.

FIGURE 44.16 shows a curve folded headband construction in which the rear headband is shortened by being subdivided into two parts, the separate parts being equipped with complementary means of attachment in the form of a tab and a slot.

FIGURE 44.17 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure with the addition of an ear-mounted extension provided with an attachment device of the kind illustrated in Figure 32.18, supra. The attachment device secures the separate parts to the extension in a manner which provides a headband element.

FIGURE 44.18 shows a construction in which a portion of material folded along the line of a curve, the fold line alternating with enclosed cut-outs, the part of the material lying beyond the circumference of the curve being adapted to be reduced in length to facilitate the activation of the fold, the means of reduction being the incorporation of lateral pleats extending outwardly from the cut-outs.

FIGURE 45.1 shows a portion of flexible material such as paper-board folded along the line of a crease and then uniolded. The third drawing of the figure shows that the crease continues to distort the plane of the portion even when it has been unfolded.

FIGURES 45.2 to 45.4 show portions of material incorporating crease deactivation devices in accordance with the forty-fifth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 45.2 shows a portion of material which is folded through 180 degrees and then unfolded, an elongate element formed from an enclosed cut-out being folded outwardly through 90 degrees so as to brace the portion along the line of the crease, thereby de-activating it.

FIGURE 45.3 shows a similar construction in which the element acting as a brace is provided with parallel folds for the purpose of re-enforcement and giving it greater rigidity.

FIGURE 45.4 shows 2 similar construction in which the element acting as a brace is provided with notches so as to secure it in position within the aperture formed by the cut-out, the sides of the element being tapered to ensure a tight fit.

FIGURES 46.1 to 46.11 show the means whereby practical folds can be utilised and additional folds provided for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions of an item of headwear pre-assembly, in accordance with the forty-sixth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 46.1 and 46.2 show items of headwear designed in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. In these items symmetry is present about a vertical line bisecting the headband. Figure 46.3 shows the item of headwear depicted in Figure 46.1 folded down to a small size for packaging purposes by means of symmetrical folds characterised as packaging folds which will be unfolded in the course of assembly. In use the headband takes on a not unpleasing faceted appearance, The horizontal folds across the rearmounted extension become ineffective as a result of the curvature imparted by the artefact in use. Figure 46.4 shows a similarly shaped item of headwear in which a subdivided headband element is present. The two parts of the headband overlap in the packaged state. Figure 46.5 shows the same item of headwear in which the packaged form is achieved by wrapping the extension around the headband.

FIGURES 46.6 and 46.7 show the item of headwear depicted in Figure 46.2 reduced in size by means of packaging folds which are unfolded during assembly and which are so placed as to not as to not detract from the appearance of the headwear in use. In common with the other examples previously described (with one minor exception) implementation of the packaging folds is so arranged that the reverse side does not come to view. A small area of the reverse side of the headwear shown in Figure 46.6 can be seen when the headwear is in its packaged state.

FIGURE 46.8 shows an item of headwear designed in accordance with the fifty-third aspect of the present invention. In plan that part of the construction not comprising a headband is octagonal, eight pre-set creases for mountain folds being provided.

FIGURE 46.9 shows the same item of headwear in which three of the coaxial fold lines have been selected for use pre-assembly for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions. The second drawing in the Figure shows that symmetry is achieved following activation of the coaxial folds. The Figure's third drawing shows the effect of activating the two pairs of parallel additional folds inserted into the headband. Following activation the length of the headband overall is reduced, symmetry of the headband being preserved.

FIGURE 46.10 shows the same item of headwear with the surfaces remaining uppermost after folding has been completed being variously patterned.

FIGURE 46.11 illustrates how the same item of headwear as that which is the subject of Figures 46.8 to 46.10 can be reduced in size in its assembled state for the convenience of carriage about the person and instant readiness in case of need, two additional folds being introduced.

FIGURES 47.1 to 47.7 show constructions in accordance with the fortyseventh aspect of the present in which non-rigid portions of headwear are supported by rigid portions.

FIGURE 47.1 shows a construction in which a relatively large portion of material connected to a rear headband via an elongate element is maintained in position in a flat plane above the artefact in use by means of two further elongate elements extended from the headband and functioning as braces, the further elements being able to deflect under tension and provided with means of attachment to the portion requiring to be supported. The figure's three drawings respectively show the construction in plan, viewed following assembly from the front and viewed from the rear.

FIGURE 47.2 shows a similar construction in which the braces are lengthened so as to permit the relatively large portion to assume either a similar position to that seen in the preceding figure or, in the alternative, a position in a flat plane outwardly of the artefact. The figure's four drawings respectively show the construction in plan, viewed following assembly from the rear and placed over the head, viewed again from the rear and placed in front of the artefact and viewed from the front when placed in front of the artefact.

FIGURE 47.3 shows a similar construction in which the braces are provided with folds along their long axes for the purpose of imparting rigidity and to prevent them from undergoing deflection in use. The figures two drawings show the construction in plan and viewed from the front following assembly.

FIGURE 47.4 shows a somewhat different kind of construction to those which are the subject of the preceding three figures in that the supporting struts are attached not to the headband but to the portion to be suspended over the artefact. The construction in question is also in accordance with the fifty-third aspect of the present invention. The supported portion is formed into a cone and the effect of the curvature imparted to the struts by the cone, and the curvature imparted b, the headband in use places the struts under tension.

The figure's two drawings show the construction in plan and viewed from the rear following assembly.

FIGURE 47.5 shows the same construction with the addition of radial cuts in the base of the cone enabling it to assume a more upright position above the artefact.

FIGURE 47.6 shows a construction of the kind already seen in regard to the twentieth aspect of the present invention in which elongate elements are provided for the purpose of maintaining ears extended from the sides of an inside-out type headband in an horizontal plane.

FIGURE 47.7 shows a construction in which two post-like elements are mounted directly above the head, the elements being maintained in an upright position by means of struts extended from a headband element acting in opposition to similar struts adapted to be attached to the opposite headband element, means of adjusting the tension being provided.

FIGURES 48.1 to 48.13 show constructions in accordance with the forty-eighth aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion of material passing across the top of the artefact from side to side in a vertical plane the portion being supported from the headband.

FIGURE 48.1 shows a construction in which the centremost support for the crossover portion is provided with complementary means of attachment to the headband, the outer supports being contiguous with both the headband and the crossover portion.

FIGURE 48.2 shows a construction in which the centremost support is comprised of an enclosed cut-out.

FIGURE 48.3 shows a construction in which the outermost supports are provided with means of attachment to the headband, the centremost support being contiguous to both the headband and the crossover portion.

FIGURE 48.4 shows a construction employing a subdivided headband of the kind shown in connection with the teTenty-fifth aspect, supra, of the present invention, the subdivision enabling all three supports to be contiguous with both the headband and the crossover portion.

FIGURE 48.5 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 48.2 in which the centremost support is extended by means of an element forming a part of a partially cut round enclosed cut-out of the kind which is the subject of the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, the element being foldable outwardly and provided with complementary means of attachment to the lower headband.

FIGURE 48.6 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 48.4 in which the headband is not subdivided and the outermost supports are provided with partially cut round enclosed cut-outs enabling them to be extended. The crossover portion in this construction is provided with means of attachment to the ears for greater rigidity.

FIGURES 48.7 and 48.8 show a similar construction to that depicted in Figure 48.5 in which the means of attachment allows of adjustment. The second construction incorporates a double split concave curved headband. The method of supporting the crossover element and adjusting its position which is employed in these two constructions is similar in certain respects to that used in the construction illustrated in Figure 47.7, supra.

FIGURES 48.9 to 48.11 show a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 48.5 in which the foldable element divides into two elements each provided with attachment means. The second and third figures show rigidising folds of the kind provided by the forty third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 48.12 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 48.3 in which the centremost support is provided with parallel folds of the kind referred to in connection with the twenty-third-aspect of the present invention, which folds enable its length to be reduced.

FIGURE 48.13 shows a similar construction in which the length of the outer supports is effectively extended by means of a foldable extension to the lower headband in use.

FIGURES 49.1 to 49.4 show constructions in accordance with the forty-ninth aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion of material passing across the top of the artefact from side to side in a vertical plane the portion being supported from, or attached to, both ears and headband.

FIGURE 49.1 shows a construction in which the crossover portion is integrally attached to the headband both at the extremities of the headband beyond the split, so as to form an ear-type extensior and at the centre point of the headband.

FIGURE 49.2 shows a similar constr,=tion incorporating a formal representation of ears.

FIGURE 49.3 shows a similar construction in which complementary means of attachment to the ears is provided ane a further portion is extended outwardly from the centre of the crovsover portion at the point of subdivision.

FIGURE 49.4 shows a construction similar zo that depicted in Figure 49.1 in which complementary means of attachment between the crossover portion and the headband are provided.

FIGURES 50.1 to 50.14 show constructions in accordance with the fiftieth aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion of material passing across true top of the artefact from front to back or vice versa in a horizontal plane, a further portion providing an upstanding or otherwise prominent element: above the artefact.

FIGURE 50.1 shows an elongate extension to a headband element which passes above the artefact and is secured :n position by attachment to the opposite headband element. Cross-members extended from the extension are formed into a hoop above the artefact. the ends being attached to each other by means of a tab and slot mechanism.

FIGURE 50.2 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a further triangular shaped element is mounted within the hoop in a vertical plane.

FIGURE 50.3 shows a similar construction to that depicted in Figure 50.1 in which four cross members are folded upwards so as to assume a vertical position above the artefact.

FIGURE 50.4 shows a similar construction in which three pairs of crossmembers are interlocked together above tr.e artefact.

FIGURE 50.5 shows a similar construction in which the extension passing between the headband elements forms an enclosed cut-out the two sides of which are longitudinally folded along the line of a curve and attached together, the effect being to bow the extension so that it follows an arc above the head, for the extension to form the base of a somewhat triangular box section, the sides being provided by the cross-members.

FIGURE 50.6 shows a similar construction in which the extension is lengthened by folding outwardly a portion within the enclosed cut-out in the manner of constructions in accordance with the thirty-first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 50.7 shows a construction similar to those seen in Figures 50.1, 50.3 and 50.4 in which the cross-members are crinkled. Figure 50.8 shows a similar construction in which the cross-members are curled. The effect of these constructions is to provide a feature above the artefact which can be described as a "top-knot" FIGURE 50.9 shows a construction in which cross-members of the kind depicted in Figure 50.1 are utilised for the purpose of supporting an element upstanding from the centre of the head, the cross-members enclosing the upstanding element one above the other at a point close to its base. A portion comprising a partially cut round enclosed cut-out foldable through 180 degrees and passed through a split adjacent to the upstanding element furnishes a link with the headband element opposite that on which the extension is mounted, a tab and slot mechanism being provided.

FIGURE 50.10 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the means of attaching the cross-members to the lower part of the upstanding element are hooks instead of 'T'-shaped splits.

FIGURE 50.11 shows a similar construction relying upon stressed struts of the kind also shown in Figure 53.15 infra to place the upstanding element in the centre of the artefact.

FIGURES 50.12 and 50.13 show an alternative mechanism for linking the extension and the upstanding element to the opposite headband element, narrow strips provided with means of attachment being extended from each of the cross-members. The second drawing in Figure 50.13 shows the strips having crossed over relative their position in plan and engaging with the opposite headband accordingly.

FIGURE 50.14 shows a detail view of the position of notches at the point of engagement between the upstanding element and the cross-members.

FIGURES 51.1 to 51.6 show constructions in accordance with the fifty -first aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion of material passing across the top of the artefact from front to back or vice versa in a vertical plane, thereby providing an upstanding element above the artefact.

FIGURE 51.1 shows an extension to a headband which is passed above the artefact in a vertical plane and is securec in position by attachment to the opposite headband element.

FIGURE 51.2 shows a similar construction in which a vertical fold through 90 degrees has been inserted at the point of connection of the extension to the headband element, the point of connectior. being offset from the centre of the headband.

FIGURE 51.3 shows a similar construction, the extension configured so as to project beyond the headband.

FIGURE 51.4 shows a similar construction in which opposed radial folds have been inserted into the extension.

FIGURE 51.5 shows a similar construction in which the upper edge of the extension describes an undulating line.

FIGURE 51.6 shows a construction in which a pair of parallel folds and a further fold at right angles to the parallel folds and along the line of the headband have been inserted at the point of connection of the extension to the headband element. Activation of the folds locks a part of the extension into a position in which it projects in front of the headband. The construction also incorporates dependent ears adapted to be laid back against the headband.

FIGURES 52.1 to 52.13 show constructions in accordance with the fifty-second aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion of material passing across the top of the artefact from front to back or vice versa in a largely horizontal plane corresponding to the surface of a circular-sectioned cylinder, thereby providing a somewhat flat element above the artefact.

FIGURE 52.1 shows an elongate extension to a headband in an 'X' configuration which is passed over the artefact in a horizontal plane closely following that of the top of the artefact and secured in position by attachment to the opposite headband.

FIGURE 52.2 shows a pair of elongate extensions to a headband individually passing over the artefact to the opposite headband element and being attached thereto.

FIGURE 52.3 shows an elongate extension to a headband subdividing into two elements separately attached to the opposite headband.

FIGURE 52.4 shows a construction in which there is provided an elongate extension to a headband element, the extension broadening into a circular shape so as to substantially cover the artefact in use, means of attachment to the opposite headband element being provided.

FIGURE 52.5 shows a similar construction in which the headband is provided with a convex curved split downwardly extended to form a visor. The second drawing in the figure shows approximately the same form of attachment as seen in the preceding figure. The remaining three drawings show the circular portion being turned through 180 degrees prior to attachment to the opposite headband.

FIGURE 52.6 shows a similar construction to those seen in the preceding figures in which the extension depends from a rear headband and rotates through 180 degrees before crossing the artefact to be attached to the front headband. The rotational device is in accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 52.7 shows a construction in which there is provided an elongate extension to a headband, the extension broadening into a circular portion so as to partially cover the artefact in use, means of attachment to the opposite headband element being provided in the form of a horseshoe shaped member which partly surrounds the circular portion as its two ends return towards the headband element. A creased fold is provided at the point where the member joins the circular portion. When the member is folded along the crease through 90 degrees it is possible to thread its extremities through the lower headband element, thereby securing the circular portion in position above the artefact.

FIGURES 52.8 and 52.9 show constructions similar, respectively, to those illustrated at Figures 52.1 and 52.3 in which lateral elements are provided in the same horizontal plane as the portion to which they are connected, the elements passing over the artefact in a side-ways direction and engaging with the ears, complementary means of attachment being provided.

FIGURES 52.10 and 52.11 show constructions similar to that illustrated at Figures 52.5 in which provision is made for the circular portion to be further secured to ears provided at the ends of the headband, complementary means of attachment being provided. In Figure 52.10 the ears remain in a vertical position as they pass upwards through appropriately located slots in the circular portion. In Figure 52.11 the ears, which are relatively elongate, are subjected to a radiused bend before passing through the circular portion, the slots being located accordingly, the effect being to make the ears act as springs, thereby providing additional support of the circular portion in use.

FIGURE 52.12 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 52.3 in which there is provided an extension at the point of subdivision, the extension being located between the two subdivided elements and adapted to be folded upwardly so as to assume an erect position above the artefact in use.

FIGURE 52.13 shows a construction similar to that shown in Figure 52.1 in which there is provided a further portion at the point of subdivision, the further portion being located between the two subdivided elements and adapted to be folded upwardly so as to assume an erect position above the artefact in use. In the construction additional portions are extended from the centre part of the extension, each of the further portions being adapted to be folded through a 180 degree radiused bend and to engage with and thereby to support the erect portion. This construction is similar to certain other constructions already shown in connection with the fiftieth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 53.1 to 53.39 show constructions in accordance with the fifty-third aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a portion of material which is formed into and secured in the shape of at least part of the surface of a geometrical solid.

FIGURE 53.1 shows a construction in which the geometrical solid is a cone, the cone shaped portion being attached to the upper headband element by an elongate element and secured into shape by a tab and slot, the cone portion being positioned above the artefact in use.

FIGURE 53.2 shows a similar construction in which the cone portion is provided with additional means of attachment to the rear headband element so as to maintain its position above the artefact in use.

FIGURE 53.2 shows a construction in which the cone portion is directly connected to an upper headband element and is folded through 90 degrees so as to take up a position above the head, the portion being of a sufficient size to substantially cover the artefact and protect it from the elements.

FIGURE 53.3 shows a similar construction in which the cone portion is folded outwardly of the headband so as to take up a horizontal position in front of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 53.4 shows a similar construction in which the cone portion is not folded through 90 degrees and assumes an erect position above the headband at the front or the back of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 53.5 shows an item of headwear provided with a cone shaped portion incorporating pre-set radial creases. The folds being activated in alternate directions, the piece takes on a corrugated appearance. If the folds are activated in the same direction the piece takes on a faceted appearance.

FIGURE 53.6 shows an item of headwear provided with a cone shaped portion similar to the construction depicted in Figure 53.1, in which an additional elongate element is incorporated, the element being adapted to be attached to the headband element opposite to that to which it is integrally connected.

FIGURE 53.7 shows an item of headwear provided with a pyramid-shaped portion. The construction is provided with complementary means of attachment to the headband element opposite to the one to which it is integrally connected in the same way as that shown in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 53.8 shows a construction which provides a leg to the corner of a pyramid. A pyramid portion provided with a leg at each corner is able to stand away from the top of the artefact in use.

FIGURES 53.9 and 53.10 show, respectively, a cylinder shaped portion and a cone shaped portion similarly provided with legs.

FIGURE 53.11 shows a construction of the kind depicted in Figure 53.7 in which the element providing means of attachment to the opposite headbands is comprised of a partially cut round enclosed cut-out In use, the partially cutround portion is foldable outwardly so as to take up a position in front of the headband and in a different plane from that assumed by the remainder of the element.

FIGURE 53.12 shows a construction which provides a lid to a cylinder shaped portion. The broadly similar type of construction is suitable for the purpose of providing a lid to a frusto-cone or frusto-pyramid shaped portion.

FIGURE 53.13 shows a construction which provides a feature extending from the centre of a lid of the kind depicted in the preceding figure. Such a feature may be likened to the tassel on a fez. Complementary means of attachment for the purpose of securing the elongate element to the side of the portion, or to the proximal headband element can be provided in the manner shown in the second drawing of the figure.

FIGURE 53.14 shows a construction which provides a feature extending from the apex of a pyramid shaped portion in the form of a flag. The flag is connected by means of an elongate element to a part of the material from which the pyramid is formed which lies inside the pyramid following assembly. The flag is located above the pyramid in use by being passed through a slit at its apex. A rigidising crease is incorporated in the device.

FIGURE 53.15 shows an item of headwear incorporating a cone shaped portion similar to that depicted in Figure 47.4 in regard to the forty seventh aspect of the present invention An additional feature at the apex of the cone is provided in the form of a tubular element, the piece taking on the appearance of a funnel.

FIGURE 53.16 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the previous figure with the further addition of a flag adapted to protrude from the funnel's opening.

FIGURE 53.17 shows a construction similar to the depicted in Figure 53.3 in which an element is passed through a slit in the cone shaped portion so as to take up a vertical position in front of or behind the artefact in use.

FIGURE 53.18 shows an item of headwear incorporating a cone shaped portion in which the portion totally covers the head, support being provided by means of an upward extension from the headband element which is opposite to the headband element to which the portion is integrally connected the extension being located at the front of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 53.19 shows a similar construction in which complementary means of attachment are provided for the purpose of securing the cone shaped portion to the upward extension.

FIGURE 53.20 shows a similar construction in which the cone shaped portion is secured in position above the artefact by means of upward extension from the ears at the ends of the headband, the extension passing through complementary slots in the cone shaped portion. The piece is further provided with a feature which projects above the apex of the cone in use.

FIGURE 53.21 shows a construction in which a cone shaped portion is integral with and forms a part of a headband. The cone is formed by bringing together and overlapping portions on either side of a radial split, the split extending through a headband element so that it is subdivided in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention. The separate parts of the subdivided headband element are provided with complementary means of attachment. In use, the cone shaped portion takes up a position in front of or behind the artefact FIGURE 53.22 shows a similar construction forming part of a convex curved headband.

FIGURES 53.23 and 53.24 show constructions possessed of the same physical properties as are depicted in the preceding two figures although the portions which become conic are not circular in shape. The first figure features a design embodying constructions which are additionally the subject of the first, twentieth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention. The second figure is, inter alia, in accordance with the forty-ninth aspect of this invention.

FIGURES 53.25, 53.26 and 53.27 show constructions which permit quasi cone and pyramid shaped portions to be formed in which the elements connecting the portion to the headband elements are diametrically opposite each other in plan. In this way symmetry is provided to the design in the flat sheet. The resulting shapes are not true cones and pyramids, there being no apex formed by a single point, but in use such quaji-cones and quasi-pyramids may not be readily distinguishable from constructions which are.

FIGURE 53.28 shows a generally conic shaped construction in which the cone shape is further modified by the addition of hsgo further radial cuts permitting overlapping of further portions of the surface of the piece.

FIGURES 53,29 to 53.31 show constructions similar in certain respects to those depicted in Figures 52.10, 52.11 and 53.20 in that the cone shaped portion is secured in position by attachment to the ears. The constructions are also similar to those depicted in Figures 53.27 and 53.28 in that one of the points of connection between the cone and the remainder of the headwear is at the centre of the cone. In Figure 53.29 the ears remain vertical and pass upwardly through the cone. In Figure 53.30 the ears are bent into a spring before passing through the cone in a fashion similar to that depicted in Figure 52.11.2. In the third figure, 53.31, the element connecting the cone to the headband is split along its length, the portions on either side of the split being extended from the separate parts of a subdivided headband element.This construction permits the overlap of the separate parts of the headband element to be of a different order to the overlap of the sections of the cone.

The construction in question also incorporates sliding catches of the kind provided in accordance with the thirty-second aspect of the present invention. Such a catch is shown as providing the joining mechanism for both the headband parts and the cone sections. The incorporation of a sliding catch into the cone sections allows the shape of the cone to be modified as required by the user.

FIGURE 53.32 shows a construction similar in its function to that shown, inter alia, in Figure 53.15, the portion of the cone adjacent to its apex being removed.

FIGURES 53.33 and 53.34 show a similar construction in which the cone overlap is combined respectively with straight split and convex curved split subdivided headbands, symmetry being thereby afforded in the piece.

FIGURE 53.35 shows a further convex curved construction. When the ends of the subdivided headband element are joined, the headband element along with the portion incorporating the ears will take on a generally conic shape.

FIGURE 53.36 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the base of what is in effect a cone structure is further subdivided and brought together by engagement of complementary attachment means. In the example illustrated the attachment means take the form of two pairs of opposed slots. This construction is comparable in certain respects to that shown in Figures 53.25 and 53.26. The attachment means incorporated into the headband element is in accordance with the thirtieth aspect of the present invention FIGURE 53.37 shows a construction in which an elongate element is attached at the centre of the conic portion. The true cone shape is thereby lost but a tassel-like portion, depending from what would have been the apex of the cone, results.This construction may be distinguished from those shown in Figures 53.14 and 53.20 in which the point of dependency is along the edge of a removed segment.

FIGURES 53.38 and 5339 show two further quasi-cone constructions similar to those depicted at Figures 53.27 and 53.28 above, in which segments of the portion to be formed into a cone on either side of the connecting element or elements are not present. As in the case of other constructions in which a connecting element extends to the centre of a generally conic portion, the conic portion can be placed above or below the connecting elements in use.

FIGURES 54.1 to 54.5 show constructions in accordance with the fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention in which a portion of an item of headwear is adapted to assume a pendulate motion relative to the portion of the headwear to which it is connected.

FIGURES 54.1, 54.2 and 54.3 show devices in which the means of connection between the pendular element and the remainder of the headwear take the form of the insertion between the fixed and pendular elements of a portion of material readily capable of deflection, the respective elements being further attached by means of a pivot-type device corresponding to an hook and eye.

FIGURE 54.4 shows a construction in which the pendular element is adapted to be rotated through 360 degrees at its point of connection to the remainder of the headwear, the effect of the rotation being such that the means of connection is not visible from the front. The example shown also embodies, inter alia, a construction in accordance with the fifty-third aspect of the present invention in that the configuration is such that the plane of the supporting members extending from the ends of the headband, in combination with that of the headband itself, becomes conic and in consequence the point of connection comes forward to a position over the front surface of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 54.5 shows a similar construction in which the supporting member is formed by a headband-mounted (and additionally attached) enclosed cut-out, the point of dependence of the pendular element being in front of the artefact in use.

FIGURES 55.1 to 55.15 show a number of devices in accordance with the fiftyfifth aspect of the present invention which allow a portion of an item of headwear to expand beyond its physical plan dimensions when a tensile force is applied, the portion being provided s with the means whereby the material of which it is comprised is able to deflect from the flat plane.

FIGURES 55.1 to 55.5 show expansion strips suitable for insertion inter alia into a headband made from a material such as paper-board, the strips being provided with various patterns of parallel splits across their long axes. In these figures a centimetre rule in the same scale is provided to enable the degree of expansion, as between the constructions illustrated, to be compared. In Figure 55.3 the splits are relatively longer and more closely pitched than those shown in the preceding figure, thus affording a greater degree of expansion. In Figure 55.4 there is a variation of pitch so as to allow a relatively greater degree of expansion at the centre than at the extremities of the strip. In Figure 55.5 a similar result is achieved by varying the length of the vertical splits.

FIGURE 55.6 shows an expansion strip of the kind depicted in Figure 55.5 which has been threaded by an elongate portion not undergoing deflection, longitudinal stability of the piece being thereby improved.

FIGURES 55.6 A, B and C show expansion strips with an applied design.

FIGURE 55.7 shows a construction of the kind depicted in Figure 39.11, supra, in which the tether has been configured in the form of an expansion strip.

FIGURE 55.8 shows a construction in which an element formed by a partially cut-round enclosed cut-out is rotated through 180 degrees so as to extend the length of the piece.

FIGURE 55.9 shows a similar construction in which the rotating element forms part of an attachment mechanism of the kind already seen in items in accordance with the thirty-first aspect of the present invention. The figure also illustrates a capturing device for such an element FIGURE 55.10 shows a construction in which the rotating portion is coupled to the fixed portion via a pair of hinges and a single hinge operating serially so as to extend the length of the piece, the device being extended from a headband.

FIGURE 55.11 shows a similar construction coupled to ears at the ends of a convex curved headband in the manner provided bv the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 55.12 shows the same construction provided with a capturing device for the purpose of stabilising its position in use.

FIGURE 55.13 shows a headband containing a single vertical split permitting expansion when a tensile force is applied at the ends.

FIGURES 55.14 and 55.15 show symmetrically arranged expansion devices, which likewise depend upon the ability of a flexible material with elastic properties such as paper-board to deflect under tension, the devices incorporated into headbands so as to permit their enlargement.

FIGURES 56.1 to 56.9 show a number of devices in accordance with the fifty sixth aspect of the present invention which allow a portion of an item of headwear to contract as regards its physical plan dimensions when a compressive force is applied, the portion being provided with the means to deflect from the flat plane.

FIGURE 56.1 shows a portion of maternal which has been folded in the corrugated manner. This has the effect, intr alia, of imparting rigidity.

FIGURE 56.2 shows a rather more elongate portion of material similarly folded. Such a configuration is possessed of considerable properties of elasticity.

FIGURE 56.3 shows a portion of material similarly creased to the portion depicted in the preceding figure, but with tie folds activated so as to produce box-like sections.

FIGURE 56.4 shows an item of headwear similar to that depicted in Figure 38.3, supra, in which a tether connecting a slide to a headband in accordance with the thirty eighth aspect of the present invention, is provided with corrugating folds in the manner shown in Figure 56.2.

FIGURE 56.5 shows an elongate portion of material equipped with parallel folds as in the preceding figures, the portion additionally provided with slots through which a retaining element of tne kind depicted in the second drawing of the figure, with a butterfly mechanism at each extremity, can be passed so as to lock the folds in position.

FIGURE 56.6 shows a similar construction to that depicted in the preceding figure, in which the folds are similar to those shown in Figure 56.3, producing box-like sections.

FIGURE 56.7 shows a similar construction in which the slots are more open, thereby facilitating the insertion of the retaining element and free movement of the two portions in relation to each other.

FIGURE 56.8 shows a similar construction to that depicted in Figure 56.1 in which the corrugated portion is extended from a headband element and is sufficiently proportioned to substantially cover the artefact in use. The second drawing in the figure shows a bellows type fold between the portion covering the artefact and the member connecting it to the headband element.

FIGURE 56.9 shows a further construction featuring a corrugated portion extended from a headband and covering the artefact in use. A bellows type fold along the axis of the corrugated portion extending across the artefact from front to back is provided. The effect of this fold is to provide a construction which emulates a pitched roof which slopes down on either side of the artefact. Means of attachment in the form of complementary splits allow the ears to support the corrugated portion above the artefact.

FIGURES 57.1 to 57.13 show a fastening mechanism in which tabs are arranged in pairs, each pair consisting of two opposed tabs so as to resemble an "H", the tabs engaging either with a strip or parallel slots. This fastening mechanism is the subject of the fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 57.1 shows a portion of material provided with a line of "H" shaped tabs adapted to engage with an elongate strip so as to attach the portion and the strip together. A mechanism of this kind is particularly suitable for securing an extension to a headband element.

FIGURE 57.2 shows a single "H" shaped tab at the end of an elongate element.

A mechanism of this kind is suitable for securing such an element to a headband element.

FIGURES 57.3 and 57.4 show similar constructions to those depicted in the preceding two figures in which a locking mechanism has been provided to prevent lateral movement following engagement of the "Hs' tabs.

FIGURES 57.5 and 57.6 show similar constructions to those depicted in Figures 57.1 and 57.2 in which lateral movement following engagement of the "H" tabs is inhibited by the provision of notches adapted to interlock with the base of the tabs.

FIGURE 57.7 shows "H" tabs used in conjunction with a corrugated compression strip of the kind provided in accordance l ith the fifty-sixth aspect. The advantage of this device is that it is not essential for at least one end of the strip to be free for threading.

FIGURE 57.8 shows a construction incorporzfng 'M" shaped tabs in which the edges of the tabs per se do not abut on to th surrounding material. Such a construction allows room for manipulation and is accordingly more easily engaged with a corrugated compression strip of the kind illustrated in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 57.9 shows a construction whereby z'vo portions, neither of which is a strip, can be attached to each other using "H" shaped tabs.

FIGURES 57.10 and 57.11 show "H" shaped Tabs used in conjunction with an elongate element and a large portion, the relative positions of the tabs and the slots being reversed as between the two Figures.

FIGURES 57.12 and 57.13 show constructions in which portions provided with "H" shaped tabs are used in conjunction wit;. tethers in the manner provided by the twenty-second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 58.1 to 58.14 show threading mechanisms in accordance with the fifty-eight aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 58.1 to 58.5 show constructions in which a surface worn to the front of an item of headwear is provided with. relief decoration by means of elements from other portions which are threaded through splits or apertures in its surface.

Figure 58.1 shows an ear which is threaded by elongate elements extended from either side of the headband.

Figure 58.2 shows a construction in which eiongate elements are provided in the flat, pre-assembled state, alongside a large matrix and a number of smaller matrices. The purpose of the matrices is to provided a relatively formalised and rigid structure into whir. the elongate elements can be directed. The effect of threading the elongate elements in and out of the matrices is to produce a nest-like object.

Figure 58.3 shows a similar construction in Each the component shapes have been rusticated. By this means the elongate cements merge with the matrices and become indistinguishable from them. The strength of the piece increases since threading becomes almost irreversible and a more cohesive structure can accordingly be achieved. The edges of each of the elongate elements, as illustrated in the figure, are a mirror image of the edges of the adjoining elements on either side, or (in the case of an outer element) one side.

FIGURE 58.4 shows a construction in which the elongate elements are provided in an inner sleeve, complementary splits and apertures being provided in an outer portion which is in view when assembly is completed.

The elongate elements are variously adapted to be folded, re-threaded back through the outer portion or allowed to assume a pendulate position. The outer portion is provided with areas which are adapted to be folded outwardly so as to reveal parts of its reverse surface and of the surface of the inner sleeve.

FIGURE 58.5 shows a similar construction in which a second sleeve is provided. Elongate elements from this further sleeve are accommodated by the first sleeve, either being threaded through it or able to bypass it.

FIGURE 58.6 shows a construction in which a threaded element is incorporated into a creased fold, the effect being to directionally stabilise the element in use.

FIGURE 58.7 shows a construction in which a threaded element is re-threaded back through the portion through which it has been threaded.

FIGURE 58.8 shows a construction in which a threaded element is both tapered and notched, thereby affording a fitting which is both tight and secure in use.

FIGURE 58.9 shows a construction in which a threaded element is provided with a cruciform slot. The two slots are arranged at a right angle to each other. The longer of the two slots is sufficiently long to accommodate the width of the element to be threaded. The shorter of the two slots is dimensioned so as to exactly accommodate the width of the element at the point of engagement. In assembly, use is made of the longer slot. Once passed through it, the threaded element is rotated into its final position. The advantage of the construction is that asserrnly is facilitated but the threaded element is, nevertheless, tightly and securely held in position.

FIGURE 58.10 shows a similar construction in which the portion incorporating the cruciform slot is subjected to a radiused bend about a line corresponding to the line of the longer slot. In use the portions on either side of the longer slot rise up so as to provide support for the threaded portion in a plane which is at right angles to the plan of the portion incorporating the slots.

FIGURE 58.11 shows a similar construction in which the threaded element is provided with notches.

FIGURE 58.12 shows a construction similar to that depicted in Figure 44.18, supra, in which a portion of material provided with a fold line alternating with enclosed cut-outs is additionally provided with tab-like members adapted to be folded across their bases and threaded through the apertures, the tabs projecting beyond the line of the fold. That part of the portion lying beyond the apertures is provided with tucks so as to reduce its radius to a point where it corresponds with the curvature of the part upon which the tabs are mounted.

FIGURE 58.13 shows a construction in which the tab-like members are brought into a position where they are able to be threaded through an array of apertures by means of parallel folds which bring the respective elements into a position in which that incorporating the tabs overlaps that in which the apertures are provided.

FIGURE 58.14 shows a construction in which a portion incorporating tabs arranged along the line of a curve is provided with tucks so as to reduce its radius to a point where it corresponds with the curvature of the line of the apertures to be threaded by the tabs.

FIGURES 59.1 to 59.5 show constructions m accordance with the fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention in which tr2 properties of a freely projecting element, relative to a portion maintained in a fixed position (from which portion the element is extended) are emplo*-ed.

FIGURES 59.1, 59.2 and 59.3 show freely projecting elements which are provided by means of a partially cut round enclosed cut-out. When the outer element is curved the unconnected extremity of the inner element stands away from the surrounding material.

FIGURES 59.4 and 59.5 show freely projecting elements which are extended from an outer edge of a fixed portion and which stand away from the fixed portion when it is curved..

FIGURES 60.1 and 60.2 show items of headwear incorporating a reflective surface which reflects an image provided on another portion of the headwear. Constructions of this kind are the subject of the sixtieth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 60.1 shows a construction in which the mirror portion is supported by the ears and the image portion is extended from a lower headband element past the ends of a subdivided upper headband element, the ends being provided with attachment means able to extend the headband element, the construction being in accordance with, inter alia, the first, twenty-fifth and thirtv-first aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE 60.2 shows a similar item in which the mirror portion is capable of being tilted upwardly or downwardly according to choice, the device being an embodiment of the fortieth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 61.1, 61.2 and 61.3 show constructions in accordance with the sixtyfirst aspect of the present invention in which a symmetrically or asymmetrically configured item of headwear is provided with a centring device sensitive to the touch.

FIGURES 61.1 and 61.2 show items of headwear each provided with a single straight split. along the line of which splits have been inserted a centring device in the form of an irregularity comprising, respectively, a notch and a bump. The irregularity is positioned at the centre point of the split so that (in an item for human wear) the wearer could line it up with the centre of his or her forehead. The irregularity can be extremely small and still readily locatable by touch.

FIGURE 61.3 shows an asymmetric item of headwear in which a convex curved split headband is provided with an offset peak in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. rne centring device takes the form of a notch placed at the centre of symmetry of the headband. If the headband were to be equipped with ears in the normal way, the ears would be positioned at the back of the artefact equidistant from the midway point between what in a human headwear version would be the wearer's real ears, the peak at the front of the head being offset to one side FIGURE 62.1 shows, in crosssection, a part of the top of a drinks can in which can be seen the rim and the lip which are typical of such heads.

FIGURES 62.2 to 66A (Figure 64.1 excepted) show constructions in accordance with the sixty-second, sixty-third, sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth and sixty-sixth aspects of the present invention in which items of headwear embodying one or more of the various aspects of either GB-A-2178299 or the present invention are provided in small scale versions and further provided with means whereby a portion of the headwear is able to engage with rims and lips of the kind shown in Figure 62.1, the better to secure their position on top of the can or screw-top jar or other similarly configured head, FIGURES 62.2 to 62.16 show constructions in accordance with the sixtysecond aspect of the present invention in which tabs are incorporated for the purpose of securing headwear on to the tops of cans and similarly configured heads.

FIGURE 62.2 shows an item of headwear configured in accordance with GO A-2178299 in which a tab has been let into the upper headband element in use. In the second drawing of the figure the device is shown in cross-section, the tab engaging with the lip of a can.

FIGURES 62.3 to 62.6 show similar tabs, variously let into either or both headband elements.

FIGURES 62.7 and 62.8 show dependent tabs which are folded upwardly in use.

FIGURE 62.9 shows a Figure 62.7-type construction in which the lower headband element is subdivided and provided with a sliding catch able to be tightened against the side of a can or similar artefact in use.

FIGURE 62.10 shows a Figure 62.7-type construction in which the headband split is provided with perforations permitting enlargement of the split.

FIGURES 62.11, 62.12 and 62.13 show constructions incorporating a plurality of tabs. In the third of these figures a construction incorporating a folded headband somewhat similar to the construction depicted in Figure 19.22, supra, is provided with a plurality of tabs which are pressed into position against the lip of a can by reason of the portion from which they are extended being folded outwardly of the remainder of the piece.

FIGURE 62.14 shows a construction in which dependent tabs let into portions of a headband on either side of a split are folded laterally and upwardly at or about halfway along their vertical length, the direction of folding being such as to bring the tabs into engagement with the lip of a can on its opposite sides.

FIGURE 62.15 shows a construction in which tabs extended outwardly of portions of a headband on either side of a split are folded through 180 degrees and threaded through the headband from which they are extended, the direction of threading being such as to bring the tabs into engagement with the lip of a can on its opposite sides.

FIGURE 62.15 shows a construction in which a convex split headband upon which an extension is mounted is provided with a dependent tab, the tab being adapted to be folded upwardly in use so as to engage with the lip of a can.

FIGURES 63.1 to 63.4 show constructions in accordance with the sixty-fourth aspect of the present invention in which portions of a headband are provided with elongate strips parallel to the split or splits, the strips extending along all or part of the length of the headband.

FIGURE 63.1 shows a construction in which the corrugated strips are provided at the top of each portion of the headband. As a result of the introduction of the corrugations the strip is effectively shortened relative to the remainder of the headband and functions as a draw-string against the lip of the can.

FIGURE 63.2 shows a construction in which the corrugated strips are provided along the middle of each portion of the headband.

FIGURE 63.3 shows a single split headband construction in which the corrugated strips are provided on either side of and immediately adjacent to the split.

FIGURE 63.4 shows a single split headband construction in which an additional split is provided alongside that deviding the headband elements, the additional split not being corrugated.

FIGURE 64.1 shows the manner in which a regularly curved convex curved single split headband of the kind depicted in Figure 2.9, supra, and seen elsewhere in this document, engages with the top of a can. At the front of the can the inner (upper) edge of the lower headband (i.e. that part of the headband abutting the split) engages with the lip of the can along a part of its length. On the other side of the can the outer (upper) edge of the rear headband lies proximate to but does not come into continuous contact with the lip of the can. It comes into contact only at the point where it crosses over the rim. In the result the headwear is unable to gain any purchase by which it can maintain its position on the can.In constructions in accordance with the sixty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the upper edge of the headband element lying below the split in use is modified so that its curvature more closely corresponds to that of the can at the point of least diameter, as illustrated in Figure 64.2.

FIGURE 65.1 shows a construction in which the upper edge of a rear headband of a convex curved single split embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 64.1 is modified so that the curvature of the edge corresponds to that of the artefact at the point of least diameter. In the illustration the upper headband element is modified so that, instead of defining the circumference of a circle along the greater part of its length, the radius of its middle section is progressively reduced and becomes, in effect, flattened. Thus configured, the outer edge of the headband is able to maintain contact along a relatively large part of its length with the lip of the can, thereby inhibiting the headband from riding-up over the rim.The precise extent to which the outer edge requires to be modified, and the geometry of such a modification, is determined by the diameter of the can and its profile relative to the critical dimensions of the headwear.

FIGURE 65.2 shows a construction in which the upper edge of a rear headband is modified by the incorporation of a plurality of lateral cuts adapted to engage with a can at the point of least diameter. An oxbow portion depends from the upper headband element and is adapted to be folded outwardly and upwardly, the effect being to push the portions between the cuts against the lip of the can. The means of engagement which these splits provide is comparable to that afforded by the modified rear headband depicted in Figure 65.1. It may be noted that, in use, not all of the portions between the splits will come into contact with the lip of the can, but a sufficient number to secure the headwear in position will.

FIGURE 66.1 shows a construction in which the upper edge of a rear headband of a convex curved single split embodiment is provided with ssznmetrical cuts at either side, the cuts extending inwardly from the edge, strips being created by the cuts which enable the headband to straddle the rim of the can. As a result the security of the headband on the can is improved. The embodiment illustrated, and those which follow, are similar in certain respects to embodiments of the twenty-eight aspect of the present invention, in accordance with which vestigial splits providing flaps inward of ears are provided.

FIGURE 66.2 shows a similar arrangement to that depicted in Figure 66.1, in which notches are provided along the upper edge of the headband to relieve it as it passes over the rim of the can. In this figure the strips are in a more 'designed' form, being somewhat enlarged and with rounded ends. The width of the rear headband portion is also reduced so that it becomes more of a band.

FIGURES 66.3 and 66.4 show similar devices incorporated into visor type embodiments with ears rather than stumps at the ends of the headband. Such embodiments are in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

The arrangement improves the presentation of ears and gives the illusion of them emerging from the top of the cam FIGURES 67.1 to 67.17 show constructions in accordance with the sixtyseventh aspect of the present invention in which a curved brim is provide which totally surrounds the artefact in use.

FIGURE 67.1 shows a horseshoe shaped portion of material provided with a similarly curved fold line down its centre and extending from end to end.

Complementary means of attachment are provided to join the ends together and a trough-like construction resembling a brim without a crown is thereby provided.

FIGURE 67.2 shows a similar construction in which the horseshoe shaped portion of material is broadened at points along its length so that the brim is provided with more exageratedly turned-up sides.

FIGURE 67.3 shows a similar construction in which only those parts of the horseshoe shaped portion lying at the side of the artefact in use are folded into a curve and turned-up. In this way a brim is provided which is turned-up at the sides but turned down at the front and behind.

FIGURE 67.4 shows a similar construction in which elements extended from and inwardly of the horseshoe shaped portion are folded upwardly so as to assume a position above the artefact in use.

FIGURE 67.5 shows a similar construction in which the elements are extended outwardly of the horseshoe shaped portion.

FIGURE 67.6 shows a similar construction in which an element extended from a part of the horseshoe shaped portion is carried over the artefact in use and joined at two other points of the portion, complementary means of attachment being provided.

FIGURE 67.7 shows a similar construction in which elements extended from either side of the horseshoe shaped portion are joined together above the artefact in use.

FIGURE 67.8 shows a construction in which an extension inward of the brim is provided with additional means of attachment thereto so as to provide a plaque above the brim and in front of the artefact in use.

FIGURE 67.9 shows a construction the brim is folded about two curved lines, the lines being both proximate and parallel to each other.

FIGURE 67.10 shows a construction in which the brim is formed by two semicircular portions, the portions integrally connected to each other via a common extension inward of the portions in use. In the item in question a partial covering of a quasi-conical nature is also provided.

FIGURES 67.11 to 67.15 show constructions in which the attachment means for the brim comprise an opposed tab and elongate slot mechanism in accordance with the thirty- second aspect of the present invention. In the last mention figure and element extended from the front of the brim provides opposed tabs adapted to engage with pairs of elongate slots at either end of the horseshoe shaped portion.

FIGURE 67.16 shows a construction in which four holes are provided in the brim, the holes being equidistantly spaced relative to each other following assembly and in use.

FIGURE 67.17 shows four different configurations of holes, the holes facilitating to a greater or lesser extent the threading of the corners of a handkerchief, knotted or un-knotted, and the trapping of the handkerchief in position once threaded and/or knotted.

FIGURES 68.1 to 68.6 show constructions in accordance with the sixty-eighth aspect of the present invention providing a multi-functional and multidirectional tab and slot attachment means suitable for use in connection with headwear provided in accordance with GB-A-2178299 and the present invention.

FIGURE 68.1 shows a first portion incorporating a pair of tabs and a second portion incorporating four pairs of slots. The tabs are adapted to engage with any one of the four pairs. The slots are in the form of apertures for ease of insertion of the tabs.

FIGURE 68.2 shows a first portion incorporating four tabs and a second portion incorporating four slots. The first portion can be rotated into any one of four positions prior to engagement with The second portion.

FIGURE 68.3 shows a first portion similar to that provided in the previous construction and a second portion adapted to provide slots for the same four rotated positions together with three possible lateral positions.

FIGURE 68.4 shows first and second portions each of which incorporates identical combinations of tabs and slots so that they can be attached to each other or any other similarly configured portion.

FIGURE 68.5 shows identical first and second portions incorporating identical combinations of tabs and slots in a simplified form of the construction shown in the preceding figure and lacking the rotational capability.

FIGURE 68.6 shows a similar arrangement in a form suitable for attaching a headband to a portion providing or resembling a headband extension.

FIGURES 69.1 to 69.4 show items in accordance with the sixty-ninth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES 69.1.1 and 69.1.2 show the obverse and reverse sides, respectively, of an item of headwear in which both the construction and the applied design are symmetrical about the vertical axis, the two sides being identical save for that part to be printed in black. A number of the embodiments illustrated in the application are similarly configured. In such a design, the three colours can be printed with one set of separations, one set of plates, and one print run, back and front, expenditure, time and effort being thereby halved in that regard. Only the colour black, the impression of which provides the only asymmetric feature, will require to be printed separately on the back and front of the work.

FIGURES 69.3 and 69.4 show an item in accordance with the first, twentythird and thirty-sixth aspects of the present invention, in which a detachable "ticket" of the kind formerly worn by journalists in their hat band is provided for the user to place at the side of the visor or discard according to choice.

Apart from the wording on the "ticket", the item is fully symmetric in plan about the vertical axis and the reverse is identical to the obverse. It therefor possible to print all the colours, including black, with one set of separations and one set of plates in a single print run. Two "tickets" are printed but only one is included in the cutting forme and die-cut, the other being left on the sheet after stripping out. In this way asymmetry is produced in the final printed and post die-cut state.

FIGURE 70.1 shows a headband with ears provided as separate components similar to an embodiment of GB-A-2178299. Similar constructions, likewise in accordance with GB-A-2178299, are shown in Figure 70.2 in conjunction with a single split headband.

FIGURES 70.3 to 70.8 show constructions in accordance with the seventieth aspect of the present invention. These items correspond to constructions provided in accordance with earlier aspects of the present invention, differing only in that unitary construction is not present.

FIGURE 70.3 shows an item of the kind depicted in Figure 40.12, supra.

Means of attachment to a headband element are provided in the form of 'H' tabs of the kind shown in Figure 57.2 ,supra, such constructions being in accordance with the fortieth and fifty-seventh aspects of the present invention respectively.

FIGURES 70.4 shows a constructions corresponding to that depicted in connection with the fifty-first aspect of the present invention and FIGURES 70.5 to 70.8 show constructions correspondg to those depicted in connection with the fifty-third aspect of the present invention. These figures illustrate the manner in which such constructions can ;e provided in a componentised form, suitable attachment means being prcnided.

FIGURES 71.1 and 71.2 illustrate the application of constructions disclosed in the present invention in connection with readwear configured with a single (solid) headband of the kind commonly found in the known art. Such applications are the subject of the seventy-first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE 71.1 shows a side-to-side crossover device based upon a single split headband and constructed in the manner depicted in Figure 48.3, supra, The item in question incorporates a step fold preforming a similar function to that depicted in Figure 48.12, supra, the step fold being additionally provided with a locking mechanism.

FIGURE 71.2 shows a side-to-side crossover device utilising the construction depicted in the preceding figure in connection with an item of headwear provided with a solid headband. A foldable dependent extension provided with a rotational device of the kind depicted in Figure 23.22, supra, is also incorporated. The foldable extension is also equipped with a locking mechanism performing a similar function to that shown in Figure 23.22.

FIGURES 72.1 to 72.11 show embodiments of die-cut headwear incorporated into a newspaper in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 72.1 shows an SRA 2 (450 mm by 640 mm) sheet of paper-board incorporating headwear in a 310 mm by 436 mm format, the grip edge extending across the bottom of the sheet, a fold being provided about its vertical axis, the fold being so positioned as to not interfere with the headwear, a "tabloid" style of presentation resulting. Figure 72.2 shows a configuration appropriate to a broad sheet style presentation.

FIGURE 72.3 shows a sheet of paper-board of 360 mm by 520 mm dimensions, the headwear being laid out ir. a 320 mm by 448 mm format, no fold being provided.

FIGURE 72.4 shows an SRA 2 sheet provided with a second fold at a right angle to the first fold, the effect of the second fold being to reduce the size of the folded item to one quarter of that of the original unfolded sheet. Figure 73,5 shows the same sheet provided with a second fold which is parallel to the first fold, the second fold being repeated on the other half of the sheet. The effect of the further folds is to reduce the folded item to one quarter of the original size. In either case the further fold or folds lies across the die-cut headwear.

FIGURE 72.6 shows the effect of a fold about the horizontal axis (marked A A) of a sheet of the size depicted in Figure 72.3 where the headwear is not centred upon the sheet, room being provided for a masthead, etc.. The headwear itself is folded asymmetrically. Figure 72.7 shows the effect of offseting the fold relative to the sheet, so as to align it with the vertical axis of symmetry of the headwear.

FIGURE 72.8 shows the effect of providing a second fold in an SRA 2 sheet, so that the sheet is folded symmetrically about its axis A - A. The headwear being necessarily offset to one side on account of the grip edge, the line of fold is offset from its vertical axis of symmetry. Figure 72.8.2 shows the effect of offsetting the fold so as to align it with the vertical axis of symmetry of the headwear.

FIGURE 72.9 shows the effect of providing one or more additional folds across the die-cut area so as to balance an asymmetric fold in use.

FIGURE 72.10 1 and 72.10.2 show sheets of SRA 2 and 360 mm by 520 mm size paper-board provided with pre-set fold lines across the die-cut headwear visually indicated for optional manual folding for purposes of carriage.

FIGURE 72.11 shows an SRA 2 size sheet of paper-board incorporating diecut headwear on half of the sheet and simultaneously applied die-cut features and letterpress text (in the form of "Stop Press" on the other half of the sheet.

FIGURES E/1.1 to E/1.7 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/ 1.1 shows a curved split embodiment incorporating a high efficiency convex curx ed split provided with perforations at both ends for the purpose of enlargement and valkyrie style ears at the ends of the headband.

FIGURE E/1.2 shows a similar embodiment in which the ears are elliptic and a dependent extension forming a visor is provided. The second drawing shows a rear head view of this embodiment as worn with the rear headband element assuming a conical plane so that only its upper edge adjoins the wearer's head.

FIGURE E/1.3 shows a similar embodiment in which the ears resemble the wings of an angel and the edges of the split are not contiguous.

FIGURE E/1A shows a similar embodiment in which the ears are elliptic and the dependent extension is adapted to be optionally foldable upwardly in use so as to pass in front of the split. The wording on the under side of the dependent extension is printed upside down so as to be readable when the extension, which resembles the peak of a visor, is turned up. In this embodiment the lower edge of the split follows the line of an ox-bow and the portion within the ox-bow is integrally connected to the dependent extension by a relatively narrow strip provided with tabs adapted to engage with slots in the dependent extension (in accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention).

FIGURES E/1.5 and E/1.6 show similar embodiments in which both dependent and upward extensions to the headband are present. The design of the first of the two figures alludes to the antlers of a reindeer. That of the second is based upon Botticelli's "Birth of Venus".

FIGURE E/1.7 shows a similar embodiment in the style of a Viking helmet in which an upward extension to the headband is present. This extension may be worn at the front or the back of the head.

FIGURES E/2.1 and E/2.2 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/2.1 shows a curved split embodiment incorporating high efficiency concave curved split provided etith perorations at both ends for the purpose of enlargement and elliptic ears. The embodiment may be worn with either the upper or the lower headband element at the front of the head.

FIGURE E/2.2 shows a similar embodiment with dependent ears styled to resemble those of a spaniel. The embodiment may be worn with either the upper of the lower headband element at the front of the head.

FIGURES E/3.1 to E/3.3 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/3.1 shows an embodiment with a straight split which continues into ears at the ends of the headband at which point the split is curved upwardly. The second and third drawings in the figure show the difference in the appearance of the headwear in use according to whether the upper or lower headband element is worn at the front of the head FIGURE E/3.2 shows a similar embodiment in which the lower edge of the ears is aligned with the lower edge of the headband.

FIGURE E/3.3 shows an embodiment in which the headband incorporates a pair of parallel splits which describe a straight line within the headband and are curved upwardly within the ears.

FIGURES E/4.1 and E/4.2 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention in which embodiments are provided with a concave curved split or splits which describe the line of a spiral within the ears. In the second embodiment a dependent extension is folded upwardly and backwardly behind the headband without passing through either of the splits. Such a folded extension is accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention. Means of attachment to the upper headband element are provided so as to maintain the extension in position and the extension is subdivided into a plurality of elongate elements which are further variously folded so as to take up a position above the wearer's head in use, thereby conforming to the tenth aspect of the present invention.The star burst effect is further enhanced by star-shaped features tethered to the remainder of the headwear by looped elements wound into a spiral in a manner corresponding to the twenty second aspect of the present invention. The enlarged portions at the ends of the looped elements are placed between the subdivided elements of the extension at the point of conjunction so as to fix their position.

FIGURE E/4.3 illustrates the manner in which a spiral within an ear can be provided with a feature at its centre.

FIGURE E/5.1 shows an embodiment in which a headband which incorporates a convex curved split, the edges of which are not contiguous, is provided with ears which are folded in a such a manner as to form downward sloping gutters in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention The upper parts of the portions forming the gutters are shaped so as to resemble gargoyles. Two pairs of parallel folds step the ears forward so as to position them in front of a rear mounted extension in use, the extension alluding to the crown of a trilby hat of the kind worn by newspaper reporters. Tabs inward of the ears engaging with slots in the rear mounted extension secure the ears in position in use.Similarly, a pair of folds is used to position a ticket-like portion located at the side of the brim so as that it can be passed through a slot and made to appear above the brim, as if tucked into a headband. Such respective folds are in accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the present invention. The curved lower headband element is folded along a part of its length about the line of a curve, in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the effect being to produce a brim-like portion in front of the head which is partially turned down. The upturned end is secured in position by means of a complimentary slot mechanism whereby it is attached to an ear. The convex curved split with perforations at either end and the rear mounted extension are within the ambit of the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/6.1 shows a first aspect type construction in which a convex curved split is provided with perforations at either end and ears. The ears are in the style of an Wagnerian valkyrie and incorporate a device enabling them to be optionally re-aligned in accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention. In their re-aligned position the ears are, in effect, strapped back behind the head, elongate tabs within the rear headband element being attached to corresponding slots in the ears.

FIGURES Ei7.1 to E/7.3 depict embodiments which incorporate enclosed cutouts within ears provided at the end of a headband in accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention. The embodiments respectively show a jug, a doughnut and two entwined spirals at the inner extremities of which are the heads of snakes. The second and third of these embodiments incorporate a subdivided headband element the separate parts of which are brought together by means of an elongate slot attachment mechanism in accordance with the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the' present invention, respectively.The third embodiment, depicting snakes in an allusion to the Gorgon of Greek mythology known as Medusa, is also provided with overlapping and interlocking extensions to the separate parts of the headband element, again in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect.

FIGURES E/8.1 to E/8.3 depict embodiments in accordance with the eighth aspect of the present invention in which ears are provided with folds the activation of which distorts them from the flat plane.

FIGURE E/8.1 shows an item of headwear incorporating a convex curved split and other features in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention and an ox-bow in accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect. The ears are provided with a plurality of lateral folds which evoke the image of a Samurai warrior's armour. In the course of assembly the headwear is, in effect, turned inside out in accordance with the twentieth aspect of the present invention the effect being to allow the ears to lie largely flat and depend from the sides of the head in use. In this embodiment the rear headband extension takes on a conic configuration in accordance with the fifty-third aspect, the sides of split extending from the lower edge of the upper headband element being brought together by means of an elongate slot joining mechanism in accordance with the thirty-second aspect.

FIGURE E/8.2 shows an item of headwear in which ears are provided to a convex curved split headband in accordance with the first aspect of the present intention, the lower headband element being subdivided and provided with elongate slot joining mechanism in accordance with the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention, respectively.

In the course of assembly the elongate portions of the ears are variously bent round so as to resemble fingers being waggled at the side of the head in a derisory manner.

FIGURE E/8.3 shows an item of headwear in which finger shaped elements at one end of the headband are similarly bent. In this case, however, a portion resembling a human ear lies in front of the fingers, the effect being to give the impression of a hand cupped behind an ear. The construction again further conforms to the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention FIGURES E/9.1 to E/9.5 show embodiments in accordance with, the ninth aspect of the present invention in which an extension to a headband has been folded outside a split In the first figure a sky-writing theme is adopted and a dependent extension shaped to resemble cumulus clouds is folded upwardly in front of the lower headband element.The portion depicting an aeroplane leaving a smoke trail also conforms to the twenty-second and twenty-third aspects of the present invention, the smoke trail comprising a practical tether which is rotated along its length in a way which permits the aeroplane to be further attached to the top of the headwear while keeping the obverse side to view.

FIGURE E/9.2 depicts an American football helmet incorporating a double split headband. A portion of a dependent extension to the lowermost headband element in use is folded upwards so as to secure the extension to the extension to the uppermost headband element in use. This embodiment also comprises a mask in accordance with the thirty-third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/9.3 depicts a headband with a dependent extension folded about the line of a curve so as to provide a brim the plane of which will assume an angle between the vertical and the horizontal when placed upon the head.

The curved fold conforms to the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention.

This embodiment also incorporates a subdivided headband element the separate parts of which are brought together by means of an elongate slot attachment mechanism in accordance with the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention, respectively.

FIGURE E/9.4 depicts an embodiment conforming to the first aspect of the present invention which is provided with a tapered extension mounted upon the rear headband element which is folded through a radiused bend so as to depend outwardly of the head in use. The allusion in this case is to the arrowed tail of a devil, an applied poLka dot pattern introducing an element of disguise. The embodiment is further provided with an ox-bow, shaped as horns, the construction being in accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/9.5 depicts a somewhat similar design to that shown in the preceding figure, the allusion being to a jester's hat. The item is further provided with a symbol which is connected to the brim by means of a narrow strip and adapted to be displayed thereupon in accordance with the thirty-sixth aspect.

FIGURE E/14.1 depicts an embodiment in accordance with the fourteenth and eighteenth aspects of the present invention. The embodiment comprises a mask in the manner of the disguise worn by the notorious Australian bandit Ned Kelly. The portions on either side of the split, the sides of which split are not contiguous, overlap in use being brought together by means of folds at the ends of the split about the line of the split. Ears, shaped to resemble those of a Kangaroo, are provided at the ends of the headband and a number of enclosed cut-outs are provided in the portion lying in front of the head in use so as to facilitate forward vision.In the case of the eye and nose cut-outs the portions within the cut-outs are provided with parallel folds in accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the present invention and the headwear comprises a mask in accordance with the thirty-third aspect of the present invention. The ears incorporate folds about the line of a curve in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention The front and back portions are secured to each other by means of elongate slot catches in accordance with the thirty-second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/15.' shows a laurel wreath embodiment in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the present invention in which the portion depicting the laurel wreath is folded upwards about the line of the split and interlocks with the portion on the other side of the split. Means of enlargement in the form of perforations is provided at the ends of the split in accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/19.1 shows a flower style embodiment in accordance with the nineteenth aspect of the present invention in which a number of largely coaxial lateral folds are incorporated into the headband element lowermost in use thereby providing the element with a faceted appearance. This embodiment also incorporates a subdivided headband element the separate parts of which are brought together by means of an elongate slot attachment mechanism in accordance with the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention, respectively. The item also conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/20.1 shows a poodle style embodiment in accordance with the twentieth aspect of the present invention in which the portion comprising the upper headband element, ears and tail are turned inside out thereby enabling the ears to take up a plane at the side of the head which is aligned with the circumference of the head. The embodiment also incorporates an ox-bow portion in accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention. The means of enlargement consists of shallow lateral cuts along one edge of the split with the portions between the cuts being radiused. Such a construction conforms to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention and the convex split headband in conjunction with other features is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/21.1 shows a Carmen Miranda style fruited headwear embodiment in which the portion worn at the back of the head and above the headband in use forms a separate portion, the portion being provided with means of attachment to the headband in accordance with the twentyfirst aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment the means of attachment comprises a plurality of "H" shaped tabs in accordance with the fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the tabs being incorporated into the separate portion and gripping the lowermost headband element which is worn at the back of the head in use.

FIGURES E/22.1 to E/22.6 show embodiments in accordance with the twenty-second aspect of the present invention incorporating portions of material connected to and provided with further means of attachment to other portions of the headwear, the connecting portions being elongate and comprising tethers. In the first figure the headwear comprises a headband and elliptic ears set into a 320 mm by 448 mm format "portrait" fashion. In the second figure a similar headband and ears are arranged in a similarly shaped and sized format in such a way as to provide room for extensions (not shown) to both upper and lower headband elements, the scope for an extension to the lower headband element in the configuration shown in the first figure being strictly limited.

In FIGURE E/22.3 the design is based upon the headwear customarily worn by Pucini's Princess Turendot. The portion depicting tightly wound balls of hair is connected to the tiara by two elongate tethers, tabs to secure the tethers in a tidy way after folding being provided. The ear pendants are also connected to the remainder of the piece by tethers. The ear pendants, comprising as they do largely detached elongate elements threaded through splits in another portion of the headwear, also conform to the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention. The concave curved split headband is provided with perforations for the purpose of enlargement in accordance the second aspect of the present invention FIGURE E/22.4 depicts a tricorn in the manner of those worn by soldiers serving in the army of Frederick the Great.Greater realism to the design is afforded by portions indicating white wig curls at either side of the headwear, the curls being connected to the remainder of the headwear by tethers and slotted into a dependent position in use. Corrugating folds are applied to the tethers before engagement of the curls with the corresponding splits in order to facilitate manipulation of the curls into position and to ensure that the tethers remain largely out of sight in use. In this embodiment the dependent portion which provides the front of the headwear in use forms a headband which incorporates lateral folds at either end in accordance with the nineteenth aspect of the present invention. The means of enlargement takes the form of perforations at the ends of the split in accordance with the thirteenth aspect.The arch-shaped element at the centre is folded about the line of a curve in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the effect being to ensure that the portion to which it is attached stands away from the front of the head in use.

FIGURE E/22.5 shows a convex curved split embodiment on an arboreal theme in which the ears are largely separate from the remainder of the piece, unitary construction being preserved by tethers. In this case the tethers may be considered to be "practical in that they are configured so as to resemble stems with leaves and thereby add to the realism of the design, particularly when seen from behind. The embodiment further conforms to the first aspect of the present invention FIGURE E/22.6 shows as first aspect type embodiment with an ox-bow in accordance with the twenty seventh aspect in which a portion depicting an aircraft is attached to a surface depicting explosions by means of a pair to tethers. The tethers are again practical in nature in that they resemble vapour trails.The embodiment further conforms to the forty-ninth aspect of the present invention the extension mounted upon the upper headband element subdividing into two portions which are integral with ears at the ends of the headband.

FIGURES E/23.1 TO E/23.13 show embodiments incorporating constructions in accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the present invention in which a portion is rotated in such way that its obverse side remains in view in use.

FIGURE E/23.1 shows a speech bubble design in which an arrow is rotated through 360 degrees so as to give the impression of emerging from within the bubble in the manner of comic art. The design incorporates a convex curved split provided with ears and perforations in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention The threading of the arrow conforms to the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/23.2 utilises a construction in which an element depicting a human figure depends from an arch of clouds and is rotated through 360 degrees so as to take up a seated position on top of the arch. Elements depicting sun rays and lightning are also folded through 360 degrees so as to emerge from within the clouds. These constructions also fall within the fifty-eight aspect of the present invention. The upper headband element is subdivided in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect, symmetrical means of attachment of the separate parts of the headband element being in accordance with the thirtieth aspect.

FIGURES E/23.3 and E/23.4 show visor style embodiments in which a dependent portion is rotated through 360 degrees in a similar manner to that of the preceding figure. The embodiments are provided with convex curared splits together with perforations and ears in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention and ox-bow portions in accordance with the twentyseventh aspect.

FIGURE E/23.5 shows a killer whale design in which a high-efficiency concave split headband incorporating perforations in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention is further provided with a dependent mask in accordance with the thirty-third aspect. A portion within the mask resembling eyes is rotated twice through 180 degrees so as to be raised above the lower headband element with the obverse side remaining in view. A tab extended from the upper edge of the lower headband element is engaged with a slot in the eye portion so as to lock it into position in use.

FIGURE E/23.6 shows a British policeman's helmet design in which the sides of the convex curved split are not contiguous. The upper headband element is folded twice through 180 degrees at either end so as to step the ears in front of the extension resembling a helmet and thereby to shorten the headband element. The folds are provided with a locking device to ensure that they remain in effect. The embodiment conforms to the first aspect of the present invention. The third and fourth drawings of the figure show substantially the same design in a miniature version suitable for adorning a drinks can with a diameter of 65 mm.

FIGURES E/23.7 and E/23.8 show ticket-like devices of the kind favoured, it seems, by journalists in the era between the two World Wars. A similar device is shown in Figure E/5.1, supra. In the first figure the tabs are interlocked with an ear having been placed in position by means of two folds of 180 degrees. In the second figure the "ticket" is set into the side of a visor incorporated into an item of headwear provided with ears and perforations in accordance with the first aspect. Two folds, of the order of 180 degrees and 90 degrees, respectively, are provided.

FIGURE E/23.9 shows a 'Mad Hatter" toF hat design generally corresponding to that of the policeman's helmet depicted at E/23.6 but which incorporates a fold about the line of a curve (in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect) in the lower headband element. This embodiment is provided with a "ticket" which is extended upwardly from the lower headband element and positioned by means of two folds through 180 degrees and 90 degrees respectively. The lower headband element is folded about the line of a curve so as to provide a brim in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/23.10 is an embodiment designed to provide a useful "general purpose" image-bearing surface in front of the head in use. An extension to the upper headband element is stepped downwardly in front of the element by means of an arrangement of folds. The sides of the extension are returned and provided with means of attachment to the headband element. The extension is further secured in position by attachment to elongate elements extended from the ears. The embodiment comprises a multiple folded extension to a headband in accordance with the tenth aspect of the present invention and further conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/23.11 is a visor embodiment styled to resemble a cow incorporating constructions in accordance with the first, twenty-seventh and thirtieth aspects. The rear headband element in use forms, with the adjacent portions, the base of a cone in accordance with the fifty-third aspect. 180 degree step-folds are provided in both ears so as to realign them in a cockedout position and the portion incorporating the horns is similarly lowered into position. These latter constructions are made necessary by a requirement to contain the design within a restricted format of 310 mm by 436 mm while preserving its unitary nature.

FIGURE E/23.12 shows a planet and ring design in which the ring is place around the planet-shaped portion by means of folds of the order of 180 degrees and ninety degrees respectively.

FIGURE E/23.13 shows an item of headwear which takes the previously described design a stage further with the addition of an orbiting globe which by means of two 180 degree folds remains obverse side uppermost as it is threaded through the ring. This construction also conforms to the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/24.1 and E,'24.2 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/24.1 shows an item of headwear incorporating a convex-curved split with a dependent visor and ears and perforations extending into the ears, the radius of the line of the split changing within the ears. These constructions conform to the first and third aspects of the present invention.

Means of enlargement additional to the perforations are provided in the form of rounded portions formed by lateral cuts along the edge of the lower headband element.

FIGURE E/24.2 shows another arrangement in which the portions formed by the lateral cuts along the lower headband element are irregular in shape being designed so as to resemble flowers on the end of stems with leaves on either side, the flowers largely free standing above the forehead in use. This design features festoons along the lower edge of the visor and further festoon-like portions extended from each ear. These portions are stepped back to the lower edge of the visor and behind the ears respectively by means of pairs of 180 degree folds provided in accordance with the twentythird aspect. The embodiment further conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/25.1 to E/25.4 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention in which a headband element is subdivided into two separate parts adapted to be attached together in use.

FIGURE E/25.1 shows an item of headwear in which the separate parts are attached by means of an elongate slot catch device of the kind which is the subject of the thirty-second aspect. A plaque comprising an ear-mounted enclosed cut-out and extending from ear to ear and placed above the head in use is provided with means of minimisin deflection from the flat plane in accordance with the fortysecond aspect of -,re present invention. The means of minimising deflection adopted consists of pairs of parallel folds which also have the effect of stepping the plaque fore d of the ears in accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the present invention The embodiment conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/25.2 shows an item of headwear provided with a subdivided headband. Extensions mounted upon the separate portions of the headband, portraying hands, overlap in use. The joining mechanism conforms to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention. The embodiment further conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/25.3 shows an item of headwea- in which a subdivided headband is incorporated into a convex curved split construction incorporating a visor, perforations and ears in accordance wit, the first aspect of the present invention. The means of attachment of the separate parts of the headband element correspond to the thirtieth aspect In this design a portion extended upwards from the lower headband element passes between the separate parts of the upper headband element. When the separate parts are attached the upper part of the headwear becomes conic in accordance with the fiftythird aspect, the effect being to bring the doud-shaped portion into a plane inclined from the vertical so that it lies in part over the top of the head.

FIGURE E/25.4 shows a concave curved split embodiment conforming to the second aspect of the present invention in which an extension comprising an enclosed cut-out mounted upon the ears and upper headband element is adapted to be attached to the lower headband element by means of threading an elongate portion extended therefrom though a complimentary slot. The embodiment further conforms to the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/26.1 and E/26.2 depict an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the tu-enty-fifth aspect of the present invention. A headband incorporating ar. open-ended split is provided in which the two ends are brought together end-on and attached together by means of a sliding catch in accordance with the thirty-second aspect. To bring the two ends together the headband elements are each folded about a diagonal line at the non-open end through 180 degrees. Beyond the folds and at the end of the split a portion is extended outwardly so as to form a plaque which takes up a position above the headband in use. The outer part of the extended portion is folded through 180 degrees and carried back to the headband.Tabs adjoining the diagonal folds are provided, the tabs adapted to interlock with the said outer part so as to hold the inner part of the extended portion in position in front of the head with the obverse side in view, FIGURE E/26.2 demonstrate; the compact nature of this type of construction, it being possible to provide nine items able to fit an adult human head in a single sheet of paper-board of SRA 2 size.

FIGURES E/27.1 and E/27.2 depict embodiments which incorporate ox-bow constructions in accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/27.1 shows a convex curved split headband provided with ears and perforations in accordance with the first aspect, an ox-bow shape being imparted to the lower edge of the split which fills the entire cavity. The oxbow is connect by a narrow strip of material to the portion lying below the strip parallel folds being provided enabling it to be stepped forward over it. A pair of tabs are provided which incorporate notches at their bases and which are adapted to secure the ox-bow in position. Manipulation is facilitated by the inclusion of a vertical split in the connecting portion.

FIGURE E/27.2 shows a similar construction in which the ox-bow is shaped so as to resemble flames.

FIGURES E/28.1 to E/2R..3 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention. Three single spli headbands are depicted in which further splits are provided, the further splits being parallel to the split between the upper and lower elements. In use the additional splits produce flap like portions which lie against the head and inward of the ears. The embodiment shown in the first figure is a concave curved spirit incorporating perforations in accordance with the second aspect.

FIGURES E/29.1 to E/29.3 depict embodiments which incorporate a construction in accordance with the tcsnty-ninth aspect of the present invention. in which a portion attached to the headband is of sufficient length to encompass the head.

FIGURE E/29.1 shows a crown like embodiment in which the encompassing portion is rotated and locked into position in a manner conforming to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the effect of the rotation being to keep the obverse side in view. The mechanism whereby the six elongate members incorporated into the encompassing portion are brought together and secured to each other above the head is an application of the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention A subdivided headband element provided with sliding catches in accordance with the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention, respectively, is secured to the encompassing portion by means of "H" tabs in accordance with the fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention FIGURE E/29.2 shows an embodiment incorporating a convex curved split headband in accordance with the first aspect. The encompassing portion is likewise curved, its two ends being joined together behind the head by means of a sliding catch in accordance eith the thirty-second aspect of the present invention. The fold in the encompassing portion about a curved line conforms to the forty-fourth aspect and the trough-like brim which is thereby formed is in accordance with the sixty-seventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/29.3 shows an embodiment somewhat similar to that which is the subject of the preceding figure. In this embodiment the headband is subdivided in accordance with the twenh--fifth aspect so as to allow a "ticket" portion to be incorporated, the portion being rotated in accordance with the twenty-third aspect so as to take up a position above the brim and in front of the head in use.

FIGURES E/30.1 to E/30.7 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the thirtieth aspect of the present invention.

In these embodiments the means of attachment provided for the purpose of joining the separate parts of a subdivided headband element together are either symmetrical or so very nearly symmetrical as to be deemed symmetrical in accordance with the definitions provided, supra.

FIGURE E/30.1 shows an embodiment in which the separate parts of the subdivided headband element are of similar length. In FIGURE E/30.2, by contrast, the attachment means are offset to one side of the headwear, the separate parts being able to articulate with regard to each other, the effect being to allow one end of the headband and the adjacent ear to lie lower against the head than the other in use.

FIGURE 30.3 shows an item of headwear in which a secondary locking mechanism is also present, engagement thereof being optional and the effect of engagement being to cock the ears outwards from the head. In FIGURE E/30.4 a similarly configured item of headwear designed to a smaller format of 210 mm by 297 mm (i.e. A 4) is shown.

FIGURES E/30.5 and E/30.6 show items of headwear in which the means of attachment take the form of a hook and an eye, a ratchet device also being shown in the second figure which allows the angle of projection of the ears to be varied.

FIGURE E/30.7 shows a double split headband construction in which the ends of the splits are turned upwards within the ears in accordance with the third aspect. Means of attachment in accordance with the present aspect are provided to the separate parts of a subdivided element lying between the outer elements.

The embodiments illustrated in Figures E/30.1 and E/30.3 to E/30.6 further conform to the first aspect of trie present invention.

FIGURE E/31.1 depicts a spaniel type embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the thirty-first aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a partially cut-round and outwardly foldable portion provided with tabs and slots is incorporated into one part of a subdivided headband element for the purpose of attaching it to the other part, which other part is provided with a plurality of slots. Such an arrangement allows the aggregate length of the separate parts of the headband element to be variably extended. The embodiment also incorporates a construction incorporating features in accordance with the twentieth aspect, being turned in effect inside out in the course of assembly, and an ox-bow in accordance with the twentyseventh aspect.

FIGURES E/32.1 to E/32.7 depict embodiments which incorporate sliding catch constructions in accordance with the thirty-second aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments the separate parts of a subdivided headband (conforming to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention) are provided with pairs of horizontally opposed tabs which tabs are adapted to engage with either a pair of parallel elongate slots or a single elongate slot located in the other portion.

FIGURE E/32.1 shows an embodiment representing a plate of spaghetti. The portion bearing the image is provided with pairs of parallel folds at either end arranged vertically, the folds allowing a reduction in the deflection from the flat plane which would otherwise occur when the headwear is placed upon the head. Such a construction conforms to the twenty-third and forty-second aspects of the present invention and the convex curved split headband with ears at the ends conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/32.2 shows an embodiment with ears forming an ideogram for the slang expression "OK!" the embodiment additionally conforming to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention FIGURE E/32.4 is a similar design in which the ears symbolise "Victory!" FIGURES E/32.4, E/32.5 and E/32.6 are similar designs upon the theme "Triumph!" In these embodiments a headband incorporating folds along the line of the split together with an interlocking mechanism, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, is present. In the first of the three embodiments no means of preventing deflection from the flat plane of the rear-mounted extension is shown whereas in the second and third embodiments a plurality of corrugating folds (in accordance with the fifty sixth aspect of the present invention) is provided for the purpose.In these two embodiments the oppositely directed tabs are provided in the portion located above the headband element, thereby affording greater rigidity to the item in use. It will be noted that in Fi,zlre E/32.6 the tabs engage with a single elongate slot in each headband.

FIGURE 32.7 shows an embodiment in the style of a tiara. The attachment mechanism incorporates a means whereby the headband may be tightened by pulling on horizontally opposed tabs incorporated at the distal ends of the separate parts.

FIGURES E/33.1 to E/33.6 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the thirty-third aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments a downward extension to a headband and/or ears is provided which forms a mask providing a greater or lesser degree of concealment when it is placed in front of the wearer's face. The mask portion is provided with one or more holes for the purpose of facilitating the wearer's forward vision.

FIGURE E/33.1 shows an clown-type embodiment in which glasses, a nose and a moustache depend from ears at the ends of a convex curved split headband provided with perforations and ears and conforming to the first aspect of the present invention. The depending portions are provided with further means of attachment to the lower headband element.

FIGURE E/33.2 shows a harem-type embodiment in which a dependent mask comprising a visor is further extended downwards by elongate strips of beads. The headband incorporates a pair of convex curved splits and an extension is mounted upon its upper element in accordance with the first aspect. The further extremities of the extension comprise freely projecting elements in accordance with the fifty-ninth aspect.

FIGURE E/33.3 shows a spectacle type embodiment in which the arms forming a part of the frames are provided with additional means of attachment to the headband.

FIGURE E/33.4 shows a harlequin style mask in which a non-concealing position for the mask portion is optionally available. The turned-up ends to the splits within the ears conform to the third aspect of the present invention and both the mask and the arrow feature comprise freely projecting elements in accordance with the fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/33.5 and E/33.6 both show visor type embodiments in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention in which an ox-bow conforming to the twenty-seventh aspect is also present. In each case the visor is provided with enclosed cut-outs forming eye-holes, the cut-outs incorporating portions foldable outwardly so as to provide a representation of evelashes above the upper surface of the visor. The latter figure also shows a halo-type extension (in accordance with the eleventh aspect of the present invention which is maintained in position above the head by means of a construction conforming to the forty-seventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/34.1 to E/34.3 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments concealment is afford by a plurality of elongate vertical strips.

FIGURE E/34.1, a harem styled design, shows a convex curved double split headband provided with ears, perforations and a headband-mounted extension in accordance with the first aspect. The construction is such the extension can be worn at the front or the back of the head according to choice.

FIGURE E/34.2 and FIGURE E/34.3 are further harem designs, incorporating a double split and a single split headband, respectively. The first figure also shows constructions in accordance with the seventh and fifty-ninth aspects. In the second figure certain of the elongate strips are enlarged and others narrowed and/or cut short.

FIGURE E/35.1 depicts a "quote - unquote" design, the embodiment incorporating a largely perforate portion in accordance with the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention. The portion provides a representation of a vei which will provide a substantial degree of concealment of the wearer's feature's when worn. The design incorporates a pair of convex curved splits, perforations and a headband-mounted extension in accordance with the first aspect. This is a further example of a dotfrle split design in which there are two ways in which the headwear can be worn.

FIGURES E/36.1 and E/36.2 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the t2irty-sixth aspect of the present invention. In these visor type emboduments incorporating features in accordance with the first aspect the wearer is able to express an opinion on an issue of the day.

FIGURE E/36.1 incorporates a tick on the end of a tether. Perforations are provided to enable the tick to be detached and discarded. Two slots are provided on the visor comprising alternative places for attachment, one being labelled "yes" the other "no".

FIGURE E/36.2 shows a different arrangement in which only one slot is provided but alternative symbols are made available in the form of a tick and a cross, the unwanted symbol being detached and discarded, perforations being provided for the purpose.

FIGURE E/37.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a flat cap design conformin; to the fifty-second aspect of the present invention is provided with a pair of enclosed cut-outs which can be pressed upwards one at a time or together so as to take up a prominent position above the upper surface of the headwear with the writing or image on the underside revealed to an onlooker. In this way the wearer can express an opinion upon an issue of the day. The embodiment further conforms to the first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention.

FIGURES E/38.1 and E/38.2 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments an item of headwear is provided with a slide device which captures the headband elements separately. The capturing is achieved by a cursor comprised of three panels and attached to an ear at the end of the headband by a tether. At the point of attachment with the cursor the direction of the tether is modified by means of 180 degree folds placed at angles of 90 degrees and 45 degrees across the long axis, the effect of the folds being to position the tether in a more vertical plane in use than would otherwise be the case.The item of headwear depicted in the second figure incorporates a rigidising device which employs a ratchet and is in accordance with the fortysecond aspect of the present invention. The tethers conform to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention. The embodiments being, of necessity, large in size are provided with packaging creases positioned so as to correspond with the representation of hinges on the carpenter's wooden ruler upon which the design is based. In this way the residual marks left by the creases when the item is unfolded and in use are less obtrusive than would otherwise be the case. Such packaging creases are the subject of the forty-sixth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/39.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a rotating element in accordance with the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a pair of plaques are provided in a female element which is adapted to engage with four tabs which tabs comprise the male element the male element forming the headwear proper. The alignment of the plaques is angled so that in repose they rest behind the ears in which position they are relatively unobtrusive. A locking device is provided which, when the plaques are in use, maintains the operative plaque in position above the head. The figure also incorporates constructions in accordance with the first, twentythird and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention.

FIGURES E/40.1 to E/40.3 depict embodiments which incorporates constructions in accordance with the fortieth aspect of the present invention.

In these embodiments an element is provided which is able to rotate through 180 degrees so as to show one side or the other. In the case of the first embodiment the element is shaped as a hand and there is shown either an upturned or down-turned thumb. A locking device is incorporated so that the thumb can be locked into the downward position which is achieved by the activation of 180 degree folds at the ends of supporting members. The item also incorporates features in accordance with the first aspect. The second embodiment illustrated operates along similar lines, the subject being a picture (not shown) in a frame surround. In this case the locking device takes the form of tabs at the top and the bottom of the rotating portion which tabs are adapted to engage with a slot in the adjoining headband element.The third embodiment provides a variation on the Ned Kelly theme in the form of an additional feature for the item iliustrated at Figure 14.1. These three embodiments provide a further means whereby a wearer can express an opinion on an issue of the day.

FIGURES E/41.1 to E/41.4 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the forty-first aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments extensions mounted upon a headband element incorporating or contributing to an enclosed cut-out are shown.

FIGURE E/41.1 shows a "monkey in the jungle" design in which the extension defines an arch, the continuous element being formed of essentially parallel elongate members which are connected to each other by narrow short bridges of the material provided with pairs of 180 degree folds and which also incorporate tucks. In this way distortion of the extension is reduced when the headwear is placed upon the head. The monkey is attached to the remainder of the piece by a practical tether, the connecting strip being disguised as trailing foliage. The ends of the split are turned-up within the ears in accordance with the third aspect.

FIGURES E/41.2 shows a construction which is similar to that which is the subject of the preceding figure, but in a more simple form. In this construction no folds are provided and the extension assumes the position dictated by the forces exerted upon it by the curved headband element upon which it is mounted.

FIGURES E/41.3 shows a construction which combines elements of those depicted in the two preceding figures. Two pairs of parallel folds are provided laterally at either end of the headband element the axes of which folds correspond with those of the pairs of folds across the bridges connecting the inner and outer elements of the extension. A locking device is provided and elements projecting from the arch are provided with means of attachment at their further ends to the ears.

FIGURES E/41.4 shows a design which is based upon the mitre style helmet worn by Grenadiers serving in the army of Frederick the Great. An extension incorporating an enclosed cut-out depends from the lower headband element and is folded upwardly so as to take up a position above the head. A portion forming a part of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is folded outwardly and attached to an extension from that part of the headband lying on the other side of the head. In this way a pom pom is provided close to the top of the mitre which is visible when viewed from the front. This embodiment further conforms to the eleventh aspect of the present invention in that it incorporates a portion defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out which is folded behind the headband so as to take up a position behind the head.

FIGURE E/42.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the forty-second aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment an enclosed cut-out is provided which is not continuous ab initio but is formed from two portions adapted to be attached to each the means of attachment being such as to prevent or reduce deflection from the flat plane.

The embodiment takes the form of a device purporting to clamp the head.

An element which following assembly defines the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is provided with a ratchet mechanism which can be adjusted to the head size of the wearer. Also incorporated into the design is a headband plaque which depends from the lower headband element and is relocated to a position in front of the element by being twice rotated through 180 degrees, the obverse side of the plaque remaining in view. Such a construction conforms to the twenty-third aspect as does that comprised by the parallel folds which step the bubble forwardly and downwardly so that it is positioned in front of the element incorporating the ratchet mechanism.

Rigidising folds equipped with locking mechanisms are also present, these being in accordance with the forty-third aspect and the spring mounting for the flag conforms to the thirty-sixth aspect. The line of the split within the headband turns upward at the ends in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/43.1 to E/43.6 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the forty-third aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments folds are incorporated into items of headwear in a manner which imparts rigidity.

FIGURE E/43.1 shows an item of headwear with a triangular shaped enclosed cut-out mounted upon the ears and taking up a position above the head.

Parallel folds are provided, the direction of folding being indicated in this illustration by lines of open and solid dots representing, respectively, valley and mountain folds. The line of the straight single split forming the headband curves upwardly within the ears in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention. The arrangement of folds further conforms to the fortysecond aspect, deflection of the extension from the flat plane being reduced or prevented thereby.

FIGURE E/43.2 shows an item of headwear featuring an ear-mounted enclosed cut-out provided with rigidising folds. The subject of the embodiment is a washing line and a mangle. The construction also conforms to the first, twenty-second and fifty-eighth aspects of the present invention, a convex curved split headband with perforations and ears, tether and threaded element being incorporated into the designs FIGURES E/43.3 to E/43.6 show items of headwear incorporating rigidising folds maintained in position by locking mechanisms. FIGURE E/43.3 further conforms to the first and twenty-third aspects of the present invention FIGURES E/43.4 AND E/43.5 further conform to the third and twenty-third aspects of the present invention, the star shaped portion being rotated through 360 degrees so as to keep the obverse side in view.FIGURE E/43.6 further conforms to the first and twenty-third aspects of the present invention and the ears are configured in accordance with the twenty-eighth aspect.

FIGURES E/44.1 to E/44.6 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments curved lines of fold are provided the effect being to produce a compound curve in the portion folded.

FIGURE E/44.1 shows an item of headwear provided with a visor and alsatian type ears in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the ears being curved about the line of a fold to add realism.

FIGURES E/44.2 and E/44.3 each similarly feature visors and ears, the visors being folded upwardly, again in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The upward folds being about the line of a curve, the visors project outwardly at an angle inclined to the vertical after folding. In these embodiment subdivided headband elements provided with sliding catches respectively conforming to the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention are also present. In the second of the two embodiments an enclosed partially cut-out feature is incorporated into the right ear (as viewed from the front) which is activated by being pressed forward from the surrounding part of the ear portion and rotated about two pairs of folds in an anti-clock wise direction through approximately five degrees.In this way relief is imparted to the design. Such a construction is in accordance with the seventh and eight aspects of the invention.

FIGURES E/44.4, E/44.5 and E/44.6 show similar embodiments in which a headband element provided by a convex curved split is folded wholly or partially about the line of a curve so as to produce a trough like brim. In the first figure a bowler hat is shown, in the second figure a cowboy Stetson is shown and in the third figure a trilby with a partly turned-up and partly turned-down brim is shown. Constructions conforming to the first and twenty-third aspects of the present invention are also present in these embodiments. The drawing comprising Figure E/44.5.4, it may be noted, shows the cowboy hat worn over a traditional item of headwear with some sartorial effect.

FIGURE E/45.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the forty-fifth aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a flat sheet of material is formed into a pyramid which is worn above the head. For the purpose of reducing the post-assembly pre-use plan dimensions of the headwear additional folds are incorporated in the manner shown in the drawings. When unfolded these additional folds retain in some degree their effect which effect is mitigated by the addition of two bracing elements which depend from the base of the pyramid and which can be activated so that their plane takes up a position at right angles to the plane of the adjoining surface of the pyramid. In the result a brace across the line of each o- the additional folds is provided which reduces their residual effect.

The drawings comprising this figure show the placement of the additional folds comprising packaging folds (marked in bold dots and conforming to the forty-sixth aspect of the present invention) the purpose of which is to reduce the plan dimensions of the headwear both preassembly and post-assembly and before use. The placement is in such a way as to not materially prejudice either the functional or design properties of the headwear. The additional creases provided laterally across the headband elements impart to them a not unattractive faceted appearance.The folds are sx snmetrical about the vertical axis of the headwear when assembled and worn and reduce the plan dimensions of the piece in its pre-assembly and reduced state in such a way that in the main only the obverse face of the headwear can be seen. The combined effect of the various folds is to provide an item which is capable of being brought to a fully assembled and usable state at very short notice. The embodiment shown also conforms to the first and fifty-third aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE E/46.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates packaging creases in accordance with the forty-sixth aspect of the present invention The item of headwear is similar to that which is the subject of Figure 38.1 and conforms to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention. An additional source of rigidity has been incorporated in the form of an element which is attached at one end to an ear and crosses over the top of the head and engages with the further ear in use, means of adjustment being provided in the form of a ratchet. This device is in accordance with the forty-second aspect of the present invention. Whether the item is supplied in the flat sheet, die cut but not stripped-out, or in the stripped-out form, it is somewhat large and cumbersome. This continuous to be the case after the item has been assembled.In the embodiment shown packaging creases have been incorporated for the purpose of reducing the dimensions of the item either in its pre-assembly state or when it is assembled but not in use. These packaging creases are shown in the first drawing marked in bold dots. The packaging creases do not materially effect the appearance or functionality of the headwear except in the case of the element incorporating the ratchet where a brace in accordance with the forty-fifth aspect of the present invention has, accordingly, been incorporated. The elongate strip by which the cursor is attached to the remainder of the headwear comprises a practical tether and conforms to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/e7.1 to E/47.9 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the fortieth aspect of the present invention.

In these embodiments a non-rigid portion is connected by elongate elements to a second (rigid) portion so as to stabilise the non-rigid portion.

FIGURE E/4.1 shows an item of headwear resembling a bat, a pair of elongate elements extending from a point above the headband connecting with the respective wings and stabilising them. This embodiment also conforms to the first, twentieth, twenty-seventh, thirty-second and fifty-third aspects of the present invention FIGURE E/47.2 shows an item of headwear alluding to a painting by Heironymous Bosch, the funnel portion being stabilised in a position above the head by three elongate elements comprising struts mounted upon the upper headband element. Features of the design conform to the first, third and fifty-third aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE E/47.3 shows a similar item of headwear to that illustrated in the preceding figure, the principal differences being the addition of a rotational device to reverse the funnel shaped portion in the course of assembly, in accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, and the addition of a flag shaped portion which is attached to and protrudes from the tubular portion which forms part of the funnel, The addition of such a device is a further embodiment of the fifty-third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/47.4 shows an item of headwear comprising flapping wings, the wings stabilised in a horizontal position by elongate elements which are coiled before attachment so as to act as springs. The design incorporates an overhead extension in accordance with the fifty-second aspect secured to the opposite headband element by an "H" slot style tab in accordance with the fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention. The portions depicting underslung jet engines are threaded through the wings in accordance with the fiftyeight aspect of the present invention. The turned-up ends to the straight headband split conform to the third aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/47.5 shows an item of headwear in which a halo is held in position above the head by elongate elements extended from the upper headband element, the design also conforming to the first and forty-first (the halo being formed by a headband-mounted enclosed cut-out) aspects.

FIGURE E/47.6 shows a similar item of headwear incorporating a somewhat different bracing arrangement for the halo The design also features an oxbow above the lower headband element in accordance with the twentyseventh aspect FIGURES E/47.7, E/47.8 and E/47.9 show items of headwear in which a flag and another flower are respectively stabilised by elongate elements attached to the ears of designs conforming to the first aspect of the present invention.

In the second and third figures irregularly shaped portions resembling grass and conforming to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention are present. In the third figure (showing a design in outline only) a portion resembling a notice board of the "Keep off the grass" kind is also included and comprises an ox-bow in accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention. In use the stems of the flowers which are featured in the second and third figures are folded through a radiused bend so as to depend above the head in accordance with the eleventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/47.10 shows an item of headwear in which a plaque across the top of the head is stabilised by five elongate elements, two of which are integrally connected to the ears, two of which are provided with means of attachment to the ears and one of which is provided with means of attachment to the headband. Two further plaques are attached to the underside of the visor.

The design also conforms to the first, tenth and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE E/48.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the forty-eighth aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a portion passing above the head in a vertical plane is supported by elongate members mounted upon or attached to the headband. The design also conforms to the third aspect and the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, two of the members being provided with foldable catches which extend their length. The circular feature mounted above the upper headband element becomes a freely projecting element when the headwear is place upon the head and conforms to the fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/49.1 and E/49.2 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the forty-ninth aspect of the present invention. In these embodiments an extension mounted upon an upper headband element is subdivided into two separate elements.

FIGURE E/49.1 depicts an item of headwear featuring a laurel wreath. An extension to the upper headband element which incorporates a picture frame subdivides into separate elements which are provided with means of attachment to the ears. This embodiment incorporates folds along the line of the split and an interlocking mechanism in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/49.2 depicts an item of headwear featuring a bright sun. An extension to the upper headband subdivides into separate elements which in certain cases are integral with the ears. The embodiment also conforms to the first and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention.

FIGURES E/50.1 to E/50.10 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the fiftieth aspect of the present invention In these embodiments an extension to a headband is folded upwardly so as to assume an erect position above the wearer's head.

FIGURE E/50.1 shows an item of headwear which features a hoop in a vertical plane above the wearer's head. The hoop consists of a circular piece of material which is held in a frame surround by means of a plurality of tabs and complimentary slots. The frame is extended at right angles from an elongate element which is itself extended at right angles from a headband element and crosses the head from front to back. The elongate element is secured to the opposite headband element, that is to say the headband element lying at the back of the head, by means of an adjustable tab and slot mechanism. The arrangement is such that once the frame is formed around the circular portion it has no alternative but assume and erect position. The embodiment further conforms to the first aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/50.2 shows an item of headwear designed to resemble a punk style hair arrangement which embodiment also conforms to the third, thirtyfirst, forty-first, forty-seventh, and (the earrings and safety pin being provided as separate components) seventieth aspects of the present invention. The overhead element is held in position by the elongate element resembling a platted pigtail which is folded outwardly and secured to the lower headband element at the back of the head by means of a tab and slot mechanism. A second tab and slot mechanism secures the two sides of the cross-head element in position relative to each other and the spike shaped projections are folded upwardly along the line of their bases and interlocked with corresponding projections on the opposite side of the cross-head element.

FIGURES E/50.3 to E/50.5 show items of headwear in which, respectively, a cross, a light bulb and a further cross take up an erect position above the head. Figures E/50.3 and E/50.4 also conform to twenh--seventh aspect of the present invention, additional stability to the centre head portion being afforded by the arrangement incorporating elongate elements extended from or attached to the upper headband element at the back of the head.

FIGURES E/50.6 and E/50.7 show items of headwear featuring an apple and a cross maintained in an upright position above the head by means of elongate elements attached to the ears. The first of these two figures also incorporates a construction conforming to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention and the second conforms to the first aspect.

FIGURE E/50.8 is a similar design to that depicted in Figure E/50.6 with additional stability to the apple afforded by a cross member.

FIGURE E/50.9 goes a step further than the previous figure and adds elongate elements attached to the ears of the kind seen in Figures E/50.6 and E/50.7.

FIGURE E/50.10 uses the same combination of supports as are present in Figure E?50.9 to provide an erect element, in the embodiment illustrated it is a cross, in a visor type item of headwear. Figures E/50.8 and E/50.9 further conform to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention and Figure 50.10 conforms to the irrst aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/51.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the fifty-first aspect of the present invention. This is a cock's comb design in which the comb passes across the top of the head in a vertical plane. The construction also conforms to the tenth aspect (the extension being folded more than once), the nineteenth aspect (two or more lateral folds being provided in the upper headband element) and the fifty-seventh aspect, an "H" shaped tab mechanism being present to secure the extension to the opposite headband element.

FIGURES E/52.1 to End2.3 each depict an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the fifty-second aspect of the present invention, an extension being carried across the head in the manner of the surface of a horizontally aligned circular sectioned cylinder.

FIGURE E/52.1 alludes to a flat cap the design of which is similar to that illustrated at Figure E/37.1, supra. In this embodiment the locking mechanism which accompanies the rotational device has been enlarged so as to incorporate a further panel the effect of which is to add further substance to the portion which connects the flat part of the cap to the headband. The sliding catch mechanism has been simplified and the ears have been reshaped to resemble the leaf-stalks of rhubarb. Rigidity is imparted to the ears (which are particularly elongate) by means of a locking mechanism comprising circular apertures in the respective peripheries of which protruding lugs are incorporated, the lugs engaging with complementary slots in the ears. In a similar embodiment, not illustrated, the ears have been designed to resemble black puddings. These are a renowned Yorkshire delicacy and may be thought to comprise a no less appropriate appendage to such an item than rhubarb stalks - flat caps being traditionally associated with the people of the county of Yorkshire. Such embodiments underline the infinity of creative opportunities which the present invention affords to designers. The constructions referred to are in accordance with the twenty-third, thirty second and forty-third aspects of the present invention. The embodiment further conforms to the first aspect, and (as regards the corrugating folds inserted into the elongate element lying above the rear headband element), the fifh--sixth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURE E/52.2 is a representation of images associated with the famous American pop star Madonna, a lockable rotating mechanism of different design to that last seen but nevertheless conforming to the twenty-third aspect again being present. The ears are made conic in accordance with the fifty-third aspect. The convex curved split headband is provided with ears and a headband-mounted extension in accordance with the first aspect.

FIGURES E/53.1 to E/53.9 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the fifty-third aspect of the present invention in which a portion is folded into the shape of at least part of the surface of a geometrical solid. The geometrical solids represented are pyramids and cones. The pyramidal embodiment is similar in style to that depicted at Figure 45.1.

FIGURE E/53.1 also conforms to the first aspect of the present invention, the ninth aspect (the extension representing a cobra being folded downwardly in front of the headband), the tenth aspect (the extension being folded more than once), the twenty-third aspect (the four legs to the pyramid being positioned by means of step folds) and the forty-first aspect (enclosed cutouts being incorporated into a headband-mounted extension). The following figure, E/53.2, is broadly similar except that the embodiment incorporates a further construction in accordance with the twenty-third aspect, a lockable rotating mechanism being present.

FIGURES E/53.3 and E/53.4 respectively illustrate an umbrella shaped portion with a faceted surface and a non-faceted sunshade shaped portion, mounted in each case upon a concave curved split headband conforming to the second aspect. In the first figure a ferrule shaped feature in accordance with the forty-first aspect is also present. Both embodiments conform to the ninth and tenth aspects and both embodiments incorporate folds arranged in such a manner as to keep obverse side of the portion covering the head in view in accordance with the twenty-third aspect.

FIGURE E/53.5 illustrates an item of headwear resembling in part a small scull cap of the kind lcnown as a yarmulke. The cap portion is conic and is held in position by two elongate elements which are threaded through slots in the lower headband element in accordance with the fifty-eight aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment the ears are provided with openable and closable shutters in accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention and a rotational device in accordance with the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention The embodiment further conforms to the first aspect of the present invention FIGURE E/53.6 illustrates an item of headwear alluding to a fez the construction being that of a frusto cone with a lid and a tassel.The embodiment also conforms to the first, third, sixth, ninth, tenth and twentythird aspects of the present invention FIGURE E/53.7 is a representation of images associated with the late, famous American film star Marilyn Monro. The generally conic portion is corrugated and takes up a horizontal position in front of the head in use. The figure (which is attached to the remainder of the headwear by a tether in accordance with the twenty-second aspect) is threaded through the centre of the conic portion (also in accordance with the fifty-eighth aspect) so as to take up a vertical position in front of the head. The embodiment also conforms to the first, ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention.

FIGURE E/53.8 shows a cap design incorporating a subdivided headband conforming to the tuFenty-fifth aspect, the headband incorporating a convex curved split and conforming the first aspect. The crown of the cap is shaped into a quasi-cone with the ears threading through it (in accordance with the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention in such a manner as to project above the upper surface while at the same time forming springs under the surface of the crown The item conforms to the first aspect of the present invention and incorporates a sliding catch in accordance with the thirtysecond aspect, It should be noted that for ease of adjustment tab-like elements capable of being gripped between finger and thumb are provided.

FIGURE E/53.9 incorporates a first aspect type headband provided with an ox-bow conforming to the twenty-seventh aspect so as to provide a representation of an animal. The upper headband element is subdivided in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect, the separate parts of which are provided with means of attachment in accordance with the thirtieth aspect Following attachment a generally conic construction is formed behind the head, only the base of the cone being present.

FIGURES E/54.1 and E/54.2 depict pendular elements reproducing flashing light bulbs. The elements are attached to ears and are constructed in accordance with the fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the point of connection between the dependent element and the ear being wholly or partly concealed from view. The constructions are such that the dependent element is able to take on a pendulate motion when the head of the wearer is moved. The embodiments further conform to the seventh aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/55.1 to E/55.5 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention.

Such embodiments are provided with portions of material able to expand in length when a tensile force is applied.

FIGURES E/55.1 and E/55.2 show an item of headwear representing Alsatian dog type ears. Both items are constructed to the B 4 format (240 mm by 320 mm) which is not large enough to contain a headband not capable of being expanded. Two different configurations of expansion strip are illustrated, the parallel splits in Figure E/55.1 being pitched more closely than those present in the embodiment illustrated in Figure E/55.2 FIGURE E/55.3 shows a floral embodiment in which both upper and lower headband elements are provided with expansion strips. The dependent extension is folded upwardly in front of the split in accordance with the ninth aspect.

FIGURE E/55.4 shows another floral embodiment constructed to the A 4 format (210 mm by 297 mm) in which an expansion device is incorporated into the iower headband element. The design is similar in certain respects to that illustrated at Figure 22.5 and in accordance with the twenty-second aspect of the present invention incorporates ears which are attached to the remainder of the headwear by practical tethers designed to resemble trailing foliage.

FIGURE E/55.5 depicts an embodiment in which a pig is extended from ears at points which in use are located at the back of the head and carried across the top of the head and attached to an ox-bow shaped portion connected to the front headband. The embodiment is designed to fit in a format which is not sufficiently large to permit such an arrangement without the incorporation of an expansion device. The headwear conforms to the first, twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention and additionally, being provided with a rotational device and a freely projecting tail, to the twentythird and fifty-ninth aspects.

FIGURE E/56.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a nurse's hat of the traditional starched linen kind is represented by portions undergoing compression. The design incorporates multi-folded headband-mounted extensions in accordance with the tenth aspect one of which is folded upwardly in front of the headband in accordance with the ninth aspect. The compressed portions are connected to the remainder of the headwear by tethers in accordance with the twenty-second aspect.

FIGURE E/57.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a fastening means in accordance with the fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention comprising a pair of tabs in the shape of an "H". The figure shows an item of headwear based upon that worn by a domestic maidservant. A portion undergoing compression in accordance with the fifty-sixth aspect referred to in the preceding paragraph is provided with a plurality of "H" shaped polygonal tabs enabling it to be locked into position in its compressed state along a strip forming an upper headband element. The embodiment also incorporates features in accordance with the second, third, seventh and fiftyeighth aspects.

FIGURES E/58.1 to E/58.3 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention in which largely detached elongate elements are threaded through splits or apertures in another portion of the headwear.

FIGURE E/58.1 provides a representation of the "pate" of a almost entirely bald-headed man, elongate elements providing short curled-up hair either depending from the lower headband (worn at the back of the head) or threaded through splits in the portion worn at the front of the head. After threading the strips are curled by being wound round a pencil or drawn sharply through the fingers. The embodiment also incorporates features in accordance with the first, ninth, tenth and twenty-second aspects.

FIGURE E/58.2 shows a trellis and climbing flower t"pe embodiment in which ears conforming to the seventh aspect are threaded by stems provided with leaves and flowers, the headband mounted extension is in accordance with the forty-first aspect.

FIGURE E/58.3 shows an embodiment in the Egyptian manner in which elongate elements depending from the ears at the ends of a headband incorporating a spiral-ended split in accordance with the fourth aspect are either captured at their extremities or folded upwards in a criss-cross fashion through the spirals. This embodiment further conforms to the eighth and fifty-ninth aspects of the invention FIGURES E/59.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention in which a freely projecting element, in the form of an arrow apparently piercing two hearts forming part of a headband element, the ends of which stand away from the headband in use. the embodiment also incorporates a split with upturned ends in accordance with the third aspect.

FIGURE E/60.1 depicts an embodiment which incorporates a construction in accordance with the sixtieth aspect of the present invention in which a portion provided with a reflective surface reflects an image on a second portion of the material. In the embodiment illustrated the reflective surface is mounted upon the ears of an item of headwear conforming to the first aspect of the present invention, which item is provided with subdivided headband and equipped with a foldable cut-out catch respectively in accordance with the twenty-fifth and thirty-second aspects of the invention. The image forms part of an extension to the lower headband element which extension conforms to the tenth aspect of the present invention.

FIGURES E/61.1 and E/61.2 depict embodiments which incorporate a construction in accordance with the sixty-first aspect of the present invention in which an item of headwear is provided with a feature capable of being identified by touch for the purpose of placing the headwear correctly on the head.

FIGURE E/61.1 depicts an asymmetrically configured item of headwear which is provided with a notch placed halfway along the inner edge of the lower headband element as measured from either ear. When this notch is positioned at the centre of the forehead of the wearer in use the ears will be equidistant from the centre of the wearer's head but the peak will be offset.

This embodiment also conforms to the first and forty-fourth aspects.

FIGURE E/61.2 depicts a similar item of headwear to that described in the preceding paragraph but in the present case the headwear is symmetrical about its central axis and use is made of the small generally triangular portion which can remain attached to the lower headband element at its centre point when the rear headband element is subdivided (in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention) and equipped with a sliding catch in accordance with the thirty-second aspect. The item shown has an exageratedly long peak upon the underside of which a message may be written upside down so as to appear the right way up to an observer when the peak is turned-up.

FIGURES E/62.1 and E/62.2 show embodiments specifically adapted for use as items of adornment for drinks cans. the designs are based, respectively, on the rabbit visor and "keep off the grass"/drooping flower items illustrated at Figures 47.9 and 53.9. The constructions have been modified so as to incorporates tabs in the rear headband capable of engaging with the lip of a can in accordance with the sixty-second aspect of the present invention. In the first embodiment the tab is along the outer edge of the headband. In the second embodiment the tab is set into the rear headband so as to be totally enclosed by the surrounding material.

FIGURES E/67.1 TO E/67.14 depict embodiments which incorporate constructions in accordance with the sixty-seventh aspect of the present invention. In these constructions the ends of semi-circular or horseshoe shaped portions of material are brought together so as to form a continuous brim. The embodiments are additionally folded about a curved line so as to provide the brim with a trough shaped section. All the embodiments in this group are equipped with sliding catches similar to those which are the subject of the thirty-second aspect of the invention. The sliding portions allow the portions of the brim to be attached to overlap each other and for the internal dimensions of the brim to be varied according to the head size of the wearer.

The means of attachment comprise pairs of oppositely directed tabs slidably engaging with the edges of elongate slots arranged in a parallel manner, one pair of tabs and one pair of slots being provided in each of the portions to be joined together. The elongate slots are curved in a manner similar to the brim and the line of fold and the tabs are arranged so that the radii or their vertical axes are approximately coaxial with that of the slots and line of fold.

FIGURE E/67.1 shows the construction in a simple form. The piece is folded about a curved line and the ends are attached by means of a sliding catch which allows a range of head sizes to be accommodated. At two points along the brim the width of the portion of material outermost of the line of the fold is greater than that innermost of the line of the fold. By this means the brim is given a more rakish appearance than would otherwise be the case and the effect is particularly pronounced if the brim is gently inwardly curled at the same point.

FIGURE E/67.2 shows a similar brim to that depicted in the preceding figure with the addition of four apertures which are approximately equidistant from each other when the ends of the brim are attached. Through these apertures the four corners of a handkerchief are inserted, the ends being knotted either before or after insertion. The item comprises a convenient form of head covering for use in sunny weather. In this embodiment, as in some of those which follow, the elongate slots forming part of the attachment mechanism are partly perforated allowing their length to be extended to facilitate adjustment to a smaller head size.

FIGURES E/67.3 and E/67.4 show similar items to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the covering material is, respectively, black plastic of a similar texture to that used for trash bin liners and bubble wrap packaging. The former is suitable for use in wet weather and the latter (being possessed of exceptional insulation properties) for use in cold weather.

FIGURE E/67.5 shows a sunflower design in which the brim is widened at the point where it aligns with the front of the wearer's head. The sunfiower portion is extended inwardly from the brim and rotated by means of two folds through 360 degrees so as to take up a position on the front of the brim and in front of the head in use. The extended portion is equipped with means of attachment to the brim in the form of opposed semi-circular tabs. In this embodiment, as in certain others which follow, apertures similar to those shown in the three preceding figures are present, allowing the optional addition of a separately provided item such as a handkerchief.

FIGURE E/67.6 shows a design somewhat similar to that depicted in the preceding figure, the principal feature being a feather and the means of attachment to the brim being a pair of parallel slots, one of which is made accessible from the outer edge of the brim by the addition of a split at right angles to the slot.

FIGURE E/67.7 shows a cowboy style brim.

FIGURE E/67.8 shows an embodiment provided with extended portions forming elements located behind the head in use and resembling platted pigtails.

FIGURE E/67.9 shows a design based upon a Hawaiian hula dancer's grass skirt. A large number of narrow elongate portions are extended both inwardly and outwardly of the brim, folds across their bases (and in the case of the inward extension part-way along their length) being provided which, when activated, position the grass outwardly of the brim in use.

FIGURE E/67.10 shows a petal style embodiment in which the petals consist of elements extended outwardly of the brim. Additionally, antenna-like stamens are extended inwardly of the brim and folded upwardly and outwardly of the brim in use.

FIGURE E/67.11 shows a pyramid style embodiment, the pyramid portion being similar in construction to that shown at Figures 45.1 and 53.1. In this embodiment the brim is comprised of an approximately semi-circular portion the ends of which are integrally connected to each other via a similarly curved second portion extended from the pyramid portion. The second portion is provided with oppositely directed tabs and pairs of elongate slots at either end. The means of adjustment thereby afforded is such that the axis of symmetry of the pyramid, following assembly and in use, corresponds to the front-to-back axis of the head, regardless of the position of the tabs within the slots after being set to the size of the head of the wearer.

FIGURE E/67.12 shows another cowboy style brim in which each pair of oppositely directed tabs is supplemented by a second pair of tabs likewise engaging with the edges of the elongate slots but operating in the reverse direction. This arrangement lends additional stability to the headband.

FIGURE E/67.13 shows an embodiment in which an element is extended inwardly from the brim. The element is folded in a radiused bend so as to dangle in front of the head. At the distal end of the element a display portion is provided which is folded through approximately 90 degrees at the point where it joins the remainder of the element so as to take up an erect position with respect thereto. A tab and slot device is provided for the purpose of attaching the element to the front of the brim FIGURE E/67.14 shows an embodiment in which the curved line about which the brim is folded is discontinuous. In the result the brim is turned up at the back and down at the front and takes on an alpine appearance.

FIGURE E/70.1 shows what purports to be a Special Air Service mask in which the mask portion depends from a straight split headband and is stepped forward in front of it by means of two 90 degree folds, further means of attachment being provided at the respective ends of the mask and headband to lock it into the operational position. The mask can be optionally folded upwards so as not to conceal the wearer's features, a locking mechanism being provided to secure it in the non-operational position. The embodiment is provided in the form of a number of separate components and comprises a non-unitary construction in accordance with the seventieth aspect of the present invention. Features conforming to the ninth, tenth, twenty-third and thirtv-third aspect of the present invention are also incorporated into the embodiment.

FIGURES E/71.1 and E/71.2 show two visor-type embodiments each comprising a solid band item of headwear in accordance with the seventyfirst aspect of the present invention. Both embodiments make use of a headband attachment device of the kind which is the subject of the invention in its thirty-second aspect. The attachment device incorporates a tightening mechanism similar to that depicted at Figure 32.7. the second portion further incorporates an ox-bow portion of the kind which is the subject of the invention in its twenty-seventh aspect. The ox-bow portion is connected to the visor by a narrow connecting strip provided with parallel folds at either end. The ox-bow portion is additionally provided with a pair of tabs which are placed on either side of the connecting strip. The tabs engage with slots in the visor portion, notches being provided at their distal ends to secure their position within the slots.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIM 5

   1. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the split describing a line which is curved or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the item of headwear having at least one of the following (1) a second split parallel to the first split being provided, the second split not extending to any edge of the material;; (2) ears being provided at the ends of the headband; (3) perforations being incorporated into the split or at least one of the splits, the perforations continuing into ears at the ends of the headband; (4) an upward extension to the headband; (5) a downward extension to the headband, the portion comprising the downward extension being folded upwards so as to pass in front of or through the split; (6) a downward extension to the headband, the portion comprising the downward extension being provided in the form of a visor the centre of symmetry of the visor being largely offset from the centre of symmetry of the remainder of the headwear.

   2. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portion comprising a downward extension is adapted to be folded upwards about a straight line in front of the split.

   3. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portion comprising a downward extension is adapted to be folded upwards about the line of a curve in front of the split.

   4. Headwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein the folding of the downward extension about a straight line upwards in front of the split is optional, a preset crease about the line of the fold being provided for that purpose.

   5. Headwear as claimed in claim 3, wherein the folding of the downward extension about the line of a curve upwards in front of the split is optional, a pre-set crease about the line of the fold being provided in that behalf.

   6. Headwear as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a portion of the material is foldable through the split.

   7. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband, the ears not being mounted upon any portion forming a headband element in use.

   8. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the split exceeds the straight line distance between the ends of the split in the ratio of not less than 1.05:1.

   9. Headwear as claimed in 1, wherein the ratio between the length of the split and the straight line distance between the ends of the split ranges from 1.1:1 to 1.2:1.

   10. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio between the length of the split and the straight line distance between the ends of the split ranges from 1.2:1 to 2:1.

   11. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of true circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the split describing a line which is at least partially curved, the line of the curve being concave, the length of the split exceeding the straight line cistance between the ends in the ratio of not less than 1.05:1.

   12. Headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ratio ranges from 1.1:1 to 1.2:1.

   13. Headwear as claimed in claim 11 wherein the ratio ranges from 1.2:1 to 2:1.

   14. Headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein perforations are incorporated into a split.

   15. Headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

   16. Headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein a portion of the material above or below the split is foldable through the split.

   17. Headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the foldable portion comprises an extension to the headband and our ears.

   18. An item of headwear of unitary coneruction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that i does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the line of the split being continued into the ears and at a point within the ears becoming cun-ed or, if already curved, curved to a different radius and/or radius, and/or straight.

   19. Headwear as claimed in claim ls, wherein the line of curve of the split within the ears is upward from the headband.

   20. Headwear as claimed in claim 18, wherein perforations are incorporated into the split 21. Headwear as claimed in claim 18, wherein the radius of the curve of the split changes gradually along at least part of its length within the ears.

   22. An item of headwear of unitary' construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the split being continued into the ears and within the ears describing the line of a spiral.

   23. Headwear as claimed in claim 22, wherein perforations are incorporated into the split.

   24. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the ears each incorporating a portion of material fashioned into a trough, the trough sloping downwards and extending at least to the outer edge of the ear and adapted to act as a rainwater gutter in use.

   25. Headwear as claimed in claim 24, wherein the portion fashioned into a trough extends beyond the outer edge of the remainder of the ear.

   26. Headwear as claimed in claim 24, wherein the trough is formed from the material above a cut extending from approximateiv the centre of the ear to the outer edge.

   27. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, the ears being equipped with means of attachment to the headband or to a portion of material adjacent thereto, the means of attachment adapted so as to enable the ears to be realigned into a different plane or configuration from that which they would have assumed but for attachment.

   28. Headwear as claimed in claim 27, wherein elongate strips are provided, the strips being integrally connected at one extremity to the headband, the strips being at their other extremities adapted for attachment to the ears.

   29. Headwear as claimed in claim 28, wherein each elongate strip is equipped with a hook element (or slot) and the ears are each provided with a slot (or hook element).

   30. Headwear as claimed in claim 28, wherein the elongate strips are each equipped with a ratchet or other adjustable mechanism enabling the plane to be assumed by the ears to be varied.

   31. Headwear as claimed in claim 27, wherein the means of attachment comprises a lug extended from the ear and so positioned as to be capable of either being secured between the headband and the artefact in use, or engaging with a slot provided in the headband.

   32. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, an ear or ears comprising an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

   33. Headwear as claimed in claim 32, wherein the enclosed cut-out is totally cut round and a further portion of material is provided in a shape and of a size capable of covering the resulting aperture, the further portion being provided with means of attachment.

   34. Headwear as claimed in claim 32, wherein the enclosed cut-out is partially cut round, a section of the periphery of the cut-out comprising the line of a fold, an element within the periphery of the cut-out being optionally foldable outwardly so as to provided an aperture, a pre-set crease being provided for that purpose.

   35. Headwear as claimed in claim 32, wherein all or part of the periphery of the enclosed cut -out is perforated.

   36. Headwear as claimed in claim 34, wherein the line of the fold is vertical and forms that section of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out as lies closest to the artefact in use, the portion folded lying against the back of the artefact in use and adapted to be optionally unfolded so as to largely restore the surface continuity of the enlarged portion.

   37. Headwear as claimed in any claim 32, wherein a further portion of material is passed through the enclosed cut-out from back to front or front to back.

   38. Headwear as claimed in claim 32, wherein the portion lying between the periphery of the enclosed cut-out and the outer edge of the element is provided with a plurality of folds, the folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre point of the cut-out or being otherwise incorporated into the said portion 39. Headwear as claimed in claim 38, wherein the sense in which be folds are activated alternates from one fold to the next.

   40. Headwear as claimed in claim 38, wherein one or more radiused folds alternate with one or more creased folds.

   41. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, an ear or ears being distorted from a flat plane by means of a single fold about the line of a curve, or by two or more folds incorporated into the material.

   42. Headwear as claimed in claim 41, wherein a plurality of folds are provided, the folds being parallel horizontal folds.

   43. Headwear as claimed in claim 41, wherein a locking mechanism is provided to lock the fold or folds or into place.

   44. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being foldable forwardly and either upwardly or downwardly in front of the headband, or foldable backwardly and either upwardly or downwardly behind the headband, the folded portion in neither case passing through the split in the headband.

   45. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the portion folded is secured in place in use by forces exerted as a result of the curvature of the artefact.

   46. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion comprises an extension to a headband and/or ears.

   47. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the split in the headband is convex curved.

   48. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the split in the headband is concave curved.

   49. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion is equipped with means of attachment to another portion of the headwear.

   50. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion is folded about the line of a crease.

   51. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion is folded about the line of a curve.

   52. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion depends from and/or forms a part of an extension to a headband and/or ears comprising a visor.

   53. Headwear as claimed in claim 52, wherein the folded portion is connected to the portion comprising a visor along only a relatively short section of the central part of that edge which is contiguous with the lower edge of the visor.

   54. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion is folded through a radiused bend.

   55. Headwear as claimed in claim 54, wherein the extent of the radiused bend is delimited by one or more lateral folds.

   56. Headwear as claimed in claim 54, wherein the portion folded through a radiused bend is tapered or otherwise proportioned so that the portion beyond the fold is maintained in a state of equilibrium, regard being had to the weight and other mechanical properties of the material folded, the length of the portion subjected to a radiused fold and the degree of distortion applied in the course of assembly, and the weight and centre of gravity of the portion beyond the second fold.

   57. Headwear as claimed in claim 44, wherein the folded portion depends outwardly of the artefact in use.

   58. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being foldable forwardly or backwardly, upwardly or downwardly, in front of or behind, above or below or through the split in the headband, the said portion being additionally folded one or more times, provided that where the first fold is a creased fold through the split, the second fold is either about the line of a crease or such as to adapt the foldable portion to lie outwardly of the artefact in use.

   59. Headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein the foldable portion comprises an extension to the headband and/or ears.

   60. Headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein a fold additional to a radiused fold is provided, the additional fold being a creased fold.

   61. Headwear as claimed in claim 60, wherein the direction of folding of the creased fold is opposite to that of the radiused fold, the effect of the combination of folds being to provide an upstanding element above the artefact in use.

   62. Headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein the first fold is a radiused fold, the portion folded is tapered or otherwise proportioned so that the portion beyond the second fold is maintained in a state of equilibrium, regard being had to the weight and other mechanical properties of the material folded, the length of the portion subjected to a radiused fold and the degree of distortion applied in the course of assembly, and the weight and centre of gravity of the portion beyond the second fold.

   63. Headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein a fold additional to a fold through 180 degrees is provided, the additional fold being through 90 degrees, the effect of the combination of folds being to provide an element in a vertical plane above the artefact in use.

   64. Headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein an extension to the headband and/or ears is folded along the line of a crease through 18Q degrees so as to lie in front of the headband element or between the headband element and the head, a second fold through 90 degrees being provided, the second fold being at right angles to the first fold and along a vertical axis, the effect of the combination of folds being to project the extension in a vertical plane outwardly of the artefact in use.

   65. Headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein the foldable portion interlocks with the headband and/or ears from which it is extended.

   66. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of the material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a headband and/or earmounted extension providing or contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the element or a part of the element being foldable forwardly or backwardly, upwardly or downwardly, in front of or behind, above or below or through the split in the headband.

   67. Headwear as claimed in claim 66 wherein a portion within the periphery of the enclosed cut-out remains in situ following the folding of the remainder of the element comprising the cut-out.

   68. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein a portion within the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is foldable in a manner different from that of the element comprising the cut-out.

   69. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is in the form of a triangle, rectangle, arch or similarly shaped open structure.

   70. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out comprises a headband-mounted extension, the base of the element being formed by the headband, two or more nonparallel folds being provided along each side of the element the effect of the folds being to counter or modify the effect on the element of the curvature of the headband.

   71. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is foldable in such manner as to project horizontally outwardly of the artefact in use.

   72. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out comprises a headband-mounted extension, the base of the element being formed by the headband, parallel folds being provided along each side of the element the effect of the folds being to counter or modify the effect on the element of the curvature of the headband.

   73. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is prosSied with a device for locking it into position after folding.

   74. Headwear as claimed in claim 6c wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is foldable in such manner as to assume a vertical side-to-side plane above the artefact in use.

   75. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein both sides of the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out are foldable through a radiused bend.

   76. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is provided with means of attachment to the headband.

   77. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is provided with means of attachment to the ears.

   78. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is provided with means of attachment to an extension mounted upon the same or the other headband element.

   79. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is provided with means of attachment to an enclosed cut-out mounted upon the same or the other headband element and/or the ears.

   80. Headwear as claimed in claim 76, wherein the means of attachment are incorporated into a portion foldable outwardly from within an enclosed cutout.

   81. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an endosed cut-out comprises a headband-mounted extension, the base of the element being formed by the headband, the element being folded along the line of a crease through 180 degrees so as to lie in front of the headband element or between the headband element and the head, the element taking up a dependent position in front of the face in use, a portion forming a part of the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out but not contiguous with the headband being folded through 90 degrees, the fold being at right angles to the first fold, the effect of the second fold being to project the portion folded in a vertical plane outwardly of the face in use.

   82. Headwear as claimed in claim 81, wherein a portion forming part of the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is further folded through 90 degrees, the fold being in the opposite sense to the first mentioned right angled fold, the effect of the further fold being to return the further folded portion in a vertical plane back towards the face in use.

   83. Headwear as claimed in claim 81, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is provided with a split or cut-out section along the line of the 90 degree fold so that it is able to interlock with the headband.

   84. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out does not ab initio comprise an enclosed portion, becoming so following attachment of separate parts.

   85. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out comprises an extension mounted upon an ear at one end of the headband, the extension being provided with complementary' means of attachment to a second ear located at the other end of the headband.

   86. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out comprises an extension mounted upon a headband element and/or ear at one end of the headband, the extension being provided with complementary means of attachment to a second point on the headband element and/or a second ear located at the other end of the headband.

   87. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is folded in such manner sts to project in a horizontal plane outwardly of the artefact in use.

   88. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out is provided with additional means of attachment to a headband element.

   89. Headwear as claimed in claim 66, wherein the portion lying between the periphery of the enclosed cut-out and the outer edge of the element is provided with a plurality of folds, folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre point of the cut-out or being otherwise laterally incorporated into the said portion.

   90. Headwear as claimed in claim 89, wherein the arrangement of lateral folds is such that the sense in which the folds are activated alternates from one fold to the next.

   91. Headwear as claimed in claim 89, wherein one or more radiused folds alternate with one or more creased folds.

   92. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a single split or a pair of parallel splits, the length of the split or splits being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split or splits being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it or they do not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being foldable forwardly or backwardiy, upwardly or downwardly, in front of or behind the headband so as to pass through a split in the headband, one or more further portions of the material being foldable in front of or behind the first portion of material so as to not pass through the said split or any split.

   93. Headwear as claimed in claim 92, wherein the foldable portion comprises a headband-mounted extension.

   94. Headwear as claimed in claim 92, wherein the foldable portion comprises an ear-mounted extension.

   95. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, perforations being incorporated into the split, the perforations continuing into ears provided at the ends of the headband, the piece being foldable at the ends of the split about the line of the split, the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds not passing through the split.

   96. Headwear as claimed in claim 95, wherein ears are provided on a headband element lying to one side of the split and folds only.

   97. Headwear as claimed in claim 95, wherein vertical fold lines are provided at the ends of the split, the fold lines being provided either above or below or both above and below the line of the split and at right angles thereto, the fold lines extending to the outer edges of the portions wherein they are located, activation of a fold line realigning a portion lying to one side or portions lying on both sides of the fold line so as to improve or modify in use respectively the projection of a portion lying beyond the end of the split outwardly of the artefact and/or the lie of the headband against the artefact.

   98. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at the ends of the split about the line of the split, the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds being brought together so that the surface of one portion overlaps the surface of the other portion in at least one place, complementary means of attachment being provided to secure the overlapping portion or portions together.

   99. Headwear as claimed in claim 98, wherein a portion on one side of the split and/or the folds passes around each side of the artefact before overlapping the surface of the other portion 100. Headwear as claimed in claim 98, wherein a portion on one side of the split and/or the folds crosses over the top of the artefact before overlapping the surface of the other portion.

   101. Headwear as claimed in claim 98, wherein a portion on one side of the split and/or the folds both passes around each side of the artefact and crosses over the top of the head. overlapping the surface of the other portion at three points.

   102. Headwear as claimed in claim 98, wherein the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds assume a partially or largely cylindrical or frustoconical shape above the artefact in use, one or two points of overlap being provided.

   103. Headwear as claimed in claim 98, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

   104. Headwear as claimed in claim 98, wherein vertical fold lines are provided at the ends of the split, the fold lines being provided either above or below or both above and below the line of the split and at right angles thereto, the fold lines extending to the outer edges of the portions wherein they are located, activation of a fold line realigning a portion lying to one side or portions lying on both sides of the fold line so as to improve or modify in use respectively the projection of a portion ining beyond the end of the split outwardly of the artefact and/or the lie of the headband against the artefact.

   105. An item of headwear of unitary corrzruction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that i: does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at the ends of the split about line of the split, the portions on either side of the split and/or the folds being provided with means of interlocking together and/or attachment.

   106. Headwear as claimed in claim 105, wherein a portion or part of a portion lying to one side of the split and/or the folds passes through the split.

   107. Headwear as claimed in claim 106, wnerein the headband element on the other side of the split to the portion passing through the split is provided at its ends with a pair of lateral splits or other shaped indentations, the lateral splits or indentations extending from the headband split inwardly, the lateral splits or indentations being adapted to engage with the portion passing through the split as it passes through the split, the said portion being thereby secured in position.

   108. Headwear as claimed in claim 106, wherein a portion passing through the split is provided with a pair of lateral splits or other shaped indentations, the lateral splits or other shaped indentations being adapted to engage with the headband element on the other side of the headband split or with complementary lateral splits or indentations in the said headband element, the said portion being thereby secured in position..

   109. Headwear as claimed in claim 106, wherein the portion of material lying on the other side of the split to the portion passing through the split and the portion itself are provided with tabs and slots adapted to engage with each other, the portion being thereby securec or further secured in position.

   110. Headwear as claimed in claim 105, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

   111. Headwear as claimed in claim 110, wherein ears are provided on a headband element lying to one side of the split and folds only.

   112. Headwear as claimed in claim 105, wherein vertical fold lines are provided at the ends of the split, the fold lines being provided either above or below or both above and below the line of the split and at right angles thereto, the fold lines extending to the outer edges of the portions wherein they are located, activation of a fold line realigning a portion lying to one side or portions lying on both sides of the fold line so as to improve or modify in use respectively the projection of a portion lying beyond the end of the split outwardly of the artefact and/or the lie of the headband against the artefact.

   113. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a pair of parallel splits, the length of the splits being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the splits being provided in the piece of material in such a way that they do not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at the end of the splits about the line of at least one of the splits.

   114. Headwear as claimed in claim 113, wherein the piece is folded about the line of each split.

   115. Headwear as claimed in claim 113, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

   116. Headwear as claimed in claim 113, wherein a portion lying to one side of a split and/or folds passes through a split.

   117. Headwear as claimed in claim 113, wherein portions lying to the side of both splits and/or folds pass through a split.

   118. Headwear as claimed in claim 113 , wherein vertical fold lines are provided at the ends of a split or splits, the fold lines being provided either above or below or both above and below the line of a split and at right angles thereto, the fold lines extending to the outer edges of the portions wherein they are located, activation of a fold line realigning a portion lying to one side or portions lying on both sides of the fold line so as to improve or modify in use respectively the projection of a portion lying beyond the end of the split outwardly of the artefact and/or the lie of the headband against the artefact.

   119. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being foldable at only one end of the split about the line of the split.

   120. Headwear as claimed in claim 119, wherein one or more vertical fold lines are provided at the end of the split, the fold lines being provided either above or below or both above and below the line of the split and at right angles thereto, the fold lines extending to the outer edge of the portion(s) wherein it or they are located, activation of a fold line realigning a portion lying to one side or portions lying on both sides of the fold line so as to improve or modify in use respectively the projection of a portion lying beyond the end of the split outwardly of the artefact and/or the lie of the headband against the artefact.

   121. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, portions of the material lying above and below the split being rotated about a horizontal axis so as to form headband elements which lie on opposite sides of the artefact in use, the sense of rotation being either clockwise or antidockwise for both elements, the reverse or obverse sides of the elements respectively coming into contact with the surface of the artefact.

   122. Headwear as claimed in claim 121, wherein perforations are incorporated into the split.

   123. Headwear as claimed in claim 121, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

   124. Headwear as claimed in claim 121, wherein the material on either side of the split is not contiguous, the inner edges of the headband elements being convex curved in relation to each other.

   125. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material comprising a headband element being provided with at least two lateral folds about lines extending from the split to the outer edge of the element, provided that where a headband element is provided with only two lateral folds which folds lie at the respective ends of the split the folds are matched by corresponding lateral folds in the other headband element.

   126. Headwear as claimed in claim 125 wherein the laterally foldable headband element comprises the base of a headband-mounted extension, a lateral fold being continued through the extension.

   127. Headwear as claimed in claim 125, wherein there are two or more lateral folds which are parallel to each other.

   128. Headwear as claimed in claim 127, wherein the lateral folds are arranged in groups, the folds comprising each group being parallel to each other.

   129. Headwear as claimed in claim 126, wherein the line of a lateral fold is coaxial with the line or lines of another or other lateral folds.

   130. Headwear as claimed in claim 125, wherein the arrangement of one or more lateral folds is symmetric about a vertical axis or plane through the headband.

   131. Headwear as claimed in claim 126, wherein the arrangement of lateral folds is such as to introduce corrugations or a castellated form into the headband element in which the folds are provided.

   132. Headwear as claimed in claim 125, wherein a portion extended outwardly from an end of the headband is folded through 180 degrees by means of two folds, the folds respectively extending from the end of the split to the opposite outer edges of the headband elements, the folds being at right angles to each other and arranged diagonally across the headband elements, the effect of activation of the folds being to position the folded portion flat against the headband and the artefact in use.

   133. Headwear as claimed in claim 132, wherein the folds are at a lesser or greater angle than 90 degrees to each other, the effect of activation of the folds being to position the folded portion so that it is adjacent to and partially standing away from the headband and the artefact in use.

   134. Headwear as claimed in claim 132, wherein the portion extended outwardly from an end of the headband is subject to one or more further folds through 180 degrees at a point or points beyond the end of the split and at or beyond the ends of the two folds, the line of the further fold or folds lying at right angles to the long axis of the headband and extending from edge to edge of the extended portion.

   135. Headwear as claimed in claim 134, wherein the portion subjected to the further fold or folds is provided with complementary means of attachment to the headband or to another portion of the headwear.

   136. Headwear as claimed in claim 132, wherein the portion extended outwardly from an end of the headband incorporates an enclosed cut-out 137. Headwear as claimed in claim 136, wherein the portion lying between the periphery of the enclosed cut-out and the outer edge of the element is provided with a plurality of folds, the folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre point of the cut-out or being otherwise laterally incorporated into the said portion 138. Headwear as claimed in claim 137, wherein the arrangement of folds is such that the sense in which the folds are activated alternates from one fold to the next.

   139. Headwear as claimed in claim 137, wherein one or more radiused folds alternate with one or more creased folds.

   140. Headwear as claimed in claim 136, wherein a portion forming a part of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out comprises a part of a means of attachment of the extended portion to another portion of the headwear.

   141. Headwear as claimed in claim 140, wherein the attachment means comprises a pair of tabs attached to the headband elements at a point where diagonal folds are incorporated, the tabs adapted to engage with the portion forming a part of the periphery of the enclosed cut-out, the portion incorporating the enclosed cut-out being folded at least once through 180 degrees.

   142. Headwear as claimed in claim 136, wherein the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is folded through 180 degrees or otherwise folded, a portion within the periphery of the cut-out remaining in situ.

   143. Headwear as claimed in claim 132, wherein portions extended outwardly from both ends of the headband are brought together above the artefact in use, means for their attachment being provided.

   144. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a single split or a pair of parallel splits, the length of the split or splits being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split or splits being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it or they do not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion or portions of the material lying either above or below a single split, or between a pair of splits, or above and/or below a pair of splits, forming a first headband element, the remaining portion or portions lying respectively below or above the single split, above and below the pair of splits or between the pair of splits as the case may be, forming a second headband element, the first headband element being folded laterally across the long axis through 180 degrees at a point or points at or adjacent to at least one extremity of the split or splits, the plane of the second headband element being rotated through 180 degrees in relation to the plane of the first headband element, a portion or portions of the material beyond the extremity of the split or splits being placed between the artefact and an outer portion in use.

   145. Headwear as claimed in claim 144, wherein a pair of 180 degree folds are incorporated into a symmetrical manner at either end of the portion or portions forming the first headband element at the point where the split terminates and at right angles to the line thereof.

   146. Headwear as claimed in claim 144, wherein a single 180 degree fold is incorporated at one end of the first headband element.

   147. Headwear as claimed in claim 146, wherein one or more folds are provided elsewhere in the headband elements for the purpose bringing their surfaces more closely into contact with the artefact in use.

   148. Headwear as claimed in claim 145, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband, the ears either laying flat against the side of the artefact in use or being folded or otherwise adapted so as to project outwardly or upwardly or to depend alongside of the artefact in use.

   149. Headwear as claimed in claim 148, wherein the ears are secured in a horizontal or horizontally inclined position by means of an elongate or other shaped element extending from the headband or another portion of the headwear, the element being provided with means of attachment 150. Headwear as claimed in claim 149, wherein the securing element is capable of flexing so as to allow the ears to assume a flapping motion in response to movements of the artefact in use.

   151. Headwear as claimed in claim 148, wherein the ears are folded outwardly by means of two creased folds extending in opposite directions from a point located at the extremity of a split to the proximate outer edges of the ears, the folds lines being at an obtuse angle to each other as viewed from the further extremity of the ears, the effect of the folds being to secure the ears in a horizontal plane in use.

   152. Headwear as claimed claim 144, wherein a portion or portions of the material beyond the extremities of the split or splits are further folded about the line of a split or splits.

   153. An item of headwear comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headband being provided with means of attachment to one or more other separate portions of material which other portions, following attachment and in use, are located above and/or below the headband in a manner similar to an extension to the headband 154.An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, one or more portions of the material being provided with means of attachment to one or more other portions of the material as well as being integrally connected to the same or other portions of the material by one or more elongate strips of the niaterial.

   155. Headwear as claimed in claim 154, wherein an integrally connecting strip is configured as a loop wound in a spiral, the coils of the spiral being either regularly or irregularly configured, the spiral being either circular, square or other shaped and/or an enlarged featured being provided at the centre of the spiral at the point where the locus of the looped strip reverses direction.

   156. Headwear as claimed in claim 155, wherein the spiral is largely encompassed by one of the portions to which it is connected.

   157. Headwear as claimed in claim 154, wherein an integrally connecting strip joins a portion or the portions to which it is connected at its or their centres of symmetry.

   158. Headwear as claimed in cliim 154, wherein an integrally connecting strip is irregularly shaped and/or has appendages.

   159. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being provided with means for its rotation either through 360 degrees or a lesser arc, the rotation means comprising two 180 degree folds adapted to be successively activated or one 180 degree fold and a second fold adapted to be successively activated, the cumulative effect in either case of activating the two folds being to keep the obverse side of the rotated portion to view in use.

   160. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein both folds are about the line of a crease.

   161. Headwear as claimed in claim 159. wherein one or both folds is a fold through a radiused bend.

   162. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the two folds are positioned at right angles in relation to each other.

   163. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the two folds are positioned parallel to each other.

   164. Headwear as claimed in claim 162, wherein the two folds are adjacent each other.

   165. Headwear as daimed in claim 159, wherein one of the folds being a fold about the line of a crease, the fold being provided longitudinally in an element connecting a fixed portion to a rotated portion of the piece, the fold being adapted to rotate the rotated portion through 180 degrees in relation to the other portion, each of the two portions being largely symmetrical within itself, the axes of symmetry for both portions being co-linear with the line of fold in the connecting element, so that following rotation the plan of the two portions with respect to each other does not materially change.

   166. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the outer edges of an element connecting two portions of material are parallel with and equidistant from the line of a longitudinal fold, the fold extending along only a part of the length of the connecting element, at either end of the fold a cut extending at right angles to the line of the fold to the respective outer edges of the element so that upon rotation each of the two parts comprising the element moves with the portion to which it is connected, the plan of the said element remaining within its existing boundaries and in part unchanged.

   167. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the portion rotated is rotated with reference to the portion of material forming a rear headband element in use.

   168. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the portion rotated is rotated with reference to the portion of material forming a front headband element in use.

   169. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein one or more locking mechanisms are provided to secure the rotated portion in its position in use.

   170. Headwear as claimed in claim 169, wherein at least one locking mechanism is located at or adjacent to one of the folds comprising a rotation means so as to act directly on the portions of material adjoining the fold.

   171. Headwear as claimed in claim 169, wherein is provided a locking mechanism comprising opposed elongate slots, the one slot provided in a fixed portion, the other provided in the portion to be rotated, the slots placed parallel to and equidistant from the axis of rotation, the slots being adapted to engage with each other so as to secure the rotated portion in position in relation to the fixed portion following rotation.

   172. Headwear as claimed in claim 169, wherein is provided a locking mechanism comprising first second and third elements, the three elements being preferable elongate and preferably of similar proportions, the second and third elements being attached to and located on either side of the first element, the portion to be rotated being preferably attached to the first element at its extremity, the remainder of the piece being attached to the second element at its opposite extremity, the elements adapted to be folded into a position in which all three elements are superimposed, the three elements being provided with lateral and longitudinal cuts and folds which enable portions of two of the elements to act as flaps capable of being interlocked with each other, a stable link being thereby provided between the rotated portion and the remainder of the piece.

   173. Headwear as claimed in claim 169, wherein is provided a locking mechanism in which a rotated portion is provided with separate means of attachment to a fixed portion at two points, one attachment device comprising an elongate tab, the tab adapted to engage with a slot in the fixed portion so as to permit and lock into position the rotated portion at the point where it is being folded through a radiused bend, the elongate tab being located at or adjacent to the bend, the second attachment device comprising a tab, the tab adapted to engage with a slot in the fixed portion so as to stabilise and further secure the position of the two portions relative to each other.

   174. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the rotation means comprises one fold of 180 degrees and one fold of approximately 90 degrees, the portion rotated taking up a position in a horizontal plane above the artefact in use.

   175. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the rotation means comprises either two folds of 180 degrees, or one fold of 180 degrees and one fold of 90 degrees, the portion rotated taking up a position in a vertical plane in use.

   176. Headwear as claimed in claim 159, wherein the fixed portion comprises a male element and the portion rotated comprises a female element so that following rotation the male element is within the female element.

   177. Headwear as claimed in claim 176, wherein the rotated portion acts in turn as a fixed portion to a further portion, which further portion is itself rotated with respect to the first rotated portion.

   178. Headwear as daimed in claim 177, wherein the first rotated portion comprises a female element so that following the secondary rotation the further portion, comprising a male element, is within the first rotated portion.

   179. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion or portions of material bordering the split incorporating a series of relatively shallow lateral cuts along the edge formed by the split, the portions between the lateral cuts being either rounded or convolute or irregular in shape and adapted to distort readily under pressure from the artefact in use in a manner which accommodates its curvature and/or size, and/or to provide a plurality of largely detached free standing elements along the line of the split, and/or to provide a plurality of male elements adapted to engage with female elements the female elements being provided either in the same or another portion of the material.

   180. Headwear as claimed in claim 179, wherein the headwear is provided either with a single split which is not a convex split or with a pair of splits.

   181. Headwear as claimed in claim 179, wherein perforations are incorporated into the split.

   182. Headwear as claimed in claim 179, wherein ears are provided at the ends of the headband.

   183. Headwear as claimed in claim 179, wherein one or more of the portions between the lateral cuts are folded one or more times, the line of the folds being at right angles or an another angle to the line of the cuts, the folds either being either through 90 degrees so as to make the portions assume an erect position vis-à-vis the surrounding material or through 180 degrees so as to lay the portions back against the surrounding material or through a combination of such angles or through another angle or angles.

   184. Headwear as claimed in claim 179, wherein the portion providing the female elements overlays the portion providing the male elements, the two portions comprising a visor in use.

   185. Headwear as claimed in claim 179, wherein one or more male elements define the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

   186. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of material lying to one side of the split comprising a headband element being subdivided into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached together, or to another portion or portions of the headwear, in use.

   187. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein the means of attachment allows the aggregate length of the headband element to be reduced and/or extended and/or fixed and/or varied following attachment of the separate parts.

   188. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein each of separate parts lying to one side of the split are extended outwardly so as to provide extensions mounted on the headband and/or ears, the extensions overlapping and/or interlocking with each other following attachment of the separate parts.

   189. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein each of two separate parts lying to one side of the split are extended outwardly along a relatively short part of their length, the extended portions being contiguous with, and acting as supports for, a third relatively elongate portion, the supports being respectively located at or adjacent to the ends of third portion, the third portion either crossing from side to side, or above, or in front of, or behind the artefact in use.

   190. Headwear as claimed in claim 189, wherein the support for the third portion is provided in the form of connecting members placed between the respective separate parts and the third portion so as to produce a gap between the separate parts and the third portion, the connecting members being integral with the separate parts and the third portion at both ends.

   191. Headwear as claimed in claim 189. wherein the third portion is a headband and/or ear-mounted extension.

   192. Headwear as claimed in claim 1 , wherein connecting members providing the supports for the third portior. are each provided with a pair of lateral folds so that following attachmenT of the separate parts the third portion assumes a position outwardly of the headband element in use.

   193. Headwear as claimed in claim 189, wherein the third portion is equipped with means of reducing its length overall so as to correspond with any reduction in the aggregate length of The headband element following attachment of the separate parts and/or ".th the distance between the ears when measured directly across the top of the artefact in use.

   194. Headwear as claimed in claim 189, wherein the third portion is provided with a split along the greater part of its vertical axis, the portions on either side of the split being connected by means of a short strip at right angles to the vertical axis, the plane of the strip becoming curved, thereby allowing the two portions to remain connected and at the same time to overlap each other following attachment of the separate parts, thereby to prevent distortion of the two portions from the flat plane.

   195. Headwear as claimed in claim 189, wherein the third portion is provided with means of attachment to the subdivided headband element or to the separate parts thereof, or to the headband element lying on the other side of the split.

   196. Headwear as claimed in claim 195, wherein the means of attachment comprises a portion defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out within the third portion, a partially cut round portion adapted to be folded outwardly in the direction of, and so positioned and proportioned as to overlap, the separate parts of the subdivided headbant element or the other headband element, the foldable portion being provided with a pair of vertical slots through which the subdivided parts can be threaded or, in the alternative, a pair oppositely directed tabs or other attachment mechanism able to engage the separate parts of the subdivided headband or the other headband element.

   197. Headwear as claimed in claim 195, wherein the means of attachment comprises an element integrally connected to and depending from the third portion, the dependent element being placed in the flat pre-assembly state between the inner extremities of the separate parts of the subdivided headband, the dependent element being provided with means of attachment adapted to secure it and each of the separate parts together in use.

   198. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein the headband is foldable about the line of the split at one or both ends.

   199. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein one of the separate parts adapted to be attached together is reversed, relative to the other, prior to attachment.

   200. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein the separate parts together form a base for an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out following attachment of the separate parts.

   201. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein a portion of material on the opposite side of the line of the split to the portion of material subdivided into separate parts is extended outward between the separate parts.

   202. Headwear as claimed in claim 201, wherein the portion of material extended outward is provided with means of attachment to another portion of the headwear.

   203. Headwear as claimed in claim 201, wherein the portion of material extended outward is provided with means of attachment to ears provided at the ends of the headband.

   204. Headwear as claimed in claim 201, wherein the portion of material extended outward is provided with means of attachment to an ear-mounted enclosed cut-out.

   205. Headwear as claimed in claim 201, wherein the portion of material extended outward is elongate and folded through 360 degrees so as to be attachable to the portion of material from which it is extended.

   206. Headwear as claimed in claim 201, wherein the portion of material extended outward is integral with ears at the ends of the headband.

   207. Headwear as claimed in claim 186, wherein a headband-mounted and/or ear-mounted extension is provided, the extension comprising a portion of material on the same side of the line of the split to the portion of material subdivided into separate parts, the extension contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the periphery being made continuous by the attachment of its respective parts.

   208. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it extends to an edge of the material so as to be open ended, the portions of material at the open end of the split being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached together to form a headband in use.

   209. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein the portions of material adapted to form a headband are brought together end-on prior to attachment.

   210. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein the means of attachment allows the aggregate length of the portions fonning a headband to be either reduced or extended or variably reduced and/or extended following attachment.

   211. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein the portion of material incorporating the split is foldable about the line of the split at the non-open end.

   212. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein one of the portions adapted to be attached together is reversed relative to the other, prior to attachment.

   213. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein a portion of material is folded backwardly or forwardly in front of or behind or through the split following attachment of the portions forming a headband.

   214. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein a portion of the material above or below a split, is foldable so as to pass through a split following attachment of the portions forming a headband.

   215. Headwear as claimed in claim 213, wherein the foldable portion comprises a headband-mounted extension.

   216. Headwear as claimed in claim 213, wherein the foldable portion defines or contributes to the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

   217. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein headband extensions are provided both above and below a split.

   218. Headwear as claimed in claim 208, wherein a portion extended outwardly from the non-open end of the headband is folded through 180 degrees by means of two folds, the folds respectively extending from the end of the split to the opposite outer edges of the headband elements, the folds being at right angles to each other and arranged diagonally across the headband elements, the effect of activation of the folds being to position the folded portion flat against the headband and the artefact in use.

   219. Headwear as claimed in claim 218, wherein the folds are at a lesser or greater angle than 90 degrees to each other, the effect of activation of the folds being to position the folded portion so that it is adjacent to and partially standing away from the headband and the artefact in use.

   220. Headwear as claimed in claim 218, wherein the portion extended outwardly from an end of the headband is subject to one or more further folds through 180 degrees at a point or points beyond the end of the split and at or beyond the ends of the two folds, the line of the further fold or folds lazing at right angles to the long axis of the headband.

   221. Headwear as claimed in claim 220, wherein the portion subjected to the further fold or folds is provided with complementary means of attachment to the headband or to another portion of the headwear.

   2X. Headwear as claimed in claim 218, wherein the portion extended outwardly from an end of the headband incorporates an enclosed cut-out.

   223. Headwear as claimed in 218, wherein the portion lying between the periphery of the enclosed cut-out and the outer edge of the element is provided with a plurality of folds, the folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre point of the cut-out or being otherwise laterally incorporated into the said portion.

   224. Headwear as claimed in claim 223, wherein the arrangement of lateral folds is such that the sense in which the folds are activated alternates from one fold to the next.

   223. Headwear as claimed in claim 223, wherein one or more radiused folds alternate with one or more creased folds.

   226. Headwear as claimed in claim 222, wherein a portion lying within the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is folded outwardly and comprises a part of an attachment means.

   227. Headwear as claimed in claim 218, wherein the portion extended outwardly from the end of the headband is carried above the artefact in use, means of attachment to the headband at the other side being provided.

   228. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an edge of the split following the line of an ox-bow, a portion ling to one side of the split and within the ox-bow being integrally connected to the remainder of the headwear on that side of the split while remaining partially or largely detached therefrom and in the absence of any complementary means for attachment thereto.

   229. Headwear as claimed in claim 228, wherein the a fold or folds are provided so that the portion within the ox-bow presents in use one or more planes or other surfaces at an angle to the plane or other surface of the portion to which it is attached.

   230. Headwear as claimed in claim 228, wherein complementary means of attachment are provided for further attaching the portion within the ox-bow to the portion of material adjoining the split to which it is integrally connected.

   231. Headwear as claimed in claim 228, wherein complementary means of attachment are provided for attaching the portion within the ox-bow to the portion of material adjoining the further side of the split or to another portion of the headwear.

   232. Headwear as claimed in claim 228, wherein the respective portions are integrally connected by a strip of material the width of the strip being relatively narrow in proportion to the width of the portions which it is connecting together.

   233. Headwear as claimed in claim 232, wherein the connecting strip is provided with folds at either end, the folds being parallel to each other.

   234. Headwear as claimed in claim 232, wherein the connecting strip is split down its vertical axis.

   235. Headwear as claimed in claim 232, wherein more than one connecting strip is provided.

   236. Headwear as claimed in claim 230, wherein the means of attachment comprise a pair of tabs provided in the portion within the ox-bow the tabs placed on either side of the connecting strip, the tabs being adapted to engage with respective slots provided in the portion of material adjoining the split to which the ox-bow is integrally connected lying beyond the connecting strip or strips.

   237. Headwear as claimed in claim 230, wherein the means of attachment comprise a single tab, the tab being placed between two connecting strips, the tab being adapted to engage with a slot provided in the portion of material adjoining the split to which the ox-bow is integrally connected lying beyond the connecting strip.

   238. Headwear as claimed in any one of claims 230 to 237, wherein notches are provided at the outer ends of the respective bases of the tabs, or the outer ends of a single centrally provided tab, or the distal end or ends of a tab or tabs, the tab or tabs being thereby secured in position in the slot or slots.

   239. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, ears being provided at the ends of the headband, at least part of at least one of at least one of the ears being separated from the proximal headband element by a further split, the further split being parallel to the split first mentioned.

   240. Headwear as claimed in claim 239, wherein perforations are incorporated into the further split.

   241. Headwear as claimed in claim 239, wherein a portion comprising a headband-mounted extension is extended outward from the headband element so as to pass between inner extremities of that part of the ear which is separated from the headband element by the further split.

   242. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cvlindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that unless it is an open ended split it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a first portion comprising a headband being formed thereby, a second portion of the material lying above or below the split and being attached to the first portion, the second portion being sufficiently elongate either wholly or partly to encompass the head, the second portion being secured in position around the artefact either by means of attachment at its extremities or by attachment to another portion of the headwear or by pressure from the first portion, the first and second portions being contiguous along only a short distance relative to their individual linear dimensions.

   243. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein a headband element forming part of the first portion is subdivided into two separate parts, the separate parts lying to one side of the split and being provided with means of attachment.

   244. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein the headband comprising the first portion is subdivided into two separate parts, the split extending to an edge of the material and being open-ended, the portions of material at the open end being provided with means of attachment.

   245. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein the point of attachment between the first and second portions is at or close to the centre of the first portion and/or the second portion.

   246. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected by means of an outward extension between the two separate parts of a subdivided headband element forming a part of the first portion.

   247. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein in use the second portion is positioned between the first portion, or a part thereof, and the artefact by means of one or more lateral folds at or parallel to the line of attachment between the two portions and/or to the elongate axes thereof.

   245. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein the first portion incorporates a convex or concave curved split.

   249. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein the second portion is cu-rved so as to resemble an arc of a circle or a horseshoe.

   230. Headwear as claimed in claim 242, wherein the second portion is adapted to be folded about the line of a curve, the line of the curve being equidistant from the inner and outer edges of the portion, the fold being accivated so as to provide a trough like construction in use.

   231. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dinensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material, which may be a portion lying to one side of the split and comprising a headband element, being formed into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment being symmetrical and comprising a split in each of the elements comprising the separate parts, the line of the spiits being co-linear with the direction of the tractive force exerted from either end of the two elements in use, the splits being adapted to form hooks in each of the elements able to cooperate with each other so as to attach the separate elements together, and the elements being adapted to articulate with each other following attachment and in the absence of any locking device.

   252. Headwear as claimed in claim 251, \ifierein the means of attachment comprises enlarged portions provided in each of the elements to be attached together, each of the enlarged portions being circular in shape and partially split along a radial line, the splits commencing at the outer edges of the enlarged portions furthest away from ech other, the splits preferably extending across approximately one haL- of the width of the enlarged portions.

   253. Headwear as claimed in claim 252, wherein the enlarged portions are equipped with a secondary interlocking mechanism in the form of symmetrical radial cuts, the engagemenT of the secondary interlocking mechanism providing a degree of deflection of the elements of which the enlarged portions form part relative to each other.

   254. Headwear as claimed in claim 252. wherein the split in one of the enlarged portions does not extend to any edge, the enlargement containing the split forming an "eye" instead of a hook' 255. Headwear as claimed in claim 251, wherein the complementary means of attachment comprises enlarged portions provided in each of the elements adapted to be attached together, each of the enlarged portions being elliptical in shape and partially split along a line extending from the circumference towards, to or beyond either focus of the ellipse or towards, to or beyond the line joining the two foci.

   256. Headwear as claimed in claim 252, wherein the outer edge of one of the enlarged portions is configured as a ratchet adapted to engage with the split in the other enlarged portion so as to provide a degree of deflection in the elements attached thereto.

   257. Headwear as claimed in claim 252, wherein one or both splits within an enlarged portion or portions incorporates perforations for the purpose of facilitating an increase in the length overall of the separate elements following attachment.

   258. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material, which may be a portion lying to one side of the split and comprising a headband element, being formed into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment being adapted to reduce and/or maintain and/or extend the combined length of the separate parts following attachment, the means of attachment comprising at least one tab and at least one slot and at least one element defining the periphery of an enclosed cutout, the element being partially cut round and foldable outwardly in such a way as to extend the length of the separate part wherein it is placed, the said element either comprising a tab and/or incorporating a tab or tabs or incorporating a slot or slots.

   259. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein either or both of the separate parts are provided with an element comprising an enclosed cut-out, the element adapted to be folded outwardly in the direction of the other separate part, the element being provided with means of attachment to the other separate part or to an element provided therein, the element overlapping the other separate part and/or the other element following attachment.

   260. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein the means of attachment comprises at least one tab and at least one slot.

   261. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein the means of attachment comprises two or more tabs and a single slot, or a single tab and two or more slots, or two or more tabs and two or more slots, thereby affording means of varying the combined length of the separate parts following attachment.

   262. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein one or more of the tabs is folded laterally at its base so as to reverse its operational direction.

   263. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein either or both of the separate parts or an element or elements comprising an enclosed cut-out provided therein is captured by the opposing part or element in addition to engagement of the tab and slot mechanism.

   264. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein is provided at least one enclosed cut-out which is wholly or partly perforated so that the enclosed cutout portion can be left in place or alternatively detached and folded outwardly at different points along its length, thus affording the facility for further adjustment in the length overall of the separate parts following attachment and/or for the use of the enclosed cut-out portion as a tab, the portion being folded laterally across its long axis for that purpose.

   265. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein an enclosed cut-out portion, being used as a tab, is provided with notches or ratchet-type serrations along one edge.

   266. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein the arrangement of the tab or tabs and/or the slot or slots and/or the element comprising an enclosed cut-out within one of the separate parts is symmetrical to the arrangement within the other separate part.

   267. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein an arrangement of tabs and slots and/or an element or elements comprising an enclosed cut-out is adapted variably to reduce maintain and or extend the overall length of the separate parts following attachment.

   268. Headwear as claimed in claim 258, wherein an arrangement of tabs and slots and/or an element or elements comprising an enclosed cut-out is provided along a curved axis, the bases of the tabs and the slots being arranged radially in a coaxial manner.

   269. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material, which may be a portion lying to one side of the split and comprising a headband element, being formed into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment being adapted to reduce and/or maintain and/or extend the combined length of the separate parts following attachment, the means of attachment comprising at least one tab and at least one slot, the slot being an elongate split not extending to any edge of the material, the split adapted to permit the tab to slide along its length and to engage with the material as it does so.

   270. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein one of the separate parts is provided with a slot formed by a single elongate split, the other separate part being provided with a single tab or a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the tab or tabs adapted to engage with the split (and thereby to engage with the material at the sides of the split) and to slide along it to the extent required to adjust the overall length of the two parts.

   271. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein the tab or tabs are maintained in position in use either by frictional resistance between the attached surfaces requiring to be overcome by the application of a force and/or notches cut into the split at intervals and/or ratchet-type serration's, any such notches or serration's being adapted to engage with the material adjoining the base of a tab.

   272. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein are provided tabs forming one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs comprising a pair operating along the same vertical axis.

   273. Headwear as claimed in claim 272, wherein the tabs forming a pair are identically configured.

   274. Headwear as claimed in claim 272, wherein the tabs forming a pair are comprised of a large tab and a small tab, the base of the small tab being inside the base of the large tab

   275. Headwear as claimed in claim 272, wherein the bases of tabs forming a pair are horizontally aligned in the flat, in use one of the tabs being folded about the line of its base so as become an opposed tab.

   276. Headwear as claimed in claim 275, wherein an additional split is provided in the other of the separate parts to capture the folded tab and secure it in positions 277. Headwear as claimed in claim 275, wherein the folded tab is adapted to be located inside of a headband in use, the folded part of the tab being secured in position by the adjacent artefact.

   278. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein a separate part is provided with a pair of slots formed by parallel elongate splits, the splits engaging with a pair of oppositely directed tabs in the other part.

   279. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein each of the separate parts is provided with a pair of parallel elongate splits, the splits respectively engaging with pairs of oppositely directed tabs in the other part.

   280. Headwear as claimed in claim 278, wherein a pair of tabs are positioned at the extremity of the separate part, the pair of splits being sufficiently distant from the tabs as to obviate the possibility of their ends being unintentionally torn up to the tabs in use.

   281. Headwear as claimed in claim 269 wherein a tab or tabs and/or a split or splits is or are provided within an element comprising an enclosed cut-out, the cut-out being partially cut round, the element being adapted to be folded outwardly in the direction of the other part, the other part being and provided with either a tab or tabs, or a split or splits, or a combination thereof.

   282. Headwear as claimed in claim 281, wherein a foldable element is captured by means of a vertical slot in the other of the separate parts.

   283. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein the arrangement of a tab or tabs and an elongate split or splits within a separate part is symmetrical to the arrangement within the other part.

   284. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein either or both separate parts are provided with tab-like elements capable of being gripped between finger and thumb to facilitate positioning of the tab or tabs within the split or splits.

   285. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein a scale calibrated according to artefact sizes is provided alongside an elongate split or between a pair of elongate splits, a suitable marking or window being provided on the other of the separate parts.

   286. Headwear as claimed in daim 269, wherein one of the separate parts incorporating a tab or tabs is elongate and set at right angles to an elongate split or parallel elongate splits in the other part, the tab or tabs adapted to engage with the split or splits and slide along it or them in a manner which varies the angle in plan between the two parts.

   287. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein one of the separate parts comprising a first part and incorporating a tab or tabs is elongate and set at right angles to elongate splits or parallel elongate splits provided in a second part and an additional (third) part, each of the further parts being separate from the first part and from each other, the tab or tabs adapted to engage with the split or splits in the other two parts so that the three parts are brought together in a "T" shaped configuration, the two further parts incorporating the splits forming the co-linear element thereof, the attachment means allowing the two further parts slidably to engage with the part incorporating the tab or tabs so as to vary their overall length.

   288. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein is provided a first part comprising a "T" shaped member incorporating a tab or a pair of tabs at either end of an elongate element, the elongate axis of the element being parallel to the horizontal axes of a second par: and an additional (third) part, each of the further parts being separate from the first part and from each other and incorporating either a single elongate split or a pair of elongate splits, the dimensions of the member and the attachment means allowing the further parts to engage slidably with the tabs in such as way a to vary and optionally extend their overall length.

   289. Headwear as claimed in claim 287, wherein the arrangement of a tab or tabs and a split or splits within the three parts in the flat pre-assembly state is symmetrical, the axis of symmetry being the vertical axis of the part incorporating a tab or tabs.

   290. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein an arrangement incorporating one or more pairs of tabs and one or more elongate splits is provided in the flat pre-assembly state about a curved line, the line of the split or splits being concentric with the bases of the tabs, the vertical axes of the tabs being coaxial with each other and with the radii of the split(s) and bases.

   291. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein each of the two separate parts is provided with an elongate fold, the fold being placed between and parallel with a pair of elongate splits, the fold extending between and parallel to the bases of opposed tabs to the end of the part.

   292. Headwear as claimed in claim 291, wherein at least one tab is adapted to be folded through 180 degrees at right angles to its vertical axis at the point of insertion through a split, thereby securing the position of the tab in the split in use.

   293. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein at least one elongate split adapted to act as a slot 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 to slide along the split or to position a tab as required.

   294. Headwear as claimed in claim 269, wherein two or more splits are colinear, the splits separated from each other by a small portion of material, the splits adapted to engage with the same tab or pair of tabs.

   295. Headwear as claimed in claim 294, wherein a second similarly configured line of splits is provided along a line parallel to the first line, the two lines of splits adapted to engage with the same pair of opposed tabs.

   296. Headwear as claimed in claim 294, wherein a small portion or portions of material separating splits along the a line in which the splits are co-linear may be optionally torn open so as to allow a tab to slide along the splits.

   297. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material comprising a downward extension from the headband and/or ears adapted to conceal (had the item been designed to be worn by a human being) all or part of the wearer's facial features, the said extended portion being either connected to the headband and/or ears by a relatively small section or sections along its upper edge, or comprising in part a visor, the extended portion being provided with a hole or holes to facilitate (had the item been designed to be worn by a human being) the wearer's forward vision.

   298. Headwear as claimed in claim 297, in which the extended portion is provided with additional means of attachment to another part of the headwear.

   299. Headwear as claimed in claim 297, wherein the extended portion can be optionally secured in a position in which it would cease to conceal (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) the wearer's features.

   300. Headwear as claimed in claim 297, wherein the split is convex curved.

   301. Headwear as claimed in claim 297, wherein the extended portion comprises a visor.

   302. Headwear as claimed in claim 297, wherein holes provided in the extended portion comprise endosed cut-outs incorporating portions foldable outwardly so as to provide a feature above the outer or, if a visor, upper surface.

   305. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material comprising a downward extension from the headband and/or ears being adapted so that (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) it would conceal all or part of the wearer's facial features, the portion being divided by splits into a plurality of elongate vertical strips of material.

   Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein the elongate splits are parallel to each other.

   303. Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein the lower ends of certain of the elongate strips are enlarged and those of other of the strips narrowed and/or cut short.

   305. Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein the elongate splits do not all extend to the lower edge, some or all of the elongate strips remaining attached to each other at the lower end.

   307. Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein certain of the elongate strips are folded upwardly and through the headband split or otherwise secured in place.

   308. Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein the extended portion can be optionally secured in a position in which (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) it would cease to conceal the wearer's features.

   Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein the split is convex curved.

   310. Headwear as claimed in claim 303, wherein the elongate strips depend from the lower edge of a headband and/or ear-mounted extension forming a visor.

   311. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of piece the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being provided with z multiplicity of holes so as to be largely perforate.

   312. Headwear as claimed in claim 311, wherein the portion which is largely perforate comprises 2 downward extension to the headband and/or ears, the extension adapted to be positioned in front of and so as to conceal (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) all or part of the features of the wearer.

   313. Headwear as claimed in claim 312, in which the extended portion is provided with additional means of attachment to another part of the headwear.

   314. Headwear as claimed in claim 311, wherein the portion of material which is perforate is integrally connected to another part of the headwear.

   315. Headwear as claimed in claim 311, wherein the portion of material which is perforate can be optionally secured in a position in which it would not (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) conceal the wearer's features.

   316. Headwear as claimed in claim 311, wherein the split is convex cured.

   317. Headwear as claimed in claim 311, wherein the portion of material which is perforate depends from the lower edge of a portion extended downward from a headband and/or ears and comprising a visor.

   318. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being provided with one or more elongate strip portions, each elongate strip portion having or being integrally connected to a display area, each display area being adapted to be separately attached to the headwear in use in such a way as to be visible (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) to others when the headwear is worn on a wearer's head.

   319. Headwear as claimed in claim 318, wherein at least two display areas are provided so as to afford a choice of such display areas in use.

   320. Headwear as claimed in claim 318, wherein an elongate strip incorporates a line of perforations at right angles to its long axis so as to be capable of being readily detached and discarded.

   321. Headwear as claimed in claim 318, wherein at least part of a display area is shaped as a tick, cross, or other symbol, so as to be capable when juxtaposed with wording or other symbols placed upon the headwear of expressing (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) the opinion of the wearer and in the present case the person placing the headwear upon the artefact.

   322. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material incorporating an enclosed cut-out, the periphery of the enclosed cut-out being suitably proportioned and partly cut-round and/or partly provided with perforations so as to permit the enclosed portion to be readily raised above the surface of the surrounding area by pressure from a thumb or other manual means, thereby to be brought more prominently to view in use.

   323. Headwear as claimed in claim 322, wherein the portion of the material surrounding the enclosed cut-out lies in a plane which is horizontal or inclined to the horizontal in use and the enclosed portion is rotatable through approximately 90 degrees so as to enter into a vertical plane.

   324. Headwear as claimed in claim 322, wherein the portion of the material surrounding the enclosed cut-out lies in a plane which is vertical or inclined to the vertical in use and the enclosed portion is rotatable through approximately 180 degrees so as to reveal tie reverse surface.

   325. Headwear as claimed in claim 322, wherein the rotatable portion is provided with additional means of attachment to the remainder of the headwear for the purpose of securing it in position following rotation.

   326. Headwear as claimed in claim 322, wherein there are provided two or more enclosed cut-out portions in the piece, which portions may or may not be similarly proportioned, the portions being capable of being activated one at a time or simultaneously.

   327. Headwear as claimed in claim 326, wherein the portions are positioned on the piece in such a manner that the image or writing on the surface and/or conveyed by the shape of one portion can be readily juxtaposed by an onlooker with the image or writing on the surface and/or conveyed by the shape of the other portion or portions.

   328. Headwear as claimed in claim 322, wherein at least one enclosed cutout portion is provided in such a way that the image or writing on a surface and/or its shape, is either concealed from view or inverted until brought to view by being raised above the surface of tie surrounding area.

   329. An item of headwear comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the Split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact aDle to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headwear also comprising a slide device adapted to slidably engage so as to capture separately one or more of the elements forming a headband in use, wherein the slide device can move from a first position to a second position 330.Headwear as claimed in claim 329, wherein, as the slide device moves, it obscures or reveals writing, symbols or other indicia on the headband or on a headband element or on another portion of the material as required.

   331. Headwear as claimed in claim 329, wherein the slide is connected to the remainder of the headwear by an elongate strip of material.

   332. Headwear as claimed in claim 329, wherein there is provided a slide device adapted to slide along and capture individually two portions of material comprising upper and lower headband elements so as to draw them together in dose proximity at a point adjacent to the side of the artefact in use.

   333. Headwear as claimed in claim 332, wherein the slide device is formed from two or more rectangular panels of material connected one to another by one or more relatively narrow foldable portions, each portion acting as a hinge, the hinge being at or adjacent to the centre of the panels so that in use one or more panels can be positioned in front of the portions of material forming the upper and lower headbands and one or more panels behind the said portions, the hinge or hinges passing between the said portions, the panels being largely superimposed with the headband elements between two of them, the panels being provided with means of attachment to secure them in position without unduly inhibiting the facility to slide along the headband elements.

   334. Headwear as daimed in claim 333, wherein the headband elements are arranged in a parallel manner at a distance from each other sufficient to accommodate the hinge or hinges and/or the means of attachment as required.

   335. Headwear as claimed in claim 333, wherein the means of attachment are comprised wholly or partly of tabs extended from the both the top and the bottom of a first panel which are passed through a slot or slots in a second and/or further panels.

   336. Headwear as claimed in claim 329, wherein a panel forming a part of a slide device which in use lies at the front of the headband elements incorporates an endosed cut-out which brings to view a graduated scale on one of the said elements, the enclosed cut-out optionally incorporating an arrow-shaped protrusion from the centre point of a lower and/or upper edge.

   337. Headwear as claimed in claim 329, wherein a relatively narrow connecting strip is provided between the slide device and the remainder of the headwear, an elongate portion adapted to modify the direction of the connecting strip being incorporated at the point of attachment to the slide device, the said portion being folded laterally through 180 degrees, the angles of the fold across the long axis of the portion being 90 degrees and 45 degrees respectively.

   338. Headwear as claimed in claim 329, wherein the item of headwear is either of unitary construction or of unitary construction save for the portion or portions capable of sliding.

   339. An item of headwear comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, two or more further portions of the material being provided, one adapted to be fixed in position relative to the remainder of the headwear the other or others adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the fixed portion by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

   340. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein a plurality of radial cuts are provided in either one of the male or the female elements, the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts if provided in the male element, being respectively of a lesser and greater diameter than the innermost (relative to the centre) edge of the hole in the female element the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts if provided in the female element being respectively of a greater and lesser diameter than the circumference of the male element, the portions of material between the cuts acting as tabs capable of being positioned on either side of the other element so as to act as an interlocking mechanism, the rotatable element being provided with one or more radial or radial arms.

   341. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein the male element is equipped with a hole so as to act as a female element to an additional male element, which additional male element is in turn optionally equipped with a hole thereby to form a female element for a further male element.

   342. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein one or more additional female elements are inserted between the fixed element and a rotatable element or between two rotatable elements the additional element or elements not being provided with an arm or arms but adapted to act as a washer.

   343. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein a plurality of female elements are interlocked with a single male element.

   344. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein an enlargement in the form of a plaque or shaped as a symbol is provided at the end of the arm or arms furthest from the centre of rotation.

   345. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein two arms in a fixed position to each other and forming part of the same rotatable element are set at an angle of approximately 140 degrees to each other.

   346. Headwear as claimed in claim 3ski, wherein the fixed portion of the device is mounted at the back of the head, or in front of, or directly above the artefact in use.

   347. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein the portion of the rotatable element furthest from the centre of rotation is captured by another portion of the headwear in such a way as to permit full or partial rotation.

   348. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein an enlargement at the end of an arm or arms furthest from the centre of rotation is view in whole or in part through an aperture provided in another portion of the headwear.

   349. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein an arm or an enlargement at the end of an arm furthest from the centre of rotation is provided with at least one elongate member, the elongate member providing a means of manually manipulating the arm into a desired position.

   350. Headwear as claimed in claim 349, wherein the means of attachment of the elongate member to the arm is comprised of a male and a female element similar to the mechanism which is the subject of claims 339 and 340, the elongate member being adapted to articulate with respect to the arm.

   351. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein further elements are attached to an arm or arms so as to be able to articulate and take on a pendular motion with respect thereto, delimited independent movement of the further elements being thereby obtained 352. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein the fixed portions and rotating portions are integrally connected by means of an elongate strip, looped spiral, expanding strip or other portion of material.

   353. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein one or more rotating portions is or are provided with a mechanism for locking into position relative to a fixed portion or other rotating portion.

   354. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein the female and male elements are used solely as a means of attachment between separate parts of the headwear, or as a means of attachment between such separate parts in combination with the provision of a mechanism for one or more rotating arms.

   355. Headwear as claimed in claim 339, wherein the plane of the female and/or male elements is curved.

   356. Headwear as claimed in daim 339, wherein the item of headwear is either of unitary construction or of unitary construction save for the portion or portions capable of rotation.

   357. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headwear being provided with an element which is connected to one or more supporting members so that it is free to rotate through 180 degrees, the result of such rotation being that one side or the other (the obverse or the reverse) of the rotatable element is presented to view in use.

   358. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein one or more folds about the line of a crease is provided at the point or points of connection enabling rotation to take place.

   359. Headwear as claimed in ciaim 357, wherein a pair of fixed parallel members extends vertically upwards from a headband and/or ears, support being provided to either side of the rotatable element, the element being free to rotate about its horizontal axis, the line of the folds at the points of connection being about the horizontal axis of both the fixed members and the rotatable element.

   360. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein the support for the rotatable element is provided by one or more curved members.

   361. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein the support for the rotatable element is provided by a curved member or members extending at least partially round the rotatable element.

   362. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein support is provided by a member which totally surrounds the rotatable element.

   363. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein a single point of connection is provided between a fixed member and the rotatable element.

   364. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein two points of connection are provided between a fixed member or members and the rotatable element, the points of connection being located at the top and the bottom of the rotatable element, the element being rotatable about its vertical axis.

   365. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein the rotatable element is equipped with means to lock it into any one of its positions.

   366. Headwear as claimed in claim 365, wherein the locking mechanism comprises means of attachment between the rotatable element and an upper or lower headband element.

   367. Headwear as claimed in claim 366, wherein attachment of the rotatable element to an upper or lower headband places the piece under stress, thereby imparting rigidity to the construction.

   368. Headwear as claimed in claim 365, wherein the locking mechanism acts at the point of rotation, tabs extended from the rotatable element engaging with the fixed members or slots provided therein, or tabs extended from the fixed members engaging with the rotatable element or slots provided therein.

   369. Headwear as claimed in claim 357, wherein the rotatable element is comprised by a partly cut round enclosed cut-out within the surrounding member, the periphery of the element corresponding to that of the cut-out, the locking means comprising the engagement of the rotatable element at one or more points along its outer edge with a point or points along the inner edge of the surrounding member, the rotatable element being provided with an asymmetric shape about the axis of rotation, the dimensions of the portion on one side of the axis of rotation marginally differing from those on the other side.

   370. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a headband extension above or below the headband providing or contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

   371. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein the split provided in the piece of material does not extend to any edge of the material, ab initio.

   372. Headwear as claimed in 370, wherein the headband extension defines an open triangle, rectangle or arch.

   373. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein the headband extension forms a continuous element above the headband in use, the continuous element being subdivided along the whole or part of its length into parallel elongate members, such members being connected to each other at intervals by relatively narrow and short bridges of material.

   374. Headwear as claimed in claim 373, wherein the bridges are provided with 180 degree opposed folds at each end, the effect of the folds being to relocate the outermost of the elongate members either behind or in front of the innermost member, the re-location being facilitated by lateral and downward folds in the headband element to which the lower extremities of the elongate members are attached, the axes of the headband folds corresponding to the axes of the lowermost of the bridge folds.

   375. Headwear as claimed in claim 373, wherein deflection of the outer elongate members is wholly or partially prevented by the subdivision of the outer elongate members along their length into separate sections or by the insertion of folds across the elongate axis or axes, the folds acting as tucks.

   376. Headwear as claimed in claim 375, wherein the separate sections of the outer elongate members are provided with means of attachment.

   377. Headwear as claimed in claim 373, wherein the lower and/or other portions of the elongate members are additionally provided with projecting elements the further ends of which are equipped with means of attachment to ears provided at the ends of the headband.

   378. Headwear as claimed in claim 373, wherein the elongate members are provided with relatively narrow portions extended inwardly and/or outwardly from the elongate members, such portions being either laterally folded at one or more points along their length or left unfolded.

   379. Headwear as claimed in claim 373, in which the folds in the bridges and/or folds in the headband to which the elongate members are attached are equipped with a locking device in the form of a tab and slot or other means of attachment acting across the long axis.

   380. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein the headband extension is folded through i80 degrees about the line of its base or about a line parallel thereto.

   381. Headwear as claimed in claim 380, wherein the headband extension is further folded through 90 degrees so as to assume a horizontal plane projecting outwardly from the artefact in use.

   382. Headwear as claimed in claim 380, wherein the headband extension is provided with a locking device to secure its position in front of the artefact in use.

   383. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein a second extension is provided, the second extension likewise defining or contributing to the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the bases of the second extension being outward of the base of the (inner) headband extension aforementioned and mounted on the same headband element and/or on ears provided at the ends of the headband.

   384. Headwear as claimed in claim 383, wherein the inner and outer extensions are connected integrally or attached to each other by one or more portions of material passing between the two extensions.

   385. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein one or more extensions defining or contributing to the periphery or peripheries of an enclosed cutout or cut-outs is or are adapted so as to be attached at a point above the artefact in use to an extension (including an extension in the form of an element defining or contributing to the periphery of an enclosed cut-out) from that part of headband and/or ears which lies on the other side of artefact and/or on the other side of the split in use, means of attachment being provided for that purpose.

   386. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein the portion lying between the periphery of an enclosed cut-out and the outer edge of the element is provided with a plurality folds, the folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre point of the cut-out or being otherwise incorporated into the said portion.

   387. Headwear as claimed in claim 386, wherein the arrangement of lateral folds is such that the sense in which the folds are activated alternates from one fold to tne next.

   388. Headwear as claimed in claim 386, wherein one or more radiused folds alternate with one or more creased folds.

   389. Headwear as claimed in claim 370, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out does not ab in it io comprise an enclosed portion, becoming so following attachment of separate parts.

   390. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension mounted on the headband and/or ears at the ends of the headband providing or contributing to an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the element being provided with means whereby its deflection from a flat plane in use is reduced or prevented.

   391. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein the split provided in the piece of material does not extend to any edge of the material, ab initio.

   392. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein a headband and/or earmounted extension comprising a downward extension is folded upwards and/or outwards so as to be placed above the artefact or in front of or behind the artefact in use.

   393. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein a headband and/or earmounted extension comprising a upward extension is folded downwards and/or outwards so as to be placed either above the head, or in front of the head, or behind the head, in use.

   394. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein deflection from the flat plane is reduced or prevented by the introduction into the element of one or more pairs of folds, the folds in each pair acting in opposite directions so as to effectively shorten the element.

   395. Headwear as claimed in claim 394, wherein one or more folds are equipped with locking devices.

   396. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein the element defining the periphery of the enclosed cut-out is not continuous, the element being subdivided into two portions, the portions being adapted to be attached to each other and provided with means of attachment, attachment of the two portions making the element continuous, attachment being effected in such a way as to reduce or prevent deflection from the flat plane.

   397. Headwear as claimed in claim 396, wherein the means of attachment incorporates a ratchet or other locking device affording a degree of adjustment.

   398. Headwear as claimed in claim 396 wherein one of the portions comprises a headband, means of attachment being provided at one end thereof.

   399. Headwear as claimed in claim 396 wherein one of the portions comprises a headband, means of attachment being provided at both ends thereof, the portions being made integral by means of a narrow connecting strip acting as a tether.

   400. Headwear as claimed in claim 398, wherein the portion not comprising a headband is provided with 90 degree folds at or adjacent to the points of physical connection and/or attachment to the headband so as to form a horizontal peak in front of the artefact in use.

   401. Headwear as claimed in claim 396, wherein the means of attachment incorporates a tab or tabs engaging with one or more elongate slots.

   402. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein deflection from the flat plane is reduced or prevented by a combination of folds and attachment means.

   403. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein deflection from the flat plane is reduced or prevented by the introduction into one or both headband elements of means of expansion, such means comprising either subdivision accompanied by an attachment mechanism adapted to extend the combined length of the resulting separate parts, or the introduction of a portion or portions able to increase in length in response to the application of a tensile force.

   404. Headwear as claimed in daim 390, wherein the portion lying between the periphery of the enclosed cut-out and the outer edge of the element is provided with a plurality of folds, the folds radiating outwardly from a notional centre point of the cut-out or being otherwise incorporated into the said portion.

   405. Headwear as claimed in claim 404 wherein the arrangement of lateral folds is such that the sense in which the folds are activated alternates from one fold to the next.

   406. Headwear as claimed in claim 404, wherein one or more radiused folds alternate with one or more creased folds.

   407. Headwear as claimed in claim 390, wherein the element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out does not ab in it io comprise an enclosed portion, becoming so following attachment of separate parts.

   408. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headwear being provided with one or more elongate protrusions or elements, each protrusion or element being either folded about a single line, a locking mechanism being provided to maintain the fold, or folded about two or more parallel lines, the effect being to impart rigidity.

   409. Headwear as claimed in claim 408, wherein a fold or folds are locked into place with a locking device in the form of a tab and slot or other means of attachment acting across the line of the said fold or folds.

   410. Headwear as claimed in claim 408, wherein a fold or folds are locked into place by a fork-shaped attachment at the extremity of a protrusion or element.

   411. Headwear as claimed in claim 408, wherein a protrusion or element is subjected to two lateral folds, each fold being through ise degrees, the effect of the successive folds being to double-up and re-double the material.

   412. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, one or more portions of the material being folded about the line of a curve or lines of curves and/or one or more portions of the material being folded about a line incorporating enclosed cutouts or perforations.

   413. Headwear as claimed in claim 412, wherein a fold or folds are locked into place with a locking device in the form of a tab and slot or other means of attachment acting across the line of the fold or folds.

   414. Headwear as claimed in claim 412, wherein a fold or folds are locked into place by a forkshaped attachment at the extremity of the portion 415. Headwear as claimed in claim 412, wherein a portion comprising a headband element is folded along its length or along a part or parts of its length about the line or lines of a curve or curves.

   416. Headwear as claimed in claim 412, wherein the line of the curve or curves incorporates perforated sections alternating with enclosed cut-outs.

   417. Headwear as claimed in claim 412, wherein a portion folded about the line of a curve which incorporates enclosed cut-outs is folded through 180 degrees, the portion outermost of the fold being provided with lateral folds extending from the enclosed cut-outs to an outer edge, the effect of the lateral folds being to provide the portion outermost of the fold with an arrangement of tucks, the tucks permitting the h o parts of the folded portion to lie together after folding.

   418. Headwear as claimed in claim 412, wherein a fold or folds along the line of a curve are incorporated into a headband element 419. Headwear as claimed in claim 418, wherein the headband element is locked into place by an tab and slot or other means of attachment to an ear or ears at the ends of the headband.

   420. Headwear as claimed in claim 418 wherein the portion forming the headband element lying on the opposite side of the artefact in use is provided with means for shortened its length.

   421. Headwear as claimed in claim 420, wherein the means of shortening consists of two or more pairs of 180 degree folds.

   422. Headwear as claimed in claim 420, wherein the means of shortening consists of the subdivision of the headband element into two separate parts, the parts provided with means of attachment to each other or to another portion of the headwear.

   423. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material requiring to be folded along the line of a first fold for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions of the headwear pre-assembly and to be unfolded in the course of assembly and in use,the portion being provided with a bracing element in the form of a dependent element or a partially cut round enclosed cut-out, the bracing element provided with a second fold and positioned so as to lie across the line of the first fold and act as a hinge, in use the portion of material folded so as to reduce the plan dimensions being unfolded and held rigidly in its unfolded position by means of the bracing element being foldable outwardly along the line of the second fold through 90 degrees and acting as a brace across the first fold.

   424. Headwear as claimed in claim 423, wherein the bracing element is of sufficient depth to allow it to be additionally folded backwardly about a line parallel to the line of fold acting as a hinge, the rigidity of the bracing element following engagement and in use being re-enforced thereby.

   425. Headwear as claimed in claim 423, wherein the bracing element is provided with notches or other means of attachment relative to the remainder of the portion to secure it in position.

   426. Headwear as claimed in claim 423, wherein the bracing element is enlarged and adapted to be secured in position either within an aperture the periphery of which corresponds to its own outline or within another aperture or slot provided in the remainder of the portion.

   427. Headwear as claimed in claim 426, wherein the sides of the enlarged bracing element are tapered so as to afford a tight fix within the aperture.

   428. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in sum a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, one or more folds incorporated into the piece adapted to be activated in the course of assembly of the headwear and comprising practical folds being further adapted for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions of the headwear pre-assembly, and/or additional folds comprising packaging folds being provided for the same purpose, the packaging folds being so positioned as to not to materially prejudice the functional and/or design properties of the headwear.

   429. Headwear as claimed in claim 428, wherein the position, dimensions and operating direction of a practical fold when activated for the purposes of reducing the plan dimensions of the piece pre-assembly are such as to make it symmetrical about the vertical axis of the piece to another practical or packaging fold similarly activated.

   430. Headwear as claimed in claim 428, wherein the position, dimensions and operating direction of a packaging fold when activated for the purposes of reducing the plan dimensions of the piece pre-assembly are such as to make it symmetrical in use about the vertical axis of the piece to another packaging or practical fold similarly activated.

   431. Headwear as claimed in claim 428, wherein the position, dimensions and operating direction of all the folds activated for the purposes of reducing the plan dimensions of the piece pre-assembly are symmetrical about the vertical axis of the piece.

   432. Headwear as claimed in claim 428, wherein the effect of activation of all or any practical folds and/or packaging folds for the purpose of reducing the plan dimensions of the piece pre-assembly are such as to present uppermost and/or outermost that part of the headwear, or the greater portion thereof, which forms the obverse face of the headwear in use.

   433. Headwear as claimed in claim 428, wherein the headwear is adapted to be assembled and subsequently partially disassembled by means of folding into a smaller size or otherwise, the act of disassembly being for convenience of carrying the headwear about the person.

   434. Headwear as claimed in claim 428, wherein the point of separation between the parts of a subdivided headband permit portions of the headwear to be overlapped thereby to reduce or participate in the reduction of the plan dimensions of the piece pre-assembly.

   435. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material forming or being joined to a non-rigid member, the first portion being held in position by one or more elongate elements of material connected to a second portion of the headwear, the second portion comprising a rigid member in use, the effect of connection being to stabilise the position of the first portion in use.

   436. Headwear as claimed in claim 435, wherein an elongate element connecting the first portion to the second portion is integral with both portions.

   437. Headwear as claimed in claim 435, wherein an elongate element connecting the first portion to the second portion is integrally connected at one end to one of the portions and provided with means of attachment at the other end to the other portion.

   438. Headwear as claimed in claim 435, wherein an elongate element joining the first portion to the second portion is capable of deflection.

   439. Headwear as claimed in claim 435, wherein the first portion is joined to the second portion by means of a braced element.

   440. Headwear as claimed in daim 435, wherein the first portion is joined to the second portion by means of a cantilevered element.

   441. Headwear as claimed in daim 435, wherein the first portion is held in position at the side of or in front of or behind or above the artefact in use.

   442. Headwear as claimed in claim 435, wherein the first portion is a partially enclosed solid open at the base which is placed above the artefact in use.

   443. Headwear as claimed in claim 442, wherein the partially enclosed solid is held in position above the artefact by means of three elongate elements extending outwardly from a point or points along its base to a headband element, the centremost of the elongate elements being integral at one end with the partially enclosed solid and at the other end with the headband element at its midway point, the outermost of the elongate elements each being integral at one end with the partially enclosed solid and provided with means of attachment enabling them to be secured to headband element at either side of the midway point, attachment of the two outer elongate elements being in such manner as to place them under stress, which stress when taken with that imparted by the curvature of the artefact supports the partially enclosed solid above the artefact in use.

   444. Headwear as claimed in claim 443, wherein the three elongate elements extend outwardly from a single point along the base of the partially enclosed solid.

   445. Headwear as claimed in claim 443, wherein the partially enclosed solid to be supported above the artefact in use is shaped as a cone, a pair of splits, radial to the vertex of the cone, being cut into the lower edge of the cone at points either side of the elongate elements, the cuts being adapted to allow the cone to assume a more upright position above the artefact in use.

   446. Headwear as claimed in claim 443, wherein the partially enclosed solid to be supported above the artefact in use is shaped as a geometrical solid other than a cone, a pair of splits being cut into the lower edge of the solid at points either side of the elongate elements, the cuts being adapted to allow the solid to assume a more upright position above the artefact in use.

   447. Headwear as claimed in claim 442, wherein the partially enclosed solid is held in position above the artefact by means of three elongate elements extending outwardly from a point or points along its base to a headband element, the centremost of the elongate elements being integral at one end with the partially enclosed solid and at the other end with the headband element at its midway point, the outermost of the elongate elements each being integral at one end with the headband element on either side of its midway point and provided with means of attachment enabling them to be secured to partially enclosed solid, attachment of the two outer elongate elements being in such manner as to place them under stress, which stress when taken with that imparted by the curvature of the artefact supports the partially enclosed solid above the artefact in use.

   448. Headwear as claimed in claim 435, wherein the first portion is comprised of a pair of elongate elements requiring to be positioned side by side vertically above the artefact in use, the lower part of the elements being joined together in a "U" shaped configuration, the element being held in position by means of a subdivision comprising a vertical split along a part of their length, the subdivision permitting each element to be supported from both headband elements at the same time, the supporting portions being semi-circular with one portion being inside the other, the outermost of the supporting portions being integrally connected to one of the headband elements, the innermost supporting portion being provided with means of attachment to the other headband element.

   449. Headwear as claimed in claim 448, wherein the means of attachment comprises an elongate tab extended from the upper edge in use of the innermost of the supporting portions, the tab adapted to engage with a slot in the headband element opposite the headband element to which the outermost supporting portion is connected, engagement of the tab being possible in any one of several positions, the arrangement placing the supporting portions under stress, the amount of stress being able to be regulated by varying the point of engagement of the tab.

   450. Headwear as claimed in claim 449, wherein an alternative or additional means of varying the amount of stress imported into the construction is provided in the form of perforations incorporated into the splits in the supporting portions, the effect of tearing the perforations being to extend the operational dimensions of the supporting portions and reduce the stress.

   451. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headband being provided with two headband elements, the headband comprising a first portion of the piece, a member being extended upward from the first portion so as to be integrally connected with a second portion of the material passing above the artefact in a vertical plane from side to side, the second portion being further supported by means of additional members passing between the two portions, the additional members being either integrally connected to both portions or integrally connected at one end to one portion and provided with means for attachment to the other portion, the upward extending and dependent members comprising relatively elongate strips, the width of the strips individually and in aggregate being narrow in comparison with the length of the first portion.

   452. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein the split provided in the piece of material does not extend to any edge of the material, ab initio.

   453. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein the upward extending and dependant members are three in number so as to provide a tripod style support for the second portion.

   454. Headwear as claimed in claim 453, wherein the centremost of the three elongate members is connected to the second portion at one end, the other end being equipped with means of attachment to one of the headband elements comprising the first portion, the two outer elements being integrally connected to both portions at both ends.

   455. Headwear as claimed in claim 453, wherein the centremost of the three elongate members incorporates an enclosed cut-out.

   456. Headwear as claimed in claim 453, wherein two outermost of the three elongate members are integrally connected to and depend from the second portion the other ends being equipped with means of attachment to the first portion.

   457. Headwear as claimed in claim 453, wherein the upper headband element in use of the first portion is subdivided into two separate parts, the two parts being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached together, all three elongate members being integral with the first and second portions at both ends.

   458. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein one or more of the elongate members is provided with means of extending or reducing its overall length 459. Headwear as claimed in claim 453, wherein the centremost member incorporates an enclosed cut-out, the enclosed cut-out being partially cut round, a portion being foldable outwardly and provided with means of attachrnent to the first portion, 460. Headwear as claimed in claim 459, wherein the portion foldable outwardly from the enclosed cut-out is provided with means of attachment to the first portion in the form of an elongate tab adapted to engage with a slot in the first portion in any one of several positions.

   461. Headwear as claimed in claim 459, wherein the portion foldable outwardly from the enclosed cut-out is subdivided into two separate parts, each part being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached to the first portion at separate points along its length.

   462. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein the second portion is provided with means of attachment to ears provided at the ends of the first portion.

   463. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein one or more of the elongate members is provided with an arrangement of folds for the purpose of reducing its length.

   464. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein a dependent extension from the lower headband element of the first portion is foldable upwardly and adapted to be attached to one or more of the elongate members.

   465. Headwear as claimed in claim 451, wherein elongate members, including members incorporating enclosed cut-outs, are attached along a part of their length to other such members, perforations being provided at the point of attachment, the effect of tearing the perforations being to extend the operational dimensions of the members, thereby to provide a means of adjustment to the height of the second portion in use.

   466. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the headband element uppermost in use being extended upwardly from its centre point, the extension comprising a relatively elongate portion, the width of the portion being narrow in comparison with the length of the headband, the portion subdividing into two separate elements, the separate elements being either integral with ears provided at the ends of the headband or provided with means for attachment thereto.

   467. Headwear as claimed in claim 466, wherein the arrangement is symmetrical.

   468. Headwear as claimed in claim 466, wherein a portion of material is provided between the two separate elements at the point of subdivision.

   469. Headwear as claimed in claim 466, wherein the separate element on either side of the subdivision incorporate splits and/or enclosed cut-outs.

   470. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension to the headband passing or partially passing over the artefact from front to back or from back to front, the extension being connected to the headband along a relatively short section of the headband at or close to the centre of the headband, the extension being either adapted to be braced to the headband element on which it is mounted or being provided with means of attachment so that it can be secured to the headband element lying on the other side of the head, a further elongate portion or portions being extended from either or both sides of the extension or otherwise forming part of the extension being folded upwardly so as to assume an erect or other position above the artefact in use.

   471. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein the extension to the headband depends from a headband element and is adapted to be folded through 180 degrees so as to be able to pass over the artefact 472. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein the extension to the headband passes over the artefact from front to back or back to front and is provided with means of attachment to the headband element opposite in use.

   473. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein the extension to the headband passes partially over the artefact from front to back or back to front extending as far as the centre of the head, bracing means to the headband element upon which it is mounted being provided so as to maintain the extension in position above the artefact in use.

   474. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein the extension is secured in position above the artefact by an arrangement in which elongate elements integrally connected to and on either side of that part of the extension lying above the centre of the artefact in use are adapted to be attached to the headband element to which the extension is integrally attached, the elongate elements being placed under stress.

   475. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein the extension is secured in position above the artefact by an arrangement in which elongate elements integrally connected to the headband element upon which the extension is mounted are adapted to be attached to either side of that part of the extension lying above the centre of the artefact in use, the elongate elements being placed under stress.

   476. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein elongate portions extended from either side of the extension to the headband and adapted to be folded upwardly are provided with means of attachment to each other and adapted to form a hoop or other open construction or feature above the artefact in use.

   477. Headwear as claimed in claim 476, wherein a further portion of material is provided, the further portion being adapted to be placed inside the open construction so as to form an inner portion, means of attachment being provided.

   478. Headwear as claimed ir. claim 477, wherein the means of attachment comprise a plurality of tabs around the edge of the inner portion, the tabs engaging with slots in the open construction.

   479. Headwear as claimed in claim 477, in which is provided a further element which passes through a slit or enclosed cut-out in the centre of the inner portion, so as to assume 2 horizontal, vertical or other position, passing from back to front or vice versa, above the artefact in use.

   480. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein the further elongate portion or portions extended from one side of the extension to the headband are interlocked with further eiongate portions or portions extended from the opposite side of the same extension or from a second extension parallel to the first extension.

   481. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, in which the extension to the headband is subdivided along a part of its length, the portions on either side of the subdivision being held apart by inwardly projecting elements provided with means of attachment.

   482. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein further elongate portions are provided with a fold about the long axes.

   483. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, in which an elongate member is provided between subdivided parts of the extension to the headband, the member being integral with the extension at one end, at which point the member is folded outwardly through 180 degrees so as to cross over the centre of the headband element lying on the opposite side of the artefact to the headband element on which the extension is mounted, the member being provided with means of attachment to the headband element at the point where it crosses over it, the member optionally taking up a largely dependent position from the said headband element and lying at the back of the artefact in use.

   484. Headwear as claimed in claim 470, wherein further elongate portions are subjected to a plurality of lateral folds through creased folds or radiused bends so as to be respectively curled or crinkled.

   485. Headwear as daimed in claim 470, wherein elongate portions extended from either side of the extension to the headband and adapted to be folded upwardly are provided with means of attachment to a portion, the further portion being attached to and co-linear with the extension from the headband element and adapted to be folded upwardly through 90 degrees so as to take up an erect position above the artefact in use.

   486. Headwear as claimed in claim 485, wherein elongate portions extended from either side of the extension and adapted to be folded upwardly are each folded through a radiused bend of 180 degrees so as to overlap each other, each elongate portion being provided with a split along its long axis, access to the said splits being provided in each case by a short radial split extending from the split to an outer edge so as to comprise a "T" shaped construction, the erect portion being passed through the splits and supported in position above the artefact by the two elongate portions.

   487. Headwear as claimed in claim 486, wherein the splits in the elongate portions are hook-shaped and not "T" shaped.

   488. Headwear as claimed in claim 486, herein notches are provided in the erect portion at the point of engagement with the splits in the elongate portions for the purpose of securing the elongate portions in position around the lower part of the erect portion.

   489. Headwear as claimed in claim 486, wherein the elongate portions are each provided with relatively narrow elements extending at right angles to their long axes from a point at or adjacent to the point of their engagement with the erect portion, the elements passing from the centre of the artefact at the point where the erect portion is situated to the headband element lying on the side of the artefact opposite to that upon which the extension is mounted, of means of attachment being provided.

   490. Headwear as claimed in claim 489, wherein the elongate portions at the points from which the elements are extended cross-over.

   491. Headwear as claimed in claim 485' wherein the extension is secured to the opposite headband by means of an enclosed cut-out provided in the portion placed between the headband element on which the extension is mounted and the erect portion, a partially cut round portion within the periphery of the cut-out being folded through 180 degrees, being passed through a split placed laterally at a point adjacent to the base of the erect portion and passing across the artefact to the opposite headband element, means of attachment being provided.

   492. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension to the headband passing over the artefact from front to back or from back to front, the extension being connected to the headband along a relatively short section of the headband at or dose to the centre of the headband, the extension being provided with means of attachment so that it can be secured to the headband element lying on the other side of the head, the extension being foldable through an angle of 90 degrees about a vertical line extending upwardly from a point at or close to the point of connection, the larger part of the extension passing in a vertical plane across the top of the artefact in use.

   493. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein the extension depends from the headband and is folded upwardly prior to being folded through 90 degrees and passing over the artefact.

   494. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein the point of connection is offset from the centre of the headband to the extent necessary for the extension to pass centrally over the artefact after folding.

   495. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein the point of connection is inward of the extremity of the extension to the extent necessary for a part of the extension to project outwardly from the artefact above the headband and at its central point in use.

   496. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein the extension is further folded vertically one or more times through angles of less than 180 degrees as it passes over the artefact in use.

   497. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein the upper edge of the extension describes an undulating line in the manner of the comb of a chicken.

   498. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein the headband element on which the extension is mounted lies at the front of the artefact in use.

   499. Headwear as claimed in claim 492, wherein ears comprised of dependent enlargements are provided at the ends of the headband.

   500. Headwear as claimed in claim 499, wherein the ears are adapted to be optionally folded backwardly against the rear portion of the headband, means of attachment being provided.

   501. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, an extension to the headband passing over the artefact from front to back or from back to front, the extension being connected to the headband along a relatively short section of the headband at or close to the centre of the headband, the extension being provided with means of attachment so that it can be secured to the headband element lying on the other side of the artefact in use, the extension lying within the notional surface of a horizontally aligned circular sectioned cylinder as it crosses over the top of the artefact.

   502. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the extension comprises one or more elongate elements, each element being provided with means of attachment to the headband element lying on the other side of the artefact in use.

   503. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the extension comprises a single element at the point where it is integral with a headband element forming part of the headband, subdividing into two or more elongate elements at the further end, each resulting element being provided with means of attachment to the headband element lying on the other side of the artefact in use.

   504. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the extension comprises a pair of elements in the form of a cross, the elements being mounted on the headband element at two separate point, being integral at the point of crossing above the centre of the artefact in use, thereupon subdividing, each element being provided with means of attachment to the headband element lying on the other side of the artefact in use.

   505. Headwear as claimed in claim 504, wherein a portion of material is provided between separate elements at the point of subdivision.

   506. Headwear as claimed in claim 505, wherein the portion is folded upwardly through 90 degrees so as to assume an erect position above the artefact in use.

   507. Headwear as claimed in claim 506, wherein the erect portion is secured in position by means of two further portions extended from either side of the elements mounted on the headband, the portions each folded through a radiused bend of 180 degrees so as to engage with the erect portion.

   508. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the extension comprises a narrow elongate strip of material at the point where it is integral with the headband element and broadens into a circular or other shape sufficiently proportioned to partially or largely cover the artefact in use.

   509. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the portion of the extension furthest from the point where it is integral with the headband element is adapted to be rotated through 180 degrees, the portion being secured in its rotated position by attachment to the opposite headband element in use or to a peak or visor extended therefrom.

   510. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the extension is mounted upon the headband element lying above the split which headband element is placed at the back of the artefact in use, the extension crossing the artefact from back to front, the extension being adapted to be attached to the headband element lying below the split, which element is placed at the front of the artefact in use, or to a downward extension therefrom.

   511. Headwear as claimed in claim 501, wherein the extension depends from the headband element lying below the split which headband element is placed at the back of the artefact in use, the extension being folded upwardly through 180 degrees and crossing the artefact from back to front, the extension being adapted to be attached to the headband element lying below the split, which element is placed at the front of the artefact in use, or to an extension mounted thereon.

   512. Headwear as claimed in claim in claim 501 wherein the extension is provided with further means of attachment to ears at the ends of the headband or to another portion of the headwear in addition to the headband element.

   513. Headwear as claimed in claim 512, wherein at least one ear passes through the extension and takes up a position above it in use.

   514. Headwear as claimed in claim 508, wherein a circular portion partially covering the artefact is provided, means of attachment to the opposite headband element being comprised by a pair of matching elongate elements which combine into a "U" shape, in plan and prior to assembly the elements being placed along the sides the circular portion and attached to it at their centre point, the elements returning in the direction of the headband element from which the circular portion is extended, the elongate elements adapted to be rotated through an angle of 180 degrees and provided with means of attachment to the opposite headband element, the extremities of the elongate elements optionally depending from the opposite headband element in addition to being attached thereto.

   515. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a first portion comprising a headband being formed thereby, the headwear being further provided with a second portion of material, the second portion adapted to be folded in to the shape of at least part of the surface of a geometrical solid, any requisite creases and means of attachment being provided, the second portion being either mounted upon the first portion or integrally connected to the first portion and/or another portion of the headwear by means of an elongate or other shaped element.

   516. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is positioned above the artefact in use.

   517. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is sufficiently proportioned to largely cover the artefact in use.

   518. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is shaped and dimensioned so as to largely protect the artefact from the elements in use.

   519. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is positioned in front of or behind the artefact in use, the base of the second portion projecting from the headband and assuming a horizontal position.

   520. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is positioned above the artefact in use, the plane of the base of the second portion assuming a vertical position.

   521. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the geometrical solid is a cone, pyramid, frusto cone, frusto pyramid, cylinder, box or other polyhedron, or a combination of two or more thereof.

   522. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is provided with preformed creases.

   523. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the surface of the assembled second portion is corrugated, by virtue of radial or, in the case of a cylinder, box or other polyhedron, parallel folds, the direction of folding alternating from fold to fold.

   524. Headwear as claimed in claim 315, wherein the surface of the assembled second portion is faceted, by R tue of radial or, in the case of a cylinder, box or other polyhedron, paraLel folds, the direction of folding being the same in each case.

   525. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is additionally provided with means for attachment to the first portion.

   526. Headwear as claimed in claim 51-, wherein there is provided an elongate element or elements extending from the base of the second portion to another portion of the headwear, the elongate element or elements being integral with the second portion and equi, ped with means of attachment to the other portion at the other end.

   527. Headwear as claimed in claim 513, wherein there is provided an elongate element or elements extending from the base of the second portion to the first portion, the elongate element or elements being integral with the second portion and equipped with means of attachment to the first portion at the other end.

   528. Headwear as claimed in claim 51 , wherein the second portion is provided with two or more portions of material each portion being formed by an extension dependent from the base of the second portion providing the second portion with legs which in use depend from the base and/or come into contact with the artefact.

   529. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is shaped to form at least part of the surface of a pyramid or a frusto pyramid, four dependent extensions being provided, the extensions being connected to the base of the second portion at two separate points in each case, such points being close to and on either side of a corner, each extension being equipped with pairs of horizontal folds and a single vertical fold, following activation of the folds the extension forming a leg to the pyramid the planes of the surfaces of the leg being in part angled so as to correspond to the geometry of the pyramid.

   530. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein a pyramidal or other shaped second portion is provided with an elongate portion of material extending from the base of the second portion to the headband element placed in use on the other side of the artefact to the headband element to which the second portion is integrally connected in use, the elongate portion being provided with means of attachment to the headband element first mentioned.

   531. Headwear as claimed in claim 530, wherein the elongate portion connecting the base of the second portion to the headband element is provided with a partially cut round enclosed cut-out, the elongate portion thereby comprising an inner and an outer portion, the inner and outer portions being connected only at the end furthest from the base of the second portion, the elongate sides of the inner portion being parallel to the elongate sides of the outer portion, the inner portion being capable of being folded outwardly so as to assume a position forward of, and in a different plane from, the outer portion in use.

   532. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion, not shaped as a non-frusto cone or a non-frusto pyramid, incorporates a portion of material able to form a lid, the lid portion being adapted to be attached to the remainder of the second portion and secured in position, the lid portion being integral with the second portion along a section of its periphery.

   533. Headwear as claimed in claim 532, wherein the second portion is adapted to be folded inwardly along its top edge so as to provide a rim, lateral cuts being provided along the top edge for the purpose of relieving it as necessary, the lower part of the rim forming a lip, the edge of the lid portion being positioned within the assembled second portion against the edge of the lip, tabs extending upwardly in use from the lid portion being inserted inside the lip and/or tabs depending from the lip being inserted through the lid portion, the result being to secure the lid portion in a horizontal position in use.

   534. Headwear as claimed in claim 532, wherein an elongate member is provided which is integrally connected to a point at or close to the centre of the lid portion, the lid portion being provided with a pair of splits from the point of connection to an edge, the two sides of the lid portion bordering the splits being brought together and/or overlapping in use, 535. Headwear as claimed in claim 534, wherein the elongate member being optionally provided with means of attachment to either or both the first and second portions, the elongate member is folded in such a manner as to assume a vertical position outwardly and/or along the side of the second portion so as to be visible to an onlooker in use.

   536. Headwear as claimed in claim 535, wherein the elongate member is provided with means of attachment to the first portion whereby the second portion is secured in position above the artefact in use.

   537. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion being shaped as a cone or a pyramid, there is provided an elongate member which underlies the portion of material forming the surface of the assembled cone or pyramid, the member depending from, and/or being positioned at a point close to the vertex of the cone or pyramid so that when folded or otherwise passed upwardly through a split or other aperture located at or adjacent to the vertex it comes into view, a foldable crease along the length of the member being optionally provided for the purpose of imparting rigidity.

   538. Headwear as claimed in claim 537, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be formed into a tube, the tube having a circular, box or other shaped section, the sides of the tube either being provided with means of attachment or being held in position by the sides of the aperture in the second portion.

   539. Headwear as claimed in claim 538, wherein is provided a further member which is attached by means of an elongate element or otherwise to the portion forming a tube in such a manner as to be capable of being partly concealed within the tube and, following assembly and in use, protruding from the opening at the top of the tube so as to become visible to an onlooker, a foldable crease along the length of the further member optionally being provided to impart rigidity.

   340. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is shaped as a cone or a pyramid, the portion being contiguous in part with a part of the first portion forming a headband, in use the portion projecting forwardly in front of the artefact so that the plane of its base assumes a horizontal position, an element being partially passed through a split or aperture placed at or adjacent to the vertex of the second portion, the element taking up a vertical position in front of the artefact in use.

   341. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is shaped as a cone or a pyramid, the portion being contiguous in part with a part of the first portion forming a headband, in use the portion projecting upwardly above the artefact so that the plane of its base assumes a vertical position, an element being partially passed through a split or aperture placed at or adjacent to the vertex of the second portion, the element taking up a horizontal position in above the artefact in use.

   A2. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the headband element which is placed on the other side of the artefact to the headband element to that which the second portion is integrally connected, is provided with one or more upward extensions, the extensions adapted to support and/or secure the second portion above the artefact in use, means for attachment to the second portion being provided.

   543. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is secured in position above the artefact by an arrangement in which elongate elements extending from the base of the second portion are adapted to be attached to the headband element to which the second portion is integrally connected, the elongate elements being placed under stress.

   544. Headwear as claimed in claim 543, wherein the second portion is formed into the shape of at least part of the surface of a cone or a pyramid, a pair of splits at right angles to the base of the cone or pyramid are provided on either side of the elongate elements, the cuts being adapted to allow the cone or pyramid to assume a more upright position above the artefact in use than it would do otherwise.

   545. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is secured in position above the artefact by an arrangement in which elongate elements extending from the headband element to which the second portion is integrally attached are adapted to be attached to the base of the second portion, the elongate elements being placed under stress.

   546. Headwear as claimed in claim 545, wherein the second portion is formed into the shape of at least part of the surface of a cone or a pyramid, a pair of splits at right angles to the base of the cone or pyramid are provided on either side of the elongate elements, the cuts being adapted to allow the cone or pyramid to assume a more upright position above the artefact in use than it would otherwise do.

   547. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is formed into the shape of at least part of the surface of a cone or a pyramid, the base of the second portion being contiguous in part with a part of the first portion forming a headband element in use, the second portion incorporating a radial split, the split extending across the headband element so as to subdivide it into two parts, the areas of the second portion on either side of the split overlapping each other in use, fixed or adjustable means of attachment being provided at or adjacent to the point where the split bisects the headband.

   548. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is formed into the shape of at least part of the surface of a quasi cone or quasi pyramid, the second portion incorporating two or more radial-h,tpe splits, the splits extending from the base of the second portion to a point close to the vertices, the splits not intersecting each other, the portions on either side of the splits being provided with means of attachment and overlapping in use, the splits being adapted to allow elements integrally connecting or attaching the second portion to other portions of the headwear to be diametrically opposed in plan and to remain so following assembly and in use.

   549. Headwear as claimed in claim 548, wherein a connecting element is joined to the second portion at a point close to its centre, portions outermost of the radial-type splits forming the edges of the said connecting element along part of its length being provided with means of attachment either to each other or to the said element, the attached portions overlapping the said element and/or each other and/or placed above or below the said element in use.

   550. Headwear as claimed in claim 549, wherein a second connecting element is joined to the second portion at a point dose to its centre, the connecting element being co-linear with and diametrically opposed to the first connecting element.

   551. Headwear as claimed in claim 548, wherein a connecting element is split along its long axis, the split extending across the headband element on which the connecting element is mounted so as to subdivide it into two separate parts, both the parts of the second portion outermost of the radialtype splits and the separate parts of the headband element being provided with means of attachment, the means of attachment allowing the headband and the width of the base of the second portion to be individually and variably adjusted.

   552. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein one or more segments of the second portion are not present, the portions on either side of the segments overlapping and being attached together in use.

   553. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is secured in position by attachment to ears provided at the ends of the headband.

   554. Headwear as claimed in claim 553, wherein the ears are folded under the second portion for a part of their length so as to function as a sprung support for the second portion above the artefact in use.

   555. Headwear as claimed in claim 515, wherein the second portion is formed into the shape of at least part of the surface of a cone, the cone being shallow and only an area around the base of a cone being represented.

   556. Headwear as claimed in claim 555, wherein the base of the cone is represented in part by a subdivided headband element and in part by ears at the ends of the headband element, the definition of the base being completed by a portion extending between the ears, the separate parts of the said headband element being provided with means of attachment, the effect of attachment being to impart a conic shape in a vertical plane to that part of the headwear induding the ears lying behind the artefact in use.

   557. Headwear as claimed in claim 556, wherein a portion extending between the ears is not present, in the pre-assembly state, ear-mounted extensions being provided with complementary means for attachment, the definition of the base of a cone being completed thereby.

   558. Headwear as claimed in claim 515 where the headwear is adapted to be reversible in use so that the obverse side becomes the reverse side and vice-versa.

   559. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material being fixed in position in relation to the remainder of the headwear, a second portion of the material in the form of a dependent element being either integrally connected to and provided with additional means of attachment to the first portion or integrally connected to the first portion in such a way that the point of connection is wholly or partly concealed from view, in either case the second portion being able to depend from the first portion and to respond to gravitational force and movements of the artefact in use.

   560. Headwear as claimed in claim 559, wherein the second portion forming a dependent element is provided with a first cooperating attachment means, which attachment means is adapted to cooperate with and attach to a second cooperating attachment means located in the first portion of material, the first portion being physically connected to the second portion by a further element capable of deflection so as to permit a pendulate motion on the part of the dependent element.

   561. Headwear as claimed in claim 559, wherein the means of attachment is such as to incorporate a pair of 180 degree folds, the folds adapted to rotate the second portion through 360 degrees and place the upper part of the second portion in front of the point of attachment to the first portion so as to largely conceal the means of attachment from view.

   562. Headwear as claimed in claim 559, wherein the first portion is formed by an element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out in the material, the base of the element being formed by the portion of material comprising a headband and/or ears.

   563. Headwear as claimed in claim 559, wherein the second portion is brought forward and suspended above the centre of the artefact in use by means, inter alia, of a subdivided headband the aggregate length of the two parts whereof is reduced following attachment.

   364. Headwear as claimed in claim 559, wherein second portion is formed by an element depending from the upper part of an enclosed cut-out in the form of an arch the base of the element being formed by the portion of material comprising a headband, the arch being brought forward in front of the artefact by means of a radiused bend applied to both sides and secured in position by struts attached to the headband so that the first portion projects forwardly of the artefact and the second portion is suspended in front of the artefact in use.

   565. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being configured in a manner permitting deflection from a flat plane following the application of a tensile force so that the length of the portion expands.

   566. Headwear as claimed in claim 565, in which the portion capable of deflection is an elongate element the axis of which is straight or curved, the element provided with a number of respectively parallel or radial splits arranged at right angles or some other angle across the axis 567. Headwear as claimed in claim 566, wherein the splits extend inwardly from the outer edges of the elongate element, splits from one outer edge alternating with splits from the other outer edge, the inner extremities of splits from one edge overlapping the inner extremities of splits from the other edge.

   568. Headwear as claimed in claim 566, wherein certain of the splits extend inwardly from the outer edges and other of the splits are contained within the element, the inwardly extending splits alternating with the contained splits, as between themselves the splits extending from one outer edge alternating with splits extending from the other out edge, the extremities of the three kinds of split overlapping,.

   569. Headwear as claimed in claim 566, wherein, the splits being threaded by an elongate member not undergoing deflection, the elongate element in which the splits are incorporated is provided with longitudinal stability.

   570. Headwear as claimed in claim 566, wherein the length of the splits is varied so as to become progressively greater towards the centre of the elongate element in which they are incorporated.

   571. Headwear as claimed in claim 566, wherein the distance between the splits is varied so that they become progressively closer to each other towards the centre of the elongate element in which they are incorporated.

   572. Headwear as claimed in claim 565, wherein the portion deflecting from the flat plane is comprised of primary and secondary rotating elements serially connected to each other and to a further element the position of the further element being fixed in relation to the remainder of the headwear, the primary rotating element being adapted to be rotated through 180 degrees with respect to the secondary rotating element, the secondary rotating element being adapted to be rotated through 180 degrees with respect to the fixed element the folds about which the rotations take place being positioned so that the fold lines are parallel to each other but arranged in echelon, the direction of operation of the folds alternating, the effect of the folds being successively activated being to expand the length of the piece while maintaining it in a flat plane.

   573. Headwear as claimed in claim 572, wherein additional rotating elements are interposed between the primary and secondary elements, 574. Headwear as claimed in claim 572, wherein a primary rotating element is connected to two secondary rotating elements, the secondary rotating elements located on either side of the primary rotating element, each of the secondary rotating elements being connected to a fixed element, the fixed element comprising a partially cut round enclosed cut-out within the periphery of which the primary and secondary rotating elements are located.

   575. Headwear as claimed in claim 572, wherein a locking device is provided for the purpose of stabilising the construction.

   576. Headwear as claimed in claim 572, wherein the fixed element is integrally connected to ears provided at the ends of the headband and the primary element forms part of a portion which crosses over the top of the artefact and is attached to the headband element placed at the front of the artefact in use.

   577. Headwear as claimed in claim 565, wherein the arrangement is snmetrical.

   578. Headwear as claimed in daim 565, wherein the long axis of an elongate element configured so as to be capable of deflecting from a flat plane is straight and/or curved and/or irregularly or otherwise configured and the splits across the axis are coaxial or curved or irregularly or otherwise configured.

   579. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being provided with a number of parallel folds so that the length of the portion can be compressed.

   580. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion capable of compression is provided with a number of splits, the splits being located between and parallel to the folds, the splits being threaded by an elongate element not undergoing compression, the elongate element providing longitudinal stability.

   581. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion capable of compression is provided with a number of apertures, the apertures being located between the folds, the apertures being threaded by an elongate member not undergoing compression, the elongate member providing longitudinal stability.

   582. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is provided with a plurality of parallel folds, the direction of the folds alternating so as to provide a corrugated construction or being such as to introduce a castellated form into the portion.

   583. Headwear as claimed in claim 582, wherein the portion undergoing compression is folded laterally about a line at right angles to the corrugating folds, the fold being a bellows-hpe fold through 90 degrees.

   584. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is positioned above the artefact in use.

   585. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is sufficiently proportioned to largely cover the artefact in use.

   586. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is shaped and dimensioned so as to largely protect the artefact from the elements in use.

   587. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is extended from a headband element.

   588. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is provided with corrugating folds at right angles to the headband, an elongate member connecting the said portion to the headband, a bellows-type fold through 90 degrees being provided at the point where the portion is connected to the member.

   589. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein the portion undergoing compression is secured in position by attachment to ears provided at the ends of the headband.

   590. Headwear as claimed in claim 589, wherein the ears are folded under the portion undergoing compression for a part of their length so as to function as a sprung support for the said portion above the artefact in use.

   591. Headwear as claimed in claim 579, wherein one or more elements are partially passed through a split or splits or aperture or apertures placed within the portion undergoing compression so as to take up a vertical or otherwise visible position above the artefact in use.

   592. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece incorporating fastening means, the fastening means comprising a first portion of material in the form of a strip or incorporating one or more pairs of splits and a second portion of material incorporating one or more pairs of tabs, the tabs being defined by a series of cuts in the material in the shape of an H (whether vertically or otherwise aligned), wherein in use the tabs serve to grip the material comprising the first portion.

   593. Headwear as claimed in claim 592, wherein the first portion comprises a strip formed by a pair of parallel splits provided in a larger piece of material 594. Headwear as claimed in claim 592, wherein an edge or the edges of a strip is or are provided with notches inserted at intervals, the notches placed in a position in which they can engage with the material containing the pairs of tabs at either side of the base of the tabs, thereby preventing or inhibiting lateral movement of the tabs along the strip.

   595. Headwear as claimed in claim 592, wherein the cuts forming the tabs are arranged in the form of an outline of an "H" shaped polygon, the resulting tabs being contiguous with the surrounding material only at their bases.

   596. Headwear as claimed in claim 592, wherein a portion capable of compression is provided with a number pairs of opposed tabs, the tabs adapted to engage with and slide along a strip not undergoing compression, the strip providing longitudinal stability.

   597. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material being provided with one or more pre-formed splits and/or apertures, a second portion of the material comprising or being provided with one or more largely detached elongate elements, in use the elongate element or elements being threaded through one or more of the splits and/or apertures in the first portion.

   598. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein the splits and/or apertures are grouped into one or more matrices, the matrices being either individually configured or matching one or more other matrices, each matrix incorporating one or more enclosed cut-outs.

   599. Headwear as claimed in claim 598, wherein a single matrix is provided to form the base of a cylinder or box or similarly shaped container and a plurality of matching matrices is provided to form the sides, the matching matrices being contiguous with each other and secured in position relative to the single matrix by the threading of the elongate element or elements.

   600. Headwear as claimed in claim 598, wherein the enclosed cut-outs and the elongate elements to be threaded therein are irregularly shaped so that in use the threaded elements and the matrices become securely interlocked together and largely indistinguishable from each other.

   601. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein an edge of an irregularly shaped elongate element represents a mirror image of the edge of the adjoining elongate element so that the elements are laterally contiguous in the flat sheet prior to removal therefrom for the purpose of assembly.

   602. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein the elongate elements to be threaded are provided within a second portion or further portions the periphery of which corresponds or largely corresponds to the periphery of the first portion, or a part thereof, so as to form a sleeve or sleeves to the first portion.

   603. Headwear as claimed in claim 602, wherein one or more sleeves incorporating elongate elements to be threaded are provided, the periphery of the sleeves being coterminous or largely coterminous with the first portion and with each other, the elongate elements optionally passing through a one or more sleeves in addition to the splits and/or apertures in the first portion.

   604. Headwear as claimed in claim 602, wherein only a relatively small section of an edge of a sleeve or of an edge of a second or other sleeves is integrally connected to the first portion and/or the other sleeve or sleeves.

   605. Headwear as claimed in claim 602, wherein a first portion is provided with additional means of attachment to a second portion comprising a sleeve and/or a further sleeve or sleeves beyond what is afforded by the threading of elongate elements, the additional means of attachment preventing or inhibiting lateral displacement of the surface of one sleeve in relation to the surface of another when the sleeves are subjected to a radiused fold.

   606. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein an elongate first portion is provided with a split along the line of a rigidising fold, the second portion being connected to the first portion and folded inwardly and in the direction of the split along a line parallel and proximate to the split before being threaded through the split, the second portion being thereby directionally stabilised in relation to the first portion.

   607. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein an elongate second portion is threaded through a split in a first portion, rotated through a 180 degree radiused bend and re-threaded back through the first portion 608. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein an elongate second portion is threaded through a split in a first portion, the second portion being tapered so that the width at the point to be first inserted is less than the length of the split, the second portion broadening along its length so as to become wider than the split, notches being placed on either side of the second portion at the point where its width (making no allowances for the indentations due to the notches), is fractionally greater than the length of the split, the notches engaging the material at the extremities of the split and securing the second portion in posluon.

   609. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein a second portion is provided with a neck narrower than its width at other points along its length, the first portion being provided with a pair of splits arranged at right angles to each other in a cruciform manner, the longer of the two splits being of sufficient dimension to accommodate the second portion at its widest point between the point to be first inserted and the neck, the shorter of the two splits corresponding to the width of the second portion at neck, the neck being the point of engagement, the second portion being threaded through the longer split and rotated into a position of engagement with the shorter split.

   610. Headwear as claimed in claim 609, wherein the first portion is folded about the line of the longer split in use, the portions of material bordering the shorter split rising-up along the side of the second portion at an angle to each other so as to stabilise the plane of the second portion in a position at right angles to the plane of the first portion.

   611. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein the second portion defines one or more elements defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out.

   612. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein the splits and/or apertures are provided in a folded portion, the splits and/or apertures being arranged along the line of the fold, a corresponding number of elongate elements being provided adapted to be threaded through the splits and/or apertures as to project beyond the line of the fold when the fold has been effected.

   613. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein the splits and/or apertures are provided in a portion folded about the line of a curve, the portion innermost of the curve being provided with plurality of elongate elements extending radially from the inner edge of the portion, the elements adapted to be threaded through the splits and/or apertures, thereby to project outwardly of the line of the fold following completion of folding, the folding about the line of the curve and the folding of the elongate elements being valley folds in both cases.

   614. Headwear as claimed in claim 597, wherein the splits and/or apertures are provided in a portion comprising one side of an a element defining the periphery of an enclosed cut-out, the splits and/or apertures adapted to engage with a corresponding number of tab-like members arranged in a portion comprising the opposite side of the said element, matching folds or pairs of folds arranged so as to be broadly parallel to respective lines of the splits and/or apertures being provided along the remaining sides of the periphery, activation of the folds bringing the elements into a position in which one overlaps the other so that the tabs come into proximity with the splits and/or apertures enabling engagement to be effected.

   615. Headwear as claimed in claim 614, herein the respective lines of the splits and/or apertures and the bases of thE tab-like members are arranged so as to be broadly concentric.

   616. Headwear as claimed in claim 615, wherein the portion of the element curved to the greater radius is provided N.th an arrangement of tucks, the tucks permitting the radius of the portion to be reduced so as to correspond with that of the portion on the other side of the element.

   617. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of The circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a portion of the material being configured to act as a freely projecting element so that it takes a path different from that taken by the portion of the material to which it is attached.

   618. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a first portion of the material being provided with a reflective surface, the portion being positioned so as to reflect an image provided by or reproduced on a second portion of the material.

   619. Headwear as claimed in claim 618, wherein the first portion is located in a plane which is vertical or inclined to the vertical, the second portion is located in a plane which is horizontal or unlined to the horizontal, the two portions being proximate to each other and positioned above the artefact in use.

   620. Headwear as claimed in claim 618, wherein the image provided by or reproduced on the second portion is inverted so as to appear to an observer to be the right way up.

   621. Headwear as claimed in claim 618, in which the first and second portions are equipped with complementary means of attachment.

   622. Headwear as claimed in claim 618, in which either or both first and second portions are adapted to partially rotate about an axis so as to be able to adjust the angle of inclination relative to the other portion and/or the remainder of the headwear or to present the reverse side of the portion to view.

   623. Headwear as claimed in claim 618, in which either or both first and second portions are capable of distortion from the flat plane.

   624. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, a headband element adapted to be positioned at the front of the artefact being provided with a feature capable of being identified by touch, the feature being located at the point on the headwear which (in a version designed to be worn by a human being) would be positioned at the centre of the forehead of the wearer in use.

   625. Headwear as claimed in claim 624, wherein the feature capable of being identified by touch comprises either a tab, crease, aperture, notch, embossment, printed or other surface application or an indentation or protuberance along or proximate to the line of the split, 626. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the piece and in use) extend to any edge of the material, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising one or more tabs set into the said portion or arranged along the line of the split, the tabs being readily capable of deflection from the flat plane so as to impinge against the said lip and/or other protrusion thereby to inhibit or prevent the headwear slipping off the top of the artefact.

   627. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the split provided in the piece of material does not extend to any edge of the material, ab initio.

   628. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises one or more tabs, the tab or tabs being provided in association with other engagement means not being a tab or tabs.

   629. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises one or more tabs, the tab or tabs provided in either or both headband elements.

   630. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises a tab or tabs arranged along the outer edge of a headband, or along the edge of a split accommodated within a headband, the edge being uppermost in use.

   631. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises a dependent tab or tabs, the tab or tabs folded upwardly in use.

   632. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises a dependent tab or tabs extended from one headband element and let into the other headband element or a tab or tabs extended from an extension to a headband and let into the headband.

   633. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises a plurality of tabs provided with radiused ends, the tabs arranged in a continuous line adapted to activated with pressure from a finger nail.

   634. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the headwear is provided with a subdivided headband, the two ends of the headband being equipped with means of attachment capable of adjustment, tightening of the headband locking the engagement means into position.

   635. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the engagement means comprises a dependent tab or tabs threaded through a slot in a headband.

   636. Headwear as claimed in claim 626, wherein the headwear is provided with an extension to the headband element uppermost in use, the extension being connected to the headband element along a relatively short section of the headband element, the extension being provided with a fold in line with or parallel to and slightly above the upper edge of the headband element on either side of the extension, and a second fold parallel to the first fold, the two folds acting in opposite directions, the effect the two folds being to adapt the lower part of the extension to act as tab, engagement means being thereby provided.

   637. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising one or more elongate strips of material either forming a part of the said headband portion or an additional elongate element or elements adjacent thereto, the strip or strips being parallel to the split and extending along the length or part of the length of the headband portion, in use the strip or strips engaging with a said lip and/or other protrusion thereby to inhibit or prevent the headwear slipping off the top of the artefact.

   638. Headwear as claimed in claim 637, wherein the strips or strips are provided with a pluralit) of lateral folds, the activation of the folds being in the manner of corrugation. the effect being to shorten the strip relative to the remainder of the headband portion, thereby enabling it to gain additional purchase against a lip or other protrusion.

   639. Headwear as claimed in claim 637, wherein the strips or strips adapted to engage with the lip or other protrusion adjoin the split in the headband.

   640. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the split describing a line which is curved or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising a modification in the line of the split so that the upper edge of the headband element lying below the split in use almost exactly corresponds to the curvature of the artefact at the point of least diameter, the length of the split being such as to allow the piece to pass over the top of the artefact at a wider point 641.An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the split describing a line which is curved or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perform the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising a modification to the headband element lying above the split in use so that it is provided with an upper edge which almost exactly corresponds to the curvature of the artefact at the point of least diameter, the length of the split being such as to allow the piece to pass over the top of the artefact at a wider point 642.An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the split describing a line which is curved or partially curved, the line of the curve being convex, the portion wherein the split is provided being adapted to perfonn the function of a headband and to engage with a lip and/or other protrusion from the surface of the artefact, the engagement means comprising (in the event that the artefact is provided with a vertical rim) the incorporation into the upper edge of the headband element lying above the split at the points where it comes into contact with the rim of a pair of symmetrical cuts, the cuts extending inwards from the said upper edge, the line of the cuts being such as permit the part of the headband portion outermost of the cuts to relocate inside the rim.

   643. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate two or more curved portions, or a horseshoe shaped portion of material, the portion or portions being elongate and adapted to be folded about a curved line or parts of a curved line the line of which is equidistant or largely equidistant from the inner and outer edges of a portion, the fold or folds being activated so as to form a trough-like construction, the ends of the portion or portions being provided with means of attachment so that they can be brought together to form a continuous brim in use, the inner dimensions of the brim corresponding to the circumference of artefact.

   644. Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein the brim is comprised of a single horseshoe shaped portion, the ends of the portion being provided with means of attachment to each other, or to another portion, so as to form a continuous brim in use, 645. Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein the line of a fold or folds is or are discontinuous and/or the width an elongate portion and the distance between the curved line or lines of fold and the outer edge is varied so as to provided a representation of the brim of an item of traditional headwear, the brim being either turned-up all-round or partially turned-up and partially turned-dowrt 646.Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein an elongate portion forming a brim or part of a brim is extended inwardly and/or outwardly, the extended portion or portions being adapted to form elements located above or at the sides or in front of or behind the artefact in use.

   647. Headwear as claimed in claim 646, wherein the extended portion or portions are foldable upwardly and/or downwardly on either side of the brim, or through a split or an aperture incorporated therein.

   648. Headwear as claimed in claim 646, wherein the extended portion or portions are equipped with means of attachment to the brim or to each other.

   649. Headwear as claimed in claim 643 or 646, wherein the brim is comprised of two elongate portions, the ends of one portion being provided with means of attachment to the corresponding ends of the other portion so as to form a continuous brim in use, each elongate portion being integrally connected to an extended portion lying between them in plan.

   650. Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein the means of attachment is such as to allow the ends of a single elongate portion to overlap each other or the end of one elongate portion to overlay another elongate position.

   651. Headwear as claimed in claim 643. wherein the means of attachment is such as to permit the internal dimensions of the brim to be varied according to the dimensions of the artefact.

   652. Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein the means of attachment is comprised of one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs slidably engaging with the edges of an elongate slot or a yair of elongate slots arranged in a parallel manner, an elongate slot being formed by a cut and/or tearable perforations in the material.

   653. Headwear as claimed in claim 652, wherein the geometry of the means of attachment corresponds to the cun-ature of the portion or portions comprising the brim following assembly and in use, the elongate slot or slots being arranged along the line of a fold in the brim or parallel thereto and/or the oppositely directed tabs having the same vertical axis, the axis corresponding to the radii of the line of th2 fold and the elongate slot or slots.

   654. Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein the brim is provided with an arrangement of apertures, and/or splits, the apertures and/or splits being arranged symmetrically and spaced equidistantly from each other in use subject to any minor variation on account of adjustment in the internal dimensions of the brim to reflect the individual dimensions of the artefact.

   655. Headwear as claimed in claim 654, wherein the apertures and/or splits are either two, three or four in number and are proportioned and shaped so as to secure a further portion of the material in position above the artefact in use, the further portion being integrally connected to the remainder of the headwear, the further portion being provided with elongate members, the members adapted to respectively engage with the apertures and support the further portion in a position above the artefact in use.

   656. Headwear as claimed in claim 65, wherein the further portion is sufficiently proportioned to protect the artefact from the elements.

   657. Headwear as claimed in claim 655, wherein the further portion is not integrally connected to the remainder of the headwear but provided as a separate and optional accessory item.

   658. Headwear as claimed in claim 654, wherein the apertures and/or splits are four in number and are proportioned and shaped so as to permit the four corners of a lady's and/or a gentleman's handkerchief to be threaded through them, the corners of the handkerchief being knotted after threading to secure the handkerchief in position on the brim and above the artefact in use, the handkerchief being provided as a separate and optional accessory item.

   659. Headwear as claimed in claim 654, wherein the apertures and/or splits are proportioned and shaped so as to permit the corners of a handkerchief to be threaded after knotting, apertures augmented by radial splits or splits of a sufficient length being provided, the splits closing against the knot so that the knotted portion can not be accidentally withdrawn from the brim.

   660. Headwear as claimed in claim 654, wherein the splits are arranged in a cross, a round hole being optionally provided at the centre thereof.

   661. Headwear as claimed in claim 654, wherein the aperture is cruciform or partially circular and partially cruciform in shape.

   662. Headwear as claimed in claim 657, wherein the further portion is a soft fabric or other flexible material similarly proportioned to a lady's and/or a gentleman's handkerchief.

   663. Headwear as claimed in claim 643, wherein the means of attachment additionally serves to secure a further portion in position above the artefact in use, the further portion being extended from or otherwise integrally connected to another part of the headwear.

   664. Headwear as claimed in claim 663, wherein the further portion is provided with an element comprising a tab or tabs (which tabs may be oppositely directed tabs) and/or an elongate slot or slots adapted to engage slidably with the means of attachment whereby the portions comprising the brim are attached to each other, the further portion being thereby permitted to take up a central position above the artefact in relation to the front to back axis of the artefact.

   665. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, two or more portions of the material being equipped with multi-functional and/or multi-directional tab and slot mechanisms, each of the mechanisms being identically configured and incorporating at least one tab and at least one slot.

   666. Headwear as claimed in claim 665, comprising means of attachment enabling it to be secured in position on an artefact.

   667. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dirnensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the piece of material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, a headband being formed thereby, the piece being symmetric about a vertical line bisecting the headband in such manner as to permit the use of a complete or partial commonalty of origination, and/or reproduction materials, and/or colour separations, and/or computerised data, and/or printing plates for the mechanical reproduction of the obverse and reverse sides, the piece incorporating asymmetric features in its final printed and post die-cut pre-assembly state and/or in use.

   668. Headwear as claimed in claim 667, wherein the extent of the commonalty is such that the obverse and the reverse sides of the item are identical and fully symmetric before being cut out and/or creased and stripped out of the surrounding material, asymmetry to the piece being imparted by the cutting and/or creasing and stripping out process.

   669. Headwear as claimed in claim 667, wherein the extent of the commonalty is such that the obverse and the reverse sides of the item are identical and fully symmetric so as to permit the use of identical plates for the three process colours yellow, magenta and cyan, and/or other colours, the colour black not included, asymmetry to the piece being imparted by the printing of the imagery on the black printing plates.

   670. Headwear as claimed in claim 667, wherein the extent of the commonalty is such as to permit the use of identical plates for the three process colours and/or other colours including black, asymmetry to the piece being imparted in the course of foiling and/or assembly.

   671. An item of headwear of non-unitary construction, the item comprising two or more pieces of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the item in its assembled state being such as to accommodate a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the split being provided in the material in such a way that it does not (following assembly of the item and in use) extend to any edge of the assembled material, a headband being formed thereby, the item adapted to incorporate constructions disclosed in the present invention for use in connection with headwear otherwise in accordance with the present invention.

   672. Headwear as claimed in claim 671, wherein the split provided in a piece of material does not extend to any edge of the material, ab initio.

   673. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to be placed upon an artefact, the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a headband, the length of the headband being of the order of the circumference of the artefact which artefact may be a cylindrical drinks can or an otherwise configured artefact able to provide a mounting for such an item, the item adapted to incorporate constructions disclosed in the present invention for use in connection with headwear provided with a headband formed from a split the length of which is of the order of one half the circumference of an artefact.

   674. An item of headwear as claimed in any preceding claim the item being capable of assembly and use without the employment of joining means of any kind which are extraneous to the material from which the headwear is made.

   675. Headwear as claimed in claim 674, wherein the split provided in a piece of material does not extend to any edge of the material, ab initio.

   676. Headwear as claimed in claim 674, wherein the headwear is provided in a die-cut form either stripped out of the sheet of material or readily removable by manual means without the use of scissors or any other device.

   677. Headwear as claimed in claim 674, wherein the headwear per se if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been provided or able to be provided in a piece of material no larger than 310 mm by 436 mm.

   678. Headwear as claimed in claim 674, wherein the headwear per se if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been provided or able to be provided in a piece of material no larger than 320 mm by 448 mm.

   679. Headwear as claimed in claim 674, wherein the piece of material wherein the headwear is provided forms a part of a larger piece, the remainder of the piece being printed in whole or in part.

   680. Headwear as claimed in claim 679, wherein the remainder of the piece incorporates an area or areas which are cut and/or creased by means of one or more dies, which dies may or may not be integral with a headwear die or each other.

   681. Headwear as claimed in claim 679, wherein the dimensions of the larger piece of which the headwear forms part if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been 450 mm by 640 mm or 360 mm by 520 mm.

   6s2. Headwear as claimed in claim 679, wherein the piece of material of which, inter alia, the headwear forms part is provided with at least one crease or line of perforations extending substantially between opposite edges of the piece, the crease or line of perforations allowing the piece to be folded into a smaller size for ease of retail sale.

   683. Headwear as claimed in claim 682, wherein a crease or line of perforations is applied to the piece of material either as a separate process prior to printing and/or cutting and creasing or in conjunction with printing and/or cutting and creasing.

   684. Headwear as claimed in claim 682, wherein the piece of material is provided with a crease or line of perforations adapted to fold it about either of the horizontal or vertical axes.

   685. Headwear as claimed in claim 684, wherein the piece of material is provided with further creases and/or lines of perforations adapted to further fold it about a horizontal or vertical axis so as to produce a folded item the size of which is of the order of a quarter of that of the unfolded piece.

   686. Headwear as claimed in claim 681, wherein a piece of material the dimensions of which if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been 450 mm by 640 mm is provided with a crease or line of perforations adapted to fold it about the shorter of its horizontal or vertical axes so as to produce a folded item the dimensions of which if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been of the order of 320 mm by 450 mm.

   687. Headwear as claimed in claim 686, wherein the piece of material is provided with a crease or creases adapted to further fold it about a horizontal or vertical axes (after first folding) so as to produce a folded item the dimensions of which if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been either of the order of 160 mm by 450 mm or 225 mm by 320 mm, the line of at least one crease lying at least in part across the die-cut headwear.

   688. Headwear as claimed in claim 681, wherein a piece of material the dimensions of which if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been 360 mm by 520 mm is provided with a crease or line of perforations adapted to fold it about the shorter of its horizontal or vertical axes so as to produce a folded item the dimensions of which if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been of the order of 260 mm by 360 mm.

   689. Headwear as claimed in claim 688, wherein the piece of material is provided with a crease or creases adapted to further fold it about its horizontal or vertical axes (after first folding) so as to produce a folded item the dimensions of which if it had been provided for human use and not for an artefact would have been of the order of either 130 mm by 360 mm or 180 mm by 260 mm, the line of a least one crease lying at least in part across the die-cut headwear.

   690. Headwear as claimed in claim 682, wherein the piece of material is provided with a crease or creases adapted to fold it along a line aligned with the vertical axis of symmetry of the headwear and/or a line or lines parallel to the vertical axis of symmetry, the line of a least one crease lying at least in part across the die-cut headwear.

   691. Headwear as claimed in claim 682, wherein a pre-set fold line is visually and/or physically indicated as a place for optional manual folding, the direction of folding being such as to apply a valley fold along the vertical axis of symmetry of the headwear or about a line parallel thereto, the effect of the fold being to fold the die-cut headwear inside of an un-die-cut and/or non-headwear portion of the material.

   692. Headwear as claimed in claim 680, wherein all or part of the headwear design, and/or other matter is pre-printed prior to further printing and/or cutting and/or creasing.

   693. Headwear as claimed in claim 680, wherein subsequent to the printing of the headwear design and/or other matter additional printing takes place by means of letterpress at the same time as the cutting and/or creasing process, the additional printing and the cutting and/or creasing being effected simultaneously and on the same press.

   694. Headwear as claimed in claim 693, wherein the printed impression required for the additional printing is applied by moveable type, etched or engraved blocks or slugs produced by line casting and composing machines.

   695. Headwear substantially as herein described with reference tb any of the accompanying drawings stated to be in accordance with the present invention and excluding any drawing stated to refer to headwear known in the art.

   696. Headwear constructions as claimed in more than one of the foregoing claims.