US20190090561A1

US20190090561A1 - Modesty head cover

Info

Publication number: US20190090561A1
Application number: US15/715,340
Authority: US
Inventors: Baron C. Brandt; Rachel R. Henry; Brogan Terrell; Kozet Mitchell
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2017-09-26
Filing date: 2017-09-26
Publication date: 2019-03-28

Abstract

Aspects herein are directed to a modesty head cover for use during, for instance, athletic activities. The head cover is formed from a three-panel construction, where unaffixed perimeter edges of the three panels collectively define a face opening and a bottom margin of the head cover. The shaping of the pattern pieces used to form the head cover, and the subsequent seams joining the different panels are selected to produce a flattering fit without fabric bunching while still providing modesty coverage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein are directed to a modesty head cover.

BACKGROUND

Typical head coverings used a sign of modesty and/or a symbol of religious faith, such as a hijab, are generally not constructed so as to be worn during athletic activities. Those that are designed to be used during athletic activities may comprise a single piece of fabric which may create unnecessary bulk and/or may not be form-fitting. Alternatively, the head covering may be formed from many different panels of material which contribute to the weight of the head covering and/or may cause unnecessary seam lines that can cause chafing or create an unflattering fit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a modesty head cover in an as-worn configuration in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first side view of the modesty head cover of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second side view of the modesty head cover of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the modesty head cover of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a pattern piece for a first side panel of a modesty head cover in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a pattern piece for a second side panel of a modesty head cover in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a pattern piece for a third front panel of a modesty head cover in accordance with aspects herein; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of manufacturing a modesty head cover in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
At a high level, aspects herein are directed to a modesty head cover, such as a hijab, configured for use during athletic activities. The modesty head cover includes several features that make it suitable for use during athletic activities while still maintaining modesty and a flattering fit. In one exemplary aspect, the modesty head cover is formed from a lightweight, breathable fabric, such as a single jersey knit with a mesh construction. The use of a single jersey knit construction, as opposed to, for instance, a double jersey knit construction, contributes to the light weight of the modesty head cover. The mesh construction allows heated air and moisture vapor produced by a wearer to escape to an external environment and further allows ambient air from the environment to enter the modesty head cover to promote quicker drying times. The fabric may be formed using microfiber polyester yarns (i.e., yarns formed from polyester filaments or fibers having a denier of one or less) and elastic yarns (e.g., Spandex® yarns). The use of microfiber polyester yarns promotes wicking of moisture away from the wearer's skin surface through capillary action between the different microfibers. Once wicked to an outer-surface of the modesty head cover, the moisture may evaporate. The use of elastic yarns helps the head cover to be more form-fitting and to retain its shape upon repeated wear.
Another feature of the modesty head cover is the use of a minimal number of fabric panels (e.g., three panels) to construct the modesty head cover. Using a panel-type construction, as opposed to using a single piece of fabric, enables better shaping of the modesty head cover resulting in an overall better fit. However, keeping the number of panels to a minimum helps to keep the modesty head cover lightweight and further reduces the number of seam lines to prevent or reduce potential chaff points and/or points of structural weakness. As explained further below, the configuration of the individual panel pieces and the seaming used to join the different panels is selected to produce a flattering fit without bunching of the fabric. Fabric bunching with respect to athletic wear may lead to increased drag which may affect athletic performance.
Continuing, the shape configuration of the different panels may be selected so that the modesty head cover is longer in the front and back and shorter at the sides. This allows a wearer to potentially tuck the front and back of the modesty head cover into an upper body garment further eliminating potential drag points and reducing distractions due to, for instance, flapping or movement of the modesty head cover during wear. Keeping the modesty head cover shorter at the sides allows a free range of movement of the wearer's arms and shoulders. The longer construction in the front and back also helps to weight the edges of the head cover which may be useful if it is not possible to tuck the front and back of the head cover into an upper body garment.
As well, the shape configuration of the different panels may be selected to produce a greater volume of material in areas of the modesty head cover corresponding to a back neck area of a wearer when the head cover is worn. The extra volume enables the head cover to drape more naturally around the wearer's head and avoids the head cover being so form fitting so as to approximate a “swim cap” style head cover which would impact the modesty function of the head cover. Further, the extra volume is useful for accommodating wearers having long hair.
The head cover comprises a face opening formed by one or more perimeter edges of the panels used to construct the head cover. In exemplary aspects, a soft, elastic binding is provided around the face opening to enhance modesty and prevent shifting of the face opening during athletic activities which could potentially impact the wearer's line-of-sight. In exemplary aspects, the head cover is configured to have different sizes for the face opening to accommodate different face sizes/shapes of potential wearers. By enabling a wearer to select a correct size of face opening, the head cover is better able to meet modesty requirements that state that only the wearer's eyebrows to under the wearer's chin may be visible.
Accordingly, aspects herein are directed to a modesty head cover comprising a first side panel having a first top portion, a first side portion, and a first back portion; and a second side panel having a second top portion, a second side portion, and a second back portion, where the first top portion and the first side portion of the first side panel are affixed to the second top portion and the second side portion of the second side panel at a back seam. The modesty head cover further comprises a third front panel extending between the first side portion of the first side panel and the second side portion of the second side panel. The unaffixed perimeter edges of the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third front panel collectively define a face opening.
In another aspect, a modesty head cover is provided. The modesty head cover comprises a first side panel having a first top portion, a first side portion, and a first back portion; and a second side panel having a second top portion, a second side portion, and a second back portion, where the first top portion and the first side portion of the first side panel and the second top portion and the second side portion of the second side panel define at least in part a face opening. The modesty head cover further comprises a back seam affixing the first back portion and the first top portion of the first side panel to the second back portion and the second top portion of the second side panel. The back seam comprises a first portion that extends from a bottom margin of the modesty head cover, where the first portion extends in line with a midline reference plane. The back seam further comprises a second portion extending from the first portion, where the second portion is positioned a predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane on a first side of the midline reference plane. The back seam additionally comprises a third portion extending from the second portion, where the third portion comprises a terminal end of the back seam, and where the third portion is positioned a predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane on a second side of the midline reference plane. The second side of the midline reference plane is opposite the first side of the midline reference plane.
Aspects herein are further directed to a method of manufacturing a modesty head cover. The method comprises providing a first panel of material having at least a first perimeter edge and a second perimeter edge; providing a second panel of material having at least a third perimeter edge and a fourth perimeter edge; and providing a third panel of material having at least a fifth perimeter edge and a sixth perimeter edge. The first perimeter edge of the first panel of material is affixed to the third perimeter edge of the second panel of material to form a back seam of the modesty head cover. The second perimeter edge of the first panel of material is affixed to the fifth perimeter edge of the third panel of material to form a first front seam of the modesty head cover, and the fourth perimeter edge of the second panel of material is affixed to the sixth perimeter edge of the third panel of material to form a second front seam of the modesty head cover. Continuing, a first set of unaffixed perimeter edges of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material collectively define a face opening of the modesty head cover, and a second set of unaffixed perimeter edges of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material collectively define a bottom margin of the modesty head cover.
Positional terms used herein such as “superior,” “inferior,” “medial,” “lateral,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “midline reference plane,” “outer-facing surface,” “inner-facing surface,” and the like are to be given their common meaning with respect to the modesty head cover being worn as it is intended to be worn by a hypothetical wearer standing in an upright position. Still further, the phrase “configured to contact,” or other similar phrases used when describing different portions of the head cover in relation to a wearer refer to a head cover appropriately sized for the particular wearer. Terms such as “affixed” as used herein generally refer to attachment methodologies between two or more elements (e.g., fabric panels or pattern pieces) that generally maintain the elements in a fixed (and/or permanent) relationship with respect to one another. Exemplary ways of affixing elements together contemplated herein include, for example, stitching (e.g., flat stitching), bonding, welding, use of adhesives, use of adhesive tapes, and the like. The term “seam,” as used herein generally refers to the junction area where the elements are affixed together. As such, a seam may refer to a stitched seam, a welded seam, a bonded seam, a taped seam, and the like. The term “perimeter edge” as used herein generally refers to external or outer edges of a fabric panel, where the outer edges collectively define the perimeter shape of the fabric panel. A perimeter edge may comprise a free edge or may comprise an edge that is affixed (or configured to be affixed) to a perimeter edge of another fabric panel.
Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, a front view, a first side view, a second side view, and a back view respectively of an exemplary modesty head cover 100 in an as-worn configuration are provided in accordance with aspects herein. Regarding the front and back views of FIGS. 1 and 4, a hypothetical midline reference plane 410 is shown, where the midline reference plane 410 divides the head cover 100 into generally equal right and left halves. With respect to FIGS. 1-4, the head cover 100 comprises a first side panel 110, a second side panel 112, and a third front panel 114 that collectively define a face opening 116 of the head cover 100 and a bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the first side panel 110 comprises a single, continuous, and unitary fabric panel (e.g., a seamless fabric panel) that can be thought of as having different regions or portions such as a first side portion 120, a first top portion 122, and a first back portion 124. The first side portion 120 is generally configured to cover a first side of a wearer's head, the first top portion 122 is generally configured to cover a portion of the top of the wearer's head, and the first back portion 124 is generally configured to cover a portion of the back of the wearer's head.
Similarly, and also with respect to FIGS. 1-4, the second side panel 112 comprises a single, continuous, and unitary fabric panel (e.g., a seamless panel) having a second side portion 126, a second top portion 128, and a second back portion 130. The second side portion 126 is generally configured to cover a second side of the wearer's head, the second top portion 128 is generally configured to further cover the top of the wearer's head, and the second back portion 130 is generally configured to further cover the back of the wearer's head. The demarcation of the first side panel 110 and the second side panel 112 into different regions or portions, such as side portions, top portions, and back portions, is meant to be exemplary and descriptive only and it is contemplated herein that the different portions of the side panels 110/112 may overlap with each other, share boundaries with each other, and the like.
With respect to just FIG. 1, the third front panel 114 comprises a single, continuous, and unitary fabric panel (e.g., a seamless fabric panel) that is generally configured to cover the front of the wearer's neck and upper chest area.
The face opening 116 is collectively defined by a first set of free perimeter edges of the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114. More particularly, the face opening 116 is defined by a perimeter edge 132 of the first side panel 110, a perimeter edge 134 of the second side panel 112, and a perimeter edge 136 of the third front panel 114. The face opening 116 is generally sized to encompass an area comprising just above the wearer's eyebrows (but below the wearer's hairline), to just under the wearer's chin. In exemplary aspects, an elastic binding 138 circumscribes the face opening 116. The elastic binding 138 may not only help the face opening 116 to lie flush with the wearer's face (i.e., no gaps) but also may help reduce shifting of the face opening 116 during movement. This, in turn, helps to keep the wearer's line-of-sight clear and further helps to maintain the modesty coverage of the head cover 100.
The bottom margin 118 of the modesty head cover 100 is collectively defined by a second set of free perimeter edges of the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114. More particularly, the bottom margin 118 is define by a perimeter edge 140 of the first side panel 110, a perimeter edge 142 of the second side panel 112, and a perimeter edge 144 of the third front panel 114. In exemplary aspects, the bottom margin 118 is configured to be longer in the front and the back of the head cover 100 as compared to the sides of the head cover 100 (best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3). This may be advantageous in that the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100 can be tucked into, for instance, a shirt to further secure the head cover 100 during athletic activities. Another advantage of having a longer front and back bottom margin 118 is that the increased fabric in these areas may help to weigh down the bottom margin 118 even when it is not possible to tuck in the bottom margin 118. And having a shorter bottom margin 118 at the sides of the head cover 100 helps to facilitate a free range-of-movement of the wearer's arms and shoulders.
As seen best in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second side panels 110/112 are configured to have an increased width 146 as measured from, for example, a lower or bottom margin of the face opening 116 to an approximate midpoint of the back of the head cover 100. Exemplary widths 146 may comprise, for example, between 21 cm and 26 cm, between 22 cm and 25 cm, and between 23 cm and 24 cm. The width 146 may be greater than some typical modesty head covers configured for use during athletic activities. The increased width 146 may help to accommodate long hair and also may help the head cover 100 to drape more loosely over the back of the wearer's head and neck area thus avoiding a “swim cap” type look where the head cover closely follows the outline and contours of the back of the wearer's head and neck. Having the head cover 100 more loosely drape over the back of the wearer's head contributes to the modesty features of the head cover 100.
Each of the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114 may be formed of a lightweight, breathable fabric. In exemplary aspects, the fabric forming the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114 may have a weight of between 150 g/m²and 160 g/m²and may have an air permeability between 110 cubic feet/meter (cfm) and 120 cfm. An exemplary fabric may comprise a single jersey knit fabric having a mesh-like structure comprising a plurality of small openings 310 as shown in the magnified view in FIG. 3. The openings 310 may be formed by a drop-needle stitch structure and may comprise diameters of 1.5 mm or less so as to maintain the modesty features of the head cover 100. The openings 310 increase the air permeability of the head cover 100 allowing air from the external environment to enter the interior of the head cover 100. This air movement may help to cool the wearer and also may help to facilitate faster drying of the head cover 100 thereby improving wearer comfort. Further, the openings 310 may also act as an egress point for moisture vapor and/or heated air produced by the wearer to exit the head cover 100 further helping to keep the wearer cool and comfortable.
In exemplary aspects, the fabric used to form the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114 may comprise microfiber polyester yarns and elastic yarns. Due to the small size of the polyester fibers or filament in the microfiber polyester yarns (e.g., 1 denier or less), the microfiber polyester yarns have a large surface area through which moisture may travel via wicking or capillary action. Thus, sweat or moisture generated by the wearer during athletic activities may be transported to an outer-facing surface of the head cover 100 where it may evaporate helping to keep the head cover 100 dry and the wearer cool. The elastic yarns help the head cover 100 to retain its shape and help the head cover 100 to more closely conform to, for instance, the top half of the wearer's head.
In exemplary aspects, the head cover 100 comprises three seams that join the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114 together. The placement and orientation of the various seams are selected so as to reduce fabric bunching and ensure a flattering fit. As well, by minimizing the number of seams on the head cover 100, potential chaff points and/or points of structural weakness are reduced. Before describing the various seams with respect to FIGS. 1-4, a description of the pattern pieces for the first side panel 110, the second side panel 112, and the third front panel 114 will be provided.
FIG. 5 depicts a pattern piece 500 for the first side panel 110, FIG. 6 depicts a pattern piece 600 for the second side panel 112, and FIG. 7 depicts a pattern piece 700 for the third front panel 114 in accordance with aspects herein. With respect to FIG. 5, the pattern piece 500 comprises the perimeter edge 132 that forms part of the face opening 116 and further comprises the perimeter edge 140 that forms part of the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100. When incorporated into the head cover 100, both the perimeter edge 132 and the perimeter edge 140 comprise free edges (i.e., edges not affixed to another pattern piece as described herein). The pattern piece 500 further comprises a perimeter edge 148, where the perimeter edge 148 is configured to be affixed to the third front panel 114 when incorporated into the head cover 100. The perimeter edge 148 extends from an inferior terminal end 512 of the perimeter edge 132 to a first terminal end 514 of the perimeter edge 140. In addition, the pattern piece 500 comprises a perimeter edge 158 that extends from a superior terminal end 516 of the perimeter edge 132 to a second terminal end 518 of the perimeter edge 140.
With respect to the perimeter edge 158, the pattern piece 500 is shaped such that a terminal portion 510 of the perimeter edge 158 diverges inferiorly from its previous curvature path before intersecting the superior terminal end 516 of the perimeter edge 132. To describe it a different way, the terminal portion 510 is configured to form an obtuse angle, e1, with the superior terminal end 516 of the perimeter edge 132. As will be explained more fully with respect to FIGS. 1-4, this results in a particular seam configuration that helps the top of the head cover 100 to lie flat against the wearer's head without fabric bunching.
Turning to FIG. 6, the pattern piece 600 comprises the perimeter edge 134 that forms part of the face opening 116 and further comprises the perimeter edge 142 that forms part of the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100. When incorporated into the head cover 100, both the perimeter edge 134 and the perimeter edge 142 comprise free edges (i.e., edges not affixed to another pattern piece as described herein). The pattern piece 600 further comprises a perimeter edge 154 where the perimeter edge 154 is configured to be affixed to the third front panel 114 when incorporated into the head cover 100. The perimeter edge 154 extends from an inferior terminal end 612 of the perimeter edge 134 to a first terminal end 614 of the perimeter edge 142. In addition, the pattern piece 600 comprises a perimeter edge 160 that extends from a superior terminal end 616 of the perimeter edge 134 to a second terminal end 618 of the perimeter edge 142.
With respect to the perimeter edge 160, the pattern piece 600 is shaped such that a terminal portion 610 of the perimeter edge 160 diverges superiorly from its previous curvature path before intersecting the superior terminal end 616 of the perimeter edge 134. To describe it a different way, the terminal portion 610 is configured to form an acute angle, e2, with the superior terminal end 616 of the perimeter edge 132. Similar to the terminal portion 510 of the pattern piece 500, this shaping results in a particular seam configuration that helps the top of the head cover 100 to lie flat against the wearer's head without fabric bunching.
FIG. 7 illustrates the pattern piece 700 for the third front panel 114. The pattern piece 700 comprises the perimeter edge 136 that forms in part an inferior margin of the face opening 116 and further comprises the perimeter edge 144 that forms part of the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100. When incorporated into the head cover 100, both the perimeter edge 136 and the perimeter edge 144 comprise free edges (i.e., edges not affixed to another pattern piece as described herein). The pattern piece 700 further comprises a perimeter edge 150 where the perimeter edge 150 is configured to be affixed to the perimeter edge 148 of the first side panel 110 when incorporated into the head cover 100. The perimeter edge 150 extends from a first terminal end 710 of the perimeter edge 136 to a first terminal end 712 of the perimeter edge 144. In addition, the pattern piece 700 comprises a perimeter edge 156 that extends from a second terminal end 714 of the perimeter edge 136 to a second terminal end 716 of the perimeter edge 144. In exemplary aspects, the perimeter edges 150 and 156 of the pattern piece 700 angle away from a hypothetical vertical midline indicated by reference numeral 718 as the perimeter edges 150 and 156 extend inferiorly.
With this as context, and turning back to FIG. 1, the head cover 100 includes a first seam 147 that represents a line of affixation between the perimeter edge 148 of the first side panel 110 and the perimeter edge 150 of the third front panel 114. Due at least to the shaping of the pattern piece 700 for the third front panel 114, the first seam 147 extends from the face opening 116 and gradually angles laterally from the midline reference plane 410 to the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100. Similarly, the head cover 100 includes a second seam 152 that represents a line of affixation between the perimeter edge 154 of the second side panel 112 and the perimeter edge 156 of the third front panel 114. The second seam 152 extends from the face opening 116 and gradually angles laterally away from the midline reference plane 410 to the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100. By the first seam 147 and the second seam 152 angling laterally away from the midline reference plane 410, the front of the head cover 100 may lie flatter over the front of the wearer's neck as opposed to using vertically oriented seams which may cause bunching of the third front panel 114.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the first side panel 110 is affixed to the second side panel 112 at a back seam 162. More particularly, the back seam 162 represents the line of affixation between the perimeter edge 158 of the first side panel 110 and the perimeter edge 160 of the second side panel 112. Due to the shaping of the pattern piece 500 for the first side panel 110 and the shaping of the pattern piece 600 for the second side panel 112, the back seam 162 can be thought of as having at least three different portions 412, 414, and 416 that extend continuously and without interruption from each other. The first portion 412, as shown in FIG. 4, extends vertically upward from the bottom margin 118 of the head cover 100 generally in line with the midline reference plane 410. In exemplary aspects, the first portion 412 may be between 33 cm and 37 cm in length, and/or between 34 cm and 35 cm in length.
Continuing, as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 4, the second portion 414 diverges from the midline reference plane 410 such that it is positioned a first predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane 410 on a first side of the midline reference plane 410. In exemplary aspects, the first side may be the side of the head cover 100 on which the second side panel 112 is primarily positioned, although it is contemplated herein that the construction of the head cover 100 may be reversed such that the first side may be the side of the head cover 100 on which the first side panel 110 is primarily positioned. The first predetermined distance may be variable due to the path of the second portion 414 but it is contemplated herein that a first maximum predetermined distance 418 may be between 2 cm and 8 cm, between 3 cm and 7 cm, and/or between 4 cm and 6 cm from the midline reference plane 410.
As shown primarily in FIG. 1, the second portion 414 crosses the midline reference plane 410 as indicated by the reference numeral 420 where it transitions to the third portion 416. The third portion 416 also diverges from the midline reference plane 410 such that it is positioned a second predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane 410 on a second side of the midline reference plane 410, where the second side is opposite the first side. In exemplary aspects, the second side may be the side of the head cover 100 on which the first side panel 110 is primarily positioned, although it is contemplated herein that the construction of the head cover 100 may be reversed such that the first side may be the side of the head cover 100 on which the second side panel 112 is primarily positioned. The second predetermined distance may be variable due to the path of the third portion 416 but it is contemplated herein that a second maximum predetermined distance 422 may be between 2 cm and 6 cm, between 2.5 cm and 5 cm, and/or between 3 cm and 4 cm from the midline reference plane 410. It is further contemplated herein, that the second maximum predetermined distance 422 may occur at the point where the back seam 162 intersects the face opening 116. Due to the shaping of the pattern pieces 500 and 600, two angles are formed when the back seam 162 intersects the face opening 116. The first angle, e1, is the obtuse angle formed between the perimeter edge 158 and the perimeter edge 132 of the first side panel 110 (seen in FIG. 5), and the second angle, e2, is the acute angle formed between the perimeter edge 160 and the perimeter edge 134 of the second side panel 112 (seen in FIG. 6).
The shaping of the pattern pieces 500 and 600 and the subsequent path of the back seam 162 are selected to not only produce a flattering aesthetic, but to prevent the back seam 162 from traveling along the top of the wearer's head in line with the midline reference plane 410. For instance, if a straight seam were selected there is an increased chance of fabric puckering due to the difficulties in having a straight seam lie completely flat across the “spherical” top portion of the wearer's head. Thus, by curving the back seam 162 as shown, the back seam 162 is able to better follow the contours of the wearer's head so that it lies flat when the head cover 100 is worn. This, in turn, produces a more streamlined aesthetic on the top of the wearer's head which may help reduce drag.
Turning now to FIG. 8, a flow diagram of an exemplary method 800 of manufacturing a modesty head cover, such as the modesty head cover 100, is provided in accordance with aspects herein. At a step 810, a first panel of material, such as the first side panel 110, is provided. The first panel of material comprises at least a first perimeter edge (such as perimeter edge 158) and a second perimeter edge (such as perimeter edge 148), although it is contemplated herein that it may comprise additional perimeter edges. At a step 820, a second panel of material, such as the second side panel 112, is provided comprising at least a third perimeter edge (such as perimeter edge 158) and a fourth perimeter edge (such as perimeter edge 154), although it is contemplated herein that it may comprise additional perimeter edges. At a step 830, a third panel of material, such as the third front panel 114, is provided comprising at least a fifth perimeter edge (such as perimeter edge 150) and a sixth perimeter edge (such as perimeter edge 156), although it is contemplated herein that it may comprise additional perimeter edges.
Continuing, at a step 840, the first perimeter edge of the first panel of material is affixed to the third perimeter edge of the second panel of material to form a back seam, such as the back seam 162 of the head cover 100. And at a step 850, the second perimeter edge of the first panel of material is affixed to the fifth perimeter edge of the third panel of material to form a first front seam, such as the first seam 147 of the head cover 100. Similarly, at a step 860, the fourth perimeter edge of the second panel of material is affixed to the sixth perimeter edge of the third panel of material to form a second front seam, such as the second seam 152 of the head cover 100. In exemplary aspects, a first set of unaffixed perimeter edges of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material (such as perimeter edges 132, 134, and 136 respectively) collectively define a face opening, such as the face opening 116, of the head cover. And a second set of unaffixed perimeter edges of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material (such as perimeter edges 140, 142, and 144 respectively) collectively define a bottom margin, such as the bottom margin 118, of the head cover.
In exemplary aspects, one or more of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material are variably sized to produce different sizes of the head cover. For instance, the panels may be sized so as to produce an Extra Small/Small head cover and a Medium/Large Head cover. This is advantageous in that a wearer may select a head cover appropriately sized for her particular head. This, in turn, helps the face opening to sit properly on the wearer's face so as to provide appropriate modesty coverage.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modesty head cover comprising:

a first side panel having a first top portion, a first side portion, and a first back portion;

a second side panel having a second top portion, a second side portion, and a second back portion, the first top portion and the first side portion of the first side panel affixed to the second top portion and the second side portion of the second side panel at a back seam; and

a third front panel extending between the first side portion of the first side panel and the second side portion of the second side panel, wherein unaffixed perimeter edges of the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third front panel collectively define a face opening.

2. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein the third front panel is affixed to the first side portion of the first side panel at a first front seam, and wherein the third front panel is affixed to the second side portion of the second side panel at a second front seam.

3. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein each of the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third front panel comprise a single jersey knit construction.

4. The modesty head cover of claim 3, wherein each of the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third front panel comprise microfiber polyester yarns and elastic yarns.

5. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein the modesty head cover comprises solely the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third front panel.

6. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein the modesty head cover does not comprise additional panels besides the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third front panel.

7. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein the third front panel defines at least in part an inferior margin of the face opening.

8. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel collectively define a superior margin of the face opening, a first side margin of the face opening, and a second side margin of the face opening.

9. The modesty head cover of claim 1, wherein the back seam comprises:

a first portion extending from a bottom margin of the modesty head cover, the first portion extending in line with a midline reference plane;

a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion positioned a predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane on a first side of the midline reference plane; and

a third portion extending from the second portion and comprising a terminal end of the back seam, the third portion positioned a predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane on a second side of the midline reference plane, the second side of the midline reference plane opposite the first side of the midline reference plane.

10. The modesty head cover of claim 9, wherein the terminal end of the back seam is located at a superior margin of the face opening.

11. A modesty head cover comprising:

a second side panel having a second top portion, a second side portion, and a second back portion, the first top portion and the first side portion of the first side panel and the second top portion and the second side portion of the second side panel defining at least in part a face opening; and

a back seam affixing the first back portion and the first top portion of the first side panel to the second back portion and the second top portion of the second side panel, the back seam comprising:

a first portion that extends from a bottom margin of the modesty head cover, the first portion extending in line with a midline reference plane,

a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion positioned a predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane on a first side of the midline reference plane, and

a third portion extending from the second portion, the third portion comprising a terminal end of the back seam, wherein the third portion is positioned a predetermined distance away from the midline reference plane on a second side of the midline reference plane, and wherein the second side of the midline reference plane is opposite the first side of the midline reference plane.

12. The modesty head cover of claim 11, further comprising a third front panel extending between the first side portion of the first side panel and the second side portion of the second side panel.

13. The modesty head cover of claim 12, wherein the third front panel further defines the face opening.

14. The modesty head cover of claim 12, wherein the third front panel is affixed to the first side portion of the first side panel at a first front seam, and wherein the third front panel is affixed to the second side portion of the second side panel at a second front seam.

15. The modesty head cover of claim 14, wherein the back seam, the first front seam, and the second front seam are formed by stitching.

16. The modesty head cover of claim 11, wherein the face opening is reinforced with elastic binding.

17. A method of manufacturing a modesty head cover, the method comprising:

providing a first panel of material having at least a first perimeter edge and a second perimeter edge;

providing a second panel of material having at least a third perimeter edge and a fourth perimeter edge;

providing a third panel of material having at least a fifth perimeter edge and a sixth perimeter edge;

affixing the first perimeter edge of the first panel of material to the third perimeter edge of the second panel of material to form a back seam of the modesty head cover;

affixing the second perimeter edge of the first panel of material to the fifth perimeter edge of the third panel of material to form a first front seam of the modesty head cover;

affixing the fourth perimeter edge of the second panel of material to the sixth perimeter edge of the third panel of material to form a second front seam of the modesty head cover, wherein:

a first set of unaffixed perimeter edges of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material collectively define a face opening of the modesty head cover, and

a second set of unaffixed perimeter edges of the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material collectively define a bottom margin of the modesty head cover.

18. The method of manufacturing of claim 17, wherein the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material are variably sized to produce different sizes of the modesty head cover.

19. The method of manufacturing of claim 17, wherein the bottom margin of the modesty head cover extends further inferiorly in a front aspect and a back aspect of the modesty head cover as compared to side aspects of the modesty head cover.

20. The method of manufacturing of claim 17, wherein the first panel of material, the second panel of material, and the third panel of material each comprise a single jersey mesh knit construction.