Draw type sun shield cap

Abstract

A draw type sun shield cap includes: a) a visor component being an elongated member in the general shape of a cap visor with a central area and opposing back segments; and, b) a crown component having a shape adapted to cover the central portion of a human head with a front, a back and opposing sides, the crown component being connected to the visor component at its front; c) a draw line connecting the back of the crown component to each of the opposing back segments of the visor component; wherein the sun shield cap has a first position wherein the draw line is undrawn and loose and wherein the sun shield cap is flat and the sun shield cap has a second position wherein the draw line is drawn tightly so as to bring the back of the crown component and each of the opposing back segments of the visor component to one another to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation. Preferably, both the visor component and the crown component are created from a single piece of material.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Design Pat. application Ser. No. 29/250,127, entitled “SUN SHIELD SPORTCAP WITH NECKGUARD” and filed on Nov. 2, 2006 by a same inventor, being first named inventor, Azanaw Mulaw, herein.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to head coverings that provide sun shielding and cross-ventilation. Thus, the present invention caps provide the aforesaid features and may be shipped and/or stored in a flat position, i.e., they have a first position that is in a single plane and then when their draw cords are pulled, open to a multiplanar position to function as caps.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,750 B1 to Mangan describes a shield for protecting a wearer from ultraviolet radiation that is removably attachable to headgear such as a hard hat, helmet, baseball cap and the like. The shield attaches to the visor or bill of the headgear, wraps around the headgear, and is connected at the back of the headgear, thereby protecting the face and neck of a wearer. The shield has a clamp, which in a preferred embodiment, attaches to the center of the visor of the headgear. In another embodiment of the invention, the shield filter includes a curtain which attaches to the sides of the shield and wraps around the back of the headgear and hangs down to also protect the sides and back of the wearer's neck.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,745 B1 to Friesen describes a flexible neck cover for attachment to the lower back rim or band of a hat or cap is formed from a conical surface of revolution to provide an improved shape which allows the cover to flow or drape over a person's shoulders when wearing the neck cover. The neck cover is provided with respective upper and lower concave and convex arcuate edges and opposed, preferably straight or convex curved side edges. The neck cover may include decorative indicia thereon, including advertising information or the like, and water dispensing vials or a soaker “rope” secured thereto to provide an evaporating cooling effect for the water.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,327 to Crewe describes a cap, hat, or visor that is provided with a headband. The headband has an inner face for engaging the head of a wearer and an outer face. An elongate pocket is formed in the outer face portion of the headband extending along at least half of the headband circumference. An outer closure in the pocket shields the pocket contents from view and contamination. A foldable neckpiece is attached to the interior of the pocket. It may be folded up and contained within the pocket or unfolded to protectively cover the ears and neck. The neckpiece may be detachable for laundering.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,921 to Outland describes a hat or collar that uses a tubular sleeve of an oval annular configuration. The sleeve is composed of a flexible fabric having sufficient body and firmness to retain full malleable wire capable of being deformed by hand and is placed within the sleeve. The wire is of such length and general configuration as to fit within, conform to and generally define an outer periphery of the annular configuration of the sleeve throughout most of the length of that periphery. It preferably is stitched in position so that it can slip somewhat relative to the fabric as the malleable wire is deformed by hand. Forming the wire by hand changes the shape and appearance of the hat such that it retains such changed shape until again deformed by hand. The elastic connector attached to each of the respective ends of tubular sleeve elastically interconnects those ends so that sufficient stretch is provided that the inner periphery of the annulus can serve as a hat band adjusting to the wearer's head size. Preferably the elastic member is covered by a fabric of the type used for the sleeve and possibly attached to the sleeve. It is provided with convoluted folds to accommodate the stretching of the elastic connector. When used as a collar, the inner periphery is slipped down over the head of the wearer where it will normally be loose around the wearer's neck and can be repositioned as desired for use as a collar.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,559 to Wakefield, III describes a bandana with a flexible bill made of an inner layer of relatively rigid material. The bill has a series of stitching lines running parallel across the width of the bill which may be folded into varying positions for the user's convenience. The stitching lines offer convenient folding lines for this purpose. An optional pocket may be constructed at the rear of the bandana for secreting items, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,535 to Bruder describes an invention that relates to a hat sunguard for use with any size of expandable or fitted “baseball” style hat having an upturned inner band. The invention includes a substantially rectangular body having a pair of pockets and a centrally positioned notch along the upper portion of the body. The pockets are adapted for holding engagement to the interior of the upturned inner band on opposite sides of the interior of the hat. The notch permits the expansion of the positioning of the pockets for engagements to any size of hat. The body depends from the back of the hat protecting the back of a wearer's neck and ears from harmful waves of sunlight.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,524 to Linday describes a segmented cap assembly that includes selectively detachable crown component, sweatband component and visor component. The sweatband component is formed having a forward part made of hook and loop tape hook portion-engaging material. The crown component selectively attaches to the sweatband component by engagement of hook and loop tape material fixedly attached to the inside portion of the crown component to the upper half of the hook and loop tape hook portion-engaging material. The visor component selectively attaches to the sweatband component by engagement of hook and loop tape material fixedly attached to the inside portion of the visor component to the lower half of the hook and loop tape hook portion-engaging material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,317 to DeMoreta describes a sun screen hat formed from a planar sheet of flexible, slightly stretchable, pliant, sunblocking material. The hat has generally a brim section, an adjoining and extending skirt section and a generally circular opening at least partly within the brim section to define a rim band. The pliant hat material is self-draping so that when the hat is worn, the skirt section hangs down in vertical folds at the back of the wearer's head and neck, and if desired, parts of the shoulders, and folds into a hanging drape-like shape.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,477 to Cahill describes a hat that comprises a flat sheet of flexible but unstretchable self supporting foam of the order of one quarter inch thick. The flat foam sheet is cut to form a forward peak portion and a rearward headband portion with the headband portion having a central opening of a size slightly less than that of the head of the wearer. A plurality of slits extending radially from the hole define a flex portion which can flex upwardly and expand circumferentially to allow the head band to engage around the head of the wearer. More slits are provided at the forward part adjacent the peak to define a concertina type portion which can engage over the forehead of the wearer.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,767,404 to Collins describes a headdress in which an inner band, an outer band, and means permanently attaching the bands at substantially diametrically opposed points, the outer band being angularly spaced from the inner band. The bands are adapted to engage the head of the wearer and the angular spacing defines front and rear spaces between the bands. A veil has a portion passing under a portion of the outer band through a part of the space between the bands defining the rear space, over a corresponding portion of the inner band, then under the balance of the inner band, through the remaining corresponding space, and over the balance of the outer band.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,005,361 to Rollins et al. describes as an article of manufacture which is a cap. The cap comprises a piece of material for fitting over the head of a wearer to keep the wearer's hair in place, the piece of material being in the form of an isosceles triangle having two like corners and another corner with adjacent edges at right angles to each other. The piece of material is designed to drape downwardly at the back of the wearer's head and be held in place against the wearer's hair by the tying together of the other two corners of the triangular piece of material. The visor is attached to the piece of material at the edge thereof which extends between the two like corners, the visor having a curved edge which is attached to the straight edge of the piece of material whereby the piece of material is puckered between the ends of the visor to produce bulging of the material and cause training of the same over and about the forehead of the wearer when the cap is secured in place when the cap is in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,598,314 to Rosenberg describes a visored cap including a visor and a head covering separably connected and adapted for use independently or combined. The visor has supporting straps threaded through openings in the head covering for connecting the latter to the visor, which straps are adapted also to be secured about the head for supporting the visor when the latter is worn without the head covering.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention draw type sun shield cap includes: a) a visor component being an elongated member in the general shape of a cap visor with a central area and opposing back segments; b) a crown component having a shape adapted to cover the central portion of a human head with a front, a back and opposing sides, the crown component being connected to the visor component at its front; and, c) a draw line connecting the back of the crown component to each of the opposing back segments of the visor component; wherein the sun shield cap has a first position wherein the draw line is undrawn and loose and wherein the sun shield cap is flat and the sun shield cap has a second position wherein the draw line is drawn tightly so as to bring the back of the crown component and each of the opposing back segments of the visor component to one another to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the draw line includes a locking component connected thereto so as to lock the draw line when the sun shield cap is in its second position.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the visor component is curvilinear.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, at least one of the visor component and the crown component includes size adjustment means so as to provide adjustability for at least two different cap sizes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the size adjustment means includes a plurality of orifices positioned selectively for positioning or re-positioning of the draw line to create different cap sizes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, at least 70% of the peripheral edge of the visor component is not connected to the crown component.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the visor component and the crown component are a single sheet of material.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the visor component and the crown component are connected at two locations with an open space therebetween.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the locking component is a spring loaded, push button locking component.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap, the draw line is removably connected to at least one of the visor component and the crown component.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is a biodegradable, draw type sun shield cap that includes: a) a visor component being an elongated member in the general shape of a cap visor with a central area and opposing back segments; b) a crown component having a shape adapted to cover the central portion of a human head with a front, a back and opposing sides, the crown component being connected to the visor component at its front; and, c) a draw line connecting the back of the crown component to each of the opposing back segments of the visor component; wherein the sun shield cap has a first position wherein the draw line is undrawn and loose and wherein the sun shield cap is flat and the sun shield cap has a second position wherein the draw line is drawn tightly so as to bring the back of the crown component and each of the opposing back segments of the visor component to one another to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the draw line includes a locking component connected thereto so as to lock the draw line when the sun shield cap is in its second position.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the visor component is curvilinear.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], at least one of the visor component and the crown component includes size adjustment means so as to provide adjustability for at least two different cap sizes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the size adjustment means includes a plurality of orifices positioned selectively for positioning or re-positioning of the draw line to create different cap sizes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], at least 70% of the peripheral edge of the visor component is not connected to the crown component.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the visor component and the crown component are a single sheet of material.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the visor component and the crown component are connected at two locations with an open space therebetween.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the locking component is a spring loaded, push button locking component.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention draw type sun shield cap as defined by paragraph [00026], the draw line is removably connected to at least one of the visor component and the crown component.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a draw type sun shield cap according to the present invention, illustrating the cap in its first, flat, single plane position with the draw line loose;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention cap shown in FIG. 1 in its second, closed position with the draw line pulled tight to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation;

FIG. 3 is a front oblique view of the present invention cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, being worn by user;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative present invention draw type sun shield cap; and,

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a present invention of a draw type sun shield cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a draw type sun shield cap 1 according to the present invention, illustrating the cap 1 in its first, flat, single plane position with the draw line loose. FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention cap 1 shown in FIG. 1 in its second, closed position with the draw line pulled tight to create a three dimensional cap 1 with side cross ventilation. FIG. 3 is a front oblique view of the present invention cap 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, being worn by user.

Draw type sun shield cap 1 has a visor component 3 and a crown component 33. Visor component 3 has a central area 7 and opposing back segments 9 and 11. It has an outside perimeter 5. If the crown component 33 were not attached to visor component 3, then the perimeter would complete the back arc to have a foot print very much like a boomerang. The crown component 33 is connected at its front so as to displace no more than 30% of the peripheral edge of visor component 3. (In some preferred embodiments, less than 10% of the peripheral edge of visor component is connected to the crown component). Support tabs 27 and 31 are located on opposing back segments 9 and 11 of visor component 3, as shown. Each support tab 27 and 31 is a dual set of orifices for positioning opposite ends of the draw line in the forward and reward orifices to create a smaller or a larger cap.

Thus, draw string 23 passes through locking mechanism 35 and into support tab 13 at back orifices 19 and 21. Opposing ends 25 and 29 of draw line 23 are connected to the back orifices of support tabs 27 and 31 of opposing back segments 9 and 11. The opposing ends 25 and 29 may be knotted, clipped or otherwise stopped at their ends to prevent accidental removal from the support tab orifices. Locking mechanism 35 may be any type of sliding lock and in this drawing it is shown as a spring loaded push-to-release mechanism with a barrel and push button. These are commonly used on many winter jacket hoods and other apparel, as well as cloth lunch bags and cloth book bags with draw lines.

If a user of present invention cap 1 desired a smaller size cap to accommodate a smaller head size, then opposing ends 25 and 29 could be relocated and affixed to the front orifices of support tabs 27 and 31, and/or draw line 23 could be threaded through forward crown orifices 15 and 17 instead of orifices 19 and 21.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, there is a forward cut out 37 that enables accommodation of a fold or bend when draw line 23 is tightened so as to change cap 1 from a flat, single plane first position to a second, three dimensional position to function as a wearable cap, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show many of the reference numerals of FIG. 1 with identical parts identically numbered. As can be seen in FIG. 2, a user has unlocked locking mechanism 35 and pulled draw line 23 through it so that opposing back segments 9 and 11 of visor component 3 overlap, and are positioned under support tab 13 and under crown component 33 so as to create three dimensional cap 1 shown in FIG. 3 as worn by person 51. The draw line 23 hangs in the back and the geometry of the cap inherently creates side vents open area 53. Cap 1 shields person 51 with a visor-like front portion and protects the top of the head, acting as a sun shield while affording cross ventilation.

The present invention caps, such as those actually shown in the above Figures, are preferably unistructural, i.e., made from a single piece or layer of material. The starting materials may be plastic, plastic coated paper or cardboard, semiflexible composite material, foam polymer, or similar flexible material. The preferred materials are biodegradable, such as biodegradable polymers, cellulosic materials and other known, slowly biodegrading materials. The draw line and lock may likewise be formed of biodegradable plastics or natural materials.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative present invention draw type sun shield cap 101. It has a visor component 103 with a linear front edge 105, as shown. The visor component 103 has outer sweeping rearward ends 107 and 109 with connecting drawn cord ends 111 and 113 of draw cord 121. The draw cord 121 also passes through lock 119 and through orifices 115 and 117 on the back portion of crown component 125. This top view shows more linear than curved patterns and, when cord 121 is pulled together in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the earlier Figures, the resulting three dimensional cap 101 has flat edges and appears more masculine. This design is one of many possible topographies that may be used without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a present invention of a draw type sun shield cap 201. The draw type sun shield cap 201 includes a visor component 203 being an elongated member in the general shape of a cap visor with a central area and opposing back segments; a crown component 205 having a shape adapted to cover the central portion of a human head with a front, a back and opposing sides; and a draw line 211 connecting the back of the crown component to back of the opposing sides of the visor component. The crown component is connected to the visor component.

With regard to box 207, the visor component may be curvilinear and at least 70% of the peripheral edge of the visor component is not connected to the crown component. With regard to box 209, the visor and crown components may be a single sheet of material or may be connected at two locations with an open space therebetween. With regard to box 213, at least one of the visor component and the crown component includes a size adjustment means so as to provide adjustability for at least two different cap sizes. The size adjustment means may include a plurality of orifices positioned selectively for positioning or re-positioning of the draw line to create different cap sizes.

With regard to box 215, the draw line is removably connected to at least one of the visor component and the crown component. With regard to box 217, the draw line includes a locking component which locks the sun shield cap when in a second position and when the draw line is drawn tightly so as to bring the back of the crown component and each of the opposing back segments of the visor component to one another to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation. With regard to box 219, the locking component may be a spring loaded push button barrel, frictionally engaged loops on the back of a metal piece, pinch clips, or any mechanism which locks the sun shield cap when tightly drawn.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the visor component and/or the crown component may have a semiflexible infrastructure covered by fabric or other decorative or fanciful accoutrements, such as a flexible plastic covered in white linen, plaid, or Burberry fabric. Printed, embossed or heat sealed or other appliques could also be used, as well as advertising and messages. College, sports team or other recognizable organizational monikers could likewise be included in the present invention cap design and engineering without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A draw type sun shield cap, which comprises:

a) a visor component being an elongated member in the general shape of a cap visor with a central area and opposing back segments; and,

b) a crown component having a shape adapted to cover the central portion of a human head with a front, a back and opposing sides, said crown component being connected to said visor component at its front;

c) a draw line connecting said back of said crown component to each of said opposing back segments of said visor component;

wherein said sun shield cap has a first position wherein said draw line is undrawn and loose and wherein said sun shield cap is flat and said sun shield cap has a second position wherein said draw line is drawn tightly so as to bring said back of said crown component and each of said opposing back segments of said visor component to one another to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation.

2. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein said draw line includes a locking component connected thereto so as to lock said draw line when said sun shield cap is in its second position.

3. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein said visor component is curvilinear.

4. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein at least one of said visor component and said crown component includes size adjustment means so as to provide adjustability for at least two different cap sizes.

5. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 4 wherein said size adjustment means includes a plurality of orifices positioned selectively for positioning or re-positioning of said draw line to create different cap sizes.

6. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein at least 70% of the peripheral edge of said visor component is not connected to said crown component.

7. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein said visor component and said crown component are a single sheet of material.

8. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein said visor component and said crown component are connected at two locations with an open space therebetween.

9. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 2 wherein said locking component is a spring loaded, push button locking component.

10. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 1 wherein said draw line is removably connected to at least one of said visor component and said crown component.

11. A biodegradable, draw type sun shield cap, which comprises:

a) a visor component being an elongated member in the general shape of a cap visor with a central area and opposing back segments; and,

b) a crown component having a shape adapted to cover the central portion of a human head with a front, a back and opposing sides, said crown component being connected to said visor component at its front;

c) a draw line connecting said back of said crown component to each of said opposing back segments of said visor component;

wherein said sun shield cap has a first position wherein said draw line is undrawn and loose and wherein said sun shield cap is flat and said sun shield cap has a second position wherein said draw line is drawn tightly so as to bring said back of said crown component and each of said opposing back segments of said visor component to one another to create a three dimensional cap with side cross ventilation.

12. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein said draw line includes a locking component connected thereto so as to lock said draw line when said sun shield cap is in its second position.

13. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein said visor component is curvilinear.

14. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein at least one of said visor component and said crown component includes size adjustment means so as to provide adjustability for at least two different cap sizes.

15. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 14 wherein said size adjustment means includes a plurality of orifices positioned selectively for positioning or re-positioning of said draw line to create different cap sizes.

16. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein at least 70% of the peripheral edge of said visor component is not connected to said crown component.

17. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein said visor component and said crown component are a single sheet of material.

18. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein said visor component and said crown component are connected at two locations with an open space therebetween.

19. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 12 wherein said locking component is a spring loaded, push button locking component.

20. The draw type sun shield cap of claim 11 wherein said draw line is removably connected to at least one of said visor component and said crown component.