Drawstring hat

Abstract

A collapsible drawstring hat including a head engaging portion and a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion. A band is located about a periphery of the hat. The band defines a closed channel. A drawstring is located within the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from the band, and is slidably received within the closed channel. The head engaging portion, the brim and the band are secured together to form a main hem line. Upon pulling the opposed end of the drawstring, at least a portion of the drawstring engages at least a portion of the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/648,981 filed Feb. 1, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an improvement on an apparel item, and more particularly, is concerned with a drawstring hat which is selectively positionable between a collapsed, stored position and an expanded position designed for wearing.

The wearing of hats, especially by the female segment of the population, has been popular for many years. This popularity has lead to a wide variety of hats being available in numerous sizes and configurations which are primarily dictated by style preferences. In addition, certain hat designs are created from the stand point of functionality to the extent that certain hats are specifically designed to accomplish purposes such as warmth, protection from the sun, etc.

One disadvantage associated with the design of various hat structures, is the storage of the hat without damaging it. When a person is traveling, either around or outside their home, there is no inherent way to draw a hat closed. Thus, one has to experience the inconvenience of depositing their hat in an awkward manner or place, without the ability to draw up, close and store the hat.

Some have strived to overcome this by developing foldable or collapsible hats. One such hat comprises a rigid skeletal frame including a number of “ribs”, generally made of wood and carrying a common fabric covering. The ribs are all connected at one end at a central pivot point, about which individual ribs of the frame can be “fanned” to cause the hat to assume a wearable orientation or a folded orientation, as desired. In addition, foldable hats have been developed which are formed of a cloth material and which utilize a flexible hoop structured to act as a supporting frame for the material defining the hat, which hoop may be manipulated to cause the hat to assume what may be considered a collapsed position for storage. Another example of a foldable hat is one that folds into itself. This hat generally includes a hem in a base of a hat band that prevents the hat from closing to a compact unit. The hat brim is stuffed into the base and it becomes a pouch.

However, none of the structures known in the art for providing a collapsible or foldable hat satisfy certain styling demands. Many of these prior hats result in damage or disfigurement to the hat after repeating folding or collapsing of the hat. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved hat structure which is selectively positionable between a collapsed position for storage and an expanded position for wear, wherein the overall design and configuration of the hat meet certain modern day styling requirements, and which does not damage or disfigure the hat after repeatedly being collapsed. Any such improved hat structure should also permit the hat to be easily carried from place to place and conveniently stored in a briefcase, luggage, purse, pocket, tote or similar places of storage.

A need therefore exists not only for the convenient storage and deposit of a hat but conversely for the ease and convenience of then having the hat to use opened in a moment's time. A drawstring hat which draws the hat from its original large size to a smaller, compact and convenient size for storage would overcome the limitations of prior hats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a collapsible drawstring hat is provided.

More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, a collapsible drawstring hat comprises a head engaging portion and a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion. The brim has a generally annular configuration which is at least partially defined by a central opening. As can be appreciated, the brim can have other configurations. A band is located about an outer periphery of the hat, the band defining a closed channel. A drawstring is located within the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from the band. The drawstring is slidably received within the closed channel. The head engaging portion, the brim and the band are secured together to form a main hem line. Upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, the drawstring at least partially engages the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim. The collapsed brim has a compact accordion conformation.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a collapsible drawstring hat comprises a head engaging portion including a crown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the open bottom and an interior. A brim has an outer peripheral edge attached at least closely to or on the peripheral edge of the crown. A band extends substantially around the hat. The band includes first and second edges located in the crown. The first and second edges are attached to the peripheral edge of the crown; however, this is not required. The outer band defines a closed channel. A drawstring is slidably received in the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from first and second opposing apertures located on the outer band. A main hem line is located in the crown. Typically, this main hem line is located in the interior of the crown. The main hem line includes a base line of stitching for attaching the respective edges of the crown, brim and band together. Upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, the hat is drawn adjacent the main hem line which collapses the brim in a smooth and even fashion. The collapsed brim has a compact accordion conformation.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a collapsible drawstring hat comprising a head engaging portion including a crown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the open bottom and an interior. The peripheral edge has an upwardly folded region extending into the crown interior. A brim extends outwardly from the head engaging portion. The brim has a generally annular configuration which is at least partially defined by a central opening having an outer peripheral edge. An outer band extends substantially around the hat. The outer band defines a closed first channel and includes first and second edges located in the interior of the crown, each first and second edges including an upwardly folded region. At least one of the upwardly folded regions defines an open second channel for receiving the peripheral edge of the crown. A drawstring is slidably received in the closed first channel. Opposed ends of the drawstring extend outwardly from first and second opposing apertures located on the outer band. A main hem line is located in the interior of the crown. The main hem line secures the respective edges of the crown, brim and band together, wherein upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, the main hem line collapses thereby folding the brim in an accordion style.

Still other non-limiting benefits and/or aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from reading and understanding the description of the preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view illustrating a drawstring hat in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention together with associated components thereof.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the drawstring hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drawstring hat taken generally along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the drawstring hat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the drawstring hat of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view illustrating a drawstring hat in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed herein without departing form the spirit of the invention. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. It will also be appreciated that the various identified components of the drawstring hat disclosed herein are merely terms of art that may vary from one manufacturer to another and should not be deemed to limit the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings illustrate the embodiments of the invention only and are not intended to limit same, FIGS. 1-5 show a drawstring hat 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The drawstring hat is structured to be selectively and repeatedly positioned in either an expanded position, for wearing as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or a collapsed or folded position, as represented in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the collapsed position, the hat can be conveniently carried, placed on a generally flat surface, or otherwise transported or stored.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drawstring hat 10 generally comprises a head engaging portion 12 and a brim 14 extending outwardly from a bottom of the head engaging portion. The brim typically extends about the full periphery of the head engaging portion; however, this is not required. The brim 14 can be of any shape or width, and in the depicted embodiment, has an annular configuration which is at least partially defined by a central opening 16 and an outer, substantially circularly configured periphery 20.

The head engaging portion 12 includes a crown 24 and an outer band 26. The crown may be formed from a single piece of material or alternately from a plurality of panels, such as 32 and 34, which are secured together at their opposite, correspondingly positioned, longitudinal ends 36. As will be described in greater detail below, an innermost, folded end portion or edge 40 of the crown is secured by way of a main hem 46 having a base line of stitching about the circumference of the central opening 16 of the brim 14.

The outer band 26 is located about the full periphery of the head engaging portion 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer band 26 can be formed from a single piece of material which is folded onto itself. Peripheral end portions or edges 48 of the outer band material are folded upward and are secured together by the main hem 46. Thus, the outer band 26 defines a closed channel 50 extending around a majority or all of the periphery of the crown 24. A portion of the channel typically extends on or below the main hem. As shown in FIG. 1, a section 60 of the outer band 26 is located at a back of the hat 10 includes first and second opposing apertures 64, 66 from which is drawn a drawstring 70.

The drawstring 70 is slidably disposed within the channel 50 of the outer band 26, with the opposed ends of the drawstring extending from the first and second opposing apertures 64, 66. The drawstring has at least a three-fold purpose and function. Not only does the drawstring draw the hat closed but it can also be used to adjustably fit the head size of the wearer. The drawstring also is configured to wrap around outer band 26 when closed (FIG. 4) and become secure (e.g., by tucking ends of the drawstring around the band (FIG. 5)). The drawstring can be made from a single piece of material. In one non-limiting configuration, the drawstring is formed from a material that is first folded in two halves, and then folded over and stitched. This construction produces a drawstring 70 comprising two double layers of fabric folded together, straight cut and topstitched to inhibit stretching of the drawstring. To further secure the layers of the drawstring, the drawstring can be sewed down the middle. It should be appreciated that the drawstring is not limited to the above generally flat configuration, and that other configurations for the drawstring, such as a tubular construction, could be also be used. It should also be appreciated that the drawstring can be pre-constructed into outer band 26.

With reference again to FIG. 3, the brim 14 is typically made of multiple layers of material with an inner layer 80 underlying an outer layer 82; however, this is not required. It should be appreciated that the layers can be formed from a single piece of material folded onto itself or from separate pieces of material. Located between the inner layer and the outer layer is a layer of interfacing 84 which stabilizes and supports the brim. This interfacing material is a less flexible material, and typically a heavier weight material than one or both of layers 80, 82; however, this is not required. In the present invention, the interfacing is a heavyweight, washable and dry cleanable polyester, such as, but not limited to, a non-woven needlepoint polyester. Although, it should be appreciated that the interfacing can be made of other suitable materials of sufficient weight to maintain the sturdy shape of the brim 14 and yet be flexible enough to allow the hat 10 to compress, fold and close. As also can be appreciated, brim 14 can be solely formed from interfacing 84.

The inner and outer layers 80, 82, respectively, and the interfacing 84 have first end portions or edges 90, 92, 94, respectively, located adjacent the end portions 48 of the outer band 26 and the folded end portion 40 of the crown 24. The main hem line 46 secures such end portions together. The inner and outer layers 80, 82 and the interfacing 84 extend downwardly from the head engaging portion 12 and provide a triple brim thickness. The inner layer 80 and the interfacing 84 are folded upwardly onto themselves about the lower edge 20 of the brim 14. The outer layer 82 is also folded upwardly, the folded portion 96 being interposed between the folded portion 98 of the inner layer and the folded portion 100 of the interfacing. The lower edge 20 of the brim 14 is stiffened by a single or double stitching 104, 106 thereby allowing the brim to collapse.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a lining 120 can be operable attached via a secondary line of stitching 122 along the inside of the end portion 90 of the inner layer 80 of the brim 14. As can be appreciated, lining 120 can be eliminated from the hat. The secondary stitching line is sewn at a predetermined distance, generally about ⅜inch, from the main hem 46 to ensure that the lining will fit within the crown 24; however, other distances can be used. The lining provides a comfortable fit for the user. The secondary stitching line also serves as a reinforcing stitch for the hat 10. The lining can be made of an absorbent material; however, this is not required. The secondary stitching line can extend through the end portions of the brim, the outer band 26 and the crown 24.

One non-limiting method of manufacturing the drawstring hat 10 will now be described. As indicated previously, the crown 24 may be formed from a single piece of material or alternately from a plurality of panels which are sewn together The entire peripheral end portion 40 of the crown is typically folded upward.

The outer band 26 is typically formed from a single piece of folded over material. The end portions 48 of the band material are also typically folded upward. The outer band is positioned around the peripheral end portion 40 of the crown. More particularly, folded end portion 40 can be located in an open channel 130 formed by both folded end portions 48 and a surface 132 of the formed band 26 adjacent the outer surface 134 of the crown. The end portions 40, 48 are stitched together. This stitching forms a base line of stitching. Thus, the outer band 26 is open and loose from the outer surface of the crown, a portion of the outer band being located below the main hem line. The joined crown and outer band are then stitched to the first end portions 90, 92, 94 of the brim. This stitching is along the base stitching line, which, in turn, forms the main hem 46. The drawstring is then threaded and drawn through the band channel 50 after the hat is completely sewn, opposing ends of the drawstring extending through the apertures 64, 66 located at the back of the hat 10 and outer band 26. The apertures can be hemmed a reasonable length for an aesthetic appearance and solid construction.

It should be appreciated that the above method of manufacture of the drawstring hat 10 is not limiting and that alternative methods of manufacture are also contemplated. For example, the end portions 48 of the outer band 26 can be first sewn together, for example by merrowing or stitching, or adhesively connected together. The band can then be sewn to the end portion 40 of the crown 24. This unit can then be sewn to the brim in the same manner described above. The outer band can be made from a single piece of fabric unhemmed at top and unhemmed at bottom, both top and bottom finished in same or any manner. This band is only attached to the crown. The outer band can also be formed from a single piece of fabric which is doubled over so as to form an outside cuff on the crown. In lieu of the continuous outer band, fabric loops may be attached to the crown into which is inserted the drawstring or other material which when drawn contracts and closes the hat. This constitutes an outer open-weave band.

The main hem line 46 is one important component of the drawstring hat 10. As indicated above, generally, the outer base 26 and the crown 24 are sewn as a single unit to the brim 14. This process of further sewing as a unit onto the brim creates the main hem 46 having a base line of stitching. The main hem allows the hat to be drawn into a compact unit for storage. The baseline stitching may be reinforced, stitch on stitch, around the main hem line as desired. Thus, the main hem 46 is created with one baseline stitching or one baseline stitching which is reinforced.

In use, when the ends of the drawstring 70 are pulled together through the apertures 64, 66, the band contracts and the hat becomes compressed and closed. More particularly, when the hat is drawn adjacent the main hem 46, the main hem interacts with the pull of the drawstring 70. This, in turn, causes the brim 14 to collapse in an accordion like, compact manner. Because the main hem 46 is without further stitching, it does not bulge, which would result in the brim 14 spreading outward as it collapses. The free and unhampered hem line allows the hat 10 to be closed in a smooth and even fashion. When opened, the band 26 and crown 24 revert to their original shape, maintaining their original form and measurement.

The head engaging portion 12, including the crown 24 and the outer band 26, and the inner and outer layers 80, 82, respectively of the brim 14 are formed from a flexible, soft, pliable material which may be silk, nylon, cotton, or a variety of other materials, including water proof or water resistant materials, which are capable of being folded upon itself, ideally without creasing or otherwise creating fold lines therein. For example, the drawstring hat can be made from a denim/jean fabric for year-round use, seersucker for warm weather and corduroy or wool for fall/winter. The selection of material can depend on the climate of choice.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a drawstring hat 10′ according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a top portion 200 of an outer band 202 is stitched to a crown 208, thereby tacking down and closing the top portion of the band. Similar to the previous embodiment, a drawstring 70′ will pull from apertures (not shown) at a back section 214 of the band. This construction makes the drawstring hat appropriate for year-round use and could also be suitable with rainwear fabric. Because the remaining structure and function of the drawstring hat 10′ is substantially identical to that which was previously described, no further discussion relating to the structure and manner of usage and operation of the drawstring hat will be provided.

As is evident from the present invention, the drawstring hat 10 provides a year-round hat, including a sunhat, that can be compressed and closed by its unique construction of the outer band 26 without a protruding hem on the outside or inside. The outer band is flat, the main hem line 46 is drawn into the interior and can be covered with the lining 120. The size of the hat is infinitely adjustable to nearly any head size because the size is adjusted continuously by use of the drawstring 70. Once closed, the drawstring 70 may then be wrapped and tucked into the outer band. The closed unit can be stored in a briefcase, luggage, purse, pocket, tote or similar places of storage. The hat unfolds readily to its original full size again when opened for wearing.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims, or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A collapsible drawstring hat comprising:

a head engaging portion;

a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion, the brim having a generally annular configuration which is at least partially defined by a central opening;

a band located about a periphery of the hat, the band defining a closed channel; and

a drawstring located within the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from the band, the drawstring being slidably received within the closed channel;

wherein the head engaging portion, the brim and the band are secured together to form a main hem line, wherein upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, at least a portion of the drawstring engages at least a portion of the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim, the collapsed brim having a compact accordion conformation.

2. The hat of claim 1, wherein the head engaging portion includes a crown having a generally hemispherical shape having an open bottom.

3. The hat of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the head engaging portion includes an upwardly folded section.

4. The hat of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the band includes an upwardly folded section defining an open channel for receiving the head engaging portion.

5. The hat of claim 1, wherein the band is formed of a single piece of folded over material, the folded material having a folded edge spaced from the end portion of the band.

6. The hat of claim 5, wherein the folded edge of the band is attached to the crown.

7. The hat of claim 1, wherein the brim includes a layer of interfacing which stabilizes and supports the brim.

8. The hat of claim 1, wherein the main hem line includes a base line of stitching.

9. The hat of claim 8, wherein the base line of stitching is reinforced.

10. The hat of claim 1, including a head lining attached to at least an end portion of the brim.

11. A collapsible drawstring hat comprising:

a head engaging portion including a crown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the open bottom and an interior;

a generally annular brim having an outer peripheral edge attached to the peripheral edge of the crown;

an outer band extending substantially around the hat, the outer band including first and second edges located in the crown, the first and second edges being attached to the peripheral edge of the crown, the outer band defining a closed channel;

a drawstring slidably received in the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from first and second opposing apertures located on the outer band; and,

a main hem line located in the crown, the main hem line including a base line of stitching for attaching the respective edges of the crown, brim and band together,

wherein upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, the hat is drawn adjacent the main hem line which collapses the brim in a smooth and even fashion, the collapsed brim having a compact accordion conformation.

12. The hat of claim 11, wherein the peripheral edge of the crown includes an upwardly folded section.

13. The hat of claim 11, at least one of the first and second edges of the band includes an upwardly folded section defining an open channel for receiving the peripheral edge of the crown.

14. The hat of claim 11, wherein a portion of the channel extends below the main hem line thereby allowing the drawstring to engage the main hem line.

15. A collapsible drawstring hat comprising:

a head engaging portion including a crown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the open bottom and an interior, the peripheral edge having an upwardly folded region extending into the crown interior;

a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion, the brim having a generally annular configuration which is at least partially defined by a central opening having an outer peripheral edge;

an outer band extending substantially around the hat, the outer band defining a closed first channel and including first and second edges located in the interior of the crown, each first and second edges including an upwardly folded region, at least one of the upwardly folded regions defining an open second channel for receiving the peripheral edge of the crown;

a drawstring slidably received in the closed first channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from first and second opposing apertures located on the outer band; and,

a main hem line located in the interior of the crown, the main hem line securing the respective edges of the crown, brim and band together, wherein upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, the main hem line collapses thereby folding the brim in an accordion style.

16. The hat of claim 15, wherein the main hem line includes a base line of stitching.

17. The hat of claim 16, wherein the base line of stitching is reinforced.