GB2358786A - Headwear - Google Patents

Abstract

An item of headwear, which may be in the form of a visor with a self-erecting forward-facing display and which may be formed from a single piece of flexible material such as paper board, has a front portion 1253 and a headband 1267,1269 which fastens at the rear of the head and a strap portion 1255 formed with fold lines 1259,1265, an aperture 1261 at its free end and a peg-like element 1263 extends form the front portion 1253 to wrap around the headband and be secured in place by the engagement of the element 1263 in the aperture 1261. As well as full-sized headwear, the invention is applicable to a miniature article in the form of headwear adapted to sit on a drinks can.

Description

2358786 1 IHEADWEAR This invention relates to headwear formed from a

single piece of flexible material utilising headband constructions of various kinds. Items in accordance with the invention can be provided in a pre-assembled form ready to be placed upon the head or upon an artefact but folded flat for packaging, distribution and display purposes notwithstanding.

The constructions now disclosed are particularly efficacious with headwear designed to provide an eye-shade in the form of a visor. Visor headwear is ftequently the subject of promotional hand-outs. Scaled-down versions of designs primarily intended for wear by human beings which can be placed upon artefacts such as bottles and cans can be used to provide further exposure for a sponsor's message.

Headwear formed from a single elongate piece of flexible material of sufficient length to encompass the head is known in the art. Typically a single hook shaped tab placed at one extremity of the piece is adapted to engage with one of several spaced apart co-operating slots at the other extremity. When the two ends are brought together and attached a headband is formed. The elongate portion may be straight or it may be curved in plan to approximately resemble an arc of a circle or a U or horseshoe shape. In the former case, following attachment of the ends, the headband will rest flat against the wearer's head; in the latter case the upper edge (innermost in use) will rest against the wearer's head with the remainder of the piece projecting outwardly and downwardly therefrom. at an angle approximating to 45 degrees. When the width of the piece in the region midway between the extremities is increased relative to the remainder the brim takes on the character of a visor.

A headband formed in the manner described above is referred to in this application as a 'solid' headband. Constructions utilising solid headbands may be the subject of the present invention in each of its three aspects.

2 it may here be noted that the expressions 'slot, 'split' and 'slit' as used in this application (and as in the vernacular) have the same meaning. In each case the edges may be contiguous or separated by an aperture. The word'splifhas tended to be preferred in the prior art documents cited in the present application but there are occasions when, for example, the word 'slot' comes more naturally - as in the phrase 'tab and slot'.

A second type of headband is referred to in this application, as in prior art documents, as a 'split' headband. Such a headband is disclosed by GBA8618755 (Sainuelson). It is achieved by incorporating an elongate split into an elongate portion of material. GB-A-8618755, at its Fig. 14, illustrates a purported visor but the split in the headband is straight and the widened piece rests flat against the wearer's face instead of projecting outwardly at an angle thereto.

A later document, GB-A-9421909 (Sainuelson), provides in its first aspect a visor which is based upon a split headband in which the split is curved in a convex manner. The expression 'convex'when used in this application (as in the prior document) means convex when viewed from a lower view point. The use of a convex split in this way produces a satisfactory visor qua visor.

In its twenty-fifth aspect GB-A-9421909 discloses a form of a split headband in which a portion of the material lying to one side of the split is subdivided into two parts which are provided with means of attachment to each other and which are brought together in use so as to form a split headband. Fig. 30.1 in that document illustrates the manner in which such a headband (referred to in this application, as in the prior document, as a 'subdivided headband') can incorporate a split curved in a convex manner and the un-subdivided element widened to provide a visor.

In its twenty-ninth aspect GB-A-9421909 discloses a headwear construction which combines a solid headband, which might be configured as a visor or topless brim (as to which see below), with a convex split headband with ears at the extremities. Embodiments are illustrated in schematic form at the prior document's Figs. 29.14 and 29.15 and worked-up embodiments are shown at Figs. E/29.2 and E/29.3. Among these embodiments are items in which an 3 adjustable attachment device, such as a sliding catch of the kind described below, is used to join the extremities of the solid headband component. At the moment of attachment, however, the headwear inevitably assumes a three dimensional shape. The possibility of providing such an item (referred to in this application as a 'split/solid headband headwear) ready assembled and flat was not envisaged and none of the drawings shows the necessary packaging folds.

The provision of headwear incorporating an adjustable attachment device 10 such as a sliding catch in a ready assembled and flat folded state is addressed by GB-A-9921185 (Samuelson). In its third aspect that document also discloses a means of attachment whereby a split headband component can be secured to the assembled solid headband by means of various forms of buckle.

GB-A-9421909 features a number of headwear designs utilising a headband incorporating a split in which the two sides of the split are not contiguous along the entire length of the split. In its twenty-seventh aspect the prior document associates such a split headband with a portion within the aperture enclosed by the sides of the split which is shaped as an ox-bow. Certain constructions incorporating an ox-bow fall within the scope of the GB- A9921185 and likewise the present invention.

GB-A-9421886 (Samuelson), co-filed with GB-A-9421909, relates to split 25 headband headwear constructed in a similar manner to headwear which is the subject of GB-A-9421909 with emphasis, however, on means whereby a headband may be engaged with a lip or other protrusion from the surface of an artefact such as a drinks can or bottle. Both applications extend the meaning of words such as 'hea&, 'headband' and 'headwear' to embrace items similar to headwear for human beings intended to be placed on artefacts such as drinks cans and bottles and the same breadth of meaning as regards these expressions is imported into the present application.

GB-A-8618755 and GB-A-9421909/GB-A-9421886-type split headbands can be 35 used to provide an item of headwear with projecting ears at the ends of the headband. Extensions can be incorporated above and below the headband and many variations of design are possible other than those which provide 4 the wearer with a visor. Certain constructions falling within the scope of the present invention relate to headwear which may not incorporate a visor.

The present invention provides headwear constructions which can be used with either solid or split headbands and can be designed alike for the human head and for artefacts such as drinks cans and bottles. In all cases the principle of a unitary construction not requiring the use of glue, staples or any other extraneous joining agency is preserved. In all cases the flexible material is likely to be paper card with a weight of the order of 200 to 350 grams per square metre. Such a substrate is eminently suitable for printing and will readily accept other kinds of applied decoration such as flocking and foiling. Other flexible materials such as plastic can be utilised if preferred.

As already noted, embodiments of GB-A-9921185 and of the present 15 invention are able to be supplied fully assembled and (for the convenience of storage, distribution and display) in a flattened state. Experience has shown that the public does not want to read instructions - however simple they may be. This reluctance is certainly understandable when the headwear is distributed at sports and other outdoor and leisure events, as will often be the case. The facility to provide headwear incorporating relatively sophisticated forms of paper engineering unfamiliar to most people in an assembled and ready-to-wear but nevertheless in a flattened state is thus a valuable one.

The first aspect of GB-A-9921185 relates to the provision of headwear 25 incorporating an interlocking attachment device in association with one or more pairs of matching folds. Such a combination allows the headwear to be provided assembled and ready-to-wear (or ready to be placed on an artefact) and flat. The interlocking attachment device and the use of folds for packaging purposes (known as 'Packaging folds' to distinguish them from, inter alia, 'practical folds' which have an aesthetic function) are known in the art but their combined use for the purpose of providing ready-to- wear headwear in a flattened state had not previously been envisaged.

3 GB-A-9421907 (Sainuelson), co-filed with GB-A-9421909 and the other documents previously mentioned, discloses an interlocking adjustable attachment device which can be incorporated into the extremities of a solid headband or the respective parts of a subdivided element of a split headband.

The interlocking is achieved in such a way that the attached surfaces can slide against each other, frictional resistance maintaining them in a desired position. Preferred embodiments of GB-A-9421907 utilise a pair of oppositely directed tabs incorporated into each extremity of a solid headband or the separate parts of a subdivided element of a split headband which are adapted to slidable engage with complementary pairs of splits likewise present in each extremity. This prior document, at its Fig. 50, illustrates a visor design incorporating an attachment device of the kind just described but without packaging folds. Examples of such interlocking adjustable attachment devices may be referred to in this application as a 'sliding catch'.

GB-A-9421906 (Samuelson), another co-filing, is concerned with cylindrical, frusto-conical or tubular artefacts formed from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides. The document provides in its third aspect for the means of attachment to be along similar lines to that described above and in its fourth aspect for the artefact to be folded flat and subsequently restored to its hollow sectioned shape. This prior document does not embrace any construction comprising an item of headwear whether in the form of a visor or otherwise.

In its forty-sixth aspect GB-A-9421909 likewise makes provision for packaging folds and such an arrangement is illustrated at Fig. E/45 in connection with a split headband. The document does not, however, associate packaging folds with either the subdivided headband which is the subject of its twenty-fifth aspect, or the split/solid headband combination which is the subject of its twenty-ninth aspect, or the so called 'topless brim' construction (based upon a solid headband) which is the subject of its seventy-fffst aspect.

In its first aspect GB-A-9921185 introduces a construction which can be incorporated into a headband of either the solid or the subdivided headband kind which have in common the presence of a GB-A-9421907-type sliding catch attachment device which allows adjustment to the head size of the wearer after the headwear has been fully assembled and even while it is being worn on the head. The other common element is packaging folds which not only reduce the size of the headwear in plan but make it possible for it to be made available in a form in which the sliding catch device is already assembled (thus obviating the need for detailed instructions) but in which the 6 headwear lies flat nevertheless. The reduction in size together with the flattened state enables such headwear to be attractively displayed in a pack and to be more easily transported and distributed in an unpackaged form. The latter circumstance may occur when the headwear is the subject of a promotion and distribution is by way of an insert in a magazine or by handing out at, for example, a sporting or entertainment venue.

In its second aspect GB-A-9921185 discloses a device for mounting inter alia a forward facing display portion. The device can be utilised in conjunction with split headbands incorporating an ox-bow.

In its third aspect GB-A-9921185 discloses the buckle attachment devices already referred to. These are able to accommodate the specific requirements of headwear in which a sliding catch mechanism is present at the point of attachment and where a particularly robust construction is necessary to counter the stresses imposed by folding and unfolding and placing the headwear on the head.

As regard buckle attachment devices GB-A-9921185 makes special provision for headwear combining a solid headband with a split headband. In such a design a solid headband wraps round the head to comprise a first portion and a split headband comprising a second portion is joined to it at a point which is at the front of the wearer's head in use. This is an important construction in that the solid headband component can be configured as a visor and the split headband can provide ears or some other feature such as pop-up hearts which will take up a position above and towards the back of the head. Headwear of this kind can also incorporate a forward facing display in accordance with GB-A-9921185's second aspect. Such a display is positioned, ox-bow fashion, within the aperture created by a split the sides of which are not contiguous which lies within the split headband.

At its Figs. 36, 37 and 38 the prior document discloses three kinds of buckle for attaching the split headband component to the solid headband component in a way which allows the sliding catch to operate unimpeded. The buckles in question are not suitable in cases where a forward facing display is also present since both devices utilise the space within the aperture lying within the split headband.

7 GB-A-9921185 deals with this problem by providing two further attachment devices which are located above the upper element of the split headband and on the opposite side to the aperture. These are illustrated at its Figs. 40 and 41. The first such device is a buckle which comprises a mechanism similar in certain respects to the familiar door chain, the rim of the buckle being keyhole shaped and the tongue having a bulbous end. Activation of a 180 degree fold brings the buckle into a position in which it can secure the split headband to the solid headband. The second buckle construction places both rim and tongue in 'line ahead'. Successive 180 degree folds wrap the buckle round the headband. The tongue is then inserted through an aperture in the rim to complete the fastening process.

GB-A-9921185's Fig. 40 and Fig. 41-type buckles can be used with solid 15 headbands and split headbands as well as combination split/solid headbands. Nevertheless a requirement has arisen which none of the buckles disclosed by the prior document is able to meet.

The need for a type of attachment device not foreseen by GB-A-9921185 20 comes about with the introduction of a modification to the sliding catch in which the lower edges of at least one of the splits or (in preferred embodiments) one of the splits at either end of the headband are configured as ratchets. The headband is pre-set to its largest size so that pulling the tabs in opposite directions reduces its diameter. When a comfortable fit is achieved the wearer pulls down on the tabs to lock the headband to the level of adjustment at the time. Without such a ratchet device there is a tendency for the headband to ease open after it has been tightened. This is particularly the case with headwear made from a light weight and/or gloss, 'silk' or varnish coated paper substrate. The 'pull-down to lock' procedure is a belt and braces approach designed to ensure that the tabs do not ride-up over the teeth of the ratchets.

The various forms of buckle disclosed by GB-A-9921185 are able to cope adequately with pre-assembled flat folded headwear utilising a ratchet type sliding catch in every case other than that in which a forward facing display configured as an ox-bow is present. As already described, the prior document provides two types of buckle for use in such circumstances both of which are 8 positioned upwardly of the portion incorporating the split. It has been found that neither kind of buckle works well when the headband is set to the largest head size.

The problem is two fold. Firstly, the setting required to attain a flat state positions the sliding catch mechanism securing the ends of the headband together significantly higher in relation to the headwear generally than is the case when the setting is at or towards the lower end of the scale of head sizes. The setting also places the horizontally opposed tabs of the two elements comprising the assembled sliding catch close together so that they immediately underlie the attachment device in whatever form it takes.. Although GB-A-9921185 type buckles can be used in such circumstances their modus operandi is such that engagement of the tongue with the rim is cumbersome and, on account of its narrow elongate shape, the tongue presents a surface relatively lacking in substance against the mechanism of the sliding catch. There is a multiplicity of die-cut edges impinging against each other. The rim, moreover, has a certain width which may be too great to allow the opposed tabs of the sliding catch to be easily accessed by the wearer.

The solution is an attachment device in the form of a strap which wraps round the headband, an aperture at one end becoming hooked on to a peg formed by an enclosed partial cut-out at the other. Such an attachment device can be used with headwear provided with solid headbands, split headband and split/solid combination headbands.

According to the present invention there is provided an item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a first portion adapted to form a headband and encompass the head, a second portion of material being provided which is integral with the headband whereof the first portion is comprised at the point where the headband lies at the front of the head when worn, the second portion adapted to be attached to the headband at the back of the head, the means of attachment taking the form of an elongate strap, the strap forming part of the second portion, the strap provided with an aperture at one end and an enclosed partial cut-out adapted to act as a peg (fixed at its base) at the other, the strap incorporating either a single line of 9 fold or two spaced apart lines of fold lying at right angles to its elongate axis, the fold(s) being so activated so that the strap wraps round the headband and the aperture is juxtaposed with the peg, the peg adapted to act as a hook when encompassed by the aperture so as to fasten the ends of the strap together, the peg maintaining its position within the apertwe until disengaged by reason of the semi-rigid properties of the material, the dimensions of the attachment device in its fastened state being such as to permit side-to-side movement of the headband and the operation of any device attaching the extremities of the headband (or separate parts thereof) to each other which is 10 present at the point of engagement with the strap.

,ho In a preferred embodiment a strap and peg attachment device is applied to an item of headwear comprising a first portion in the form of a solid headband configured as a brim and a second portion in the form of an element crossing over the top of the head and requiring to be attached to the headband at the back of the head at the point where a sliding catch attachment device is located. The strap consists of an extension to the element crossing over the top of the head which is elongate and co-linear therewith. At the point where the element crossing over the head ends and the strap begins a peg comprised of an enclosed partial cut-out is located. Part way along the length of the strap a single 180 degree line of fold is provided activation of which enables the strap to be wrapped round the headband and brings an aperture placed at its distal end into a position in which it can encompass and its edges engage with the peg and fasten the strap. In this way the cross-head element is secured to the headband at the back of the head.

An embodiment of the kind described can be varied by transposing the aperture and the peg. In either case the peg (not being free standing as in the case of the preferred embodiment next described) takes on something of the character of a thumb tab - engagement being achieved by aligning it with the aperture and then pressing it down with the thumb.

With the inclusion of on or more packaging folds such an item of headwear can be supplied fully assembled and folded flat to facilitate distribution and display.

In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention an item of headwear which combines a solid headband configured as a visor (the first portion) with a split headband which positions ear-like appendages above the wearer's head (the second portion) is provided with an attachment device in the form of a strap which firmly secures the two portions together at the back of the head. Pre-assembly the strap projects upwardly firom the upper portion of the split headband so as to lie between the ear-like appendages. At the distal end of the strap a somewhat oblong aperture is placed the shape being determined in part by practical and in part by cosmetic considerations.

Successive activation of two parallel spaced apart lines of fold placed at right angles to the elongate axis of the strap bring the strap into a position in which it is able to wrap round both the base of the upper portion (i.e. the upper element of the split headband) and the headband. At the same time the upper part of the aperture within the strap comes into line with a peg. This peg is formed by an enclosed partial cut-out at the base of the stirap, one of the folds being interrupted thereby. When this interrupted fold (the two sections of which are co-linear with the base of the peg) is activated the peg becomes a free standing member.

The dimensions of the strap are such as to permit a degree of up and down movement after the wrap-round state has been established and this facilitates insertion of the peg into the aperture. Gentle bending of the peg and/or strap is also permissible for this purpose to the extent allowed by the elasticity of the substrate. Engagement of the edges of the aperture with the peg secures the first and second portions to each other at the point where they lie at the back of the head in use. The elongate edges of the strap are curved inwardly both for cosmetic reasons and to facilitate access to the horizontally opposed tabs of the underlying sliding catch. These opposed tabs are placed close to each other, the headband being adjusted to its maximum size. The lower splits of the sliding catch are configured as ratchets at each end of the headband. In use the wearer will pull on the opposed tabs until the headband is comfortably tight and then pull down on the tabs simultaneously to lock the headband into the adjusted position.

With the inclusion of packaging folds such an item of headwear can be supplied fully assembled and folded flat to facilitate distribution and display.

11 The invention in its various aspects will now be described by way of example by reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are grouped into two sets. Each figure may comprise one or more drawings. For convenience of reference the numerology and descriptions of those drawings which are common to both GB-A-9921185 and the present document have been retained in the present document in the form in which they first appeared.

Fig. 1 shows an item of prior art headwear comprising a solid headband (as distinct firom a split headband or a split/solid headband) with a tab and slot attachinent device.

Figs. 2 to 5 show sliding catch attachment devices forming part of the prior art.

Figs 6 to 8 show items of prior art headwear in the form of a visor.

Figs. 9 and 10 show items of prior art headwear comprising a split/solid headband.

Fig. 11 shows an item of prior art headwear comprising a solid headband in which the headband is folded to provide a trough shaped brim known as a topless brim.

Fig. 12 shows an item of prior art headwear comprising a split/solid headband in which the headband is folded to provide a trough shaped brim known as a topless brim.

Fig. 13 shows an item of prior art headwear comprising a split headband.

Figs. 14 to 16 show items of prior art headwear comprising a split headband, one element of which has been subdivided into two portions.

Figs. 17 to 41 show items of headwear and constructions in accordance with GB-A-9921185 which form part of the prior art.

Fig. 17 shows a solid headband visor headwear item equipped with a sliding catch which item is able to be assembled and folded flat.

12 Fig. 18 shows a similar item with the addition of an element crosses over the top of the head of the wearer from front to back.

Fig. 19 shows a topless brim item provided with packaging folds and a sliding catch enabling it to be assembled and folded flat.

Fig. 20 shows a split/solid headband combined 'topless brim' headwear item incorporating ears and provided with packaging folds and a sliding catch 10 which enable it to be assembled and folded flat.

Figs. 21 and 22 show subdivided headband items of headwear equipped with packaging folds and a sliding catch which are able to be assembled and folded flat.

Figs. 23 and 24 show solid headband visor items similar to the headwear shown in Fig. 17 in which devices capable of attenuating the effect of the folds are Micorporated.

Figs. 25 to 31 show constructions relating to the provision of headwear incorporating a forward facing display and able to be assembled and folded flat.

Fig. 32 shows an item mi which a forward facing display device is extended 25 over the top of the head and attached to the headband at the back.

Figs. 33 to 35 show a form of card display able to be used with headwear in accordance with the invention which is pre-assembled and folded flat.

Figs. 36 to 41 show buckle devices able to attach a portion of headwear to a headband.

Figs. 42 to 45 show items of headwear and constructions in accordance with the present invention in which attachment devices of the strap and peg kind are present.

Referring now to the drawings, 13 Fig. 1 shows an elongate portion of flexible material 1 such as might form a solid headband. Means of attachment are provided at each extremity, respectively a hook shaped tab 3 and five spaced apart complementary slots 5.

Fig. 2 shows an alternative type of adjustable attachment device in accordance with GB-A-9421907 (and sometimes referred to in this application as a sliding catch) in which the extremities 11 and 13 of a headband are provided with matching assemblies comprising in each case a pair of oppositely directed tabs, respectively 15 and 17, and a pair of parallel elongate splits, respectively 19 and 21. The second drawing in the figure (2 b) shows the piece after engagement of the extremities, the tabs 15 and 17 being able to slide along the parallel splits thereby varying the diameter of the headband.

The oppositely directed tabs 17 are not in view in this second drawing.

Fig. 3 shows in schematic form a more sophisticated version of the adjustable attachment device in which the extremities are provided with pull-tabs, one of the tabs being split into two portions 23 and 25, the other pull-tab 27 being partially cut-round. Following assembly both pull-tabs can be positioned on the outer surface the headband when wom.

Fig. 4 shows the same mechanism incorporated into the extremities Of a curved headband, the tabs being identified by the same numbers as in the previous figure. In addition to the applied arrows showing the direction in which the tabs are to be pulled, following assembly and in use, the portions are marked with rounded dots 31, 33 and 35 and diamonds 37, 39and 41. These are provided along with hatched panels to assist an end user to assemble the headwear, the catch phrase being 'hide the hideable hatching and line up the diamonds and dots'. That such a piece of doggerel verse might be thought necessary in such circumstances perhaps provides the best evidence of the need which GB-A-9921185 meets for means to provide headwear -equipped with an adjustable attachment device in a preassembled ready-to-wear form.

Fig. 5 shows a modified version of the attachment device shown in Fig. 4 in which the portion of material lying between the parallel splits in the element 14 on the left has been removed to leave an aperture 45. The pull-tabs 47 and 49 can then be positioned on the outer surface of the headband without the necessity of one of the tabs being split into two portions as in Figs. 3 and 4. It is a simple matter to tuck the oppositely directed tabs 53 through the splits in the other element.

Fig. 6 shows a horseshoe shaped headband 55 with means of attachment comprising a hooked tab 57 and a plurality of slots 59. The central portion of the headband has been widened so as to project from the head of a wearer in the form of a visor thereby providing shade for the eyes.

Fig. 7 shows a similarly horseshoe shaped headband 61 provided with an adjustable attachment device equipped with pull tabs 63 and 65 but without the means for the tabs to be positioned on the same side of the headband.

Fig. 8 shows a similarly shaped headband to that shown in the previous drawing but with the inclusion of an attachment device of the kind shown in Fig. 4. The headband is able to be tightened on the head by a wearer. The effect of widening the central portion so as to produce a visor can be clearly seen.

Fig. 9 shows an item of headwear 71 utilising a split/solid headband in accordance with GB-A-9421909. The solid headband portion 73 is attached to a convex split portion 75. The version of the sliding catch which is incorporated has two apertures 77 and 79 and not one as in Fig. 5. The purpose of the second aperture is to produce symmetry in the design and accordingly largely cosmetic.

Fig. 10 shows a second split/solid headband headwear item 81 in which a convex curved split of the open kind has been extended to provide ears 83.

The ears incorporate curved fold lines along their length the purpose of which is part cosmetic and part to impart greater rigidity. Certain of the figures which follow show ears similarly configured. The space between the edges of the split has been utilised to provide a dependent element 85 adapted to act as an attachment device. This dependent element is treaded through the assembled sliding catch and held in place by friction, its effect being to firmly position the ears 83 at the back of the head. This kind of attachment device is not within the scope of GB-A-9921185 or the present invention, the same being the case with the attachment devices illustrated at Figs. 18, 20, 32 and 34. An improved attachment device in accordance with GB-A-9921185 is shown at Figs. 36 to 41.

Fig. 11 shows a curved solid headband 87 incorporating a fold along its elongate axis 89 and a sliding catch attachment device at the extremities 91. Activation of the fold produces a brim with a trough shaped section. Such a design is known as a 'topless brim' and is within the scope of GBA-9823 748.

The sliding catch device is able to act across the fold but can not readily accommodate pull-tabs.

Fig. 12 shows an item of headwear 93 featuring a split/solid headbandtopless brim combined, the solid headband portion 95 being attached to the convexly curved portion incorporating a split with non-contiguous sides 97. The aperture between the non-contiguous edges of the split is denominated 99, the fold along the elongate axis 101, the ears 103 and the sliding catch assemblies 105. A dependent tab secures the ears at the back of the head as in Fig. 10. This item is likewise within the scope of GB-A-9823748.

Fig. 13 shows an item of headwear 111 featuring a headband incorporating a straight split 123 with perforations for the purpose of enlargement 115 at either end. Headwear of this kind is within the scope of GB-A-8618755.

Fig. 14 shows an item of headwear 121 featuring a headband incorporating a split 123. The headband element lying to one side of the split is subdivided into separate parts 125 and 127 each part provided with an attachment device known as a ball catch. The two elements comprising the ball catch are respectively denominated 129 and 131. The arrangement is symmetrical and 30 the two elements are able to articulate in relation to each other following attachment. Headwear of this kind is with the scope of GB-A- 9823745.

Fig. 15 shows an item of headwear 143 along similar lines to that illustrated in Fig. 14 with the substitution of a sliding catch 145 and the addition of ears 147.

16 Fig. 16 shows a similar item of headwear 151 in which the ears depend on either side of the wearer's face when worn.

Fig. 17, in common with all the drawings which follow, shows an item in accordance with GB-A-9921185. In the drawing an item of headwear 161 with a similar shape to that shown in Fig. 7 is depicted. The item is provided with complimentary means of attachment at its extremities namely an adjustable attachment device in the form of a sliding catch incorporating pull-tabs 163 and 165 engaging with pairs of parallel splits 167 and 169. When this is done an assembled headband is formed. A pair of packaging fold lines 171 and 173 operating across the elongate axis in the manner of 'mountain' folds are provided. ('Mountain' folds are those in which the portions on either side of the fold are bent away from the folder, 'valley' folds vice versa. ). These fold lines are symmetrical about the vertical axis of the headband in its pre- assembled state. Activation of the folds reduces the plan size of the headwear to the dimensions shown in the third and fourth drawings (17 c and 17 d) of the figure and to a flattened state. The fourth drawing shows a reverse view of the headwear with the sliding catch fully assembled. The portion denominated 181 is the underside of the central portion 175. The side elements 177 and 179 are still in view. The oppositely directed tabs adjoining pull-tab 163 are tucked though the parallel splits 169 and, being out of view, are indicated by dotted lines. It should be noted that the setting of the sliding catch is such as to set the headwear to its smallest size. The headwear will enlarge as it is placed on the head by the wearer, or upon and artefact, as the case may be. When worn the headwear will take the form of a visor along the lines illustrated in Fig. 8, supra.

Fig. 18 shows a more complex version of the headwear illustrated in the preceding drawing. A horseshoe shaped solid headband 191 is provided with an element 193 which in use will extended across the top of the wearer's head from front to back, a partially cut-round tab 195 being set into its distal end. This tab is adapted to be folded through 180 degrees and provide means whereby the element can be secured to the headband by threading through the engaged sliding catch in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 10 c. Extending outwardly of the cross-head element 193 are six 'spines' 197 each provided with a slot 199 complementary to an oppositely located slot 201 in the opposite spine. Packaging fold lines 203 and 205 across the elongate axis 17 of the headband together with the packaging fold line 207 across the elongate axis of the cross-head element 193 allow the headwear to be assembled and then folded flat. The second fold line 209 parallel to fold line 207 is provided for cosmetic reasons. As the fourth drawing in the figure (18 d) shows, the sliding catch in this instance sets the headwear half way between its largest and its smallest dimensions. The version of the sliding catch illustrated does not provide pull-tabs but such a modification can be incorporated without difficulty and with advantage.

Fig. 19 shows a topless brim item of headwear 211 comprising an elongate and curved headband provided with a fold line 213 the locus of which lies along its elongate axis and is largely equidistant from the inner and outer edges. A sliding catch 215 is also present. Activation of the packaging 'mountain' fold lines 217 which lie at approximate right angles to the chord of fold line 213 at the point of intersection allows the headwear to be folded flat in its assembled state. In the following drawings (19 b to 19 e) the portion of the headband lying innermost of the fold line 213 is more darkly shaded than that lying outermost, the two portions being denominated 219 and 221. The reverse of the item, not in view until the final drawing (19 e), employs the same shading scheme as the obverse. When the headwear is folded flat the fold line 213 is de-activated but retains a residual stress which allows the trough section to automatically re-establish itself when the brim is opened up about the fold line 217. For this to happen it is necessary for the brim to be folded about fold line 213 at the assembly stage and not to go directly from the configuration shown in the figure's first drawing (19 a) to that shown in the third and fourth drawing (19 c and 19 d). The figure's final drawing (19 e) shows the headwear with the trough section re-instated. In the drawing the underside of the surface 221 is denominated 225. The sliding catch 215 and the folds 217 are not shown. The latter in any case leave little residual evidence of their presence.

Fig. 20 shows another 'topless brim' item of headwear 241 along similar Iffies to that illustrated in figure 12 combining a portion representing a solid headband 243 with a second portion incorporating a convexly curved split with noncontiguous sides 245. The fold line lying along the elongate axis is denominated 247 and the packaging fold lines at right angles to the chord of 247 at the points of intersection are denominated 249. The two portions are 18 contiguous only between the respective packaging fold lines. The right hand element of the sliding catch 251 has been modified to deal more effectively with the stresses present in a topless brim and may be likened to the claws of a lobster. To facilitate pre-assembly prior to folding the attachment element 253 has been lengthened and positioned above the convex split portion. It is folded through 180 degrees and threaded through the sliding catch in the manner previously seen in Figures 10 and 18. When the headwear is placed on the head the element 253 is pulled tight by the wearer and folded upwardly about the fold line 255 to secure it in position. A split 257 is provided in the portion 245 through which the attachment element 253 is threaded to prevent it from bowing outwardly. When assembled with the attachment element pulled down the headwear takes on the appearance of that depicted in Fig. 12 b above. The ear-like enlargements located at each end of the further portion 245 will be prominently in view when the headwear is worn. An item of headwear configured in a similar manner but without the trough shaped section produced by the fold line 247 will result in a brim projecting outwardly from the head in the manner of a visor.

Fig. 21 shows an item of subdivided headband headwear 381 similar to that 20 illustrated in Fig. 15 with the addition of two pairs of parallel lines of fold, respectively 383 and 385 on the left hand side and 387 and 389 on the right hand side of the upper headband element 391. The folds in each pair are adapted to operate in opposite senses, the outer folds 383 and 389 being 'valley'folds and the inner folds 385 and 387 being 'mountain' folds. The locus of the folds is at right angles to the split. The lower headband element is subdivided into two parts 393 and 395 each of which incorporate tile separate elements of a sliding catch attachment device provided with pull tabs 399 and 401. The figure's second drawing shows a front view of the headwear following activation of the folds 383 and 385 and 387 and 389. As a result of this action the overall width of the headwear in a plan view is substantially reduced thereby enabling the two parts of the subdivided element of the headband to be interlocked together ready for use and for the headwear to be nevertheless provided in a flattened state. The third drawing shows a reverse view of the headwear, pre-assembled and flattened. It will be seen that the headband is set to its largest dimension. Pulling on the pull-tabs will accommodate smaller head sizes.

19 Fig. 22 shows an item of headwear 411 constructed along similar lines to that which is the subject of the previous figure, the significant difference being that the ears depend from the headband rather than extend upwards and the two pairs of parallel packaging folds 413 and 415 are offset from the vertical.

The effect of the offset is to lower the centre section of the headband element 417 following activation.

Fig. 23 shows a visor type item of headwear 421 similar to that illustrated in Fig. 17. The brim has, however, been modified by the addition of what may be termed 'bracing elements' 423 and 425 for the purpose of offsetting residual distortion left in a visor brim by packaging folds. The arrangement is such that the bracing elements are not affected by the activation of the packaging folds and accordingly retain their structural integrity. The bracing elements are extended upwardly and at an angle firom the upper edge of the headband 15 and are located adjacent to and inwardly of the packaging fold lines 427 and 429. Further fold lines 431 and 433 are positioned at the point where the elements 423 and 425 adjoin the brim, the folds being generally co-linear with the edge of the brim but along a straight line. Activation of fold lines 431 and 433 brings the elements 423 and 425 into alignment with splits 435 and 437 20 which lie at right angles to and adjoin the packaging folds 427 and 429. The splits 435 and 437 are positioned about half way down the brim and on the opposite side of the packaging folds to the bracing elements 423 and 425. The figure's first drawing (23 a) shows the arrangement in a plan view prior to activation of the packaging folds for the purpose of reducing the plan 25 dimensions of the item. The second drawing (23 b) shows the headwear assembled and folded flat for packaging purposes. The third drawing (23 c) shows a detailed view of the right hand side of the headwear after the packaging folds have been unfolded and illustrates the manner in which the bracing element 425 lying flat against the surface of the headband is passed 30 across the de-activated packaging fold 429 and then threaded through the slot 437. The process of threading is eased by making the split 437 generally 'U" shaped (its counterpart, split 435, likewise). Passing the bracing element across the packaging fold line has the effect of bracing it when curvature is applied to the brim as happens when the headwear is placed upon the head. 35 The fourth drawing (23 d) shows what happens if headwear configured in the manner here described is placed on the head without the deployment of a bracing elements. The residual effect of the packaging fold can clearly be seen. The fourth drawing (23 e) illustrates the result of deploying a bracing element. It will be seen that the residual effect of the packaging fold has been substantially diminished. The construction can be varied by positioning the bracing element on the inside of the brim as worn with the distal end coming into view after being threaded through the split.

Fig. 24 shows a similar type of visor headband 441 in which the packaging fold lines 443 and 445 are interrupted by partially cut-out tabs respectively 447 and 449 which project outwardly when the headwear is folded and continue so to do when the headwear is unfolded and placed upon the head, albeit in a tangential manner and, accordingly, to a somewhat lesser extent relative to the surrounding portions of the headband. The same kind of construction, in a more elaborate form, can be seen in Fig. 28 below.

Fig. 25 shows headband provided with a forward facing display which can be pre-assembled and folded flat and which self erects when the headwear is placed upon the head. The first drawing in the figure (25 a) shows a:firont view of a headband 607 similar to the headband illustrated at Fig. 17. The headband comprises a first portion of the headwear. Extended from the upper edge 609 of the headband is a second portion incorporating a forward facing display portion 611 which display portion is able to be further mounted on the brim at a point below the upper edge. The second drawing of the figure (25 b) shows the construction in enlarged detail. Extended from the upper edge of the headband 609 is the display portion 611 the connecting element incorporating a hinged tab comprising two horizontally aligned generally oblong portions 613 and 615 separated by a fold line 617. Between the lower portion of the tab 615 and the upper edge of the headband 609 lies the remaining part 619 of the connecting element. The part 619 is separated from the headband by a fold line 621 which is positioned along the upper edge of the headband 609 and is parallel to the first mentioned fold 617. The two fold lines operate in opposite senses, fold 617 being a'mountain'fold and fold 621 a'valley'fold. Fold 617 is adapted to perform the flitiction of a hinge mi relation to portions 613 and 615. At the point where the display portion 611 joins the upper portion 613 of the hinged tab lies a tapered neck 623, its width between the points marked A - A being greater than that between the points marked B - B. The portions 613 and 615 are adapted to perform the function of a tab which - taking account of the presence of the fold 617 - can properly be described as a hinged tab.

21 Following assembly the portions 613 and 615 will be positioned back to back. The portions 613 and 615 although generally oblong in shape are tapered towards the line of the hinge 617 and radiused at the corners to facilitate insertion - spade fashion - into the split 625. This split is very slightly curved in a convex manner and is positioned within the periphery of the brim of the headband at or about its vertical axis at a point below the upper edge 609 and in vertical alignment and parallel with the folds 617 and 62 1. The length of the split 625 is of the same order as the width at their widest point of the portions comprising the hinged tab 613 and 615. The height of the connecting element 619 as measured between the tab portion 615 and the fold line 621 (marked C C) is greater than the distance between the fold line 621 and the split 625 (marked D D).

The three drawings of the figure which follow (25 c, 25 d and 25 e) comprise diagrammatic illustrations of the embodiment in course of and following assembly of the display portion with those parts no longer in view shown by dotted lines. Assembly is achieved by folding the piece along the fold line 621 through 180 degrees so as to lay the display portion 611 and the portions comprising the hinged tab 613 and 615 and the connecting element 619 temporarily face down against the upper surface of the headband. The drawing 25 c shows the position at this stage.

Fold line 617 is then activated as a result of which the upper surface of the display portion is returned to view and a tab, with two layers joined by a hinge, created. The tab portion 613 is then uppermost and in view. Drawing 25 d shows the position at this stage. The hinged tab (comprised of two layers representing the portions 613 and 615) is then inserted spade fashion through the split 625 from above the brim. Engagement between the surfaces of and/or adjoining the tab portions 613 and 615 and the edges of the split is brought about by the spring effect exerted by the hinge. The display portion and associated elements comprising the second portion have now assumed what is termed a 'first position' in which the headwear is able to lie flat with the display portion on top. In the first position the edges of the tapered portion 623 (along the line A - A) and/or the adjoining edges of the display portion 611 are in contact with the extremities of the split 625, being pushed against them by the connecting element 619.

22 The sixth drawing in the figure (25 f) shows in a cut-away perspective view how, when curvature is applied to the brim the tapered portion 623 of the display portion 611 is forced upwards within the split 625 thereby flexing the connecting element 619. The primary force is that exerted by the split 625 on the edges of the tapered portion 623 as the extremities of the split come closer together in response to the curvature of the brim. The contracting of the split forces the tapered portion higher. Eventually the upper edges of the hinged tab engage with the under surface of the brim in the region adjacent to the split 625. In this 'second position' the engagement between the upper edge of the tabs with the underside of the brim results in the hinged tab becoming more securely lodged within the split. Another useful result is that the connecting element 619 bowes outwardly of the curved headband and forces the display portion 611 now lying above the connecting element 619 to assume a more vertical plane than would otherwise be the case.

The transition from a first position in which the display portion is flat to a second position in which it stands at an angle to the brim can be more clearly demonstrated in the diagrammatic form adopted by the figure's final three drawings. Fig. 25 g shows a cross section marked 'x - y' through the headwear along its vertical axis juxtaposed with a vertically compressed schematic plan view of the headwear with the display portion lying flat over the brim. The split in the brim in the plan view is identified by the letter'z'.

Fig. 25 h shows the same cross-section in a configuration which is close to 25 the first position. The vertical scale is necessarily exaggerated. In Fig 25 j the display portion approaches the second position. It will be seen that the tapered portion has risen above the split and the connecting portion has bowed outwardly of the underlying portion of the brim forcing the display portion into a more erect position.

Fig. 26 shows an item of solid headband headwear 699 incorporating a version of the forward facing display 701 in which portions 703 and 705 depend below the level of the neck of the tab 707 and, following assembly, below the level of split in the brim 709.

Fig. 27 shows an item of solid headband headwear 731 in which the visor shape is adapted to provide a turried-up peak 733. The forward facing display 23 735 is constructed in a similar manner to that illustrated in the two previous figures with the addition of further tabs 737 and 739, the tabs adapted to engage with additional splits in the brim 741 and 743. The additional mountings enable a forward facing display of a relatively large size to be provided in a secure fashion.

Fig. 28 shows an item of headwear 751 equipped with a forward facing display 753 the design of which is complemented by the projecting elements 755 positioned so as to interrupt packaging lines of fold 757.

Fig. 29 shows a forward facing display portion extended from a solid headband 771.

Fig. 3 0 shows a forward facing display portion extended from a headband 7 8 1. 15 This headband is provided with a ball catch type attachment device appropriate to a bottle or can application where the diameter is known and no adjustment to size required.

Fig. 31 shows a subdivided headband 791 incorporating an open convex 20 curved split, the ends of the separate parts provided with a ball catch attachment device. The subdivided construction allows a forward facing display 793 with a relatively elongate vertical dimension. The piece is designed to be placed on the neck of a milk bottle as shown in the second drawing.

Fig. 32 shows a solid headband 8 11 provided with a forward facing display portion 813 which is extended upwards sufficiently to permit of attachment to the headband at the back of the wearer's head or (as in this instance) the artefact equivalent. The can in question is a proprietary 'Pepsi Cola' brand.

The item is a representation of an American Civil War kepi. The means of attachment 815 are along similar lines to those illustrated in Figs. 10 and 12. They are compatible with a sliding catch and allow the item to be preassembled and folded flat.

Fig. 33 shows an item of headwear 851 similar to that illustrated at Fig. 17. When assembled and folded only the centre section 853 will be visible. For display purposes a separate piece of material in the form of a card 871 is provided, the card incorporating a split 873. The headband is slipped over the portion partially cut-round by the split so that the centre section 853 remamis in view and is separated from the remainder of the headband including the attachment mechanism.

Fig. 34 shows an item of headwear 901 similar in overall shape to that illustrated at Fig. 10 but provided with packaging folds 903 and 905 which permit pre-assembly and folding flat. When assembled and folded flat both the centre section 907 and the ears 909 will be visible. The elongate attachment element 911 will be folded downwardly and engaged with the assembled sliding catch 913 ready to be pulled tight once the headwear is in position on the wearer's head. A display card 921 of sufficient height to accommodate the cars is provided, the card being in two sections joined together by a line of fold 923. The section lying above the fold line 925 provides a backing and that below the fold line a mounting. In this case the form of mounting adopted is an edge shaped in such a way that it engages with the headwear at the point where the folds 903 and 905 are located.

Shoulder portions 931 and 933 assist mi maintaining the headwear in a desired position. The numeral 935 denominates the reverse side of the portion below the fold line 927.

Fig. 35 shows a display card 941 in which once again there are two sections on either side of a fold line 943. This display card is designed to accommodate an assembled and folded item of headwear 945 which is the same as that illustrated at Fig. 18 above. The edge 945 adapted to provide a mounting is both functional and decorative.

Figs. 36 to 41 show items of headwear equipped with an attachment device which may be described as a buckle inasmuch as a spike like tongue is adapted to interlock with a rim. The greatest value of the device in the context of the other aspects of GB-A-9921185 lies in its ability to attach a portion of headwear to a headband at a point where the ends are joined together by a sliding catch without inhibiting the operation of the sliding catch.

Fig. 36 shows an item of headwear 961 combining a first portion comprising a solid headband 963 with a second portion incorporating a split with noncontiguous sides 965. In use such a construction takes on the general appearance of the item of headwear illustrated at Fig. 10, supra, with the second portion taking up a position above and following the circumference of the head in the manner of a headband. The item is adapted to be pre assembled and folded flat, packaging fold lines 967 and 969 being provided along with a sliding catch attachment mechanism 971 and 973. The oppositely directed tabs of the sliding catch engage with the edges of apertures 975 and 977. These apertures are provided with perforated extensions, respectively 979 and 98 1, which allow portions to be removed and a range of smaller head sizes thereby to be accommodated. The design of this item of headwear is such that the second (split headband) portion must be attached to that part of the first (solid headband) portion as lies at the back of the head so as to draw the ears to the back of the head in use. The means of attachment take the form of a buckle incorporated into the second portion. The buckle comprises a rim 987 subdivided into two apertures by a subdividing element 989, and a tongue991, the rim and the tongue extending from opposite sides of that part of the second portion which represents a headband, the elongate axes of the rim and the buckle being co-linear. The tongue is folded through 180 degrees about a fold line 993 so as to bring it into a position in which it overlays the rim 987.

The tongue is of sufficient length to permit it to be passed across the remainder of the second portion and interlock with the rim. The presence of the subdividing element 989 permits the tongue to be inserted through the first aperture within the rim and passed back through the second aperture.

Such a construction prevents the distal end of the tongue impinging on the neck of the wearer. The figure's second drawing (36 b) shows a view of the reverse side of the headwear in its assembled and flat folded state. The rim 987 lies behind the sliding catch attachment device as viewed and the tongue 991 in front of it. The tongue is threaded behind the subdividing element 989 and out again in the manner already described.

Fig. 37 shows a similarly configured buckle design incorporating into an item of headwear 1001 intended to provide a representation of extra terrestrial ('alien') type eyes, respectively 1003 and 1005. The effect is largely lost if the eye portions are allowed to tilt backwards, as will happen if the wearer pushes the brim of the visor upwards in order to obtain a better view at, for example, a concert performance. The problem is met by increasing the length of the rim of the buckle 1007 to the greatest possible extent and shaping and locating the subdividing element 1009 and the apertures 10 11 and 10 13 thereby created 26 within the rim in such a way that it is the lower part of the buckle which fastens round the attached extremities of the headband 10 15 and 10 17 shown in a reverse view in the figure's second and third drawings (37 b and c).

Engagement of the tongue of the buckle with the inner edge of the rim is facilitated by the bulbous enlargement 1019 at its distal end. The proportions of the enlargement relative to the width of the aperture 1013 and the juxtaposition of the lower edges of the attached headband extremities 1015 and 1017 are such as to inhibit the tongue firom. accidentally disengaging from the rim. The headwear illustrated in this figure (as in Figure 36, supra and those which follow) is provided with packaging folds aligned and placed in such a way as to permit the headwear to be flat folded in its assembled state with the buckle fastened.

Fig. 38 shows an item of headwear 1021 similar to those depicted in Figs. 36 and 37 in which the ear-like appendages are replaced by an enclosed cut- out 1023, the upper part of the periphery of the enclosing element 1025 permitting a feature 1027 to be centrally mounted.

Fig. 39 shows another type of buckle construction demonstrated on an item of headwear 1051 similar but not identical to that illustrated at Fig. 18. The item comprises a first portion in the form of a solid headband configured as a brim and a second portion in the form of an element crossing over the top of the head and requiring to be attached to the headband at the point where a sliding catch attachment device is located. In the second drawing (39 b) the rim portion 1053 of the buckle can be seen to project outwardly from the distal end of the cross-head element (representing the remainder of the second portion) whereas the tongue 1055 extends in the opposite direction and is set within the element. The figure's third drawing (39 c) shows how activation of the fold line 1057 brings the tongue into a position in which it overlays the rim leaving an aperture 1061 behind. The tongue is sufficiently long to interlock with the rim and at the same time not to inhibit the operation of the sliding catch. The figure's fourth drawing (39 d) is somewhat more schematic than the other drawings in as much as most of the decorative Gothic style appendages have been dispensed with. The drawing shows a detail from a rear view of the headwear with the buckle 'fastened' but not interfering with the sliding catch.

27 Fig. 40 shows an item of headwear 1081 incorporating a third type of buckle construction. The headwear is along similar lines to that shown in Fig. 36 with the significant difference that the space furnished by the second portion is utilised by a forward facing display portion 1083 of the kind featured in the earlier figures 25 to 3 1. The presence of this display portion (shown assembled in a detailed view in the figure's second drawing (40 b)) precludes the provision of a rim for a buckle in the manner shown in Figs. 36 to 38. The solution adopted, which is shown in the detailed drawings (39 c and 39 d), is to set the tongue 1085 within the rim 1087 by means of a partial cut-out. The sides of the tongue are contiguous with the key-hole shaped inner edge of the rim. An enlargement 1089 at the distal end of the tongue can be interlocked with the rim by simply distorting the tongue slightly from a flat plane, i.e. curling it slightly or bending it. The effective length of the tongue is thereby shortened and the enlargement 1089 is able to engage with the inner edge of the rim at a narrower point. Thus confligured, the buckle must never the-less be brought into alignment with that part of the headband lying at the back of the wearer's head when worn by being folded through 180 degrees along the fold line 1091 which is positioned between the buckle and the remainder of the second portion. As with the other buckle constructions previously described, the operation of the sliding catch attachment device is not affected.

Fig. 41 shows an item of headwear 1201 in which rim and tongue are arranged in 'line ahea& fashion. The item incorporates a first portion in the form of a solid headband combined with a second portion incorporating a split, the edges of which are not contiguous, and ear-like extensions. It is along similar lines to that shown at Fig. 37. In this embodiment, however, both tongue 1203 and rim 1205 are located on the same side and outwardly of the upper element 1207 of the second portion incorporating the split. The first drawing of the figure depicts the piece viewed from the front. 'Mountain' folds 1209 and 1211 lie respectively between the upper element 1207 and the rim 1205 and between the rim and the tongue 1203. In the figure's second drawing (41 b) a reverse view is seen in which both folds have been activated through 180 degrees in such a way that the buckle mechanism has wrapped itself round the attached extremities of the headband. The tongue 1203 is then threaded through the aperture 1213 encompassed by the rim thereby fastening the buckle and securing the split portion and ear-like extensions to the headband at the back 28 of the head in use. In this example the bulbous distal end of the tongue 1215 ends up directed towards the wearer's head but this will not interfere with his or her comfort since it is well above the neck at that point. The second drawing is schematic inasmuch as the location of the neck of the rim 1205 immediately below the fold line 1209 is indicated even though it is out of view concealed by the upper element 1207.

The drawings which follow illustrate headwear in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 42 shows a subdivided headband item of headwear 1251 similar to that at illustrated at Fig. 21. Extended from the upper headband element 1253 is an elongate element 1255 (shown shaded) adapted to cross over the head of the wearer from front to back in use. The further end of the cross-head element forms a strap subdivided into two sections 1257a and 1257b by a line of fold 1259 and incorporating an aperture 1261 at its distal end. When the strap is folded through 180 degrees along the line of fold 1259 the aperture is superimposed upon a peg 1263 formed by a partial cut-out within that part of the cross-head element 1255 which is denominated 1257b. A second line of fold 1265 is provided which is parallel to the line of fold 1259. This is a packaging fold the purpose of which is to enable the headwear to be provided in a fully assembled form but folded flat. Assembly requires the ends of the headband respectively 1267 and 1269, which are configured in the form of a sliding catch, to be attached to each other. In the figure's second drawing a rear view of the headwear is shown at the stage where the cross-head element 1255 has been folded along the line of fold 1265. The two ends of the headband 1267 and 1269 have been secured together and now overlie the element 1255 at a point between the line of fold 1261 and the peg 1263 in section 1257b of the strap. The figure's third drawing shows the reverse surface (cross-hatched) of the strap's section 1257a folded upwardly along the line of fold 1259 with the peg 1263 inserted into the aperture 1261 so as to fasten the strap round the headband. By this means the elongate element 1255 is attached to the headband without inhibiting the operation of the sliding catch. The direction in which the fold line 1259 has been activated could be reversed if desired. A strap and peg attachment device of the kind illustrated will be equally efficacious in a situation in which no packaging folds are present and assembly of the headwear is left to the consumer.

29 Fig. 43 shows an item of headwear 1301 similar to that illustrated at Fig. 39.

The headwear is, however, provided with an attachment device of the strap and peg kind similar to that depicted in the preceding figure. In the present figure the two sections of the strap are denominated 1303a and 1303b respectively, the aperture 1305, the line of fold 1307 and the peg 1309. The two ends of the headband which comprise a sliding catch are respectively 13 11 and 1313. The figure's second and third drawings show in detail the intermediate and final stages of assembly. Following assembly the appearance of the headwear when worn will be as depicted in Fig. 18e.

Fig. 44 shows an item of headwear 1351 similar to that illustrated at the preceding figure but with the respective positions of the aperture 1353 and the peg 1355 reversed.

Fig. 45 shows an item of headwear 1401 similar to that illustrated at Fig. 40.

The sliding catch mechanism at the respective ends 1403 and 1405 of the headband have, however, been modified in each case to incorporate ratchets, respectively 1407 and 1409. The attachment device whereby the upper headband element will be secured to the headband takes the form of a strap 1411 (shown cross-hatched) incorporating an aperture 1413 and parallel lines of fold 1415 and 1417 placed at an angle of 90 degrees to its elongate axis. The fold line 1417 is interrupted by the presence of the peg 1419 which is formed by an enclosed partial cut-out. The item is provided with a forward facing display portion 1421 which is attached to the brim in a similar fashion to that seen in Figs. 25 to 31 and in Fig. 40. The presence of such a portion precludes the use of a buckle type device of the kind depicted at Figs. 36, 37 and 38. Fig.

45's second drawing shows the headwear flat folded with the sliding catch and the forward facm"g display assembled. If this drawing is compared with Fig. 40's fourth drawing (40 d) it will be seen that the sliding catch has been set to the largest head size and not a lesser head size as shown in the earlier drawing. As a result, when the headband is folded flat, the assembled headband assumes a higher position and a buckle of the kind shown in Fig. 40 can not be used. It would be possible to turn the key-hole attachment device shown in Fig. 40 the other way up but the manner of contact between the tongue and the rim (respectively 1085 and 1087 and the bulbous end of the tongue 1089 in the earlier drawing) on the one hand, and the pull-tabs of the sliding catch on the other, would be unsatisfactory since it brings together a multiplicity of die-cut edges. The third drawing in Fig. 45 shows the strap and peg attachment device fully assembled and wrapped round the headband thereby securing it to the upper portion of the headwear. Folding the strap about the line of fold 1417 (not visible in the drawing) has left the peg 1419 free standing and occupying the same plane as previously. Activation of the other line of fold 1415 brings the aperture 1413 into alignment with the peg 1419. The peg and the aperture are so positioned and dimensioned as to keep the amount of bending needed to effect engagement between them within the elastic properties of a substrate such as paper card of c. 300 gsm. The dimensions of the fastened strap are such as to permit free operation of the sliding catch. The shape of the strap is determined in part by the available space between the 'ears' (in the embodiment illustrated eagle's wings), and in part by the need to accommodate at its base the enclosed partial cut-out forming the peg, in part by the need for it to have a certain substance relative to the underlying mechanism of the sliding catch and in part by the need for its pull-tabs to be readily accessible to the wearer when adjusting to head size. The configuration adopted provides a reasonable balance between these factors without detracting from the appearance of the headwear. The figure's fourth drawing is a perspective view of the headwear showing applied decoration and in a state in which the packaging folds have been de- activated so that it is ready for wear. As with the previously described examples of strap and peg attachment devices the surfaces of the strap which are finally in view can be reversed by folding in the opposite direction.

31

Claims (21)

1. An item of headwear of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material the dimensions of the piece being such as to accommodate a first portion adapted to form a headband and encompass the head, a second portion of material being provided which is integral with the headband whereof the first portion is comprised at the point where the headband lies at the front of the head when worn, the second portion adapted to be attached to the headband at the back of the head, the means of attachment taking the form of an elongate strap, the strap forming part of the second portion, the strap provided with an aperture at one end and an enclosed partial cut-out adapted to act as a peg (fixed at its base) at the other, the strap incorporating either a single line of fold or two spaced apart lines of fold lying at right angles to its elongate axis, the fold(s) being so activated so that the strap wraps round the headband and the aperture is juxtaposed with the peg, the peg adapted to act as a hook when encompassed by the aperture so as to fasten the ends of the strap together, the peg maintaining its position within the aperture until disengaged by reason of the semi-rigid properties of the material, the dimensions of the attachment device in its fastened state being such as to permit side-to-side movement of the headband and the operation of any device attaching the extremities of the headband (or separate parts thereof) to each other which is present at the point of engagement with the strap.

2. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peg comprises an enclosed partial cut-out placed either at the distal end of the strap or proximate to the point where the strap adjoins the remainder of the second portion, the aperture being placed at whichever is the opposite end, the strap provided with a single fold approximately half way between the peg and the aperture, the fold adapted to double the strap back on itself and place one part of the strap on one side of the headband and the other part on the other side, at the same time bringing the aperture into a position where it can encompass the 32 peg thereby to fasten the strap round the headband and secure the first and second portions to each other.

3. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap is provided with two spaced apart lines of fold, the aperture lying at its distal end and the peg comprising an enclosed partial cut-out at the opposite end, the base of the peg lying furthest from the aperture and co-linear with one of the two folds, the said fold positioned at the point where the strap adjoins the remainder of the second portion, the line of the fold being interrupted by the peg so that when activated the peg continues in the same plane as previously and stands free of the strap, the second fold placed approximately half way between the aperture and the peg and adapted to double the strap back on itself and bring the aperture into a position where it can encompass the peg thereby to fasten the strap round the headband and secure the first and second portions to each other.

4. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of the aperture is slightly greater than, the same as or slightly smaller than the corresponding width of the peg so that the edges of the aperture engage with the sides of the peg at or close to its base.

5. Headwear as claimed in claim 4, where the peg is bulbous relative to the width of its base.

6. Headwear as claimed in claims 1, wherein the attachment device is configured in such a way as to allow the peg to emerge outwardly from the aperture and away from the head of a wearer in use.

7. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headband comprising the first portion is generally elongate and incorporates complementary means of attachment at the extremities.

8. Headwear as claimed in claim 7, wherein the headband comprising the first portion is curved in shape, the headband functioning as a brim which projects outwardly from the head of a wearer at an angle.

9. Headwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein the portion of the brim lying to the front of the head in use is widened so as to provide a visor or eyeshade.

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10. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein either or both the first portion and the second portion incorporates a split, the length of the split being of the order of one half of the circumference of a head, the split being provided in the portion in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material, the two sides of the split not necessarily being contiguous, a headband or (in the case of the second portion) a portion in the nature of a headband being formed thereby.

11. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion incorporates a split which is provided in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the material following assembly and in use, the portion lying to one side of the split being subdivided into two separate parts, the separate parts being provided with means of attachment and adapted to be attached together in use, a headband being formed thereby.

12. Headwear as claimed in claim 7, 10 or 11, wherein a device for the attachment of the extremities of the headband (or the separate parts thereof) whereof the first portion is comprised is provided, the nature of the device being such as to interlock the said extremities together in a manner which permits them to slide one against the other thereby allowing adjustment of the length of the headband to correspond with the wearer's head size following assembly of the item, the attachment device incorporated into the headband comprising a pair of linear bearings arranged in a parallel manner at one extremity (a linear bearing comprising an elongate edge of the material and/or the adjoining surface of the material, an edge comprising either one side of a split not extending to any other edge of the material or an outer edge of the material) and in the other extremity a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with the respective linear bearings so as to join the two extremities together

13. Headwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the arrangement of linear bearings and tabs being such that a force must be applied to enable the tabs to overcome frictional resistance from the material comprising the said edges and/or adjoining surfaces when sliding from a first position to a second position, means of adjusting the diameter of the headband being provided thereby.

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14. Headwear as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more linear bearings are serrated in the manner of a ratchet the teeth of the ratchet being configured so as to inhibit an increase in the diameter of the assembled 5 headband.

use.

15. Headwear as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein ear-like enlargements are located at one or both ends of either the first and/or the second portion which take up an erect position at the sides or above or at the back of the head in

16. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, 10 or 11, wherein the second portion comprises an enclosed cut-out adapted to provide one or more features above and/or at the back of the head in use, which features may be centrally mounted.

17. Headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein packaging folds are incorporated, the folds aligned and placed in such a way that the headwear can be supplied fully assembled and flat folded with the strap fastened.

18. Headwear as claimed in claim 17, wherein the headband is assembled with its diameter adjusted to the largest size.

19. Headwear as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims adapted for use in connection with a cylindrical artefact such as a drinks can or bottle an otherwise configured artefact smaller than the size of a human head which is able to provide a mounting for such an item.

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20. Headwear substantially as herein described with reference to any of the 0 accompanying drawings stated to be in accordance with the present invention and excluding any drawing stated to refer to headwear known in the art.

21. Headwear constructions as claimed in more than one of the foregoing claims.