Bladder system for adjusting headwear

Abstract

A bladder system for selectively adjusting an article of headwear is provided. The system comprises an inflatable bladder, an actuator in fluid communication with the bladder via one or more passageways, and a deflator in fluid communication with the bladder via the one or more passageways. The actuator is configured to, in response to user input, draw air into the system and convey the air to the bladder along the one or more passageways in a first direction to inflate the bladder. The deflator is configured to, in response to user input, release air from the system along the one or more passageways in a second direction to deflate the bladder. The system is securable to the article of headwear such that, when the bladder is inflated, an opening of the article of headwear reduces, and when the bladder is deflated, the opening of the article of headwear increases.

Description

[0001] BLADDER SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING HEADWEAR

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority from United States provisional patent application number 63 / 671 ,290 filed on 15 July 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] This disclosure relates to headwear and, more particularly, to a specially configured bladder system for selectively adjusting headwear and thereby providing succinct micro adjustability of the headwear.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Conventional headwear typically employs an adjustable strap attached to the rear of the cap or hat. This adjustment mechanism usually requires a portion of the back panel of the headwear to be cut away, with a control strap inserted to allow modification of the internal circumference. The most common designs involve hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), snapback tabs, or sliding buckles.

[0008] However, these conventional adjustment systems generally require the user to remove the headwear in order to make size changes. For users with smaller head sizes or those working in dynamic or hands-on environments, this repeated removal and repositioning can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Additionally, touching the strap or inner lining with soiled hands increases the likelihood of transferring dirt, grease, or other contaminants to the headwear.

[0009] Moreover, existing adjustment systems typically allow only coarse or incremental changes in size, limiting the ability to achieve a precise, comfortable fit. This lack of fine-tuned adjustability can compromise the stability and comfort of the headwear, especially during active use.

[0010] There is therefore a need for an improved adjustment mechanism for headwear that address the above shortcomings.

[0011] The preceding discussion of the background is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in the art as at the priority date of the application.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a bladder system for selectively adjusting an article of headwear, the bladder system comprising: an inflatable bladder; an actuator in fluid communication with the bladder via one or more passageways; and a deflator in fluid communication with the bladder via the one or more passageways; wherein the actuator is configured to, in response to user input, draw air into the bladder system and convey the air to the bladder along the one or more passageways in a first direction to inflate the bladder; wherein the deflator is configured to, in response to user input, release air from the bladder system along the one or more passageways in a second direction to deflate the bladder; and wherein the bladder system is configured to be secured to the article of headwear such that, when the bladder is inflated, an opening of the article of headwear is reduced in size, and when the bladder is deflated, the opening of the article of headwear is increased in size.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the actuator may comprise: a body configured to facilitate securing of the actuator to the article headwear; a deformably resilient diaphragm located at the body and being configured to increase air pressure at the actuator in response to user input being received by the diaphragm; and a valve in fluid communication with the one or more passageways and configured to enable the flow of air in the first direction.

[0015] The valve may be configured to transition from a normally closed configuration to an open configuration in response to the user input being received by the diaphragm . The valve may permit the flow of air through the valve when the valve is in the open configuration. Conversely, the valve may prevent the flow of air through the valve when the valve is in the closed configuration.

[0016] The body may be comprised of multiple layers, with each of the multiple layers including one or more holes or grooves for facilitating the flow of air from an inlet of the actuator to the one or more passageways when the valve is open.

[0017] Preferably the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0018] In some embodiments the deflator may comprise: a body configured to facilitate securing of the deflator to the article of headwear; and a pressure release valve configured to, in use, reduce air pressure within the bladder system. The pressure release valve may include a manually operable button configured to open the pressure release valve and permit air to flow in a second direction upon the application of force to the manually operable button.

[0019] The pressure release valve may be configured to prevent the flow of air through the valve when a force is not being applied to the manually operable button.

[0020] In an example embodiment the actuator may be located at an exterior surface of the article of headwear. In some embodiments, the actuator may be located at an interior surface of the article of headwear.

[0021] The one or more passageways may be comprised of one or more flexible, elongated tubes configured to transfer pressurised air. In some embodiments, an end of at least one of the one or more passageways may be connected to the actuator and an opposite end of the passageway may be connected to the bladder.

[0022] An end of at least one of the one or more passageways may be connected to the deflator and an opposite end of the passageway may be connected to the bladder.

[0023] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided an article of headwear including the bladder system described above.

[0024] In accordance with an even further aspect of the invention there is provided a bladder system for selectively adjusting headwear, said bladder system comprising: an actuator being configured to affix to a headwear; a manifold being operably coupled to said actuator; a plurality of passageways being in communication with said manifold and being configured to extend along isolated paths at a perimeter of the headwear; and wherein said manifold is configured to selectively permit air flow ingress and air flow egress along a bi-directional travel path through selected ones of said passageways based on a user input received at said actuator, and thereby selectively adjust an opening of the headwear while the headwear is positioned on a user head.

[0025] Embodiments of the technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a first example embodiment of an article of headwear including a bladder system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is a front view of the article of headwear of Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 is a top view of the article of headwear of Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 3A is a sectional view of the article of headwear of Figure 3 along line 3A-3A;

[0031] Figure 3B is an enhanced view showing an interior of a bladder;

[0032] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the article of headwear of Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 5 is a side view of the article of headwear of Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the article of headwear of Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 7 is a top of a first example embodiment of an actuator body according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the actuator body of Figure 7 along line 7A-7A;

[0037] Figure 8 is a side view of the actuator body of Figure 7;

[0038] Figure 9 is a top view of the actuator body of Figure 7 with the dial turned to a first position;

[0039] Figure 10 is a top view of the actuator body of Figure 7 with the dial turned to a second position;

[0040] Figure 11 is a top view of the actuator body of Figure 7 with the dial turned to a third position; Figure 12 is a top view of the actuator body of Figure 7 with the dial turned to a fourth position

[0041] Figure 13 is an isolated view of the bladders of a first example bladder system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view of the bladders of the bladder system of Figure 13 along line 13A-13A;

[0043] Figure 13B is an enhanced view showing an interior of a bladder of Figure 13;

[0044] Figure 14 is an isolated view of a first example embodiment of a bladder system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14A is an enhanced view of the body of the bladder system of Figure 14;

[0046] Figure 15A is a three-dimensional view of a second example embodiment of a bladder system showing the bladder in a deflated state;

[0047] Figure 15B is a three-dimensional view of the second example embodiment of the bladder system of Figure 15A showing the bladder in an inflated state;

[0048] Figure 16A is a three-dimensional view of an example embodiment of an actuator of the second example embodiment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 16B is a front view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0050] Figure 16C is a rear view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0051] Figure 16D is a left side view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0052] Figure 16E is a right side view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0053] Figure 16F is a bottom view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0054] Figure 16G is a top view of the actuator of Figure 16A; Figure 17 is an exploded view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0055] Figure 18 is an isolated three-dimensional view of a base of the actuator of Figure 16A showing hidden passageways in dotted lines;

[0056] Figure 19 is a top view of the base of Figure 18;

[0057] Figure 20 is a three-dimensional transparent view of the actuator of Figure 16A, showing its internal components in more detail;

[0058] Figure 21 is a second three-dimensional transparent view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0059] Figure 22 is a top transparent view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0060] Figure 23 is a third three-dimensional transparent view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0061] Figure 24 is a fourth three-dimensional transparent view of the actuator of Figure 16A;

[0062] Figure 25 is a three-dimensional view of an example embodiment of a deflator of the second example embodiment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 26 is an exploded view of the deflator of Figure 25;

[0064] Figure 27A is an illustration of a user wearing an article of headwear with the bladder system of Figures 15A and 15B fitted thereto; and

[0065] Figure 27B is an illustration showing the bottom of an article of headwear with the bladder system of Figures 15A and 15B fitted thereto.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Non-limiting exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is shown. Such exemplary embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. The below disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and any appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true scope of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0068] References in the specification to "an exemplary embodiment", "an embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "an alternative embodiment" and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the particular embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "a non-limiting exemplary embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.

[0069] Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is referred to generally in the figures and is intended to provide a specially configured bladder system for selectively adjusting an article of headwear and thereby providing succinct micro adjustability of the article of headwear. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be used to adjust a variety of headwear and should not be limited to any particular headwear described herein.

[0070] Referring to the figures, Figures 1 to 14A show a first non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bladder system for selectively adjusting an article of headwear. The bladder system includes an actuator being configured to affix to an article of headwear, a manifold being operably coupled to the actuator, and a plurality of passageways in communication with the manifold and configured to extend along isolated paths at a perimeter of the article of headwear. The manifold is configured to selectively permit air flow ingress and air flow egress along a bi-directional travel path through selected ones of the passageways based on a user input received at the actuator, and thereby selectively adjust an opening of the article of headwear while the article of headwear is positioned on a user’s head. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected result of facilitating on-the-fly, succinct, and precise headwear adjustment without having to remove the headwear from a user’s head.

[0071] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a body affixed to the article of headwear, a deformably resilient diaphragm located at the body and configured to increase air pressure at the manifold, a rotary dial operably coupled to the manifold, and an air pressure release valve operably located downstream of the manifold and configured to decrease air pressure at the passageways. In some embodiments, the actuator is located at an exterior surface of the article of headwear. However, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the actuator may be located at an interior surface of the article of headwear.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the manifold includes a plurality of air inlet valves selectively aligned with open proximal ends of the passageways, respectively. The rotary dial and the manifold are configured to rotate synchronously in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, enabling selective control of air flow ingress and egress through the passageways. By rotating the dial to different positions, various air flow paths can be established, as shown in Figures 9 to 12. For example, the rotary dial and manifold may be configured to be rotated to a first position to align a first one of the air inlet vales with a first one of the open proximal ends and to permit air flow ingress and air flow egress along only a corresponding first one of the passageways.

[0073] The rotary dial and the manifold may further be configured to be rotated to a second position and align a second one of the air inlet vales with a second one of the open proximal ends to permit air flow ingress and air flow egress along only a corresponding second one of the passageways. In some embodiments the rotary dial and the manifold may even further be configured to be rotated to a third position and to align a second one of the air inlet vales with a the second one of the open proximal ends as well as a third one of the air inlet valves with a third one of the open proximal ends to permit air flow ingress and air flow egress along only a corresponding second one of the passageways and a corresponding third one of the passageways, respectively.

[0074] In other words, in an example embodiment of the bladder system, various air flow paths may be established by rotating the dial to different positions. Rotating the dial to a first position aligns a first air inlet valve with a corresponding proximal end to allow air flow through a first passageway; rotating the dial to a second position aligns a second inlet valve with a second proximal end to enable flow through a second passageway; and rotating the dial to a third position simultaneously aligns both a second and a third inlet valve with their corresponding proximal ends, allowing air flow through the second and third passageways.

[0075] Each of the passageways may have a closed distal end and be formed as a flexible, elongated bladder.

[0076] Accordingly, as discussed above, Figures 1 to 14A show a first non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bladder adjustment system utilising multiple air bladders (passageways), and a pliable bladder selection dial / pump (actuator and manifold), to achieve precision fit and easy adjustment without removal of the article of headwear. The bladder adjustment system utilises a low shore durometer silicone dome pump (diaphragm), and accompanying pressure relief valve, to regulate the pressure between three flexible passageways mounted within the lining of the article of headwear. Depressing the silicone dome forces air to flow through directional valves and into the selected bladder / bladders, thus inflating only a single bladder body or contemporaneously inflating multiple bladders.

[0077] As shown in the Figures, the first example embodiment of the bladder adjustment system incorporates three independent bladders to ensure perfect personal headwear fitment. The bladder selection dial, on the bladder adjustment system housing, can be rotated to select between four bladder inflation combinations (e.g., one bladder, a first combination of two bladders, a second combination of two bladders, and three bladders).

[0078] Rotating the bladder selection dial opens and closes inflation passageways by physically and selectively aligning a corresponding valve at a proximal open end of a corresponding passageway. When a corresponding valve is aligned with the proximal open end, air flow ingress is permitted to the corresponding passageway. Each passageway in the bladder adjustment system is connected to the actuator and manifold via air pressure valves which are internally routed through the actuator and manifold. Internal routing of the passageways along the headwear lining ensures a compact bladder inflation system even when deflated and prevents the user from experiencing pressure points on the head during use.

[0079] It should be appreciated that, although three bladders are being shown, any number of bladders may be present. For example, for very precise adjustments, it should be appreciated that even more bladders may be present. However, it should also be noted that as the number of bladders increases or decreases, the options associated with the manifold and dial may also be adjusted accordingly.

[0080] A second example embodiment of a bladder system (100) is shown in Figures 15A and 15B. The bladder system (100) includes a bladder (102) in fluid communication with an actuator (104) via one or more tubes / passageways (106). The tubes / passageways (106) may be configured to transfer a fluid (such as air) from the actuator (104) to the bladder (102). In some embodiments, as discussed above, there may be a plurality of bladders in fluid communication with the actuator. In the present embodiment, however, the actuator (104) is in fluid communication with a single bladder (102) so that actuation of the actuator only transports / conveys air to the single bladder. Figure 15A shows the bladder in its original, deflated condition. Figure 15B shows the bladder in an inflated condition. The bladder (102) may be inflated via the actuator by actuating the actuator until sufficient air has been drawn into the system. The bladder system (100) may further include a deflator (108) for deflating the bladder (102). The deflator (108) is discussed in more detail below.

[0081] The actuator may be similar to the one described with reference to Figures 1 to 14A, however, an example embodiment of a preferred actuator for use within the bladder system of Figures 15A and 15B is shown in Figures 16A to Figure 24. The actuator (104) may comprise a body (110) including a deformably resilient diaphragm (112) that increases internal air pressure when pressed. The actuator (104) may include a one-way valve (114), such as a duckbill or ball valve, which is configured to allow air to flow from the actuator into the connected tubes (106) or passageways leading to the bladder system (100).

[0082] As shown in the exploded view of Figure 17, the actuator body (110) may be formed from multiple layers. In the present embodiment, the actuator body (110) comprises three layers: a top portion (116), a middle portion (118), and a base portion (120). These layers (116, 118, 120), along with their respective components, may be secured together using one or more fasteners (122), such as bolts.

[0083] One or more of the layers (116, 118, 120), either individually or in combination, may include premanufactured channels. When the actuator (104) is assembled, these channels cooperate to define an inlet flow path for air to enter the system (100).

[0084] As further shown in Figure 17, in a preferred embodiment, the top portion (116) functions as a securing plate that receives the fasteners (122) to hold the layers of the actuator body (110) together. The top portion (116) may define one or more holes (124A) for receiving the fasteners, and each of the other layers (118, 120) may define corresponding holes (124B, 124C), respectively.

[0085] Although not visible in Figure 17, the top portion (116) may also define an internal channel or groove. This channel (126) is illustrated in Figures 20 to 24.

[0086] The middle portion (118) may house the resiliently deformable diaphragm (112) and include at least one vent hole (128), which forms part of the air inlet path defined by / within the actuator body (110). As noted above, the middle portion (118) also includes the corresponding holes (124B) for alignment and securing with the top portion (116).

[0087] The base portion (120), shown more clearly in Figures 18 and 19, includes a plurality of channels (130) defined therein that form part of the air inlet path. These channels (130) are configured to allow air to enter the actuator upon actuation and to flow into the passageways (106) that connect various components of the system (100). An example of the airflow into the system is discussed below for clarity.

[0088] The actuator may further include an air inlet (132), defined in the base portion (120), through which ambient air is drawn into the system (100). The base portion (120) may also include a blocking member (133) that prevents air from escaping through the inlet (132). The blocking member is designed such that, when air is drawn into the system, one end of the member is displaced to allow airflow into the defined flow path. When a pressure applied to the diaphragm by a user is released, the blocking member (133) returns to its original position, sealing the inlet (132) and preventing air from escaping from the system (100). It should be appreciated that various alternative configurations of such a blocking member may be envisaged. In the present embodiment, the blocking member is made from an elastic material and is fixed to the base at one end (via one or more fasteners (122)), with the other, non-fixed end configured to cover the inlet (132).

[0089] The base portion (120) is further configured to seat or receive the valve (114), located downstream in the air path defined by the channels. Additionally, as shown, the base portion (120) also includes the corresponding holes (124C) to enable alignment and fastening with the top portion (116) and the middle portion (118).

[0090] In some embodiments, manufacturing the internal channels within the actuator body (110) may be a complex and delicate process. To facilitate this, one or more manufacturing channels (134) may be required. However, these manufacturing channels can allow air to escape if not properly sealed. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 17, the body (110) may include a plug (136) configured to form an airtight seal with the corresponding manufacturing channel (134) once inserted. Although only one plug is shown, it should be appreciated that in embodiments with multiple manufacturing channels (134), a corresponding plug (136) may be provided for each.

[0091] The actuator (104) is therefore configured to facilitate ambient air to be drawn into the system (100). For example, when the diaphragm (112) is pressed and then again released after being pressed, it returns to its original shape and creates a negative pressure that pulls air in through the inlet (132). As the diaphragm (112) continues to draw in air over one or more cycles (where the diaphragm is pressed and released), the pressure within the actuator (104) builds up. As the pressure builds up, the air is transferred through the air path defined within the actuator (104) and, once sufficient pressure is generated, the air may displace the valve element (114), such as opening the duckbill valve or lifting the ball from its seat, allowing the air to pass from the actuator (104) into the tubes or passageways (106) leading to the bladder (102). If the diaphragm (112) is left undisturbed for a period of time, the valve (114) closes again. In other words, if the diaphragm (112) is released for a period of time, the ball returns to its seated position or the duckbill reseals, thereby preventing air already passed into the passageways (106) of the system from escaping through the actuator inlet (132) and ensuring that air flows only in the intended direction.

[0092] It should be appreciated that any valve configuration which allows air to flow in a single direction may be used. These are often termed one-way valve / s.

[0093] The actuator (104) may therefore be configured to pump air into the system (100) and transport the air towards the bladder (102) so as to inflate the bladder.

[0094] In other words, referring to Figure 23, for inflation, once a user presses the diaphragm (112), a space or void therein may be reduced due to inward flexing of the diaphragm. This may then cause air to be drawn in through the inlet (132) into the void or space (e.g. when the user releases the flexible diaphragm). This may, in turn, cause the air pressure to increase in the groove / s, channel / s, hole / s or passage / s (130, 128, and 126) that may collectively form the air passageway in the first (inflation) direction. This increase in pressure may then cause the valve (e.g., the duckbill valve (114) or other one-way valve) to open, and air to be pushed into the tube / s (106) or passageways that connect to the bladder / s (102, see Fig. 15A), e.g., to reduce the size of the opening of the headwear.

[0095] The bladder system (100) may further include a deflator (140) configured to release air from the system (100). An example embodiment of a deflator (140) is shown in Figures 25 and 26. The deflator (140) may comprise a housing (142) configured to be coupled to an end of a tube or passageway (106) within the system (100). The deflator (140) may incorporate a pressure release valve (144), which includes a manually operable button (146). Parts of the housing (142) may be secured together via one or more fasteners (143), which are similar to the fasteners discussed above with reference to the actuator.

[0096] Figure 26 shows the deflator (140) and valve (144) in more detail. In the example embodiment shown, the valve (144) is a spring-loaded valve including a body (148), which is integrally formed with a push button (146), one or more O-rings (150) to ensure an airtight seal, and the manually operable push button (146). When the push button (146) is pressed, the valve body (148) is displaced against the force of the spring (152), temporarily opening an air path opening (154) within the deflator body (142) that is in fluid connection with the end of the passageway (106) thereby allowing air to flow from the passageway and out of the opening. Upon release of the button (146), the spring (152) returns the valve (144) to its sealed position, preventing further airflow. The valve may therefore be configured as a normally closed valve that remains sealed under standard operating conditions. Upon actuation of the button (146), the valve (144) is opened, thereby allowing pressurised air to exit the system through the deflator (140).

[0097] Both the actuator (104) and deflator (140) may be in fluid communication with the bladder (102) to as to allow the bladder to be inflated and deflated, respectively.

[0098] It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the actuator and the deflator may be provided by a single component. For example, the actuator may be configured to allow both the ingress and egress of air to and from the system. In such an embodiment, the function of the actuator may, for example, be adjusted by a switch to enable a valve to allow the flow of air to once direction. When the switch is switched to another position, the valve may allow the flow of air in the other direction. Thus, when the actuator is actuated with the switch in a first position, air may be pumped into the system. Similarly, when the actuator is actuated with the switch in a second position, air may be pumped from (out of) the system.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the bladder system (100) includes three tubes or passageways (106), each having one end connected to a common junction (154). The opposing ends of the respective passageways (106) are fluidly connected to the actuator (104), the deflator (140), and the bladder (102). This configuration establishes a centralised flow network that enables directional control of air within the system, facilitating either inflation or deflation of the bladder based on the operation of the actuator or deflator.

[0100] It should be appreciated that the shown configuration provides an efficient and balanced flow path, allowing air to be selectively introduced into or released from the bladder system. The junction (154) essentially acts as an air distribution connection, facilitating the transfer of air between the components of the system (100).

[0101] When neither the actuator (104) nor the deflator (140) is actuated, the system (100) remains in a stable state, and the internal air pressure within the bladder (102) is substantially maintained. Actuation of the actuator (104) causes air to be introduced into the system (100) via the inlet (132) and diaphragm mechanism (112), as previously described, thereby increasing internal air pressure and resulting in expansion or inflation of the bladder (102). Conversely, actuation of the deflator (140) opens the pressure release valve (144), allowing air to escape from the system (100), which reduces internal pressure and causes the bladder (102) to deflate. It should be appreciated that the tri-branch flow configuration, of the present embodiment, may simplify control of the system, reduce the need for complex routing of the air, and minimise flow resistance. It also allows for rapid pressurisation and depressurisation responses as required by the operational context. In some embodiments one or more of the tubes may include one-way valves or flow restrictors to further manage directional flow and prevent backflow or unintended pressure loss.

[0102] As discussed above with reference to the first example embodiment, the bladder system may be embedded into an article of headwear, such as a cap. Figures 27A and 27B show an example embodiment of a cap (160) including the bladder system (100) discussed with reference to Figures 15A to 26.

[0103] Components of the bladder system (100), including the actuator (104), deflator (140), bladder (102), and connecting tubes or passageways (106), may all be configured to be secured to an article of headwear (160). In the present embodiment, the article of headwear (160) is a cap or hat specifically designed to receive the bladder system (100). However, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the bladder system may be configured for attachment to any preexisting article of headwear.

[0104] For example, the bladder system may be designed to fit within an inner seam of a conventional cap or hat. Although this may seem redundant in cases where the cap already includes a sizeadjusting mechanism, the bladder system may offer an alternative, more user-friendly method for adjusting the size of the opening.

[0105] As shown in the present embodiment, at least the diaphragm (112) of the actuator (104) may be accessible from the exterior of the article of headwear (160). The body (110) of the actuator is preferably secured to the interior of the headwear (160) and may include a protective covering, such as a layer of cut-off material, to prevent discomfort or pressure against the user’s head (162). The passageways (106) are preferably routed along the interior of the headwear (160) in a manner that minimises any noticeable impact on fit or comfort when the bladder system (100) is not in use.

[0106] The bladder is preferably positioned at the front or rear interior region of the article of headwear. If multiple bladders are used, they are preferably located on opposite sides of the headwear to avoid unbalanced inflation, which might otherwise, for example, cause the headwear to tilt. Instead, inflation of the bladder / s should preferably result in a comfortable and symmetrical adjustment of the opening size. The deflator (140) may be secured to the article of headwear (160) in a similar manner to the actuator (104). It should be appreciated that the actuator and deflator may be positioned independently of one another and may be operated separately.

[0107] It should be appreciated that Figures 27A and 27B simply show one example configuration of the bladder system with an article of headwear. Various other configurations may be envisaged that fall within the scope of the invention and that yield a similar overall result. For example, any number of bladder / s may be implemented (e.g., one, two, three or more than three interconnected bladder / s). However, a single bladder that is provided inside a rim of the cap, e.g., embedded inside a liner or inside a fabric lining of the hat may be preferable.

[0108] It should also be appreciated that, in addition to enabling micro-precise size adjustments, the bladder system (100) provides the added benefit of allowing the article of headwear to float upon contact with water. For example, hats are commonly used during water-based activities such as rowing, fishing, or the like, where wind may cause the hat to blow off the user's head. With the inclusion of the bladder system (100), the hat is less likely to sink due to water ingress or absorption and is instead able to remain afloat.

[0109] The system described herein therefore provide a bladder system including an actuator, a bladder and a deflator, all in fluid communication with each other via one or more passageways. The actuator is configured to, when actuated, permit the flow of air in a first direction towards the bladder to inflate the bladder. The deflator is configured to, when pressed / actuated, permit the flow of air in a second direction away from the bladder to deflate the bladder. In a preferred embodiment both the deflator and the actuator include valves that are normally closed valves, and which are configured to move from the closed condition to an open conduction upon actuation of the valve. The valve may be actuated by pressing a button or a diaphragm of the deflator and the actuator, respectively.

[0110] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it is understood that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and / or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

[0111] While the foregoing has described what are the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0112] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0113] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0114] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0115] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bladder system for selectively adjusting an article of headwear, the bladder system comprising: an inflatable bladder; an actuator in fluid communication with the bladder via one or more passageways; and a deflator in fluid communication with the bladder via the one or more passageways; wherein the actuator is configured to, in response to user input, draw air into the bladder system and convey the air to the bladder along the one or more passageways in a first direction to inflate the bladder; wherein the deflator is configured to, in response to user input, release air from the bladder system along the one or more passageways in a second direction to deflate the bladder; and wherein the bladder system is configured to be secured to the article of headwear such that, when the bladder is inflated, an opening of the article of headwear is reduced in size, and when the bladder is deflated, the opening of the article of headwear is increased in size.

2. The bladder system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises: a body configured to facilitate securing of the actuator to the article headwear; a deformably resilient diaphragm located at the body and being configured to increase air pressure at the actuator in response to user input being received by the diaphragm; and a valve in fluid communication with the one or more passageways and configured to enable the flow of air in the first direction.

3. The bladder system of claim 2, wherein the valve is configured to transition from a normally closed configuration to an open configuration in response to the user input being received by the diaphragm, and wherein the valve permits the flow of air through the valve when the valve is in the open configuration and prevents the flow of air through the valve when the valve is in the closed configuration.

4. The bladder system as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the body includes multiple layers, with each of the multiple layers including one or more holes or grooves for facilitating the flow of air from an inlet of the actuator to the one or more passageways when the valve is the open configuration.

5. The bladder system of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the valve is a duckbill valve.

6. The bladder system of any one of the previous claims, wherein the deflator comprises:a body configured to facilitate securing of the deflator to the article of headwear; and a pressure release valve configured to, in use, reduce air pressure within the bladder system, wherein the pressure release valve includes a manually operable button configured to open the pressure release valve and permit air to flow in a second direction upon the application of force to the manually operable button.

7. The bladder system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pressure release valve is configured to prevent the flow of air through the valve when a force is not being applied to the manually operable button.

8. The bladder system as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the actuator is located at an exterior surface of the article of headwear.

9. The bladder system as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the actuator is located at an interior surface of the article of headwear.

10. The bladder system as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more passageways are comprised of one or more flexible, elongated tubes configured to transfer pressurised air.

11. The bladder system as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein an end of at least one of the one or more passageways is connected to the actuator and wherein an opposite end of the passageway is connected to the bladder.

12. The bladder system as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein an end of at least one of the one or more passageways is connected to the deflator and wherein an opposite end of the passageway is connected to the bladder.

13. An article of headwear including the bladder system of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A bladder system for selectively adjusting headwear, said bladder system comprising: an actuator being configured to affix to a headwear; a manifold being operably coupled to said actuator; a plurality of passageways being in communication with said manifold and being configured to extend along isolated paths at a perimeter of the headwear; andwherein said manifold is configured to selectively permit air flow ingress and air flow egress along a bi-directional travel path through selected ones of said passageways based on a user input received at said actuator, and thereby selectively adjust an opening of the headwear while the headwear is positioned on a user head.

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