GB2178299A - Headwear - Google Patents

Abstract

An item of apparel for the head ("headwear") 13 comprises a front strip 17 separated, in a single piece of paper or card, from a bottom rear strip 19 and a top rear strip 21 by a pair of splits. The headwear is worn by pulling forward the front strip and pulling backward the rear strips and placing it on the head. A pair of projections 15, one on either end of the headwear, form representations of ears. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Headwear This invention relates an article of headwear, that is to say an item of apparelforthe head, which maybe simply produced in quantity and which can be relatively simply put on by the wearer.

Party hats and other headwearcan often enliven a party orsimilar occasion. They are often at their most numerous at Christmas time when Christmas crack ers,thesource of many partyhats, are in abundance.

Although they might only be regarded as a readily disposable item of trivia by the wearer, they have a much more important aspect when viewed from the pointofview of promoters offor example, places of entertainment such as cafes, bars, public houses, restaurants, discotheques, dance halls, theatres, cinemas, circuses, funfairs and theme parks and of events such as fetes, carnivals and sporting events. Emblazoned with a suitable motif, headwear can not only spread the word about the uniqueness or superiority ofthe entertainment at the establishment that they represent, but they can also wholly or partly relieve the wearer of any natural shyness and provide a sense of unity among the paying public, thereby possibly subconsciously encouraging them to partake more fully of the facilities on offer.Headwear can also promote a team, nation or other geographical location, a regiment, fleet, squadron, company, airline, railway or othertransportation system or any association ordepartmentorothergroupofpersons.

In the past, headwearfor used in such places as theme parks has been relatively cumbersome, often taking the form of caps made out of non-woven fabric compressed into the desired shape and adornedwith peaks, ears or other appendages. Items of headwear such as these are usually sold to the user, andifthey are to be regarded as "up-market" then their "downmarket" counterparts are more along the lines of the paper hats conventiallyfound in Christmas crackers.

Although much simpler to produce, being essentially strips of cut thin paper are stuck together in a headband arrangement, these lower quality items nevertheless do require the manufacturing stage of gluing or otherwise fastening the ends of the headband together.

Afurthertype of (often promotional} headwearthat has increased in popularity particularly overthe last few years is that which consists of a single cardboard cutout sheet, usually provided with perforations to enable itto fold about the wearer's head and provided with a tag-and-slot arrangement for adjusting the headwear to the appropriate shape atthe back of the head. Although these are fairly simple to produce, and it is therefore possible for them to be given away free to the user, they do have the disadvantage that the wearer has to fumble atthe back of his head to make good the tag-and-slot fastening. This is an inconvenience that itwou td be desirable to avoid.

There is therefore a need for headwearthat is cheap to produce, simple to put on and can readily accommodate different sizes of head. Ideally, it should be produceable from a single sheet of material, for the ease of the manufacturer and should avoid the use of joining means,forthe ease ofthe intended wearer. If, furthermore, it were possible to produce such headwearfrom aflat piece of material, then its ease of distribution in, for example, magazines, brochures, menusorhandoutswould be greatly facilitated.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an item of apparel forthe head, the item comprising a piece offlexible material,the length of at least one of the dimensions ofthe piece being sufficient to accommodate a pair of substantially parallel splits, the length of each ofthe splits being in the order of half the circumference of a head, the splits being provided in the piece offlexible material in such a way that neither of them extends to any edge of the flexible material.

Swedish Patent No. 96454 relatesto an eyeshade containing one long split and a number of smaller, non-parallel splits. U.S. Patent No. 2205957 relates to a hand shield containing a single split. U.S. Patent No.

2474507 relates to a play hat having a single split.

None of these prior documents discloses items in accordancewith the present invention or suggests the advantages that flow from the constructions of the present invention.

Items in accordance with the first aspect enjoy distinct and hitherto unappreciated advantages over corresponding items formed onlywith a single split.

The result of having a pair of splits is that the headwear has three portions: one belowthe split which is lowermost in use; one betweenthe splits; and one abovethe split which is uppermost in use.

When the headwear is worn, one portion (the middle one} will, say, be at the front of the head and the other two will be atthe back. Alternatively,themiddle portion may be at the back of the head andthe other two will be atthe front. Either way, the structure afforded by this aspect of the invention gives unprecedented stability and opportunities for decoration.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate item of apparel for the head, the item comprising an elongate piece of flexible material, the length ofthe longer dimension of the piece being sufficient to accommo date a splitwhose length is in the order of halfthe circumference of a head, the split being provided in the piece offlexible material in such away that it does not extend any edge oftheflexible material.

Items in accordance with the second aspect of the invention are generally more in the nature of headbands than hats, as a result oftheir elongate shape.

They offer considerably improved opportunities for decoration, as comparedto known headwear, as will subsequently be discussed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an item of apparel forthe head, the item comprising a piece offlexible material,the length of at least one of the dimensions of the piece being sufficientto accommodate a splitwhose length is in the order of half the circumference of a head, the split being provided in the piece offlexible material in such a way that it does not extend to any edge of the flexible material, a portion of the flexible material being foldablethroughthesplit.

It will be appreciated that embodiments in accordance with this aspect ofthe invention may be used to give a 3-D effect. The material may be printed or otherwise decorated on both sides to this end.

The split is preferably preformed, for example along a longer part of its length. But it need not be: the split may be in the item of apparel as a line of weak resistance, for example a line of perforations.

Items of apparel forthe head ("headwear") as described above cantherefore be, and generally are, free of continuous elements reaching generally per pendicularto the split, i.e. usually over the head ofthe wearerfromthefrontto back. Such headwearcan be described as being in theform of a band, in the sense that it extends roundthe head ratherthan covers it; but it is not necessarily in accordance with all aspects of the invention in the form of a narrow strip, although this is a preferred embodiment as will be described below. One or more elements may reach over the head, in use, generally parallel to the split, i.e. usually from side to side and be provided with representa tions of, for exa mple, a light bulb or a bunch of mistletoe. A discontinuous element may reach from the frontto back or vice versa.

Headwear in accordance with the first aspect of the invention has two splits, as described above, either exactly parallel to each other, or at least extending in the same general direction as each other across the piece offlexible material. Alternatively, there may be more than two of such splits, orientated in a corresponding fashion.

A portion of the piece offlexible material abovethe split (or above the split that is uppermost in use) may be ofgreaterareathanthat belowthe split (orthe split that is uppermost in use). In such a case, the portion of relatively large area may be representative of a hat, cap, wig, head-dress, helmet or other headgear.

Instead or in addition, a portion of the piece of flexible material below the split (orbelowthesplitthatis lowermost in use) may be of a relatively large area and mayfunction as a face mask koran eye shield, or may befoldable upwardly, for example through the split (orthatwhich islowermostin use). This latter construction has the advantage that it provides means forformingfront and back portions of hat-like headwear, rigidity to which can be imparted in use by conformation with the curved shape ofthe head.

Alternatively, a lower part ofthe headwear may be fashioned to representa pair of spectacles or a monocle. More elaborate forms of headwear may be achieved with a portion oftheflexible material extending below the split lowermost in use from the forehead downwards and above the split uppermost in use from the backofthe head upwards, or vice versa. With the use of two separate items in accordance with the invention, extensions from the splits lowermost and uppermost in use at both the back and thefrontofthe head are possible.

Headwear in accordance with the second aspect of the invention is in the form of a headband in the sense of a strip that is narrow in its width as compared with its length. Each end ofthe elongate piece of flexible material maybe provided with a relatively wide portion, or means for attaching a relatively wide portion, as compared to the width of the piece between the end portions. Therefore, in thisembodi- ment,the headwear may be provided at either end with a representation of an ear, which is not necessari ly a representation of a human ear, butwhich could be used to give the effect to of a pair of ears of a spaniel, wolf orteddy-bearfor example.In these embodi ments, particularly good presentation of the ears is achieved if the split or splits extend somewhat into the representation ofthe ears which is desirably in each case formed ofthe same piece of material as the rest of the headwear.

Elephants' ears could also be provided; in this embodiment, the headwear could also be provided with a representation ofatrunkortusks or both.

In other embodiments, extension or enlargement at either or both ends can be representations of inanimate objects other than ears. These objects may be, for example, doors, telephone mouth or ear-pieces, cash bags, or items symbolic of a profession, trade or calling or expressing in a symbolic form an opinion, sentiment, humorous observation or other product of the human mind. Alternatively, end extensions or enlargements can be representative of antlers or horns or of fingers stuck into the ears, or of hot gasses escaping from within the cranium.

In many preferred embodiments a name, statement message, slogan, sentiment or design will be printed eitheralongthefront of a band ofthe headwearwhich lays upontheforehead in use or printed on an enlargement folded in front or behind the band.

Means for mounting (for example removably) a message may be provided, for example on the ears or other end extensions. The message may be printed, typed or otherwise written on a separate piece of material (for example, paper), which can be provided with means forattachmentto the headwear; orthe headwear itself may be appropriately equipped for attachment. Atag and slot arrangement may be adequate#AIternativeIy, some or all ofthe headwear, or some or all ofthe separate piece of material, may be provided with adhesive, which may be releasable, possibly by virtue of being encapsulated. Other possible attachment means include magnetised and magnetic elements and hook-and-loop fasteners such as that sold underthetrade mark VELCRO.

The mobility of the ears or other end extensions in relation to the remainder of the headwearwill facilitate their use as a device for providing the wearer or another person with the means to initiate movement of a part ofthe headwear relative to the other partor parts. A moving part can be attached tothe headwear (for example to the ear or other end extension) by means of slots or adhesive or by other means or, in a particularly preferred embodiment, can form an extension of the ear itself and be brought into use by folding behindtheearsothattheobjectto be moved is presented above the head. The moving part can depict a moving orflying object, person or animal or can be used to convey a statement or message or reply to a message on a different embodiment as required. Activation ofthe moving part can be by manipulation of the ear or extension to which it is attached or by moving an extension of the moving part possibly by using leverage imported by the use of slots in the ear of extension or enlargement or otherwise.

In another preferred embodimenttwo parts to be moved are attached one to each end extension.

Movement of one part ofthe headwear in relation to other parts can also be obtained by attaching the part which it is desired should move relative to another part by means of a elongate memberwhich combines properties of rigidity or flexibility in proportions which allow the object to be moved to move in response to movements of the person wearing the headwear.

For ease of construction, it is preferred that the or each split is a straight line cut in the material in the nature of a slit, although the use of other cuts or lines of is not ruled out; for example, the use of jagged cuts may be used to create a crown-like effect in use. The ends ofthe splits may be provided with means to inhibit the material being torn beyond the ends. Such reinforcements maytaketheform of further layers ofthe same or different material (for example adhesive tape) or, in a simpler embodiment, holes may be provided at the end of the cuts to inhibit furthertearing.But further lines ofweakness such as perforations may be provided beyond the end of the splits, and beyond any means to inhibit tearing, to enable ready enlargement of the headwear if necessary.The line ofthe split orsplits andfurtherlines of weakness can be calibrated with conventional head measurements or another system of measurement to facilitate the achivementofthe required degree of enlargementwithoutthe wearer entering into a process of trial and error. A slidable indicator member may be provided on a band formed by part of the headwear. Headwear in accordance with the invention may have more of a tendency to be self-cente rin g when being put on than known headwear.

In a more sophisticted embodiment, a portion below or above the split(s), or between two ofthe splits when there are two or more, is provided with fold lines. The fold lines may be actual folds or impressions in the material or merelyindicia showing where the material is to be folded.The purpose ofthe fold linesistoenabletheportion in question to be folded flush behind or in front of the other or another portion ofthe headwear. A convenient version ofthis embodiment involves two fold lines at right angles with each other and intersecting at the end point of a split.

Fold lines may alternatively or in addition be provided to give rigidity to portions, for example projections, ofthe material.

The flexible material may be woven or nonwoven fabric, lightweight paper, thin card orsynthetic plastics sheet. It does not have to be extensible, which is advantageous from the point of view of convenience and cost, and indeed in certain embodiments it is preferably not extensible. The material may be opaque, translucent ortransparent in whole or in part.

Coloured translucent of transparent material will be particularly appropriate in embodiments incorporating an eye shield.

In its more preferred embodiment, headwear in accordance with the invention presents in use a continuous strip of material around the head; and the strip may be free of joining means entirely. The headwear may be made out of a single piece of material. The length of each split is preferably at least 7inches 7 inches (18cm), typically from 8 to 13 inches (22 to 33cm) and usuallyfrom 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30cm).

It will be understood that the present invention will find particular application in promotional articles to be given away free of charge, which may be in the form of insertions for printed matter such as magazines, brochures, menus and promotional hand-outs. But in addition the invention may find particular application in the party hats market. For example, a set of headwearfor a particular party, be it an office, Christmas, birthday or other kind of party, may be put together comprising a plurality of headwear in accordance with the invention.

It will be possible to manufacture for stock a variety of standard-shaped items of apparel in accordance with the present invention in substantial quantities.

This may be done on light-weight paper, card or other material and may be done from full colour artwork.

Any promotional message required by an individual customer can be inexpensively overprinted in a single coloursuch as black inthe quantity he requires either before or after the item is cut outfrom the flexible material from which it is being formed, for example by means of formers.

It will be possibleto produce more elaborate embodiments by the application or addition of decorative substances or items such as tinsel, flock, gold leaf, enamel, precious stones or metals, beads, rivets, studs, ribbon, artificial flowers or similar materials.

Means may also be provided on certain embodiments forthe convenient location and retention of articles.

Such means may take the form of one or more relatively short slots, or pairs of them, for example in the order off to 4 cm long. Articles which may be so located and retained can include pencils, pens, fresh flowers (such as worn in a button hole), badges (including badges of rank), insignia, religious motifs, good luck charms, talismans, name plates, embroid- ery, business cards, engraved or inscribed plaques, memo pads, calendars,flags, earrings, bells, sewing materials, first aid equipment, cigarettes, matches, lighters, medicinal pills, tablets, capsules or ampoules, artificial sweeteners or packets ofthem, personal telephone directories, identity tags, desk tidies, wind driven propellers, fans, radio apparatus, antennae, alarm clocks, lights, bottle openers, receptacles for liquid and solid refreshment and other light-weight articles such as may usually be carried about or worn upon the person or are in common daily use.

Itwill be possible to produce embodiments, for use, by Australians and others, in which corks or other objects are suspended from the ears so as to protect thewearerfrom flies.

It is possible to produce embodiments which give the impression of an item (such as an arrow, bolt, nail, skewer or bullet) passing through the head and protrudingoremergingfrom either side, and further to produce embodiments which purportto give the illusion of things growing from the head (such as flowers), being radiated or fired from the head (such as hearts or stars) or being suspended above the head (such as light bulbs or mistletoe).

It is possible to produce embodiments which give a sense of perspective by using a disproportionately large representation of an image at the front of the head to represent an object in the foreground and a smaller scale representation of an image at the back of the head to represent an object in the background.

Light and shade may also be used to emphasise perspective and the effect can further be enhanced if desired bythe employment of a trompe-l'oeiltype design. It is possible to produce embodiments in which a written word or words are contained in a "bubble" in the manner of a comic strip illustration.

Small scale embodiments to be worn on the heads of small children or babies may be produced.

Other embodiments are made from waterproof materials for permanent orsemi-permanent outdoor use, for example on statues, scarecrows and similar objects.

It is possible to produce embodiments made from fire resistant materials for use in hazardous conditions and it is possible to provide a warning message on embodiments madefrom flammable materials.

Embodiments may be printed on the obverse side, that is to say the aspect which is viewed from the back of the head, with a design which compliments in a suitable manner,thatdepicted on the aspectfacingto the front ofthewearer.

A A preferred class of embodiments are not integrally provided with ears or other end extension, but instead comprise one or more releasable attachment means for them, preferably one at either end ofthe headwear.

In such a case, the ears or other end extensions may be provided with complementary attachment means to facilitate attachment and detach mentfrom the portion of the headwewar having th e split or sp lits.

These embodiments permit interchangeability of ears orotherextensionswithoutin some cases removing the band upon which they are supported.

Such an embodiment may use a standard band, for example one which is personalisedordistinctivetoa particular individual, incorporating the split or splits and the facility of changing the ears may be used, for example, to indicate changes of mood. Alternatively, ears of other extensions may be retained bythe wearer but the band is changed for another band to indicate,forexample, a change of wearer's capacity at differenttinies ofthe day. Th e compo nents of such interchangeable items can be perforated with a hole to facilitatestoragewhen not in use.

In a further embodiment, the band is adjusted to the size of the werer's head by means of a cursor moving along front and/or rear bands and holding them in proximity to each other so as to tighten them about the wearer's head. Such a cursorwill be in conjunction with a calibration on the front band indicate the size of the wearer's head. In a preferred embodiment the cursorisaffixedtoanearsothattheearandthecursor move together and the ear is presented atthe side of and close to the head regardless ofthe dimensions of the wearer's head.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be put into effect, a description of various paticularly preferred embodiments will now be given,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of headwear not in accordance with the present invention but rather forming partofthe prior art; Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of headwear in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic plan view ofthe headwearof Figure 2 asworn; Figure 4 shows a front elevational view of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, which is a "teddy-bear ear" embodiment; Figure 4a is a diagrammatic view of a split with reinforcing means;; Figure 4b isa diagrammatic view ofa similarsplitto thatshown in Figure4a but provided with perforations for enlargement of the split; Figure 5 shows a "spaniel's ears" embodiment; Figure 6 shows an "alsation ears" or "wolf ears" embodiment; Figure 7 shows a mock-wig type embodiment; Figure 8 shows a sailor's hat embodiment; Figure 9 shows a red indian chief's head-dress embodiment; Figure 10 shows a bishop's mitre embodiment; Figure 11 shows a pirate's hat embodiment; Figure 12 shows afurther"teddy-bearear" embodiment, similar to the embodiment of Figure 4, but provided with removable messages; Figure 13 shows a misteltoe-decorated Christmas time embodiment; Figure 14 shows an "editor's eye shade" embodiment provided with a pencil and means for its retention;; Figures 1 Sto 30 show further embodiments each having a single split; Figures 31 to 36 show further embodiments each having two parallel splits; Figures 37A and 37B, 38A and 39A and 39B show, respectively, unfolded and folded configurations of foldable embodiments; Figure 40A shows a folded configuration of a further folded embodiment; Figures 40B, 40Cancf40D show partial unfolded configurations ofthe embodiment of Figure 40A; Figure 41 shows a furthersingle split embodiment, which is adjustable in length; Figures 42,43 and 44 show single slit embodiments with mobile elements; Figure45showsa'SouvenirofLondon'singlesplit embodiment; and Figure 46 shows a double split embodiment having detachable end extensions.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows prior known headwear in the form of a head band provided with teddy-bear's ears. The known construction 1 comprising two strips of paper3 and 5 each in the form of a thin strip having an enlargement at either end representative of a teddy-bear's ear. The ear-like enlargements ofthe first strip 3 are designated bythe numerals 7 and 9, whereas those of the second strip 5 are designated bythe numerals 11 and 13. The left hand pairofear-like enlargements7 and 11 are joined together by fastening means (not shown) such as adhesive or staples. The right hand ear-like projections are similarly so fastened. But each pair of projections 7, 11 and 9, 13 arefastened together only on their outermost parts. The inner portions are splayed to form part of a headband completed by the remainder ofthe strips 3 and 5. This known construc tion therefore involves the use of adhesive or staples and cannot be readily enlarged as required by the wearer's head and further involves the inconvenience of two separate pieces of paper.

The embodiments shown in Figure 2 highlights the relative simplicity afforded by the present invention Here again the headwear is designed to provide a headband equipped with a pair ofteddy-bear ears, but the construction is much simpier. A single piece of paper 13 is in the form of a strip and provided with an ear-like projection at either end, only one of which 15 is shown. Along the length of the strip are two splits extending parallel to one another from within one ear-like projection to the other. This arrangement divides the elongate part ofthe construction into a single front strip 17, a bottom rearstrip 19 and atop rearstrip 21.The front strip 17 is simply pulled forward from the two rear strips 19 and 21 and the entire item is located simply on the head as shown in Figure 3.The splits can be seen to terminate at holes 23 and 25 to inhibitfurthertearing of the material into the ear-like projection 15. The whole effect is seen with lettering and shading representative of colouring in Figure 4.

Figure 4a shows schematically a split 27 such as might be provided in the embodiment of Figure 4; the split is equipped with holes at either end. In a variation on this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, the split 27 again terminates in holes 29 and 31, but beyond the holes the material is perforated as shown by the dotted lines 33 and 35 to further holes 37 and 39. By controller tearing along the perforations represented bythe dotted lines 33 and 35, the headwear can be made a size larger.

Fig u re 5 shows a further embodiment 41 in the pair ofthe headband adorned with spaniel-like ears. Two splits 42 and45 divide a strip portion into a front strip 47, a lower rear strip 49 and an upper rear strip 51, which when suitably pulled apart effectively form a band enabling the embodiment to be worn aboutthe head. Spaniel-like ear projections 53 and 55 are provided one at either end of the strips. Although, as drawn, they extend upwardly, when worn they will droop in true spaniel fashion about the face of the wearer. The splits 43 and 45 can again each be seen to terminate in respective holes. But in this embodiment the ends of the splits are provided with further reinforcements against tearing, in the form of a superposed tear-resistant strip 57 or 59 provided at the ends of the splits.It should be noted that this embodiment can be worn either way up.

Still on a canine theme, Figure 6 shows afurther embodiment 61 eseentially corresponding to the spaniel-like embodiment of Figure 5 but provided with wolf orAlsation ear projections 63 and 65. To prevent i the wolf ears 63 and 65from behaving like the spaniel ears ofthe embodiment of Figure 5 and drooping about the wearer's face, they can be provided with vertical fold linesto keepthemstanding upright.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment 67, in which a single split 69 separates a lower strip 71 from an upper region 73 of greater area than the lower strip 71. In this embodimentthe lower strip is worn behind the head and the larger area ofthe upper region 73 is suitably adorned to represent a wig, possibly in the style of ShirleyTemple.

A sailor's hat-like embodiment 55 is shown in Figure 8. This embodiment is again provided only with a single split 77, which divides a lower strip 79 from an upper region 81 cut and decorated in the form of a sailor's hat. Again, the lower strip 79 goes behind the head, whereas the upper region 81 sits on and in front oftheforehead. Extending from the ends 83 and 85 of the split 77 are pairs offold lines 87a and b and 89a and b. The 'a' fold lines are at right angles to the 'b' fold lines.Ifthe lower strip 79 is first folded up and behind the upper region 81 by folding along the horizontal fold lines 87a and 89b, and then the lower strip 79 is folded at the vertical fold lines 87b and 89b, the lower strip 79 can tuck up behind the upper region 81 and be flush with its lower edge. The lower strip 79 is then worn round the back of the head in the usual way.

Three further embodiments are shown in Figures 9, 10 and 1 1.The Figure 9 embodiment is in theform of a red indian chief's head-dress 91; Figure 10 embodiment is in the form of a bishop's mitre 93 and the Figure 11 embodiment is in the form of a pirate's hat 95. These embodiments 91,93 and 95 are all doublesplit embodiments but are otherwise the same in principle as the wig embodiment 67 of Figure 7; but in the head-dress 91 which as can be seen incorporates a plurality of projections 92 each representative of a feather, each projection 92 is provided with a fold line 92ato impart some rigidity to it.

Afurtherteddy-bear ears embodiment 97 is shown in Figure 12. For the most part, this embodiment corresponds to the embodiment which is shown in Figure 4, but in this case-each ofthe ear-like projections is provided with two short slots 99 and 101. By means of each part of slots, a further piece of material 103, bearing a message and equipped with tags 105 and 107, can be mounted; the tag 105 fits into the slot 99 and the tag 107 fits intothe slot 101. The tags may be divergentfromthe main body ofthe separate piece of material 103to provide added security.

Figure 13 shows a Christmas time embodiment 109.

Again, this embodiment conforms in shape generally to the teddy-bear ears embodiment first described above with reference to Figure 4. Butthedecorations will clearly preferably be more appropriate to the festive season, and this embodiment 109 is provided with an element 111 which bridges ear-like projec tions 113 a nd 1 1 5 acrass the head. The element 1 1 1 is suitably decorated, including being provided with a representation 117 of a bunch of mistletoe.

An editor's eye shade embodiment 119 is shown in Figure 14. This embodiment has a single split 121.The portion 123 below the split, which will be worn in front ofthe head, is formed as an eye-shade reminiscent of those purportedly used by editors of newspapers. On one ofthetwo ears 125 and 127 ofthe embodiment is a pencil 129, which is located and retained by means of two pairs of slots in the right (as worn) ear 125 which form a pairofloops 131 and 133. In practice it has been found that if the pencil 129 is not too heavy, the loops 131 and 133 are nottoo long and also if the pencil 129 is inclined to the vertical when located, it will tend not to fall out. Itwill be understood that this embodiment may be formed of a single sheet of transparent or translucent material (for example, gelatin) and need not be provided with ears.

Each ofthe embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 30 is formed with a single split or pairs of splits. The pair of splits in the embodiment of Figure 15 is indicated by reference numeral 135; each of the pair of splits 135 can be seen to be a narrowslit. This embodiment is formed with a relaatively large area above the splits 135 which is got up in the form of an ice-pack, which will no doubt be seen to be particularly appropriate to the occupation of patent examiner highlighted below the splits, as an aid forfathoming applicants' seeming- ly inpenetrable inventions.

The embodiment of Figure 16 is in theform of a bolt 137 being equipped at one end with a polygonal nut 139 and atthe other end with awing nut 141. Again, a single split 143 is provided. In use, this embodiment can give the impression ofthe bolt extending through the wearer's head.

The embodiment of Figure 17 is in the form of a crown, in which a pair of splits is represented by reference numeral 147. That of Figure 18 has a representation of a bunch offruiton a portion to be worn at the back ofthe head; this portion is above the pair of splits, which is designated by reference numeral 149. Belowthesplits is a narrowbandto go across the forehead and which can bear a cheerful message.

Headwear in accordance with this invention may find particularfavour at office parties. The embodi ments of Figures 19to 22 show how this idea may be put into practice. The embodiment of Figure 19,fora secretary, carries an appropriately labelled band adorned at either end with a representation of a typewriter. The single split is designated by reference numeral 151. A rather more sophisticated secretarial embodiment is shown in Figure 20. Here the split is in theform of an open space 153 generally below a representation of a telephone handset and dial. A portion below the split 153 in the form of a thin band can be folded back at the dotted lines 155 and 1 to form a support at the back of the head. Thetelephone handset and dial can then frame the forehead in use.

The Figure 21 embodiment is an "accounts" version, having a money bag representation at either end. A single split in the form of a narrow slit 159 is provided; optionally, a further narrow slit 161 can be provided generally parallel to the first split 159. And finally in the office party designs is an embodimentforthe telephonist, shown in Figure 22. This generally corresponds to the accounts embodiment, but instead of a money bag at either end, there is provided a representation of a telephone. A single split 163 is provided; optionally a further split generally parallel to the split 163 may also be provided. The further split is designated bythe reference numeral 165.

Figure 23 shows a tiara embodiment having a single split 167. Figure 24 shows an embodiment to be worn by a person celebrating a birthday; it is appropriately decorated with balloons, stars, birthday cake candles and a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket; a single split 169 is formed in this embodiment. Figure 25 shows an arrow-like embodiment having a single split 171.The embodimentshown in Figure26 is in the form of an enlarged nail having a single split 173.The Figure 27 embodiment is shaped to represent the top of a rabbit's head. It has a pair of splits 175, the portion above which is adorned with a pair of rabbits' ears 177, each having a centre fold line 179 or 181 to impart rigidity.

The embodiment of Figure 28 is configuredto be representative of rays of the sun emitting from the wearer's head. It is provided with a single split 183. A rather more floral embodiment is the subject of Figure 29; a representation of a flower at either end is joined by a connecting piece having a jagged split 185 in a band decorated and coloured to represent luxuriant foliage.

The embodiment shown in Figure 30 is shaped to represent a devil's head having a pair of horns 187.

Here the shape of the split is reminiscent ofthe rat's tail design on the handles of items of cutlery. The split is designated by reference numeral 189. Byfolding at thesidefold lines 191 and 193, the portion belowthe split 189 can be tucked up benind the portion above the split and worn behind the head in use.

The embodiments of Figures 31 to 36 all have two splits. The embodiment of Figure 31 has two splits numbered 195 and 197 and is provided with a representation of a glowing light bulb to hang above the head when it is being worn. The two splits in the Figure 32 embodiment are referred to by reference numerals 199 and 201. In this embodiment, an element spanning across the head from side toside in use is decorated with a series of playing cards, which in this case are all aces. Figure 33 shows an embodiment for St. Valentine's Day. This again has two splits 203 and 205 extending from side to side. The band formed between the splits can be decorated with a heart to be worn at the centre ofthe forehead.At either end of the splits are two larger hearts, and a string of hearts decorates an element extending across a further pendant heart.

Figure 34 depicts an alternative St. Valentine's embodiment,which has hearts on stalks sprouting out of a portion to be worn atthe back ofthe head. This portion is above two splits designated by reference numerals 207 and 209. The stalks of which the hearts are mounted are stiffened byfold lines running along them; Figure 35 shows an embodiment decorated with luxuriant horticultural growth. This embodiment has two splits identified by reference numerals 211 and 213.

A second Christmas time embodiment is shown in Figure 36. This is decorated with a pair of antlers' horns. Two splits 215 and 217 are provided. Messages readable from both the front and the back ofthe wearer are provided. That visible from the front reads "Santa Baby" and thatfrom the back "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year".

Figures 37A and 37B show an embodiment having an extension 219 which, in the unfolded state shown in Figure 38A, depends from below a single split 221. But in use, as shown in Figure 37B, the extension 219 is folded up through the split 221 to be presented on the wearer'sforehead above the split 221. The same principle is employed in the embodiment shown in Figures38Aand38B,inwhichtheextension is referred to by reference numeral 223 and the split by reference numeral 225. It is also employed in the embodiment shown in Figures 39A and 39B, where the extension is referred to by reference numeral 227 and the split by reference 229. It can be seen that a sense of perspective is achievable with this construction.

The embodiment shown in Figures 40A, 40B, 40C and 40D takes the same principle further. Here, the headwear ofthe embodiment is provided again with a single split 231,from which depends in the unfolded state shown in Figure 408 an extension 233. The extension is shown in more detail in Figure 40C. In use, as shown in Figure 40A, the extension is folded backwardly and upwardly through the single split 231 and, because of its elongate nature, extends over the top towards the backofthe head, where it engages in a slot 235 formed in a portion ofthe headgearabovethe split 231.The slot 235 is intheform of a shallow inverted U of that notches 237 and 239 formed in the free end of the elongate extension 233 can lock into it in use and the slight lateral curvature imparted to the extension imports a degree of rigidity.

Figure 41 shows an embodiment in which the size of the hedgear is adjustable. A band 239 incorporating a single split extends from a right ear extension 243, to which it is fixed. To a left ear extension 245, to which the band 239 is not fixed, is attached a cursor 247 provided with two slits forming a loop through which the band 239 determines the size ofthe headwear.The band 239 may be marked to indicate the size with conventional or humourous indications.

The embodiment of Figure 42 involvesthe use of one portion ofthe headwear being capable of limited motion relative to the rest. A single split 249 divides the headwear into upper and lower portions 251 and 253, which are both decorated in the form of clouds. In use, the upper portion 251 is worn at the back of the head and the lower portion 253 at the front. Extending up and over the head in use from the top of the upper portion 251 is an elongate flexible member 255, the free end of which is decorated in the form of a biplane 257, such as may have been skywriting in the clouds.

Bearing in mind that it is an advantage ofthe present invention that embodiments can be prepared from a single sheet of material, the flexible member 255 will be formed of the same material (for example, thin paper) as the rest ofthe headwear. This imparts it with a suitable combination of properties of flexibility and rigidity to enable it to move in a limited but effective mannerasthewearermoves.

A more limited a amount of relative motion is achievable with the embodimentof Figure 43, which is broadly similar in some respects to the horticultural embodiment of Figure 35. A single split 259 divides the headwearwith upperand lower portions 261 and 263 which are worn behind and in front of the head in use respectively. At each end of the split 259 there is an end extension 265 or 267 in the form of a flower. The end extensions are separated from the upper portion by respective slits 269 and 271. Tucked through the slit 271 and extending from the left end extension (as worn) 267 is an elongate member269terminating at its free end in a representation of a butterfly 273. The elongate member 269 stems from a point 275 on the left end extension 267 and is tucked behind it.The butterfly 273 can be made to move by manipulating point 275.

A similar principle is embodied in the construction shown in Figure 44, which is inthefamiliarform of Tower Bridge in London. A strip 277 is divided by a split 279 into upper and lower portions 281 and 283, which in use are positioned atthe back and the front of the head respectively. Extending up from the centre of the lower portion 283 is a representation of a ship 285 on the Thames. At each end ofthe split 279 is an upright member 287 and 289 representing the towers ofthe bridge; the tops of the upright members 287 and 289 are joined by a crosspiece 291 representing the walkways. Partofthe lower portion 283 isfolded u pwa rdly and backwa rdly, and to this part are attached end extensions 293 and 295.In turn, from the extend members 297 and 299 which are representative ofthe two half road decks of the bridge. For stability, each ofthe road deck members 297 and 299 passes through a pair of slits formed in the adjacent upright member 287 or 289. By manipulating points 301 and 303, the road deck members can be seen to rise for rivertraffic.

Othertourist attractions of London are featured on the embodiment shown in Figure 45. A single split 305 divides the headwear into upper and lower portions 307 and 309, worn atthe back and front ofthe head in use respectively. A message portion, marked 'Soüve- nirofLondon', may be formed upwardlyfromthe lower portion 309 or may instead be formed down wardlyfrom it and tucked up behind through the split 305.

The embodiment of Figure 36illustrates how headwear in accordance with the present invention may be provided with detachable end extension, for example ears. A band 311 is provided with two parallel elongate splits313 and 315 dividing the band into lower, middle and upper portions317,319 and321. In use, the middle portion 319 wil I be at the front ofthe head and the lower and upper portions 317 and 321 will be atthe back. Each end of the band 311 is provided with two indentations 323,325,327 and 329, which constitute releasable attachment means for end extensions. Each of a pair of end extensions (in the form of ears with gases escaping from the cranium) 331 and 333 is provided with a pair of slits to form a locator strip 335 or 337 on each. The locator strips 335 and 337 slide over the ends of the band 3~1 1 and engage with the indentations (323 and 325) and (327 and 329), respectively. The locator strips 335 and 337 can therefore be seen to function as complementary attachment means. Holes 339,341 and 343 are provided for easy storage of the band 311 and end extensions 331 and 333 when not in use. Itwill readily be understood that the band 311 and end extensions 331 and 333 can readily be interchanged with other corresponding items.

Claims (12)

1. An item of apparel forthe head, the item comprising a piece of flexible material, the length of at least one ofthe dimensions ofthe piece being sufficientto accommodate a pair of substantially parallel splits, the length of each ofthe splits being in the order of halfthe circumference of a head, the splits being provided in the piece offlexible material in such a way that neither of them extends to any edge ofthe flexible material.

2. An elongate item of apparel forthe head, the item comprising an elongate piece offlexible material, the length ofthe longer dimension ofthe piece being sufficient to accommodate a splitwhose length is in the order of halfthe circumference of a head,the split being provided in the piece offlexible material in such a waythat it does not extend to any edge of the flexible material.

3. Headwear as claimed in claim 2, which is provided with meansforattaching a relatively wide portion, as compared to the width of the piece between the end portions.

4. Headwear as claimed in claim 2, which is provided with a relatively wide portion as compared to the width of the piece between the end portions.

5. An item of apparel forthe head,the item comprising a piece of flexible material, the length of at least one ofthe dimensions ofthe piece being sufficient to accommodate a splitwhose length is in the order of halfthe circumference of a head, the split being provided in the piece offlexible material in such awaythatitdoesnotextendto any edge oftheflexible material, a portion of the flexible material being foldablethroughthesplit.

6. Headwear as claimed in claim 5, wherein a portion of the headwear belowthe split (or below the split lowermost in use), which portion is intended to betothefrontofthe head in use, isfoldable backwardly and upwardly through the split.

7. Headwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the or each split is a preformed slit.

8. Headwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, which is provided with one or more elongate protrusions, each protrusion being folded about a long axis to impart rigiditiy.

9. Headwearas claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8, which is provided with means for mounting a message.

10. Headwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a partwhich, when the item is worn on the head, is movable with respectto other partsofthe item.

11. Headwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible material is paper or card.

12. Headwearsubstantiallyas herein described with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 46 of the accompanying drawings.