HAT FOR DISCRETE AREA APPLICATION OF HEAT OR COLD

Abstract

A piece of clothing, such as a hat, has exterior and interior layers connected to each other only along the periphery of the hat providing unobstructed interlayer space for insertion of a thermal pack(s) for the application of heat or cold to any discrete area or all of a user's head, ears, and forehead. The exterior-layer material has some elastic stretch. The interior layer material is a blend having both elastic and wicking properties. The interlayer space has no seams creating barriers to the exact positioning of a thermal pack where it is required. There is a slit throughout the interior and/or exterior-layer through which one or more discrete spot sized thermal packs or a whole head sized thermal pack is inserted. There is an optional strap for securing the hat about a head. These inventive principles include hats, scarves, and belts, for example.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation-In-Part Application for patent claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 1,254,0725 filed on Aug. 13, 2009 claiming benefit to Provisional application Ser. No. 61,188,767 filed on Aug. 13, 2008.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to means for applying heat or cold to a user's head, and more particularly to a hat designed to provide heat or cold to any discrete desired area of a user's head including ears and forehead.

The background information discussed below is presented to better illustrate the novelty and usefulness of the present invention. This background information is not admitted prior art.

When a person hits their head on something, such as a carpet or other relatively soft surface seeing a doctor is usually not required, if the height of the fall is less than the height of the person who fell and there is no loss of consciousness. Even so, the area of the head that was bumped is likely to swell and be sore. To help reduce both swelling and pain the immediate application of ice to the injured area is recommended. The application of ice as soon as possible after the injury occurs will constrict local blood vessels and decreases tissue temperature which will decrease both blood flow and cell metabolism to limit hemorrhaging and cell death. After about twenty minutes of treating the injured area with ice, blood vessels will slowly dilate and increase tissue temperature. Local therapeutic cold applications may also be used to manage edema, muscle spasm, bleeding, and pain. The healing process, however, requires increased blood flow into the area of an injury to support the process of cellular growth and as long as swelling persists and circulation is congested, the healing process is delayed or retarded. The swelling must be reduced before full recovery can occur, thus, for the first 72 hours after an injury the application of cold and the use of compression are medically recommended therapies to help reduce local pain and swelling, which encourages healing. Once swelling has subsided, however, the application of heat must be used to help to reduce pain and promote healing.

There are other instances where the application of heat, instead of, or in addition to, the application of cold, is recommended. For example, one of the most popular and simple remedies for an earache is to apply heat to the affected ear for three to five minutes at a time to ease the sometimes excruciating pain of an earache. This can be accomplished by either placing a heating pad wrapped in a towel upon the ear, or by directing a hair dryer set to low heat into the ear canal from a distance of eight to 12 inches for about three minutes at a time. Heat is also applied to a person's head when their hair is being colored or moisturized. Heat treatments, focused on the head are also required for the penetration of hair and scalp treatments, such as for hair straightening.

SUMMARY

At the heart of the present invention is the present Inventor's discovery that there was no way to easily or effectively apply heat or cold to discrete areas of a child's head. As a parent of a young, active child who often experiences minor bumps and bruises on various areas of his head requiring the application of cold and who also suffers from painful ear infections that require the application of heat, the present Inventor soon realized how difficult it is to keep a thermal pack on the injured area. Some children are too young to handle the responsibility of holding a thermal pack in place, while older children, in similar circumstances, often complain that their arm hurts from holding the pack on their head.

Thus, the present invention provides for a hat having an unobstructed, single, interlayer space that covers the entire surface area of a scalp, including the ear and forehead area that will securely maintain a hot/cold thermal pack in exactly the position that is required to treat the sore area without assistance.

There simply is no product that allows a user to place a thermal pack exactly and only where it is needed on a child's head and to keep the pack from moving away from the injured area. Presently available products have a series of isolated pockets in which a thermal pack may be inserted, but the seams of the many pockets often are positioned exactly where the thermal pack should be positioned. Thus, the seams rule out many areas where the pack may be needed. Furthermore, there is no available device that provides for the application of heat or cold over the ears or the forehead area. There is a hat that provides for cold, in the form of ice, to cover the entire head, but not specific areas. This hat is constructed to function like an “ice bag”. It is made of two layers of plastic material between which ice cubes are inserted. The use of plastic is required to keep the melt water from coming into contact with the head of the person wearing this hat. This hat was made to keep the entire head cold after cancer therapy. Its use is so limited. The plastic of which this hat must be made to avoid ice melt water from coming in contact with the user's head is likely to cause the head to sweat as the plastic inner and outer-layers are chosen specifically to be moisture impermeable. There are variations on this type of cap—all are designed for use by chemotherapy patients. Each of these caps suffers from unwanted condensation occurring about the patients head as the cold cap cools the air about the hat below the condensation temperature. The condensation moisture added to perspiration moisture would make a user very uncomfortable. Moreover the smooth inner-area plastic surfaces would make maintaining a thermal pack in a desired position, literally impossible.

Accordingly, the present Inventor conceived a set of inventive principles that provide for an item, such as a child's hat, to have an open, unobstructed, interlayer space between the outer fabric of the hat and the hat's lining or inner fabric that surrounds the sides, top, and back of the head in addition to the forehead and ears. Into this open interlayer space a thermal pack that can be a cold pack, a hot pack, or one that can function as both a hot or cold pack, may be securely positioned on any area of the head, including the ears and forehead area. The principles of the invention include having a hat, or other apparel article, made of an outer-layer of thermally insulating material and an inner-layer of thermal and moisture conductive lining with the two layers connected to each other only about the periphery of the hat, which includes the over the forehead and ears sections, to form an open, unimpeded interlayer space. The thermal and moisture conductive inner-layer, or lining, material could be, for example, a cotton, polyester, and spandex blend. The cotton provides for moisture, such as perspiration, to be wicked away from the user's head. The polyester offers quicker drying properties so that the moisture does not “wet” the cotton and makes the material stronger and longer lasting. The elastic property of the spandex, or spandex-like material, enables the inner-layer to stretch in a tight-fitting manner about the thermal pack to hold the pack securely in place. The outer-layer is also made of a material that has some stretch or elasticity, such as a rib-knit material, to ensure fit and thermal insulation for the thermal pack. Besides having various degrees of elastic stretch, the woven nature of both the inner- and outer-layer materials provide roughness that enhances the pack holding ability of the two layers. If desired, the invention also contemplates providing a mechanism for affixing the hat to a head, such as a tie or strap. A slit in the lining (inner-layer) provides an opening through which a thermal pack is inserted into the unimpeded interlayer space. The thermal packs are typically much smaller than a head's surface area so that the pack can be manually positioned between the inner- and outer-layers of the hat directly over an injured or painful area, including the forehead and ear area.

Smaller sized thermal packs provide for the therapeutic effects of the thermal pack to be precisely targeted. For example, if a person has an earache in his right ear, the pack is placed in the interlayer space between the lining and the outer material so that it will be directly over the ear when the hat with the pack is placed on the person's head. This protects the user from the discomfort, or even from the detrimental effects, of having his entire head cooled or heated, when only a discrete area requires thermal treatment. The outer material and inner material each have the property of elastic stretch that provides for the thermal pack to be securely held in place by the grip enabled especially by the elastic properties of the hat's inner lining material.

Additionally, a hat made by the principles of the present invention is useful when a child, or adult, is outdoors on a cold, windy day; the hat with a heat pack inserted is able to keep the user warm for a significantly extended amount of time, as it is well known that the head is one of the major conductors of body heat and, thus, a major source of body heat loss.

The hat, exemplified herein, may be used by a child or by an adult, as offering hats of various styles and sizes is within the contemplation of the invention. A hat made using the principles of this invention may be stylized to look like an animal, a clown, or be simple and undecorated, as long as the hat does not provide multiple chambers, the seams of which would impede the placement of the thermal pack exactly where required. Muffs, gloves, thermal treatment belts, and feet warmers are also contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Moreover, if a full head treatment were required, such as when a person is having his or her hair colored, head packs shaped to mimic the shape of a human skull are also available and can be easily and rapidly inserted into the single, unobstructed, interlayer space that covers the entire surface area of a head for the easy and effective full-head treatment.

Still other benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification and related drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that these and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be more fully comprehended and appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in appended drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several figures. It should be understood that these drawings only depict preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, thus, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the outside of a hat made according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hat, as shown in FIG. 1, being worn by a child.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the hat, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of examples of thermo-retentive packs that are used in conjunction with a hat of the present invention.

FIG. 5a is an elevation view of a full scalp covering thermo-retentive pack.

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a full scalp covering thermo-retentive pack.

A LIST OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS AND THE PARTS TO WHICH THEY REFER

• 10 A hat following the principles of the present invention.
• 12 A strap for securing hat 10 on a head.
• 12a Connector for connecting strap to hat 10.
• 14 An exterior- or outer-layer material of hat 10.
• 14a An outer-surface of exterior-layer 14 of hat 10.
• 14b An inner-surface of exterior-layer 14 of hat 10.
• 16 An interior- or inner-layer material, or lining, of hat 10.
• 16a An outer-surface of inner-layer, or lining, 16 of hat 10.
• 16b An inner-surface of inner-layer, or lining, 16 of hat 10.
• 18 Ear covering part of hat 10.
• 20 Forehead covering part of hat 10.
• 22 Seam about the periphery of the hat connecting the hat's outer-layer of material to inner-layer (or lining) of hat 10.
• 24 Unobstructed, interlayer space between outer-layer 14 and inner-layer 16.
• 26 A slit in inner-layer, or lining, 16 providing an opening through which one or more thermal packs are inserted into the interlayer space 24.
• 28 An alternate, or additional, slit in outer-layer 14 providing an opening through which one or more thermal packs are inserted into the interlayer space 24.
• 34 Lower edge of hat 10.
• 36 Upper edge of hat 10.
• 40 Thermal pack, small size.
• 42 Thermal pack, sized and shaped to fit about entire hear cavity.
• 44 Decorative dog ears.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

DEFINITIONS

Blended fabric or fabric blend, as used herein, refers to fabrics created using at least two different kinds of fibers woven together to make the finished fabric. Natural fibers can be blended with other natural fibers or with synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers may also be blended with other synthetics. There are many benefits to blended fabrics, for example cotton blended with polyester provides for the comfort of cotton and the wrinkle-resistance of polyester. The more natural fiber the fabric contains, the more comfortable the fabric will be, as natural fabrics are more breathable and do not contain chemicals.

Cotton, as used herein, refers to a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. Cotton is made up of naturally occurring polymers of cellulose. Cellulose is a carbohydrate, which is made up of long chains of glucose (sugar) molecules having negatively charged chemical groups on their surface that attract water. Chemists refer to substances like cotton as hydrophilic, which means that they attract water molecules. Cotton's hydrophilic property means that it readily absorbs moisture from a user's skin. Cotton is breathable allowing the absorbed moisture to pass through it to evaporate. In addition to cotton's absorbency property, heat passes freely through cotton providing for an excellent fiber for making hot weather materials. This, combined with the spun yarns ability to hold the fabric slightly off the skin, allows greater comfort than other fabrics in hot, sweaty conditions. Cotton, however, can absorb up to 27 times its weight in water, thus, it is strongly advised not to wear cotton garments if there is any potential for finding oneself in life-threatening cold water because the water in the cotton garment will rapidly wick away body heat and can lead to potentially life-threatening hypothermia in cold conditions. Cotton, however, produces a relatively weak fabric that will wear out and tear more rapidly than other fabrics. Additionally, natural fibers, such as cotton, are more expensive than synthetic (polyester) materials. It is easily, however, blended with polyester or other synthetics, which reduces the cost, increases the durability, and allows the blended material to dry faster than a pure cotton fabric. Because cotton is a natural product, and doesn't contain any chemicals it is hypoallergenic and doesn't cause allergies or irritate skin.

Elastane (also: elasthane), as user herein, is simply the European name for what is referred to in the United States as spandex.

Elastic, as used herein, refers to a material that easily resumes its original shape after being stretched or expanded.

Elasticity, as used herein, refers to the property of a substance that enables it to change its length, volume, or shape in direct response to a force effecting such a change and to recover its original form upon the removal of the force.

Moisture-management, as used herein, refers to the controlled movement of moisture from the skin surface to the atmosphere through a fabric next to the skin. For example, cotton will readily absorb moisture from the skin, while nonabsorbent fibers (usually polyester) assist in the transport of moisture from a user's skin to a garment's outer-surface to speed evaporation.

Polyester, as used herein, refers a manufactured product, usually a textile, made from synthesized polymers. It tends to be very resilient, quick drying, resistant to biological damage such as mold and mildew, easy to wash and able to hold forms well. Polyesters are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are sometimes referred to as the poor man's cotton. A garment made only of polyester isn't as comfortable as cotton because it keeps sweat close to your body, whereas cotton soaks up and then releases moisture. Unlike cotton, polyester does not breathe and is apt to stick to skin when an individual sweats, but it is extremely tear-resistant and is more elastic than cotton. Polyester is a strong and flexible material and extends the wear of cotton. Manmade fabrics, such as polyester, don't allow air to ventilate as well as cotton does, and this characteristic allows fungi to thrive if polyester is worn close to the body for long periods of time. Advantages of polyester are that it is not reliant on nature to grow, it is cheaper than cotton, it dries faster than any fabric on this list, and has above-average elasticity.

Ribknit, as used herein, refers to a textured double-knit fabric that has vertical ridges (called ribs) in the fabric and is highly stretchy in the crosswise direction. It is made from groups of alternating plain and purl stitches. Rib knits are very stretchy across the grain and fit more snuggly than regular knits. They are commonly used for tight tee shirts, undergarments and dresses; and also at the wrists, waists and necklines of garments, where it is called ribbing. A 1×1 rib has one rib up and one down, while a 2×1 rib has two ribs up and one down.

Spandex, as user herein, refers to a synthetic elastomeric fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. Spandex fibers can be repeatedly stretched between 500-800 percent without damaging the fiber and will recover its original length. Spandex is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to water, oils, and abrasion. It is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer developed in 1959. The Federal Trade has regarded spandex as a fiber product wherein the basic component is the elongated sequence of artificial polymers that is chiefly made up of about 85 percent polyurethane fragments. When first introduced, it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry. In chemical terms, elastane is a long-chain polymer containing at least 85% polyurethane. Spandex is the preferred name in North America while in many European countries it is referred to as “elastane”, and is known in Britain mainly as Lycra®. Additional trade-names for spandex include Elaspan, Creora, ROICA, Dorlastan, Linel, and ESPA. Compared to rubber, spandex has both greater tear resistance and durability and a tension capacity two or three times greater, at a third of the weight. It is used in all areas where a high degree of permanent elasticity is required, as, for example, in tights, sportswear, swimwear, corsetry, and in woven and knitted fabrics. Latex is its major non-synthetic competitor. True Lycra® does not absorb liquids. This can be problematic first, when clothing worn next to the body is made of spandex, as spandex traps moisture against the skin rather than wicking it away from the skin. Such concerns can be eliminated by using a cotton-spandex blend. For clothing, spandex is usually mixed with cotton and/or polyester, and accounts for a small percentage of the final fabric, which therefore retains most of the look and feel of the other fibers.

Thermal pack, as used herein, refers to packs that contain a material that can be heated or cooled, or both. One widely used pack acts as both a hot or cold pack that can be heated or chilled, through microwaving, boiling or freezing. The pact is pliable, non-toxic and can retain its shape and is reusable. After 15 seconds in the microwave, the pack will be approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. It will stay hot in room temperature for up to an hour.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now, with more particularity, to the drawings, it should be noted that the disclosed invention is disposed to embodiments in various sizes, shapes, and forms. Such embodiments include, but are not limited to a hat for infants or for adults, as well as thermal scarves, and belts, for example. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are provided with the understanding that the present disclosure is intended as illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein.

The principles of the present invention are shown using the embodiment of a hat. Such a hat, made according to the inventive principles, provides for the application of heat or warmth to any required surface of the back, sides, and top of a head including the ears and forehead and comprises a hat and a thermal pack, where the hat consists of an exterior-layer of material having thermal insulation properties and an interior-layer, each layer sized and shaped to fit about a user's head and connected to each other only along the periphery of the hat creating an unobstructed interlayer space to hold the thermal pack. The exterior-layer of material having elastic properties, and the interior-layer of material being a fabric blend having elastic properties and moisture wicking capability.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1, a perspective view, illustrates a hat embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Hat 10 (see FIG. 3) comprises an exterior fabric or material layer 14 having outer-surface 14a and inner-surface 14b and an interior fabric or material layer 16 having outer-surface 16a and inner-surface 16b. Connecting exterior-layer 14 to interior-layer 16 along the periphery of the hat creates interlayer space 24, which is bounded by inner-surface 14b and inner-surface 16b. Interlayer space 24 is an open unobstructed space between outer-layer 14 and inner-layer 16. In the example illustrated, exterior-layer 14 is connected to interior-layer 16 by sewing along the outer periphery of the hat to form seam 22. It should be understood that sewing is just one way that exterior-layer 14 may be connected to interior-layer 16. The method used to connect the two layers does not define the invention. The layers could be, for example, connected together by heat gluing, adhesive, or by two-sided tape.

In the illustrated example, interior-layer 16 is made of a polyester/cotton/spandex blend. Spandex is used to maintain the thermal pack in place. It allows the blended fabric to stretch elastically, which means the fabric can stretch to conform to the shape of the thermal pack. Even when stretched, the spandex fibers are tensed in working to contract to regain their original condition, thus, the spandex fibers provide for the interior-layer to securely hold the pack exactly where it is needed. It should be understood that spandex is not the only material that can be used. Any material that can secure the pack in its desired position may be used. Cotton, for example, is used for comfort as it both wicks moisture and heat away from a user's head. It should be understood that cotton is not the only material that can be used. Any material that can wick moisture and heat away from a user's head may be used. The polyester component adds strength and durability, increases shape and color retention, reduces cost, piling, and static, and allows the fabric to dry faster keeping the user's head more comfortable. Polypropylene is another favored choice of fabric to use in a blend as it both wicks insulates. One favored blended consists of 35% polyester, 59% cotton, and 6% spandex. In the illustrated example, exterior-layer 14 is made of a rib-knit material that consists of a knitted material with a pattern in which vertical stripes of stockinette stitch alternates with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitch. Stockinette stitch is the most basic knitted fabric; every stitch (as seen from the right side) is a knit stitch. The two types of stockinette stripes may be separated by other stripes in which knit and purl stitches alternate vertically. Ribbing has a strong tendency to contract laterally, forming small pleats in which the purl stitches recede and the knit stitches come forward. The elasticity of ribbing makes it ideal for use in cuffs, sweater, hems and, more generally, any edge that should be form-fitting. Thus, rib-knit material it is used for the exterior-layer of the hat to keep the hat's shape, to help secure the pack, and to act as an insulator. It should be understood that rib-knit is not the only material that can be used. Any material that is able to keep the shape of the hat, can aide in securing the pack in its desired position, and can act as an insulator for either hot or cold may be used.

The principles of the present invention require that exterior-layer 14 is connected to interior-layer 16 only about the periphery of the hat so as ensure that the entire interlayer space 24 is open, that is, there are no seams between the exterior-layer and interior-layer space that would create barriers to the exact positioning of a thermal pack where it is required. Hat 10 is sized and shaped to form a cavity adapted for snugly receiving the head of a wearer. When the head of the wearer is received in the head cavity of hat 10, lower edge 34 extends around the back of a wearer's head from one side to the other. Upper edge 36 extends between opposite ends of lower edge 34 and around an upper periphery of the wearer's face and includes forehead covering part 20 and ear covering part 10. FIG. 2 illustrates how hat 10 completely covers the forehead and ear area of the user. Optionally, elongate strap 12 (FIGS. 2 and 3) may be provided on hat 10 for securely affixing the hat to a wearer's head, using, for example, connector 12a. Note that elongate strap 12 is similar to any strap meant to secure a cap to a user's head. This strap, or tie, is the only strap that need be, if desired, used. Unlike other caps, there are no additional straps or ties that are required. The strap may be of various styles, such as having one strap affixed to the hat at one end and connectable to the hat at the other, or having two straps, one affixed to each side of the hat, where the straps are connectable to each other by tying or other means, such as snaps, buckles, or a hook and loop type tastener.

FIG. 3 illustrates slit 26 positioned in the interior-layer through which a thermal pack is to be inserted into interlayer space 24. It is to be understood that opening or slit 28 could alternatively, or also, be positioned in exterior-layer 14 (as illustrated in FIG. 1). If the a silt is placed in the exterior-layer the thermal pack could be replaced or adjusted without a need for removing the hat from the wearer's head, which is an important consideration if the hat was being worn by a sleeping enfant or adult. It is to be understood that the pack may be positioned anywhere it is needed on the scalp area, over the ears, or over the forehead.

FIG. 4 illustrates two examples of shape-accommodating thermal packs 40. Each pack includes a thermo-retentive material capable of being heated, in a microwave oven, for example, or cooled, in a refrigerator or freezer, for example, and maintaining its warm or cool temperature over a period of time. Heat retentive materials include gels, dry chemical compounds, and organic materials. A pack is easily, rapidly, and removeably inserted into the interior space made accessible by either, or both, openings 26 and 28. Each pack is flexible to conform to the shape of a wearer's head. If desired, a packet could be positioned with the interior space of the hat before heating or cooling, so that the hat and pack may be heated or cooled together. In this case, the materials from which the hat is made are suitable for use in a microwave for retaining heat generated in a microwave or placement in a freezer.

In the case the hat is to be used to apply heat or cold to a wearer's entire head, such as when heat is required in order to change a user's hair color, or when head surgery has been performed, user has the option of placing several of the smaller packs 40 in various positions about the interior of the hat or of using either a hot or cold, or thermal pack 42 that is made to fill all or nearly all of the interlayer space of the hat to cover the scalp or head area required, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b.

A thermal treatment hat made according to the principles of the present invention is available in a streamlined design without decoration, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, or in a style that appeals to children, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. Such styles could include any number of designs; the one illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises animal feature decorations, such as elements that resemble the elements of a dog's head.

To use the invention, heat or cool one or more thermal packs, as required. Then, using the slit provided in the interior layer of the hat, place the pack into the hat's interlayer space and position the pack so that it is directly over the area requiring treatment. Then place the cap on the head of the user, and if the hat is provided with a strap, adjust the strap for fit. The heat or cold from the pack will radiate through the interior-layer to heat or cool the area requiring treatment. In another embodiment that is particularly useful when a hat is already on the user's head, first heat or cool the thermal pack and then place it into the interlayer space of the hat so that the pack will be positioned directly over the area to be heated or cooled using a slit or opening provided on the hat's exterior-layer. This embodiment is especially useful in those cases where it is difficult or inconvenient to remove a hat from the user's heat to position, reposition, or to replace a pack. In yet another embodiment, the exterior-layer of material and the interior-layer of material are heatable and coolable so that the user is able to either heat or cool the hat and thermo pack as a single unit after positioning one or more thermal packs within the hat. In still yet another embodiment, there is a full-head covering thermal-retentive pack to place inside the hat. The full-head covering pack is inserted in one or the other slits or openings until it was correctly positioned. The full-head covering pack could be heated or cooled either before placing it into the interlayer space of the hat or after. If desired, the hat is made with a slit or opening on the inside or on the outside.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, such as sized for adults or variously aged children, materials, such as insulating materials that will maintain heat or cold for longer periods and/or materials that lend themselves to a decorative theme, shape, for instance can be functional or fun, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific and defined nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the foregoing description of the specific embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A thermo retentive hat, comprising:

a hat and

a thermal pack, said hat having an exterior-layer of material having elastic properties, and an interior-layer of material being a fabric blend having elastic properties and moisture wicking capability,

said exterior-layer of material connected to said interior-layer of material creating an unobstructed interlayer space to hold said thermal pack,

said hat providing heat or cold to any discrete area of the user's head covered by said hat.

2. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat is sized and shaped to cover said user's entire scalp, ears, and forehead areas.

3. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior-layer further has thermal insulation properties.

4. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior-layer further comprises a rib-knit material.

5. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said interior layer further comprises a blended material comprising cotton, polyester, and spandex.

6. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior-layer is connected to said interior layer by sewing.

7. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior-layer is connected to said interior layer by adhesive bonding.

8. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises a strap for securely affixing the hat to the user's head with at least one end of said strap attached to said hat.

9. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises a thermal pack receiving opening throughout said interior-layer through which said thermal pack is inserted into the interlayer space.

10. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises a thermal pack receiving opening throughout said exterior-layer through which said thermal pack is inserted into the interlayer space.

11. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises a thermal pack receiving opening throughout said exterior-layer and throughout said interior-layer through which said thermal pack is inserted into said interlayer space.

12. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises at least one thermal pack shaped and sized to fit over a specific area of the user's head, said thermal pack insertable into said interlayer space.

13. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises a thermal pack shaped and sized to fit over the user's entire scalp, said thermal pack insertable into said interlayer space.

14. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior-layer of material and said interior-layer of material are heatable and coolable.

15. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further comprises animal feature decorations.

16. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hat further resembles a dog's head.

17. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 8, wherein said hat further comprises a connector for connecting an end of said strap not attached to said hat.

18. A thermo retentive hat, comprising:

a hat, and

a thermal pack, said hat having an exterior-layer of material, and an interior layer of material, each of said layers sized and shaped to fit about a user's scalp, ears, and forehead, said exterior-layer of material connected to said interior layer of material only along the periphery of the hat creating an unobstructed interlayer space to hold said thermal pack, said exterior-layer of a rib-knit material having elastic properties, and said interior layer of a material blend, said material blend containing spandex, said hat delivering heat or cold to any discrete area of the user's head covered by said hat.

19. A thermo retentive hat, comprising:

a hat for use in combination with at least one thermally retentive pack, said hat made of two layers of material, comprising an exterior-layer having elastic properties sized and shaped to fit about the contours of a head, an interior layer having elastic and wicking properties sized and shaped to fit about the contours of a head,

said exterior-layer sewn to said interior layer only along the periphery of the hat creating an unobstructed interlayer space for the insertion of a thermal retentive pack,

said hat shaped so as to cover said user's entire scalp, ear, and forehead area, and

at least one thermal pack receiving opening throughout said interior layer and/or said exterior-layer for insertion of said thermally retentive pack into said interlayer space providing for the application of heat or cold to a discreet area of a user's head, ear, and forehead requiring heat or cold treatment.

20. The thermo retentive hat, as recited in claim 19, wherein said hat further comprises said interior layer being of a material blend, said blend containing spandex.