Hat Holder

Abstract

A hat holder for hanging a hat or clothing accessories is disclosed. The hat holder includes a body having a front end and a rear end. The rear end connects to a structure such as a vertical wall, for example. The hat holder includes an arm extending from the front end of the body. The arm includes a first region and a second region. The first region extends from the body. The first region is sloped down or provided in a flat configuration. The second region extends sloping up from the first region. The hat holder includes a ring extending from the body from the front end of the body. The ring positions above the arm providing a gap between the region and the ring. The arm receives a hat through the gap to hold the hat with support from the ring.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a device for hanging articles or clothing accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hat holder that is mountable on a vertical structure to hang a hat and/or clothing accessory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people wear clothing accessories or decorative articles including hats/caps as a fashion and/or style statement. For example, people wear the hats for their functionalities i.e., to protect their eyes, face, and/or neck from excessive sunline or rain. In another example, people wear the hats having their favorite logos of sporting teams, brands and the like. In yet another example, people collect the hats due to their passion for history, fashion, art, antique, etc.

People have used different devices to hang or store or display the hats and other clothing accessories. Typically, the devices are removably secured to a vertical wall or any other standing structure. One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,413, entitled “Cap holder” (“the '413 Patent”). The '413 Patent discloses a cap holder for supporting the brim of a baseball type cap. The cap holder includes a bracket supporting a cap support member. The cap support member is composed of a substantially continuous frame member defining a substantially U-shaped opening shaped and dimensioned to selectively receive and retain the brim of a cap when bent and positioned through the U-shaped opening.

Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,206, entitled “Cap rack” (“the '206 Patent”). The '206 Patent discloses a cap rack that hangs a plurality of caps by their respective bands. The cap rack comprises a base and a plurality of substantially flat hook members which are each vertically arranged along the base and which extend horizontally only from that base. A portion of each hook member extends towards a further adjacent hook member and terminates with a hook member end to define a) an insertion opening between the hook member and the further hook member through which the cap band is inserted and b) a retaining opening adjacent to the insertion opening in which the cap band is hung. The retaining opening extends below the hook member end a greater distance than the hook member end is spaced apart from the adjacent hook member.

Yet another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,910, entitled “Device for storing and displaying caps” (“the '910 Patent”). The '910 Patent discloses device for displaying and storing baseball-style caps includes a spine-like support to which one or more individual cap supports can be detachably connected and adjusted as to position. The cap supports can be detachably connected and adjusted without requiring detachment or adjustment in the position of other cap holders on the spine. The cap holders support the cap to avoid the distortion of the shape of the cap.

Although the above disclosures are useful, they have few problems. For instance, most hat holders can be used to connect the hat in a single configuration i.e., hanging the hat with the help of a strap/closure. Therefore, there remains a continuing need for an improved hat holder that allows to connect the hat in various configurations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a hat holder for hanging a hat or clothing accessory.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a hat holder, including: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is designed to be connected to a structure; an arm extending from the front end, the arm including a first region and a second region, wherein the first region extends from the body, and wherein the second region extends sloping up from the first region; and a ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the arm providing a gap between the second region and the ring, wherein the arm is designed to receive a hat through the gap.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a hat holder, including: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is designed to be connected to a structure; arms extending from the front end, wherein each arm of the arms includes a first region, a second region and a third region, wherein the first region extends from the body, wherein the second region extends from the first region, and wherein the third region extends sloping up from the second region; and a ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the third region thereby providing a gap between the third region and the ring, wherein the arm is designed to receive a hat through the gap.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a hat holder, including: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear is designed to be connected to a structure; arms extending from the front end, wherein each arm of the arms includes a first region, a second region and a third region, wherein the first region extends from the body, wherein the first region is sloped down, wherein the second region extends from the first region, wherein the second region is flat, and wherein the third region extends sloping up from the second region; and a ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the third region providing a gap between the third region and the ring, and wherein the ring has a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture, wherein the arms are designed to receive a hat having a panel, a closure and a top button, wherein the ring is designed to receive the top button of the hat, wherein the arms are designed receives the closure such that the hat hangs from the hat holder facing downwards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a hat holder with a hat hung on the hat holder in the downward position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrate a perspective view of the hat holder, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the hat holder, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the hat holder, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates a top the hat holder, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2E illustrates a rear view of the hat holder, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a hat hung on the hat holder, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section.

It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications and non-patent literature cited through this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which a hat 14 is hung on a hat holder 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hat holder 12 is also termed as a hat display hook. The hat holder 12 helps to hang a hat or cap 14 to a structure 16. In one example, the hat 14 includes a clothing accessory such as a baseball type cap, or a decorative article. The structure 16 may be a vertical wall, pole or cupboard or closet or wardrobe or any other vertical structure. The hat 14 includes panels 18 with a bill/brim/visor 20 extending from the front. Further, the hat 14 includes a back strap or a closure 22 at the back. Furthermore, the hat 14 includes a top button 24. Top button 24 helps to sew panels 18 and hold the hat 14 together.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E show a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a top view and a rear view, respectively of hat holder 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hat holder 12 is made of metal, plastic, wood or any other suitable material. The hat holder 12 includes a main body or simply a body 30. The body 30 comes in a flat configuration. The body 30 has a first end 32, a second end 34, a first side 36, a second side 38, a top end 40 and a bottom end 42. The first end 32 indicates a front end and second end 34 indicates a rear end of the body 30, or vice versa. The first side 36 indicates a right side and a second side 38 indicates a left side of body 30, or vice versa. In one example, the body 30 comes in a hexagonal configuration 44. In some examples, the body 30 comes in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, octagonal, pentagon, square or rectangle configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Body 30 includes a hole 46. The hole 46 is configured for insertion of a fastener such as a screw or nail (not shown) to secure the body 30 to structure 16, as shown in FIG. 1. In one example, the second end 34 of the body 30 is coated with adhesive. In another example, the second end 34 of body 30 is provided with a double-sided adhesive strip (not shown). Here, the second end 34 of body 30 is attached/secured to the structure 16 using the adhesive surface or double-sided adhesive strip. In some implementations, other attachment means or mechanisms can be used to removably secure body 30 to structure 16.

Further, the body 30 includes a ring 48. In one example, the ring 48 comes in U-shaped configuration. In another example, ring 48 comes in a semi-circular configuration forming a curved aperture 49 with the body 30. In one example, the ring 48 comes in a U-shaped or semi-circular configuration forming a D-shaped configuration with body 30.

The hat holder 12 further includes one or more arms or prongs or projecting members or flange extensions 50 extending from body 30. The arms 50 extend from body 30 towards first end 32, as can be seen from at least FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C. As can be seen from at least FIG. 2B, the ring 48 is centered between arms 50 in the horizontal direction and above vertically from the arms 50. In one example, the arms 50 include two arms 50, one extending from the first side 36 and another extending from the second side 38 of body 30 towards the first end 32. In other words, the arms 50 extend from the distal ends of body 30 (i.e., at the ends of the first side 36 and the second side 38 towards the first end 32). In another implementation, the arms 50 position adjacent to the hole 46 on both sides and extend from the body 30. Although the present embodiment is presented considering two arms 50, it is possible to provide only one arm 50 extending from body 30 from a suitable position. In addition, more than two arms 50 say, three arms 50 can also be provided, whereby one extends off the center of body 30 and other two arms 50 extend from the distal ends of body 30 (i.e., at the ends of the first side 36 and the second side 38 towards the first end 32).

Each arm 50 includes a first region 52, a second region 54 and a third region 56. First region 52 extends towards first end 32 from body 30. First region 52 has a sloping down configuration. The second region 54 extends from the first region 52 and has a flat or non-angled configuration. The third region 56 extends from second region 54. In the present embodiment, the third region 56 has a sloping up configuration (i.e., the third region 56 angles upwards). Here, the third region 56 raises or slopes up such that the height of the third region 56 goes above the first region 52 and provides sufficient gap with ring 48 in order to receive the hat 14, as shown in FIG. 2C. The third region 56 holds the hat 14 in place and prevents it from falling off hat holder 12. In one example, the third region 56 has a flat portion 58 with smooth edges at the top. The flat portion 58 prevents damage to hat 14 while connecting or removing hat 14 from hat holder 12.

In order to hang or display the hat 14, at first, the hat holder 12 is secured to structure 16. In one example, the fastener is inserted through a hole 46 and the body 30 is secured to the structure 16 such that arms 50 appear extending from structure 16. Optionally, the double-sided adhesive strip is secured at the second end 34 of body 30 and then body 30 is secured to structure 16. In accordance with the present invention, the hat 14 is hung from the hat holder 12 in two configurations i.e., the hat 14 facing forward by its top button 24 or the hat 14 facing downward by its closure 22. FIG. 3 shows the feature of hanging the hat 14 facing forward by its top button 24, in accordance with one exemplary feature of the present invention. Here, the panel 18 of the hat 14 is folded and inserted above the arms 50. Here, the panel 18 is inserted into the hat holder 12 such that panel 18 is made to sit above arms 50 and below the ring 48. After inserting, the top button 24 of the hat 14 is inserted into curved aperture 49 formed at ring 48. In the present implementation, arms 50 (third regions 56) hold hat 14 up while providing a tight grip to hat 14 when top button 24 is hooked, snapped, or placed within the ring 48.

FIG. 1 shows the feature of hanging the hat 14 facing downward, in accordance with one exemplary feature of the present invention. Here, the closure 22 is connected to the arms 50 such that the closure 22 rests below the ring 48 and over at least one of the first region 52, the second region 54 and the third region 56. In other words, the hat 14 suspends facing downward from arms 50.

The hat holder provides several advantages over prior art. In the prior art, the hat holder can only be used to hang a hat in a single configuration. When compared with prior art, the presently disclosed hat holder allows hanging of the hat in at least two configurations i.e., hanging the hat facing forward by its top button or facing downward by its strap/closure. Further, the arm(s) has a region that is angled upwards. This allows the hat to be in a fairly stable position as the hat rests over the arm(s).

Clause 1. A hat holder, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is designed to be connected to a structure; an arm extending from the front end, the arm comprising a first region and a second region, wherein the first region extends from the body, and wherein the second region extends sloping up from the first region; and a ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the arm providing a gap between the second region and the ring, wherein the arm is designed to receive a hat through the gap.

Clause 2. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the first region is flat.

Clause 3. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the first region is sloped down.

Clause 4. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the ring has a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture.

Clause 5. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an adhesive strip.

Clause 6. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a hole designed to receive a fastener to connect the body to the structure.

Clause 7. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the body is characterized as having a hexagonal, octagonal, pentagon, square or rectangular shape.

Clause 8. A hat holder, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is designed to be connected to a structure; arms extending from the front end, wherein each arm of the arms comprises a first region, a second region and a third region, wherein the first region extends from the body, wherein the second region extends from the first region, and wherein the third region extends sloping up from the second region; and a ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the third region thereby providing a gap between the third region and the ring, wherein the arm is designed to receive a hat through the gap.

Clause 9. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the arm extends from a side of the body towards the front end.

Clause 10. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the first region is sloped down.

Clause 11. The hat holder of claim 9, wherein the second region is flat.

Clause 12. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the ring comprises a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture.

Clause 13. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the body comprises an adhesive strip to secure the hat holder to the structure.

Clause 14. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the body comprises a hole, and wherein the hole receives a fastener to connect the body to the structure.

Clause 15. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the body comprises a hexagonal, octagonal, pentagon, square or rectangle configuration.

Clause 16. A hat holder, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear is designed to be connected to a structure; arms extending from the front end, wherein each arm of the arms comprises a first region, a second region and a third region, wherein the first region extends from the body, wherein the first region is sloped down, wherein the second region extends from the first region, wherein the second region is flat, and wherein the third region extends sloping up from the second region; and a ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the third region providing a gap between the third region and the ring, and wherein the ring has a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture, wherein the arms are designed to receive a hat having a panel, a closure and a top button, wherein the ring is designed to receive the top button of the hat, wherein the arms are designed receives the closure such that the hat hangs from the hat holder facing downwards.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

• • environment 10
  • hat holder 12
  • hat 14
  • structure 16
  • panel 18
  • visor 20
  • closure 22
  • top button 24
  • body 30
  • first end 32
  • second end 34
  • first side 36
  • second side 38
  • top end 40
  • bottom end 42
  • hexagonal configuration 44
  • hole 46
  • ring 48
  • curved aperture 49
  • arms 50
  • first region 52
  • second region 54
  • third region 56
  • flat portion 58

Claims

1. A hat holder, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is designed to be connected to a structure;an arm extending from the front end, the arm comprising a first region and a second region, wherein the first region extends from the body, and wherein the second region extends sloping up from the first region; anda ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the arm providing a gap between the second region and the ring,wherein the arm is designed to receive a hat through the gap.

2. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the first region is flat.

3. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the first region is sloped down.

4. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the ring has a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture.

5. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an adhesive strip.

6. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a hole designed to receive a fastener to connect the body to the structure.

7. The hat holder of claim 1, wherein the body is characterized as having a hexagonal, octagonal, pentagon, square or rectangular shape.

8. A hat holder, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is designed to be connected to a structure;arms extending from the front end, wherein each arm of the arms comprises a first region, a second region and a third region, wherein the first region extends from the body, wherein the second region extends from the first region, and wherein the third region extends sloping up from the second region; anda ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the third region thereby providing a gap between the third region and the ring,wherein the arm is designed to receive a hat through the gap.

9. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the arm extends from a side of the body towards the front end.

10. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the first region is sloped down.

11. The hat holder of claim 9, wherein the second region is flat.

12. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the ring comprises a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture.

13. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the body comprises an adhesive strip to secure the hat holder to the structure.

14. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the body comprises a hole, and wherein the hole receives a fastener to connect the body to the structure.

15. The hat holder of claim 8, wherein the body comprises a hexagonal, octagonal, pentagon, square or rectangle configuration.

16. A hat holder, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear is designed to be connected to a structure;arms extending from the front end, wherein each arm of the arms comprises a first region, a second region and a third region, wherein the first region extends from the body, wherein the first region is sloped down, wherein the second region extends from the first region, wherein the second region is flat, and wherein the third region extends sloping up from the second region; anda ring extending from the body from the front end, wherein the ring positions above the third region providing a gap between the third region and the ring, and wherein the ring has a semi-circular configuration with a curved aperture,wherein the arms are designed to receive a hat having a panel, a closure and a top button,wherein the ring is designed to receive the top button of the hat,wherein the arms are designed receives the closure such that the hat hangs from the hat holder facing downwards.