US20090255030A1

US20090255030A1 - Hair space gear for long haired men and women

Info

Publication number: US20090255030A1
Application number: US12/082,746
Authority: US
Inventors: Mashaan Guy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-14
Filing date: 2008-04-14
Publication date: 2009-10-15

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparel which provides space for a wearer hair with long, thick, voluminous hair, through its unique and distinctive elements such that the invention may be worn by both adults and children, permitting the wearer to showcase their individual hairstyles without limitation, while maintaining warmth. The invention further comprises of a primary aperture for the wearer configured to accommodate the wearer's head and at least one intentionally elastic and expandable secondary aperture to accommodate the wearer's hair in a variety of different hairstyles that may or not be a ponytail.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparel which provides space for the wearer's hair through its unique and distinctive elements such that the invention may be worn by both adults and children with thick voluminous hair, permitting the wearer to showcase their individual hairstyles without limitation. The invention further comprises of a primary aperture for the wearer configured to accommodate the wearer's head and at least one intentionally elastic and expandable secondary aperture to accommodate the wearer's hair in a variety of different hairstyles that may or not be a ponytail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People wear hats in inclement weather to prevent the dissipation of body heat, as approximately 30% of an individual's body heat is lost through their heads. One of the problems with wearing a hat as protective cover from the elements is that the wearer gets “hat hair” where the wearer's hairstyle is flattened and/or otherwise compromised. Hats, like baseball caps, attempt to mitigate “hat hair” by having an opening at the rear of the hat, but invariably these hats work best for individuals with either very short hair or slim ponytails. That population of individuals is steadily declining as the current trend in fashion is that males and females alike are choosing to wear their hair long, freestyle or in ponytails. Ponytails are not always desirable as elastic bands, rubber bands, or other hair accessories that are used to gather the hair invariably apply pressure, bend and constrict the hair, leaving an undesirable mark on the hair such that when the ponytail is released the hairstyles disappear. People with thick, voluminous, long hair or certain ethnic hairstyles, e.g. dreadlocks (a/k/a dreads) or braids, cannot fit under these baseball caps as the rear opening of the baseball cap for the hair is way too small and not accommodating. Thus, some of these individuals outright refuse to wear a head covering in cold weather risking the elements and/or illness, preferring to showcase their hairstyle as the currently available prior art is restrictive and uncomfortable.
The challenge of finding the right protective head covering intensifies when an individual with long, thick, voluminous hair opts to exercise outdoors during cold weather, e.g. jogging. To solve this problem, some choose to wear a skull cap while others avoid the skull cap as it presses the hair against the head causing significant discomfort, a muffled sound, and absorption of a considerable amount of perspiration. Thus, there are limited options available to these individuals, which may include not wearing a hat, or wearing earmuffs to cover their ears. If they choose to wear the more comfortable earmuffs, it still does not solve the problem of leaving the top of the head fully exposed resulting in loss of body heat. This invention will provide all of the advantages of solutions to the problems noted above with none of the disadvantages of the prior art.
By wearing the invention, the muffled sound is eliminated and perspiration is allowed to escape keeping the wearer comfortable while they exercise. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the invention is all inclusive with a primary aperture for the wearer's head, secondary apertures for the wearer's hair, and is in combination with a collarless shirt like a sweatshirt for the wearer's body with sufficient room for thick, voluminous hair. As such, the invention will neither crush, nor mat the hair on the head, nor will it leave the head exposed to the elements.
Other hats like sun visors are currently available but are better suited for thinner hair or hairstyles that are gathered in a cylindrical (e.g. ponytail) hairstyle. However, hairstyles with a lot of volume, where the natural lay of the hair frames the face and the nape of the neck do not work with these hats as they are often limited in diameter, do not fit or sit properly on the head, leaving the head exposed. In those instances, finding a suitable hat to accommodate these hairstyles can again be problematic. There, the baseball cap or sun visor is ineffective and is of little or no value to these individuals as it does not resolve the problem of providing ample covering for thick, voluminous hair. Thus, there is a long felt need for hair space gear that solves the problem of providing warmth, preventing the escape of body heat from the head for individuals with full, voluminous hairstyles that do not lend themselves to being gathered in a ponytail.
Medical professionals now recommend maximum protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which may include wearing sunscreen and a hat. Many parents try to heed the warnings and dress their children with hats on a hot, sunny day for their outdoor excursions. However, most long haired individuals resist wearing a hat in the heat of the day, especially children. Therefore, you may find a child wearing sunblock lotion but refusing to wear a hat because there is no efficient way to keep the hair off the nape of the neck, ears and/or shoulders. Moreover, hats during the summertime generally feels confining, uncomfortable and hot. This invention eliminates that problem as the secondary apertures of the invention provide for better ventilation as the hair is separated from the nape of the neck and the shoulders for a cooler, more comfortable fit. Cooler, more comfortable hair space gear means that children will want to wear the apparel which in turn accomplishes their parents' goals.
Parents are similarly challenged during the winter months as they bundle their child's hair under a warm hat when the child is leaving the home only to have the hat removed as soon as the child is out of their parents' sight, primarily because of discomfort. The hair space gear resolves this problem by providing a solution for maintaining warmth when the hair is worn either inside or outside the invention, without sacrificing comfort, style or functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to solving the various problems enumerated above, in a new, novel and useful manner.
An objective of the invention is to provide a head covering with space for individuals with long, thick and voluminous hair when worn in a variety of different hairstyles, including accommodating the natural lay of the hair in fashionable alternatives, e.g. when the hair frames the face or is gathered at the nape of the neck.
Another objective of the invention is to allow the wearer to avoid the appearance of “hat hair,” or the flattening and/or bending of the hair as a result of wearing head coverings or hair accessories.
Another objective of the invention is to allow the wearer to maintain the integrity of a multitude of hairstyles without sacrificing warmth and as such providing multiple utility to the wearer.
Another objective of the invention is to allow for the reduction of perspiration or moisture inside the hair space gear when being worn.
Another objective of the invention is to provide an apparel that is stylish, utilitarian, distinctive, appeals to, and is equally suited to both men, women, boys and girls, as opposed to the prior art which is generally designed for, and appeal only to women.
Another embodiment of the invention is to provide comfort as an intrinsic part of the wearer's experience since additional comfort means that the invention will be utilized more frequently at appropriate opportunities.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a customized fashion accessory solution for individuals, males or females with longer and thicker than average hair, who desire to wear a head covering for which the prior art has yet to find a solution.
Another objective of the invention is to solve the problem of having to compromise fashion or style in order to wear a hat.
Another objective of the invention is to permit the wearer to expose his hair or and/or hairstyle without exposing his head to the elements.
Another objective of the invention is to permit various hairstyles to be showcased rather than hidden under a head covering.
To accomplish the various objectives of the invention, the structure and arrangement of the various components will be evident from the description below, the within specification, drawings and the following claims.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the hair space gear comprises of an apparel with a primary aperture for the wearer's head and at least one secondary aperture to accommodate the wearer's hair in a variety of different hairstyles. The secondary aperture is intentionally elastic and expandable to prevent gaping and the escape of body heat. The invention is provided with gathering means for gathering the hair which may be threaded through the secondary aperture in variety of different hairstyles. The elasticity of the invention provides for a comfortable fit for varied degrees of hair thickness while maintaining the neatness of the original hairstyle. In one embodiment of the invention the secondary aperture is expandable up to 3 inches in diameter, whereas in other embodiments the expandable width is 5 inches and beyond. The benefits derived from a larger aperture is that it is consistent with achieving the desired result of accommodating long, thick, voluminous hair as a smaller opening would not be useful or suitable for long, thick hair since it would not be able to sufficiently accommodate the hair. This is a well known problem for people with dreads as they have long realized that sun visors and/or baseball caps fail to provide adequate room for their hair.
Each secondary aperture further comprises of a seam covered with fabric that extends circumferentially around the secondary aperture applying pressure to the hair being gathered keeping the hair in place such that no hair accessories, e.g. coated elastic bands, rubber bands, clasps, barrettes or other similar hair accessories are required. Accordingly, no undesirable mark will be formed on the gathered hair and when the apparel is removed, the hair space gear acts as a comb or brush to comb the hair in place. In certain embodiments of the invention there are two or more secondary apertures to accommodate the wearer's hairstyle for more than one gathering of the hair. The secondary apertures may be substantially rounded or oriented vertically or horizontally and may be positioned at the rear of the invention, top or even on the sides of the invention. With minor changes in the color and pattern of various fabric and/or textures, the invention may be used by, and is a benefit to adults and children of both genders.
The secondary apertures are configured to follow the natural lay of the hair in a variety of hairstyles, for example, if the hair is worn along the sides of the face, the secondary apertures may be oriented horizontally along the sides of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary aperture is provided with a “drawstring” that uniquely provides for the positioning of the hair (up or down), allowing the wearer to restrain the hair to avoid a “fly away” effect. The fabric and structure of the hair space gear with the drawstring eliminate the need for additional hair accessories such as coated elastic bands, rubber bands, barrettes and other like hair accessories. Further, the support given to the hair by the various secondary apertures in turn reinforces the proper and firm positioning of the apparel on the wearer's head.
In another embodiment of the invention, the hair space gear includes a primary aperture for the wearer's head, secondary apertures for the wearer's hair and is in combination with a sweatshirt for the wearer's body. In this embodiment of the invention, the wearer can experience entire body warmth, showcasing their personal style by choosing to display their long hair by wearing their hair outside the hair space gear if they so desire. The invention further comprises of an internal flap such that the wearer may wear his or her hair either completely inside or outside the hair space gear at the wearer's choice.
For a further and more fully detailed understanding of the present invention, various objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate gathering means.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate gathering means.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the secondary apertures.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the secondary aperture.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the invention with hair being worn outside the invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is now described in more detail by reference to the exemplary drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the various views. This is for convenience only and is not intended to limit the application of the present invention. In fact, after reading the following description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the following invention in alternate embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention. The apparel 10 of the invention is formed from a firm, flexible fabric that is adapted to surround and cover heads of varied hair thickness such that it can be worn by male and female adults with long, voluminous hair as a head covering. It is understood that the apparel 10 may be sized smaller for girls and boys with thicker than average hair. Suitable fabrics for the invention include fabrics and materials with some degree of elasticity, e.g. spandex or Lycra®, such that the apparel 10 remains close to the head when worn for a proper fit. The apparel 10 further defines a primary aperture 14 (not shown), a front portion 16, a rear portion 18, two side portions 20, 20′ and at least one secondary aperture 22. It is understood that the front portion 16 of the apparel 10 is worn on the front of the head, with the side portions 20, 20′ and the rear portion 18 of the apparel 10 tracking the sides and the rear of a head, respectively.
The secondary aperture 22 is intentionally elastic and expandable to provide for the proper fit, prevent gaping and the escape of body heat. The secondary aperture 22 further comprises of gathering means 90 for gathering the hair which may be threaded through the secondary aperture 22 in a variety of different hairstyles. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the hair may be gathered in a cylindrical ponytail and worn external to the invention extending through the secondary aperture 22. In that embodiment, the secondary aperture 22 is positioned on the rear portion 18 of the apparel 10 and is substantially rounded. The gathering means 90 include, but is not limited to, drawstrings 28, 28′ (as seen in FIG. 2), a sheath 30 (as seen in FIG. 3), elasticized strip 42, or straps 34 (not shown) or any other means of gathering long hair that are well known and used in the arts.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary aperture 22 further comprises of a seam 40 fully covered with fabric that extends circumferentially around the secondary aperture 22 such that it applies pressure to the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place without the use and necessity of a hair accessory and without forming an undesirable mark on the gathered hair. In certain embodiments of the invention, the seam 40 is constructed to be hollow such that a band of elastic 46 (not shown) may be threaded throw the hollow 47 (not shown) of the seam 40 to provide additional hold by the secondary aperture 22 of the hair.
The secondary aperture 22 is encompassed by gathering means 90, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises of an elasticized strip 42 that extends circumferentially around the seam 40, supporting the hair when it is gathered through the secondary aperture 22 and provides extra hold for keeping the hair in place. Here, the elasticized strip 42 comprises of a separate band 44 in mating engagement with the rear portion 18 of the apparel 10 where the band 44 helps reinforce the secondary aperture 22 for multiple uses. The band 44 may also comprise of additional elastic 46 (not shown) to help the secondary aperture 22 retain its shape when engaged in gathering the hair. The shape, configuration, structure and fabric used to form the seam 40, in combination with the gathering means 90, uniquely blend such that when the apparel 10 is removed it eliminates the necessity of combing the hair.
As seen in FIGS. 1 & 2, the two side portions 20, 20′ of the invention are joined by a line of stitching on the crown 50 of the apparel 10 for an innocuous joining 48. In alternate embodiments the joining 48 may be glued, or knitted together or joined by any other joining means for fabrics that are well known and used in the arts.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate gathering means 90. As discussed supra, the gathering means 90 include a drawstring 28, which is sufficiently long enough to be strung with remaining length through the hollow 47 (not shown) of the seam 40 of the secondary aperture 22 for gathering and keeping the hair in place without the use and necessity of a hair accessory. Once strung, the drawstring 28 encircles the seam 40 with two remaining ends 28, 28′ which may be pulled tighter or extended, depending on the volume of hair being gathered.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the invention showing alternate gathering means 90, i.e. the adjustable sheath 54. In this embodiment of the invention, the adjustable sheath 54 is made from a reasonably long strip of leather 56 or some other like firm and/or sturdy material that can withstand multiple wear. It is desirable that the adjustable sheath 54 is long enough to expand to the desired circumference of the wearer's hair when gathered, e.g. up to 5 inches in diameter or more. The adjustable sheath 54 is also equipped with a buckle 58 to lock the sheath 54 at the desired level of expansion when the hair has been gathered.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the secondary apertures. As seen in FIG. 5 the secondary aperture 22 of the apparel 10 is oriented vertically to accommodate the gathering of hair which may not lend itself to being gathered in a cylindrical style because of its volume. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the secondary apertures 22, 22′ are oriented horizontally as seen in FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment of the invention, hairstyles where the natural lay of the hair frames the face and the nape of the neck requires special accommodations and as such the secondary apertures 22, 22′ are oriented horizontally along the sides 20, 20′ of the apparel 10 (not shown).
On occasion, bad weather dictates that hair should be bundled inside the apparel 10 of the invention to keep it dry. The invention provides for these contingencies with closing means 59 such that the hair can be worn inside the invention if the wearer so desires deriving some protection from the outside elements like rain or snow. As shown in FIG. 5, the closing means 59 include but is not limited to buttons 60, 60′ and buttonholes 62, 62′, snaps 64, 64′ (not shown) in combination with fasteners 66, 66′ (not shown), internal flaps (80, 80′, not shown) or any other closing means 59 that are well known and used in the arts for apparels. As such, the wearer may use the buttons 60, 60′ and buttonholes 62, 62′ to close the secondary aperture 22 of the apparel 10 of the invention that is shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the secondary aperture. There is no restriction on the number of gathering hairstyles that an individual may wear, especially if the individual wearer has a lot of hair with many individual braids or dreads. As seen in FIG. 6, the apparel 10 may be configured to have more than one secondary aperture 22, 22′ for more than one gathering of the hair. Here the secondary apertures 22, 22′ are oriented horizontally and are almost of equivalent width. It is understood that the secondary apertures 22, 22′ may be configured in a variety of different widths to accommodate different hairstyles, e.g. 4 or 5 inches or more in diameter.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the apparel 10 is all inclusive with a primary aperture 12 (not shown) configured to allow the wearer to place the apparel 10 on the wearer's head, a front portion 16 (not shown), a rear portion 18, two side portions 20, 20′, and at least one secondary aperture 22, 22′, and is in combination with a collarless shirt 70, e.g. a sweatshirt, with sleeves 64, 64′, that is adapted to clothe the torso of the wearer. It is understood that although the present embodiment is shown with sleeves 64, 64′, the sleeves 64, 64′ are optional and are not necessary to practice the invention. Similarly, it is understood that the invention does not necessarily have to be in combination with a sweatshirt, as the invention may be practiced with a t-shirt, muscle shirt or sports shirt or any other type of shirt to accomplish the objectives of the invention.
The secondary apertures 22, 22′ as shown comprises of a seam 40, 40′ and gathering means 90 (not shown) which operates in the identical manner as other embodiments of the invention wherein it is similarly covered with fabric that extends circumferentially around the secondary apertures 22, 22′ applying pressure to the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place without the aid of any additional hair accessories. As such, when the apparel 10 is removed, the apparel 10 acts as a comb or brush to comb the hair in place.
The invention further comprises of flaps 80, 80′ (not shown) as the closing means 59 for the secondary apertures 22, 22′. The flaps 80, 80′ (not shown) are made of fabric, and are preferably positioned on the underside of the apparel 10 substantially overlapping the secondary apertures 22, 22′ such that the apparel 10 denies access to the elements, e.g. raindrops when the flap 80 is in the closed position, i.e. it remains on the underside of the apparel 10. As such, the wearer may close the apparel 10 and wear their hair inside the apparel 10 as desired without the hair getting wet. In alternate embodiments, the closing means 59 may include but is not limited to buttons 60, 60′ (not shown) and buttonholes 62, 62′ (not shown), snaps 64, 64′ (not shown) in combination with fasteners 66, 66′ (not shown), or any other closing means that are well known and used in the arts for apparels.
The apparel 10 as shown in FIG. 7 is formed from a firm, flexible fabric that is adapted to substantially surround and cover a head with varied hair thickness, wherein the sides 20, 20′ of the invention is of sufficient length of fabric to extend beyond the wearer's jaw line to fully encompass and cover the wearer's ears and is in mating engagement with a collarless shirt. The rear of the apparel 10 similarly has additional fabric to extend beyond the nape of the wearer's neck and is in mating engagement with the rear of a collarless shirt. The secondary apertures 22, 22′ as seen in FIG. 7 are positioned to the rear portion 18 of the invention, but could easily have been positioned to one side 20, both sides 20, 20′, or the crown 50 of the apparel 10. Similarly, the secondary apertures as shown in FIG. 7 are oriented horizontally but could also have been substantially rounded or oriented vertically, or comprise of a sole secondary aperture 22.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the invention with hair being worn outside the invention. Here, the hair is gathered though the secondary apertures 22, 22′, which are positioned to the rear portion 18 of the apparel 10 for the hair to be threaded through the secondary aperture 22. In this manner, the hair may be removed from the nape of the neck and shoulders for a cooler more comfortable fit.
FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. Some hairstyles, like cornrows or braids result in several large braids which the wearer may wish to showcase. In that event, the wearer may choose to wear the apparel 10 of the invention with the resulting braids extending through the multiple secondary apertures 22, 22′, as seen in FIG. 9. Again, the shape, configuration, structure and fabric used to form the seam 40, in combination with the gathering means 90 (not shown), uniquely blend such that when the apparel 10 is removed it keeps the hair in place and eliminate the necessity of a comb or brush. The secondary apertures 22, 22′, separate long/thick hair from the body allowing for better ventilation and cooling.
Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the invention is to be defined not only by the preceding illustrative description but also by the following claims.

Claims

1. A hair space gear comprising of:

(a) an apparel formed from a firm, flexible fabric that is adapted to surround and cover a head with varied hair thickness wherein the apparel further defines a primary aperture, a front portion, a rear portion, two side portions and at least one secondary aperture;

(b) said primary aperture is configured to allow the wearer to place the apparel on the wearer's head; and

(c) the secondary aperture being intentionally elastic and expandable to prevent gaping and the escape of body heat, with gathering means for gathering the hair where the hair may be threaded through the secondary aperture in a variety of different hairstyles, and wherein said secondary aperture further comprises of a seam covered with fabric that extends circumferentially around the secondary aperture applying pressure to the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place without the use and necessity of a hair accessory and without forming an undesirable mark on the gathered hair such that when the apparel is removed it eliminates the necessity of combing the hair.

2. The hair space gear of claim 1, wherein the secondary aperture is positioned on any one or more of the following locations: the rear portion; the side portion; or the top of the apparel.

3. The secondary aperture of claim 1, wherein the secondary aperture is oriented vertically.

4. The secondary aperture of claim 1, wherein the secondary aperture is oriented horizontally.

5. The secondary aperture of claim 1, wherein the secondary aperture is substantially rounded.

6. The apparel of claim 1, comprising of two or more secondary apertures.

7. The gathering means of claim 1, comprising any one of the following: drawstring, sheath, elasticized strip or straps.

8. The hair space gear of claim 1, comprising of closing means.

9. The closing means of claim 8, further comprising any one of the following: buttons, buttonholes, snaps, fasteners or flaps.

10. A hair space gear comprising of:

(a) an apparel formed from a firm, flexible fabric that is adapted to substantially surround and cover a head with varied hair thickness and wherein the apparel further defines a primary aperture, a front portion, a rear portion, two side portions and at least one secondary aperture, and is in combination with a collarless shirt, that is adapted to clothe the torso of a wearer;

(b) the side portions of the apparel is of sufficient length of fabric to extend beyond the wearer's jaw to fully encompass and cover the wearer's ears and is in mating engagement with the collarless shirt;

(c) the rear of the apparel similarly has additional fabric to extend beyond the nape of the wearer's neck and is in mating engagement with the rear of a collarless shirt;

(d) said primary aperture is configured to allow the wearer to place the apparel on the wearer's head; and

(e) the secondary aperture being intentionally elastic and expandable to prevent gaping and the escape of body heat, with gathering means for gathering the hair which may be inserted through the secondary aperture in variety of different hairstyles, and wherein said secondary aperture further comprises of a seam covered with fabric that extends circumferentially around the secondary aperture applying pressure to the hair being gathered, keeping the hair in place without the use and necessity of any additional hair accessory and without forming an undesirable mark on the gathered hair such that when the apparel is removed it eliminates the necessity of combing the hair.

11. The hair space gear of claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture is positioned on any one or more of the following locations: the rear portion; the side portion; or the crown of the apparel.

12. The secondary aperture of claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture is oriented vertically.

13. The secondary aperture of claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture is oriented horizontally.

14. The secondary aperture of claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture is substantially rounded.

15. The apparel of claim 10, comprising of two or more secondary apertures.

16. The gathering means of claim 10, further comprising any one of the following: drawstring, sheath, elasticized strip or straps.

17. The hair space gear of claim 10, comprising of closing means.

18. The closing means of claim 17, further comprising any one of the following: buttons, buttonholes, snaps, fasteners or flaps.