Patent Application
20250049168
The present disclosure relates to headwear with adjustable sizing features. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hat with an adjustable length fastener.
Hats are a type of headwear designed to cover a person's head and worn for a variety of reasons. For example, hats can be worn for protection or as fashion accessories.
Hats known as baseball style caps are a common and popular style of hat. These caps have a crown that covers the head and a stiff brim or bill projecting from a front portion thereof. The brim is designed to provide shade and protect a person's eyes from the sun.
Fitted caps are sized for a specific circumferential head dimension. Fitted caps have the advantage of providing a wearer with a well-fitted, but not always an exactly fitted cap. This means that for one given cap design, there can be 10 to 12 or even 20 sizes. Retailers that stock such fitted caps need to carry a large inventory to have a sufficient quantity of each specific size for the cap design. There are also increased costs related to manufacturing large quantities of sizing variations.
Unlike fitted caps, adjustable caps provide flexibility in sizing to fit a wide range of users that have heads of different circumferential dimensions. Adjustable caps typically have a semi-circular opening in the rear of the cap that is bridged by an adjustable length strap. The adjustable length strap enables a person to adjust a circumferential size of the cap to fit their head.
An example of an adjustable length strap is found on a snapback style cap. A snapback style cap has a mating pair of plastic straps with hole and protruding element pairs referred to as a snapback closure. A snapback closure permits adjustability. However, the adjustability of a snapback closure is limited to the increments of the spacing between each of the hole and protruding element pairs. A fit will rarely be an exact fit. Typically, the fit will simply be a good enough or adequate fit. Consequently, a user may have to choose between a somewhat tight and possibly uncomfortable fit or a somewhat loose and possibly unsecure fit. Moreover, depending on the degree of adjustment, the cap can appear distorted or wrinkled.
Semi-fitted caps are variously sized for a specific range of head dimensions. For example, common sizes include small, medium, large, and the like. Also referred to as flexible or stretch fit caps, semi-fitted caps are sometimes designed as a one size fits most type of solution. These caps can have an uncomfortably tight compressive fit for people with head sizes that deviate over a median size for which the caps are designed or a respectively loose fit for people with head sizes that deviate under a median size for which the caps are designed. Although these caps are marketed to fit a wide variety of head sizes, they are best suited for a small range of head sizes.
Accordingly, it has been determined by the present disclosure that there is a continuing need for a hat and fastener that overcomes, alleviates, and/or mitigates one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of prior hats.
The present disclosure provides a hat with a fastening element that provides an adjustable comfortable fit regardless of a user's circumferential head dimensions or contour.
The present disclosure provides a size adjustable hat with an adjustable length faster that includes macro and micro adjustability.
The adjustable length fastener has an inelastic portion with discrete incremental adjustments to provide a macro adjustment and a progressive tensioning elastic portion to provide a micro adjustment. The adjustable length fastener is affixed to the hat at two locations spaced apart by an angle of 225° to 255°.
The combination of two elastic portions applies symmetrical tension relative to the inelastic portion to facilitate a comfortable and secure fit.
The elastic portion has two segments. The elastic portion can be constructed of a fabric band in which one of the two segments comprises the elastic band folded back on itself.
A hat according to the present disclosure has a crown portion shaped to fit over a wearer's head about a circumference thereof. The crown portion has a front part, a rear part, opposite side parts, and a lower peripheral edge extending along an arc length between an opening in the rear part of the crown. A pair of mating elements are structured to releasably couple at one or more length adjusting positions and form a strap that bridges the opening in the rear part of the crown when the mating elements are coupled. Each mating element of the pair has a free end when uncoupled and an opposite end. Each opposite end is attached to the crown at a respective side part of the crown to be spaced apart by an angle of 225° to 255°. Each mating element has an inelastic portion at the free end connected to an elastic portion at the opposite end. The elastic portion has a first segment and a second segment with elastic characteristics different from elastic characteristics of the first segment.
The first segment can have a length that is at least twice a length of the second segment. The second segment can have a thickness that is at least twice a thickness of the first segment.
In a hat according to the present disclosure, one inelastic portion of the pair of mating elements has a series of protruding elements equally spaced apart from each other along a length thereof and the other inelastic portion of the pair of mating elements has a series of holes equally spaced apart from each other along a length thereof and structured to receive one or more of the protruding elements in a releasable snap fit.
The inelastic portions of the pair of mating elements comprise reciprocal hook and loop fasteners or snapback closures.
The inelastic portions can have a plurality of vertically arranged cutouts of a rectangular shape that extend horizontally along a portion of a length of each inelastic portion at an end opposite the free end and proximate the elastic portion.
In a hat according to the present disclosure, the crown has a plurality of panels stitched together. The elastic portion can be affixed to the hat by stitching at a seam where two panels of the plurality of panels are joined together.
The elastic portion can be a band of elastic fabric with two segments, of which the first segment has a single layer of the band and the second segment has a double layer of the band.
The inelastic portion can have a cutout structured to receive the elastic band and the second segment forms a loop through the cutout.
The band of elastic fabric can have stitching at a juncture of the first segment and the second segment to close the loop.
Referring to the drawings, and in particular to
Hat 100 has a substantially hemispherical head covering portion shaped to fit over the crown 102 of a user's head, and a multicomponent adjustable length fastener 200 that enables a user to adjust a size of the hat to ensure a proper or desired fit. Thus, hat 100 can fit a wide range of head sizes. Hat 100 also has a bill 104 projecting forward from a front portion of the hat to protect and provide shade from the sun and other elements.
As shown, crown 102 has an inner surface 106 (obscured), an outer surface 108, a front portion 110, two side portions 112, a rear portion 114, an apex 116 and a lower peripheral edge 118. There is an opening 120 in rear portion 114. Opening 120 has a length 122 that is bridged by fastener 200, the length of which is adjustable.
Front portion 110 is defined by a forward facing 90° part of hat 100, side portions 112 are each defined by a respective side facing 90° part of hat 100, and rear portion 114 is defined by a rearward facing 90° part of hat 100.
Lower peripheral edge 118 extends around a base of crown 102 between a first end 124 and an opposite, second end 126 of opening 120. An adjustment of fastener 200 lengthens or shortens length 122 and thus alters a circumference of hat 100. The circumference is defined by lower peripheral edge 118 and length 122 of opening 120.
Fastener 200 has a pair of complimentary mating fastening members, first or left fastening member 202 and second or right fastening member 204.
Each fastening member has an elastic portion 206 and an inelastic portion 208. Each elastic portion 206 has a proximal end 210 and a distal end 212. Each inelastic portion 208 has a proximal end 214 and a distal end 216. Proximal end 210 of elastic portion 206 is directly connected to proximal end 214 of inelastic portion 208.
Each distal end 212 of elastic portion 206 is affixed to hat 100 at a respective opposite side of opening 120 near lower peripheral edge 118. Each inelastic portion 208 has a mating portion 218 between proximal end 214 and distal end 216. In an unmated or unconnected configuration, each distal end 216 is a free end. Fastener 200 will be described in further detail below with reference to
Crown 102 can have single panel 128 construction. Alternatively, crown 102 can have a construction of two or more panels 128 that are joined together, as shown in
Panels 128 can be made of a variety of materials. For example, materials can include cotton, wool, polyester, spandex, elastane, nylon, leather, and the like. Likewise, the materials can have a variety of weaves, meshes, and patterns.
Panels 128 can all be the same or different. For example, panels 128 of front portion 110 can be a different material than panels 128 of rear portion 114.
A flap 132 extends upward from lower peripheral edge 118 along inner surface 106. Flap 132 can be stitched or sewn at or near lower peripheral edge 118 so that the flap folds upward. Generally, flap 132 extends upward 20 mm to 50 mm (about 0.75 inches to about 2.0 inches). Flap 132 can function as a sweat band or guard.
In examples of hat 100, crown 102 can also have a button 134 disposed at apex 116 of the crown. Button 134 is also referred to as a squatchee. Button 134 functions to hide or cover apex 116 where, in example implementations of hat 100 with multiple panels, multiple seams 130 converge.
Referring to
Attachment of fastener 200 to hat 100 can be by, for example, a stitching or an adhesive.
It has been found by the present disclosure that attaching fastener 200 to hat 100 with each distal end 212 at an angle α from 225° to 255° apart at lower peripheral edge 118 is advantageous to providing a user with a comfortable fit. Preferably, angle α is from 230° to 250°, more preferably from 235° to 245°, and most preferably from 238° to 243°.
In hats with six panels 128, an angle of 240° advantageously aligns with seams 130 shown in
Fastener 200 is shown in
Male fastening element 220 has a series of protruding elements 224 spaced apart a length thereof. Female fastening element 222 has a series of holes 226 equally spaced apart a length thereof to receive protruding elements 224. Protruding elements 224 and holes 226 are structured to releasably couple by a snap fit connection.
As shown, there are six protruding elements 224 and six holes 226. In other implementations according to the disclosure, there can be two to twelve, preferably four to eight, and most preferably five to seven.
For a given length of inelastic portion 208, the greater the number of protruding elements 224 and holes 226, the smaller the spacing between each. The spacing defines a fixed amount of incremental adjustability. The spacing between each protruding element 224 and hole 226 can vary from, for example, 6 mm to 12 mm. Assuming a 9 mm spacing in the example implementation shown in
The length adjustment achieved by male fastening element 220 and female fastening element 220 provides for a series of discrete incremental macro adjustments.
Between proximal end 214 and mating portion 218, there are vertically arranged cutouts 228 with a rectangular shape that extends horizontally along a portion of a length of male fastening element 220 and female fastening element 222. Cutouts 228 have a height and a length that is at least four times, preferably 6 times, the height. The height can be 1 mm to 2 mm and the length can be 4 mm to 12 mm, for example. As shown, there are three cutouts 228. It is envisioned that there can be two to six cutouts 228. Without wishing to be bound by a single theory, it is believed that cutouts 228 add flexibility to inelastic portions 208 to facilitate adapting fastener 200 to that shape of a user's head.
Inelastic portion 208 can be made of a material that is flexible and bends but does not stretch. Suitable materials can include thermoplastic polymers and copolymers like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. In embodiments, inelastic portion 208 is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Connected at proximal end 214 of inelastic portion 208 is elastic portion 206. In the hat embodiment shown, inelastic portion 208 includes a cutout 230 for receiving elastic portion 206. Elastic portion 206 is an elastic strip of fabric having a portion that is configured in a loop 232 to loop through cutout 230 and back on itself. Stitching 234 closes the loop. Loop 232 defines a first segment 236 of elastic portion 206. The non-looped portion defines a second segment 238. By this configuration, first segment 236 and second segment 238 achieve different elastic characteristics.
Elastic portion 206 is made of a material or combination of materials that together are capable of resuming its normal shape after being stretched. Elastic portion 206 extends a certain percentage from its normal size. For example, elastic portion 206 extends can 100% to 300%.
Elastic portion 206 can have a four way stretch but is preferably a two way stretch that is lengthwise along a length of lower peripheral edge 118.
Suitable materials for elastic portion 206 include elastane, polyester.
In embodiments, elastic portion 206 can be a blend of 85% polyester and 15% spandex. The polyester has a warp with polyester 150d and a weft with polyester high-shrinkage 100d. The spandex is spandex 840d.
Upon application of a load force F, elastic portion 206 extends a displacement length from an equilibrium length up to an elastic limit length. First segment 236 has different elongation characteristics than second segment 238. Thus, there is a progressive tension in elastic portion 206. The present disclosure has found the progressive tensions contributes to a better fit of hat 100.
Reference is now also made to
The force constants and displaceable lengths are determined by various factors, including thickness, equilibrium or free length, and material composition of first segment 236 and second segment 238.
In an example implementation according to the disclosure, Lep is 40 mm, L1 is 14 mm, L2 is 26 mm, x1 is 22 mm, x2 is 50 mm and xep is 72 mm. In this example, elastic portion 206 is a blend of 70% polyester 150D and 30% spandex 560/100/100 with a height of 21 mm and thickness of 1 mm.
It should be appreciated that for a given force F, a displacement of L1 will be less than a displacement of L2 and that L2 will achieve its elastic limit prior to L1. In other examples, Lep can be 36 mm to 42 mm, L1 can be 12 mm to 16 mm, L2 can be 22 mm to 30 mm.
In combination with the macro adjustment of inelastic portion 208, attachment locations of fastener 200 being 225° to 255° apart relative to a front of the hat, an elastic portion 206 with a ratio of L2:L1 of 2.2 to 1.3, preferably 1.8 to 1.5, has been surprisingly found to provide a comfortable micro adjustment, thus providing a better fitting hat for a wider range of head sizes.
It is contemplated that the height can vary from 18 to 24 mm and the thickness can vary from 0.8 to 1.2 mm while still achieving a comfortable fit.
Of course, in the example shown in
It should be appreciated that in certain implementations according to the disclosure, the arrangement of first segment 236 and second segment 238 with respect to hat 100 can be reversed. It should also be appreciated that there can be third, further, or even more segments of elastic portion 206.
Elastic portion 206 of left fastening member 202 and right fastening member 204 are substantially the same. In this context, the term “substantially” means the elastic portions 206 function as if identically the same even if there are slight deviations that ordinarily occur in the course of manufacturing.
Although male fastening element 220 and female fastening element 222 were described above a snap fitting closures, other adjustable length elements are contemplated.
For example, these include a mating pair of straps having reciprocally engaging hook and loop fasteners or a variation having a D-fit closure uses a single strap looped through a D-ring affixed at one end of the opening. Buckled straps are also contemplated. Each of these are inelastic portions that, like male fastening element 220 and female fastening element 222, provide for a macro adjustment that functions in combination with the micro adjustment of elastic portion 206.
It should be noted that when the same reference number is used in different figures of the drawings, the reference number refers to the same or like part.
It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “left”, “right” and the like are be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.
As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness can in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.
As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. Further, where a numerical range is provided, the range is intended to include any and all numbers within the numerical range, including the end points of the range.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure will not be limited to the particular examples disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all examples falling within the scope of the appended claims.
