A collapsible frame for supporting a fabric structure includes frame members which themselves can be plastically deformed as well as folded around one or more hinges. The ductile frame members can be deformed plastically to hold the fabric structure in a predetermined orientation. When not in use, the frame can be folded around the hinges disposed between the individual frame members. Folding the frame around the hinges significantly reduces the possibility of the ductile frame members work-hardening and experiencing a metal fatigue failure.

A hat insert for maintaining a structure of a hat and a characteristic of a head of a wearer, and related methods of manufacture and use. The hat insert is constructed by attaching a shaper configured for supporting the hat to a liner configured for contacting the wearer's hair or scalp. An improved hat is constructed by inserting the hat insert into the hat. When the improved hat is worn by the wearer, the hat insert supports the hat and protects it from damage and also engages the wearer's hair or scalp and protects hair strands, hair follicles, and skin pores from becoming damaged or soiled as a result of wearing the hat.

A hat insert for maintaining a structure of a hat and a characteristic of a head of a wearer, and related methods of manufacture and use. The hat insert is constructed by attaching a shaper configured for supporting the hat to a liner configured for contacting the wearer's hair or scalp. An improved hat is constructed by inserting the hat insert into the hat. When the improved hat is worn by the wearer, the hat insert supports the hat and protects it from damage and also engages the wearer's hair or scalp and protects hair strands, hair follicles, and skin pores from becoming damaged or soiled as a result of wearing the hat.

A cap protector includes a unitary rigid shell having an open rear in communication with an interior chamber that is dimensioned and configured to receive the crown portion of a cap. Integrally extending from the lower, front portion of the shell is a substantially planar panel configured to resemble the cap's bill. The panel includes a slot in communication with an interior cavity that is dimensioned to firmly receive the cap bill. On the upper surface of the shell is a grommet with a locking mechanism that grips the cap's crown button.

A cap protector includes a unitary rigid shell having an open rear in communication with an interior chamber that is dimensioned and configured to receive the crown portion of a cap. Integrally extending from the lower, front portion of the shell is a substantially planar panel configured to resemble the cap's bill. The panel includes a slot in communication with an interior cavity that is dimensioned to firmly receive the cap bill. On the upper surface of the shell is a grommet with a locking mechanism that grips the cap's crown button.

A hat shaping device is configured to be installed on headwear (e.g., on a band of a peaked cap) to urge the headwear into an oblong and/or oval shape. The device includes a pair of hooks connected together in a manner that allows the device to be transitioned between a deployed configuration, in which the device is configured for installation on the headwear, and a stowed configuration, in which the device is configured for easy storage and/or transport. In some examples, the device is collapsed when in the stowed configuration (e.g., with respective legs of the pair of hooks nested together one on top of the other.).

A hat shaping device is configured to be installed on headwear (e.g., on a band of a peaked cap) to urge the headwear into an oblong and/or oval shape. The device includes a pair of hooks connected together in a manner that allows the device to be transitioned between a deployed configuration, in which the device is configured for installation on the headwear, and a stowed configuration, in which the device is configured for easy storage and/or transport. In some examples, the device is collapsed when in the stowed configuration (e.g., with respective legs of the pair of hooks nested together one on top of the other.).

The combination of a headwear piece having: a) a crown with a wall having an inside surface bounding a space for receiving a part of a wearer's head; and b) a rim/bill projecting from a forward region of the crown; and an accessory having a body with a thickness between front and rear sides and made from a material that substantially blocks migration of moisture therethrough. The accessory has an array of small openings extending through the body thickness to provide for air passage. The accessory is configured to be placed in an operative position against the inside surface of the crown wall at the forward region of the crown to reduce contaminant transmission from a wearer's head to the inside surface of the crown wall at the forward region.

The combination of a headwear piece having: a) a crown with a wall having an inside surface bounding a space for receiving a part of a wearer's head; and b) a rim/bill projecting from a forward region of the crown; and an accessory having a body with a thickness between front and rear sides and made from a material that substantially blocks migration of moisture therethrough. The accessory has an array of small openings extending through the body thickness to provide for air passage. The accessory is configured to be placed in an operative position against the inside surface of the crown wall at the forward region of the crown to reduce contaminant transmission from a wearer's head to the inside surface of the crown wall at the forward region.

A skull mounting system for headgear, preferably a respirator hood, includes a headband with a front headband and a rear headband. The front headband extends around at least the front of the head of the wearer and the rear headband is found on the back of the head of the wearer, and at least one upper headband is provided that extends over the top of the head of the wearer. The upper headband has higher elasticity than the front and rear headbands.