BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to the field of fasteners of existing art and more specifically relates to fastening means for head coverings.
RELATED ART
Many people wear ballcaps, and these same people often partake in outdoor activities. It's common for the hat to be blown off or almost blown off the head of the wearer when enjoying these activities. For instance, if they're at the park on a windy day, or riding side-by-sides, or boating or rollercoasters or horse riding, coaching kids from the sidelines, playing baseball or darn near anything that exposes you to wind and gusts of wind that can dislodge your hat from your head. Additionally, wearer motion, not just wind, can dislodge a cap/hat. A suitable solution is desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,841 to Jonathan Jackson relates to a headwear tether. The described headwear tether includes tether for coupling an article of headwear to clothing of an individual. The inventive device includes a headwear engaging assembly for coupling to an article of headwear. A tether extends from the headwear engaging assembly and terminates in a clothing engaging assembly for coupling to an article of clothing to secure the headwear relative thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known fastening means for head coverings art, the present disclosure provides a novel headwear retaining device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an efficient and effective headwear retaining device.
A headwear retaining device is disclosed herein. The headwear retaining device includes an elongated strap having a first spring-loaded tension clip, a second spring-loaded tension clip, and a securing tab. The first spring-loaded tension clip is positioned at a first-end of the elongated strap. The second spring-loaded tension clip is positioned at a second-end of the elongated strap opposing the first spring-loaded tension clip. The securing tab is hosted on the elongated strap at a length-center and comprises apertures for receiving a portion of the elongated strap within. The securing tab is spring-loaded and allows for adjustability of the elongated strap. The first spring-loaded tension clip and the second spring-loaded tension clip are configured to engage with and secure opposing side panels of an article of headwear during use.
A method for use is also disclosed herein including the steps of: step one, providing an elongated strap having a first spring-loaded tension clip positioned at a first-end of the elongated strap, and a second spring-loaded tension clip positioned at a second-end of the elongated strap opposing the first spring-loaded tension clip, and a securing tab hosted on the elongated strap at a length-center, the securing tab comprising apertures for receiving a portion of the elongated strap within; step two, securing the first spring-loaded tension clip to a first-side of an article of headwear; step three, securing the second spring-loaded tension clip to a second-side of the article of headwear; step four, adjusting the securing tab; and step five, removing the elongated strap from the article of headwear.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a headwear retaining device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the headwear retaining device during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the headwear retaining device of FIG. 1 during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the headwear retaining device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spring-loaded tension clip of the headwear retaining device of FIG. 1 during a ‘closed-condition’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spring-loaded tension clip of the headwear retaining device of FIG. 1 during an ‘open-condition’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spring-loaded tension clip connected to an elongated strap of the headwear retaining device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the securing tab hosted on the elongated strap of the headwear retaining device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to fastening means for head coverings and more particularly to a headwear retaining device as used to improve the securing of headwear that fastens to a hat, such as ball cap, in order to prevent the hat from being blown off a head of a user.
Generally, the headwear retaining device comprises a length-adjustable elongated strap for secure attachment to headwear, such as but not limited to baseball caps, which prevents the headwear from unintentionally falling off the user due to factors such as wind or wearer motion. The elongated strap comprises a length of pliable, moisture-resistant fabric. A spring-loaded clip is provided at each end of the strap. The clips of the elongated strap fasten to a lower edge of a hat dome on opposing sides. Furthermore, the clips of the strap feature a durable, gripping texture to ensure firm placement upon a hat. Additionally, the clips may be interchangeable upon the elongated strap. A securing tab is also provided. The securing tab is spring-loaded and fastened to a portion of the elongated strap. The securing tab may be used to adjust a length of the elongated strap. The securing tab features two apertures and a push button. A plurality of clips and fasteners of different materials may be used in various embodiments. The headwear retaining device can be made in variations in which its strap is permanently attached to corresponding headwear.
In one embodiment, the elongated strap of the headwear retaining device is made of woven polyester material in an approximate sixteen-inch length (16″). Lengthwise sidewalls of the elongated strap are hemmed. At each endpoint of the elongated strap is a spring-loaded tension clip. Interior planes of the spring-loaded tension clips are textured. A spring-loaded, securing tab is hosted upon the elongated strap in its length-center. The securing tab is made of durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and includes two (2) apertures having a diameter of approximately a quarter-inch (¼).
A method of use may be as follows: Prior to wearing a hat, a user may attach the headwear retaining device to the hat by applying the spring-loaded clips to opposing sidewalls of the hat. The user may then slide the securing tab up the elongated strap just below his or her chin in order to comfortably secure the hat upon the user. The user may then engage in outdoor activities, including sporting activities, without risk of losing the hat due to motion or wind.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-7, various views of a headwear retaining device 100.
FIG. 1 shows a headwear retaining device 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the headwear retaining device 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 40 to secure headwear to a user 40 prevent headwear from being blown off or otherwise being removed unintentionally from a user's head. As illustrated, the headwear retaining device 100 may include an elongated strap 110 having a first spring-loaded tension clip 112, a second spring-loaded tension clip 120, and a securing tab 130 provided for securing an article of headwear 10 such as a baseball-type cap in a desired position on a head of a user 40.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the headwear retaining device 100 of FIG. 1 during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the headwear retaining device 100 may include the elongated strap comprising the first spring-loaded tension clip 112, the second spring-loaded tension clip 120, and the securing tab 130. The first spring-loaded tension clip 112 is positioned at a first-end 114 of the elongated strap 110. The second spring-loaded tension clip 120 is positioned at a second-end 122 of the elongated strap 110 opposing the first spring-loaded tension clip 112. The securing tab 130 is hosted on the elongated strap 110 at a length-center and comprises apertures 132 for receiving a portion of the elongated strap 110 within. The first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 are configured to engage with and secure opposing side panels 15 of an article of headwear 10 during use.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the headwear retaining device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The elongated strap 110 is shown including the securing tab 130, the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 positioned at the first-end 114 of the elongated strap 110 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 positioned at the second-end 122 of the elongated strap 110. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated strap 110 has a length of approximately 16 inches. The elongated strap 110 may be coated in a waterproof and/or water-resistant material. The elongated strap 110 of the headwear retaining device 100 may be made in various lengths and widths. The elongated strap 110 may be made of various applicable materials, such as but not limited to nylon and polyester, and in various shapes, such as but not limited to band and cord. The headwear retaining device 100 prevents the article of headwear 10 to which it attaches from unintentionally falling off the wearer.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spring-loaded tension clip of the headwear retaining device 100 of FIG. 1 during a ‘closed-condition’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 each include an ergonomic push tab 124 allowing for manipulation of the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 alternately between an open-condition and a closed-condition. In certain embodiments, the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 include functional indicia 126. The headwear retaining device 100 may feature various means of attachment upon headwear, including but not limited to spring-loaded tension clips, hook-and-loop material, and ties. The headwear retaining device 100 may be provided in a wide range of formats, designs, and colors for use with many varieties of headwear.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spring-loaded tension clip of the headwear retaining device 100 of FIG. 1 during an ‘open-condition’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 each comprise textured interior planes 128. The textured interior planes 128 may be comprised of a series of teeth 129 configured to engage with an article of headwear 10 without damaging the article of headwear 10. The headwear retaining device 100 allows users 40 to safely wear hats and other articles of headwear while engaging in outdoor activities that generate wind, such as but not limited to cycling, running, boating, horse riding and use of all-terrain vehicles, but without risk of losing the article of headwear 10 during those activities. The headwear retaining device 100 can be used with a variety of types of headwear. The headwear retaining device 100 is attachable and removable, allowing for the device to be used with multiple hats in individual incidents of use.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spring-loaded tension clip connected to an elongated strap 110 of the headwear retaining device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first-end 114 of the elongated strap 110 and the second-end 122 of the elongated strap 110 each include a strap cap 136. The headwear retaining device 100 further includes acceptance columns 138 that work in combination with each of the strap caps 136 to connect a respective one of the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 to the elongated strap 110. The acceptance columns 138 comprise semi-rigid rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 are permanently affixed to the elongated strap 110. In alternative embodiments, the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 are interchangeable and removable from the elongated strap 110. In this embodiment, the acceptance columns 138 receives the strap caps 136 such to connect a respective one of the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 and the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 to the elongated strap 110.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the securing tab 130 hosted on the elongated strap 110 of the headwear retaining device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The securing tab 130 comprises two apertures 132 each configured to allow the elongated strap 110 to pass therethrough. The securing tab 130 is spring-loaded and allows for adjustability of the elongated strap 110. As shown, the securing tab 130 includes a push button 134. Depression of the push button 134 releases a grip of the securing tab 130 from the elongated strap 110 allowing for adjustability of a positioning of the securing tab 130. Alternatively, releasing of the push button 134 allows for gripping of the securing tab 130 on the elongated strap 110 in order to maintain a position of the securing tab 130 at a desired position. The securing tab 130 can tighten the elongated strap 110 under a chin of the user 40. The securing tab 130 of the headwear retaining device 100 may be produced of various materials in various shapes and sizes.
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method of use 800 may include one or more components or features of the headwear retaining device 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method for use 800 may include the steps of: step one 801, providing an elongated strap 110 having a first spring-loaded tension clip 112 positioned at a first-end 114 of the elongated strap 110, and a second spring-loaded tension clip 120 positioned at a second-end 122 of the elongated strap 110 opposing the first spring-loaded tension clip 112, and a securing tab 130 hosted on the elongated strap 110 at a length-center, the securing tab 130 comprising apertures 132 for receiving a portion of the elongated strap 110 within; step two 802, securing the first spring-loaded tension clip 112 to a first-side of an article of headwear 10; step three 803, securing the second spring-loaded tension clip 120 to a second-side of the article of headwear 10; step four 804, adjusting the securing tab 130; and step five 805, removing the elongated strap 110 from the article of headwear 10.
It should be noted that step five 805 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 800 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 8 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 800. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for use, are taught herein.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.
Patent Application
20230119199
