A headgear retainer

Abstract

A headgear retainer 2 for headgear 10, the headgear comprises a cavity 12 for covering a user’s head 40, the retainer comprising an elongate elastic member 20 that can be placed within the cavity and

Description

Field The present application relates to a headgear retainer, and in particular to a headgear retainer for retaining a headgear on a user’s head. Background Headgear generally refers to any item that is worn on a user’s head and may serve a variety of purposes. For example, woolly hats protect the user from the elements, whilst others such as baseball caps may be worn to shield the user’s eyes from sunlight exposure, as well as for vanity reasons. Furthermore, helmets and hard hats safeguard the user from head injury. Such headgear, commonly supplied in a single size, can be secured onto the user’s head by their elasticity or by adjustable straps, where both of these mechanisms exert a pulling force on the sidewalls of the headgear, which may alter the shape of the headgear when they are over-tightened. Furthermore, the adjustable straps are unsightly and prone to trap or entangle the user’s hair. Some other headgear, such as some straw hats, relies on adjustable chin cords or straps wrapped around the chin of the user to retain the headgear thereon. However, whilst functional, such retaining means are unsightly and therefore not desirable. Some other headgear, such as peaked caps, sun hats and top hats are commonly worn without any means for adjustment, and are secured onto the user’s head mainly by friction. Thus, the size of the headgear must correspond to the user’s head in order to prevent accidental detachment. This is particularly important for sun hats because their brims are often pronounced and therefore more susceptible to detachment in high winds. Due to the specific size, the same headgear may not be shared amongst different users, e.g. amongst family members, which not only takes up extra storage space, but is also highly inconvenient. Furthermore, the retailers may have to stock a wide range of hat sizes, thus increasing their inventory and transportation costs. Therefore, a headgear retainer that allows a headgear to fit different users, is highly desirable. Summary The present invention provides a headgear retainer that is retrofittable to, or built into, a headgear. The headgear retainer may be insertable between the headgear and the user’s head and comprises an elastic member configured to bias outwardly against the inner sidewalls of the headgear, as well as a retaining means arranged to engage with the user’s head. Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow the same headgear to be securely worn by users with different head sizes. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a headgear retainer for a headgear, the headgear comprises a cavity for covering a user’s head, the headgear retainer comprising: an elongate elastic member insertable to the cavity, wherein the elastic member is arranged to bias outwardly against the inner sidewall of the cavity to retain the retainer therein; a retaining element provided on the elastic member, such that during use, the retaining element is arranged to engage a user’s head to retain the headgear thereon. The headgear may be a hat, a cap, a helmet or any other headgear that may or may not comprise an adjustable strap. Specifically, even if the headgear already comprises an adjustable strap, the present invention ia nevertheless applicable cooperatively or independently with the said adjustable strap. The headgear may or may not be flexible, e.g. it may be formed from fabric or rigid material. The headgear may comprise a cavity or a crown, e.g. a portion of the headgear that sits above its brim for receiving the user’s head. Preferably, the headgear may not comprise any means for size adjustment and / or the cavity may loosely fit onto the user’s head, e.g. the headgear may be prone to detachment during use. The elastic member may be any elongate member that is flexible at least in a direction perpendicular to its length. Thus, the elastic member is arranged to bend sideways prior to its insertion into the cavity of the headgear, thereby exerting an outwardly acting biasing force against the inner sidewall of the cavity. Such an arrangement may significantly increase the friction between the headgear retainer and the inner sidewall of the cavity, thus allowing the headgear retainer to be secured in a desired position. The retaining element, on the other hand, may i) exert a biasing force against the user’s head in an opposite direction to the elastic member; or ii) directly connect the user’s facial feature, e.g. an ear, or an accessory worn by the user, e.g. a pair of eyewear, to retain the headgear on the user’s head. Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow the same large-sized headgear to be securely retained onto heads of any size by inserting the headgear retainer in a gap existed between the headgear and the user’s head. Preferably, the elastic member may comprise an elastic strip, which allows it to flex only in a single direction. As such, the elastic strip may be easily maintained in position, and its wide profile may offer a large surface area to grip onto the inner sidewall of the cavity. In some other embodiments, the elastic member may comprise an elastic cable that flexes in any direction perpendicular to its length, which may result in a more compact design. The elastic member may be arranged to bias against two opposing inner sidewalls of the cavity. That is, the two opposing inner sidewalls may react to respective biasing forces acting thereon by the elastic member, thereby allowing the elastic member to wedge securely between the two opposing inner sidewalls. In preferred embodiments, the elastic member may form a loop, wherein the size of loop may be expandable to circumferentially exert a biasing force against the inner sidewall of the cavity. Specifically, the two ends of the elastic member may be moveable or slidable relative to each other. Therefore the loop-shaped elastic member may be compressible or expandable to reduce or increase its circumference by relatively moving or sliding its two ends. For example, in some embodiments, a first end of the elastic member may be narrowed and slidably fitted into a slot formed towards a second end of the elastic member. In some other embodiments, the two ends of the elastic member may be stacked in the direction of thickness. Prior to installation, the loop-shaped elastic member may exhibit a greater circumference than that of the cavity. During use, the user may have to inwardly compress the loop-shaped elastic member to reduce its circumference in order to fit it inside the cavity of the headgear. Upon releasing the pressure, the loop-shaped elastic member may expand and thereby exerting a biasing force outwardly against the sidewall of the cavity. Preferably, the loop-shaped elastic member is aligned with, and biases against a sweatband of the headgear, which may advantageously offer a high level of friction therebetween. Furthermore, once the user removes the headgear, the headgear retainer may be retained in the headgear for future uses. Advantageously, such an arrangement eliminates the need to fit and / or adjust the headgear retainer before every use. Optionally, the elastic member may resemble a U-shaped member, wherein both ends of the elastic member are arranged to bias against two opposing inner sidewalls of the cavity. More specifically, the elastic member may be curved along its length and may resemble an open arc in a semicircle. Optionally, the elastic member is arranged to extend in parallel with, or perpendicular to, the circumference of the cavity. For example, the elastic member may bias against, and align with, the sweatband of the headgear. In embodiments where the elastic member comprises the U-shaped element, the elastic member may bias against one of the front and rear halves of the cavity, such that in use, the retaining element may bias the user’s head against the other one of the front and rear halves of the cavity to retain the headgear. In other embodiments, in particular, embodiments where the elastic member comprises the U-shaped element, the elastic member may extend vertically and perpendicular to the sweatband of the headgear. That is, in such embodiments, the elastic member may extend across the top of the user’s head during use. Such an arrangement may advantageously allow the majority of the headgear sweatband to be in contact with the user’s head. Optionally, the elastic member is removably or permanently sleeved inside the retaining element. More specifically, the retaining element may resemble a sleeve, and in the case where the elastic member comprises an elastic strip, the retaining element may resemble a flat tube. The elastic member is preferably removably sleeved inside the retaining element. That is, one or both ends, or the side, of the retaining element may comprise a releasable attachment, e.g. a hoops and loops attachment or a zip, for releasably closing the said end or side. Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow the retaining element to be removed for cleaning. Furthermore, it may permit retaining elements of different thicknesses to be interchanged to fit different head sizes. In other embodiments, the elastic member is permanently sleeved inside the retaining element. For example, both ends of the retaining element may be sealed, e.g. permanently sewn on. Such an arrangement may reduce the cost of manufacturing, and wherein the entire headgear retainer may be replaced after a single use or multiple uses. Optionally, the retaining element is formed from fabric, hide, e.g. chamois leather, or a solid foam, e.g. polyethylene foam, and wherein the retaining element is compressible when fitted onto the user’s head to exert a biasing force thereagainst. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element may comprise cotton or microfibre Terrycloth, a fabric woven with protruding loops of thread typically found in towels. Such protruding loops offer a high level of friction, and are highly compressible and therefore be able to exert sufficient biasing force against the user’s head to retain the headgear thereon. Furthermore, the use of Terrycloth may allow any sweat produced during use to be absorbed into the retaining element, and thereby keeping the headgear hygienic. In some embodiment, the retaining element may be treated with an antimicrobial agent such as zinc pyrithione, silver, silane quaternary ammonia compounds and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) to reduce or eliminate bacteria growth thereon. Alternatively, the retaining element comprises a biasing element configured to bias against the user’s head to retain the headgear thereon. The biasing element may comprise an elastomer or a spring, e.g. a leaf spring. In some embodiments, particularly where the biasing element comprises an elastomer, the biasing element may directly contact the user’s head. In some other embodiments, the retaining element comprises a contact portion, wherein the biasing element connects between the elastic member and the contact portion and is arranged to bias the contact pad against the user’s head to retain the headgear thereon. The contact pad may form from a deformable or a nondeformable material. Furthermore, the contact pad may, on a surface contacting the user’s head, comprise a fabric, hide, or a solid foam that may or may not be treated with an antimicrobial agent. Optionally, the retaining element is formed from one or more of an absorbent material and / or a non-absorbent material. Preferably, the retaining element comprises a user-contacting surface formed of absorbent material for absorbing the user’s sweat. In some other embodiments, at least the user-contacting surface is formed from a non-absorbent material to prevent absorption of the user’s sweat. Optionally, the retaining element comprises a hook or an earloop for securing the headgear onto the user’s ear. That is, the hook or earloop may form from a flexible and / or elastic material that is fixedly or sliding connected to the elastic member to hook onto the user’s auricle. Optionally, the retaining element comprises a tether configured to releasably connect to the user’s eyewear to indirectly engage the user’s head. That is, one end of the tether may fixedly or sliding connect to the elastic member, whilst the other end of the tether may connect the eyewear’s arms by releasable connectors, e.g. clips. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a headgear, comprises the headgear retainer of the first aspect. Optionally, the headgear retainer is integrally or separately formed with the headgear. Preferably, the headgear retainer may be retrofitted to an existing headgear. In some other embodiments, the headgear retainer may be sewn onto or integrated with the sweatband of the headgear. That is, in embodiments where the headgear retainer is integrated with the sweatband, the elastic member may be covered by the sweatband, whilst the sweatband forms the or part of the retaining element for gripping onto the user’s head. Features from the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention may be applicable to any other feature from the other aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Certain embodiments of the presently-claimed invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a headgear retainer according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A and 2B are cross-sectional side views of the headgear retainer of Figure 1 respectively in a relaxed and compressed state; Figures 3A and 3B are respectively a cross-sectional side view and a different side view towards an end of the headgear retainer of Figure 1; Figures 4A and 4B are respectively bottom views of the headgear retainer of Figure 1 prior to engaging and after being fitted to a headgear; Figures 5 A and 5B are respectively a cross-sectional side view and a different side view of a headgear retainer according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional side views of the headgear retainer according to a third embodiment of the present invention, respectively in a relaxed and compressed state; Figure 7 is a bottom view of the headgear retainer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a bottom view of the headgear retainer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a headgear retainer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a headgear retainer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figures 11A and 11B are respectively a perspective view and a bottom view of a headgear retainer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 12A and 12B are respectively a perspective view and a bottom view of a headgear retainer according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description First Embodiment Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a headgear retainer 2; Figures 2A and 2B show cross-sectional side views of the headgear retainer 2 respectively in a relaxed and compressed state; Figures 3A and 3B respectively show a cross-sectional side view and a different side view towards an end of the headgear retainer 2; and Figures 4A and 4B respectively show a bottom view of the headgear retainer 2 prior to engaging and after being fitted to a headgear 10. As shown in Figure 1, the headgear retainer 2 resembles a loop having a first end 4a and a second end 4b. The first and second ends 4a, 4b are moveable relative to each other between a relaxed state and a compressed state. More specifically, a user may inwardly compress the headgear retainer 2 to reduce its circumference, to which the headgear retainer 2 reacts by exerting an outward biasing force. The first and second ends 4a, 4b are stacked in the direction of thickness, which enables the headgear retainer 2 to be adjustable to accommodate a wide range of head sizes. The headgear retainer 2 as shown in Figure 1 is in a relaxed state, e.g. there is no external force acting on the headgear retainer 2. The headgear retainer 2 is an elongate strip having a width greater than its thickness, and therefore it is flexible in the thickness direction to convert between the compressed state and the relaxed state to effect a change in its circumference. In some other embodiments, the headgear retainer may comprise a cable which may make it flexible in both the thickness and widthwise direction. Referring to Figure 4A, the headgear retainer 2 is configured to fit inside a headgear 10. The headgear 10 as illustrated is a sun hat in the absence of any size adjustment means, and comprises a cavity 12 surrounded by a brim 14. During use, the user may first inwardly compress the headgear retainer 2 to reduce its circumference, so as to allow the headgear retainer 2 to fit inside the cavity 12 of the headgear 10. That is, prior to fitting and in the relaxed state, the circumference of the headgear retainer 2 is greater than that of the headgear 10. By inwardly compressing the headgear retainer 2, the circumference of the headgear retainer 2 is reduced and thereby enables it to fit through the mouth of the cavity 12. Once the headgear retainer 2 is positioned at a desired location, e.g. adjacent to the sweatband (not shown) of the headgear 10, the user may release the grip on the headgear 10. This allows the headgear retainer 2 to expand and thereby exert a biasing force outwardly against the sidewalls 16 of the cavity 12, e.g. against the sweatband of the headgear 10, as shown in Figure 4B. Such biasing force enables the headgear retainer 2 to grip onto the said sidewalls 16 to secure thereon. In addition, the outward biasing force exerted by headgear retainer 2 may beneficially retain the intended shape of the headgear 10, thus the width of headgear 10 may not shrink as seen in conventional headgear with adjustable straps. Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the headgear retainer 2 comprises an elastic member 20 in the form of an elongate strip, which gives the overall shape of the headgear retainer 2. The elastic member 20 as shown in the illustrated embodiment is formed from a stainless steel sheet, thus it exhibits elastic properties in the direction of thickness, and enables the headgear retainer 2 to exert an outwardly biasing force when fitted inside the headgear 10. In some other embodiments, the elastic member may form from other elastic materials such as metals, polymers and elastomers. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 20 is sleeved inside a retaining element 30 formed from a fabric material, e.g. cotton or microfibre Terrycloth. More specifically, the retaining element 30 may resemble a sleeved towel wrapped around the elastic member 20. The Terrycloth material comprises, on its surface, arrays of protruding loops of thread, which enables it to be compressed, and thereby exerts a biasing force in a direction opposite to the compressing force. In some embodiments, the retaining element 30 may form from other materials such as a solid foam or an elastomer. In embodiments where the elastic member and the retaining element are both formed from elastomer, the two may be integrally formed, e.g. formed from the same or different elastomer in a single moulding process. In Figure 2A, the retaining element 30 is placed in a relaxed state, i.e. no external forces is acting on the on the retaining element 30. More specifically, in the relaxed state, the retaining element is not compressed and therefore it is able to expand to its full volume. Once the headgear retainer 2 is fitted into the cavity 12 of the headgear 10, the user may don the headgear 10 by slipping his / her head 40 into the headgear retainer 2 as shown in Figure 2B. Specifically, the headgear retainer 2 is arranged to sandwich between the user’s head 40 and the sidewalls 16 of the headgear 10. This compresses the retaining element 30, causing it to reduce to a fraction of the volume attainable in the relaxed state. Under compression, the retaining element 30 exerts a biasing force against both the user’s head 40 and the sidewall 16 of the headgear 10, and thereby significantly increases the friction therebetween. Thus, by the headgear retainer 2, the headgear 10 can be securely fitted onto the user’s head 40. Advantageously, the plurality of fibre loops on the surface of the retaining element 30 increases its grip on the user’s head 40 and the sidewall 16 of the headgear 10. Furthermore, the absorbent nature of the Terrycloth material aids the absorbing of sweat during use. To inhibit bacterial growth, the retaining element 30 is treated with an antimicrobial agent, zinc pyrithione, silver, silane quaternary ammonia compounds and poly hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). In some other embodiment, the retaining element may form from other materials such as solid foam, e.g. polyethylene foam, and leather. The retaining element 30 is removable from the headgear retainer 2, thus allowing it to be clean between uses, as well as interchange with retaining elements of different thicknesses and / or materials. For example, a retaining element with different absorbabilities and / or thickness may be sleeve onto the elastic member to suit a user’s needs, e.g. perspiration rate and head size. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, one end of the retaining element 30 is permanently closed whilst the one end of the retaining element 30 is formed with an open end through which the elastic member 20 may insert, and wherein the open end comprises a flap 32 pivotable thereabout. The open end can be closed by the pivotable flap 32 which is attachable to a side of the retaining element 30 by a hoop and loop attachment 34. Thus, during use, the flap 32 securely contains the elastic member 20 inside the retaining element 30. In some other embodiments, each end of the retaining element may comprise an open end securable by a respective flap. Such an arrangement may allow the elastic member to be easily removed from the retaining element from either end. In some other embodiments, both ends of the retaining element may be permanently closed. For example, both ends of the retaining element may be sewn closed. Thus, the user may dispose of the headgear retainer after each or a few uses. In some other embodiments, both ends of the retaining element may be permanently opened. For example, the elastic member may be retained in the retaining element by friction. Second Embodiment Figures 5A and 5B respectively show a cross-sectional side view and a different side view of a headgear retainer 102 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 102 is structurally and functionally similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment in that it comprises a loop-shaped elastic member configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear, and the elastic member 120 is sleeved in a retaining element 130, to engage with the user’s head. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment, the headgear retainer 102 as shown in Figures 5A and 5B comprises a retaining element 130 that is closable along the length of the headgear retainer 102. More specifically, the retaining element 130 may fold to wrap around the elastic member 120, before attaching onto itself by a releasable attachment such as a hoops and loops attachment 134. For example, a side edge of the retaining element 130 is attachable, in a lengthwise direction, to the body of the said retaining element 130. Thus, the cross-section profile and the depth of the headgear retainer are substantially the same along the length of the headgear retainer 102. The ends of the retaining element 130 are opened and the elastic member 120 is retained therein by friction. In some other embodiments, the ends of the retaining element may be releasably or permanently closed. Third Embodiment Figures 6A and 6B show cross-sectional side views of the headgear retainer 202 according to a third embodiment, respectively in a relaxed and compressed state. The headgear retainer 202 is structurally and functionally similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment in that it comprises a loop-shaped elastic member configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear, and comprises a retaining element 230 provided an elastic member 220 that engages with the user’s head 40. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment, the retaining element 230 is attached only to a first side of the elastic member 220, whilst a second opposing side of the elastic member 220 is exposed. Thus, during use, the second side of the elastic member 220 directly abuts and biases against the sidewalls 16 of the headgear 10. By the outwardly biasing force, the headgear retainer 202 is retained in the headgear 10. Similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment, the retaining element 230 is compressed during use, and thus it exerts a biasing force against the user’s head 40 to secure the headgear 10 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 230 is permanently attached to the first side of the elastic member 220 by an adhesive. In some other embodiments, the retaining element may be releasably attached to the first side of the elastic member by a releasable attachment, e.g. hoops and loops attachment. Advantageously, such an arrangement results in a more compacted, e.g. thinner, headgear retainer 202. Fourth Embodiment Figure 7 is a bottom view of the headgear retainer 302 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 302 is functionally similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment in that it comprises an elastic member configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear 10, the elastic member is sleeved inside a retaining element 330, e.g. a Terrycloth, that biases against the user’s head 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the headgear retainer 302 comprises a U-shaped elastic member 320. In other words, the elastic member 320 is in the shape of an open arc that extends across at least half the circumference of the cavity 12. Such an arrangement allows the elastic member 320 to outwardly exert a biasing force against two opposite sidewalls of the cavity 12, thereby allowing the headgear retainer 302 to securely fit onto the headgear 10. Furthermore, the ends of the U-shaped headgear retainer 302 are each provided with a gripping portion 322 to improve its grip onto the sidewalls of the cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion comprises rubber caps sheathing the ends of the headgear retainer 320. In some other embodiments, the elastic member may be provided in the absence of the gripping portion. As shown in Figure 7, when the headgear retainer 302 is positioned towards the front of the headgear 10, the retaining element 330 biases against the front of the user’s head 40, thereby drawing the rear of the headgear 10 towards the rear of the user’s head 40 to grip thereon. Alternatively, the headgear retainer may be positioned towards the rear of the headgear, allowing the retaining element to bias against the rear of the user’s head, thereby drawing the front of the headgear towards the front of the user’s head to grip thereon. Advantageously, such an arrangement may reduce the size of the headgear retainer 302, as well as reduce the cost of manufacturing and transportation. Fifth Embodiment Figure 8 is a bottom view of the headgear retainer 402 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 402 is functionally similar to the headgear retainer 302 of the fourth embodiment in that, it comprises a U-shaped elastic member 420 configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear 10, and comprises a retaining element 430 provided thereon that engages with the user’s head 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 430 comprises a contact pad 436 movably connected to the elastic member 420 by a biasing element 438, e.g. leaf spring or elastomer. In use, the leaf spring 438 biases the contact pad 436 against the user’s head 40, which in turn draws the rear of the headgear 10 towards the rear of the user’s head 40. Alternatively, when positioned towards the rear of the headgear, the leaf spring biases the contact pad against the user’s head, which in turn draws the front of the headgear towards the front of the user’s head. The contact pad 436 is formed from an elastomer which deforms to fit the profile of the user’s head 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact pad 436 is arranged to directly contact the user’s head 40. In other embodiments, the inward-facing surface of the contact pad may be provided with a fabric or a solid foam cover to improve its grip on the user’s head and / or absorb sweat. In some other embodiments, instead of the U-shaped elastic member, the headgear retainer may comprise a loop-shaped elastic member similar to that of the first to third embodiments. Sixth Embodiment Figure 9 is a perspective view of a headgear retainer 502 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 502 is structurally and functionally similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment, in that it comprises a loop-shaped elastic member 520 configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear, and comprises a retaining element for engaging with the user’s head. For conciseness, like features are not described again. The retaining element comprises a pair of hooks 550 each having a first end connected to the elastic member 520 and a second hooked end for engaging the user’s ear. More specifically, the first end of each of the hooks 550 is pivotally connected to a ring slider 552 through which the elastic member 520 extends. Thus, the lateral placement of the hook 550 can be adjusted by sliding the ring slider 552 along the elastic member 520. Furthermore, by the pivotable connection at the ring slider 552, the angular placement of the hook 550 can be adjusted. The hooks 550 are formed from an elastic material, e.g. an elastomer, which, upon stretching, is able to exert a biasing force opposite to the direction of the stretch. Specifically, once the user has donned the headgear 502, the hooks 550 can be stretched along its length to hook onto the user’s ears. Thus, in the stretched state, the hooks 550 are arranged to draw the headgear 520 downwardly towards the user’s head to secure thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 520 directly contacts both the sidewalls of the headgear cavity and the user’s head, i.e. the retaining element consists only of the hooks 550. In some other embodiments, the retaining element also comprises the fabric or solid foam coverings as shown in the first to fourth embodiments provided on the elastic member. That is, the hooks 550 can be provided in combination with the fabric or solid foam coverings to provide an improved secured fitment to the user’s head. In some other embodiments, instead of the loop-shaped elastic member, the headgear retainer may comprise a U-shaped elastic member similar to that of the fourth and fifth embodiments. Seventh Embodiment Figure 10 is a perspective view of a headgear retainer 602 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 602 is structurally and functionally similar to the headgear retainer 502 of the sixth embodiment, in that it comprises a loop-shaped elastic member 620 configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear, and comprises a retaining element slidingly movement along the elastic member 620 for engaging with the user’s head. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the headgear retainer 502 of the sixth embodiment, the retaining element comprises a pair of eyewear sleeves 660 tethered to respective ring sliders 652, through which the elastic member 620 extends. By the sliding movement of the ring sliders 652 and the flexibility of the tether 654, the eyewear sleeves 660 are relatively moveable to the elastic member. In use, the user may first don the headgear before threading the arms of the eyewear, e.g. glasses or sunglasses, through their respective eyewear sleeves 660. In the illustrated embodiment, the tether 654 is flexible in direction perpendicular to its length, and comprises an inelastic rope. As such it does not bias the headgear towards the user’s head and mainly serves to prevent the loss of the headgear, e.g. in high wind. In some other embodiments, the tether may form from an elastic material, e.g. an elastomer band, which may bias the headgear downwardly towards the user’s head to provide a secured fitment. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 620 directly contacts both the sidewalls of the headgear cavity and the user’s head, i.e. the retaining element consists only of the eyewear sleeves 660. In some other embodiments, the retaining element also comprises the fabric or solid foam coverings as shown in the first to fourth embodiments provided on the elastic member. That is, the eyewear sleeves 660 can be provided in combination with the fabric or solid foam coverings to provide an improved secured fitment to the user’s head. In some other embodiments, instead of the loop-shaped elastic member, the headgear retainer may comprise a U-shaped elastic member similar to that of the fourth and fifth embodiments. Eighth Embodiment Figures 11A and 11B are respectively a perspective view and a bottom view of a headgear retainer 702 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 702 is structurally and functionally similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment in that it comprises a loop-shaped elastic member configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear, and comprises a retaining element provided on the elastic member that engages with the user’s head. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment, the headgear retainer 702 comprises a slot 706 opened towards its second end 704b, and has a narrowed portion towards its first end 704a. The first end of the headgear retainer 702 is arranged to extend through, and slide along, the slot 706. More specifically, both the first and second ends 704a, 704b of the headgear retainer 702 are positioned outside the loop. As a result, when fitted within the headgear 10 as shown in Figure 11b, the internal surfaces of the headgear retainer 702 loop exhibit a smooth profile, thereby improving the comfort and ergonomics of the headgear retainer 702. Ninth Embodiment Figures 12A and 12B are respectively a perspective view and a bottom view of a headgear retainer 802 according to an ninth embodiment of the present invention. The headgear retainer 802 is structurally and functionally similar to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment in that it comprises a loop-shaped elastic member configured to bias against the sidewalls of the headgear, and comprises a retaining element provided on the elastic member that engages with the user’s head. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the headgear retainer 2 of the first embodiment, the headgear retainer 802 does not form a full loop, or in other words, the loop formed in the headgear retainer 802 is opened. That is, when fitted into the cavity of the headgear 10, the first and second ends 804a, 804b are spaced from each other. Since the first and the second ends 804a, 804b are not stacked, such an arrangement advantageously reduces the overall thickness of the headgear retainer 802, thus allowing it to fit into smaller gaps that existed between the headgear 10 and the user’s head.

Claims

1. A headgear retainer for a headgear, the headgear comprises a cavity for covering a user’s head, the headgear retainer comprising:5 an elongate elastic member insertable to the cavity, wherein the elastic member isarranged to bias outwardly against the inner sidewall of the cavity to retain the headgear retainer therein;a retaining element provided on, and sleeving_therein, the elastic member, such that during use, the retaining element is arranged to engage a user’s head, causing the retaining 10 element to compress and thereby exert a biasing force against the user’s head to retain the headgear thereon.

2. The headgear retainer of claim 1, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic cableor an elastic strip.

3. The headgear retainer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elastic member is arranged to bias against two opposing inner sidewalls of the cavity.

4. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic member ^^20 forms a loop, wherein the size of the loop is expandable to circumferentially exert a biasingforce against the inner sidewall of the cavity.

5. The headgear retainer of any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic member resembles a U-shaped element, wherein both ends of the elastic member are arranged to bias 25 against the inner sidewalls of the cavity.

6. The headgear retainer of claim 5, wherein the elastic member is arranged to extend in parallel with, or perpendicular to, the circumference of the cavity.30 7. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein during use, theretaining element is configured to position between the elastic member and the user’s head.

8. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic member is removably or permanently sleeved inside the retaining element.06 11 239. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element is formed from fabric, hide, or a solid foam.5 10. The headgear retainer of claim 9, wherein the retaining element is treated with anantimicrobial agent.

11. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element 10 is formed from one or more of an absorbent material and / or a non-absorbent material.

12. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element further comprises a hook or an earloop for securing the headgear onto the user’s ear.15 13. The headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining elementfurther comprises a tether configured to releasably connect to the user’s eyewear to indirectly engage the user’s head.

14. A headgear, comprises the headgear retainer of any one of the preceding claims.2015. The headgear of claim 14, wherein the headgear retainer is integrally or separately formed with the headgear.

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