CN116568170A - Headwear article capable of being selectively converted into mask configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

A headgear article that transitions between a headgear configuration and a mask configuration. The headgear article has a crown for covering at least a portion of a wearer's head, an eave attached to a front portion of the crown, and at least one mask support element connected to the crown. According to the headgear configuration, at least a portion of a rear portion of the crown is retractable into the front portion of the crown to position the headgear in the mask configuration. In the mask configuration, the at least one mask support element is configured to secure the headwear over a portion of the wearer's face.

Description

Headwear article capable of being selectively converted into mask configuration

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority and benefits of the filing date of the following patent applications: U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/091,016, filed on 10 months 13 of 2020; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/180,974 filed on 28 th month 4 of 2021. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to headwear articles (e.g., caps) that can be selectively converted from a headwear configuration to a mask configuration.

Background

Covd-19 pandemics have made it necessary for most individuals to carry masks and other personal protection equipment whenever they leave their residence. However, maintaining the position of such masks at all times is challenging, and individuals tend to leave their masks unnoticed at home. In addition, even when an individual remembers his mask, the travel of the mask in the pocket is inconvenient, and it is difficult to repeatedly adjust the position of the mask to accomplish various activities such as eating or drinking. Products that address one or more of these drawbacks are needed.

Disclosure of Invention

In various aspects, described herein are headgear articles that are convertible between a headgear configuration and a mask configuration. The headwear may include a crown portion for covering at least a portion of the wearer's head, an eave portion, and at least one mask support element connected to the crown portion. The crown may have a rear portion and a front portion that cooperate to define a circumference of the crown, and the brim may be attached to the front portion of the crown. Depending on the headgear configuration, at least a portion of the rear portion of the crown may be retracted into the front portion of the crown to position the headgear in a mask configuration. In a mask configuration, at least one mask support element is configured to secure the headwear over a portion of a wearer's face.

Methods of using the disclosed headwear articles are also described.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

Drawings

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent in the detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary headwear article as disclosed herein.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of an exemplary headwear article disclosed herein, wherein the headwear article is shown in a headwear configuration.

Fig. 3A is a schematic side view of the headwear article of fig. 2, wherein the headwear article is shown in a mask configuration. Fig. 3B is a schematic side view of the headwear article of fig. 3A, with the headwear article positioned over the face of the wearer. Fig. 3C is a schematic side view of the headwear article of fig. 3B, showing the pivot of the eaves relative to the position depicted in fig. 3B.

Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary headwear article (e.g., a cap) having a loop extending from a crown of the headwear article to support the headwear article in a mask configuration over a face of a wearer.

Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary headwear article (e.g., a cap) having straps extending from a crown of the headwear article to support the headwear article in a mask configuration over a wearer's face.

Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary mask support element in a stowed position as disclosed herein.

Fig. 7A depicts an exemplary mask support element in a stowed position as disclosed herein. Fig. 7B is a close-up view depicting an exemplary fastener for attaching the mask support element of fig. 7A to a headgear article as disclosed herein. Fig. 7C is a close-up view depicting the stitching securing the fastener of fig. 7B to the headwear article.

Fig. 8A-8C are various views of a wearer using a headgear article (e.g., cap) having the mask support element of fig. 7A-7C in a stowed position.

Fig. 9A-9C are various views of a wearer of a headgear article (e.g., a cap) being worn in a mask configuration, wherein the mask support element of fig. 7A-7C is in a use position supporting the headgear article over the wearer's face.

Fig. 10 depicts an exemplary strap for use as a mask support element as disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

The disclosed systems and methods may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of specific embodiments and the examples and drawings included therein and the preceding and following description thereof.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a support element" includes one or more of such support elements and the like.

"optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event, circumstance or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, it is also specifically contemplated and considered that a range from one particular value and/or to another particular value is disclosed. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment specifically contemplated by the disclosure unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it is to be understood that all individual values and subranges of values contained within the explicitly disclosed ranges are also specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether some or all of these embodiments are specifically disclosed in particular instances.

Optionally, in certain aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent "about," "substantially," "approximately," or "generally," values within at most 15%, at most 10%, at most 5%, or at most 1% (above or below) of the specifically recited value or property are contemplated as being within the scope of these aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed devices, systems and methods belong. Although any devices, systems, and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention, the particularly useful methods, devices, systems, and materials are as described.

Throughout the detailed description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and variations of the words, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are intended to mean "including but not limited to (including but not limited to)", and are not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, in methods that are stated as comprising one or more steps or operations, it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises what is listed (unless the step comprises a limiting term, such as "consisting of …"), which means that each step is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps not listed in the step.

In various aspects, and with reference to fig. 1-9C, disclosed herein is a headgear article 10 convertible between a headgear configuration and a mask configuration. As shown, headwear 10 may optionally be provided in the form of a cap, such as a baseball cap. In one aspect, the headwear 10 may include a crown 20 for covering at least a portion of the wearer's head. As shown in fig. 2-3C, the crown 20 may have a posterior portion 26 and an anterior portion 24 that cooperate to define a circumference 41 of the crown. In another aspect, headwear 10 may include a brim 31 attached to front portion 24 of crown 20. In an exemplary aspect, the eaves 31 may have a conventional eaves board configuration, such as with semi-rigid polymeric eaves boards sandwiched between textile elements.

In a further aspect, it is contemplated that crown 20 may form a generally hemispherical covering for the wearer's head, with eaves 31 extending outwardly from crown 20 in a generally horizontal direction to mask the wearer's face and eyes. Optionally, the material forming crown 20 may extend entirely around the circumference of the head to provide headwear 10 with a profile that accommodates individual fitted baseball caps having a particular head size.

In an exemplary aspect, the crown 20 can include a plurality of panels 21 attached together along adjoining sides. Optionally, the crown 20 may include six panels, such as two front panels, two side panels, and two rear panels. The various panels 21 may define an exterior surface 22 and an opposing interior surface (not shown). Optionally, in an exemplary aspect, the crown 20 may further include buttons 28, with the panels meeting at the top of the crown. Optionally, in further exemplary aspects, the crown 20 may further include at least one aperture 49, wherein each aperture is formed in the respective panel 21 to improve the transmission of air through the crown.

In use and referring to fig. 2-3C, when starting from a headgear configuration in which the headgear is positioned over the wearer's head, or configured for positioning over the wearer's head, at least a portion of the rear portion 26 of the crown 20 may be retracted into the front portion 24 of the crown to position the headgear in a mask configuration. In an exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that the posterior portion 26 may be displaced by applying a force to a portion of the exterior surface 22 defined by the posterior portion of the crown 20. In these aspects, it is contemplated that a force may be applied in the general direction of the front portion 24 of the crown 20 (or the brim 31), for example, with respect to the shift axis 15 (fig. 1). It is contemplated that the mechanical connection between the brim 31 and the front portion 24 of the crown 20 may provide sufficient structural support to the front portion 24 of the crown, which will generally retain its shape, while the rear portion 26 is folded inwardly and collapses into the front portion. In use, it is contemplated that the force may be applied manually, or by pressing an exterior surface of the rear portion of the headwear 10 against a portion of the wearer's body (e.g., the head) or another structure or surface. Optionally, a force may be applied when the wearer holds the brim (rather than directly holding the crown). Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the interior of the anterior portion 24 of the crown may include fasteners configured to engage with complementary fasteners of the interior of the posterior portion 26 of the crown to secure the crown in a mask configuration.

In contrast to conventional headwear (e.g., cap) designs, the disclosed headwear 10 may include at least one mask support element 50 coupled to the crown. The at least one mask support element may be configured to secure the headwear over a portion of the wearer's face when the headwear 10 is in the mask configuration.

Optionally, in an exemplary aspect, and as shown in fig. 1-4, the at least one mask support element 50 may include a plurality of mask support elements, such as first and second mask support elements configured to engage portions of respective ears of a wearer. In certain aspects, the plurality of mask support elements 50 may include first and second loops extending outwardly from the crown that are configured for placement over respective ears of a wearer in a mask configuration. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the ring may comprise an elastic material, such as rubber, which may optionally be surrounded by padding or other soft material to improve user comfort. Optionally, it is contemplated that the first and second rings may extend through respective apertures 49 positioned on opposite right and left sides of the crown 20, with each ring secured within the interior of the crown. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that one or more of the mask support elements 50 may be secured to the crown exterior surface 22, such as by stitching or by fasteners (e.g., snap attachment). More generally, it is contemplated that the mask support element 50 may be attached to the crown in any conventional manner that permits movement and/or adjustment of the mask support element 50 as disclosed herein.

Optionally, in an exemplary aspect, and as shown in fig. 5, the at least one mask support element 50 may include at least one strap forming a continuous loop extending outwardly from and between opposite sides of the crown. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the strap may comprise an elastic material, such as rubber, which may optionally be surrounded by padding or other soft material to improve user comfort. Optionally, it is contemplated that the straps may extend through apertures 49 positioned on opposite right and left sides of the crown 20, with the straps secured within the interior of the crown. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the band may have ends secured to the outer surface of the crown, such as by stitching or by fasteners (e.g., snap attachment). More generally, it is contemplated that the band may be attached to the crown in any suitable manner that permits movement and/or adjustment of the band as disclosed herein. In a further aspect, rather than providing straps that form a continuous loop, it is contemplated that the at least one mask support element may comprise two separate straps (extending from opposite sides of the crown) that may be selectively tied together to secure the crown against the face of the wearer.

Optionally, in further exemplary aspects, the at least one mask support element 50 may be configured to selectively move (by the wearer) about and between the stowed position (fig. 6) and the use position (fig. 5). In certain aspects, when in the stowed position, at least one mask support element 50 (e.g., strap or strap) may rest at least partially across or over a portion of the headgear article. For example, in certain aspects and as shown in fig. 6, when in the stowed position, the at least one mask support element 50 may rest across a portion of the forward portion 24 and/or the brim 31 of the crown. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the at least one mask support element 50 is pivotally connected to the crown, thereby permitting selective pivotal movement about and between a stowed position and a use position in which the at least one mask support element extends behind the wearer's head. Optionally, in some aspects, from the stowed position, at least one mask support element 50 may be lifted over the crown portion to reach the use position. The posterior portion 26 of the crown may be displaced into the anterior portion 24 of the crown during or after the at least one mask support element 50 is moved to the in-use position. In other aspects, it is contemplated that in the stowed position, the at least one mask support element may rest or be positioned over a portion of the posterior portion 26 of the crown. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the at least one mask support element 50 may be placed in the use position by displacing the posterior portion 26 of the crown into the anterior portion 24 of the crown from the stowed position. Optionally, in various aspects, it is contemplated that the crown and/or brim may include a fastener configured to retain the at least one mask support element in the stowed position.

An exemplary embodiment of at least one mask support element 50 is shown in fig. 7A-9C. In various aspects, the at least one mask support element 50 can comprise a strap 52 (e.g., a strap, a rope, a belt, etc.) as further disclosed herein. As shown, the at least one mask support element 50 may further include first and second fasteners 56a, 56b positioned on respective opposite sides of the crown. In an exemplary aspect, the first and second fasteners 56a, 56b can be secured to the crown such that the fasteners are accessible from (and extend outwardly from) the outer surface of the crown. In an exemplary aspect, and as shown in fig. 7C, it is contemplated that one or more of the first and second fasteners 56a, 56b may be secured to the crown using stitching 58 from the interior of the crown through the thickness of the crown. Optionally, in these aspects, it is contemplated that stitching 58 may be passed through at least a portion of a sweat band or other loop structure forming the inner circumference of the headwear article in addition to the crown structure.

In use, the first and second fasteners 56a, 56b may be configured to be connected to respective portions of the strap. Although specific examples of first and second fasteners 56a, 56b are described below, it is contemplated that any fastener configuration capable of securely attaching a strap to an article of headwear as disclosed herein may be used. Exemplary fasteners include buttons, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, stitching, adhesives, clamps, clasps, pins, hooks, combinations thereof, and the like.

Optionally, the strap 52 may define a plurality of openings 54 spaced along the length of the strap. In certain aspects, the plurality of openings 54 may be uniformly spaced along substantially the entire length of the strap. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the plurality of openings may be formed along only a portion of the length of the strap. In an exemplary aspect, at least one of the first fastener 56a or the second fastener 56b may include a button (or protrusion) configured to be movably received within an opening 54 of the plurality of openings of the band to connect the band to the crown at a selected location along the length of the band. Optionally, in certain aspects, it is contemplated that the first fastener 56a may permanently secure the strap to the crown, while the second fastener 56b may be configured for receipt within an opening of the strap. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the first fastener 56a may comprise stitching or other structure/material that permanently secures the strap to a first side of the crown, while the second fastener 56b may comprise buttons (or protrusions) or other fasteners that non-permanently connect the strap to an opposite second side of the crown, thereby permitting adjustment of the fit of the strap over or around a portion of the wearer's head.

As shown in fig. 7A-9C, in certain aspects, the first and second fasteners 56a, 56b may optionally include first and second buttons configured to be movably received within respective openings 54 of the plurality of openings of the band to connect the band to the crown at selected locations along the length of the band. In these aspects, it is contemplated that where the strap is connected to the crown at both the first and second buttons, the strap 52 can have a first portion 55b extending between the first and second buttons, a second portion 55a extending beyond the first button (moving away from the first portion 55 b), and a third portion 55c extending beyond the second button (moving away from the first portion 55 b). It is contemplated that the operative length of each of these portions of the strap 52 may be selectively adjusted based on the particular opening of the strap through which the respective button passes, thereby allowing for a modified fit when the headgear article is in the mask configuration. In particular, the amount of material available for the strap to pass around the back of the wearer's head can be determined by considering the operative length of the first portion 55b (between the first and second buttons) (see fig. 9A-9C). To adjust the operative length of the first portion 55b, the first and/or second buttons may be removed from the opening of the strap and passed through a different opening of the strap, thereby increasing or decreasing the operative length of the first portion (and loosening or tightening the fit). When in the cap configuration, it is contemplated that the strap may be removed from the button or pivoted to a stowed configuration in which the first portion 55b of the strap 52 extends over the brim across the crown (see fig. 8A-8C).

In further exemplary aspects, and as shown in fig. 10, it is contemplated that the at least one mask support element 50 may include a strap or strap-type strap, belt, or string. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the portions of the strap may be connected together by a latch 60 (e.g., a bead, clamp, clip, stopper, or other releasable (optionally spring-loaded) fastener) having a central aperture configured to simultaneously receive and frictionally engage the portions of the strap. In use, it is contemplated that the latches 60 may be released and selectively advanced along the operative length of the harness, and then portions of the harness, thereby releasing or cinching the fit of the mask over the face of the user. More specifically, it is contemplated that the latch may be urged toward the wearer's head to cinch the fit, while the latch may be urged away from the wearer's head to loosen the fit. Optionally, it is contemplated that the at least one mask support element 50 may further include a stop structure 62, the stop structure 62 receiving a portion of the strap and preventing the latch 60 from advancing beyond the stop structure. It is further contemplated that the stop structure 62 may provide a surface (or surfaces) that may be grasped by the wearer as the latch is advanced toward or away from the wearer's head. In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that opposite ends of the strap may be secured or connected to opposite portions of the crown of the headwear article. In certain aspects, it is contemplated that the opposite ends of the straps may be secured or connected to opposite portions of the crown in the same manner as disclosed herein with respect to the other exemplary mask support elements 50. For example, in certain aspects, it is contemplated that the opposite ends of the strap may include respective fasteners configured to engage complementary fasteners associated with opposite portions of the crown of the headwear article. In certain aspects, it is contemplated that the strap may be permanently associated with the crown of the headgear article, wherein the strap is movable about and between a stowed position (when the article is in the headgear configuration) and a use position (when the article is in the mask configuration) as disclosed herein. In yet other aspects, it is contemplated that the straps may be permanently associated with the crown and configured for use in both headwear and mask configurations. For example, it is contemplated that the straps may provide additional support to the headgear article when the article is used in a headgear configuration, and permit adjustment of the fit of the article when the article is used in a mask configuration, with the straps extending rearwardly from the wearer's head in both configurations.

In further exemplary aspects, at least a portion of the crown (particularly, at least a rear portion of a portion of the crown that contacts the wearer's face) may comprise an antimicrobial material, particularly an antiviral material. In exemplary aspects, contemplated antimicrobial materials may include silver, copper, or combinations thereof. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the antimicrobial material may be embodied as a filter that is selectively receivable within a slit defined within the interior of the crown.

In yet further exemplary aspects, contemplated crowns may have an elastic base configured to conform to the circumference of a wearer's head, thereby providing a firm fit when the headwear article is in the headwear configuration. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the elastic base structure may be manually displaced from the wearer's face to provide an opening permitting access to the wearer's face from under the hood when the headgear article is in the mask configuration. In use, consideration of the displacement of the elastic substrate to form the opening may advantageously permit unobstructed access to the wearer's mouth for eating or drinking purposes without the need to fully expose the wearer's face.

Additionally or alternatively, the brim 31 may be pivotally connected to the crown. For example, in a mask configuration, the hood 31 may be configured to pivot from a closed position that limits access to the wearer's face from below the hood to an open position that permits access to the wearer's face from below the hood. Optionally, it is contemplated that headwear 10 may include a hinge that provides a pivotal connection between the brim and crown. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the hinge may cooperate with at least one stop or snap structure to permit the eaves to be held in a closed or open position unless sufficient force is applied to overcome the holding force. In use, movement of the brim to the open position is contemplated to advantageously permit unobstructed access to the wearer's mouth for eating or drinking purposes without the need to fully expose the wearer's face.

In an exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that the headwear article may be provided in various sizes (e.g., sizes for men, women, or children). Additionally or alternatively, contemplated headwear articles may include adjustable closure features for selectively adjusting the operative size/diameter of the headwear article as known in the art.

In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the headwear may be provided in a variety of styles including, for example and without limitation, a billiard cap headwear, an eave headwear, and the like. Optionally, in these aspects, the headwear article may have eaves of various sizes.

In yet further exemplary aspects, contemplated headwear articles may include logos and/or graphics. Optionally, in certain aspects, such indicia and/or graphics may be provided on a portion of the crown of the headwear article, such as the front portion 24 of the crown.

In yet further exemplary aspects, the crown may optionally include an internal storage compartment (not shown) for storing cleaning towels or other sanitizing components or materials.

In use, the crown may be removed from the wearer's face when the mask configuration of the headwear is no longer needed or desired. The crown may then be expanded from the mask configuration to the headwear configuration, and the crown may be positioned over a portion of the wearer's head. The back and forth sequential transition from the headgear configuration to the mask configuration is contemplated to be repeated as many times as desired, thereby providing a convenient way of carrying and holding the mask, which serves the dual purpose of a headgear article when not in use.

In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the kit may be provided for converting a conventional headwear article into a headwear article as disclosed herein that is selectively convertible between a headwear and mask configuration. For example, such a conversion kit may include at least one mask support element 50 and at least one fastener (optionally, at least two fasteners) that connects (optionally, permanently secures) the at least one mask support element 50 to the crown of the headgear article. Examples of such fasteners are further disclosed herein and include, for example and without limitation, a quantity of threads (for stitching), a quantity of adhesive, a snap fastener, a hook and loop material, buttons, clips, clamps, catches, loops, combinations thereof, or other suitable fasteners capable of functioning as disclosed herein. Examples of such mask support elements are further disclosed herein and include, for example, straps, bands, belts, and the like. Optionally, in certain aspects, the fastener of the kit may include at least one fastener configured to be associated with a crown of the headgear article, and at least one fastener associated with the at least one mask support element and configured to complementarily engage the fastener associated with the crown. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the disclosed kit may further include a manual or booklet having instructions for modifying the structure of the headwear article to permit conversion between a headwear configuration and a mask configuration as further disclosed herein. Such a manual or pamphlet may provide instructions regarding the location for placing the respective fastener, methods for securing the respective fastener to the headgear article, and methods for attaching, removing, and/or adjusting the mask support element to permit conversion between a headgear and mask configuration and allow adjustment of the fit. In certain aspects, it is contemplated that the kit may include a plurality of different types, styles, and/or colors of fasteners and/or a plurality of different types, styles, and/or colors of mask support elements to allow the wearer to customize the appearance and performance of the headwear article.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A headgear article convertible between a headgear configuration and a mask configuration, the headgear comprising:

a. a crown for covering at least a portion of a wearer's head, the crown having a rear portion and a front portion that cooperate to define a circumference of the crown;

b. an eave attached to the front portion of the crown; and

c. at least one mask support member connected to the crown portion,

wherein at least a portion of the rear portion of the crown is retractable into the front portion of the crown to position the headwear in the mask configuration according to the headwear configuration, and

wherein in the mask configuration, the at least one mask support element is configured to secure the headwear over a portion of the wearer's face.

2. The headwear article of claim 1, wherein the headwear article is a cap.

3. The article of headwear of claim 1, wherein the crown includes an antiviral material.

4. The headwear article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one mask support element includes a strap forming a continuous loop extending between opposite sides of the crown.

5. The headwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one mask support element comprises a plurality of mask support elements.

6. The headgear article of claim 5, wherein the plurality of mask support elements comprise first and second loops extending outwardly from the crown, wherein in the mask configuration the first and second loops are configured for placement over respective ears of the wearer.

7. The headwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the at least one mask support element is pivotably connected to the crown.

8. The headwear article of claim 7, wherein in the mask configuration, the crown and/or the brim is selectively displaceable from a closed position restricting access to the face of the wearer from under the brim to an open position permitting access to the face of the wearer from under the brim.

9. The headgear article of claim 4, wherein the at least one mask support element further comprises first and second fasteners positioned on respective opposite sides of the crown, and wherein the first and second fasteners are configured to be connected to respective portions of the strap.

10. The article of headwear of claim 9, wherein the band defines a plurality of openings spaced apart along a length of the band, and wherein at least one of the first fastener or the second fastener includes a button configured to be movably received within an opening of the plurality of openings of the band to connect the band to the crown at a selected location along the length of the band.

11. The article of headwear of claim 9, wherein the first and second fasteners include first and second buttons configured to be movably received within respective ones of the plurality of openings of the band to connect the band to the crown at selected locations along the length of the band.

12. A method of using the headwear article of claim 1, wherein the method comprises:

a. retracting the rear portion of the crown into the front portion of the crown to position the crown in the mask configuration;

b. placing the crown over the face of the wearer; and

c. the crown is secured over the face of the wearer using the at least one mask support element.

13. The method as in claim 12, further comprising:

a. displacing the crown and/or the brim away from the wearer to permit consumption or drinking.

14. The method as in claim 12, further comprising:

a. removing the crown from the face of the wearer;

b. expanding the crown from the mask configuration to the headwear configuration; and

c. positioning the crown over a portion of the head of the wearer.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one mask support element includes a strap forming a continuous loop extending between opposite sides of the crown, wherein the at least one mask support element further includes first and second fasteners positioned on respective opposite sides of the crown, and wherein securing the crown over the face of the wearer using the at least one mask support element includes connecting at least one of the first fasteners or the second fasteners to a selected portion of the strap.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the band defines a plurality of openings spaced apart along a length of the band, wherein the first fastener includes a button, and wherein connecting at least one of the first fastener or the second fastener to a selected portion of the band includes passing the button through a selected opening of the plurality of openings of the band to connect the band to the crown at a selected location along the length of the band.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the band defines a plurality of openings spaced apart along a length of the band, wherein the first and second fasteners include first and second buttons, and wherein connecting at least one of the first fastener or the second fastener to a selected portion of the band includes passing the first and second buttons through respective openings of the plurality of openings of the band to connect the band to the crown at selected locations along the length of the band.

18. A kit for modifying a headwear article having a crown, the kit comprising:

a. at least one mask support element; and

b. at least one fastener configured to connect the at least one mask support element to the crown portion of the headgear article.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the at least one fastener includes a first fastener configured to be associated with the crown portion of the headgear article and a second fastener associated with the at least one mask support element and configured to be complementarily engaged with the first fastener.