Patent Application
20170208887
Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to the field of hats and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a baseball cap that further includes a cover for the neck and/or face of a wearer.
Description of the Related Art
Hats come in various designs and styles. Of the various types of hats, baseball caps are particularly popular head coverings. The reasons baseball caps are popular include their ability to shade the sun from the head, eyes and face of the wearer and their generally soft comfortable fit. Baseball caps have the advantage that they can be readily folded and positioned in an oversized pocket. Baseball caps have also become popular forms of wearable advertising that promote athletic teams, products, services and businesses.
Baseball caps, however, are largely a summer or mild weather head coverings. The construction of baseball caps includes traditional wool as well as other natural, synthetic and blends of natural and synthetic materials. Some of the heavier wool fabrics do provide some limited warmth to the crown of the head, but omit the face, ears and neck of a wearer from cold weather protection. Highly specialized cold weather versions of the baseball caps exist, but a cold weather baseball cap for a broad range of uses is not available for consumers. A baseball cap is needed that can provide additional warmth to the crown of the head of the wearer.
Further, a cold weather version of the baseball cap is needed that can provide a weather protective layer for the ears and neck that provides additional upper body warmth. A cold weather version of the baseball cap can be a practical additional to fans sitting in outdoor stadiums in the fall, winter and spring as well as other cold weather season outdoor activities.
Referring initially to
Crown 12 can have any style of ornamental structure. For example, crown 12 can include, but is not limited to angular sides, a cylindrical shaped sides, a partially hemispherical shape and/or an approximately hemispherical shape. In one preferred embodiment, crown 12 includes approximately centrally positioned peak 20 at the peak or top center of a dome type partial hemispherical shape. Additional stylistic details can include a button located at peak 20. Crown 12 is typically constructed by one or more sections 22 and can include a uniquely shaped front panel 24.
Sections 22 can include in a broad variety of shapes such as, but not limited to polygons that can include rectangular, trapezoidal, square, and/or triangular shapes. Sections 22 can also include arcuate as well as straight lines. Individual sections 22 can be, for example, one or more sections 22 that are circumferential bands approximately parallel to edge 18 and/or a plurality of approximately triangular shapes.
In one preferred embodiment, crown 12 includes a plurality of approximately triangular sections 22 that define an approximately hemispherical shape. Each approximately triangular section or triangular section 22 includes a base 26 that is connected to two elongate sides 28 and the elongate sides 28 are joined at an apex 30. Triangular sections 22 are connected along their elongate sides 28 to the adjoining triangular sections 22. Triangular sections 22 are also preferably connected together at their apexes 30 to define the enclosure of crown 12. The intersection of apexes 30 preferably defines peak 20. The number of sections 22 that comprise crown 12 can vary depending upon the desired design of crown 12.
Front panel 24 of crown 12 is composed of one or more sections 22 that are in proximity to and/or approximately above and have a forward alignment with visor 14. The front panel can also be reinforced or stiffened. The reinforcement of the front panel can include supporting structures such as, for example, but not limited to additional layers of the material of crown 12 and natural materials such as cotton, rubber or cellulose. Alternatively, the reinforcement can also include composites, polymers and other synthetic materials. The reinforcement can also take the form of a chemical treatment or coating of the above-identified areas in proximity to visor 14. The reinforcement and/or stiffening preferably provides a memory to the desired ornamental shape of one or more of crown 12, visor 14 and can further provide support for writings or logos. It is understood that hat 10 can include treatments or coatings that enhance weatherproofing.
Crown 12 can include one or more apertures 23. In one preferred embodiment, each section 22 of crown 12 includes one or more apertures 23. Apertures 23 can vary in size, but in the preferred embodiment are approximately one-sixteenth ( 1/16th) of an inch in diameter; Apertures 23 can be located at any one or more positions on each section 22
Edge 18 defines a bottom rim of crown 12 and peak 20 defines the opposing top of crown 12. Edge 18 is preferably defined by the base portions 26 of sections 22. The connection of sections 22 can be further reinforced by the connection of an elongate strip of material that secures sections 22 together in proximity to edge 18. Edge 18 is flexible except where edge 18 is connected to visor 14.
As shown in
Continuing with the preferred embodiment of six (6) sections, a first seam 46 is defined at a central position on the front panel or zero (0) degree position with the connections between the sections arranged at approximately sixty (60) degree intervals from the center or peak 20 of crown 12. In a clockwise direction as shown, second seam 48 is at an approximately sixty (60) degree angle position, third seam 50 at an approximately one hundred twenty (120) degree angle position, fourth seam 52 at an approximately one eighty (180) degree angle position, fifth seam 54 at an approximately two hundred forty (240) degree angle position and sixth seam 56 at an approximately three hundred (300) degree angle position. Seams 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 provide a tight substantially weatherproof connection between adjoining elongate sides 28 of sections 22. Seams 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 can sew adjoining elongate sides 28 together or use or include any other type of connection such as a mechanical, adhesive or heat type connection. Further, seams 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 can directly connect adjoining elongate sides 28 or include the connection of one or more fabric layers that extend across and/or between the adjoining elongate sides 28.
Referring now to
Band 32 has a first edge 31 in proximity to edge 18 and an opposing second edge 33 that preferably extends approximately along the interior surface of crown 12 towards peak 20. The distance between first edge 31 and the second edge 33 or height of band 32 can vary, but is preferably in a range between approximately three-quarter (¾) inch and one and one-half (1½) inch. It is understood, however, that the distance between the first edge 31 and second edge 33 of band 32 can vary depending upon the desired application of band 32. Band 32 can be connected to the inside of crown 12 in proximity to the first edge 31, second edge 33 and/or in between the first edge 31 and the second edge 33. Band 32 can also be structured to assist and/or augment the connection of elongate sides 28 of sections 22.
Visor 14 is a cantilevered extension from crown 12. Visor 14 extends from crown 12 to a terminal end portion or edge 15. Visor 14 is connected in proximity to edge 18 and centered on frontal panel 24 of crown 12. In one preferred embodiment, visor 14 extends along approximately eight (8) inches along the circumference of cover 12 in proximity to edge 18.
Visor 14 can have any shape to include an overall arcuate shape across the frontal panel and between the lateral sides, planar shape or straight sides with an arcuate terminal end portion. Visor 14 preferably has a stiff or semi-rigid structure. The length that visor 14 extends from crown 12 and the length visor 14 extends along edge 18 can vary depending upon the intended application of hat or cap 10. In one preferred embodiment visor 14 extends from edge 18 at its further point between two (2) and seven (7) inches.
Crown 12 and visor 14 can be made of any material to include cotton, cotton blend or a polymer fabric such as a polyester. Crown 12 can be fabricated by any means and typically is assembled by sewing a plurality of sections 22 together to form the structure of cap 10. The structure of visor 14 can include a core around which the fabric is wrapped. The core can be made of cellulose that is treated or other materials that provide a somewhat stiff structure that retains a limited ability to be bendable and resilient.
Loop 16 has a first edge 34 and an opposed second edge 36. Loop 16 is a flexible and resilient loop that has an overall annular or tubular shape. First edge 34 defines an aperture 37.
In one preferred embodiment, loop 16 first edge 34 and second edge 36 define lengths that are preferably between approximately eighteen (18) inches and approximately twenty-two (22) inches. Loop 16 has a length A between first edge 34 and second edge 36 that is preferably between approximately eight (8) inches and approximately twelve (12) inches. It is understood that the length A of loop 16 as well as the length of first edge 34 and second edge 36 can vary with many factors that include the size of cap 10 as well as stylistic elements. For example, first edge 34 can have a greater, equal or shorter length than second edge 36. Loop 16 is constructed to be resilient and to be able to stretch along the length of first edge 34 and second edge 36 as well as between first edge 34 and second edge 36.
Crown 12 includes a cover 38. Cover 38 preferably has an approximately hemispherical shape. Cover 38 includes an edge 40 that has a generally flexible circular shape that is opposed to a peak 42 of cover 38. Cover 38 preferably includes a resilient and/or elastic strip on or in proximity to edge 40. The approximately hemispherical shape of cover 38 is preferably closely aligned with the inside surface of the approximately hemispherical shape of crown 12.
Cover 38 is connected to the interior surface of crown 12. Peak 42 of cover 38 is preferably aligned with peak 20 of crown 12. Edge 40 preferably defines a circular shape that is positioned approximately parallel to and approximately in alignment with edge 18 of crown 12. Cover 38 is preferably made of a flexible and resilient material that stretches between peak 42 and edge 40 as well as in a direction approximately parallel to the plane defined by edge 40. In one preferred embodiment at rest or in an un-stretched position, cover 38 has a circumference of approximately twenty-four (24) inches. It is understood, however, that the size of cover 38, to include the distance between peak 44 and edge 40 as well as the length of the flexible circumference of edge 40 can vary depending upon the size of crown 12 and other design factors.
Cover 38 has at least one connection to crown 12. The approximately hemispherical cover 38 preferably has four connections with crown 12. In the preferred embodiment, cover 38 has a first connection 58 in proximity to first seam 46, a second connection 60 in proximity to second seam 48, a third connection 62 in proximity to fourth seam 52 and a fourth connection 64 in proximity to sixth seam 56. It is understood that the term “in proximity to” is defined herein as including on or near. Edge 40 preferably defines a plane that is approximately parallel to edge 18. Edge 40 is positioned at an approximately fixed spaced separation from edge 18 and above band 32 when present. Edge 40 can be a free edge between connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 and/or connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 can terminate in fixed spaced separation from edge 40. Whether, edge 40 is a free edge or edge 40 is free between connections 58, 60, 62 and 64, the edge 40 resilient strip provides a resilient external interface within crown 12.
Connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 are preferably sewn connections that can vary from one or more points of connection to elongate sewn or stitched connections. Thus, connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 as seams 46, 48, 52 and 56 can be continuous or interrupted with gaps between one or more sewn connections. Further, the type of connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 between cover 38 and crown 12 can further include adhesive, heat or mechanical types of attachment and are considered to be encompassed by connections 58, 60, 62 and 64.
In one preferred embodiment, cover 38 is connected to crown 12 by stitches that extend between approximately one (1) inch to approximately five (5) inches in length. Connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 preferably have a first end that is a start and/or a first end that is in proximity to peak 42. Connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 have a second end that terminates on or in proximity to edge 40. The second end of connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 are preferably between approximately one and one-half (1½) inch and approximately two and one-half (2½) inches from edge 18 of crown 12. Cover 38 is preferably positioned in fixed spaced separation from band 32 to the interior surface of crown 12. Alternatively, cover 38 edge 40 can be a free edge and extend further in the direction towards first edge 18. It is understood that the free edge 40 of cover 38 can overlap and/or be positioned behind band 32. When band 32 is not present, edge 40 preferably terminates in fixed spaced separation at least as described above from edge 18.
Hat or cap 10 can vary the length of the connection between and separation of edge 40 of cover 38 and second edge 36 of loop 16. The separation between cover 38 and loop 36 can advantageously provide the selective venting of air captured within hat 10 by providing alternate areas of reduced insulation between cover 38 and loop 16. This can further include the selective positioning of apertures 23 defined in crown 12 to aid in the controlled exchange of external and internal air.
In one preferred embodiment, connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 have a length of approximately four and one-half (4½) inches. It is understood that the above-described length of connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 is one specific exemplary embodiment and that alternative arrangements of connections can provide similar benefits. For example, the above connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 between cover 38 and crown 12 are described as having an approximately radial alignment when connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 can have alternative alignments that are non-radial or approximately circular, for example.
Cover 38 connects to loop 16. Cover 38 preferably has a connection 66 with loop 16 in proximity to second edge 36. Connection 66 can vary in length between approximately four (4) and approximately seven (7) inches. Connection 66 between loop 16 and cover 38 preferably extends for a length of approximately six (6) inches centered on fourth seam 52 of cover 38. The connection between loop 16 and cover 38 can be a fixed connection such as those described above for connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 for example or accommodate the disconnection and connection of loop 16 and cover 38. Cover 38 to loop 16 exemplary connector types for disconnection and re-connection include, but are not limited to snap, zipper, friction, hook and loop and flexible ties.
Hat 10 defines an opening 45 between visor 14, edge 18 of crown 12 and second edge 36 of loop 16. Opening 45 extends approximately along second edge 36 from the connection 66 between loop 16 and cover 38 and is centered on the front panel 22 of cover 12. The location of loop 16 second edge 36 relative to, the location of edge 18, visor 14 of crown 14 defines a relative angle of hat 10. The relative angle defines the size of opening 45 between loop 16 and crown 12. Aperture 37 is defined by loop 16 first edge 34 and is in fluid communication with opening 45. Loop 16 does not connect directly to crown 12. It is understood that loop 16 can be connected to crown 12 and/or cover 38.
Loop 16 can be fabricated of any type of material, but loop 16 is preferably made of material that provides thermal insulation. Preferred materials for loop 16 include natural materials such as, but not limited to wool, cotton or synthetic materials as well as combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, loop 16 is fabricated of flexible resilient material. In addition, loop 16 can be a single or multiple layers of material. In one preferred embodiment, loop 16 is two layers of material connected and/or folded in proximity to first edge 34 and second edge 36 to provide an air gap between the layers. In contrast, cover 38 is preferably constructed of a single layer of flexible resilient material that can stretch in any direction. The material of cover 38 is preferably a thinner and lighter resilient material that provides less insulation than loop 16.
Crown 12 has a fixed connection to cover 38 that can tightly align crown 12 and cover 38 or accommodate some relative play between crown 12 and cover 38. In the preferred embodiment of hat 10, cover 38 of loop 16 is fixedly connected to crown 12 by connections 58, 60, 62 and 64. Alternatively, cover 38 can have a connection with crown 12 that can disconnect and then re-connect cover 38 and crown 12. Cover 38 exemplary connector types for disconnection and re-connection with crown 12 include, but are not limited to snap, zipper, friction, hook and loop and flexible ties.
In the preferred embodiment there is a relative degree of independence between loop 16 and crown 12. For example, apertures 23 allow for an exchange of external and internal air into hat 10 between crown 12 and cover 38 that is also bounded by band 32 and/or edge 18. This bounding of the air allows for a controlled cooling of the buildup of heat within crown 12 while maintaining cover 38 as a layer in direct contact with the head of the wearer 1.
Referring now to
As shown in
Wearer 1 initially positions their head through aperture 37 defined by first edge 34 of loop 16, through loop 16, into cover 38 and crown 12 of hat 10. Band 32, if present, provides an at least partially sealing interface with the head of wearer 1 as described above. The relatively short length and location of connection 66 between cover 38 and loop 16 facilitates the positioning of second edge 36 along the back and side of the neck and head behind the ear and then around the front of the neck just below the jaw of wearer 1. The preferred length of connection 66 is approximately six (6) inches. This first configuration of the second position exposes the full face of wearer 1 below edge 18 and/or visor 14. This allows the unrestricted breathing and verbal communications while loop 16 provides insulation to the back of the neck, side of the head and neck and front of the neck of the wearer 1. The relative angle between loop 16 first edge 36 and cover 12 edge 18 is relatively wide in this configuration.
Continuing with the first configuration of the second position, second edge 36 of loop 16 extends over band 32 when present in proximity to connection 66. In one exemplary preferred embodiment, crown 12 edge 18 has a circumference of approximately twenty-four (24) inches and loop 16 first edge 34 and second edge 36 in the preferred embodiment have a length at rest of approximately twenty (20) inches. Loop 16 second edge 36 is approximately parallel to first edge 18 of crown 12 along connection 66, but the angle of resilient second edge 36 can then vary relative to edge 18 depending upon the desired use of loop 16 by wearer 1.
In this configuration, approximately three tenths (0.3) of the twenty-two (22) inch circumference of loop 16 at second edge 36 connects to crown 12. This accommodates advantageous flexibility to the configuration of loop 16. The remainder of the length of second edge 36 of loop 16 is a free edge. The resilient free edge portion of second edge 36 in this configuration is flexible and can be readily positioned around the back of the neck behind the ear, around the front of the neck and below the jaw of wearer 1.
As shown in another illustrative configuration of the second position in
This second configuration of the second position of hat 10 minimizes the amount of the face of wearer 1 exposed to the elements and maximizes the amount of protection from the elements provided by hat 10. Hat 10 in this version of the second position is particularly suited for more severe cold weather. Loop 16 provides insulation that is sufficiently porous for wearer 1 to breathe through. Loop 16 in this variation of the second position includes covering the neck of wearer 1. Further, it is understood that loop 16 first edge 34 and second edge 36 can encompass different fashion type loops 16 such as, for example, a longer length of edges 28 and 30 that define a loose fitting cowl turtleneck type structure.
Referring to still another illustrative configuration of the second position in
Hat 10 is suitable for a broad range of cold weather outdoor activities that include performing outdoor activities such as attending outdoor sports activities as well as more active uses by wearers 1 in cold weather such as shoveling snow, skiing, fishing, skating, hiking and hockey, for example.
The spacing of connections 58, 60, 62 and 64 between crown 12 and cover 38 provide an enhanced comfort of hat 10 by allowing a selectively controlled ventilation of hat 10 by the lack of a continuous connection between loop 16 edge 18 of crown 12. Thus, even a brief shifting or reseating of the back or a side of hat 10 can vent the back or side respectively of hat 10 in order to dissipate the excessive build-up of heat that can occur in cold weather head coverings. This ability to readily vent into the area between cover 38 and crown 12 can readily increase the comfort level of wearer 1 while retaining an inner warmth between cover 38 and the head of wearer 1.
It is understood that loop 16 can be disconnected from cover 38 and worn separately solely as loop 16 with cover 38 remaining in or also being disconnected from crown 12. Further, there can be a decorative and/or stylistic association such as a color or logo coordination between crown 12 and loop 16.
The structure of hat 10 includes numerous unique advantages. Cover 38 provides an addition layer of insulation within crown 12. Apertures 23 function as vents allow the controlled exchange of air between cover 38 and the interior surface of crown 12. Thus, cover 38 provides an additional layer that lessens the temperature shock that can occur when external air flows into crown 12 without a separate cover 38. Similarly, crown 12 can be slightly repositioned on the head of wearer 1 without altering the connection between cover 38 and the head of wearer 1 to vent crown 12, for example, between crown 12 and cover 38 while cover 38 and loop 16 are retained in their respective positions on wearer 1.
Additional advantages include the resilient strip 41 of cover 38. The resilient nature and the location of resilient strip 41 in proximity edge 40 of cover 38 provides a comfortable, tight and form fitting external interface with the head of wearer 1. The resilient strip 41 in proximity to edge 40 provides a more comfortable overall fit of hat 10 for wearer 1. Resilient strip 41 also adds to the security of the connection between the head of wearer 1 and hat 10 by reducing the ability of the wind to break the connection between hat 10 and the head of wearer 1.
The position and length of connection 66 facilitate connection 66 functioning as a hinge for the repositioning of crown 12 while loop 16 is retained in its position on wearer 1. The location in proximity to fourth seam 52 at the back of crown 12 and in proximity to edge 40 of 38 and short length of connection 66 between loop 16 and cover 38 is such that connection 66 can be selectively used as a hinge. Connection 66 can thus accommodate the flipping back of crown 12 about connection 66 while loop 16 remains in position around the neck of wearer 1. Thus, hat 10 provides a flexibility of use when weather conditions change or between differing activities. Connection 66 can also be used to separate cover 38 and crown 12 from loop 16.
In the preceding specification, the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident, however, that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. While the present disclosure is described in terms of a series of embodiments and/or arrangements, the present disclosure can combine one or more novel features of the different embodiments. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62287230 | Jan 2016 | US |
