AUXILIARY SUN SHADE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

An auxiliary sun shade system and method includes a retaining and adjustment system adaptive to all forms of headgear and an adaptive shading system. The adaptive shading system is repositionable relative to the retaining and adjustment system and includes one or multiple sun shading panels. The retaining and adjustment system may include one or two bands and may have extendable arms that allow attachment to different parts of the headgear for improved adaptation and convenience.

Description

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 2

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an auxiliary sun shade system and method of using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides an auxiliary sun shade system including alternative retaining and adjustment systems and an adaptive sun shading system or shield when used in combination with headgear.

Description of the Related Art

Applications of sun shields and auxiliary sun visors for headgear are known.

One conventional example of a sun shield is a visor on the rim of a cap or hat. In these conventional arrangements, the sun shield or auxiliary visor is fixably secured to the headgear and cannot be repositioned relative to the headgear.

Other conventional examples of sun shields provide shield or visor that is fixably positioned relative to a headgear band or hat support. Examples of these conventional arrangements are known from US Pub. No. 2006/0253957 (Orozco) and US Pub. No. 2008/0066216 (Yun), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein as part of the understanding of those of common skill in the art.

Unfortunately, for example in US Pub. No. 2006/0253957 (Orozco) a fixed band is placed on a cap and a sun shield is fixably secured to the same. This prevents ready adjustment of the auxiliary shade relative to either the headgear or the user without rupturing the fixed connection between the band and the sun shield.

A similar concern exists in the conventional US Pub. No. 2008/0066216 (Yun) where a more complex multi-unit visor is also fixably positioned relative to the headgear band.

For operation of either the '957 or '216 designs, a user must manipulate the sun shield support rotationally around a head gear or hat rendering the conventional process and systems unworkable and inconvenient.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved auxiliary sun shade system and method of using that overcomes at least one of the concerns apparent in the conventional arts.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An auxiliary sun shade system and method includes a retaining and adjustment system adaptive to all forms of headgear and an adaptive shading system. The adaptive shading system is repositionable relative to the retaining and adjustment system and includes one or multiple sun shading panels. The retaining and adjustment system may include one or two bands and may alternatively have extendable arms that allow attachment to different parts of the headgear for improved adaptation and convenience.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a readily adjustable sun shade system allowing removable attachment to a hat brim, or repositionable adjustment relative to a user's hat.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one alternative embodiment (with three different shade elements) and a single continuous securing member of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system in combination with a headgear (here a baseball cap).

FIG. 2 is a flattened illustration of a second alternative embodiment of the proposed invention (with continuous shade) with a single continuous securing member and an optional snap closure for use on a headgear (for example a baseball cap of the type as noted in FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 is a use-illustration of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2 noting the sun shading positions relative to a user's head in an illustrative manner only.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system having three shade elements in combination with a headgear (here a baseball cap) and the use of two different types of securing members (continuous and discontinuous) allowing adaptation, and with the discontinuous members in extended positions and secured to the opposite sides of the brim of the baseball cap.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4 with the discontinuous member shown in a retracted position secured and secured to portions of the continuous member.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system shown in FIG. 4 without the headgear and with the ends of the discontinuous member disconnected from the continuous member for illustration purposes and noting the slid-able adjustment function.

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the proposed invention similar to FIG. 4 wherein the discontinuous member is extended and secured to the cap brim and the continuous member extends along the rim of the headgear to ensure secure retainment altogether.

FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system as in FIG. 4 with the sun shade panels arrayed outwardly relative to the continuous and discontinuous members for an improved understanding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

One of the present inventions is noted in FIG. 1, wherein a first retaining and adjusting system 60 of an auxiliary sun shade system 100A is provided with a continuous member or band 61, preferably of an elastomeric material, but not restricted thereto. In one alternative, ends of the continuous member are provided through a tensioning toggle member 62 (see FIG. 1) that allows a usable dimension (e.g., the circumference of continuous member 61) to be adjusted and tensioned relative to the outer dimension of a headgear or hat 1 having a brim 2 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In this manner the usable dimension or inner dimension/diameter of continuous member 61 may be adjusted for a snug fit and released for easy removal therefrom by a user (FIG. 3). One alternative shade system 40 is provided with one or a plurality of sun shade panels. As will be understood throughout, as shown, sun shade panels may be of a single continuous version 40D (see FIG. 2) or may be formed in a plural arrangement (multiple panels) with a first and a second side sun shade panels 40A, 40B and a rear sun shade panel 40C (FIGS. 1, 4).

Proximate a top portion of each sun shade panel is formed a continuous open passage 41 that allows the sliding passage of a continuous member 61 (or later a discontinuous member 52 depending upon the embodiment of interest), or optionally both in combination. The outer dimension of the member (or members) of the retaining and adjustment system 60 (or later combined continuous and discontinuous retaining and adjustment system 50, see FIG. 6) is less than an inner dimension of continuous passage(s) 41 and therefore the sun shade panels 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D in various arrangements) are slidably adjusted along a length position on the retaining and adjustment systems as discussed herein. As a result, the slidability-function of the open passage 41, and the optionally static, elastic or stretchy nature of the continuous and/or discontinuous members 61, 52, 41, full-adjustability of the sun shades is permitted for a user in any needed sun-angle relative to a user's head.

As noted in FIG. 2, wherein shade system 40 is provided as a continuous sun shading panel 40D, or as in later FIGS. 6, 8 etc., as separate rear sun shade panel 40C, an adjustment boundary 64 or gap 64 is intentionally provide for a convenient sliding and bending adjustment of the panel and to prevent bunching during a use, and/or to allow a location for a user to grasp a portion of the retaining and adjustment systems 60, 50 and adjust any sun shade panel relative thereto.

In one example, in FIG. 3, it will be noted that side sun shade panels 40A, 40B may be of any convenient length and may be sufficiently extensive to extend from hat 1 to a user's shoulders (as shown) for improved sun blocking. Also the sun panels may be of any convenient material or textile and have any suitable shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, a further alternative retaining and adjustment system 50 of an auxiliary sun shade system 100B is provided where there is both a separate continuous member 51 and a discontinuous member 52 having ends (shown) and adjustable clips thereon 53, 53. A fixing point 54, proximate toggle 62 is provided between continuous member 51 and discontinuous member 52 to prevent their unintended separation or dislocation, while still retaining the length-distance adjustment function.

As shown, in a preferred environment, discontinuous member 52 is elastomeric for stretchable adjustment relative to brim 2 of hat 1 for a preference of a user.

As noted in FIGS. 4 and 7, during a use, a user may grasp an adjustable clip 53 (on either end of discontinuous member 52) and detach the same from a rest position (removably secured to the continuous member 51) and may stretch adjustable clip 53 and one end of the discontinuous member 52 to an extended position on brim 2 of hat 1. FIGS. 5, 8 shows a rest condition with clips 53, 53 removably secured to continuous member 51. FIG. 6 shows a position when clips 53, 53 are removed from continuous member 51 in preparation for attaching to brim 2 of hat 1. As a method of use, one would first position continuous member 51 about a ball cap top, and then discontinuous member 52 would be positioned.

An exemplary use will be discussed. A user places hat 1 with brim 2 on a head and drapes auxiliary sun shade system 100A, 100B or any variant thereof over hat 1, so that one continuous band or continuous members 61, 51 covers the brim 2 portion; and then using the toggle 62 or other securing system is secured snuggly. If auxiliary sun shade system 100B with discontinuous member 52 is used, a user may optionally extend with clips 53, 53 to any portion of the brim 2, and thereby adjust a sun shade member 40A-40D relative to hat 1. If auxiliary sun shade system 100A is provided, then sun shade members 40A-40D are slid relatively along continuous member or band 61 relative to the user and hat 1. It is noted that using the discontinuous member 52 arrangement provides for increased brim and user coverage to the full extent of hat brim 2.

As another alternative embodiment, it will be understood that shade system 40 may be constructed from any convenient draping material, and may be of textile construction or of a film or discontinuous textile construction. The materials for shade system may be reflective, opaque, transparent, translucent, or formed of mesh or otherwise without limitation. Additionally the outer profile shape may be of any continuous form, for example a curved form 40D (FIG. 2) or a straight strip portion shape 40A (FIG. 5), or possibly a panel curved to fit over a user's neck or shoulders (not shown).

As will be additionally noted in FIG. 2, a closure system 80 is provided for secure open ends of the sun shade; here sun shade 40D but the closure system may be used with any sun shade disclosed herein, including 40A, 40B, etc. without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Closure system 40 may be of any form and have any structure suitable to separably-secure the outer ends together based upon a users desire. Here, closure system 80 includes two extending strap members 81, 81 and a snap closure 82.

It will also be understood, that as used herein the phrases ‘sun’ or ‘shading’ are understood as the application of common words and will also be understood to be adaptive to any related use within the scope of the present invention. For a non-limited example, a sun shield or sun shade panel will be similarly effective as a wind or rain blocking shield or panel. Additionally the phrases ‘retaining’ or ‘adjusting’ are understood to be adaptive to the headgear and possible use. For example, the proposed invention may be retained on a headgear temporarily and removed post-use, so that the retainment is not permanent. Similarly, adjusting is a relative term intended to reflect the use of the invention. Adjustment of the sun shade is relative to or along either the headgear, the user, or the retaining and engaging system for improved user convenience.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An auxiliary sun shading system, for use with headgear, comprising: a retaining and adjustment system and a shade system that is adjustably secured to said retaining and adjustment system;said retaining and adjustment system being at least one continuous member having an outer dimension and having an outer cross sectional profile dimension;said shade system having at least one sun shade panel and means for slidably adjustably securing said shade system relative to said retaining and adjustment system;said means for adjustably securing including at least one bounded passage extending along a portion of said shade system; andsaid at least one bounded passage having an inner profile dimension that is greater than said outer cross sectional profile dimension, whereby said shade system is slidably adjustable relative to said retaining and adjustment system.

2. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one tensioning toggle member on said retaining and adjustment system; andsaid tensioning toggle member operative to adjust said outer dimension of said retaining and adjustment system, whereby said auxiliary sun shade system is readily adapted to a variety of headgear dimensions.

3. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 1, wherein: said retaining and adjustment system includes an elastomeric portion, wherein said elastomeric portion allows one of an expansion adjustment and a contraction adjustment of said outer dimension of said retaining and adjustment system to ensure a secure fit to said headgear.

4. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 1, wherein: said shade system further comprises at least three sun shade panels; andeach sun shade panel further including said means for adjustably securing, whereby during a user on said head gear a user may repositionably adjust ones of said sun shade panels about portions of said outer dimension for improved user convenience.

5. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 2, wherein: said at least one sun shade panel including an adjustment boundary proximate said tensioning toggle member, whereby and adjustment of said retaining and adjustment system may be readily adjusted without interference with said at least one sun shade panel.

6. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one closure system on selected sides of said at least one sun shade panel; andsaid closure system operable to provide a separable securement of said selected sides of said sun shade panel.

7. An auxiliary sun shading system, for use with headgear, comprising: a retaining and adjustment system and a shade system that is adjustably secured to said retaining and adjustment system;said retaining and adjustment system having at least one continuous member having an outer dimension and one discontinuous member;said discontinuous member having an outer cross sectional profile dimension and two opposed ends;said continuous member and said discontinuous member being connected along at least one position on said outer dimension of said at least one continuous member;said discontinuous member formed of elastomeric material;at least one securing clip on each said opposed end of said discontinuous member;said shade system having at least one sun shade panel and means for adjustably securing said shade system to said retaining and adjustment system;said means for adjustably securing including at least one bounded passage extending along a portion of said shade system; andsaid at least one bounded passage having an inner profile dimension that is greater than said outer cross sectional profile dimension of said discontinuous member, whereby said shade system is slidably adjustable relative to said retaining and adjustment system.

8. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 7, further comprising: at least one tensioning toggle member on said retaining and adjustment system; andsaid tensioning toggle member operative to adjust said outer dimension of said continuous member of said retaining and adjustment system, whereby said auxiliary sun shade system is readily adapted to a variety of headgear dimensions.

9. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 7, wherein: said retaining and adjustment system includes an elastomeric portion along said continuous member, wherein said elastomeric portion allows one of an expansion adjustment and a contraction adjustment of said outer dimension of said retaining and adjustment system to ensure a secure fit to said headgear.

10. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 7, wherein: said shade system further comprises at least three sun shade panels and each sun shade panel further including said means for adjustably securing, whereby during a user on said head gear a user may repositionably adjust ones of said sun shade panels about portions of said outer dimension of said discontinuous member for improved user convenience.

11. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 7, wherein: each said securing clip on said opposed ends of said discontinuous member is operable to removably secure at least one of said opposed ends to portions of an external headgear during a use thereby allowing said shade system to be repositonably secured along an improved dimension relative to said external headgear for an improved user protection.

12. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 8, wherein: said at least one sun shade panel including an adjustment boundary proximate said tensioning toggle member, whereby and adjustment of said retaining and adjustment system may be readily adjusted without interference with said at least one sun shade panel.

13. The auxiliary sun shade system, according to claim 7, further comprising: at least one closure system on selected sides of said at least one sun shade panel; andsaid closure system operable to provide a separable securement of said selected sides of said sun shade panel.