Patent Application
20240358108
The present invention relates generally to the field of interchangeable hat devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a customizable hat with a zipper down the middle of its length, allowing users to interchange different designs. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in interchangeable hat devices. Generally, people may enjoy wearing different types of hats and headgear to express personal style and creativity. However, standard hats are limited to a single design or color. Thus, people may be looking for more unique and customizable hats.
Hat wearers often purchase a wide range of hats to provide a large variety of options for accenting an appearance. For example, many hat wearers often buy hats of various color schemes to match various outfits or to portray support for or affiliation with a particular idea, group, person, or organization on a particular occasion. The wide range of colors and decorations available leads many hat wearers to purchase large amounts of hats, which can create cost and storage issues. Furthermore, a conventional hat has the color determined at the time of manufacture and the user cannot change to a different color later. In addition, even when only a part of the hat is contaminated, the entire hat has to be washed, thereby increasing the washing cost and reducing the life of the hat.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved interchangeable hat device that can allow for customization by interchanging different designs. More particularly, there is a demand for an interchangeable hat device that allows users to obtain different types of headwear without having to purchase multiple expensive hats.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that provides users with a customizable hat with a zipper down the middle of its length, allowing users to interchange different designs. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that enables users to zip two halves together to create a unique and stylish hat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that allows users to obtain different types of headwear without having to purchase multiple expensive hats. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a more effective and convenient way for people to express themselves and their creativity through fashion. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that has an adjustable strap to alter its size. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that can accommodate any outfit.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an interchangeable hat device. The device is a ballcap that has a zipper down the middle of the entire length of the hat, allowing for the interchanging of designs. The interchangeable hat device comprises a body component that is configured into two different halves that can be secured together. More specifically, the two different halves can be zipped together to create a unique hat. Thus, the body component may be available in different halves that can be mixed and matched and combined together to create a custom look. Further, an adjustable strap on the back of the body component allows a user to alter the hat's size and maintain comfort for each user. Additionally, the hat is unisex and offers a stylish and fun headwear item that can accommodate any outfit.
In this manner, the interchangeable hat device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides users with a customizable hat. The device enables users to zip two halves together to create a unique hat. The device allows users to express their creativity.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an interchangeable hat device. The device is a ballcap that has a zipper down the middle of the entire length of the hat, allowing for the interchanging of designs. The interchangeable hat device comprises a body component that is configured into two different halves that can be secured together. More specifically, the two different halves can be zipped together to create a unique hat. Thus, the body component may be available in different halves that can be mixed and matched and combined together to create a custom look. Further, an adjustable strap on the back of the body component allows a user to alter the hat's size and maintain comfort for each user. Additionally, the hat is unisex and offers a stylish and fun headwear item that can accommodate any outfit.
Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a hat user to personally customize the appearance of a hat by choosing between and implementing a variety of interchangeable parts. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure include a hat with the crown section and brim component being separated into two halves that are interchangeable and customizable. Accordingly, a user of the hat with interchangeable parts according to the present disclosure may pick and choose between different colors, logos, designs, and styles of the halves. For example, when a user of a hat according to one of the embodiments herein attends a particular event, the user may choose a particular logo and/or particular colors to display in support of the event, a particular sports team, or any message or design that the user wishes to convey.
In one embodiment, the hat comprises a crown section, a brim component, and an adjustable back strap. The crown section and the brim component form the body component of the hat device. The body component is broken into two halves, down the center. The two halves can be interchanged, as needed, with additional halves of varying colors and styles. Each interchangeable half can include any design, graphic, image, phrase, color, monogram, emblem, mascot, picture, shape, style, and so forth as desired by users. Additionally, each interchangeable half can include any color, shape, or other design feature desired by users. With a variety of interchangeable halves at their disposal, users can extensively customize a hat or baseball cap by interchanging the various interchangeable halves without the need to buy multiple completed hats or baseball caps.
In one embodiment, the interchangeable hat device includes a crown section comprising a plurality of interconnected panels, the panels forming a hemispherical dome or crown with a crown apex, a lower peripheral edge forming a headband at a lower extremity of the crown, a front face spanning from the lower peripheral edge to the crown apex, and a rear opening defined by a gap in the lower peripheral edge opposite the front face of the crown section. Wherein the gap in the lower peripheral edge includes an adjustable back strap for securing the hat to a user's head. Specifically, the back strap is removably or permanently attached to the crown section adjacent to the lower peripheral edge and the rear opening. Further, a brim component is secured at the lower peripheral edge of the front face and extends outward from the front face, forming the rigid brim component.
Overall, when the interchangeable hat device is assembled into a single headwear piece, the crown section is shaped as a dome with one end extending outwardly from the front of the crown section, as a rigid, self-supporting brim component. Thus, in all outward appearances, the interchangeable hat device resembles a conventional ball cap.
Generally, the present invention relates to an interchangeable hat device provided with a zipper, and more particularly, to an interchangeable hat device provided with a body component secured by a zipper. The device is capable of implementing various designs by attaching a zipper to the halves of the body component and separating and combining the same with halves in various colors and styles to create a customizable hat.
In one embodiment, the interchangeable hat device comprises a body component configured into two halves secured together with a zipper. Specifically, the zipper is provided at the boundary of the first and second halves, allowing the first and second halves to be combined or separated from each other. As such, when the first half and the second half have different colors, and the arrangement order of each is changed by the zipper, a combination of various colors may be implemented. In one embodiment, the zipper provided at the edges of the first half and the second half, respectively, may be integrally coupled if necessary.
In more detail, the zipper includes a first tape disposed along an edge of the first half. A plurality of male teeth are arranged at an edge of the first tape. A second tape disposed along an edge of the second cover. A female tooth disposed on the edge of the second tape and having a male and female coupling with the male tooth. And, a slider for engaging or separating the male teeth and the female teeth.
The zipper is disposed on the inside edges of the first half and the second half, respectively. Therefore, in the state where the first half and the second half are brought into contact with each other, the slider of the zipper can be coupled or separated by raising or lowering in the vertical direction. Typically, the zipper can be started or stopped at the front of the brim component or started or stopped at the back of the hat. As such, the two halves may be combined with or separated from each other by the zipper to vary the color combination of each other.
In one embodiment, the slider of the zipper is mounted with a ring or other pull component, so that the user can hold and pull the zipper by hand. If a pull component is included, the ring is preferably disposed to face the inside of the hat. In other words, when the ring protrudes out of the hat, it may be unsightly, so it is preferable that the ring is disposed inward of the hat. Of course, when considering the practicality rather than the design of the hat, it is also possible that the ring is arranged outside the hat.
In one embodiment, a magnet or other securing means may be disposed inside the first tape and the second tape at the lower portion or the end point of the zipper. Thus, when the ring of the zipper reaches the lower end, it is attached to this magnet, so that the ring can be prevented from moving or coming into contact with a user's skin.
Although the hat device has been described as coupling the halves together via the zipper, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be coupled by various coupling structures, such as Velcro or by a hook and latch, etc.
In operation, a user would choose two halves of different styles and/or colors to combine together. The first and the second halves are then positioned to have their interior edges face either other, such that they form a hat. Then, the first tape provided on the edge of the first half and the second tape provided on the edge of the second half face each other. Then, the slider is inserted into the edge starting point of the first and second halves. At this time, the male teeth and the female teeth are disposed on the first and second tape and are disposed at the coupling positions. Further, when the slider is pulled upward along the vertical direction, the slider proceeds upward while the male and female teeth are sequentially engaged. In addition, when the slider reaches the end of the first and second halves, the first and second halves are integrally coupled together creating a hat of customizable design and style. The user can then wear the customized hat device as a conventional hat and adjust the adjustable back strap to fit their required size head.
In one embodiment, the adjustable back strap on the back of the body component allows the crown section of the hat device to accommodate a large amount of different-sized user heads when worn. Specifically, the gap in the lower peripheral edge includes the adjustable back strap for securing the hat to a user's head. Further, the back strap is removably or permanently attached to the crown section adjacent to the lower peripheral edge and the rear opening. Embodiments of the adjustable back strap can include any shape, style, or functional design of hat fasteners or back straps, such as, but not limited to, traditional snap closures, elastic cloth of adjustable or fixed length, straps with hook and loop fastener, etc.
In some embodiments, the interchangeable hat device can include a lower peripheral edge with a complete circumference, such that there is no gap defining a rear opening and thus no need for an adjustable back strap. Embodiments without the adjustable back strap would of a necessity be fitted to the user either by appropriate sizing of the lower peripheral edge or via an elastic headband or sweatband being integrated with the lower peripheral edge. Embodiments that do include the adjustable back strap would have the advantages of superior adjustability and customizability, but some users may prefer to purchase a fitted cap without a rear opening.
In some embodiments, the lower peripheral edge has a sweat band attached on an interior surface thereof, the sweat band is constructed of an absorbent material configured to absorb and or wick the sweat of the user.
In one embodiment, the interchangeable hat device can be manufactured from any conventional material that is used to construct headwear, such as polyester, nylon, cotton blends, etc. Since moisture from perspiration may damage some materials, the interchangeable hat device should be made of a moisture resistant material or comprises a moisture resistant coating.
In yet another embodiment, the interchangeable hat device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of customizing a hat to create a custom look is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable hat device comprising a body component that is configured into two different halves that can be secured together. The method also comprises choosing two halves based on their color and style. Further, the method comprises zipping the two halves together to form the hat. The method also comprises adjusting the back strap to alter the hat's size to appropriately fit the user's head. Finally, the method comprises wearing the stylish hat similar to a conventional hat.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that provides users with a customizable hat with a zipper down the middle of its length, allowing users to interchange different designs. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that enables users to zip two halves together to create a unique and stylish hat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that allows users to obtain different types of headwear without having to purchase multiple expensive hats. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a more effective and convenient way for people to express themselves and their creativity through fashion. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that has an adjustable strap to alter its size. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hat device that can accommodate any outfit.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel interchangeable hat device. The interchangeable hat device comprises a body component that is configured into two different halves that can be secured together. More specifically, the two different halves can be zipped together to create a unique hat. Thus, the body component may be available in different halves that can be mixed and matched and combined together to create a custom look. Further, an adjustable strap on the back of the body component allows a user to alter the hat's size and maintain comfort for each user. The present invention also includes a novel method of customizing a hat to create a custom look. The method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable hat device comprising a body component that is configured into two different halves that can be secured together. The method also comprises choosing two halves based on their color and style. Further, the method comprises zipping the two halves together to form the hat. The method also comprises adjusting the back strap to alter the hat's size to appropriately fit the user's head. Finally, the method comprises wearing the stylish hat similar to a conventional hat.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a hat user to personally customize the appearance of a hat by choosing between and implementing a variety of interchangeable parts. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure include a hat with the crown section 114 and brim component 116 being separated into two halves 104 that are interchangeable and customizable. Accordingly, a user of the hat with interchangeable parts according to the present disclosure may pick and choose between different colors, logos, designs, and styles of the halves 104. For example, when a user of a hat according to one of the embodiments herein attends a particular event, the user may choose a particular logo and/or particular colors to display in support of the event, a particular sports team, or any message or design that the user wishes to convey.
Specifically, the hat device 100 comprises a crown section 114, a brim component 116, and an adjustable back strap 106. The crown section 114 and the brim component 116 form the body component 102 of the hat device 100. The body component 102 is broken into two halves 104, down the center 110. The two halves 104 can be interchanged, as needed, with additional halves 104 of varying colors and styles. Each interchangeable half 104 can include any design, graphic, image, phrase, color, monogram, emblem, mascot, picture, shape, style, and so forth as desired by users. Additionally, each interchangeable half 104 can include any color, shape, or other design feature desired by users. With a variety of interchangeable halves 104 at their disposal, users can extensively customize a hat or baseball cap by interchanging the various interchangeable halves 104 without the need to buy multiple completed hats or baseball caps.
More specifically, the interchangeable hat device 100 includes a crown section 114 comprising a plurality of interconnected panels 118, the panels 118 forming a hemispherical dome or crown with a crown apex 120, a lower peripheral edge 122 forming a headband 124 at a lower extremity of the crown 114, a front face 126 spanning from the lower peripheral edge 122 to the crown apex 120, and a rear opening 128 defined by a gap in the lower peripheral edge 122 opposite the front face 126 of the crown section 114. Wherein the gap in the lower peripheral edge 122 includes an adjustable back strap 106 for securing the hat to a user's head. Specifically, the back strap 106 is removably or permanently attached to the crown section 114 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 122 and the rear opening 128. Further, a brim component 116 is secured at the lower peripheral edge 122 of the front face 126 and extends outward from the front face 126, forming the rigid brim component 116.
Overall, when the interchangeable hat device 100 is assembled into a single headwear piece, the crown section 114 is shaped as a dome with one end extending outwardly from the front 126 of the crown section 114, as a rigid, self-supporting brim component 116. Thus, in all outward appearances, the interchangeable hat device 100 resembles a conventional ball cap.
As shown in
Generally, the interchangeable hat device 100 comprises a body component 102 configured into two halves 104 secured together with a zipper 108. Specifically, the zipper 108 is provided at the boundary of the first and second halves 104, allowing the first and second halves 104 to be combined or separated from each other. As such, when the first half 104 and the second half 104 have different colors, and the arrangement order of each is changed by the zipper 108, a combination of various colors may be implemented. In one embodiment, the zipper 108 provided at the edges of the first half 104 and the second half 104, respectively, may be integrally coupled if necessary.
In more detail, the zipper 108 includes a first tape 200 disposed along an edge 202 of the first half 104. A plurality of male teeth 204 arranged at an edge of the first tape 200. A second tape 206 disposed along an edge 202 of the second half 104. A plurality of female teeth 208 disposed on the edge of the second tape 206 and having a male and female coupling with the male teeth 204. And, a slider 210 for engaging or separating the male teeth 204 and the female teeth 208.
Specifically, the zipper 108 is disposed on the inside edges 202 of the first half 104 and the second half 104, respectively. Therefore, in the state where the first half 104 and the second half 104 are brought into contact with each other, the slider 210 of the zipper 108 can be coupled or separated by raising or lowering in the vertical direction. Typically, the zipper 108 can be started or stopped at the front of the brim component 116 or started or stopped at the back 112 of the hat. As such, the two halves 104 may be combined with or separated from each other by the zipper 108 to vary the color combination of each other.
Furthermore, the slider 210 of the zipper 108 is mounted with a ring or other pull component 212, so that the user can hold and pull the zipper 108 by hand. If a pull component 212 is included, the ring 212 is preferably disposed to face the inside of the hat 100. In other words, when the ring 212 protrudes out of the hat, it may be unsightly, so it is preferable that the ring 212 is disposed inward of the hat 100. Of course, when considering the practicality rather than the design of the hat 100, it is also possible that the ring 212 is arranged outside the hat 100.
In one embodiment, a magnet 214 or other securing means may be disposed inside the first tape 200 and the second tape 206 at the lower portion or the end point of the zipper 108. Thus, when the ring or pull component 212 of the zipper 108 reaches the lower end, it is attached to this magnet 214, so that the ring 212 can be prevented from moving or coming into contact with a user's skin.
Although the hat device 100 has been described as coupling the halves 104 together via the zipper 108, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be coupled by various coupling structures, such as Velcro or by a hook and latch, etc.
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the lower peripheral edge 122 has a sweat band 124 attached on an interior surface thereof, the sweat band 124 is constructed of an absorbent material configured to absorb and or wick the sweat of the user.
As shown in
Generally, the interchangeable hat device 100 can be manufactured from any conventional material that is used to construct headwear, such as polyester, nylon, cotton blends, etc. Since moisture from perspiration may damage some materials, the interchangeable hat device 100 should be made of a moisture resistant material or comprises a moisture resistant coating.
In yet another embodiment, the interchangeable hat device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be a hat, team, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “interchangeable hat device”, “hat device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the interchangeable hat device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interchangeable hat device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the interchangeable hat device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/461,927, which was filed on Apr. 26, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63461927 | Apr 2023 | US |
