Hat With Air Curtain

Abstract

Provided is a hat that creates an air curtain between a wearer and the external environment to prevent contact with contaminants, pathogens, insects, and the like. The device includes a hat with a fan, an air intake, a power switch, a power source, an interior channel, and release points. Air is directed into the hat through the air intake, which then travels through the interior channel towards the release points. The air is compressed and expelled through release points, which are angled downward and away from the wearer. The flow of air creates an air curtain separating the wearer from the external environment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hat. More particularly, it pertains to a hat that creates an air curtain to prevent the wearer from coming into contact with contaminants, pathogens, insects, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humans have known for centuries that the inhalation of contaminants can cause disease or death. An early form of protection against such contaminants involved covering ones nose and mouth with breathable materials, such as with a Shemagh or a bandana. Modern forms of protection include N-95 masks, which are particulate-filtering masks or respirators that filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the interest in protection from contaminants, such as viruses became a part of daily life. For example, stores began implementing procedures to enforce “social distancing” policies by placing markers on the floor indicating where to stand, directional arrows to indicate the flow of traffic through the store, and the installation of plexiglass shields at checkouts to better protect cashiers from human-to-human transmission of pathogens. Additionally, many country, state, and local governments required the use of masks or face coverings when in public, and some even advocated for the use of masks when indoors.

Many individuals, however, are unable to wear a mask or face covering for an extended period of time or at all. For example, mask use is discouraged for individuals that have trouble breathing, or are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance. Similarly, many individuals have health conditions that prohibit wearing a face covering. Finally, as is known, long-term use of masks can cause claustrophobia, irritability, and hypoxia.

In addition, while many individuals appreciate the enhanced safety afforded by face coverings, it also causes individuals to feel self conscious and emotionless. As an example, when greeting a person, it is customary to smile at them. A mask or face covering, however, makes it virtually impossible to tell if one is smiling or frowning. After wearing a face covering for extended periods of time, individuals become accustomed to not being able to read the emotions of others or having their own emotions understood. This causes one to stop smiling or expressing oneself through ones face, which can lead to psychological and emotional issues.

As evidenced above, it is clear that a new means of affording protection from transmission of respiratory droplets with a device that does not cover the face is desirable. Therefore, a need exists for an alternative to a traditional face covering that affords protection without restricting ones ability to breathe or express oneself through ones face.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the current problems that exist with conventional face coverings by providing a hat that creates an air curtain between a wearer and the external environment. The device includes a hat with a fan, an air intake, a power switch, a power source, an interior channel, and release points. Air is directed into the hat through the air intake, which then travels through the interior channel towards the release points. The air is compressed and expelled through release points that are angled downward and away from the wearer. The flow of air creates an air curtain separating the wearer from the exterior environment, thereby affording protection against contaminants, pathogens, insects, and the like.

The present invention substantially diverges from the devices that are known and disclosed in the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing face coverings. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of face coverings now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a hat that creates an air curtain, wherein the same can be utilized for preventing the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and the like between individuals.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hat that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hat that creates an air curtain between a wearer and individuals in the wearer's proximity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hat that provides protection from contaminants while not covering the mouth of a wearer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hat that resembles a traditional safari hat with a dome shaped top and a wide brim.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hat that provides complete protection from the elements and an air curtain that completely surrounds the head of the user.

A final object of the present invention is to provide an air curtain hat that can be operated via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a hat comprising a fan, an air intake, a power switch, a power source, an interior channel, and release points.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a hat drawing air through the air intake, through the interior channel, and out the release points.

FIG. 3A shows an overhead view of a hat comprising a fan, an air intake, a power switch, and a power source.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a hat comprising a fan, an air intake, a power switch, and a power source.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a hat comprising a fan, a power switch, and a power source in use and creating an air shield.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a hat comprising a fan, a power switch, and a power source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the cashier station shield. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used as a hat that creates an air curtain between a wearer and individuals in the wearer's proximity. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Definition

An “air curtain” is an invisible and continuously blown curtain of air that creates a barrier or shield. The air curtain diverts airborne hazards, including insects, contaminants, particles, pathogens, and respiratory droplets away from a location. Air curtains are recommended by the FDA as an effective means of protection from airborne hazards, as enumerated in Food Code 6-202.15(D)(2). As described herein, air shields prevent insects, contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelled from the mouth or nose of a person from being spread from one person to another.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of a hat 101 comprising a fan 102, an air intake 103, a power switch 104, a power source 105, an interior channel 106, and release points 107. In a non-limiting example, the hat 101 can resemble a traditional safari hat that includes a dome shaped top 108 and a wide brim 109 that extends thereabout. The brim 109 extends 360 degrees around the dome shaped top 108, which provides the two-fold advantage of complete protection from the elements and an air curtain that completely surrounds the head of the user, which will be discussed in greater detail below. The top of the hat 101 includes an air intake/filter 103 comprising a series of slots 110. As can be appreciated, air is drawn into the intake 103 through the slots 110 and is filtered in order to prevent large particulates from entering into the system and potentially causing damage thereto. The intake/filter 103 additionally cleans the air that is released from the device to create the air curtain. As an example, the intake/filter 103 can be constructed of an N95 or similar material to remove particulates therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the air is drawn into the intake/filter 103 via a conventional 12-volt fan 102. The fan 102 is operated by an on/off switch 104 that activates and deactivates the fan 102.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of a hat 101 drawing air 201 through the intake/filter 103, through the interior channel 106, and out the release points 107. The fan 102 draws air 201 through the intake/filter 103 and into the interior channel 106. The interior channel 106 comprises a first and a second dome 202, 203 with a space 204 therebetween, and a first and a second brim 205, 206 with a space 207 therebetween. Air 201 is forced through the interior channel 106 and is compressed, wherein it is expelled through the release points 107. The release points 107 comprise a series of openings at the distal end of the brim 109 that are angled downward. Air 201 is forced through the release points 107 to create an air curtain 209 that surrounds the head of the user.

The fan 102 can additionally include a means of filtering or purifying the air prior to its entering the interior channel 106. In one embodiment, the fan 102 includes one or more of an air scrubber filtration system, such as a HEPA filter or an ultraviolet sterilizer. Any known means for filtering and/or purifying the air can be utilized with the fan.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown an overhead view of a hat 101 comprising a fan 102, an air intake 103, a power switch 104, and a power source 105. The top of the hat 101 includes a power switch 104. In the preferred embodiment, the power switch 104 comprises a conventional toggle that can be moved to an “on” position or an “off” position. Alternately, the power switch 104 can be a push button or another type of conventional power switch 104 that is known in the art. The power switch 104 activates the fan 102 to draw air into the hat 101 to create the air curtain.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, there is shown a side view of a hat 101 comprising a motion sensor 301. In an alternate embodiment, the fan 102 as best viewed in FIG. 3A can be activated via a motion detector 301. In this embodiment, the fan 102 is automatically powered when motion is detected. As an example, when the user picks up the hat 101 to place it on his head, the motion detector senses 301 the movement and activates the fan 102. The fan 102 can continue running for a set length of time if motion is no longer detected. As can be appreciated, ones head is constantly in motion, and as such the fan 102 will continuously run until the hat is removed for nonuse or storage. Alternately, the device can be powered by a combination on/off switch and a motion detector 301, with the user having the ability to select his desired mode of operation. The fan 102 can operate via a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of a hat 101 comprising a fan 102, a power switch 104, and a power source 105 in use and creating an air curtain 209. Air 201 is forced through the interior channel 106 as shown in FIG. 1, and is compressed, wherein it is expelled through the release points 107 at the distal end of the brim 109 that are angled downward to create an air curtain 209 that surrounds the head of the user. The air curtain 209 is an invisible and continuously blown curtain of air that creates a barrier or shield. The air curtain 209 diverts airborne hazards, including insects, contaminants, particles, pathogens, and respiratory droplets away from a location.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a side view of a hat 101 comprising a fan 102, a power switch 104, and a power source 105. The power source 105 for the hat can utilize conventional batteries, including standard size AA or AAA alkaline, lithium, or rechargeables. Alternately, the hat 101 can be powered by a rechargeable lithium battery pack, such as those found in a smartphone. The lithium pack can be user replaceable or can be integrated into the device such that it is not user replaceable. Alternately, the hat 101 can be powered by a built-in solar panel 501 affixed to the dome shaped top 108. The solar panel 501 can provide full or supplemental energy to the hat, thereby lessening the need for constant charging or replacement of batteries.

The power source 105 and solar panel 501 can alternately be positioned on the side of the dome. Alternately, the power source 105 can be integrated into the brim 109 for a more aesthetically pleasing look. The solar panel 501 can be positioned anywhere on the exterior of the hat 101, including on the top of the dome shaped top 108 surrounding the air intake, between the dome 109 and the brim 108, and along the upper surface of the brim 108. As can be appreciated, the solar panel 501 is substantially facing upwards in order to collect energy from the sun in order to power the fan 102.

While an embodiment of the inventive hat is shown as a safari hat with a brim and dome, any type of hat can be utilized with the system disclosed herein. The inventive system can be utilized with a baseball style hat, a top hat, a jungle hat, or any other style of hat that is known.

Overall, the present invention provides a new and improved device for creating an air curtain between a customer and a retailer at a cashier station. The device creates an air curtain to prevent the exchange of contaminants, pathogens, and respiratory droplets produced by the customer or retailer from being passed from one person to another. Additionally, the device permits the exchange of goods between customer and retailer without the need for maneuvering around a plexiglass barrier. The device can be retrofitted for use with existing cashier stations, and can be quickly installed and removed as required. This in turn provides a cost effective and simple solution to increase safety for customers and employees.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A hat comprising: a fan, an air intake, a power switch, a power source, an interior channel, and a plurality of release points;wherein said fan causes air to travel through said air intake, said interior channel, and out said plurality of said release points to create an air curtain comprising an invisible and continuously blown curtain of air that creates a barrier or shield surrounding a user when wearing said hat.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said hat comprises a brim and a dome.

3) The device of claim 2, wherein said brim extends 360 degrees around said dome.

4) The device of claim 1, wherein said air intake comprises an air filter.

5) The device of claim 1, wherein said interior channel comprises a first and a second dome with a space therebetween.

6) The device of claim 1, wherein said brim comprises a first and a second brim with a space therebetween.

7) The device of claim 1, wherein said release points comprise a series of openings that are angled downward at a distal end of said brim.

8) The device of claim 1, wherein said said fan operates via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application.

9) The device of claim 1, wherein said fan operates via a motion sensor system.

10) The device of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries, or a solar panel.

11) The device of claim 1, wherein said hat comprises a baseball style hat, a top hat, or a jungle hat.

12) A hat comprising: a fan;an air intake;a power switch;a power source;an interior channel comprising a first and a second dome with a space therebetween;a brim comprising a first and a second brim with a space therebetween;and a plurality of release points comprising a series of openings that are angled downward at a distal end of said brim;wherein said fan causes air to travel through said air intake, said interior channel, and out said plurality of said release points to create an air curtain comprising an invisible and continuously blown curtain of air that creates a barrier or shield surrounding a user when wearing said hat.

13) The device of claim 12, wherein said hat comprises a brim and a dome.

14) The device of claim 13, wherein said brim extends 360 degrees around said dome.

15) The device of claim 12, wherein said air intake comprises an air filter.

16) The device of claim 12, wherein said said fan operates via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application.

17) The device of claim 12, wherein said fan operates via a motion sensor system.

18) The device of claim 12, wherein said power source comprises conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries, or a solar panel.

19) The device of claim 12, wherein said hat comprises a baseball style hat, a top hat, or a jungle hat.