US20140208482A1

US20140208482A1 - Form-fitting Hat With Both Cooling and Style Attributes that Can Be Worn Four Different Ways, and Includes a "Flip-Up" Front Brim

Info

Publication number: US20140208482A1
Application number: US14/099,874
Authority: US
Inventors: Gant C. Asbury
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-06
Publication date: 2014-07-31

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved head covering for use in recreation, work, and sport. It is comprised of a rectangular piece of fabric with opposite snap ends placed on the corners of one side to secure the head covering to one's head. It includes an additional snaps at the center point of the same side enabling the front fabric side containing snaps to be folded upon itself and secured, forming a brim/headband. The rear portion falls loosely over the head and covers the back and sides of the neck. The hat can be worn in at least 4 different styles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I claim priority to my provisional application #61734201.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common knowledge that many different kinds of casual headwear exist. Materials, designs, and uses vary widely. Headwear tends to be manufactured in one of a handful of readily recognizable forms such as baseball caps, helmets, berets, “cowboy hats,” and the like.
When considering the category of hats made for warm weather activities, baseball caps stand out as perhaps the most well-known. Yet many also wear bandanas, headbands, and “turban-style” hats. All seek to keep the head cool, manage one's hair, protect the head from the elements (wind, rain, sand, and the like) and/or provide some degree of absorption capacity to transport perspiration away from the skin to facilitate its evaporation (a process that helps regulate one's body temperature) while adhering to specific use requirements and stylistic aspirations.
While there is no shortage of hats on the market, none has been composed of a rectangular piece of fabric with embedded fixtures (fixtures built into the rectangle itself). This simple design provides for at least 4 unique styling options, two of which enable the hat to rest in an “open” position on the head. Few hats, if any, are simpler to manufacture while providing so many styling options as the the current invention.

PRIOR ART DESCRIPTION

Related headwear has been disclosed in prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,519,512 to Stone and U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,260 to Reynolds disclose rectangle-shaped body portions with protruding closures (one by means of hook-and-loops, and the other with snaps). And U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,956 to Barrientos discloses a bandana with a curved front and pointed rear portion with protruding Velcro closures. All are designed to fit close to the head. And all inventions allow for the fabric beyond the point of fixture (the back of the head) to hang loosely, draping over the back of the neck, and in some cases the shoulders.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,157 to Muta discloses headwear of a rectangular construction with protruding closures designed to fit closely to the head, allowing the fabric to fall above the point of fixture at the back of the head.
The classic Russian “Ushanka” (See Information Disclosure form SBO8b) discloses a “flip-up” brim composed of an extended portion of the interior hat material which is folded “inside out” and secured to the front of the hat so as to reveal the inside material while providing the brim with additional rigidity and a stylistic flourish. The Ushanka also includes closures embedded in the body of the hat. And finally, it it designed to be worn in an optional “open” position, allowing its ear flaps to dangle loosely about the head.
None of the prior art patents, however, are composed of all of the above elements: rectangular fabric with closures embedded within the body of the hat; “flip-up” brim; worn in the “open” position (without a closure securing the hat directly to the head; manifesting of 4 styling options).
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a form-fitting hat with multiple styling capacity (including a position in which the hat sits in an open position on the head), a “flip-up” front brim, and closures embedded in the body of the hat.
Another object of the present invention is to keep the wearer's head cool and protected from sun, dirt, rain, sand, wind, and the like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting hat that is durable, and easily secured to a hook (ex. a belt loop, hook, and the like) and serve as a hand towel if necessary.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting cap that is durable, easy-to-clean, and serves to draw moisture away from the wearer's head during strenuous activities, or when worn casually in hot climates.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the aforementioned styling options to wearers seeking to conserve head in cold climates. In such a case, a heat-conserving fabric (ex. wool, fleece, and the like) could be utilized in construction.
Another object of the present invention to provide a form-fitting cap with both multiple style options and very basic manufacturing specifications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved head covering with fasteners embedded in opposite corners of one side for the purpose of securing the garment around the circumference of the head. This invention includes a closure at the center of the same side for use in folding and securing the fabric upon itself to form the upturned headband, or brim, depending on how the invention is being worn. It is comprised of a loose-fitting rear composition such that the fabric covers the neck and/or shoulders, like flaps, and is designed to be worn with closures secured around the head, or unsecured. The present invention can be worn at least 4 different ways. Inside and outside layers can be printed with images, words, logos, and the like.
The present invention is made of terrycloth, jersey stitched cotton, and/or microfiber. But it can also be made of non-terry cottons, linen, leather, fur, silk, or the like. It can include various forms of art or design work on its exterior. And it is meant to be worn by adults, children, men, and women.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 depicts a view of the invention in a completely flat and unsnapped configuration.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the present invention unsecured to the wearer's head with “flip-up” front unsnapped.

FIG. 3A depicts a side view of the present invention unsecured to the wearer's head with “flip-up” front snapped.

FIG. 3B depicts a rear view of the present invention unsecured to the wearer's head with rear portion hanging.

FIG. 4A depicts a side view of the present invention secured to the wearer's head with rear portion held down by the fastener.

FIG. 4B depicts a rear view of the present invention secured to the wearer's head with rear portion held down by the fastener.

FIG. 4C depicts an inside view of the present invention as if secured to the wearer's head with rear portion held down by the fastener.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of the present invention secured to the wearer's head with rear portion hanging above the fastener.

FIG. 5B depicts an inside view of the present invention as if secured to the wearer's head with rear portion hanging above the fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention 10 is made up of one rectangle-shaped piece of fabric represented by FIGS. 1 through 5. The invention is comprised of a front 11 and rear portion 12 of equal size and dimensions. The front portion has complimentary ends of a snap on opposite corners 13 and 14, and another set of ends 15 and 16 at the center point of the front edge. The invention can include additional closures along one corner 17 of the front portion for the purpose of making the circumference smaller for smaller heads. All 4 edges are stitched 18, glued (not shown), stapled (not shown), or otherwise secured.
The inside-surface 19 and outside-surface 20 are opposite sides of the same piece of material (ex. terrycloth or jersey stitched cotton), or they could be two different pieces of fabric—internal and external layers sewn together. The current invention can be composed of any of a wide range of materials including cotton, polyester, silk, leather, fur, nylon, and the like. Depending on style and utility objectives (heat, cold, chemicals, precipitation) this invention can be tailored to suit its intended purposes.
The current invention can be labeled with any sort of advertising, marketing, and otherwise promotional, or personal image on either, or both sides. Printed messaging will be made visible when the invention is worn, or when the invention is waved through the air, as could be the case at sporting events.
The dimensions of the unfolded invention are 24 inches by 18 inches, or 432 square inches. One long side, with snaps wraps around the wearer's brow and the short side forms the front 11 and hanging rear portion 12. The length and width can vary for style (ex. a longer back side as a fashionable flourish) and/or utility purposes (ex. smaller for children, and larger for uniquely large heads).
Closures are, as previously mentioned, made of snaps but can be constructed of hook-and-loops (not shown), buttons (not shown), and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Second Embodiment

The current invention 10 and its component parts of the second embodiment has an inside and outside layer (ex. an outside layer of jersey stitched cotton and an inside layer of moisture-wicking microfiber). they are held together with stitching around the perimeter of both pieces of fabric.

Third Embodiment

The current invention 10 and its component parts of the third embodiment is composed of a curved front and curved rear.

Fourth Embodiment

The current invention 10 and its component parts of the fourth embodiment is composed of a straight front and pointed rear with stitched edges.

Fifth Embodiment

The current invention 10 and its component parts of the fifth embodiment is composed of a straight front and includes any and all alternative compositions for the rear portion 12 (ex jagged, fluted, frayed, curved with 2 or more vertices, and the like).

Method of Operation of the Present Invention

Open Position

Place the invention in front of you, laid flat with snaps facing upward FIG. 1. Lift it by the corners with fasteners 13 and 14 and place it on your head with corner snaps facing upward and fasteners facing the front FIG. 2.
Raise the front edge of fabric FIG. 3A to connect the snap 21 at the midpoint of the length of the front brim with its opposite. Pull the entire wrap toward the front of your head until the folded material hangs off of your head, becoming a brim 22.
Alternatively, the hat can be worn unsnapped in the front FIG. 2. In this position, the hat lies flat and unattached. It falls to the front 11, sides 23, 24, and back 12, conforming to the natural shape of the wearer's head.

Closed Position

Place the invention in front of you, laid flat with snaps facing upward FIG. 1. Lift it by the corners with fasteners 13 and 14 and place it on your head with corner snaps facing upward and fasteners facing the front FIG. 2.
Raise the front edge of fabric FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B to connect the snap 21 at the midpoint of the length of the front brim with its opposite. Pull the entire wrap toward the front of your head until the folded material hangs off of your head FIG. 3A.
Bring the front corners around your head and connect them in the back of your head 25 and above the posterior fabric (as if putting on a headband). Adjust the posterior material to your preference.
Alternatively, you can connect the material around your head underneath the posterior material FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. To do this, bring your hands under the loose material in the back and then fasten the corners 13 and 14.

CLAIMS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Advantages

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that it provides a form-fitting hat with multiple styling capacity (including a position in which the hat sits in an open position on the head), a “flip-up” front brim, and closures embedded in the body of the hat.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it keeps the wearer's head cool and protected from sun, dirt, rain, sand, wind, and the like.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a form-fitting hat that is durable, and easily secured to a hook (ex. a belt loop, hook, and the like) and serve as a hand towel if necessary.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a form-fitting cap that is durable, easy-to-clean, and serves to draw moisture away from the wearer's head during strenuous activities, or when worn casually in hot climates.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the aforementioned styling options to wearers seeking to conserve head in cold climates. In such a case, a heat-conserving fabric (ex. wool, fleece, and the like) can be utilized in its construction.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a form-fitting cap with both multiple style options and very basic manufacturing specifications.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A form-fitting hat to be worn on the head to be used in athletic, work, and recreational activities comprised of:

a) a rectangular head covering made of fabric with fixtures embedded in opposite corners of one side for the purpose of securing the garment around the circumference of the head.

18. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17, which includes:

a) a closure at the center of the same side for use in folding and securing the fabric upon itself to form the upturned headband, or brim, depending on how the hat is worn;

b) a free-falling rear composition such that the fabric covers the neck and shoulders, like flaps;

c) a versatile design, meant to be worn with closures secured or unsecured, allowing for (at least) 4 different styling options.

19. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the rear portion of said head covering forms a semi-circle or semi-oval.

20. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the rear portion of said head covering forms a triangle.

21. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the rear portion of said head covering forms a rectangle or square.

22. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the rear portion of said head covering is composed of frayed slivers of fabric.

23. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the front portion of said head covering is curved.

24. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein there is an inside layer serving to absorb perspiration, conserve heat, or as an artistic flourish.

25. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the closures are made of snaps.

26. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the closures are made of hook and loop fasteners.

27. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the closures are made of buttons.

28. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the closures are made of snap fasteners (“snapback”).

29. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the closures are made of a hook and eye fasteners.

30. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein additional closures can be added along the front edge in order to adjust the circumference of the portion circling the head when the wearer has a smaller head.

31. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein both inside and outside surfaces are printed with images, words, logos, and the like.

32. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the invention is made of terry cloth, linen, leather, fur, silk, nylon, microfiber, or the like.

33. A form-fitting hat in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein the dimensions of the unfolded invention are 24 inches by 18 inches, or 432 square inches, but can vary in length and width for style and/or utility purposes.