GB2368180A

GB2368180A - Headware for articles with catapult game

Info

Publication number: GB2368180A
Application number: GB0021453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neville Anthony Wyli Samuelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-31
Filing date: 2000-08-31
Publication date: 2002-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-31
Also published as: GB0021453D0; GB2368180B

Abstract

A headband 183 for articles such as bottles, forming a bottle collar, where the headband 183 is provided with more than one connecting hook 187, 189, 191 on the lower side of one end of the headband 183 for connecting to one other hook 185. The multiple hooks allow for adjustment of the band for different sized articles and to allow the band 183 to conform with various bottle neck tapers. Preferably a catapult arrangement 1025 is provided to allow projectiles to be fired to form a game. Various modifications are provided, including the headband being used on a display card (Figs 37 to 41), there being ear-type projections (Fig 14, 23), the use of coupons (Fig 34) and many other.

Description

HEADWEAR FOR ARTEFACTS

This invention relates to the provision of headwear for artefacts utilising a form of headband known as a solid headband which is able, in a single size, to accommodate a range of shapes and sizes of artefact and which also has the capacity to invest artefacts with physiognomic features as opposed to a representation of a hat.

The provision of items in the nature of headwear for the adornment of artefacts such as drinks cans and bottles is addressed at length in GB-A9421886 (Samuelson). The prior document is mainly concerned with headwear made from a flexible material such as paper card utilising headbands incorporating a single split. Only in its twenty-ninth and sixty-seventh aspects is there reference to a specific item of headwear utilising a solid headband. In the former case a split headband is also present. The possibility that other of the constructions which are disclosed will be used in conjunction with a solid headband is referred to in passing in the specification in general terms at page 171. A'solid'headband is defined as being 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 present invention in its first aspect relates to the provision of means of attachment for the ends of a solid headband which will accommodate a range of shapes and sizes of artefact and most particularly plastic bottles of the kind in which carbonated drinks are commonly sold. These bottles have a tapering neck above which is a round disk-like protuberance known as a transfer bead.

These transfer beads are used in the bottle manufacturing and filling processes and their configuration is governed by an industry standard.

Above the transfer bead is a tamper-resistant cap. The diameter of the transfer bead and the cap are greater than the neck of the bottle at the point where it adjoins the transfer bead. As a rule the diameter of the transfer bead is also slightly greater than the cap.

An item of miniature headwear produced with drinks bottles of the kind described in the preceding paragraph in mind can be targeted at a particular product and configured so as to provide a precise fit when positioned on the bottle. Typically the extremities of the headband will be attached together by means of co-operating hooks integral with the remainder of the piece. The distance between the respective points of engagement of the hooks will be such as to provide a reasonably tight fit for the headband around the neck of the bottle.

It should be noted that the expression'point of engagement'as used in this application identifies the point lying along the edge of a hook which physically engages with the corresponding point lying along the edge of the co-operating hook. It is the outermost point along the internal edge of the hook. 'Outermost'in this context, having regard to the linear axis of the headband. The elasticity of the headband when its extremities are attached brings the point into engagement with its counterpart.

The present invention addresses a situation in which it is desired to produce an item of miniature headwear capable of fitting the bottles in which the majority of popular brands of soft drinks and beers are sold. The solution is a headband equipped with an attachment device provided with more than one setting and a corresponding capacity to provide the user with a choice of headband diameters following attachment of the extremities. At the present time the variation in 500 ml plastic bottle diameters measured at a point immediately below the transfer bead among the leading brands of carbonated drinks ranges between 26 mm for the proprietary brand Coca-Cola and 36 mm for the proprietary brand Pepsi-Cola. These measurements encompass the bottles in which many other brands of soft drink are sold and have been taken as the bench mark for the purposes of this document. It should be born in mind, however, that the constructions now disclosed can be adapted to embrace different ranges of bottle sizes if required. Headwear for artefacts such as cans of varying diameters can also be provided.

The twenty-ninth and sixty-seventh aspects of GB-A-9421886 referred to above respectively relate to a split/solid headband combination and a construction which can be described as a'topless brim'. In the drawings illustrating these two kinds of headwear means of attachment for the ends of

the solid headband are shown which are unsuitable for use with the plastic bottles described above. A convex curved headband (convex as used in this application, as in the earlier applications, means convex when viewed from a low view point) will hug the neck of such a plastic bottle provided that it is the right shape and of the right dimensions. The ends of such a headband can not, however, be attached together prior to it being placed upon the bottle because the diameter of the headband following attachment of the ends will need to be less than the cap and transfer bead if a tight fit is to be assured.

Attachment of the ends of the headband in situ will be an operation requiring a considerable degree of manual dexterity-whatever form of attachment device is employed-on account of the small size of the bottle and headband.

Were it otherwise, the'sliding catch'adjustable attachment device which is the subject ofGB-A-9421907 (Samuelson), co-filed with GB-A-9421886, would be admirably suited for the purpose.

At its thirtieth aspect GB-A-9421886 discloses another form of catch which can be enlisted in the search for a solution to the problem posed by drinks bottles of the kind described above to better effect than the sliding catch. It comprises co-linear splits incorporated into ball-shaped elements respectively located at the ends of the portions to be attached so as to form co-operating hooks. The elements are adapted to articulate with each other following attachment. As envisage by the prior document, and illustrated at its Figs. 30 and E/30, the attachment device will be incorporated into the separate parts of a sub-divided split headband which is straight and not convex curved. In the context of drinks bottles the enclosure of the co-operating hooks within ballshaped elements will provide enough substance around the respective points of engagement to allow the hooks to be gripped between finger and thumb while being interlocked with each other. Just as importantly, the facility for the hooks and proximate elements to articulate with each other following attachment will allow the headband (provided that it is convex curved) to adapt to the tapered contours of the neck of the bottle. These contours, it should be noted, vary from bottle to bottle irrespective of whether or not they are of similar diameter below the transfer bead.

In a later filing, GB-A-9921185 (Samuelson), a ball catch attachment device incorporated into a solid headband which is convex curved is illustrated at its Fig. 30. The preceding figure also shows a convex curved solid headband but

in that case the attachment device is a sliding catch and the probable application is as an item of human headwear. The description to Fig. 30 underlines the limitations of a ball catch as configured in the drawing by saying that it is'appropriate to a bottle or can application where the diameter is known and no adjustment to size is required.' The ball catch illustrated at GB-A-99211185's Fig. 30 has been adapted to its miniature role by the substitution of hooks comprised of opposed V-shaped partial cut-outs in place of the co-linear splits. It would seem to be an optimum design for an attachment device for use with a known type of bottle with a known diameter. Such a situation will obtain when the headwear is distributed as a promotional item for a particular product. Other forms of distribution are possible, however, in which any one of a range of drinks and other bottles may be destined to act as a host for the headwear. One example would be a promotional campaign by a retail outlet such as a supermarket or a garage chain selling different brands of carbonated drinks. Distribution via restaurants and pubs would throw up a similar diversity of potential host bottles which would not be restricted to carbonated drinks but might include bottled beers. The ability of items of headwear for the adornment of bottles to carry a narrative, a theme or topical material suggests that there are also opportunities for it to be marketed as a consumer product in its own right.

It follows from what is said above that there is a market opportunity for a form of catch for use with a convex curved solid headband which combines those advantages of a ball catch which have already been identified with the facility to accommodate a range of bottle shapes and sizes and cans and similar artefacts. The solution provided by the present invention in its first aspect is to incorporate at one end of the solid headband a ball catch with not one but a plurality hooks from which a choice can be made. Such hooks could be mere splits but in preferred embodiments will take the form of V-shaped or angularshaped cut-outs set into the lower edge of the headband.

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 which artefact may be a plastic or glass bottle with a tapering neck of the kind in which non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are sold or a similarly configured item, the dimension of

the piece being such as to accommodate a convex curved headband sufficiently elongate to encompass the neck of the artefact, the headband being secured in position by means of attachment at its extremities, the means of attachment comprising portions shaped to form hooks, a first hook being positioned along the lower edge of the headband adjacent to the first extremity and a second and at least one further hook being positioned along the lower edge of the headband adjacent to the second extremity, the hooks adjacent to the second extremity being spaced apart along a line approximately parallel to the elongate axis of the headband and adapted, either one of them, to co-operate with the first hook; following attachment of the first hook with a second or other hook adjacent to the second extremity the headband by reason of its convex curvature taking on the shape of a frusto-cone with variable taper to the extent afforded by the degree of articulation available between the engaged hooks, the headband conforming to the tapering neck of the underlying artefact and maintaining its position by gravitational and/or frictional force.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present invention a headband die-cut from paper card of the order of 200 to 300 grams per square metre in weight is provided with integral hooks formed from polygon shaped cut-outs, one placed at one end (i. e. the first extremity) and three at the other end (i. e. second extremity). These four cut-outs are all positioned along the lowermost of the convex curved edges of the piece. The first hook is formed by a cut-out which is in the approximate shape of a triangle which is open along its lower edge so as to take on the appearance of an inverted V. The second hook, furthermost of the three hooks located at the second extremity, is similarly shaped. The two hooks positioned inwardly of the second hook are formed from cut-outs in the approximated shape of four-sided polygons open along their lower edges and take on the appearance of teeth depending from the lower edge of the headband. At both extremities the headband is extended for a short distance beyond the hooks to provide surfaces to grip between finger and thumb.

With such a headband the method of application as regards drinks bottles incorporating a transfer bead and screw-on tamper resistant cap is to grip the respective extremities between the fingers and thumbs of both hands and position it around the neck of the bottle below the transfer bead with the two

extremities overlapping, preferably with the second extremity undermost. The respective extremities are then pulled in opposite directions so as to tighten the headband around the neck of the bottle to the greatest possible extent. The tension is then released to the extent necessary to interlock the first hook with the first available of the three hooks located at the other extremity.

Engagement is facilitated by the flexibility of the substrate which allows the extremities to be moved a short distance upwards and downwards in relation to each other utilising the space available below the transfer bead. The elasticity of the substrate in combination with the convex curvature of the headband and the capacity for the interlocked hooks to articulate in relation to each other will ensure that once its respective extremities are attached the headband (if correctly dimensioned) will automatically lie flat against or approximately conform to the contours of the neck of the bottle. The degree of engagement achieved will depend upon how precisely the engaged hooks relate to the diameter of the bottle. The more hooks are present at the second extremity the more precise the eventual fit will be. The provision of three hooks and not two or four or more represents a compromise in which precision is balanced by the facility of engagement.

The configuration of this preferred embodiment is designed to minimise the manual dexterity needed to engage the hooks even though the second extremity lies below the first at the moment of engagement. The outermost hooks can be presented for engagement by lifting the tab-like surfaces placed at the very extremities of the headband. The inwardly positioned hooks present for engagement less readily on account of being held down by the overlying first extremity. It is to compensate for this that the two innermost hooks are extended downwardly in the manner of teeth depending from the lower edge of the headband.

It has been found that a satisfactory configuration for a headband designed to fit the representative range of plastic drinks bottles previously defined is one which is generally convex curved measuring approximately 130 mm between its furthest extremities. The radius of curvature of the upper and lower edges will vary along the length of the headband and may differ slightly between the respective upper and lower edges. In plan view the headband takes the form of what might be described as a cross between a V and shallow U and is somewhat wider at its centre than at the ends. When the extremities

of a piece of flexible material thus shaped are attached a visor or eye shade (in an item of human proportions and worn by a human) is formed. In the preferred embodiment the arrangement of the first hook and the second hook, outermost of the three hooks at the other extremity, is symmetrical. While the two inwardly located hooks may project from the lower edge of the headband in the manner of teeth the extent of the projection does not seem excessive since the width of headband as measured between its upper and lower edges narrows towards the extremities. So positioned the three hooks offer a choice of three diameters for the headband according to which of them is interlocked with the first hook. In the preferred embodiment the three hooks at the second extremity are arranged in such a way as to produce diameters for the headband when measured along its elongate axis approximating to 47 mm, 43 mm and 40 mm. These diameters will accommodate the neck sizes of the majority of plastic drinks bottles in which leading brands are sold including the proprietary brands Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola already mentioned. The smaller setting is also appropriate to a 275 ml beer bottle such as Carlsberg Elephant (proprietary brand). In this latter case the headband can be preassembled (there being no transfer bead) and will rests comfortably on the shoulders of the bottle at the lowest point of the neck. It is not, however, locked into place as happens with the plastic bottles. There will be a setting appropriate to most bottles in which bottled beers are sold.

In designing headbands in accordance with the invention sartorial considerations as well as a precise fit have to be balanced against the degree of manual dexterity required to attach the ends. The untidiness of the assembled headband viewed from the back is greatly reduced, however, by positioning the first extremity incorporating the first hook outwardly of second extremity with its several hooks. Users may be directed accordingly, the process being assisted by applying different colours or symbols to the respective extremities of the headband.

In what may be a majority of embodiments of the invention extensions from the upper edge of the headband will be present of which account must be taken. Such extensions will impact on the transfer bead and may slightly lessen the mounted headband's effective diameter. On the other hand extensions may also increase the grip of headwear on a bottle. This may be very helpful where the bottle is made of glass and no transfer bead or similar

protuberance is present. A particularly useful group of extensions is one in which a convex portion in the manner of a curved split headband is added to the solid headband. Placed upon a bottle such an extension has the capacity to produce ears which extend outwardly from behind its neck so as to be visible in a view from the front. Headwear configured in this manner for human wear is illustrated in the prior literature, for example at Fig. 29. 14. 2 in GB-A-9421886 and Fig 34 in GB-A-9921185. The application of such a headwear configuration to an item designed to accommodate a range of bottle sizes as envisaged by the present document requires a modification to the curved split headband element to make it adjustable to the diameter of the bottle in question just as the plurality of available hooks (three, in the preferred embodiment described above) permit adjustment of the diameter of the solid headband. The present invention meets the requirement for the split headband portion to be adjustable in size by providing tearable perforations which permit it to be enlarged to the extent necessary to allow its passage over the cap and the transfer bead of the bottle.

Another group of extensions above the headband of an item of headwear designed for use with bottles will take the form not of a split headband with ears portion but of a broadly circular portion encompassing an aperture. A portion so designed is able to provide a mounting for a centrally positioned feature which will extend upwardly behind neck of the bottle coming into view above the cap when seen from the front of the bottle. A split headband portion can do the same but the presence of ears, albeit in vestigial form, may not be wanted by the designer. An extension incorporating a broadly circular aperture portion lying above the circle will not necessarily assume a vertical position. The present invention deals with this problem by modifying the aperture so that it incorporates from what would otherwise have been its upper edge a dependent element which rests against the back of the neck of the bottle and acts as a stabiliser.

Many variations in the degree of curvature and width and length of the headband, the number and precise configuration of the hooks and the distance between them are possible. The nature of such variations will be influenced by the properties of the substrate, the form of the extensions to the headband and the dimensions of the target group of containers. As previously stated, this target group may be comprised of other kinds of bottle

than those in which drinks are sold and may even include various kinds of can. The anthropomorphising effect of headwear on artefacts has no boundaries.

The present invention embraces a second kind of headband in which the means of attachment comprise only one hook at each extremity. Headwear so constructed will be suitable only for use only with artefacts with a similar neck diameter. Convex curved headbands which are fixed in size are particularly suited to promotional use in relation to a dedicated product.

Reference has been made above to the item of headwear illustrated in Fig. 30 ofGB-A-9921185. This prior document deals mainly with headwear for human beings and the embodiment in question is a scaled down visor. Placed upon the neck of a bottle such an item will provide a projecting brim instead of a surface which hugs or conforms closely to the contours of the bottle. The opportunities for investing a bottle with human properties are limited when what needs to be seen as a face becomes just a hat. GB-A-9921185 does not envisage or suggest items of headwear which will lie flat against the neck of the bottle in the manner of the embodiments of the present invention.

The point has already been made that for headwear to perform in such a way it is necessary for the unattached shape to be that of a something between a V and a shallow U. Expressed in mathematical terms the convex curvature and dimensions of the headband must be such that the vertical distance between the respective points of engagement of the hooks and the upper edge of the headband at or about its centre must not exceed 40 per cent of the horizontal distance between the said points. For most purposes a ratio of between 15 per cent and 30 percent has been found to be satisfactory. A ratio of less than 15 per cent will produce an almost straight headband which may be useful in some cases. In contrast, the visor design illustrated at GB-A-9921185's Fig. 30 has a ratio of 60% 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 which artefact may be a plastic or glass bottle with a tapering neck of the kind in which non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are sold or a similarly configured item, the dimension

of the piece being such as to accommodate a convex curved headband sufficiently elongate to encompass the neck of the artefact, the headband being secured in position by means of attachment at its extremities, the means of attachment comprising portions shaped to form hooks, the curvature of the headband being such that the approximately vertical distance from the centre of a notional straight line drawn between the points of engagement on the respective hooks and the nearest point on the upper edge of the headband at or about its centre is less than 40 per cent of the distance between the said points of engagement on the hooks; following attachment of hooks at the extremities the headband by reason of its convex curvature taking on the shape of a frusto-cone with variable taper to the extent afforded by the degree of articulation available between the engaged hooks, the headband conforming to the tapering neck of the underlying artefact and maintaining its position by gravitational and/or frictional force; Headbands provided in accordance with the first aspect of the invention which have a plurality of hooks at the second extremity will generated three ratios according to which of the hooks located at the second extremity is engaged with the hook at first extremity. In the preferred embodiment described the respective ratios are of the order of 27 per cent for the outermost hook, 22 per cent for the middle hook and 18 per cent for the innermost hook.

Items of headwear in accordance with the invention in its two aspects, including a preferred embodiment of the kind described above, can be employed as a vehicle for the distribution of coupons relating to promotion offers. Such coupons may be joined to the headband by a portion incorporating tearable perforations so that they can remain in situ on the bottle after detachment of the coupon.

In a preferred embodiment the coupon is joined to the remainder of the piece by an elongate element which, when folded through 180 degrees, positions the coupon at the back of the bottle. The elongate element is preferably tucked between the attached extremities of the headband and the neck of the bottle, an arrangement which makes both for tidiness and additional stability of the headband and extensions.

Passing mention has been made of the ability of headwear in accordance with the invention to carry a narrative and the potential for designs of an anthropomorphic nature. Headbands can be readily and effectively adapted to a role in which human features and qualities are imported into the inanimate artefacts upon which they are placed. Bottles are especially suitable for this purpose because the headband lies flat against or follows the contours of the tapered surface at a point below the top not only thereby avoiding the tendency to resemble an article of headwear per se but taking advantage of the presence of a cap. The cap is generally relatively darkly coloured (as opposed to the translucent material of which the bottle proper is made) and is distinctive in shape. It requires no great stretch of the imagination to see such a cap as hair or, indeed, a hat.

Items of headwear for containers of the kind embraced by GB-A-9421886 are for the most part miniature versions of headwear designed for human wear. A comparison between this prior document and the co-filed GB-A-9421909 (Samuelson) bears this out. The drawings accompanying the two applications are identical and employ the same numerology. The designs illustrated (while falling within the category of hats) are of a kind which make a statement rather than providing protection from the elements. In regard to certain of the embodiments described in the two documents the statement is conveyed in writing. Figures E/8.3, E/23.7, E/26, E/36.1, E/36.2, E/37.1, E/39.1, E. 44.6, E/47.3.

E/67.3 and E/70. 1 are among those which show display areas which enable a wearer (human or inanimate) to express an opinion on a topical issue or to convey information of a factual kind. The prior documents do not, however, disclose or suggest any means whereby spoken dialogue can be reproduced in visual form in the manner now to be described.

Embodiment of the present invention can be provided with a portion adapted to convey a message by visual means, the portion being extended from the headband but largely detached therefrom and approximately ovate or circular in shape in the manner of a speech or thought bubble found in comic art. The bubble must be placed in context and this is done by providing the adjacent portion of the headband with humanoid features such as a mouth, eyes and ears. The representation of these features on a surface which is face-like and not hat-like is critical to the effectiveness of the bubble.

In a preferred embodiment an ovate speech bubble adjoins the lower edge of a headband depicting a creature of an unknown kind which has eyes and a mouth. The common boundary between headband and bubble is such that the bubble is both largely detached from and occupies a plane substantially different from that of the headband and the underlying bottle. The applied artwork shows the contents of the bubble issuing from the mouth. In relation either to human headwear or headwear for artefacts the construction is novel but the association with comic art imagery is such as to require of no further explanation to a viewer.

A second preferred embodiment applies the comic art protocol for conveying thoughts. In comic art the succession of small bubbles leading from the head to the main bubble containing the text (or other traditional comic symbology) may either overlap or be spaced apart. A literal application of the latter arrangement is not an available option with an item constructed along unitary principles in accordance with the present invention but art work may suggest spaced apart bubbles nevertheless.

The present invention makes provision for the display, transportation and preservation of miniature headwear falling within its ambit. A separate piece of material is provided on which embodiments of the invention can be securely mounted. The shape of this separate piece (referred to in this application as a'display piece') may be such that, when viewed from the front, those portions of the headwear which can be seen approximately correspond to what would be in view if the headwear was in position on a bottle.

Fixing may be achieved either by folding (or bending) the headband and positioning it around an element of the display piece and/or passing the extremities of the unfolded headband through splits and/or slot-like apertures in the display piece. The direction of folding will be such that the portions on either side of the line of fold will move away from the person folding (the headwear being face-up) and the fold is accordingly termed a"mountain'fold. A fold in which the portions on either side of the line of fold are brought towards the folder is a termed a'valley'fold.

Of the two alternatives, passing the extremities of the unfolded headband though splits or apertures in the display piece is likely to be more easily accomplished but requires a display piece at least as wide as the headband.

The avoidance of a creased fold across the elongate axis of the headband may also be thought desirable. The residual evidence of such folds will remain when the headband is unfolded.

The principal advantages of bending or folding the headband around an element of the display piece are that the end result is more realistic and the construction can be applied to free standing items (for example cardboard cutouts) for use at point of sale, in the office and in the home; in the latter case perhaps as a fridge magnet. The element will very possibly be shaped as a bottle representative of a specific brand but it could also be an illustration of a bottle of no particular provenance, even a caricature.

GB-A-9921185 discloses a similar display device for use with a visor-style solid headband for human use. The device is illustrated at its Figs. 33 to 55 and is intended for use with headwear equipped with a sliding catch attachment device of the kind which is the subject ofGB-A-9421907 to which reference has already been made. The prior document does not envisage nor does it suggest any means whereby the concept can be employed with miniature items of the kind which are the subject of the present invention as described in this application. The display devices now disclosed are suitable for incorporation inter alia into greeting cards and albums.

Small three dimensional figurines which could be representative of human, fantasy, cartoon or comic book characters would also, of course, provide suitable and attractive mounts for items in accordance with the invention although not themselves falling within its scope.

Reference has been made to the residual effect of folding. This can be disguised or even put to good effect by combining the folds with freely projecting elements made from partial cut-outs contained within the headband, the un-cut bases co-linear with and between two fold lines and facing towards the centre of the headband. When the headband is folded or bent in a radiused curve the partial cut-outs will remain in their existing plane and project outwardly from the adjacent surface of the headband. By such

means physical features such as ears, eyes, lips, side whiskers and moustaches can be represented in three dimensions. Freely projecting elements from split headband constructions are the subject of the fifty-ninth aspect of GB-A-9421886 and there are illustrations at that prior document's Figs. 59 and E/59. The more recent application GB-A-9921185 also disclose a visor for human use which incorporates folds along the lines of which the respective bases of partially cut-out freely projecting elements are located.

This prior document does not, however, disclose or suggests a means whereby such a construction can be used in association with embodiments of the present invention.

The same can be said of the general run of extensions above and below the headband which are featured in the prior documents referred to above.

Embodiments of the present invention in its two aspects are able to incorporate headband mounted extensions which make use of the elastic properties of a flexible material such as paper card to propel a projectile a short distance. Paper card is much less elastic than rubber and will immediately lose almost all the elasticity it does have if, in the course of deformation, it is inadvertently bent to the extent that a residual crease is formed. In normal use the degree of elasticity present in such material will in any case decay as the paper fatigues. Constructions in accordance with the invention minimise the effect of these factors so far as is practicable. The headbands described above are able to provide the deforming elements with a rigid fixing to an artefact such as a drinks bottle. The deforming elements can be arranged in a neat and compact manner with applied art suggestive of military weaponry and, as such, would seem to have undoubted play value.

Embodiments are possible in which a single piece of paper-card of 350 grams per square metre weight and measuring say 130 mm by 140 mm is converted by die-cutting into a headband mounted catapult capable of propelling projectiles made from the same material and measuring 45 mm by 25 mm overall an average distance of two metres and on occasion even further.

Embodiments of the invention performing the function of a catapult comprise a first portion resistant to deformation in use (which first portion will include the headband) and a second portion adapted to deform to the extent

permitted by the elasticity of the material when a force is applied by manual means, the second portion being thereby brought into a state of tension. The first and second portions form part of the same unitary construction. A separate item adapted to act as a projectile is brought into contact with the second portion in such a way that it will be free of restraint when the tension is suddenly released. The transfer of energy from the second portion to the projectile in the form of kinetic energy thereupon propels the projectile through the air for a distance, contact between the second portion and the projectile up to the point when tension is released being assisted by raised tabs and/or an aperture adapted to co-operate with the projectile.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are made from a flat piece of flexible material such as paper card or plastic. They may take the form of a single elongate element adapted to act as a flat spring vertically mounted on a first portion comprised of a headband adapted to be placed upon an artefact. The upper end of the flat spring is free and will flex when a force is applied such as when it is gripped between finger and thumb and pulled backwardly and downwardly.

Instead of comprising a single element the portion adapted to act as a spring (the second portion) may-unitary construction notwithstanding-be comprised of or incorporate narrow elongate elements curved along an elongate axis and joined at either end to the remainder of the piece which elements are able to undergo three dimensional deformation when a force is applied. One or more of these narrow elements may be positioned at the side or sides of the second portion acting in what can be described as an auxiliary role which augments the centrally located spring. The expression'auxiliary'as used in this application in relation to an element undergoing deformation has regard to the layout of the second portion and does not imply a lesser contribution in terms of elasticity.

The novelty of the constructions now described rests in part in the means which are provided for maintaining contact between the surface of the portion acting as a spring and the projectile up to the moment when tension is released. In a flat spring of the kind first described these means may comprise either a raised tab or tabs (the tabs formed by enclosed partial cut-outs) or an aperture incorporated into the portion acting as a spring (the second portion)

through which a part of the projectile is passed. The tabs or aperture are so positioned that the projectile is able to rest on the second portion under its own weight when it is under maximum tension and will discharge therefrom at the point where its trajectory will achieve maximum distance. The presence of the tab or tabs or the insertion of a part of the projectile through an aperture prevent it from inadvertently sliding off.

In the case of a flat spring employing tabs (or an aperture) to keep the projectile in place release is simply a matter of drawing the spring, gripped between finger and thumb, backwardly and downwardly letting go at the appropriate moment. A flick-like action whereby the gripped distal end of the spring rapidly slides between the finger and thumb at the last moment may maximise the momentum at the point of release.

An embodiment incorporating a second portion comprising a flat spring and an aperture can be deployed in such a way that the projectile does not rest under its own weight. Instead the part of the projectile passing through the aperture is gripped between finger and thumb and the force applied to the spring via the projectile itself.

In constructions where the second portion is comprised only of narrow elongate elements (there being no flat spring) the means of maintaining contact will always require an aperture. In this case the elongate rear part of the projectile is gripped between finger and thumb in the same way as previously described. The body of the projectile is too wide to pass through the aperture so that when the portion of the projectile appearing behind the spring (having passed through the aperture) is pulled a force is applied and the spring is deformed. Again a sliding release may be particularly effective.

Preferred embodiments of the invention incorporating a catapult construction utilise an annular arrangement of elongate narrow elements to form the spring.

Typically two approximately concentric generally annular elements will be present, the element innermost having a projectile aperture located at its centre. The innermost annular element is connected at two or more points around its circumference to the outer annular element which in turn is connected to elongate curved elements acting as auxiliary springs and themselves connected to the first portion. In use the second portion requires

to be stabilised as force is applied and in headband embodiments this is achieved by pressure by the user's thumb or another part of the hand on a part of the first portion against the neck of the host bottle. The position of the user's thumb will generally determine where the first portion ends and the second portion begins.

The arrangement of two generally annular elements which are approximately concentric is preferred on both functional and sartorial grounds. With projectiles of optimum size, shape and weight a range of close to two metres can be regularly achieved with items made from 350 gsm paper card. Some improvement on this performance may be expected when the possibilities inherent in a plastic substrate are fully explored. There is scope, too, for fine tuning the configuration of the elongate narrow elements forming the spring.

It is known that plastic is likely to preserve its elasticity far longer than paper card.

The size and shape of the projectiles play a critical part in the performance of the device. In many preferred embodiments in which an aperture is present a projectile will be approximately tadpole shaped with an elongate relatively narrow element extending backwardly from a relatively wider part which carries most of the imagery. Using aeronautical terms, the relatively wider part of the projectile is referred to in this application as its body. The most forward part of the body will be referred to as its leading edge and the most backward part as its trailing edge. The elongate relatively narrow element extending backwardly from the trailing edge will be referred to as the projectile's tail.

The expressions used in these definitions are convenient but and have little or no significance in aerodynamic terms. The role of the tail is to be passed through the aperture in the second portion as far as it will go and to be gripped between the user's finger and thumb and drawn backwardly so as to apply a force to the second portion and bring it under tension. When the tail is let go the force is converted into kinetic energy and the projectile is discharged from the aperture.

Any contact between the tail and the sides of the aperture will prevent the projectile from flying more than a short distance. The projectile is therefor provided with a trailing edge configured in such a way that it makes a clean

contact with the second portion on either side of the aperture as the tail is drawn backwardly.

Because of the need to keep the tail away from the sides of the aperture the relative dimension of aperture, tail and trailing edge are critical. By contrast, so far as can be ascertained, a considerable variation in the shape and length and symmetry of the body of a projectile (typically made from paper card) can be tolerated without noticeable loss of performance. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilise projectiles shaped as rugby balls, footballs, hearts and irregular shapes of one kind and another. In certain designs an extension forward of the forward edge which replicates the shape of the tail is incorporated. There is evidence that such a configuration may improve the balance of projectiles of a certain shape.

Again for convenience, embodiments of the invention are described as catapults when the reference is to the combined first and second portions.

Catapult is a generic term which is used inter alia for devices not involving elasticity, for example siege engines using weights and the hydraulic devices used for propelling aircraft from the decks of warships. The conventional catapult, while depending on the elasticity of rubber, uses a separate item made from a rigid material as a mount and that is not the case with embodiments of the present invention.

It is envisaged that embodiments of the invention have a role to play as an inexpensive indoor sport. A winner may be a player whose projectile flies furthest, or hits a target. When the first and second portions are made form a plastic substrate with a thickness, for example, of 800 microns the average range of the device using a projectile made of a paper card substrate of 350 gsm weight is of the order of 5 metres. It is possible make a device in accordance with the invention with a reduced maximum range and/or one in which the trajectory of the projectile is a high arc thus introducing a need for different techniques and skills and perhaps a different sort of target.

Preferred embodiments of the invention designed for competition use will require projectiles which bear distinguishing characteristics to enable the individual competitor to be identified. Different colours or applied art would seem to be the most likely method to be adopted since different shapes might

give rise to one competitor having an unfair advantage over another on that account. Competitions are possible however in which competitors will be free to choose their own catapult devices (within the parameters set out in this application) and projectiles likewise.

The present invention applies to items of headwear made from flexible material of all kinds. In mass production the material is likely to be paper card which can be inexpensively printed and die-cut. The possibility that other materials such as plastic or thin sheets of tensile metal should not be overlooked. Nor should it be assumed that the only bottles to be adorned are drinks bottles. It would be possible for a manufacturer of a fragrance to produce a bottle able to be adorned with headwear in accordance with the invention made from something other than paper card. For this to happen embodiments of the invention would first have to achieve iconic status, no doubt. The marketing strategies of the fragrance industry are nothing if not innovative, however.

The present invention provides a kit comprising of an item of headwear in accordance with either of the first or second aspects and a display piece as disclosed in this application.

The present invention provides a kit comprising of an item of headwear in accordance with either of the first or second aspects of the invention wherein the item comprises a first portion resistant to deformation and a second portion extended therefrom and adapted to deform when a force is applied by manual means, and a separately provided projectile as disclosed in this application, the projectile being provided in such a way that it is in contact with the second portion but free of restraint when the tension is suddenly released, the transfer of energy from the second portion to the projectile in the form of kinetic energy thereupon discharging it from the second portion and propelling it through the air for a distance.

The present invention provides a kit similar to that described in the preceding paragraph which incorporates a further separate item adapted to act as a target for the user.

The present invention provides a method of discharging a projectile by means of a device comprising an item of headwear mounted on an artefact in

accordance with either of the first or second aspects of the invention, the item comprising a first portion resistant to deformation and a second portion extended therefrom and adapted to deform when a force is applied by manual means, the method comprising the steps of : 1) mounting the item of headwear on the artefact; 2) placing the second portion under tension by manual means; 3) bringing the projectile into contact with the second portion in such a way that it is free of restraint when the tension is suddenly released; and 4) suddenly releasing the tension.

The present invention provides methods similar to that described in the preceding paragraph wherein the user aims the projectile at a target or imparts a trajectory calculated by the user to achieve the greatest possible distance.

A user may take turns with one or more other users.

The invention in its various aspects will now be described by way of example by reference to the accompanying figures. Figures may comprise a single drawing or a group of drawings Coca-Cola, Virgin Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Carlsberg, Dr Pepper and Robinsons, whose bottles are shown in certain of the drawings, are proprietary brands.

Where a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated its scale relative to the original construction, expressed as a percentage, is also shown. Such embodiments of the present invention may, however, vary in size. Inasmuch as the primary purpose of many of the constructions now disclosed is to provide items of headwear capable of fitting bottles representing the proprietary brands referred to in the preceding paragraph, along with bottles of a similar size from other manufacturers, the actual dimensions of the items has some relevance. This notwithstanding, some variation in the size and configuration of headbands (for example: the curvature and width of the headband and the shape, size, number and position of hooks) in the light of practical experience is likely.

Figs. I to 5 and Fig. 32 show items of prior art headwear and/or attachment devices not in accordance with the present invention. These illustrations are provided to enable a better understanding of the present invention. Figs. 7 to

31 and 33 to 62 show or relate to embodiments in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 6 shows the upper part of a plastic Pepsi-Cola 500 ml bottle with the transfer bead arrowed.

Figs. 7 and 8 show items of headwear in accordance with the present invention in its first aspect. The items are comprised of headbands provided with attachment devices in the form of co-operating hooks, one hook being located at the first extremity and a plurality of hooks being located at the second extremity. The headband illustrated at Fig. 8 offers a choice of three hooks at the second extremity and will be found in many of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 9 shows the headband illustrated in Fig. 8 with stippling applied to the second extremity to differentiate it from the first extremity.

Figs. 10 to 17 show Fig. 8-type headbands with extensions above and below.

In the case of Fig. 14 there are enclosed partial cut-outs located within the headband which cut-outs are adapted to project freely from the surrounding surface when the headband is curved round the neck of a bottle.

Figs. 18 to 22 show the manner of attachment of the co-operating hooks incorporated into a Fig. 8-type headband in which stippling has been applied to the second extremity as in Fig. 9.

Fig. 23 shows a Fig. 8-type headband with an upward extension representative of ears which extension is adapted to be positioned behind the neck of a bottle in use.

Fig. 24 shows a similar embodiment to that illustrated in the preceding figure with the addition of a centrally mounted element.

Fig. 25 shows a broadly similar construction to that depicted in the two preceding figures but with a single vertical feature adapted to take up a position at the back of the neck at the top end of the bottle and incorporating a dependent element the purpose of which is to provide stability.

Fig. 26 demonstrates the cone effect of a single broad-based extension mounted on the headband. Figs. 27 to 29 show how this effect can be avoided by incorporating a split or aperture within the extension so that it is able to take up a position in front of the top of the bottle.

Figs. 30 and 31 show in diagrammatic form the manner of arriving at the ratio between the vertical distance between the hooks and the upper headband on the one hand and the straight line (circa horizontal) distance between the hooks on the other.

Fig. 32.1 shows a similar diagram in relation to the item of prior art headwear shown at Fig. 5. Figs. 32.2 and 32.3 show a plan and a profile view of the same item of headwear in position on a Pepsi-Cola bottle.

Fig. 33 shows a similar view of a Fig 8-type headband (with stippling) in position on the same kind of bottle.

Fig. 34 shows an item of headwear similar to that depicted in Fig. 23 with the addition of a detachable coupon.

Fig. 35 shows an item of headwear in which an upward extension is present along with a'speech bubble'depending from the lower edge of the headband.

Fig. 36 shows an item of headwear in which an upward extension is present incorporating a'thoughts bubble'.

Figs. 37 to 41 show display cards adapted to provide a mounting for headwear in accordance with the invention.

Figs. 42 to 60 show catapult devices and projectiles, the former mounted on Fig. 8-type headbands.

Fig. 61 shows a dependent extension to a Fig. 8-type headband which provides a representation of an'ammunition belt'in which are placed projectiles for use in connection with the catapults illustrated in the preceding figures.

Fig. 62 shows a similar construction to that depicted in Fig. 61 in which is placed a representation of a sword-like weapon.

Referring now to the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a prior art solid straight headband 101 which is provided with means of attachment for its extremities in the form of a hook shaped tab 103 and a plurality of spaced apart slots 105.

Fig. 2 shows a prior art solid headband 111 convex curved in the shape of a horseshoe with a similar attachment mechanism comprising a hook shaped tab 113 and slots 115. In use such a headband produces a brim which circles the head and projects from it in the manner of a visor.

Fig. 3 shows a known adjustable attachment device (which is sometimes referred to as a'sliding catch') as it might appear on the ends of a headband of the kind shown at Fig. 1. The two elements 131 and 133 interlock and maintain their relative positions by friction. This device is the subject of GB A-9421907, referred to above.

Fig. 4 shows a known'ball catch'attachment device which is being used to join the ends of the separate parts of a subdivided headband 141. The hooks 143 and 145 are formed by splits in the material. The drawing is along similar lines to Fig. 30.11 in GB-A-9421886, referred to above.

Fig. 5 shows another known visor embodiment 151 employing a convex curved solid headband featuring a centrally mounted display 153. The headband is designed for use with small artefacts and a'ball catch' attachment device, the two elements of which are numbered 155 and 157, use open hooks rather than splits.

Fig. 6 shows the upper part of a Pepsi-Cola bottle in profile with the transfer bead arrowed. The presence of the transfer bead is a complicating factor when designing headwear for bottles, particular as regards extensions mounted on the upper edge of a headband.

Fig. 7 shows a convex curved headband 171 provided with a ball catch attachment device the separate elements of which are numbered 173 (comprising a first extremity) and 175 (a second extremity). Such a configuration is similar to that illustrated in the preceding figure but an additional hook 177 is provided in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The upper edge of the headband is numbered 179 and the lower edge of the headband (from which the hooks can be said to depend) 181.

Fig. 8.1 shows a similarly shaped headband 183 provided with ball catch type hooks 185 and 187 at the first and second extremities respectively. Adjacent to and inward of the second hook 187 are two further hooks 189 and 191. The upper edge of the headband is numbered 193. The hooks are spaced apart and depend from the lower edge of the headband 195. This headband configuration features in the majority of embodiments of the invention illustrated in these drawings.

Fig. 8.2 shows an enlarged detail of the first extremity of the headband illustrated in the preceding drawing and its hook 185 and Fig. 8.3 shows an enlarged detail of the second extremity of the same headband and its distal hook 187. The outermost point of the inner edge of the hook 185 (numbered 201) represents the point of engagement with one or other of the hooks 187, 189 and 191. The outermost points of the inner edges of these three hooks are respectively numbered 211,213 and 215. 'Outermost'in the present context refers to the locus of a line corresponding to the elongate axis of the headband and does not relate to a straight line between the two extremities.

Fig. 9 shows a Fig. 8-type headband 231 provided with hooks 233 and 235 at the first and second extremities and two additional hooks 237 and 239 adjacent to and inward of the hook 235. The area in which the three last mentioned hooks are located has been stippled so that when the ends of the headband are being attached it will be a simple matter for the user to identify which extremity should underlie the other. A tidier effect is obtained when the extremity incorporating the plurality of hooks (here stippled) underlies the other extremity with its single hook.

Figs. 10 to 17 show headbands with various kinds of extension. In Fig. 10 an item of headwear 241 is provided with an extension 243 mounted on the upper edge of its headband. In Figs. 11, 12, and 13 items of headwear respectively 251,261 and 271 are shown with similarly mounted extensions respectively 253,263 and 273/275-in the later case the extension being of a two fold nature. In Figs. 14 to 16 items of headwear respectively 281,291 and 295 are provided with extensions which depend from the lower edge of the headband respectively numbered 283,293 and 297. The dependent extension 297 in Fig.

16 is designed to be folded upwardly along the curved line of the lower edge of the headband so as to represent a peak, offset at a jaunty angle. In Figs.

17.1 and 17.2 a headband 298 provided with a brim mounted display 299 is illustrated. The elongate element connecting the display to the headband is folded at two points through 180 degrees and tucked into the aperture in the headband 300. This is a simplified version of the device shown in Fig. 5 making use of the relatively greater rigidity obtaining when designs are scaled down without a corresponding reduction in the thickness and grammage of the substrate. Fig. 14, it will noted, incorporates a pair of enclosed partial cutouts 285 and 287 the bases of which lie in the direction of the centre of the headband. In use, when the headband is curved around the neck of a bottle for example, these cut-outs will project outwardly from the curved surface of the headband. The same kind of construction will be seen in Fig. 41 described below.

Fig. 18.1, 18.2 and 18.3 show perspective views of a headband with the extremities attached together. The headband is provided with one hook at the first extremity and three hooks at the second extremity as in Fig. 8 and stippled as in Fig. 9. In Fig. 18.1 the innermost of the hooks at the second extremity (numbered 191 in Fig. 8) is engaged with the first hook (185 in Fig. 8) to produce the smallest available diameter of headband. In Fig. 18.2 it is the centremost hook of the three (189 in Fig. 8) which is engaged to produce a somewhat larger diameter. In Fig 18.3 it is the outermost hook (187 in Fig 8, termed the'second hook', the first hook being hook 185 at the first extremity) that is engaged to produce the largest available diameter.

Figs. 19.1 and Fig. 19.2 show the range of articulation available when the largest diameter setting for the hooks (as in Fig. 18.3) is employed. The range of articulation progressively decreases with the smaller diameter settings but,

as will be seen from the drawings which follow, it is sufficient for most bottle profiles. Figs. 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3 and 21.1, 21.2 and 21.3 show front and back views of Fig. 8-type headbands in position on 500 ml plastic bottles containing respectively Coca-Cola, Virgin Cola and Pepsi Cola. The diameters of the necks of these bottles below the transfer bead are respectively 26 mm, 27 mm and 36 mm and the headbands are respectively set to the smallest, medium and largest diameter. The Virgin Cola bottle might well be set to the smaller diameter in the absence of extensions to the headband. Accommodation of the narrow necks of the first two brands'bottles and the wide neck of the Pepsi bottle with a single headband construction is the essence of the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 22 shows a Carlsberg Elephant Beer bottle adorned with a Fig. 8-type headband set to the medium diameter so that it rests comfortably on the shoulder of the bottle just below the neck.

Fig. 23.1 shows a headband 301 incorporating ears 303 and 305 which take up position beside and towards the back of the neck of the host bottle. To accommodate different neck diameters, and to allow the top of the bottle with cap in place to pass through the aperture 307, lines of tearable perforations 309 and 311 are provided. The perforations do not require to be tom when the headwear is placed on the Coca-Cola and Carlsberg bottles as shown in Figs.

23.2 and 23.5. They, must, however be tom when the bottle in question is the Pepsi-Cola bottle as shown in Figs. 23.3 and 23.4. A satisfactory setting for the ears is achieved in each case. This item of headwear is along broadly similar lines to embodiments for human wear illustrated in GB-A-9921185 (for example at that document's Figs. 34,36 and 37) but the incorporation of perforations is a novel feature the need for which is brought about by miniaturisation of a kind which accommodates bottles provided with necks of varying diameter.

Fig. 24 shows an embodiment 351 which provides both ears 353 and 355 and a centrally mounted feature 357. As with the embodiment described in the preceding paragraph lines of perforation 359 and 361 are incorporated to accommodate different bottle neck diameters.

Fig. 25 shows an embodiment 381 in which ears are absent but there is nevertheless a centrally mounted feature 383. Perforations 385 and 387 are provided and the task of maintaining the central feature 383 in a vertical plane is undertaken by a dependent element 389. The remaining drawings in the figure show views of the headwear in position on Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottles the former having a light cap and the latter a dark cap. It can be seen from Fig. 25.3 that the setting of the headband attachment mechanism in the case of the Coca-Cola bottle has moved a notch (i. e. hook) wider than that obtaining in the illustration at Fig. 21.1. This change is due to the presence of the extension above the headband. It is axiomatic that the nature of extensions will vary and that an attachment device which is designed to accommodate a known range of bottle diameters will need to be'fine tuned' as regards the position of the hooks relative to each other.

Fig. 26 illustrates the problem which is encountered when a broadly based extension is mounted on the upper edge of a headband incorporated into an embodiment 401. When the extremities of the headband are joined the convex curvature induces a cone shape which precludes the headband from being wrapped around the neck of most bottles. Figs. 27 to 29 show three solutions.

Fig. 27 shows an embodiment 411 which is provided with a vertical extension 413 incorporating an aperture 415. The effect of the aperture is to mount the vertical element on two'legs'417 and 419 which are able to articulate when the item is in position on a bottle and thereby permit the element 413 to maintain a vertical position while avoiding the transfer bead.

Fig 28 shows a similar embodiment 431 to that illustrated in the preceding figure but here the vertical extension 433 is mounted on'legs'435 and 437 which are produced by an enclosed partial cut-out which has the effect of enlarging the surface in view at the front of the bottle in use. The forward facing surface impacts against the cap of the bottle, the transfer bead and the headband and thus continues in a vertical plane.

Fig. 29 shows a similar embodiment to that illustrated at Fig. 25 except that here no perforations are present and the item is positioned on the bottle with the extension at the front. Perforations could be incorporated into any of the

embodiments illustrated at Figs. 26 to 29 along the lines shown in Fig. 25 for purposes of accommodating a range of bottle neck diameters. Fig. 30 shows in diagrammatic form the manner of calculating the critical ratios which determine whether a headband will lie approximately flat against the neck of a bottle or will jut out in the manner of a visor or turned-down brim. The second aspect of the present invention embraces headbands in which the vertical distance between the hooks (which may be only two in number-one at each extremity or three in number with one hook at one extremity and two hooks at the other as in Fig. 7, or any other combination of hooks) and the headband is less than 40 per cent of the straight line distance between the relevant hooks. 'Relevant'means whichever are the hooks which are from time to time to be engaged, the distance between hooks measured in a straight line exactly or approximately corresponding to the horizontal distance. In a Fig. 7-type headband there are two possibilities. In a Fig. 8-type headband there are three possibilities. The headband shown in Fig. 30 is similar to that featured in Fig. 8 and to the headbands shown in situ on bottles in subsequent figures. In both Fig 8 and the present figure the headband is shown at 60% of scale. The points from which the horizontal measurements are taken are as defined in Figs. 8.2 and 8.3 and are lettered A-a in the present figure. The vertical distance between the hooks is arrived at by taking a notional line between them and measuring the distance between the notional line and the nearest point at the centre of the headband. This measurement is lettered B-b in the present figure. In Fig. 30.1 the respective measurements are 30 mm and 112 mm to give a ratio of 27 per cent. In Fig. 30.2 the measurements are 24 mm and 108 mm to give a ratio of 22 per cent and in Fig. 30.3 the measurements are 19 mm and 105 mm to give a ratio of 18 per cent. These figures relate to the actual size of the headband and not to the scaled down drawing and are approximate in every case.

Fig. 31 shows a similar-diagram for a headband featuring only one hook at the second extremity. Here the measurement B-b is 15 mm and the measurement A-a 100 mm. The headband thus falls within the scope of the second aspect of the invention on account of having a relevant ratio of 15%. The three headbands illustrated in the preceding figure are also within the scope of the first aspect of the invention by reason of the attachment means employed.

Fig. 32. 1 reproduces in diagrammatic form the prior art conventional visor shaped headband, previously depicted at Fig. 5, for purposes of comparison.

Here the relevant measurements are 51 mm and 85 mm to produce a ratio of 60 per cent. Figure 32.2 shows a plan view of the same headband patterned and scaled down to a size in which it can fit on the Pepsi-Cola bottle. Fig. 32.3 shows a side view of the headband on the bottle with it jutting out in the manner of a visor, as might be expected.

Fig. 33 shows a Fig. 8-type headband presented in a similar view for purposes of comparison. It will be seen that this headband is not so precisely configured as regards the spacing of the hooks relative to each other that it will lie absolutely flat against the neck of the Pepsi-Cola bottle. It is sufficiently close, however, for it not to take on the appearance of a visor.

Fig. 34 shows an item 501 featuring ears similar to that shown in Fig. 23. In the present embodiment a coupon 503 has been added which is attached to the headwear proper by an elongate element 505. A line of perforations 507 is provided which permits the coupon to be detached from the remainder of the piece. A line of fold is 509 is positioned at the point where the elongate element joins the headwear proper. In use this elongate element can be folded downwardly and tucked under the headband while the extremities are being attached. Such an arrangement produces a more neat appearance than would otherwise be the case.

Fig. 35 shows an embodiment employing a Fig. 8-type headband 601 with an upward extension thereto 603 and a dependent extension 605 in the form of a speech bubble. By means of applied art a representation of a mouth is provided on the headband which, along with the eyes, gives the item something of a human appearance. Using standard comic imagery the textual content of the bubble is shown issuing from the mouth.

Fig. 36 shows a similar embodiment 701 in which a thought bubble 703 is provided. The means adopted to connect the bubble to the remainder of the piece take the physical form of an elongate extension 705 which is made to appear as three separate spaced apart bubbles by the use of a black surround.

Figures 37 to 41 illustrate display cards incorporating enclosed partial cutouts or edges adapted to co-operate with headwear configured in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 37. 1 shows a piece of material in the form of an oblong card 751, separate from the headwear, and adapted for its display. The card incorporates an enclosed partial cut-out 753 describing the profile of the upper part of a drinks bottle. In this instance the bottle is that of the Dr Pepper brand. The cut-out replicates the shape of the cap of the bottle 755 and the upper part of the neck, terminating at the points 757 and 759.

Fig 37.2 shows an item of headwear 789 similar to that illustrated at Fig. 23 but with the addition of a pair of mountain folds 783 and 785 lying at approximate right angles to the elongate axis of the headband. When the folds are activated the extremities 787 and 789 are brought together but in this instance the hooks are not engaged. The ears featured on this item of headwear are numbered 791 and 793.

Fig. 37.3 shows the headwear 785 in position on the card 751 with that section of the partial cut-out representing the top of the bottle 755 lying in front of the ears 791 and 793. The lower edge of those sections of the headband lying outermost of the fold lines 783 and 785 rest upon the extremities of the cut-out 757 and 759.

Fig. 37.4 shows a rear view of the partial cut-out 753 (hatched) with the headwear in position. The arrangement of folds and the width of the partial cut-out in this example is such that the extremities of the headband 787 and 789 project beyond the edge of partial cut-out 753 and are in view. If it is preferred for these extremities to be out of sight it is a simple matter to widen the partial-cut out (and with it the artwork defining the top of a bottle) and space the headband folds 783 and 785 slightly further apart. The effect is, however, somewhat less realistic in terms of the width of that part of the headband which is on view. It should be noted that the shadows on the card to the left of the ears and headband are applied artwork forming part of the card design the purpose of which is to provide a trompe 1'0 ? il effect.

Figs. 38. 1 and 38. 2 show an alternative method of securing a Fig. 23-type item of headwear to the card. Here the card 821 has a similar partially enclosed cut out 823 to that illustrated in the preceding figure but the split widens into elongate apertures 827 and 829 towards the ends of the cut. The purpose of these apertures is to facilitate insertion of the respective extremities of a headband 831 which is not folded. The view from the front will be similar to that shown in Fig. 37. The reverse view is shown in Fig. 38.2. This arrangement takes up more space, width wise, than that shown in Fig. 37 but assembly is easier. Instead of reducing the width of the headband by folding it can be bent round in radiused folds. In such a case a mount with more depth than a card is needed to prevent the headband becoming inadvertently flattened. Such a mount might be made from vacuum formed plastic and placed in a shallow box.

Fig. 39 shows another card mount 851 in which an upper portion 853 is separated from a lower portion 855 by a line of fold (a'valley'fold in this case) 857. The lower edge 859 of the lower portion defines the outline of a Dr Pepper bottle. When the fold 857 is activated the lower portion is superimposed on the upper portion bringing the applied artwork into view.

The advantages of such an arrangement are three-fold. Firstly, the first portion 853 provides a backing for the second portion 855, on which the headwear is mounted, so that the less sightly portions of the headband lying to the rear of the mount are sandwiched between two layers of material and are unable to become damaged or snag on anything. The second advantage is that the locus described by the lower edge of the lower portion can be formed in such a way as to hide from view projecting extremities such as those numbered 787 and 789 in Fig. 37. The third advantage is that a convenient surface is provided for descriptive material and illustrations which would be obtrusive if immediately in view.

Fig. 40 shows how a similar folded portion to that illustrated in Fig. 39 can be incorporated in to the display item of the kind shown at Fig. 38. Here the portion comprising a mount 881 is located to the right side of the backing card 883 with a line of fold 885 running between them. The mounting portion could be provided on any of the other three sides but the arrangement illustrated seems the most appropriate. The same advantages as are described in the preceding paragraph will be present.

Fig 41. 1 shows an item of headwear 901 similar to that illustrated at Fig. 36 but with the addition of a pair of enclosed partial cut-outs 903 and 905 adapted to project above the surface of the headband when it is either folded or curved round a bottle. The partial cut-outs are broadly similar in shape to those shown at Fig. 14 but their (un-cut) bases are co-linear with and interrupt lines of fold 907 and 909. When the headwear is mounted on a display card such as those shown at Figs. 37 to 40 the partial cut-outs remain in view and add visual interest. In Fig 41.2 the item 901 is seen mounted on a Fig. 39-type display card.

Fig. 42 shows an item of head wear 1001 adapted to act as a catapult. Mounted on a headband 1003 is a flat spring comprised of an elongate element 1005 which when pulled backwardly is brought into a state of tension. The element 1005 is joined to the headband by two'legs'1007 and 1009 created by the

aperture 1011 which enable the piece to be mounted on the neck of a bottle with the extremities 1013 and 1015 of the headband hooked together. The flat spring 1005 can be presented at the front of the neck of the bottle or behind it.

(The second and third drawings of the next figure indicate the two forms such a mounting can take. ) The particular configuration of the headband per se falls within the second aspect of the present invention. The headband and adjacent components not undergoing distortion when the spring is placed under tension are referred to in this application as the'first portion'and those components undergoing deformation (i. e. the spring) as the'second portion'.

In use the first portion will generally be extended at the expense of the second portion by pressure from a thumb or other part of the hand placed against the part 1017 adjacent to the second portion against the neck of the host bottle in order to stabilise it while the spring is drawn back by the application of a force from the user's other hand. The elongate element 1005 which comprises the spring has at its distal end an aperture 1019 the width of which will accommodate an extended element incorporated into a projectile (referred to in this application as the tail) of the kind seen in Fig. 44.2 below.

Fig 43 shows a more elaborate version 1021 of the item illustrated in Fig. 42. Here the catapult is mounted on a headband 1023 conforming to the present invention in its first aspect. The elongate element 1025 forming a flat spring is accompanied by two narrower elongate curved elements 1027 and 1029 which

are located at the sides of the second portion and function as auxiliary springs assisting the element 1025 to return to a vertical plane after tension is released. The auxiliary springs may also lessen the risk of the flat spring being inadvertently bent into a creased fold. They are joined to the first portion (as extended by thumb pressure) at the points 1031 and 1033, the part adapted to be pressed by the user's thumb or other part of the hand being numbered 1035. As in the previous drawing contact between the elongate element forming the flat spring and the projectile is achieved via an aperture 1037 placed at its distal end. The second and third drawings in Fig. 43 show the item in position on a bottle. In the first drawing the flat spring is placed at the front of the bottle tension being applied by drawing it backwardly over the top in the manner illustrated in Fig. 45 for example. In the second drawing the spring is placed at the back of the bottle. The act of drawing it backwardly can be supported by pressing the portion numbered 1035 against the neck of the bottle with the thumb or other part of the hand in the manner illustrated in Figs. 46.2 and 47.2 for example. At the point where the spring comes under maximum tension it will assume a generally horizontal plane.

Fig. 44 illustrates the two basic types of projectile. The projectile 1041 shown in Fig. 44.1 is appropriately shaped as a bomb. It does not have projecting elements adapted to be inserted into an aperture and it will be used in those embodiments of the invention in which the second portion forms a flat spring.

The projectile maintains contact with the spring by resting under its own weight on the surface-being placed in position when the spring is fully under tension and in a generally horizontal state. Elements able to be raised as tabs can be incorporated into the flat spring, along the lines illustrated in Fig. 46, to prevent the projectile from undergoing lateral displacement prior to discharge.

Fig. 44.2 illustrates the other basic type of projectile. It requires the second portion to incorporate a suitable aperture. In this example the projectile 1051 has a body in the shape of a heart at its centre. Extending backwardly is a portion 1053 referred to in this application as the tail. On either side of the tail are the trailing edge the two parts of which are numbered 1055 and 1057.

Extending forwardly is an element 1059 similarly shaped to the tail 1053 which may be referred to as a leading edge. As previously stated, the use of aeronautical terms does not imply a construction which provides lift as would an aeroplane wing. The tail is adapted to be inserted into an aperture of the

kind illustrated in the preceding figures. (See also Figs. 53 to 60 below for further drawings relating to projectiles.) Fig. 45 demonstrates how, in use, the tail 1053 is passed through an aperture such as 1037 in Fig. 43.1 and gripped at its distal end between finger and thumb. In this way the flat spring can be drawn backwardly and placed under tension as depicted in the drawing. When the grip between finger and thumb is released the spring flies forward and the projectile is discharged from the aperture. The second type of projectile, used in conjunction with an aperture, has been found in practice to be more satisfactory than the first kind of projectile whether used in conjunction with an aperture or a raised tab. Until a full range of substrates and spring configurations have been tested, however, no definitive assessment of the relative merits of the two types of construction can be made. The catapult constructions which are the subject of the remaining illustrations all incorporate apertures and require the second type of projectile.

Fig. 46.1 shows a catapult device 1081 similar to that illustrated in Fig. 43.1 but with the aperture replaced by enclosed partial cut-outs 1083 and 1085 able to be raised as tabs. Fig. 46.2 shows the catapult in action mounted on a bottle with the bomb projectile illustrated at Fig. 44.1. It will be seen that in this instance the bomb rests against the distal tab immediately prior to discharge.

Fig. 47 shows a catapult device 1091 mounted on a headband 1093 in which an elongate element 1095 forming a flat spring is offset to one side. In this case only one auxiliary spring 1097 is present and this too is offset to one side. This asymmetric construction is designed to deal with a narrow necked beer bottle such as the Carlsberg bottle shown in Fig. 22 above. The catapult constructions previously shown would position the aperture (here 1099) behind the neck of such a bottle preventing discharge of a projectile in a forward direction.

Figs. 48 to 52 show headband mounted catapult devices incorporating springs comprised of a plurality of narrow elongate elements joined at either end to other elements and combining together to form a spring. These narrow elements may be straight or curved. They can not be described as a flat spring since the plane of deformation when tension is applied is three dimensional

and is constantly variable within a single element and a fortiori as between immediately adjoining elements and in the second portion as a whole. The respective widths and individual and aggregate lengths of the narrow elements is critical if elasticity is to be maximised. Similar considerations apply to the width of the contiguous surfaces and/or connecting elements whereby one narrow elongate element is joined to another. The configurations illustrated are designed to be compact and the space available must be optimised accordingly. It has been found that a combination of relatively elongate'auxiliary'springs at either side of an annular arrangement can be very effective and configurations of this kind are shown in Figs. 49,51 and 52.

As with the constructions utilising a flat spring effective use of the device now to be described require that the first portion, is stabilised. The devices in question are designed to be positioned behind the neck of the bottle (i. e. between the bottle and the user. ) The most convenient method of achieving stability is by pressing the adjoining material with the thumb against the neck of the bottle as shown in Figs. 46.2, 47.2, 48.2 and 49.2. The designs in question all incorporate a surface suitable for this purpose. By pressing such a surface against the neck of the bottle it is prevented from deforming and therefor becomes part of the first portion.

It will be seen that the constructions in this group are all designed to be used with projectiles falling within the second category as described in Fig. 44.2 and incorporate an aperture in that behalf.

Figure 48 shows a catapult design 1121 in which the first portion comprises a Fig. 8-type headband 1123 on which is mounted an extension incorporating an aperture 1125. The presence of the aperture 1125 allows the elements which combine together to function as a spring and comprising the second portion to be located at the back of the bottle. Thumb pressure can be applied via the part 1127 lying immediately above the aperture which thereupon forms part of the first portion on account of being prevented from undergoing deformation when a force is applied to the spring. The elongate narrow element 1129 incorporating the projectile aperture 1131 is joined to the first portion via other narrow elements in three places 1133, 1135 and 1137. The curved narrow elements 1139 and 1141, which can be described as auxiliary springs, increase the elasticity of the second portion overall and prevent a tendency for the

element 1129 in which the projectile aperture 1131 is located from rolling over backwards when a force is applied via the gripped end of the projectile. Figure 49 shows a catapult design 1141 comprised in part of two generally annular elements 1143 and 1145. These elements are partially spaced apart and approximately concentric and connected together at points 1147 and 1149. The aperture 1151 is located at the centre of the innermost of the annular elements 1143. Such a second portion has something of the character of a gimbal. It becomes somewhat dish shaped when undergoing deformation prior to discharge of the projectile.

Figure 50 shows a catapult design 1155 configured in a broadly similar manner to that depicted in Fig. 48. The elements of which the spring is comprised are shorter than their respective counterparts in Fig. 48 thereby reducing the dimensions of the construction and also its elasticity. The enclosed partial cut-out 1157 substitutes for the aperture 1125 in Fig. 48.1 but the difference has no implications as regards the catapult function.

Figure 51 shows a catapult design 1165 incorporating two annular elements 1167 and 1169 similar to those depicted in Fig. 49 excepting that the innermost of the elements 1167 is relatively smaller and the two annular elements are accordingly more spaced apart with the outer edge of the inner annular element 1167 not abutting the inner edge of the outer annular element 1169.

Between the two elements there are three connecting elements respectively 1171,1173 and 1175 instead of two, the arrangement of the connecting elements being radial. This embodiment incorporates an enclosed partial cutout 1177. The aperture 1179 is positioned at the centre of the annular elements.

Figure 52 shows another annular design 1191 in which the two annular elements are numbered 1193 and 1195 respectively. This is perhaps the most complex of the catapult embodiments in the group. The construction is along similar lines to those illustrated in the other drawings in which annular constructions are present but in this instance the connection between the two annular elements, respectively 1197,1199 and 1201 are staggered. The connections are spaced apart by apertures 1203,1205 and 1207. When tension is applied by drawing the element 1209 in which the aperture 1211 is located

backwards both inner annular element 1193 and the element 1209 and the aperture rotate in an anti-clockwise (viewed from the front) direction. Upon release of the tension the direction of rotation is reversed thereby imparting a spin to the projectile as it is discharged from the aperture.

Figures 53 and 54 show a further selection of projectiles in the two categories described. The projectile 1251 is a representation of a wink, 1253 a representation of an'air kiss', 1255 a representation of a black pudding and 1257 a spinner. In the second group the projectile 1271 is wing shaped and designed to be folded along lines parallel to the elongate axis to improve its aerodynamic performance. Projectiles 1273 and 1275 deploy comic art imagery in the form of a thought bubble and a speech bubble in the same way as the projectile 1051 illustrated at Fig 44.2. The remaining projectiles in the group 1277,1279 and 1281 display various symbolic images.

Fig. 55 illustrates the relationship between an aperture 1301 incorporated into a second portion and a projectile 1303, their respective configurations being such that the two items will co-operate together efficiently. The aperture is generally ovate with radiused edges (acute-angled points in the circumference being avoided) with a length of 10 mm and a height of 3 mm overall. The projectile 1303 is provided with a tail in the form of a rear mounted elongate element 1305 measuring 6 mm by 10 mm. This element is designed to be inserted into an aperture such as the aperture 1301 incorporated into a second portion with the distal end of the element 1305 gripped between the user's finger and thumb following insertion. The effective width of the trailing edge (the two parts of which are numbered 1307 and 1309) is identified by the letters'A-a'and takes account of the radiused edges. Here it is 14 mm. The distance between the effective outer edge of the trailing edge and the further edge of the tail (designated'A-b') is 10 mm, This dimension is critical and needs to be at least as great as the length of the aperture (in this instance also 10 mm) to prevent the trailing edge of the projectile being drawn into the aperture to the extent that it can snag on its edges. The rule of thumb may be said to be that the width of the trailing edge should be not less than twice the width of the aperture less the width of the tail. It has been found that any contact between a projectile and a second portion at the point of discharge other than that comprised by the trailing edge of the projectile making edgeon contact with the flat surface of the second portion proximate to the edges

of the aperture will result in a misfire in which, as a rule, the projectile flies only a short distance before falling to the ground. Similarly shaped projectiles may be made in larger and smaller sizes than that shown in the figure, all the dimensions (including those of the aperture) being equally scaled upward or downward accordingly. In this figure the body of the projectile is indicated by the number 1311 and the leading edge by the number 1313 Fig. 56 is a perspective drawing of a second portion 1331 incorporating an aperture 1333 and a projectile 1335 showing the respective positions of the items immediately after the release of tension and the discharge of the projectile. The illustration highlights the compromise that has to be made between having a tail (such as 1305 in the preceding figure) sufficiently long to provide an adequate surface for gripping between finger and thumb but not so long as to run the risk of it trailing against a lower or upper edge of an aperture as it passes through it. If there is any such contact a misfire usually results.

Fig 57 shows a detail of a second portion 1341 incorporating a horizontally aligned aperture 1343 and comprising a flat spring similar to that illustrated at Figs. 42 and 43 for example. In Fig. 58 a second portion 1351 is shown with the aperture 1353 turned through 90 degrees so as to be vertically aligned. Such a configuration may be applied to most embodiments of the invention but the extent of its usefulness has yet to be determined.

Fig. 59 shows a projectile 1401 which is in the shape of a rugby ball. Such a design requires no special configuration as regards the trailing edge, the oval outline of the ball being adequate for the purpose. The flight properties of a projectile shaped in this way appear to be above average.

Fig. 60.1 shows the body and tail 1501 of a two piece projectile in which is incorporated a slot 1503 the locus of which lies along the elongate axis of the projectile and corresponds to the direction of flight. A second piece 1511 which will resemble fins following assembly is shown in the second drawing Fig. 60.2. This second piece is adapted to be inserted into the slot 1503 in such a way that it assumes a right angled plane to that of the body and tail 1501. The second piece is provided with two notches (i. e. hooks) 1513 and 1515 adapted to interlock with the respective extremities of the slot 1503 and

assist the further item in maintaining a position in which viewed in plan the slot corresponds with its vertical axis of symmetry. In the third drawing, Fig. 60.3, the second piece is shown by a dotted line superimposed on the body of the projectile prior to assembly. Juxtaposition of the two components in this way highlights a significant feature in that the trailing edge of the second piece (the two parts of which are numbered 1517 and 1519) line up with the trailing edge of the body of the projectile (the two parts of which are numbered 1507 and 1509. Thus, the application of the force needed to bring the second portion under tension is, in this instance, via the trailing edges of both components. This arrangement has been found to impart a degree of consistency to the flight path of the projectiles (in terms of distance as well as direction) and this is particularly the case where the second portion comprises a flat spring construction.

The embodiment described in the preceding paragraph is as might be made from paper card. Embodiments of the invention are possible in which a projectile might be made from moulded plastic. In such a case a wing incorporated into a projectile in the manner illustrated might be provided with an airfoil with a view to bringing about an increase in range. Projectiles incorporating a wing or wing like element are, however, unlikely to be suitable for use with embodiments in which the second portion is apt to become dish shaped when a force is applied-as happens with those which are the subject of Figs. 48 to 52. It will, however, be suitable for flat spring embodiments in which an aperture is incorporated as depicted in Figs. 42,43 and 47.

Fig. 61.1 shows a Fig. 8-type headband 1561 from which depends an extension 1563 adapted to form a band which is able to encompass the bottle at a point largely below the headband. Depending from the extension 1563 are six loops, respectively 1565,1567, 1569,1571, 1573 and 1575 into which can be inserted projectiles falling within the second category other than those of a kind depicted in the preceding figure. The band 1563 is provided with a hook 1577 at its distal end. When the headwear is placed on a bottle the hook 1577 overlies the hook 1579 at the first extremity of the headband 1561, both hooks being attached to one of the three hooks located at the second extremity 1581. The radius of curvature of the band 1563 is greater than that of the headband and its length and curvature is such that it will take up a position on the surface of the bottle a short distance below that of the headband. With the

projectiles inserted into loops the appearance is that of an ammunition belt. Such a construction could, if desired, be combined with a catapult in a single item of headwear.

Fig. 62.1 shows an embodiment 1601 similar to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a sword belt is represented. The headband 1603 is provided with a dependent extension 1605 which forms a band from which depends a further extension 1607 comprising a hook, open at the end 1609 so as to allow the insertion of a fantasy weapon 1631 as illustrated in Fig. 62.2. The item 1631 is provided with a hilt 1633 which prevents the handle of the weapon slipping through the hook 1607.

Claims

1. 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 plastic or glass bottle with a tapering neck of the kind in which nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages are sold or a similarly configured item, the dimension of the piece being such as to accommodate a convex curved headband sufficiently elongate to encompass the neck of the artefact, the headband being secured in position by means of attachment at its extremities, the means of attachment comprising portions shaped to form hooks, a first hook being positioned along the lower edge of the headband adjacent to the first extremity and a second and at least one further hook being positioned along the lower edge of the headband adjacent to the second extremity, the hooks adjacent to the second extremity being spaced apart along a line approximately parallel to the elongate axis of the headband and adapted, either one of them, to co-operate with the first hook; following attachment of the first hook with a second or other hook adjacent to the second extremity the headband by reason of its convex curvature taking on the shape of a frusto-cone with variable taper to the extent afforded by the degree of articulation available between the engaged hooks, the headband conforming to the tapering neck of the underlying artefact and maintaining its position by gravitational and/or frictional force.

2. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective first and second hooks are incorporated into portions of material adapted to be gripped between finger and thumb thereby to facilitate attachment of the first hook with the second or other hook.

3. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two further hooks are provided adjacent to and inwardly of the second hook.

4. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first hook and the second hook are formed by approximately V-shaped portions slanting in a downward direction towards the centre of the headband.

5. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein any hook or hooks placed inwardly of the second hook comprise portions of material in the approximate shape of a four sided polygon, the portions slanting in a downward direction away from the second hook.

6. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I to 5, wherein the headband is approximately 130 mm in length measured in a straight line and/or the lower edge is convexly curved to a radius of approximately 55 mm at its centre decreasing towards the respective extremities and/or the upper edge is convexly curved to a radius of approximately 48 mm at its centre decreasing towards the respective extremities and/or the width of the headband at its centre point as measured between its upper and lower edges is of the order of 20 mm and/or the width of the headband at its narrowest points (proximal to the first and second hooks) as measured between the upper and lower edges is 10 mm, taking the general line of the upper and lower edges in each case and disregarding extensions mounted thereon or dependant therefrom.

7. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I to 6, wherein the point of engagement of the first hook is approximately 112 mm from the point of engagement of the second hook and/or approximately 108 mm from the point of engagement of the third hook immediately adjacent to and inward of the second hook and/or (where a fourth hook is present and located immediately adjacent to and inward of the third hook) approximately 105 mm from its point of engagement.

8. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I to 7, wherein following attachment of the extremities of the headband the first extremity overlies the second extremity.

9. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I to 8, wherein the two extremities are differently coloured and/or provided with symbols or text indicating which is the first extremity and which is the second extremity and which extremity should overlie the other in use.

10. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein prior to the attachment of the extremities of the headband the first extremity is on the left and the second extremity on the right.

11. 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 plastic or glass bottle with a tapering neck of the kind in which nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages are sold or a similarly configured item, the dimension of the piece being such as to accommodate a convex curved headband sufficiently elongate to encompass the neck of the artefact, the headband being secured in position by means of attachment at its extremities, the means of attachment comprising portions shaped to form hooks, the curvature of the headband being such that the approximately vertical distance from the centre of a notional straight line drawn between the points of engagement on the respective hooks and the nearest point on the upper edge of the headband at or about its centre is less than 40 per cent of the distance between the said points of engagement on the hooks; following attachment of hooks at the extremities the headband by reason of its convex curvature taking on the shape of a frusto-cone with variable taper to the extent afforded by the degree of articulation available between the engaged hooks, the headband conforming to the tapering neck of the underlying artefact and maintaining its position by gravitational and/or frictional force;

12. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein the curvature of the headband is such that the approximately vertical distance as defined is between 15 per cent and 30 per cent of the horizontal distance.

13. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein the curvature of the headband is such that the approximately vertical distance as defined is less than 15 per cent of the horizontal distance.

14. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 11, wherein the headband is approximately 130 mm in length measured in a straight line and/or the lower edge is convexly curved to a radius of approximately 55 mm at its centre decreasing towards the respective extremities and/or the upper edge is convexly curved to a radius of approximately 48 mm at its centre decreasing towards the respective extremities and/or the width of the headband at its centre point as measured between its upper and lower edges is of the order of 20 mm and/or the width of the headband at its narrowest points (proximal to the respective hooks) as measured between the upper and lower edges is 10

mm, taking the general line of the upper and lower edges in each case and disregarding extensions mounted thereon or dependant therefrom.

15. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I I to 14, wherein the respective hooks being incorporated into portions of material adapted to be gripped between finger and thumb for purposes of attachment,

16. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, wherein an extension or extensions to the headband are provided which are either mounted on the upper edge of the headband or depend from the lower edge of the headband.

17. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein an extension mounted on the upper edge of the headband incorporates an aperture formed by an enclosed cut-out.

18. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 17, wherein the artefact being a bottle the aperture is of sufficient size to pass over the top of the bottle and (if present) cap so that a portion of the headwear lies at the back of the bottle in use.

19. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the aperture is provided with means of enlargement in the form of tearable perforations, the means of enlargement permitting the cut-out to pass over the top of the bottle and (if present) cap.

20. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the aperture is configured in such manner as to permit those portions adjacent to its upper part which lie at the back of the bottle in use to assume a substantially vertical plane.

21. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, wherein an element depends from the upper edge of the aperture formed by the cut-out thereby to modify the shape of the aperture and provide a surface which will impact against the back of the bottle and assist in maintaining the portions adjacent to its upper part in a substantially vertical plane.

22. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 17, wherein the artefact being a bottle the aperture is adapted to permit the extension to lie in front of the bottle in use and to assume a substantially vertical plane notwithstanding the presence of a transfer bead.

23. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein an extension depends from the lower edge of the headband at a point close to an extremity, the extension being elongate and convex curved to a greater radius than the headband, the extension provided with an attachment device in the form of a hook at its distal end similar to the hook provided at the opposite extremity of the headband, the length and curvature of the extension being such that its hook can be attached to the same hook as that engaged by the hook located at the opposite extremity of the headband proper, the extension adapted to form a band approximately conforming to the tapering neck of the underlying artefact at a point generally below the headband, provided that where the headband is as claimed in Claim I and there are a plurality of hooks at the second extremity as therein defined the extension depends from a point inward of the innermost hook at the second extremity..

24. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 23, wherein one or more further extensions depend from the extension adapted to form a band, a further extension comprising a loop or a hook adapted to hold a co-operating article which may be projectile or a weapon provided with a hilt.

25. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the artefact is a plastic drinks bottle incorporating a transfer bead and provided with a screw-on cap, which cap may or may not be present in use, the diameter of the neck of the bottle measured at a point immediately below the transfer bead lies within the range of 25 mm to 35 mm.

26. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 25, wherein a portion adapted to act as a detachable coupon or to serve some other purpose is provided, the portion being attached to an elongate element extended from the upper edge of the headband or from an extension mounted thereon and folded through 180 degrees so as to lie at the back of the artefact in use.

27. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 26, wherein the artefact being a plastic or glass bottle the elongate element lies between the attached extremities of the headband and the neck of the bottle when the headband is in situ on the bottle.

28. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the portion being a detachable coupon tearable perforations are provided at the point where the coupon adjoins the elongate element.

29. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the portion being a detachable coupon tearable perforations are provided at the point where the elongate element adjoins the remainder of the piece.

30. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein a portion adapted to convey a message by visual means is provided, the portion being extended from the headband but largely detached therefrom and approximately ovoid or circular in shape in the manner of a speech or thought bubble found in comic art, the remainder of the piece bearing an artistic rendering of humanoid features which may include a representation of a mouth and/or teeth and/or eyes and/or ears and/or hair and/or other physiognomic features.

31. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 30, wherein the bubble portion bears written material and/or exclamatory matter and is visually connected with a representation of a mouth so as to convey the spoken word and/or sentiments.

32. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 30, wherein the bubble portion bears written material and/or exclamatory matter and is visually connected with the remainder of the piece by one or more smaller bubbles so as to convey unspoken thoughts and/or sentiments.

33. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the bubble portion depends from the lower edge of the headband.

34. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the bubble is mounted above the upper edge of the headband.

35. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I to 34, wherein a pair of folds operate in opposite senses across the elongate axis of the headband, the alignment of the folds being such that when activated the plan dimensions of the item are reduced.

36. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 35, wherein the folds are 'mountain folds'.

37. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein the folds are arranged symmetrically about the vertical axis of the headband.

38. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the folds are not creased folds but radiused bends activation of which provides the headwear in a partially flattened state and without leaving a residual crease in the flexible material.

39. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38, wherein a hook located at the first extremity is engaged with a hook located at the second extremity.

40. An item for the display of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 39, wherein a separate piece of material is provided in the form of a display piece adapted to provide a secure mounting for the headwear, the display piece bearing a representation of a bottle or other artefact and adapted to cooperate with the item of headwear in question, the nature of the device being such that when mounted the centre part of the headwear is superimposed upon the representation in a manner which simulates the appearance of the headwear when viewed directly from the front and in situ on the actual bottle or artefact which is the subject of the representation.

41. A display piece as claimed in claim 40, wherein the display piece is provided with an outer edge or an enclosed partial cut-out portion the locus of which is coincident with that part of the representation as relates to the top of the bottle or artefact, the edge or cut-out portion adapted to be passed between the front and back portions of a headband folded in the manner claimed in any of claims 35 to 39.

42. A display piece as claimed in claim 41, wherein a portion or portions of the display piece are adapted to project or locate above the surface of the remainder of the display piece, the projecting portion lying between the front and back portions of the headband so as to inhibit it from becoming inadvertently flattened.

43. A display piece as claimed in any of claims 35 to 42, wherein the piece is made of plastic.

44. A display piece as claimed in claim 42 and 43, wherein the projection is achieved by vacuum forming or some other process.

45. A display piece as claimed claim 40, wherein the piece is provided with either an enclosed partial cut-out portion coincident with that part of the representation as relates to the top of the bottle or artefact and/or two slits or slot-like apertures on either side of the representation of the top of the bottle through which apertures the extremities of the unfolded headband are passed.

46. A display piece as claimed in any of claims 40 to 45, wherein the piece is provided with a line of fold, the portion lying to one side of the fold forming a backing or cover to the mounted headwear and that lying on the other side forming a mounting.

47. A display piece as claimed in claim 46, wherein a second line of fold is provided, the display piece comprising a portion forming a mounting and further portions forming a backing and a cover respectively.

48. A display piece as claimed in any of claims 40 to 47, wherein a plurality of mountings are provided either on a single portion of a plurality of portions forming pages in an album.

49. A display piece as claimed in any of claims 40 to 48, wherein the piece comprises a greeting card.

50. A display piece as claimed in any of claims 40 to 49, wherein the piece is adapted to be attached to the page of an album or the door of a refrigerator or some other surface either by adhesive or magnetic or mechanical means.

51. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims I to 39 wherein one or more enclosed partial cut-outs are incorporated into the headband, the locus of the un-cut base of such a cut-out lying at an approximate right angle to the elongate axis of the headband and towards to the centre of the headband so that when curvature is applied to the headband it projects outwardly therefrom.

52. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 51, wherein the locus of the base of the partial cut-out is co-linear with and interrupts the line of the fold.

53. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 1 to 39 and claim 51 or 52, wherein in use only one side of the material can be seen from the front.

54. An item of headwear as claimed in claim I or claim 11, wherein the headband and adjacent material provides a first portion resistant to deformation when placed upon an artefact, a second portion being extended from the first portion and adapted to deform to the extent permitted by the elasticity of the material when a force is applied by manual means, the second portion being thereby brought into a state of tension, a separate item forming a projectile being provided in such a way that it is in contact with the second portion but free of restraint when the tension is suddenly released, the transfer of energy from the second portion to the projectile in the form of kinetic energy thereupon discharging the projectile from the second portion and propelling it through the air for a distance

55. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 54, contact between the second portion and the projectile up to the point when tension is released being assisted by one or more raised tabs and/or an aperture within the second portion, the tabs and/or aperture adapted to co-operate with the projectile.

56. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 54 or 55, wherein the artefact is a plastic or glass bottle of the kind in which non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages are sold.

57. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 56, wherein the flexible material is paper card or plastic.

58. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 57, wherein the artefact being a bottle, a part of the first portion adjacent to the second portion is adapted to be pressed against the neck of the bottle by pressure from the user's thumb or other part of the hand thereby to stabilise the item while force is being applied to the second portion.

59. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 58, wherein the second portion is comprised of an elongate element secured to the first portion at one end and free at the other, a raised tab or tabs or aperture being placed at or close to its free (distal) end.

60. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 59, wherein a tab is formed by an enclosed partial cut-out, the partially cut-out portion being folded outwardly through approximately 90 degrees.

61. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 60, wherein the second portion is offset to one side, the construction being asymmetrical.

62. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 61, wherein the second portion is adapted to be gripped between finger and thumb at its free end so as to deform from a substantially vertical plane to a curved plane when a force is applied, the second portion being brought into a state of tension thereby, the distal end of the second portion assuming a generally horizontal plane, the projectile being positioned on the upper surface of the second portion, lateral displacement of the projectile being prevented either by a part of the projectile passing through an aperture in the second portion and/or a raised tab or tabs in the second portion, release of the free end discharging the projectile from the second portion.

63. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 58, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of elements adapted to combine together and function as a spring, the second portion attached to the first portion at two or more points, there being no free end, the second portion incorporating an aperture adapted to co-operate with the projectile.

64. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 55 to 63, wherein an aperture and a projectile are provided, their respective shapes and dimensions being such that only the tail can be passed through the aperture, the tail extending backwardly from the body at its trailing edge, the trailing edge coming into contact with the obverse surface of that part of the second portion proximate to the aperture so as to prevent passage of the body of the projectile through the aperture, following its passage through the aperture the tail of the projectile adapted to be gripped between finger and thumb and pulled backwardly thereby applying a force to the second portion via the trailing edge of the projectile and bringing the second portion into a state of tension, so that when the grip on the tail of the projectile is released it is discharged from the aperture.

65. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 64, wherein the second portion remains in a substantially vertical plane and/or takes on a dish shaped configuration when brought into a state of tension.

66. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 64 or 65, wherein the elements comprising the second portion are generally elongate.

67. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 64 to 66, wherein the second portion incorporates one or two elongate curved elements adapted to function as an auxiliary spring or springs and to provide support for the remainder of the second portion, the auxiliary element (s) being positioned to one side or the sides of the second portion and connected thereto at the upper end and to the first portion at the lower end.

68. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 67, wherein an element functioning as an auxiliary spring, either by being curved along its elongate axis or being otherwise configured, is adapted to prevent or inhibit such deformation of the second portion as will lead to the creation of a creased fold thereby reducing or eliminating elasticity.

69. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 63 to 68, wherein the second portion comprises in part at least two approximately concentric generally annular elements, means of attachment between the two elements

being provided, the elements adapted to deform from the flat plain in a differential manner when a force is applied.

70. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 69, wherein the outer edge of the inner annular element is of a lesser diameter than the inner edge of the outer element along most of its length so that the outer edge of the inner element only abut the inner edge of the outer element at two points, the contiguous segments formed thereby comprising points of attachment between the two annular elements.

71. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 69, wherein the outer edge of the inner annular element is of a lesser diameter than the inner edge of the outer element along its entire length so that the circumference of the outer edge of the inner element does not abut the inner edge of the outer element, the means of attachment between the annular elements comprise two or more connecting radial elements passing between them.

72. An item of headwear as claimed in claims 71, wherein there are three connecting radial elements evenly spaced around circumferences of the respective annular elements,

73. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 71 or claim 72, wherein the points of attachment of a connecting radial element to the respective annular elements are staggered, thereby both to increase the degree of deformity and to apply rotation to the inner element relative to the outer element when tension is applied, the direction of rotation reversing when the tension is subsequently released.

74. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 69 to 73, wherein the aperture adapted to co-operate with the projectile is placed at the approximate centre of the annular elements.

75. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 69 to 74, wherein the innermost annular element is bisected by an elongate element the linear axis of which is horizontal or vertical, the aperture being placed therein.

76. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 63 to 75, wherein the arrangement of annular elements incorporated into the second portion is secured to the first portion by two elongate curved substantially vertical elements positioned to the sides of and forming part of the second portion.

77. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 76, wherein the second portion incorporates an horizontal elongate element, in which element the aperture is

located, the element secured at either end to the arms of a U-shaped portion mounted upon the first portion at the U-shaped portion's central and lowermost point.

78. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 77, wherein the second portion is further secured to first portion by two additional elongate curved substantially vertical elements positioned to the sides of and forming part of the second portion.

79. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 78, wherein the additional elements are attached to the horizontal elongate element along its upper edge.

80. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 54, wherein a separate item forming a projectile is itself of a unitary construction.

81. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 54 pr 80, wherein the separate item forming a projectile is made of plastic or some other flexible or rigid material and is substantially flat or formed into a geometrical solid which may be conical and/or cylindrical or partly so.

82. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 54,80 or 81, wherein the separate item forming a projectile is bent about its elongate axis or along a plurality of lines parallel to its elongate axis, or dish shaped, thereby to improve its aerodynamic characteristics.

83. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 54 or any of claims 80 to 82, wherein the separate item forming a projectile is comprised of two pieces of material which may be flexible or rigid, the body and tail of the projectile comprising a first piece, a second piece being passed through a slot in the first piece so as to provide the projectile with projections similar to a pair of

fins, the respective planes of the first and second pieces being at right angles, the first piece incorporating a trailing edge.

84. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 83, wherein the locus of the slot in the first piece of the separate item forming a projectile corresponds to its symmetrical axis and to the direction of flight following discharge from the aperture.

85. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 83 or 84, wherein the second piece of the separate item forming a projectile is provided with one or more indentations adapted to interlock with the extremities of the slot in the first piece and to lock the second piece into position.

86. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 83 to 85, wherein the equivalent of a trailing edge in the second piece of the separate item forming a projectile corresponds to the trailing edge of the first piece so that both edges make contact with the second portion when the tail is pulled backwardly and a force is applied.

87. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 80 to 86, wherein a separate item forming a projectile is shaped so that its centre of gravity lies at a point along or close to its elongate radius.

88. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 80 to 87, wherein a separate item forming a projectile is shaped so that its centre of gravity lies at or close to its geometric centre.

89. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 80 to 88, wherein a separate item forming a projectile incorporates an enclosed cut-out or partial cut-out.

90. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 80 to 89, wherein a separate item forming a projectile bears a number or colour or other marking or is shaped in such a way that either it or a group of projectiles similarly marked can be readily distinguished from other projectiles or groups of projectiles.

91. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 80 to 90, wherein a separate item forming a projectile or the body thereof is shaped or provided with applied art featuring a heart or a speech or thoughts bubble as in comic art.

92. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 80 to 91, wherein a separate item forming a projectile or the body thereof is shaped or provided with applied art to comprise a scaled down representation of a football, or a rugby ball, or a basket ball, or a ball as used in American football, or other kind of ball used in sport.

93. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 92, wherein a further separate item is provided which comprises a scaled down representation of a set of goal posts or a basket ball hoop or other sporting object of a kind associated with the projectile, the respective scales not necessarily being identical, adapted to act as a target for the user, or such other item adapted to act as a target for a user.

94. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 92 or 93, wherein the first and/or second portions are shaped or provided with applied art featuring a player's boot, or lag and boot or other representation of a kind associated with the projectile, the respective scales not necessarily being identical.

95. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 79, wherein the first and/or second portions are shaped or provided with applied art featuring a human being or a drinks bottle or other artefact.

96. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 95, wherein the piece of flexible material comprising the first and second portion and/or a separately provided projectile are marked with words, numbers or other indicia for the purposes of informing a user of the range which might be expected to be achieved when the projectile is discharged from the second portion.

97. An item of headwear as claimed in any of claims 54 to 96, wherein the substrate is paper board with a weight of between 150 and 400 gsm, or plastic with a weight between 200 gsm and 1000 gsm and/or the maximum dimensions of an item are approximately 150 mm by 150 mm, and/or an aperture where

present measures approximately 10 mm by 3 mm, and/or the width of one or more elongate or annular elements incorporated into the second portion which are adapted to deform is approximately 8 mm. and/or body of a projectile not including the tail measures between approximately 20 mm and 30 mm both in width and length and/or the width and length of the tail of a projectile is of the order of 6 mm and 10 mm respectively and/or the width of the part of the projectile comprising a trailing edge is of the order of 14 mm the tail being located half way along the trailing edge; provided that a combination of measurements herein set out may be similarly scaled upwardly or downwardly.

98. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 64, wherein a separate item forming a projectile is shaped so that the respective dimensions of the trailing edge and the tail in relation to the aperture are such that when the tail is passed through the aperture no part no part of the trailing edge can make edge to edge contact with the edge of the aperture.

99. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 64 or 98, wherein a separate item forming a projectile is shaped so that the width of the trailing edge is not less than twice the width of aperture less the width of the tail.

100. An item of headwear as claimed in either claim 64,98 or 99, wherein a separate item forming a projectile is provided with radiused comers.

101. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 64 or any of claims 98 to 100, wherein the periphery of an aperture inserted into the second portion is generally ovate in shape and radiused.

102. An item of headwear as claimed in claim 64, or any of claims 98 to 101, wherein the elongate axis of the aperture is generally co-linear with or at a right angle to the vertical axis of the first and second portions in use.

103. A kit comprising an item of headwear in accordance with any of the forgoing claims, and a display piece in accordance with any of claims 40 to 50.

104. A kit comprising an item of headwear as claimed in claim 54 and a separately provided projectile in accordance with any of the foregoing claims.

105. A kit as claimed in claim 104 and incorporating a further separate item adapted to act as a target for a user in accordance with claim 93.

106. A method of discharging a projectile by means of a device comprising an item of headwear mounted on an artefact, the item comprising a first portion resistant to deformation and a second portion extended therefrom and adapted to deform when a force is applied by manual means, the method comprising the steps of : l) mounting an item of headwear as claimed in claim 54 on the artefact; 2) placing the second portion under tension by manual means; 3) bringing the projectile into contact with the second portion in such a way that it is free of restraint when the tension is suddenly released; and 4) suddenly releasing the tension.

107. A method as claimed in claim 106, wherein the projectile is aimed at a target in accordance with claim 93.

108. A method as claimed in claim 106, wherein the trajectory imparted to the projectile is that calculated by the user to achieve the greatest possible distance.

109. A method as claimed in any of claims 106 to 108, wherein a first user takes turns with one or more other users.

110. Headwear substantially as herein described with reference to 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.

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