TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of garments for the head, or, more particularly, to garments, headwear, and/or headwear components including a liner or suitable for use with a liner.

Headwear, such as turbans, hats, wraps, etc., in one form or another, have been utilized by people of all ages across varied cultures since the beginning of recorded history. Typically, such garments for the head at least partially cover or envelop a person’s head and may be worn for numerous reasons, such as religious, fashion, social standing, warmth, protection from the elements, to hide disheveled hair and/or the lack thereof, and the like.

However, current headwear often causes hair to become disheveled or more so.

Headwear is known to damage hair due to the process of repeatedly putting the headwear on and subsequent removal, shifting during use, and necessary adjustments during use. Furthermore, materials that are desirable for the exterior of headwear (e.g., for an aesthetic appeal and/or functional reasons) may be particularly harmful to the hair of the wearer. For instance, materials utilized in typical headwear may dehydrate hair, may prevent hair from drying as quickly as desired, may be abrasive to the hair, may not prevent the hair from staying, etc.

As such, a need exists in the art for improved garments for the head that overcome the above limitations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide garments for the head that overcome the limitation of the known art. Disclosed are garments that include an outer liner that acts as a fashionable accessory and an inner liner that is suitable to prevent damage to the hair. Further, the inner liner may be fixed to the outer liner at the edges such that the body of the inner liner is movable relative to the inner liner. Thus, disclosed garments can protect the hair from repeated rubbing and contact with the outer liner. Several embodiments of garments for the head disclosed herein may include a removable inner liner that may be changed for cleaning or for different desired uses (e.g., showering, damage prevention, moisture retention, damage repair, moisturizing, and the like).

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and advantages, in one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a garment for a head of a wearer including an outer liner and an inner liner. The outer liner has an interior and an exterior each bounded by an outer edge and further includes a first material. The outer liner is configured to form a cap such that the outer liner at least partially envelops the head of the wearer. The inner liner includes a body bounded by an inner edge and a second material, the second material different than the first material. The inner edge of the inner liner is coupled to the interior of the outer liner at one or more locations proximate to the outer edge of the outer liner. Furthermore, at least the body of the inner liner is configured to translate relative to the interior of the outer liner such that the inner liner at least partially separates the head of the wearer from the outer liner when the garment is in use.

In one embodiment, the outer edge of the outer liner includes a garment front and a garment back oriented substantially opposite to the garment front. The outer liner is configured such that the garment front is substantially oriented toward a face of the wearer when the garment is in use. Additionally, or alternatively, the garment back of the outer liner is configured to extend farther down the head of the wearer than the garment front of the outer liner when the garment is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, the garment back of the outer liner is configured to extend to at least approximately the nape of the neck of the wearer when the garment is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, the garment back of the outer liner is configured to extend past the nape of the neck of the wearer when the garment is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, the garment back of the outer liner is configured to leave the nap of the neck of the wearer exposed when the garment is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, the outer liner is configured to substantially enclose the hair of the wearer when the garment is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more elongated ties are coupled to the outer liner and are configured to retain the garment on the head of the wearer when the garment is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, the outer liner is configured as at least one of a turban, hat, or baseball cap.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the outer liner is configured to envelop a first portion of the head, and the inner liner is configured to envelop a second portion of the head. Furthermore, the second portion of the head may be smaller than the first portion of the head. In additional or alternative embodiments, the second material is at least more water retardant or oil retardant than the first material. Additionally, or alternatively, the inner liner may be configured to retain a moisturizing product in the hair of the wearer when the garment is in use. In several embodiments, the inner liner may include one or more of a polymer, a plastic, nylon, satin, cotton, silk, or terry cloth.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the inner liner is selectively coupled to the outer liner. In additional or alternative embodiments, a two-way attachable and detachable device is coupled between the inner liner and the outer liner. In additional or alternative embodiments, the two-way attachable and detachable device includes one or more buttons, a hook-and-loop closures, or removable adhesives. In additional or alternative embodiments, the inner liner is permanently coupled to the outer liner.

Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations. Additional features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to companying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a head garment, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the head garment with a liner exposed, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the head garment with the liner exposed, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the head garment with the liner fully inserted, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the head garment, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7 illustrates another perspective view of the head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the head garment of FIG. 13, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an additional or alternative embodiment of a head garment shown in use, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.

However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use, and practice the invention.

The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-16 illustrate views of exemplary embodiments of a garment 100 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the garment 100 is utilized for the head 102 of a wearer, and may generally be configured as a turban, hat, baseball cap, or the like. The garment includes an outer liner 104. The outer liner 104 is configured to form a cap that at least partially envelops the head 102 of the wearer. The garment also includes an inner liner 106 (depicted in phantom in FIGS. 1, 5-13, 15, and 16). The inner liner 106 may be temporarily or permanently coupled within the garment 100. Generally, the inner liner 106 at least partially separates the head 102 of the wearer (such as the hair on the head of the wearer or a portion thereof) from the outer liner 104 when the garment 100 is in use. Thus, the inner liner 106 may generally protect the hair of a wearer from damage (split ends, knots, kinking, disheveling hair, and the like) due to rubbing against the outer liner 104. In various embodiments, the inner liner 106 may additionally, or alternatively, keep hair dry, retain moisture within the hair, and/or be used to apply cosmetic, repair, or moisturizing products to the hair.

As depicted, the outer liner 104 may be configured as a variety of headwear and accessories, such as a turban or wrap (FIGS. 1-12), a baseball cap (FIGS. 13 and 14), or as a hat (FIGS. 15 and 16). As shown in embodiments of FIGS. 6-12, an outer liner 104 configured as a turban or wrap may fully enclose or substantially enclose the hair of the wearer when the garment 100 is in use. With respect to substantially enclosed, as used herein, it should be appreciated that excess hair may optionally be styled to extend from out of the garment 100 (a ponytail or the like may hang from the garment 100, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7). Further, the present disclosure applies equally to other styles of head garments and various alternatively fashioned hats and suitably configured outer liners 104.

The outer liner 104 generally includes a first material, and the inner liner 106 includes a different second material. The second material is generally suitable for protecting or treating hair. For instance, the second material may be one or more of softer, more water retardant, or more oil retardant than the first material. In some embodiments, the inner liner 106 may be configured to retain one or more of a moisturizing product, a conditioning product, a hair repair product, or the like in the hair of the wearer (i.e., when the garment 10 is in use). In various embodiments, the inner liner 106 may include at least one of a polymer, a plastic, nylon, satin, cotton, silk, or terry cloth.

Generally, an oil-resistant, oil-proof, oil retardant, etc. inner liner 106 may prevent hair treatment products from evaporating into the air. Furthermore, the inner liner 106 may prevent hair treatment product from rubbing off onto the outer liner 104. It should be appreciated that products intended for use on the hair (e.g., moisturizing products, conditioning products, repair products, hair dye products, and the like) have the potential for damaging materials that are desirable for the outer liner 104, e.g., the potential to cause stains, particularly those apparent from the exterior of the outer liner 104. This may be particularly true for hair treatment products suitable for prolonged use. Additionally or alternatively, an inner liner 106 that is less abrasive than the outer liner 104 may allow for superior hair treatments, while also preventing or reducing the damage caused to hair when compared to prior art headwear. As an example, the inner liner 106 may be configured for prolonged hair conditioning treatments, e.g., conditioning throughout the day, and/or night, or longer. In some embodiments, the inner liner 106 may include a material that is suitable to retain a conditioning product in the hair and/or prevent the conditioning product from staining the outer liner 104. It should be appreciated that a garment 100 including an inner liner 106 configured for prolonged hair conditioning treatments allows for a wearer to condition her or his hair while simultaneously maintaining a fashionable and/or professional appearance.

The garment 100, outer liner 104, and/or the inner liner 106 maybe flexible, come in standard sizes, and/or be adjustable to conform to a shape and size of the head 102. The outer liner 104 and/or the inner liner 106 may each be solid in color, have various patterns, or a combination of the proceeding. Additionally, or alternatively, the garment 100, outer liner 104, and/or inner liner 106 may be able to withstand gentle washing on both the interior and or exterior. Thus, the garment 100 or a portion thereof (the outer liner 104, inner liner 106 or both) may be reusable.

Referring again generally to FIGS. 1-16, the outer liner 104 includes an exterior 110 configured to face away from the wearer. As shown particularly in FIGS. 1-5, 13, and 14, the outer liner 104 includes an interior 108 configured to face the wearer (e.g., the head 102 or hair on top of the head 102) and couple to the inner liner 106. As depicted, the outer liner 104 includes an outer edge 112. Further, the interior 108 and exterior 110 are each bounded by the outer edge 112. In several exemplary embodiments, the outer edge 112 of the outer liner 104 may include garment front 114 and a garment back 116 oriented substantially opposite to the garment front 114. The outer liner 104 is configured such that the garment front 114 is substantially oriented toward a face of the wearer when the garment 100 is in use. For instance, the garment front 114 may be configured to frame or surround at least a portion of the face of the wearer.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 14, the inner liner 106 may include a body 118 bounded by an inner edge 120. The inner edge 120 of the inner liner 106 may be coupled to the interior 108 of the outer liner 104 at one or more locations proximate to the outer edge 112 of the outer liner 104. For example and as shown in FIG. 2, the inner edge 120 of the inner liner 106 may be coupled to the interior 108 of the outer liner 104 at or near the outer edge 112 and along all or substantially all of the respective edges 112, 120. Additionally, or alternatively, the inner edge 120 of the inner liner 106 may be coupled to the outer liner 104 at or near the outer edge 112 at multiple discrete points (e.g., near locations 122 of FIG. 14, additional locations, and/or fewer locations). In various embodiments, the inner liner 106 is permanently coupled to the outer liner 104. For example, the inner liner 106 may be sewed or permanently adhered to the outer liner 104. In alternative embodiments, the inner liner 106 is selectively coupled to the outer liner 104. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14, one or more a two-way attachable and detachable devices 122 may be coupled between the inner liner 106 and the outer liner 104. For example, the two-way attachable and detachable device(s) 122 may include one or more buttons, hook-and-loop closures, or removable adhesives. Furthermore, though four two- way attachable and detachable devices 122 are depicted in FIG. 14, it should be appreciated that the garment 100 may include fewer or more two-way attachable and detachable devices 122. In one embodiment, a continuous two-way attachable and detachable device 122 may extend along all or substantially all of the respective edges 112, 120.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 14, at least a portion of the inner liner 106 may translate or move relative to the outer liner 104. For example, the inner liner 106 may be fixed to the outer liner 104 around a perimeter of the inner liner 106 (e.g., inner edge 120) such that a middle (body 118) of the inner liner 106 may be freely moved and manipulated within the outer liner 104. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 14, the inner liner 106 may generally be pulled out of the outer liner 104 while remaining coupled to the outer liner 104. Referring generally to FIGS. 6-12, 15, and 16, the outer liner 104 may be configured to envelop a first portion of the head 102, and the inner liner 106 may be configured to envelop a second portion of the head 102. As shown, the second portion of the head 102 enveloped by the inner liner 106 may be smaller than the first portion of the head 102. Generally, the inner liner 106 may at least partially separate the head 102 of the wearer from the outer liner 104 when the garment 100 is in use. For example, the inner liner 106 may separate the second portion of the head 102 and/or the hair thereof from the interior 108 of the outer liner 104. As shown particularly in FIG. 8, the garment back 116 of the outer liner 104 may be configured to extend farther down the head 102 of the wearer than the garment front 114 of the outer liner 104 when the garment 100 is in use. As depicted, the garment back 116 of the outer liner 104 may be configured to extend to at least approximately the nape of the neck of the wearer when the garment 100 is in use. In additional or alternative embodiments, the garment back 116 of the outer liner 104 may be configured to extend past the nape of the neck of the wearer when the garment 100 is in use. Thus, the garment 100 and/or inner liner 106 may be configured to envelop all or substantially all of the hair on the head 102 of a wearer when in use.

Additionally, or alternatively, the garment may include one or more elongated tie(s) 124 coupled to the outer liner 104. The elongated tie(s) 124 generally retain the garment 100 on the head 102 of the wearer when the garment 100 is in use. Further, as shown particularly in the embodiments of FIGS. 8-10, the elongated tie(s) 124 maybe optionally tied in various positions (e.g., the back of the head 102, the top of the head 102, and/or the front of the head 102) in order to sufficiently secure the outer liner 104 on the head 102. Further and as shown generally in FIGS. 6-10, numerous different style knots and wrapping procedures may be used with the elongated tie(s) 124 for the desired appearance and hold of the wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, in alternative embodiments, the garment 100 maybe configured to only enclose a portion of the head 102 and the hair on top of the head 102. As shown, the garment back 116 of the outer liner 104 is configured to leave the nap of the neck of the wearer exposed when the garment 100 is in use. Thus, in several such embodiments, the inner liner 106 may separate a second portion of the head 102 corresponding to some but not all of the hair of the wearer from the interior 108 of the outer liner 104. Additionally, or alternatively, the garment 100 may include a visor 126. The visor 126 may extend from the garment front 114 and/or the outer edge 112 of the outer liner 104.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the ability to provide fashionable garments for the head of wearers that also prevent damage to the hair. By coupling an inner liner 106, either permanently or selectively within the garment, suitable materials may be utilized to avoid damaging hair and/or in order to treat or repair hair. Further, an inner liner 106 that is movable within the outer liner can prevent damage to the hair that would otherwise occur due to rubbing against the outer liner. Additionally or alternatively, an inner liner 106 that is configured to retain a moisturizing product in the hair allows for superior damage repair when compared to previous hair treatments while maintaining the above described advantages (e.g., esthetic appearance) and functionality of traditional headwear.

This written description uses exemplary embodiments to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.