Cap with removable and rotatable visor
A cap comprises a crown sized to fit on a wearer's head and a visor. The cap includes a track mounted to the crown and a slide member to which said visor is mounted. The visor can be removably mounted in the slide member to allow for changing the cap's visor. The slide member can move axially along the track, to allow for selective positioning of the visor on the cap. Additionally, the slide member can be an articulated slide member which allows for altering the relative angular position of the visor relative to the crown.
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to caps or hats, such as baseball caps, and in particular to caps with visors that can be rotated and removed to be replaced with a different visor.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA cap comprises a crown portion and a visor. The visor is mounted to the crown portion by a track member and a slide member to allow the visor to be moved circumferentially about the cap crown. As will be apparent from the description below, the track can be provided on a fitted cap, on a cap the flexes or stretches to fit a small range of sizes, or a cap provided with a sizing band to enable the cap to fit a broad ranges of sizes (a one-size-fits-all cap).
The slide member includes a pair of vertically spaced apart plates defining a gap therebetween, the slide member gap is at least in part equal to, or slightly narrower than, the width of the visor such that the visor is frictionally received between the plates. The visor can be removably received in the slide member gap between the plates or permanently fixed to the slide member.
In one variation, the slide member is articulated to allow for altering of the angular position of the visor relative to the crown. That is, the visor can be pivoted up and down. In this embodiment, the slide member comprises a first part and a second part. The first part is slideably received by the track to be moveable axially along the track and the second part includes the plates to receive the visor. The second part is pivotally connected to the first part to allow for selectively altering the angle of the visor relative to the cap crown. To allow for pivotal movement of the visor, one of the slide member first part and second part includes an axially extending tube having an axially extending opening and the other of the slide member first and second parts includes a pivot bar which sized and shaped to be received in the tube and to be pivotal relative to the tube. At least one projection is formed in either the tube or on the bar, and at least one groove or depression is formed on the other of the tube and bar. The projection and depression are sized and shaped to engage each other to maintain the visor in a desired angular position relative to the cap crown.
The a track member track extends fully around the crown portion. The track member includes a major portion which is substantially adjacent the crown and a nape portion which is spaced from the crown. Preferably, the nape portion is at the back of the crown. The track member is flexible, and the provision of the nape portion allows for small adjustments in the circumference of the crown, thereby enabling people having differing sized heads to wear the cap. A band, which may be integrally formed with the track member, is positioned between the track member and the crown. The band has a length substantially equal to the length of the major portion of the track member, and extends from one end of the major portion to the opposite end of the major portion. The track member includes a channel which is partially closed by at least one flange—the flange defining an opening into the channel. The channel extends at least the length of the track member major portion. Although the channel preferably does not, but can, extend through the nape portion. By omitting the channel from the nape portion, the track member is more flexible in the nape portion, allowing the shape of the track to more easily change when the circumference of the cap is changed, for example, when the cap is stretched. When the channel is omitted, the nape section is defined by the flanges, and, the flange in the nape section defines a connector which extends between the flanges of the opposing ends of the channel.
The track member is preferably provided as a strip having a first end and a second end. The major portion of the track member is defined by the center of the strip or band, and the nape section is defined by the opposite ends of the strip or band. Preferably one-half, of the track member nape portion is formed at each end of the strip or band. The track member strip is provided with a connector half at each of the ends which are connectable together to form a continuous track member about the cap crown. Preferably, the connector halves are provided along an inner surface of the track member, so as not to interfere with the track channel. Additionally, because the track member nape portion is formed by the ends of the strip, the connector halves will not interfere with the securement of the track member to the cap crown.
As noted, the track member includes a channel and at least one flange which partially closes the channel to define an opening into the channel. The slide member comprises a bar sized and shaped to be received in the channel for axial movement about the channel. The bar is provided with a plurality of generally vertical spaced apart slits to enhance the flexibility of the bar. The bar and channel sized and shaped to substantially prevent removal of the slide member from the track member. The bar has a width greater than the width of the opening into the groove. Hence, the bar and the at least one flange define an interference fit to substantially prevent removal of the bar from the channel. Preferably, the bar and channel are shaped complimentarily to each other.
The slide member also includes at least one flange extending towards the bar. The slide member flange is spaced vertically from the bar a distance sufficient to enable the flange to ride on an outer surface of the track member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what we presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
An illustrative embodiment of a cap 10 of the present invention is shown generally in
The track member 18 (shown in more detail in
Turning to
The track member 18 extends forwardly from a forward surface of the band 19 and includes a body 32 comprising upper and lower surfaces 34. Flanges 35, having facing sloped surfaces 36a, extend inwardly from the ends of the upper and lower surfaces 34. The inner surfaces 36b of the flanges 35 are generally cylindrical. Upper and lower sloped conical surfaces 37 extend inwardly toward a cylindrical wall 38. The conical surfaces 37 extend from a larger diameter adjacent the flange surface 36a to a smaller diameter at the base wall 38. surfaces 36, in connection with the surface 38 of the track body 32 define a groove 40. The surfaces 36b, 37 and 38 define a track channel 40; and the space between the sloped surfaces 36a of the flanges 35 define a sloped entrance or opening into the channel 40. As can be seen in
The track member 18 is preferably provided as a flat band which is then formed or curved around the cap crown 12. The track member band is provided with connectors 42a,b, as seen in
The slide member 20 is shown in detail in
The slide member 20 includes a base 50 having sloped upper and lower surfaces 50a. The slope of the surfaces 50a corresponds generally to the slope of the surfaces 36 of the track member flanges 35. A upper an lower walls 52 extend vertically away from the forward edge of the base 50. Upper and lower flanges 54 extend rearwardly from the opposite ends of the walls 52. The distance between the inner surfaces of the flanges 54 is slightly greater than the distance between the upper and lower surfaces 34 of the track member 18 (as seen in
As seen, the slide member body 50 is generally trapezoidal in shape, having an inner end that is shorter than its outer end. A block or bar 58 extends from the inner end of the body 50. The bar 58 is sized and shaped complementarily to the channel 40, as seen in
A pair of generally horizontal plates 60 extend from the slide base front surface 50b. The plates 60 are vertically spaced apart from each other to define a gap 62 between the plates 60. The gap has a vertical height sized such that the inner surfaces 60a of the plates will frictionally engage the visor 22, and hence, the visor 22 will be securely received between the plates 60. To provide for the frictional grip of the visor 22 by the plates 60, the gap 62 has a height which is approximately equal to even slightly less than the top-to-bottom width of a cap visor 22. The gap 62 can, for example, be about 0.1875″. The plates 60 are also sufficiently long such that the plates will prevent the visor 22 from falling out of the gap. For example, the plates can be in the range of about 0.5″ to about 1″. The visor 22 can be held between the plates 60 by only the frictional grip of the plates on the visor 22. Alternatively, the visor can be fixed between the plates, for example, by sewing, gluing, riveting, or by any other conventional means. In the former, the visor can be removed from between the plates 60 by pulling the visor out, and a new visor 22 can be inserted between the plates 60. Hence, the visor 22 is removable and replaceable. In the latter alternative, the visor is not removable from between the plates, and is permanently fixed to the slide member 20. The visor can be fixed between the slide member plates 60 via other means as well. For example, the plates 60 could be provided with barbs on their inner surfaces and in the gap 62 which would catch the upper and/or lower surfaces of the visor to prevent removal of the visor.
A filler 64 can be provided between the plates 60 if desired. The filler 64 is positioned adjacent the forward surface 50b of the slide member body 50. The filler 64 can be made from any compressible material, such as a foam, and is used to cushion the end of the visor 22 which is received between the plates to protect the end of the visor 22.
As seen in
The slide member 20 shown in
The plates 60 have a width which allows the plates to flex slightly relative to each other and to the slide member base 50. The plates are generally parallel to each other, but may be slightly angled towards each other to increase the frictional grip of the plates 60 on the visor 22.
As noted above, the slide member 20 can slide in the track 18. To mount the slide member 20 on the track 18, the slide member bar 58 is passed between the track flanges 35. As the slide member bar 58 passes through the opening between the track flanges 35, the bar 58 will spread the flanges apart. When the bar 58 fully passes the flanges, and is received in the channel 40, the flanges 35 will snap back into place over the bar surface 58a. Also, when the bar 58 is received in the channel 40, the slide member flanges 54 will be positioned on the outer (i.e., upper and lower) surfaces 34 of the track member 18, thereby preventing the track flanges from spreading apart more than a nominal amount. Hence, the slide member is substantially secured in place on the track 18 and cannot be removed from the track 18. While the dimensions of the slide member elements relative to the track member elements prevent the slide member from being removed from the track member, the slide member can move axially along the track member. Hence, the visor 22 can be rotated about the cap, even while the cap is being worn.
As noted above, the track member 18, in the illustrative embodiment shown, extends fully around the circumference of the cap crown 12. To allow for the cap to fit a range of sizes, the cap is slightly stretchable or expandable. To enable the stretching or expanding of the cap, the track, as noted above, is provided with the nape section 24. The track nape section is not directly secured to the cap, and is preferably bowed slightly from the cap as seen in
Although some of the surfaces of the track channel are removed at the nape section, the slide member 20 cannot be removed from the track member 34. First of all, the slide member 20 has a side-to-side length greater than the length of the nape section 24. Further, the track flange 35 in the nape section 24 will be sandwiched by the forward surface 58a of the slide member bar and the inner surface of the walls 52. Hence, the slide member will not be able to move radially relative to the track.
The track member can be divided into a major portion (which includes the channel) and the nape portion (which does not include the channel). Here, the nape portion is defined by a continuation of the flanges 35, and the flanges 35, in effect, form connectors which the connect opposite ends of the track member major portion. As can be appreciated, if the channel is continued through the nape portion, then the entire track member will be of a substantially uniform shape or cross-sectional configuration.
In another embodiment of the cap shown in
The articulated slide member first part 72 is substantially similar to the slide member 20. It includes a body 50′ having walls 52′ with rearwardly extending flanges 54′ and a bar 58′. The articulated slide member first part, however, does not have the plates 60 (
The second part 74 of the articulated slide includes a generally vertical wall 82 having a forward and a rear surface. Vertically spaced apart plates 84 extend forwardly from the wall forward surface to define a gap 86 which receives the visor 22 and the optional filler 64. The plates 84 are identical in shape and function to the plates 60 of the slide member 20. A generally cylindrical bar 90 extends along the rear surface of the wall 82. The cylindrical bar 90 is sized and shaped to be rotatably received within the tube 76 of the slide member first part 72. The bar 90 is provided with grooves 92 which extend the length of the bar. The grooves are sized and shaped to engage the projection 80 in the slide member first part 72. Two grooves 92 are shown. However, more grooves could be provided if desired. Upper and lower arced surfaces 94 extend from the rear surface of the wall 82 spaced above and below the bar 90. The curvature of the surfaces 94 corresponds to the curvature of the tube 76 of the slide member first part 72. The space between the surfaces 94 and the bar 90 of the slide member second part 74 is slightly greater than the width of the slide member first part tube.
To connect the two portions of the slide member 70 together, the bar 90 of the second portion 74 is urged through the opening 78 in the tube 76 of the first portion 72. As the bar 90 passes through the tube opening, the opposite sides of the tube will flex apart. When the bar passes the half-way point, the opposite sides of the tube 76 will snap back into place to secure the bar 90 within the tube 76. The surfaces 94 of the slide member second portion 74 will surround the first portion tube 76 to prevent the two opposed surfaces of the wall from flexing relative to each other. Hence, the bar 90 will be secured in the tube against removal therefrom.
To provide a finished appearance to the slide member 70, the slide member second portion 74 is provided with visor arms 98 at opposite sides thereof. The visor arms extend straight back, rather than radially, as seen in
The bar 90 and surfaces 94 are sized and shaped relative to the tube 76 to enable slide member second portion to rotate or pivot relative to the slide member second portion. When assembled, the projection 80 of the first part will engage the groove 92 of the second part to maintain the visor in a selected position relative to the cap crown. The groove 92 can be disengaged from the projection 80 by urging the visor upwardly or downwardly with sufficient force to overcome the engagement of the projection with the groove. When this occurs, the slide member second portion (and hence the visor) will rotate relative to the slide member first portion (and hence the cap crown) until the second groove engages the projection. The grooves 92 and projection 80 are sized and shaped such that a significant amount of force is not required to move the visor from one position to another. If desired, the grooves and projection could be removed from the articulated slide member, and frictional engagement between the tube 76 and the bar 90 and surfaces 94 could be relied upon to hold the visor in a desired position. This would allow for the visor to be moved to any desired position. However, it would also require a tighter fit between the first and second portions of the articulated slide member, making it more difficult to pivot the second portion relative to the first portion.
The components of the second portion 74 of the slide member 70 will need to flex as they are pivoted relative to the slide member first portion 72. To facilitate this, the second portion is produced from a material, preferably a plastic, which will withstand such flexion.
As can be appreciated, the cap of the present invention allows for a wearer to move the cap's visor about the circumference of the cap crown without moving the crown. That is, the wearer, while wearing the cap, can simply grasp the visor and move the visor, for example, from the front to the back or side of the crown, while the cap crown remains substantially stationary relative to the wearer's head. Because the cap crown will not rotate, an insignia on a cap, such as a team logo, will remain in the front of the cap while the cap is being worn.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, although the channel 40 and bar 58 are shown to be generally trapezoidal, they could be any desired shape. Preferably, the channel 40 and bar 58 are shaped complimentarily to each other, and preferably, the track includes flanges which partially close the channel 40 to prevent the removal of the slide bar 58 from the channel. Although the invention is shown and described with the groove on the track member and the bar on the slide member, it will be appreciated that these could be reversed, such that the bar 58 and flanges 54 are on the track member and the groove 40 is on the slide member. The same variation can be applied to the articulated slide member of FIGS. 12-16—the tube 76 could be provided on the second part of the articulated slide member and the bar 90 and the curved surface 94 could be provided on the first part of the articulated slide member. The projection and grooves of tube and bar of the articulated slide member could be reversed, such that the projection is provided on the bar and the grooves are provided on the tube. Further, the bar could be provided with only one of either the projection or groove, and the tube could be provided with two or more of the other of the These examples are merely illustrative.
Claims
1. A cap comprising:
- a crown portion;
- a track on said crown portion;
- a slide member received on said track to be movable along said track; said slide member comprising a pair of vertically spaced apart plates defining a gap therebetween; and
- a visor; said visor being sized to be frictionally received in said slide member gap between said slide member arms.
2. The cap of claim 1 wherein said slide member gap is at least in part equal to, or slightly narrower than, the width of said visor.
3. The cap of claim 1 wherein said visor is removably received in said slide member gap and frictionally gripped by said slide member plates.
4. The cap of claim 1 wherein said one of said track member and slide member defines a male portion and the other of said track member and slide member defines a female portion; said female portion comprising a body defining defines a channel; and said male portion comprising a bar sized and shaped to be received in said channel for axial movement about said channel.
5. The cap of claim 4 wherein said bar include a plurality of generally vertical spaced apart slits.
6. The cap of claim 4 wherein said bar and channel are shaped complimentarily to each other; said bar and said channel being sized and shaped to substantially prevent removal of said slide member from said track member.
7. The cap of claim 6 wherein said female portion comprises at least one flange which partially closes said channel; said at least one flange defining an opening into said channel; said bar having a width greater than the width of said opening into said groove; whereby said bar and said at least one flange define an interference fit to substantially prevent removal of said bar from said channel.
8. The cap of claim 7 wherein in said male part includes at least one flange extending towards said bar; said flange being spaced vertically from said bar a distance sufficient to enable said flange to ride on an outer surface of said female part.
9. The cap of claim 1 wherein said slide member is an articulated slide member; said slide member comprising a first part and a second part; said first part being slideably received by said track to be moveable axially along said track; said second part comprising said plates to receive said visor; said second part being pivotally connected to said first part to allow for selectively altering the angle of said visor relative to said cap crown.
10. The cap of claim 9 wherein one of said slide member first part and second part includes an axially extending tube; said tube including an axially extending opening; the other of said slide member first and second parts comprising a pivot bar which sized and shaped to be received in said tube and to be pivotal relative to said tube.
11. The cap of claim 10 wherein one of said tube and bar includes at least one projection and the other of said tube and bar includes at least one depression; said projection and depression being sized and shaped to engage each other to maintain said visor in a desired angular position relative to said cap crown.
12. The cap of claim 1 wherein said track extends fully around said cap crown.
13. The cap of claim 12 wherein said track includes a nape section at a back of said cap; said nape section defining an arch in said track wherein said track is spaced from said crown.
14. A cap comprising:
- a crown portion;
- a track member on said crown portion, said track extending around said crown portion; said track member including a major portion in which said track is substantially adjacent said crown and a nape portion in which said track is spaced from said crown;
- a slide member received on said track to be movable along said track; said slide member; and
- a visor mounted to said slide member.
15. The cap of claim 14 including a band which is secured to said crown; said band having a length substantially equal to the length of said major portion of said track member; said band being positioned between said track member major portion and said crown.
16. The cap of claim 15 wherein said track member and said band are formed as a unitary, one-piece member.
17. The cap of claim 14 wherein said track member major portion comprising a channel and at least one flange which partially closes said channel; said nape portion comprising a connector which extends from the between opposite ends of said at least one flange, such that said flange effectively extends the full length of said track member.
18. The cap of claim 14 wherein said track member is provided as flexible member having a first end and a second end; there being a connector half at each of said first and second ends; said connector halves being connectable together to form a continuous track member about said cap crown.
19. The cap of claim 18 wherein said connector halves are provided along an inner surface of said track member and are positioned to be in the nape portion of said track member.
20. A cap comprising a crown portion, a visor; and an articulated connector for mounting said visor to said crown portion; said connector comprising a first part and a second part; said first part being mounted to said crown portion; said visor being connected to said second part; said second part being pivotally connected to said first part to allow for selectively altering the angle of said visor relative to said cap crown.
21. The cap of claim 20 wherein one of said connector first part and second part includes an axially extending tube; said tube including an axially extending opening; the other of said slide member first and second parts comprising a pivot bar which sized and shaped to be received in said tube and to be pivotal relative to said tube.
22. The cap of claim 21 wherein one of said tube and bar includes at least one projection and the other of said tube and bar includes at least one depression; said projection and depression being sized and shaped to engage each other maintain said visor in a desired angular position relative to said cap crown.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 8, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 25, 2007
Inventors: William Harris (Alton, IL), Jocelyn Harris (Alton, IL)
Application Number: 11/177,833
International Classification: A42B 1/00 (20060101);