HAT BLINDER

Abstract

A hat blinder includes a brim portion; a first side wing portion; and a second side wing portion. The brim portion is constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and the lower panel are configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat. The first side wing portion and second side wing portions are configured to be substantially orthogonal to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

Description

BACKGROUND

In a number of sporting activities, it is often advantageous to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources. One available device that accomplishes this goal is a specialty hat which incorporates side panels and other features that provide additional vision and light obstruction. These specialty hats work well, but there is a desire to provide a less cumbersome device that can be easily attached to an existing team ball cap and easily removed and stowed when not in use.

In many sports and activities, a traditional ball cap is worn for extended periods, and the peripheral vision obstruction and additional shading provided by such specialty hats is not always desired.

As example of a conventional hat accessory to protect rain from a user's glasses is disclosed in Published Great Britain Patent Application Number 1,477,818 and illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a peak extension portion 10 is formed from transparent plastics sheet material. The portion 10 is divided along its front to rear center line into two identical parts (12, 14). The two parts (12, 14) are hinged together by tape 16 adhesively secured to the two parts (12, 14) along their adjacent edges, a respective piece of the tape lying along both the upper and lower sides of the joint.

Elongate side portions (22, 24) of transparent plastics sheet material are hinged to the side edges of the peak extension portion 10 by tape (26, 28) adhesively secured to the portion 10 and the transparent or translucent side portions (22, 24) along the side edges of the portion 10, a respective piece of the tape lying along each side of each joint. Each side portion (22, 24) extends from the front edge 30 of the peak extension portion 10 to beyond the rear edge 32 of the portion 10.

The hat accessory is attached to the underside of the hat's brim using strips of fastening material, such as a Velcro™.

The above described conventional hat accessory is constructed of multiple rigid pieces secured together with tape.

Moreover, the above described conventional hat accessory is attached to the hat's brim using a fastening material that is held in place by a tacky substance, thereby allowing the conventional hat accessory attachment system to fail when the tacky substance loses its tackiness.

Lastly, the above described conventional hat accessory fails to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which is constructed of non-rigid material.

Moreover, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which can be easily attached to and removed from a hat.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which can be attached to the hat and avoid failures due to a loss of tackiness used in the hat attachment system.

Additionally, it is desirable to provide a non-rigid hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which can be easily stored, such as in a user's pocket.

Also, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which easily conforms to the shape or contours of the hat.

It is further desirable to provide a single piece hat accessory, which does not require user construction, to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources.

Lastly, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which allows for peripheral vision and glare elimination or reduction independently for each side of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art hat accessory;

FIG. 2 illustrates a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources;

FIG. 3 illustrates the hat accessory of FIG. 2 attached to a cap;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of FIG. 2 showing a hat brim pocket;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a further embodiment of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. It is noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts may be properly illustrated.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes a lower bill panel 112 and an upper bill panel 114. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower bill panel 112 has the same outline as upper bill panel 114. When the hat (cap) accessory 110 is assembled, the lower bill panel 112 and the upper bill panel 114 are stitched together around their perimeter except in a brim pocket area (not shown). The upper bill panel 114 and lower bill panel 112 form a pocket (not shown), having a volume, which accommodates a hat brim (not shown) and side wings 130 and 132.

The hat (cap) accessory 110 further includes straps 111 and 113 to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 to a hat (not shown). The straps 111 and 113 include connection mechanisms 136 and 138 to connect the straps 111 and 113 together. The connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips.

It is noted that, alternatively, straps 111 and 113 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 around the hat and the wearer's head. Thus, the connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips are not required.

FIG. 3 illustrates the hat accessory of FIG. 2 attached to a cap. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes upper bill panel 114. The hat (cap) accessory 110 also includes side wings 130 and 132 and stitching 135 that hold the upper bill panel and lower bill panel of FIG. 2 together.

The hat (cap) accessory 110 is secured to a hat 128, via strap 113 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory 110.

It is noted that, alternatively, straps may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 around the hat 128 and the wearer's head.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes upper bill panel 114. The hat (cap) accessory 110 also includes side wing 130 and stitching 135 that hold the upper bill panel and lower bill panel of FIG. 2 together.

The hat (cap) accessory 110 is secured to a hat 128, via strap 113 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory 110.

It is noted that, alternatively, straps may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 around the hat 128 and the wearer's head.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes upper bill panel 114. The hat (cap) accessory 110 also includes side wings 130 and 132 and stitching 135 that hold the upper bill panel and lower bill panel of FIG. 2 together.

The hat (cap) accessory 110 is secured to a hat 128, via straps 111 and 113 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory 110. The straps 111 and 113 include connection mechanisms 136 and 138 to connect the straps 111 and 113 together. The connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips.

It is noted that, alternatively, straps 111 and 113 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 around the hat 128 and the wearer's head. Thus, the connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips are not required.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an upper bill panel 114 includes bill extension sections 118, which form the side wings. The bill extension sections 118 are folded at stitch lines 133 and 134 in a downward position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The upper bill panel 114 also includes stitching 135 that holds the upper bill panel 114 to a lower bill panel (not shown).

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a lower bill panel 112 includes bill extension sections 118, which form the side wings. The bill extension sections 118 are folded at stitch lines 133 and 134 in a downward position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The lower bill panel 112 also includes stitching 135 that holds the lower bill panel 112 to an upper bill panel (not shown).

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of FIG. 2 showing a hat brim pocket, having a volume. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes upper bill panel 114. The hat (cap) accessory 110 also includes side wings 130 and 132. Stitching 135 holds the upper bill panel 114 and a lower bill panel 112. The upper bill panel 114 and a lower bill panel 112 are not stitched together along section 116 so as to form a hat brim pocket 160, having a volume.

The hat (cap) accessory 110 is secured to a hat 128, via straps 111 and 113 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory 110. The straps 111 and 113 include connection mechanisms 136 and 138 to connect the straps 111 and 113 together. The connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips.

It is noted that, alternatively, straps 111 and 113 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 around the hat and the wearer's head. Thus, the connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips are not required.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes attachment sites 142 and 144 on upper bill panel 114. The hat (cap) accessory 110 also includes attachment sites 140 and 146 on side wings 132 and 130, respectively.

The attachment sites 142 and 144 on the upper bill panel 114 and the attachment sites 140 and 146 on side wings 132 and 130, respectively, are configured to enable to allow a user to keep the side wing 132 or side wing 130 folded up above the hat bill to allow peripheral vision on one or both sides. The attachment sites 140, 142, 144, and 146 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips.

It is noted that, alternatively, straps 111 and 113 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 around the hat and the wearer's head. Thus, the connection mechanisms 136 and 138 may be snaps or Velcro™ strips are not required.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a further embodiment of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a hat (cap) accessory 110 includes a continuous elastic band strap 150 instead of straps to secure the hat (cap) accessory 110 to a hat (cap) (not shown).

As noted above, the bill panels are stitched together around their perimeter except in the brim pocket area. The perimeter stitch line continues along the sides of the brim pocket, having a volume, to snugly hold the hat brim. The perimeter stitching also attaches straps to the rearward ends of the bill panels. In this way, an envelope cavity or pocket, having a volume, is formed which receives the bill of a common ‘baseball style cap,’ or any other hat having a common ball cap type brim extending forwardly over the eyes of a wearer.

The upper and lower bill panels may be formed of various materials including cloth, fabric, or neoprene.

It is also noted that the side wings may include weights to assist in maintaining the side wings in a substantially orthogonal orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

Additionally, the side wings may include a formable stiffening member, such as a wire, to assist in maintaining the side wings in a substantially orthogonal orientation or a user's desired orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

The straps are attached behind the wearer's head to retain the hat accessory in a mounted position. While securing the hat accessory to the wearer's hat and head, straps also provide tension to hold side wings in position to obstruct wearer's peripheral vision.

The side wings provide a desired obscuration of peripheral vision off to the sides of the wearer.

Flexibility and stretching of hat accessory enable the hat accessory to be able to be formed to the curvature of a cap bill and maintain a desired position of the side wings.

In summary, the hat accessory is formed by two pieces of fabric stitched together to form a pocket, having a volume, for the hat bill along with the side panels that provide the vision and light obstruction features. The hat accessory also includes straps attached to the combined pieces of fabric to connect at the rear of the hat to retain the hat accessory in position on the wearer's head.

A hat blinder comprises a brim portion; a first side wing portion; and a second side wing portion; the brim portion being constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel; the upper panel and the lower panel being configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat.

The first side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat. The second side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

The brim portion, the first side wing portion, and the second side wing portion may be constructed of non-rigid material.

The brim portion, the first side wing portion, and the second side wing portion may be constructed of fabric, cloth, or neoprene.

The first side wing portion and the second side wing portion may include weights.

The first side wing portion and the second side wing portion may include a formable stiffening member.

The first side wing portion and the second side wing portion may include a wire configured to assist in maintaining the first side wing portion and the second side wing portion side wings in a pre-determined orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

The hat blinder may include a first strap, operatively connected to the first side wing portion, having a first connection mechanism; and a second strap, operatively connected to the second side wing portion, having a second connection mechanism; the first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the second connection mechanism.

The hat blinder may include an elastic band strap having a first end operatively connected to the first side wing portion and a second end operatively connected to the second side wing portion.

The hat blinder may include a first connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a second connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a third connection mechanism located on the first side wing portion; and a fourth connection mechanism located on the second side wing portion; the first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the third connection mechanism; the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the fourth connection mechanism.

The first connection mechanism may be configured to connect to the third connection mechanism independently of the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to the fourth connection mechanism.

The first side wing portion may be constructed of the upper panel and the lower panel. The second side wing portion may be constructed of the upper panel and the lower panel.

The hat blinder may include a first connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a second connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a third connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the first side wing portion; and a fourth connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the second side wing portion; the first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the third connection mechanism; the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the fourth connection mechanism.

The first connection mechanism may be configured to connect to the third connection mechanism independently of the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to the fourth connection mechanism.

The hat blinder may include a first stitched boundary between the brim portion and the first side wing portion; and a second stitched boundary between the brim portion and the second side wing portion.

The first side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal, at the first stitched boundary, to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat. The second side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal, at the second stitched boundary, to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above.

Claims

1. A hat blinder comprising: a brim portion;a first side wing portion; anda second side wing portion;said brim portion being constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel;said upper panel and said lower panel being configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat.

2. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first side wing portion is configured to be substantially orthogonal to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat; said second side wing portion being configured to be substantially orthogonal to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

3. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of non-rigid material.

4. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of fabric.

5. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of cloth.

6. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of neoprene.

7. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first side wing portion and said second side wing portion include weights.

8. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first side wing portion and said second side wing portion include a formable stiffening member.

9. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first side wing portion and said second side wing portion include a wire configured to assist in maintaining said first side wing portion and said second side wing portion side wings in a pre-determined orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

10. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first strap, operatively connected to said first side wing portion, having a first connection mechanism; anda second strap, operatively connected to said second side wing portion, having a second connection mechanism;said first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said second connection mechanism.

11. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an elastic band strap having a first end operatively connected to said first side wing portion and a second end operatively connected to said second side wing portion.

12. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said brim portion;a second connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said brim portion;a third connection mechanism located on said first side wing portion; anda fourth connection mechanism located on said second side wing portion;said first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said third connection mechanism;said second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said fourth connection mechanism.

13. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first connection mechanism is configured to connect to said third connection mechanism independently of said second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to said fourth connection mechanism.

14. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first side wing portion is constructed of said upper panel and said lower panel; said second side wing portion is constructed of said upper panel and said lower panel.

15. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: a first connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said brim portion;a second connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said brim portion;a third connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said first side wing portion; anda fourth connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said second side wing portion;said first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said third connection mechanism;said second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said fourth connection mechanism.

16. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first connection mechanism is configured to connect to said third connection mechanism independently of said second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to said fourth connection mechanism.

17. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first stitched boundary between said brim portion and said first side wing portion; anda second stitched boundary between said brim portion and said second side wing portion.

18. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first side wing portion is configured to be substantially orthogonal, at said first stitched boundary, to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat; said second side wing portion being configured to be substantially orthogonal, at said second stitched boundary, to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat.