US20220202124A1

US20220202124A1 - Head covering and mask

Info

Publication number: US20220202124A1
Application number: US17/232,716
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary Grey; James Rieffel
Original assignee: Spartan Brands Inc
Current assignee: Spartan Brands Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-31
Filing date: 2021-04-16
Publication date: 2022-06-30

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a head covering having a partial or whole face covering component can be provided. For example, an apparatus to cover a head can be provided, including a head cover configured to cover a user's head, the head cover including an upper portion configured to be provided over a user's head and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, a mask provided at the lower portion of the head cover, a first ear portion provided on a first side of the lower portion of the mask, and a second ear portion provided on a second side of the lower portion of the mask opposite the first side, wherein the first ear portion includes at least one opening configured to be secured around a user's ear such that the mask covers a user's face.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/132,682 filed Dec. 31, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a head covering, and more particularly, to exemplary embodiments of a head covering having a partial or whole face cover component, called a mask herein.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Head coverings are worn for various reasons such as protecting the hair after hair treatments, maintaining a hair style, or as a fashion statement. Users also wear various masks to protect themselves from air-borne pollution, contaminants, viruses and other reasons. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a head cover that comprises a mask to cover a user's face.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for an apparatus to cover a head, comprising a head cover configured to cover a user's head, the head cover including an upper portion configured to be provided over a user's head and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, a mask provided at the lower portion of the head cover, a first ear portion provided on a first side of the lower portion of the mask, and a second ear portion provided on a second side of the lower portion of the mask opposite the first side, wherein the first ear portion includes at least one opening configured to be secured around a user's ear such that the mask covers a user's face.
In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of openings can be provided on the first ear portion of the mask. The plurality of openings can comprise three elongated openings configured to be secured around a user's ear. The plurality of openings can be provided on the first ear portion and the second ear portion of the mask. The plurality of openings on the first ear portion and the second ear portion can comprise three elongated openings configured to be secured around a user's ear.
In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise a binding material provided around a periphery of the opening. The apparatus can further comprise a seam tape provided around a periphery of the opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the head cover and mask can be a unitary piece made of the same material. The mask can extend at a length from a rear of the upper portion such that the lower portion can be applied around a user's face.
In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise a first elongated portion provided on a first side of the upper portion, and a second elongated portion on a second side opposite the first side of the upper portion. The first elongated portion and second elongated portion can be configured to be tied to each other around a user's head to secure the head cover to the user's head. The first elongated portion and second elongated portion can have a rectangular shape and can be approximately 1 foot to approximately 3 feet in length each.
In some exemplary embodiments, a method of wearing a head cover can be provided, comprising applying a head cover to a user's head, the head cover including an upper portion to cover a user's head and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, applying the lower portion of the head cover around the user's face, the lower portion including an opening, and securing the opening around the user's ear so that the lower portion is held in place and secured such that the lower portion covers a portion of the user's face.
In some exemplary embodiments, the lower portion can include a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings can comprise three elongated openings. In some exemplary embodiments, a binding material is provided around a periphery of the opening. In some exemplary embodiments, a seam tape is provided around a periphery of the opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper portion and lower portion can be a unitary piece made of the same material.
In some exemplary embodiments, the method can further comprise tying a first elongated portion provided on a first side of the upper portion and a second elongated portion on a second side opposite the first side of the upper portion to each other at a behind the user's forehead to secure the head cover to the user's head. The first elongated portion and second elongated portion can each have a rectangular shape and can be approximately 1 foot to approximately 3 feet in length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a head covering and mask according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a head covering and mask according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a user wearing the head covering and mask according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a user wearing the head covering and applying the mask over their face according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a user wearing the head covering and mask over their face according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of a user wearing the head covering and mask over their face according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a head cover that has a mask component. The mask component can be part of the head cover and not used as a mask and can optionally be applied across a user's face to cover a user's mouth and nose or more. Exemplary embodiments of the various methods and apparatuses will now be described with reference to the figures. The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a front view and side view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a head covering and mask 100 according to the present disclosure. The head covering and mask 100 includes a head cover 110 at an upper portion 115 of the head covering and mask 100 for covering a user's head, and a mask 120 at a lower portion 125 of the head covering and mask 100 for covering, e.g., a user's mouth and nose. The upper portion 115 can have a hood shape (e.g., covering the head and neck of a user). The upper portion 115 can have a front portion that cover's a user's forehead as well. The lower portion 125 can extend at a length from the upper portion 115 such that the lower portion 125 can be applied around a user's face. For example, the lower portion 125 can extend at a length ranging from approximately eight to approximately thirty inches below a user's neck when the head cover 110 is initially worn (before applying the mask 120). In some exemplary embodiments, the upper portion 115 and lower portion 125 are a unitary piece and can be made of the same material.
A first ear portion 130 can be provided on a first side of the lower portion 125, and a second ear portion 140 can be provided on a second side of the lower portion 125. The lower portion 125 can be split or cut such that the first ear portion 130 and second ear portion 140 are separate, or the ear portions can be a unitary piece with the lower portion 125. The first ear portion 130 and second ear portion 140 can include one or more openings 150, such as a slit, that can be placed around a user's ear so the mask 120 can be provided over a user's mouth and nose, as will be explained further below. In some exemplary embodiments, only one ear portion or both ear portions can include one or more openings 150. These openings 150 can be elongated and sized to fit and be placed around a user's ear. In some exemplary embodiments, three openings 150 are provided on each of the first ear portion 130 and second ear portion 140.
The upper portion 115 can include a first elongated portion 160 on a first side of the upper portion 115, and a second elongated portion 170 on a second side opposite the first side of the upper portion 115. The first elongated portion 160 and second elongated portion 170 can have a rectangular or other shape and can have a length ranging from approximately 1 to 3 feet each, or longer or shorter, for securing the head cover 110 to a user's head by tying the first elongated portion 160 and second elongated portion 170, as will be further explained below.
In some exemplary embodiments, one or both ear portions 130, 140 can be adapted for openings 150 by sewing threads or other binding material around a periphery of the openings. The material can also be cut using a finishing technique such as pinking shears or blades, sewn using a serger stitch, hemmed, heated or some other technique may be applied to the periphery of the openings 150. These techniques can help prevent fraying of the material where the openings 150 are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, a seam tape, e.g. BEMIS (ET315) seam tape or other polyurethane barrier or adhesive, can be applied to the openings 150 with a heat press. The seam tape can be of different gauges ranging from 0.0000.1 to 1 or greater, and can be applied with heat for 0.001 seconds to 1 minute or more, at a temperature sufficient to bind the tape to the head covering and mask 100. Alternative webs or films can be applied to the ear portions 130, 140 and used to help prevent the fraying of edges where the openings 150 are to be made or have been made. Whatever method is used, it can be lightweight, comfortable to the wearer, and transparent, matching or contrasting.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a user wearing the head covering and mask 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, a user can apply the head cover 110 over a user's head as shown. To secure the head cover 110, the user can wrap the first elongated portion 160 and second elongated portion 170 around their forehead (over a front portion of the upper portion 115 of the head cover 110), and tie the first elongated portion 160 and second elongated portion 170 together on the back side of the head. For example, the user can wrap the first elongated portion 160 over the head cover 110 and their forehead, and wrap the second elongated portion 170 over the head cover 110 and their forehead, then tie the first elongated portion 160 and second elongated portion 170 at the back of their head. The user can wear the head covering and mask 100 as shown in FIG. 3. When a mask cover is needed, the user can apply the mask 120 over a user's mouth and nose, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the user can lift the first ear portion 130 and apply the mask 120 over their mouth and nose. Alternatively, the user can lift the second ear portion 140 and apply the mask 120 over their mouth and nose.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a user wearing the head covering and mask 100 with the mask 120 over their mouth and nose according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, once a user lifts the first ear portion 130 and applies the mask 120 over their mouth and nose, the user can secure the first ear portion 130 to their ear by applying one of the openings 150 over their ear. For example, the user can secure the first ear portion 130 by applying one of the openings 150 on the first ear portion 130 over their left ear, as shown in FIG. 5. Also, the user can secure the second ear portion 140 by applying one of the openings 150 on the second ear portion 140 over their right ear. The mask 120 can accordingly be applied from either side or both sides. The head cover 110 is now applied over a user's head with the mask 120 provided around a user's mouth and nose, as shown in FIG. 6. The plurality of openings 150 on the first ear portion 130 and the second ear portion 140 allow for a tight or loose fitting of the mask 120, and can accommodate different face sizes.
The head covering and mask 100 may be manufactured using any material, such as but not limited to cotton, cashmere, leather, satin, suede, velvet, silk, polyester, other plastics, elastic materials, micro-fiber, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, different materials can be used to make different components. For example, a warmer material such as polyester could be used to construct the head cover 110, and a more breathable material such as cotton could be used to construct the mask 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the inner material of the head covering, including the head cover and mask, can be made of a different material and the outer material be made of a different material. The mask can also be made to accommodate multiple layers or an insert. For example, the ear portions 130 and 140 could have a pocket where the user's mouth and nose is covered where an insert of filter can be provided. The insert may be replaceable, e.g., by using activated carbon filters or high-efficiency particulate air filters.
Various constructions are contemplated by the present disclosure and the various parts of the head covering and mask 100 can be constructed and manufactured in various ways, and can be made of various materials. Various sizes and dimensions of the head covering and mask 100 and its parts are also contemplated. In some exemplary embodiments, the head covering can be made without the elongated portions 160 and 170, and other methods may be used to secure the head covering to the user's head. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower portion 125 can be detachable from the upper portion 115, such that a user can wear the head cover 110 separate from the mask 120 (e.g., by zipper or other fastening means).
The words “ranging”, “ranges from”, “ranges between” and other similar notations, are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals there between. It should be noted that where various embodiments are described by using a given range, the range is given as such merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus to cover a head, comprising:

a head cover configured to cover a user's head, the head cover including an upper portion configured to be provided over a user's head and a lower portion extending from the upper portion;

a mask provided at the lower portion of the head cover;

a first ear portion provided on a first side of the lower portion of the mask; and

a second ear portion provided on a second side of the lower portion of the mask opposite the first side;

wherein the first ear portion includes at least one opening configured to be secured around a user's ear such that the mask covers a user's face.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of openings are provided on the first ear portion of the mask.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of openings comprise three elongated openings configured to be secured around a user's ear.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of openings are provided on the first ear portion and the second ear portion of the mask.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of openings on the first ear portion and the second ear portion comprise three elongated openings configured to be secured around a user's ear.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a binding material provided around a periphery of the opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a seam tape provided around a periphery of the opening.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head cover and mask are a unitary piece made of the same material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask extends at a length from a rear of the upper portion such that the lower portion can be applied around a user's face.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first elongated portion provided on a first side of the upper portion; and

a second elongated portion on a second side opposite the first side of the upper portion.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first elongated portion and second elongated portion are configured to be tied to each other around a user's head to secure the head cover to the user's head.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first elongated portion and second elongated portion have a rectangular shape and are approximately 1 foot to approximately 3 feet in length each.

13. A method of wearing a head cover, comprising:

applying a head cover to a user's head, the head cover including an upper portion to cover a user's head and a lower portion extending from the upper portion;

applying the lower portion of the head cover around the user's face, the lower portion including an opening; and

securing the opening around the user's ear so that the lower portion is held in place and secured such that the lower portion covers a portion of the user's face.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the lower portion includes a plurality of openings.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of openings comprises three elongated openings.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein a binding material is provided around a periphery of the opening.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein a seam tape is provided around a periphery of the opening.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the upper portion and lower portion are a unitary piece made of the same material.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

tying a first elongated portion provided on a first side of the upper portion and a second elongated portion on a second side opposite the first side of the upper portion to each other at a behind the user's forehead to secure the head cover to the user's head.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the first elongated portion and second elongated portion each have a rectangular shape and are approximately 1 foot to approximately 3 feet in length.