Headwear visor storage system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a headwear visor storage system. One embodiment incorporates a storage pouch onto the visor of a convention baseball cap. The storage pouch can be accessed when the hat is on or off of a user. The storage pouch is releasably coupled to the visor via a releasable coupling system. Alternative embodiments relate to utilizing a visor storage pouch as part of a modular headwear system in which various items can be releasably coupled to an article of headwear.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/656,354, filed Feb. 25, 2005, entitled “HEADWEAR VISOR STORAGE SYSTEM.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a headwear visor storage system. More particularly, the present invention relates to incorporating a storage pouch on the visor of an article of headwear.

2. Background of the Invention and Related Art

Headwear serves many functions and purposes. Headwear is worn to protect the head and/or other parts of the upper body from various things such as sun and rain. Headwear may also serve as an ornamental component of a wardrobe. Headwear may have the potential to attract attention to the wearer or make a statement relative to the wearer's identity or group affiliation. In some cultures, headwear is worn to show respect and modesty.

One common form of headwear is known as a hat. The top portion of a hat is often referred to as a crown while the bottom portion which surrounds the head substantially above the ears is often referred to as the base. Most styles of hats include at least one bill and/or flap attached to the base at various locations and that project or depend therefrom as determined by fashion or the intended utility of the headwear system.

One problem with existing hats and headwear systems is the inability to reliably store items on the hat itself. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a system that allows items to be stored on an article of headwear.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a headwear visor storage system. One embodiment incorporates a storage pouch onto the visor of a convention baseball cap. The storage pouch can be accessed when the hat is on or off of a user. The storage pouch is releasably coupled to the visor via a releasable coupling system. Alternative embodiments relate to utilizing a visor storage pouch as part of a modular headwear system in which various items can be releasably coupled to an article of headwear.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, 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 frontal view illustrating of a headwear system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating the storage and utility pocket shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a profile view illustrating the coupling between the storage and utility pocket and the cap illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling device between a storage and utility pocket and a cap;

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

The present invention relates to a headwear visor storage system. One embodiment incorporates a storage pouch onto the visor of a convention baseball cap. The storage pouch can be accessed when the hat is on or off of a user. The storage pouch is releasably coupled to the visor via a releasable coupling system. Alternative embodiments relate to utilizing a visor storage pouch as part of a modular headwear system in which various items can be releasably coupled to an article of headwear. While embodiments of the present invention are directed at headwear visor storage systems, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other areas.

Reference is initially made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a visored cap pack 100 comprising a headgear 110, a visor portion 120, a crown portion 125, and a storage and utility pack 130. The headgear 110 may be a cap (as shown) or any other headgear for example, a hard hat, a helmet, a cowboy hat, a fedora, or even a visor. The present invention teaches a hat with a visor to provide additional support for the visored cap pack, but a visor is not essential. Alternative embodiments teach the visored cap pack as being compatible with helmets designed for activities including rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, or motorcycling.

The utility and storage pack 130 is a reopenable pack with a reopening means 135, that can be positioned either at the top or bottom of the pack 130, and that can be configured to allow the user to completely remove the top of the pack, or just to allow the user access to the inside of the pack. There is also a coupling loop 140 on the back of the pack 130 which provides that the utility and storage pack 130 may be releasably coupled to the headgear using a coupling strap 145 threaded through the coupling loops 140. Furthermore, the present invention teaches that many different packs 130 may be used interchangeably with the same coupling strap 145. To facilitate the pack's interchangability, the coupling loop 140 allows the coupling strap 145 to be threaded through the storage and utility pack loop 140 and to be replaced by a different storage and utility pack with function more appropriate for the user's activity.

The storage and utility pack 130 may be configured in a variety of ways. FIG. 1 shows a pack intended for use with golf. There are tee holders 150, a tube holder 160 for a lip balm or sun screen, and a compression sack to prevent any loose items in the pack from moving and annoying the user. Within the pack, a user may place golf balls, money, ball markers, a scorecard, or any other desired item.

The pack may have a variety of shapes, can be made from a variety of materials such as nylon, leather, cotton, or any other material known in the art. The pack may be used to carry anything from tools useful for a particular activity, to cigarettes, chewing tobacco or money from coins to pieces of fruit. In cultures where people are accustomed to carry larger loads on their heads, larger packs may be used to fit much the larger loads.

Referring now to the rear view provided by FIG. 2, there is the storage and utility pack 130 decoupled from the headgear 110. The coupling loop 140 is shown as forming a hollow tube through which the coupling strap 145 can pass to securely couple the storage and utility pack 130 to the coupling strap 145. This loop and strap allows the pack to be interchanged with other packs, or to be repositioned to facilitate simultaneous use of two or more packs. The reopenable lid 135 is configured to wrap around the pack and allow maximum access to the pack's contents without having to remove the headgear.

Referring now to FIG. 3 wherein a headgear 110 is provided with a visor 120 and a detachable coupling strap 145 that fits snugly between the visor portion 120 and the crown portion 125 of the headgear. FIG. 3 illustrates how the pack conforms to the general contours of the headgear, the pack 130 snuggly fitting in the transition between the visor portion 120 and the crown portion 125. To ensure a snug fit between the pack 130 and the headgear 110, the coupling loop 140 is placed at a bend on the pack. This placement simultaneously cinches the pack 130 toward both the visor portion 120 and the crown portion 125.

Referring now to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, there is a pack 130 with the coupling strap 400 sewn 410 to the pack 440. The present invention teaches that the sewn configuration of the coupling strap may be used with any of the packs disclosed. This embodiment prevents the user from potentially dropping the strap while changing the pack, and still allowing the strap/pack combination to be interchanged with packs for different utilities. FIG. 4 further illustrates a pack configured for fishing, especially fly fishing. There is a fly retainer 430 commonly known in the art of fishing, as well a devise used to straighten a leader 440. Several fishing tools may be stowed on or in the pack, and the present invention teaches that all such tools may be used in connection with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is an alternative embodiment of the pack wherein there is a large opening 500 on the front of the pack 510 to allow larger items to be stored inside the pack. There is a reopening means 520 coupling the pack 510 to the reopenable pack lid 530 for closing the pack and retaining its contents. The single reopening means 520 (shown here in an open form) improves the user's access and ease of access to the pack's contents by allowing the user to manipulate the pack with a single one-handed motion. Furthermore, having the pack's opening at the front allows the user to quickly empty the contents simply by tilting the headgear forward.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is an alternative embodiment of the pack 600 wherein a pouch 610 is closed by a drawstring 620. The advantage of this configuration is that the pack's contents cannot fall out because the opening is pointed up, and the pouch can cinch down on several differently sized contents.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is an alternative embodiment in the pack 700 configured similar to a reopenable envelope with a reopenable lid 710, and a coupling means (not shown) to couple the pack to the headgear. The present invention teaches the coupling means may be either be sewn to the pack or be loops and a strap as taught above.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is a pack with a pocket portion and a utility base portion coupled to the headgear. There is a utility hook on the front of the pocket portion of the pack, and a base portion extending from the bottom of the pocket to provide a space for other utility devises. The pocket portion has a re-openable means to secure the lid of the pocket in place. For example, if the pack were used by a make-up artist, then the utility base may hold make-up applicators, make-up as well as other tools commonly used in the art. The pocket portion of the pack may be used to store larger containers of make-up or other products, while on the front of the pocket may be placed a storage hook. For example if a parent wanted to store a child's pacifier on the hook to momentarily free both hands, the hook would be available. The present invention teaches that a hook and loop securing system may be used to secure items to the utility base.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A headwear visor storage system comprising:

an article of headwear;

a visor coupled to a front portion of the article of headwear; and

a storage pouch coupled to the visor.

2. The headwear visor storage system of claim 1, wherein the article of headwear is a cap.

3. The headwear visor storage system of claim 1, wherein the visor extends substantially perpendicular from a user's head.

4. The headwear visor storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage pouch is releasably coupled to the visor.

5. A method for stowing an item in a headwear visor storage system comprising the acts of:

providing a cap with a visor;

providing a storage pouch releasably coupled to the visor; and

stowing an item in the storage pouch.