Headwear with one or more assistive features

Abstract

A headwear assembly for independent use by a person with a disability is provided. The headwear assembly includes headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person. The headwear assembly further includes a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature. The first assistive feature and the second assistive feature are located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear and are configured for use in applying the headwear assembly and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person. A method of manufacturing a headwear assembly configured for independent use by a person with a disability is also provided. The method includes providing a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person. The method further includes operatively connecting a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature on opposing lateral sides of the headwear.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application relates generally to headwear, and, more specifically, to a headwear assembly configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A person with a disability may struggle to put on headwear without assistance from another person. For example, a person with a physical disability may not possess the fine motor skills necessary to pull a hat down onto their own head to secure the hat in place on their head. In such a case, the person with the disability may have to seek the assistance of another person or utilize some sort of adaptive equipment to properly secure the headwear. Existing headwear leaves much to be desired in this regard. Further, requiring the assistance of another person or utilizing adaptive equipment for a routine activity such as putting on and taking off headwear limits the ability of the person with the disability to be independent with this task. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide headwear configured to facilitate independent use (i.e., without requiring the assistance of another) by a person with a disability.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Certain exemplary aspects of the invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0004] In one aspect of the disclosure, a headwear assembly for independent use by a person with a disability is provided. The headwear assembly includes a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person. The headwear assembly further includes a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature operatively connected to the headwear. The first assistive feature and the second assistive feature are located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear and are configured for use in applying the headwear assembly to and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person.

[0005] In one embodiment, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may include an aperture. The aperture may be configured for interaction with an appendage of the person. Further, the headwear may be selected from the group consisting of a cap, a baseball hat, and a bucket hat.

[0006] In one embodiment, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may be a strap. The strap may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the headwear. Alternatively, the strap may be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the headwear. Further alternatively, the strap may be oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the headwear. Further, the strap may be outwardly stretchable to accommodate an appendage of the person.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may be integrally formed with the headwear. Further, both of the first assistive feature and the second assistive feature may be integrally formed with the headwear. Further, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may be made from a same material as the headwear. Further, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may be readily removeable from the headwear, and the at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may be removably secured to the headwear with one or more fasteners. At least one of the one or more fasteners may be selected from the group consisting of: a hook and loop fastener, a button, a snap fastener, and a magnetic fastener.

[0008] In another aspect of the disclosure, a headwear assembly for independent use by a person with a disability is provided. The headwear assembly includes a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person. The headwear assembly further includes one or more assistive features operatively connected to the headwear. The one or more assistive features is / are configured for use in applying the headwear assembly to and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person. Further, the one or more assistive features includes at least a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature. The first assistive feature is a first strap and the second assistive feature is a second strap. The first strap and the second strap are located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear. The first strap and the second strap are integrally formed with the headwear.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of manufacturing a headwear assembly configured for independent use by a person with a disability is provided. The method includes providing a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person. The method further includes operatively connecting a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature to the headwear. The first assistive feature and the second assistive feature are located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear and are configured for use in applying the headwear assembly to and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may be a strap, and the method may further include configuring the strap to be graspable with an appendage of the person such that movement of the appendage causes movement of the headwear. Alternatively, the method may further include configuring the strap such that an appendage of the person is slidable between the strap and the headwear such that movement of the appendage causes movement of the headwear.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature may include an aperture, and the method may further include configuring the aperture to be interfaceable with an appendage of the person such that movement of the appendage causes movement of the headwear. Further, the method may further include configuring at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature to be removeable from the headwear. Further, the step of operatively connecting a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature to the headwear may further include removably securing at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature to the headwear with one or more fasteners.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the detailed description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0015] FIG. 2A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 3A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0019] FIG. 4A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 4A.

[0021] FIG. 5A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 5A.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 6A.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 7A.

[0027] FIG. 8A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 8A.

[0029] FIG. 9A is a right side view of a headwear assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 9B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0031] FIG. 10A is a front view of a user handling a headwear assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 10B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 10A, showing the headwear assembly being applied to the user's head.

[0033] FIG. 11A is a front view of a user alternatively handling a headwear assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 11B is a front view of the headwear assembly of FIG. 11A, showing the headwear assembly being applied to the user's head.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the description below is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] In general, the description relates to a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability and a method of manufacturing the headwear assembly 1. As described above, there are drawbacks or shortcomings of existing headwear with respect to independent use by a person with disabilities. Advantageously, aspects of the headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability, and a method of manufacturing the headwear assembly 1 of the present invention, both described in greater detail below, address the known drawbacks and shortcomings of existing headwear. Other advantages and technical effects of the embodiments of this invention will become evident to one skilled in the art from the following description. FIGS. 1A-9B show various embodiments of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0037] With general reference to FIGS. 1A-9B, the headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability can take on a variety of forms, as described in greater detail below. However, it should be understood that the headwear assembly 1 can take on further alternative forms beyond those depicted in the figures. The particular form of the headwear assembly 1 should not be understood to be limited to only the depicted embodiments. Further, the headwear assembly 1 generally includes a headwear 10 and one or more assistive features 12 to aid a person with a disability, for example, in independently using (e.g., putting on and taking off) the headwear 10, as described in greater detail below and as shown in FIGS. 1A-9B. However, it should be understood that the one or more assistive features 12 can take on further alternative forms beyond those depicted in the figures. The particular form of the one or more assistive features 12 should not be understood to be limited to only the depicted embodiments.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the figures show a first embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability, such as a person who has arthritis in one or both hands which limits manual dexterity, a person who may be missing one or more fingers on one or both hands, a person who may be missing (either partially or in entirety) one or both hands, or a person who may be (partially or entirely) missing one or both arms and is fitted with a prosthetic, by way of example. In the depicted embodiment, the particular headwear 10 is a cap 14—specifically, a knit cap. It should be understood that the headwear 10 could take on other forms without departing from the inventive aspects of this disclosure.

[0039] The cap 14 may be knitted in a known manner as to be broadly constructed of a brim 16, body 18, and crown 20. The cap 14 includes one or more assistive features 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, at least one of the one or more assistive features 12 is a strap 22—specifically, a pair of straps 22. As used herein, the term “strap” is intended to describe a length of material having opposite free ends, or, alternatively, a continuous loop of material either formed as such or a length of material having its opposite ends joined together (or overlapped) to form a loop. It should be understood that the one or more assistive features 12 could take on other forms without departing from the inventive aspects of this disclosure. Further, it should be understood that the cap 14 could include more or fewer assistive features 12 (e.g., straps 22). In the depicted embodiment, the straps 22 are fixed to the cap 14 (e.g., stitched to or integrally formed with). However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments the straps 22 may be removeable from the cap 14. The straps 22 may be made of the same material as the cap 14. For example, the straps 22 may be formed as an integral part of the knit cap 14 and thus may be made of the same material (e.g., yarn) as the knit cap 14 (e.g., knitted with the knit cap 14). In this embodiment, the straps 22 are outwardly stretchable to accommodate the hands of the user within the straps 22. It should be understood that the straps 22 may be formed of a material different than that of the cap 14 and the material of the straps 22 may be a suitable material other than yarn, and may not be outwardly stretchable.

[0040] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the straps 22 are oriented in a substantially vertical direction relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the cap 14 and are located on opposing (e.g., lateral) sides of the cap 14. In the embodiment shown, the straps 22 are oriented diametrically opposite to one another, i.e., at the same location on each of the opposite sides of the cap 14. It should be understood that the assistive feature 12 or assistive features 12 could be alternatively located and oriented. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the straps 22 are located adjacent the brim 16 of the cap 14, but the straps 22 could be alternatively located on the body 18 of the cap 14 or closer to the crown 20 of the cap 14. Further, while not shown, the strap(s) 22 may be oriented at a positive or negative oblique angle relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the cap 14. The orientation and location of the straps 22 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B allows a user to use the straps 22 to put on or take off the cap 14. For example, a user could grasp one of the straps 22 with one of their hands and grasp the other strap 22 with their other hand and use the straps 22 to pull the cap 14 onto their head or similarly use the straps 22 to remove the cap 14 from their head. Alternatively, a user could slide their hand between the strap 22 and the cap 14 and perform similar operations (e.g., putting on and taking off the cap 14). A person with a disability may lack the fine motor control to grasp part of the cap 14 itself (e.g., the brim 16, body 18, or crown 20) to put on or take off the cap 14 without assistance. However, the addition of the assistive features 12—here, straps 22—allows a person with a disability to grasp the straps 22 or slide ones hands, for example, between the straps 22 and cap 14 may allow a person with a disability, for example, to put on or take off the cap 14 without the need for assistance from another.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the figures show a second embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; however, the assistive feature 12 or assistive features 12 of the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B differs from that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, the strap 22 shown in FIG. 2A includes an aperture 24. The aperture 24 shown in FIG. 2A is located at roughly the middle and center of the strap 22, but it should be understood that the aperture 24 may be alternatively located on the strap 22. For example, the aperture 24 may be located closer to an upper end of the strap 22 or a lower end of the strap 22.

[0042] The aperture 24 may be formed by a metal grommet or similar structure. However, it should be understood that the aperture 24 may be formed by an alternative structure and / or take on an alternative form. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the aperture 24 may be formed by a buttonhole or similar structure. The addition of the aperture 24 to the strap 22 provides further functionality of the headwear assembly 1 for a person with a disability. For example, a person with a mechanical hand or hook (or other upper extremity protheses) may find it difficult to grasp the strap 22 or to slide their mechanical hand or hook (or other upper extremity protheses) between the strap 22 and the cap 14. In such a case, a person may find it easier to interface with the aperture 24 on the strap 22 to put the cap 14 on or take the cap 14 off. Further, the aperture 24 may be included on one or both of the straps 22 of the cap 14 (if the cap 14 has more than one strap 22) or on the cap 14 itself. For example, one may desire to purchase a cap 14 with an aperture 24 on the lateral side of the cap 14 corresponding to the side of their body that has protheses. If one's right arm terminates in a mechanical hand or hook, for example, one may want a cap 14 with an aperture 24 on the right (i.e., the user's right) side of the cap 14. In such a circumstance, the opposing side of the cap 14 may or may not also have a strap 22 (with or without an aperture 24).

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the figures show a third embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; however, the assistive feature 12 or assistive features 12 of the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B differs from that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, the straps 22 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are oriented in a horizontal direction relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the cap 14 instead of in a vertical direction (as in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The straps 22 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are located at roughly the middle of the brim 16 of the cap 14, but it should be understood that the strap(s) 22 may be alternatively located on the cap 14. For example, the strap(s) 22 may be located closer to an upper end of the brim 16 or a lower end of the brim 16 or on a different portion of the cap 14 (e.g., the body 18 or crown 20). Further, the strap(s) 22 may be oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the cap 14 instead of being oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0044] The horizontally oriented straps 22 of the cap 14 provide further functionality of the headwear assembly 1 for a person with a disability. For example, a person with a particular disability may find it difficult or uncomfortable to grasp a vertically oriented strap 22 or slide their hand between a vertically oriented strap 22 and the cap 14. In such a case, a person may find it easier to interface with a horizontally oriented strap 22 to put the cap 14 on or take the cap 14 off. Further, the one or more straps 22 of the cap 14 (if the cap 14 includes more than one strap 22) may not all be oriented the same way. For example, if the cap 14 has two straps 22, one of the straps 22 may be horizontally oriented and the other strap 22 may be vertically oriented, or oriented at an angle as described above. Such may be preferred by a user with a particular disability.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the figures show a fourth embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B; however, the assistive feature 12 or assistive features 12 of the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B differs from that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, the strap 22 shown in FIG. 4A includes an aperture 24. The aperture 24 shown in FIG. 4A is located at roughly the middle and center of the strap 22, but it should be understood that the aperture 24 may be alternatively located on the strap 22. For example, the aperture 24 may be located closer to a left end of the strap 22 or a right end of the strap 22.

[0046] The description and benefits of the aperture 24 described above in regard to FIGS. 2A and 2B are equally applicable to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Further, the horizontal orientation of the straps 22 (as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B) may offer additional (or different) benefits than vertically oriented straps 22, as shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, for example. The description and benefits of a horizontally oriented strap 22 (or straps 22) described above in regard to FIGS. 3A and 3B are equally applicable to the to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the figures show a fifth embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; however, the assistive feature 12 of the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B differs from those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B includes a single strap 22 instead of a pair of straps 22 as in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example. The single strap 22 is vertically oriented and arranged at a rear of the cap 14. It should be understood that the vertically oriented strap 22 could be alternatively arranged. For example, the vertically oriented strap 22 need not be arranged at the back of the cap 14. Instead, the vertically oriented strap 22 could be located on a lateral side of the cap 14 or at the front of the cap 14. Such a single vertically oriented strap 22 configuration may be preferred by a person with a particular disability.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the figures show a sixth embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B; however, the assistive feature 12 of the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B differs from that shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Specifically, the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes a single strap 22 oriented in a horizontal direction instead of a single strap 22 oriented in a vertical direction as in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example. It should be understood that the horizontally oriented strap 22 could be alternatively arranged. For example, the horizontally oriented strap 22 need not be arranged at the back of the cap 14. Instead, the horizontally oriented strap 22 could be located on a lateral side of the cap 14 or at the front of the cap 14. Such a single horizontally oriented strap 22 configuration may be preferred by a person with a particular disability.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the figures show a seventh embodiment of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B; however, the assistive features 12 of the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B differs from those shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, the straps 22 of the cap 14 of FIGS. 7A and 7B are removeable in contrast the straps 22 of the cap 14 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are fixed to the cap 14. The removeable straps 22 need not be horizontally oriented, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, but may take other orientations as described above. Regardless, such removeable straps 22 may be beneficial if a user wishes to maintain the aesthetic of a cap 14 without one or more straps 22 (or other assistive features 12), but also wishes for the benefit of the one or more straps 22 (or other assistive features 12) when putting on or taking off the cap 14.

[0050] The straps 22 are removably secured to the cap 14 by at least one fastener 26. In the depicted embodiment, the fastener 26 is a hook and loop fastener 28. However, it should be understood that the fastener 26 could take on alternative forms without departing from the inventive aspects of this disclosure. For example, the fastener 26 could alternatively be a button and corresponding buttonhole, a snap fastener, a sewing hook, a magnetic fastener, or a similar mechanical fastener. In the depicted embodiment, each strap 22 includes a fastener 26 at each end of the strap 22. It should be understood that the particular assistive feature 12 of the headwear assembly 1 may (or may not) include one or more fasteners 26 and the fastener(s) 26 of the strap 22 may not be located at the end(s) of the strap 22.

[0051] With continued reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cap 14 itself includes fasteners 26 corresponding to and configured to interact with the fasteners 26 of the strap 22. As shown by arrow A, the fastener 26 of the strap 22 and the fastener 26 of the cap 14 interface to removably secure the strap 22 to the cap 14. It should be understood that the cap 14 (or other headwear 10) may not include a corresponding fastener 26 if the strap includes one or more fasteners 26. Alternatively, it should be understood that the strap 22 (or other assistive feature 12) may not include one or more fasteners 26, but the cap 14 (or other headwear 10) may include one or more fasteners 26 for removably securing the strap(s) 22 (or other assistive feature(s) 12) to the cap 14 (or other headwear 10). In the depicted embodiment, the fasteners 26 of the cap 14 are located on the brim 16 of the cap 14. It should be understood that the fasteners 26 (if any), could be alternatively located on the cap 14—on the body 18 or closer to the crown 20, for example.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-9B, the figures show eighth and ninth embodiments, respectively, of a headwear assembly 1 configured to facilitate independent use by a person with a disability. The headwear assemblies 1 shown in FIGS. 8A-9B is similar to the headwear assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; however, the particular headwear assemblies 1 shown in FIGS. 8A-9B differs from that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, FIGS. 8A and 8B show an embodiment where the headwear 10 is a baseball hat 30 instead of a (knit) cap 14, as in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Similarly, FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment where the headwear 10 is a bucket hat 32 instead of a (knit) cap 14, as in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It should be understood that the particular headwear 10 (e.g., (knit) cap 14, baseball hat 30, bucket hat 32, etc.) may vary beyond what is explicitly shown in the Figures without deviating from the inventive aspects of this disclosure. The headwear 10 could be athletic headwear (e.g., a football helmet), for example.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-11B, the figures show a user applying the headwear assembly 1 to their head using the assistive features 12 (e.g., straps 22 in the depicted embodiments). FIG. 10A shows a user sliding their hands between the cap 14 and the straps 22 in preparation for applying the headwear assembly 1 to their head. FIG. 10B shows a user stretching the cap 14 and / or the straps 22 to apply the headwear assembly 1 to their head. FIGS. 11A and 11B are similar to FIGS. 10A and 10B; however, FIGS. 11A and 11B show a user gripping the straps 22 instead of sliding their hands between the straps 22 and the cap 14. A user may apply the headwear assembly 1 to their head 1 using whatever approach is most comfortable.

[0054] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Thus, the various features described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A headwear assembly for independent use by a person with a disability, the headwear assembly comprising:a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person; anda first assistive feature and a second assistive feature operatively connected to the headwear, the first assistive feature and the second assistive feature being located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear and configured for use in applying the headwear assembly to and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person.

2. The headwear assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature includes an aperture, the aperture configured for interaction with an appendage of the person.

3. The headwear assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is a strap.

4. The headwear assembly of claim 3, wherein the strap is oriented in a substantially vertical direction relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the headwear.

5. The headwear assembly of claim 3, wherein the strap is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the headwear.

6. The headwear assembly of claim 3, wherein the strap is oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane defined by a lowermost edge of the headwear.

7. The headwear assembly of claim 3, wherein the strap is outwardly stretchable to accommodate an appendage of the person.

8. The headwear assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is integrally formed with the headwear.

9. The headwear assembly of claim 8, wherein both of the first assistive feature and the second assistive feature are integrally formed with the headwear.

10. The headwear assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is made from a same material as the headwear.

11. The headwear assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is readily removeable from the headwear, and wherein the at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is removably secured to the headwear with one or more fasteners.

12. The headwear assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more fasteners is selected from the group consisting of: a hook and loop fastener, a button, a snap fastener, and a magnetic fastener.

13. The headwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the headwear is selected from the group consisting of: a cap, a baseball hat, and a bucket hat.

14. A headwear assembly for independent use by a person with a disability, the headwear assembly comprising:a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person; andone or more assistive features operatively connected to the headwear, the one or more assistive features configured for use in applying the headwear assembly to and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person,wherein the one or more assistive features includes at least a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature, wherein the first assistive feature is a first strap and the second assistive feature is a second strap, wherein the first strap and the second strap are located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear, and wherein the first strap and the second strap are integrally formed with the headwear.

15. A method of manufacturing a headwear assembly configured for independent use by a person with a disability, the method comprising:providing a headwear configured to cover at least a portion of a head of the person; andoperatively connecting a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature to the headwear,wherein the first assistive feature and the second assistive feature are located on opposing lateral sides of the headwear and configured for use in applying the headwear assembly to and / or removing the headwear assembly from the head of the person.

16. The method of manufacturing the headwear assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is a strap, the method further comprising:configuring the strap to be graspable with an appendage of the person such that movement of the appendage causes movement of the headwear.

17. The method of manufacturing the headwear assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature is a strap, the method further comprising:configuring the strap such that an appendage of the person is slidable between the strap and the headwear such that movement of the appendage causes movement of the headwear.

18. The method of manufacturing the headwear assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature includes an aperture, the method further comprising:configuring the aperture to be interfaceable with an appendage of the person such that movement of the appendage causes movement of the headwear.

19. The method of manufacturing the headwear assembly of claim 15 further comprising:configuring the at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature to be removable from the headwear.

20. The method of using the headwear assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first assistive features or the second assistive features is removable from the headwear, the step of operatively connecting a first assistive feature and a second assistive feature to the headwear further comprising:removably securing the at least one of the first assistive feature or the second assistive feature to the headwear with one or more fasteners.

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