Cap type hat

Abstract

A head covering device includes a dome-shaped, head engaging member that has an interior for receiving the user's head and an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. A first feature is placed on at least one of the front and rear portions to distinguish the at least one of the front and rear portions from the first and second side portions. A second feature is placed on at least one of the first and second side portions to distinguish the at least one of the first and second side portions from the front and rear portion. The head covering does not include a bill member.

Description

I PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to T. L. Cheatum's U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/316,090 filed Aug. 30, 2001.

II TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a hat, and more particularly, to a cap type hat such as a baseball-type cap.

III BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One popular form of hat worn by a large number of people is the so-called “baseball hat”. A typical baseball hat is comprised of a hemispherical dome-shaped head engaging portion to which a bill is attached. Usually, the dome-shaped portion is formed of six generally triangular, “pie-shaped” panels that are sewn together along their edges to form a domed-shaped hat. The bill is sewn to the front of the hat, to extend laterally outwardly therefrom. A sweat band can be attached to the interior surface of the hat, adjacent to its lower edge.

[0004] Although baseball hats of the type described above are sold by the millions, and worn by a large number of people, room for improvement still exists. In particular, room for improvement exists in relation to treatment of the bill of the hat. When placed in front of a hat, a bill can often provide visual obstruction which some perceive as being less valuable than the shade and glare protection provided by the bill of the hat. To overcome this problem, the bill is often worn to the rear. Although some prefer to wear a hat in this manner, some do not because of the appearance provided by such a rearward facing bill.

[0005] Additionally, many believe that the presence of a bill upon a baseball cap detracts from its appearance, or otherwise tends to suggest an association with a baseball-type endeavor that may not necessarily be desired by a fan of a sport other than baseball.

[0006] Therefore, it is one object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies described above, by providing bill-less baseball-type hat that retains the head covering qualities of the baseball hat, while doing away with the undesirable features caused by the bill of the hat.

[0007] Currently, hats exist that do not include bills. Traditionally, these hats are “beanies” of the type one might see in connection with a religious service such as a yalmuke in a Jewish service, or beanie of the type worn by executive hierarchy of the Catholic church, such as the Pope, Cardinals and Bishops.

[0008] Additionally, other beanies exist in a secular environment, such as freshmen beanies that are or were used in connection with fraternity pledge initiation rights.

[0009] One difficulty with these beanies is that beanies currently known to the Applicant are symmetrical and non-directional, as they are designed to be placed on a head or in any orientation. This symmetrical nature has some benefits, as the user does not have to concern himself with the issue placing his hat on straight. However, it does have some drawbacks. In particular, one drawback with symmetrical-type beanies is that the inability to incorporate some directionality into the hat can detract from its aesthetic appearance.

[0010] This ability to enhance the appearance of the hat is especially useful in connection with hats containing identifying indicia placed thereon, such as team logos, stripes, and the like. In this regard, it is believed by the Applicant that the directionality imparted by the indicia gives a look and appearance to a hat that substantially is improved when compared to symmetrical beanies.

[0011] Another aspect of the directionality relates to desire of some users to create a particular appearance when the hat appears to be on “backwards”. As a symmetrical beanie has no distinct front, back or sides, it is impossible to create this look with such an symmetrical beanie.

[0012] Therefore, it is another object of the present invention to create a bill-less hat that does not have the draw backs of known, omnidirectional type hats.

[0013] Another difficulty found with known, symmetrical beanies is that many have a rather short truncated radial distance, as measured from the peak of the hat to the lower edge thereof. As a result of this short radial distance, the lower edge of the hat typically resides at a significant distance, such as one and a half inches or more, above the adult user's eyebrow, and approximately one and a half inches or more above the user's ear. This truncated radial distance gives the hat, a “beanie” appearance, that many users find to be aesthetically unacceptable.

[0014] It is therefore another object of the present invention to create a bill-less hat having a radial distance sufficient to place the lower edge of the hat at a point just above the user's eyebrows, and just above the top of the user's ear, to thereby impart a “baseball cap” appearance to the device.

IV SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, a head covering device comprises a dome-shaped, head engaging member that includes an interior for receiving the user's head and an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. A first feature is placed on at least one of the front and rear portions to distinguish the at least one of the front and rear portions from the first and second side portions. The head covering does not include a bill member.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second feature is placed on at least one of the first and second side portions to distinguish the at least one of the first and second side portions from the front and rear portions. Additionally, the dome engaging member includes a lower edge, and a peak. The lower edge is distanced from the peak by a radial distance. The radial distance is sized to place the lower edge at a level less than approximately one inch from the top of the user's eyebrows, and less than one inch from the top of the user's ear, when the head covering is placed on the head of the user. Viewed another way, the radial distance should be between 5.5 and 7.5 inches, is preferably between 6 and 7 inches, and is most preferably about 6.5 inches.

[0017] Although there is no requirement that the hat be comprised of a series of pie-shaped panels, the hat is preferably comprised of between about four and twelve generally pie-shaped panels. Each panel includes a pair of side edge portions. The side edge portions of adjacent pie-shaped panels are joined together to form the head covering.

[0018] One feature of the present invention is that it includes a first feature placed on at least one of the front and rear portions, and a second feature placed on at least one of the first and second side portions, with the first feature being employed to distinguish the front and/or rear from the sides of the hat. This feature has the advantage of providing some directionality to the hat. By so doing, the hat provides the user with an aesthetic appearance that is significantly preferable to symmetrical beanie-type hats.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first feature comprises a first size adjustment member that includes an equatorially extending first strap member having a first mating member, and an equatorially extending second strap member having a second mating member. The second strap member is positioned in an opposed relationship to the first strap member. The first and second mating members are selectively matable to adjustably mate the first strap member to the second strap member to permit the user to vary the size of the head covering. Additionally, another preferred embodiment can include a second size adjustment member, similar to the first size adjustment member, that is disposed in the rear portion of the head, approximately 180 degrees from the first size adjustment member.

[0020] Additionally, the most preferred embodiment, the lower edge of the hat, in a portion adjacent to each of the first and second size adjustment members includes a cutout portion, that, with the size adjustment members, defines an aperture.

[0021] The aggregation of these features has the advantage of providing the hat with an “always-on-backwards” appearance, believed by the Applicant to be highly fashionable. Additionally, one difficulty faced by persons with long hair tied into pony tails or pig tails, is that the placement of a hat over a pony tail can make the hat uncomfortable due to the pressure exerted by the hat against the pony tail, and the user's head. To alleviate this discomfort, many pony tail wearing people will extend their pony tail through the aperture formed in the back of traditional baseball caps between the adjustment strap and the cutout portion of the lower band adjacent to the adjustment strap.

[0022] Although this arrangement functions well when a traditional baseball hat is worn in its usual bill-to-the-front position, the placement of a traditional baseball hat in a bill-to-the-rear position eliminates the “pony tail aperture”. As such, the present invention, in one preferred embodiment, by employing both a front and back “pony tail aperture”, combines the “hat-on-backwards” appearance desired by many hat wearers, but the pony tail aperture for persons who wish to extend their pony tail through the pony tail aperture of the hat.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hat includes at least two reinforced panels, one disposed adjacent to the “front” of the hat, and a second disposed adjacent to the “rear” of the hat. These reinforcing panels provide additional stiffness to the hat material, to thereby cause the hat material to stand up more straight, and to maintain a more dome-like shape. Preferably, these panels have sufficient rigidity to retain the dome-like shape even at such times as when the hat is placed on a less-than-dome-shaped head, or the hat is removed from the user and placed on a flat surface. The reinforcement member also helps enable the hat to take on a helmet-like appearance; if appropriately displayed in the hat.

[0024] Many baseball-type hats are sold with a sports team related indicia, such as the logo thereon, which fosters an association between the hat and a sports team or athlete. As will be appreciated, many sports teams and athletes, such as hockey teams, football teams, automobile racing, motorcycle racers, and the like wear headgear that is more helmet-shaped in appearance than baseball cap shaped.

[0025] The dome-shaped hat of the present invention helps to better foster an association between the hat and such teams and/or athletes by providing a head piece that more closely resembles the head piece worn by the team member. For example, the dome-shaped hat of the present invention more closely resembles the appearance of a football helmet, hockey helmet, or racing helmet than a traditional brim-containing baseball hat.

[0026] Another feature of the present invention is that it can be emblazoned with logos specially designed to accommodate its shape. This feature has the advantage of enabling the hat to more closely draw an association between itself, and a particular sports team. For example, the hat can be designed to include striping and/or logo set which gives the hat an appearance similar to that of a football helmet.

[0027] These and other features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the detailed description and drawings discussed in more detail below.

V BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of the hat of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a top view of the hat of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the hat of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternate embodiment hat of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the hat of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the hat of the present invention, shown on the head of a wearer;

[0035] FIG. 8 is a front view of a second alternate embodiment hat of the present invention; and

[0036] FIG. 9 is a top view of the second alternate embodiment of FIG. 8.

VI DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] A head covering device such as hat 10 comprises a dome-shaped, head engaging member that includes an interior 13 for receiving the user's head 60 and an exterior surface 15. The exterior surface 15 includes a front portion 17, a rear portion 19, a first side portion 21 and a second side portion 23. A first feature, here shown as logo 17 is placed on one at least one of the front 17 and rear 19 portions, (here, the front portion 17) to distinguish the front 17 and rear 19 portions from the first 21 and second 23 side portions. A second feature 28 is placed on at least one of the first 21 and second 23 side portions (here, the second side portion 23) to distinguish the first 21 and second 23 side portions from the front 17 and rear 19 portions. The head covering 10 does not include a bill member.

[0038] The dome engaging member includes a lower edge 14, and a peak 12. The lower edge 14 is distanced from the peak 12 by a radial distance R. As shown in FIG. 7, the radial distance R is sized to place the lower edge 14 at a level less than about one inch from the top of the user's eyebrows 27, and less than about one inch from the top of the user's ear 29, when the hat is placed on the head 60 of the user.

[0039] Viewed another way, the radial distance R, should be between about 5.5 and 7.5 inches, preferably between about 6 and 7 inches, and most preferably about 6.5 inches.

[0040] Although the hat 10 is shown as being comprised of six panels, it can be a panel-less hat, or alternately be comprised of between four and twelve generally pie-shaped panels. When a panel construction is used, each panel (e.g. 16-26) should include a pair of side edge portions.

[0041] The side edge portions of adjacent pie-shaped panels are joined together to form the head covering.

[0042] Turning back to FIGS. 1-4, a six-panel-type hat 10 is shown, having a plurality of generally pie-shaped panels, that are sewn together to form the hat 10. The panels of the six-panel hat 10 include a first panel 16, a second panel 18, a third panel 20, a fourth panel 22, a fifth panel 24, and a sixth panel 26. The six panels 16-26 are sewn together, by sewing adjacent panels together at generally longitudinally extending seams, that extend between the peak 12 and the lower edge 14. The panels at the front and back of the hat 10 are preferably wider, and more gently sloping panels than the panels at the side of the device, which should be relatively smaller and thinner, to more distinctly differentiate between the side of the hat; and the front and rear of the hat.

[0043] As six panels were used to form the hat shown in the drawings, the hat contains the six seams, including a first seam 30 that sews together the first panel 16 and second panel 18; a second seam 32 that joins together second panel 18 and third panel 20; a third seam 34 that couples together third panel 20 and fourth panel 22; a fourth seam 36 that joins together fourth panel 22 and fifth panel 24; a fifth seam 38 that joins together fifth panel 24 and sixth panel 26; and finally, a sixth seam 40 that joins the together the sixth panel 26 and the first panel 16. The seams are formed by known sewing techniques, with care being given to focus on the aesthetic quality of the exterior surface 15 of the hat 10, to the detriment, if necessary, of the interior surface 44 of the hat 10. Each panel includes a vent hole 46 for helping to vent away heat from the interior of the hat 10.

[0044] A first logo patch 54 is placed on the front portion exterior surface 42 of the hat 10, to straddle the first and second panels 16, 18, equally, to appear on the front of the hat.

[0045] Turning now to the interior surface 44 of the hat shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be noted that the seams 30-40 are covered by three seam covers, 58, 60, 62 to hide the edges of the panels that are sewn together. The seam covers include a first seam cover 58 that straddles seams 30 and 36; a second seam cover 60 that extends along, and straddles seams 32 and 38; and a third seam cover 62 that straddles seams 34 and 40.

[0046] A sweat band 68 includes a lower edge 70 that is sewn to the hat adjacent to the lower edge 14 thereof. The sweat band 68 extends upwardly, adjacent to the interior surface 44 of the hat, and terminates at an upper edge 72. The sweat band 68 is usually perimetral and equatorial, as it extends around the entire lower portion of the interior surface 44 of the hat.

[0047] Preferably, the interior surfaces of the first and second panels 16, 18, and the fourth and fifth panels 22, 24 include a reinforcing fabric that is joined, such as by sewing or glueing, to the interior surface of these panels. The reinforcing fabric helps to give the hat “body” to enable it to stand generally upright to maintain its stiffness, and thus prevent the hat 10 from looking “crumpled” on the user's head.

[0048] An alternate embodiment hat 100 is shown in FIGS. 5-7. Alternate embodiment hat 100 is shaped similarly to hat 10 (FIGS. 1-4), and decorated with various indicia, so that the hat 100, when placed on the head 60 of a wearer W (FIG. 7), takes on an appearance similar to a helmet of a type worn by a sports team or sports figure, such as a football team, hockey team, or a race driver. Alternate embodiment hat 100 includes a peak 112 at its top, and a latitudinally extending lower edge 114 that defines an interior opening into which the wearer W can place his head. The helmet-hat 100 also comprises a six panel hat, that includes the first panel 116, a second panel 118, a third panel 120, a fourth panel 122, a fifth panel 124, and a sixth panel 126.

[0049] Similar to hat 10, the generally pie-shaped panels are joined together by six seams, including second seam 132, a third seam 134, a fifth seam 138, and a sixth seam 140. The first and fourth seams are shown in FIG. 5 as covered by the forward to backward extending stripe set 54. As with hat 10, each of the panels of hat 100 includes a vent hole 146. Additionally, the interior (not shown) of hat 100 is virtually identical to the interior of hat 10, and includes seam covers (not shown) and a circumferential sweat band (not shown).

[0050] Hat 100 includes a helmet indicia 150, 152 sewn thereon to give the hat 100 an appearance that is similar to the appearance of a helmet. As the helmet indicia has both functional and aesthetic features, it will be appreciated that the particular helmet indicia used for a particular hat 100 will vary from hat to hat, depending upon the particular helmet that the hat 100 seeks to replicate.

[0051] The helmet indicia of hat 100 includes a first side mounted logo 150, and a second side mounted logo 152. The side-mounted logos are utilized in hat 100 (as opposed to a front mounted logo, such as in FIG. 1) because most football, hockey and racing-type helmets contain their primary logos on their side surfaces.

[0052] Additionally, hat 100 includes a stripe set 154 that extends from the front of the front portion to the back of the rear portion of the hat 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the stripe set 154 includes a center, first stripe 158, which is flanked on one side by a parallel second stripe 160. Flanking the first stripe 158 on its right side is a third stripe 162 that extends parallel to both the first 158 and second 160 stripes. In most cases, the three stripes 158, 160, 162 will be of different colors. The particular colors that are chosen will depend upon the helmet design that the hat 100 seeks to replicate. For example, center stripe 158 could be a white stripe, second stripe 160 could be a red stripe, and third stripe 162 could be a blue stripe.

[0053] Alternately, the center stripe may be of a first color, such as white, with the second and third stripes 160, 162 being of a different color, but the same color to each other. For example, stripe 158 could be a white stripe, with stripes 160 and 162 being both matching blue stripes.

[0054] Although stripe set 154 is shown on hat 100, it will be appreciated that as some team helmets do not contain back to front extending stripes, the stripe set could be removed from a hat that is sought to replicate the helmet of a team whose helmet did not contain such stripes. Alternately, a different number of stripes could be used (e.g. two, four, five, six, etc.) in place of the three stripe, stripe set 154 shown in hat 100.

[0055] As another possible alternate embodiment, the stripe set 154 could be replaced with a ribbon of material containing a decorative pattern, such as a series of stars, etc. depending upon the desire of the user and hat 100 manufacturer.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 7, the hat 100 is shown on the head of the wearer, user W. Due to its shape, and placement, the hat 100 has the capacity for taking on the appearance of a soft helmet, that is designed to replicate the appearance of a team helmet.

[0057] A second alternate embodiment hat 210 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In most respects, hat 210 is constructed generally similarly to hats 10 and 110. The primary difference resides in the dual size adjustment members of the hat 210. Hat 210 includes a feature that comprises a first size adjustment member 270 that includes an equatorially extending first strap member 272 having a first mating member 273, and an equatorially extending second strap member 278 having a second mating member 280. The second strap member 270 is positioned in an opposed relationship to the first equatorially extending strap member 272. The first and second mating members 273, 280 are selectively matable to adjustably mate the first strap member 272 to the second strap member 278 to permit the user to vary the size of the head covering. Additionally, a second size adjustment member 284, similar to the first size adjustment member 270, is disposed in the rear portion of the hat, approximately 180 degrees from the first size adjustment member 270.

[0058] The second size adjustment member 284 includes an equatorially extending first strap member 286 having a first mating member 288; and a second equatorially extending second strap member 290 having a second mating member 292. The second strap member 290 is positioned in an opposed relationship to the first strap member 272. The first 288 and second 292 mating members are selectively matable to adjustably mate the first strap member 286 to the second strap member 290 to permit the user to vary the size of the head covering with each of the first 270 and second 284 size adjustment members.

[0059] It will be noted that the lower edge 214 of the head engaging portion 210 includes a first cutout portion 292 disposed adjacent to the first size adjustment member 270 and a second cutout portion 294 disposed adjacent the second size adjustment member 284. The first cutout portion 292 and first size adjustment member 270 define a first aperture 296 capable of receiving the user's hair therethrough. The second cutout portion 294 and second size adjustment member 284 define a second aperture 298 capable of receiving the user's hair therethrough.

[0060] Each of the strap members 272, 278, 286, 288 includes two major generally planar surfaces. The mating members 273, 280, 288, 292 exist for enabling the user to fasten the first straps 272, 286 to their respective second straps 278, 290. Typically, the length of the strap member 272, 278, 286, 288 is long enough so that the first straps 272, 286 and second straps 278, 288 may be joined together.

[0061] One of a variety of fastening systems, such as button, zippers or snaps can be used. However, the most preferred fastening system is a hook-and-eye type fastening system such as Velcro. To that end, a longitudinal extending strip of the “eye” member 68 of a hook-and-eye (Velcro) type fastener is disposed upon a surface of the first straps 278, 288. The “eye” mating material is sized, shaped and positioned to be received by a strip of “hook” member fastening material that is disposed on surface of the second straps 278, 288. As will be appreciated by those familiar with the operation of Velcro-like fasteners, the first straps 272, 286 are fastened respectively to the second straps 278, 288 by placing the eye fastener member directly against the hook fastener 72, to cause the hooks to engage the eye 78 to thereby fasten the first straps 272, 286 to the second straps 278, 288 respectively.

[0062] It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the apparatus disclosed in this application without changing the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A head covering device comprising

a dome-shaped head engaging member including an interior for receiving the user's head, and an exterior surface, the exterior surface including a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, and

a first feature placed on at least one of the front, rear first side and second side portions to distinguish the at least one of the front and rear portions from the first and second side portions,

wherein the head covering does not include a bill member.

2. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the first feature is placed on the at least one of the front and rear portions, further comprising a second feature placed on at least one of first and second side portions to distinguish the at least one of the first and second side portions from the front and rear portions,

wherein the head engaging member includes a lower edge, and a peak, the lower edge being distanced from the peak by a radial distance, the radial distance being sized to place the lower edge at a level less than approximately one inch from the user's eyebrows and less than one inch from the top of the user's ear where the head covering is placed on the head of the user.

3. The head covering of claim 2 wherein head covering is comprised of between four and twelve generally pre-shaped panels, each panel including a pair of side edge portions,

wherein the side edge portions of adjacent pie-shaped panels are joined together to form the head covering

4. The head covering of claim 3 further comprising a circumferential band disposed on the interior of the head covering, adjacent the lower edge thereof, wherein the panels include a set of front and rear panels, and a set of side panels, the panels of the front and rear panel set being generally wider than the panels of the side panel set.

5. The head covering of claim 2 wherein at least two of the pie-shaped panels include a reinforcing member for increasing the rigidity of the at least two panels.

6. The head covering of claim 2 wherein the first feature comprises a diametral striping member extending over at least a portion of the front and rear portions.

7. The head covering of claim 2 wherein the first feature comprises a first size adjustment member.

8. The head covering of claim 7 wherein the first size adjustment member includes a equatorially extending first strap member having a first mating member, and an equatorially extending second strap member having a second mating member, the second strap member being positioned in an opposed relationship to the first strap member, the first and second mating members being selectively matable to adjustably mate the first strap member to the second strap member to permit the user to vary the size of the head covering.

9. The head covering of claim 8 wherein the first size adjustment member is disposed on the front portion of the head covering, further comprising a second size adjustment member disposed on the rear portion of the head covering, approximately 180 degrees from the first size adjustment member, the second size adjustment member including an equatorially extending first strap member having a first mating member and an equatorially extending second strap member having a second mating member, the second strap member being positioned in an opposed relationship to the first strap member, the first and second mating members being selectively matable to adjustably mate the first strap member to the second strap member to permit the user to vary the size of the head covering with each of the first and second size adjustment members.

10. The head covering device of claim 9 wherein the lower edge of the head engaging portion including a first cutout portion disposed adjacent the first size adjustment member and a second cutout portion disposed adjacent the second cutout member, the first cutout portion and first size adjustment member defining a first aperture capable of receiving the user's hair therethrough, and the second cutout portion and second size adjustment member defining a second aperture capable of receiving the user's hair therethrough.

11. The head covering of claim 2 where the first feature comprises a first size adjustment member disposed on the front portion, and a second size adjustment member disposed on the second portion, approximately 180 degrees from the first size adjustment member.

12. The head covering of claim 2 wherein the second feature comprises an indicia member.

13. The head covering of claim 12 wherein the first feature and the second feature each comprise indicia members sized and positioned on the head covering to give the appearance of a team helmet.

14. The head covering of claim 13 wherein the first and second features comprise team logo indicia.