Patent Grant
9955744
The present invention relates to headgear accessories, and more particularly, to plate assemblies for headgear.
Applicant believes that one of the closest references corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20080141440 A1, published on Jun. 19, 2008 to Taylor for Headgear with a Projected Design Element. However, it differs from the present invention because Taylor teaches embodiments for a headgear, such as a hat or visor, that includes a top portion, a sidewall extending downwardly from the top portion, and a design element attached to and spaced apart from the sidewall. The design element has a front surface and a back surface. The back surface of the design element is adjacent, spaced apart from, and co-facing the sidewall, and the front surface of the design element faces outwardly from the sidewall. The design element is spaced apart from the sidewall using one or more rods that project from the sidewall. The design element may comprise a logo, one or more letters, one or more words, or one or more numbers.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100064484 A1, published on Mar. 18, 2010 to Clark, and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 8,001,661 B2 issued on Aug. 23, 2011 for Apparatus for Securing Ornamentation to Personal Items. However, it differs from the present invention because Clark teaches an ornamental device that includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a personal item. The first member has a first end having a sidewall. A second member is releasably engagable with the first member, and is provided with a recess that receives the first end of the first member when the first and second members are engaged. The second member has a flange that contacts the sidewall of the first member substantially along a width of the sidewall when the first and second members are engaged. The first and second members are magnetically coupled, such that the magnetic interaction, and the interaction of the flange with the sidewall, secures a decorative second member to a personal item in a selected location.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,636 B2 issued to Clark on Jan. 5, 2010 for Apparatus for Securing Ornamentation to Personal Items. However, it differs from the present invention because Clark teaches an ornamental device that includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a personal item. The first member has a first end having a sidewall. A second member is releasably engagable with the first member, and is provided with a recess that receives the first end of the first member when the first and second members are engaged. The second member has a flange that contacts the sidewall of the first member substantially along a width of the sidewall when the first and second members are engaged. The first and second members are magnetically coupled, such that the magnetic interaction, and the interaction of the flange with the sidewall, secures a decorative second member to a personal item in a selected location.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,649 B1 issued to Brosi on Mar. 9, 2004 for Combat Identification Marker. However, it differs from the present invention because Brosi teaches a marker for attachment to a helmet head covering or the like of a friendly force member, and more particularly to an on-the-go hand securable marker having at least one extension with a retaining head for inserting into a hole in the uniform with the retaining head sufficiently rigid to prevent withdrawal therefrom under field conditions with the marker having a limited wavelength reflective surface thereon to enable a person observing under nighttime conditions to determine if a person is a friendly force member by the presence of reflections of electromagnetic radiation from the marker on the friendly force member. If field conditions change one can quickly remove the marker and replace the marker with conventional camouflage materials.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,512 B1 issued to Shwartz, et al. on Jan. 13, 2004 for Display Assembly for Placement on Clothing Apparel. However, it differs from the present invention because Shwartz, et al. teaches a display assembly for placement on apparel. The assembly includes a flexible layer for placement against the apparel. The assembly further includes a display having pliable extension for penetrating across the flexible layer to securely position the display on the flexible layer. The assembly can be attached to the apparel, including a cap and visor by stitching or sewing the flexible layer to the apparel.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,680 B1 issued to Sloot on Jan. 30, 2001 for Applique for Apparel and Method for Making the Applique. However, it differs from the present invention because Sloot teaches an applique and method for making it, wherein inner and outer vinyl sheets are welded together to form a decorative applique and wherein a pair of fastener are employed each having a flat segment that is embedded between the inner and outer vinyl sheets and has a stem that extends through the inner sheet, its outer located adhesive layer and overlying release liner. Caps are used to enable the applique to be affixed to a carrier card for shipment to an end user, who can then remove the caps and use the fasteners to affix the applique to apparel using the adhesive and re-use the fasteners. The combination of the adhesive and the fasteners enable a firm and sustaining attachment of the applique to surfaces having a low affinity to the adhesive employed on the inner layer.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,805 A issued to Haegley on Sep. 26, 2000 for Device for Securing Ribbons to Military Uniform. However, it differs from the present invention because Haegley teaches a securing device to be located on the inside of a uniform garment to align and anchor military-type ribbon holders, nametags and warfare insignias. The securing device contains claps encased within a thin, soft, pliable plastic foam material sized slightly larger than the secured military-type ribbon holders, nametags and warfare insignias, yielding a flush appearance against the wearer's body. Repeated insertion to and retraction from my device can occur without concern for lost clasps or skin penetration.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 3,735,447 A issued to Abraham on May 29, 1973 for Holder and Fastener. However, it differs from the present invention because Abraham teaches a device for holding an object and fastening same in a desired location. For example, the device may be used for securing a corsage or the like to an item of wearing apparel. The device includes a first element comprising a first body member adapted to have a corsage secured thereto and means defining a socket integrally connected to the first body member. The device further includes a second element comprising a second body member and fastener means in the form of pins projecting outwardly therefrom. When the device is used in conjunction with a corsage, the second element is adapted for disposition on the inside of the wearing apparel with the fastener pins adapted to pierce the wearing apparel and enter the socket of the first element to effect releasable engagement therebetween.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. D558,955 S issued to Taylor on Jan. 8, 2008 for Head Gear with Projecting Indicia. However, it differs from the present invention because Taylor teaches an ornamental design for a head gear with projecting indicia that is different from Applicant's invention.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. D603,584 S issued to Porter on Nov. 10, 2009 for Headwear Device. However, it differs from the present invention because Porter teaches an ornamental design for a headwear device that is different from Applicant's invention.
Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to PCT Publication No. WO 2005120266 A1 published by WIPO to Thompson on Dec. 22, 2005 to Taylor for Instant Wearable Cap Bill Shaper with Indicia. However, it differs from the present invention because Thompson teaches a curved cap bill shaper that has binding tabs, snaps, spikes, or adjustable snaps at each end binding the side edges of a cap bill to the bill shaper and imparting a desired curvature to the cap bill. Mating curved arms hinged to the bill shaper may adjustably interlock below the cap bill sandwiching it therebetween. Protruding points from the bill shaper and the arms may pierce or indent the cap bill. Indicia may be placed on a top surface of the bill shaper which covers or partly covers the cap bill.
Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.
The instant invention is a pinned plate assembly, comprising a plate assembly made of a flexible and bendable semi rigid material that maintains its shape once configured. The plate assembly has an exterior face, an interior face, first and second edges, and first and second lateral edges. The plate assembly further comprises first and second channels, each comprising at least one hole. Securing means secure the plate assembly onto headgear. In a preferred embodiment, the plate assembly has a substantially rectangular shape.
The exterior face displays desired text, and/or letters, and/or symbols, and/or words, and/or logo designs, and/or artwork, and/or graphics. The first and second channels each comprise an exterior channel defined at the exterior face and an interior channel defined at the interior face. The at least one hole extends from the exterior channel to the interior channel. An advertising band section may be attached to the exterior face with removable/detachable means including hook and loop fasteners, magnets, silicone, and non-permanent glue or adhesives to also display desired text, and/or letters, and/or symbols, and/or words, and/or logo designs, and/or artwork, and/or graphics. The interior face comprises a reusable interior identification section, wherein personal dedications, and/or identification information, and/or emergency contact information, and/or special or medical conditions, and/or desired text, and/or letters, and/or symbols, and/or words, and/or logo designs, and/or artwork, and/or graphics may be placed thereon.
The securing means to secure the plate assembly onto the headgear comprises two post assemblies. The two post assemblies removably mount onto the first and second channels. Each of the two post assemblies comprises a backing. Extending from the backing is a post having a neck and a head at its distal end. The at least one hole of the first and second channels are of a cooperative shape and dimension to removably receive a respective head of the post therein. Positions of the at least one hole of the first and second channels are intended to coincide or complement a placement of eyelets in the headgear. The plate assembly mounts onto headgear without affecting integrity of the headgear by utilizing existing eyelets to receive the two post assemblies therethrough. More specifically, the plate assembly mounts onto the headgear when each respective at least one hole of the first and second channels are aligned with eyelets and from an interior section of the headgear crown. The two post assemblies pass through the eyelets until each respective at least one hole of the first and second channels receive its respective head. The first and second channels accommodate the headgear having eyelets of different dimensions, and distances from each other. The headgear is a soft cap with a rounded crown and a stiff peak projecting in front. The securing means to secure the plate assembly onto the headgear also comprises a tension arm assembly. The present invention further comprises an extension strap to wear in a bracelet configuration.
It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly to mount onto headgear for customization.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that mounts onto headgear without affecting the headgear's integrity by utilizing existing headgear eyelets to receive post assemblies therethrough.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that comprises a plate assembly and a post assembly.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that comprises a reusable advertisement band section to display desired text, and/or letters, and/or symbols, and/or words, and/or logo designs, and/or artwork, and/or graphics for headgear customization.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that comprises reusable advertisement band section that is removably or permanently mounted onto the plate assembly.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly comprising a reusable interior identification section, wherein a user may write, print, or otherwise place thereon personal dedications, and/or identification information, and/or emergency contact information, and/or special or medical conditions, and/or desired text, and/or letters, and/or symbols, and/or words, and/or logo designs, and/or artwork, and/or graphics.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly comprising post assemblies to accommodate different headgear dimensions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that is volumetrically efficient for carrying, transporting, and storage.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that can be readily assembled and disassembled without the need of any special tools.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pinned plate assembly that is of a durable and reliable construction.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such an assembly that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.
Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.
With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a pinned plate assembly and is generally referred to with numeral 10. It can be observed that it basically includes plate assembly 20 and post assemblies 60.
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In a preferred embodiment, headgear H is a baseball styled cap defined as a type of soft cap with a rounded crown and a stiff peak projecting in front. The front of the cap typically contains designs or logos of sports teams, namely baseball teams, or names of relevant companies, when used as a commercial marketing technique. The back of the cap may be “fitted” to the wearer's head size or it may have a plastic, “VELCRO”, or elastic adjuster so that it can be quickly adjusted to fit different wearers. The baseball cap is a part of the traditional baseball uniform worn by players, with the brim pointing forward to shield the eyes from the sun. The cap is also often seen in everyday casual wear.
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The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/256,322, filed on Apr. 18, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2067526 | Graham | Jan 1937 | A |
| 3735447 | Abraham | May 1973 | A |
| 4261121 | Coon | Apr 1981 | A |
| 6122805 | Haegley | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6178680 | Sloot | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6675512 | Shwartz et al. | Jan 2004 | B1 |
| 6694526 | Tate | Feb 2004 | B1 |
| 6701649 | Brosi | Mar 2004 | B1 |
| D558955 | Taylor | Jan 2008 | S |
| D603584 | Porter | Nov 2009 | S |
| 7640636 | Clark | Jan 2010 | B2 |
| 8001661 | Clark | Aug 2011 | B2 |
| 20050091897 | Lawrence | May 2005 | A1 |
| 20080141440 | Taylor | Jun 2008 | A1 |
| 20080148528 | Jones | Jun 2008 | A1 |
| 20100064484 | Clark | Mar 2010 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2005120266 | Dec 2005 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14256322 | Apr 2014 | US |
| Child | 14634023 | US |
