ADJUSTABLE HEADWEAR STRAP

Abstract

Devices for securing a hat to a wearer's head are provided with a closure strap disposed across a closure gap defined by a crown, wherein the closure strap comprises an elastic portion and an inelastic portion of adjustable length.

Description

BACKGROUND

When producing hats for large markets, significant variations in head size from one individual to another make the inclusion of a mechanism for adjusting the size of a hat a near necessity. However, significant challenges exist in designing a mechanism for adjusting the size of a hat that grips a wearer's head sufficiently to secure the hat against forces such as high winds while simultaneously maintaining an acceptable degree of comfort to the wearer.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally related to improved devices for securing a hat to a wearer's head that allow the wearer to adjust both size and grip strength according to preference. The devices include several features to allow the hat to maintain a firm grip on the wearer's head without compromising comfort. The devices are also designed such that they can easily be incorporated into most existing hat designs, a feature that greatly expands its potential applications.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a device, comprising: a closure strap that includes an inelastic portion of adjustable length and an elastic portion.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a hat, comprising: a crown, defining a closure gap, a securing means connected to the crown on a first side of the closure gap, an elastic portion of a closure strap connected to the crown on a second side of the closure gap opposite to the first side, and an inelastic portion of the closure strap connected to the elastic portion such that the closure strap at least partially overlaps the securing means.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a hat, comprising: a bill or visor, a crown that includes an open gap along a bottom edge of the crown, and an adjustable-length strap affixed to the crown on a first side of the open gap and a second side of the open gap, wherein the adjustable-length strap includes an elastic portion and an inelastic portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures depict various elements of the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

In the Figures, some elements may be shown not to scale with other elements so as to more clearly show the details. Additionally, like reference numbers are used, where possible, to indicate like elements throughout the several Figures.

It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment can be beneficially incorporated in the other embodiments without further recitation or illustration. For example, as the Figures can show alternative views and time periods, various elements shown in a first Figure can be omitted from the illustration shown in a second Figure without disclaiming the inclusion of those elements in the embodiments illustrated or discussed in relation to the second Figure.

FIG. 1 provides a view of an example hat secured to a wearer's head, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a rear view of an example hat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of an example closure strap that includes an elastic portion in an unstretched state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of an example closure strap that includes an elastic portion in a stretched state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally related to an improved device for securing a hat to a wearer's head that allows the wearer to achieve a snug yet adjustable fit. The device described herein allows for adjustment of a hat's size to accommodate a variety of head sizes while providing an improved gripping strength on a wearer's head by incorporating the benefits of fully elastic and inelastic fitting devices, among other benefits.

In various embodiments, the described device includes a crown, a closure gap, and a closure strap disposed across the closure gap that includes an inelastic portion of adjustable length and an elastic portion. Securing means on a first end and a second end of the closure strap affix the closure strap to the crown on a first side and a second side of the closure gap, respectively. The elastic portion of the closure strap provides a tensile force that secures the crown around a wearer's head while the inelastic portion of adjustable length allows the wearer to alter a magnitude of the tensile force and the combined circumference of the closure strap and a bottom edge of the crown to suit the wearer's particular needs and preferences.

FIG. 1 provides a view of example hat 100 secured to a wearer's head, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, closure strap 102 is disposed across closure gap 103 and affixed to crown 101 on a first side and a second side of closure gap 103. Visor 104 is affixed to crown 101 along a bottom edge on a side opposite to closure gap 103 and closure strap 102. In some embodiments visor 104 is omitted. In some embodiments crown 101 is shaped differently than illustrated. For example, crown 101 can be in the shape of a cylinder rather than hemispherical, or can have openings or gaps other than the closure gap. In some embodiments crown 101 can be located inside a larger body of a hat. For example, crown 101 can be a hardhat suspension liner located within a hardhat shell. Crown 101 and visor 104 can be made out of any materials that can be fashioned into the appropriate shapes, including but not limited to: woven textiles, non-woven textiles, fabrics, plastics, cardboards, or papers. Crown 101 can also be made out of a different material than visor 104. Crown 101 can have letters, numerals, designs, or a combination of thereof printed on an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both the interior surface and the exterior surface. In some embodiments a sweat band (not illustrated) can be included in or connected to crown 101. In some embodiments hat 100 is a baseball cap, although hat 100 can also be, but is not limited to, a bump cap or hardhat, beret, ascot cap, flat cap, Gatsby, Kepi, or other adjustable band hat.

FIG. 2 provides a rear view of an example hat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Hat 100 is illustrated with crown 101, closure gap 103, and closure strap 102 as seen in FIG. 1. Closure strap 102 further includes first inelastic member 201 with plurality of pegs 205a-g (generally or collectively, pegs 205), second inelastic member 202 with plurality of holes 204a-g (generally or collectively, holes 204), and elastic portion 203. Pegs 205 are centrally located on closure strap 102, and are sized and positioned to interlock with at least a subset of holes 204. Although illustrated with seven pegs 205 and seven holes 204, in various embodiments more or fewer of each, and in different numbers relative to one another can be used.

When hat 100 is in use, at least a subset of pegs 205 interlock with at least a subset of holes 204 to cause first inelastic member 201 and second inelastic member 202 to function as a single inelastic portion of a combined length determined by what particular subsets of pegs 205 and holes 204 are interlocked with one another. Elastic portion 203 is affixed to an end of second inelastic portion 202 by first securing means 208 and is affixed to a first side of closure gap 103 by second securing means 206. First securing means 208 can be any means for affixing elastic portion 203 to the end of second inelastic member 202, including but not limited to: a sewn seam, a buckle or bracket capturing a medial section of a loop of elastic portion 203, a buckle or bracket capturing a medial section of a loop of second inelastic member 202, or a buckle or bracket capturing both a medial section of a loop of elastic portion 203 and a medial section of a loop of second inelastic member 202. Second securing means 206 can be any means for affixing elastic portion 203 to the first side of closure gap 103, including but not limited to: a sewn seam, a button, or a slot in crown 101 that captures a medial section of a loop of elastic portion 203. Third securing means 207 can be any means for affixing first inelastic member 201 to the second side of closure gap 103, including but not limited to: a sewn seam, a button, or a slot in crown 101 that captures a medial section of a loop of first inelastic member 201. Elastic portion 203 is placed under tension by a wearer's head, and both a magnitude of the tension and a size of hat 100 are adjustable by changing the combined length of first inelastic member 201 and second inelastic member 202.

In some embodiments, plurality of pegs 205 and plurality of holes 204 can be omitted and another means for adjusting the combined length of first inelastic member 201 and second inelastic member 202 can be substituted. For example, the means for adjusting the combined length can be a hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro), male and female fastening tabs, a buckle closure, a tri-glide slide, a button or plurality of buttons paired with a hole or a plurality of holes, or any other fastener that allows for adjusting the combined length of closure strap 102. First inelastic member 201 and second inelastic member 202 can be fashioned from any material including but not limited to fabric, plastic, or metal. In some embodiments, elastic portion 203 comprises a loop of elastic material with a first side and a second side affixed to the first side of closure gap 103 and a medial portion captured by a bracket, buckle, loop of material, or other means in or on second inelastic member 202.

FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of an example closure strap that includes an elastic portion in an unstretched state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. When hat 100 is not in use, elastic portion 203 can be in the unstretched state, wherein a total length of closure strap 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is represented in FIG. 3 as length X. Elements from FIGS. 1 and 2 are labeled for reference. In some embodiments the length of elastic portion 203 in the unstretched state is less than 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75% of a total length of closure strap 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of an example closure strap that includes an elastic portion in a stretched state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. When hat 100 is in use a tensile force is applied along the length of closure strap 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that causes elastic portion 203 to increase in length and enter a stretched state. The increase in length of elastic portion 203 is proportional to a magnitude of the tensile force, and determines total length Y of closure strap 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) when hat 100 is in use. The length of closure strap 102 in the unstretched state (see FIG. 3) is illustrated as length X for comparison. The relative lengths of X and Y in FIG. 4 are for illustrative purposes only; various embodiments, user configurations, and user head sizes will result in different ratios between lengths of X and Y. Elements from FIGS. 1 and 2 are labeled for reference.

The descriptions and illustrations of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide a thorough and complete disclosure the full scope of the subject matter to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the subject matter as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts considered well-known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art can be brief or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser known or unique aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure unless expressly stated herein. Regardless of whether shown or described collectively or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Further, any or all of the functions and acts shown or described can be performed in any order or concurrently.

Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art can envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept provided in this disclosure that do not depart from the broader scope of the present disclosure.

As used in the present disclosure, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets with a single member, and every potential combination thereof. For example, when referencing “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, or C”, the phrase is intended to cover the sets of: A, B, C, A-B, B-C, and A-B-C, where the sets can include one or multiple instances of a given member (e.g., A-A, A-A-A, A-A-B, A-A-B-B-C-C-C, etc.) and any ordering thereof.

As used in the present disclosure, all numbers given in the examples (whether indicated as approximate or otherwise) inherently include values within the range of precision and rounding error for that number. For example, the number 4.5 shall be understood to include values from 4.45 to 4.54, while the number 4.50 shall be understood to include values from 4.495 to 4.504. Additionally, any number or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer amount (e.g., approximately X users, between about Y and Z states), shall be understood to round downward or upward to the next integer value (e.g., X+1 users, Y−1 and Z+1 states).

The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated as such, but rather as “one or more” or “at least one”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described in the present disclosure that are known or come later to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A device for securing a hat to a wearer's head, comprising: a closure strap that includes an inelastic portion of adjustable length; andan elastic portion.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the inelastic portion comprises: a first inelastic member with a plurality of pegs; anda second inelastic member with a plurality of holes,wherein the plurality of pegs are sized such that a subset of the plurality of pegs interlock with a subset of the plurality of holes.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the inelastic adjustable portion comprises a fabric strap with a tri-glide slide.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the hat is a baseball cap.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is less than 25% of the total length of the strap when in an unstretched state.

6. A hat, comprising: a crown, defining a closure gap;a securing means connected to the crown on a first side of the closure gap;an elastic portion of a closure strap connected to the crown on a second side of the closure gap, opposite to the first side; andan inelastic portion of the closure strap connected to the elastic member and disposed across the closure gap such that the closure strap at least partially overlaps the securing means.

7. The hat of claim 6, further comprising a sweatband connected to the crown.

8. The hat of claim 6, further comprising a bill or visor connected to the crown opposite to the closure gap.

9. The hat of claim 6, wherein the inelastic portion of the closure strap comprises a first inelastic member and a second inelastic member connected in a manner that allows a user to adjust an overall length of the inelastic portion.

10. The hat of claim 6, wherein the closure strap includes at least one of the group consisting of male and female fastening tabs, a hook and loop fastener, and a buckle closure.

11. The hat of claim 6, wherein the elastic portion is less than 25% of the total length of the closure strap when in an unstretched state.

12. The hat of claim 6, wherein the elastic portion is a loop with a first side and a second side both connected to the crown and a medial section capturing the inelastic portion.

13. The hat of claim 12, wherein the elastic portion is sewn to the crown on the first side and the second side such that the medial section captures the inelastic portion.

14. An adjustable band hat, comprising: a bill or visor;a crown that includes an open gap along a bottom edge of the crown; andan adjustable-length strap affixed to the crown on a first side of the open gap and a second side of the open gap, wherein the adjustable-length strap includes an elastic portion and an inelastic portion.