CAP HAVING ILLUMINATING AND PIVOTABLY MOVABLE FAN

Abstract

A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap including a pivotably movable fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer. The fan may be provided with illuminated devices for illuminating light when the cap is worn in unlit or dimly lit areas.

Description

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/963,334, filed Aug. 3, 2007.

BACKGROUND

Various types of headwear such as hats, caps and the like may be equipped with a battery-driven fan provided at the visor or lid for cooling the wearer by supplying cool, ambient air thereto.

The aforementioned cap design, however, has serious ergonomic drawbacks. For instance, the fan body may be permanently attached to the visor or lid at an opening by way of a retaining ring, flange or bracket. Consequently, the fan is not removeably attached to permit wearing of the cap when a cooling function is not required or otherwise needed. Moreover, the cap lacks any mechanism for not only providing cool, ambient air to the wearer, but also providing heat during cold weather climates.

Moreover, during instances when a wearer would like to wear the cap at a sporting event or during other leisure moments, the lid usually blocks or obstructs light projecting toward the wearer. Therefore, it may become difficult for a wearer to comfortably read a publication such as a book, newspaper and the like.

The configuration and size of the battery is such that it makes the cap uncomfortable for the wearer. Particularly, the placement of the battery may be provided at a frontal interior surface of the crown of the cap which contacts the forehead of the wearer, making it uncomfortable to wear, especially for prolonged periods of time.

Lastly, because the fan and its motor are exposed to the elements, the motor, and thus the functionality of the fan, will be compromised if the cap is worn during rain, snow, sleet conditions.

Accordingly, there is a need to mitigate or otherwise reduce the aforementioned limitations.

In view of the foregoing, embodiments are related to an article of headwear such as a cap, hat or the like including a crown for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid portion connected to a front portion of the crown. Particularly, the cap can include at least one of the following: a cooling device pivotably mounted to the lid, the cooling device having a plurality of rotateable blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer and a motor for driving the plurality of rotateable blades, wherein the pivotable mounting of the cooling device permits the cooling to be moved in fore, aft, left and right directions to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the body of the wearer.

Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown. In accordance with embodiments, the cap can include at least one of the following: a fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer; a mounting mechanism for pivotably mounting the fan to the lid for movement in fore, aft, left and right directions in order to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the wearer; and a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device.

Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown. In accordance with embodiments, the cap can include at least one of the following: a cooling device for providing cool ambient air to the wearer; a mounting mechanism for pivotably mounting the cooling device to the lid for movement in fore, aft, left and right directions in order to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the wearer; a plurality of illuminating devices provided on the cooling device for projecting illuminating light; at least one heating device removeably attached to the crown for providing localized heat to the wearer; a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device.

Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown. In accordance with embodiments, the cap can include at least one of the following: a cooling device pivotably and removeably attached to the lid for providing cool ambient air to the wearer; at least one heating device removeably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer; and a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device.

The cooling device may include a fan having a fan body and a plurality of fan blades that are driven when the fan motor is activated. The fan motor is electrically connected to a power source such as a dry cell battery that is connected to an inner surface of the crown.

The heating device can include one or more inserts composed of a polymeric material having a printed circuit element with a resistance circuit provided thereon. The heating elements may be attached to the inner surface of the crown and may be each electrically connected by wiring to a power source such as a dry cell battery.

In order to permit the wearer to see during poorly lit situations, the fan body and/or the fan blades can be composed of a transparent material provided with one or more illuminators which project light. Such illuminators can take the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that project light with a minimum amount of electric energy. The LEDs may be programmable to change colors. In such case, the fan body can be connected to an electric motor which causes the fan blades to rotate when activated and also causes the fan to project light. Alternatively, a plurality of LEDs maybe provided on the bottom and/or top surfaces of the fan body and/or the fan blades. In such case, the LEDs may be electrically connected to the same power source as the heating device and/or the cooling device, or have a separate and distinct power source that is attachable to the crown of the cap.

The cap can be removeably secured to the top portion attachment mechanism in order to prevent moisture and/or debris from entering the fan. This can permit the fan to be activated during instances of inclimate weather to prevent the fan from shutting off from the entry of rain and/or snow. The cap may also be used at the beach to prevent the entry of sand and/or dust particles.

Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap including at least one heating device removeably attached to the inner surface of the crown for providing localized heat to the wearer. In accordance with embodiments, each at least one heating device can include a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element which delivers an electrical current thereto. Moreover, the least one heating element is disposed in an insulating jacket composed of at least one of a flexible, durable, insulating, weather-resistant material.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the detailed drawings that show, for purposes of illustration only, the preferred embodiments of the invention.

DRAWINGS

Example FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a cap having an illuminating and pivotable fan and heating device, in accordance with embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in example FIGS. 1 to 3, in accordance with embodiments, cap 10 having crown portion 11 and lid portion 12 connected to crown portion. Lid portion 12 can include a cooling device for providing cool, ambient air to a wearer. The cooling device can be composed of a fan 20 sized for removeable attachment to lid 12 by way of an attachment mechanism such as retaining ring 21. The removeability feature of fan 20 makes cap 10 wearable in instances when cooling air is not required since the wearer may simply remove fan 20 from ring 21 for temporary storage.

As illustrated in example FIG. 4, fan 20 can include fan body 22 and electric motor 23 for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades 24. Motor 23 can be electrically connected by wiring 25 to a power source. The power source can be composed of at least one solar panel or at least one dry cell battery 26. Battery 26 can be removably storable in compartment 27. Compartment 27 can be removeably attached using mechanical fastener 28 such as velcro and the like to the inner surface of crown 11. Accordingly, cap 10 may be worn with fan 20 by removing both fan 20 and battery 26 for temporary storage until needed.

Compartment 27 prevents battery 26 from unwanted contact with the head of the wearer, or otherwise exposure of battery 26 to moisture and/or debris. Compartment 27 can be composed of a flexible and durable material such as leather or a polymer and include a pivotable flap which when manipulated upwardly exposes an anterior pocket sized to receive battery 26 and also permit the removal of battery 26 when replacement is required. The power source can include a switch to permit activation or deactivation of fan 20. The switch may be an on/off switch or a variable switch.

In order to permit the wearer to see during poorly lit situations, at least one of fan body 22 and fan blades 24 can be composed of a transparent material provided with one or more illuminators which project light. Such illuminators can take the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that project light with a minimum amount of electric energy. The LEDs may be programmable to change colors. In such case, fan body 22 can be electrically connected to motor 23 causing fan blades 24 to rotate and also project light when activated.

As illustrated in example FIG. 5, in accordance with embodiments, cap 10 can include a cooling device such as fan 13 as described hereinabove, but also one or more heating devices 30 for providing sufficient heat and comfort to the head of the wearer. Heating device 30 can include a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element such as wiring 31 which delivers an electrical current thereto. The resistance heaters of heating device 30 can have a predetermined resistance of sufficient to generate localized heat to the head of the wearer. The heating elements can be encased or otherwise disposed in insulating jacket 32 composed of a flexible, durable, insulating, water-resistant material. Insulating jacket 32 can be provided with a padded layer.

The printed circuit element, i.e., wiring 31 of the heating device 30 can be electrically connected to a second power source such as at least one dry cell battery 33. Alternatively, heating device 30 may be electrically connected to the same power source as fan 20. Battery 33 can be removably storable in a suitable compartment constructed in the same manner as compartment 27. The power source for heating device 30 can also include a separate switch to permit activation or deactivation of heating device 30. The switch may be an on/off switch or a variable switch.

Insulating jacket or housing 32 can be removeably attached to the inner surface of crown 11. Because insulating jacket 32 can be removeably attached by a mechanical fastener such as velcro to enable the wearer to position heating devices 30 in selected areas along the inner surface of crown 11. For instance, at least one heating device 30 can be placed at a front portion of crown 11 such as behind the sweat pad, at a rear portion of crown 11, and at an upper portion of crown 11 to enable the head of the wearer to be provided with sufficient heat during cold weather situations. Moreover, because heating devices 30 are encased in insulating jacket 32, heating devices 30 can be activated even in rain, snow or windy weather conditions.

While embodiments illustrate a cap having a cooling device and a heating device for providing cooling and heating to a wearer, respectively, cap may include only a heating configuration as described herein.

As illustrated in example in example FIG. 6, cap 10 may include protective cover 40 that can be removeably secured on and/or over fan 20 for preventing moisture and/or debris from entering fan 20, and thus, prematurely shutting off fan 20. Cover 40 can be advantageous for permitting activation of fan 20 during instances of poor weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, etc. Cover 40 can also be used at sandy or dusty environments such as the beach to prevent the entry of sand and/or dust particles into fan 20. Cover 40 can be composed of a durable, non-conductive material such as a polymer and/or composite. Cover 40 can be composed of a transparent material that permits illuminating light of fan 20 to be seen.

As illustrated in example in example FIG. 7, a plurality of LEDs 50 can be attached to bottom and/or top surfaces of at least one of fan body 22, motor 23 and fan blades 24 to project light in order to permit the wearer to read when located in a poorly lit environment. In such case, LEDs 50 can be electrically connected to the same power source of at least one of fan 20 and heating device 30, or have a separate and distinct power source attachable to crown 11.

As illustrated in example FIGS. 8 and 9, in accordance with embodiments, fan 60 can be pivotably and removable mounted to lid 12 in order to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the body of the wearer. Such pivotal and removable attachment of fan 60 may occur by way of an attachment mechanism such as retaining ring or bracket 61. Alternatively, fan 60 can be pivotably and/or removably mounted directly to lid 12 without use of ring or bracket 61. Such mounting may occur using longitudinal stem 62 having a first end removably connected to the fan body and a second, distal end fixedly connected to base 63. Base 63 can, in turn, be attached to mounting bracket 61 such that the outermost surface of base 63 faces outward from the interior surface of lid 12, i.e., faces the outside. First end of stem 62 can terminate into a ball received by a socket provided on the fan body to provide a ball and socket joint connection permitting the fan body to be rotated in fore, aft, left and right directions relative to one of lid 12 and base 63. While a ball-and-socket connection is a preferred embodiment, any conventional connection permitting such movement can also be provided.

Such pivotal mounting of fan 60 permits fan 60 to be pivoted between 0 to 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of lid 11 in fore, aft, left and right directions. Particularly, fan 60 can be moved from a normal position as illustrated in FIG. 1 to either fore, aft, left and right positions. For example, movement in an aft direction can result in fan 60 directing air to an area at or near the face of the wearer. On the other hand, movement in a fore direction can result in fan 60 directing air away from the body of the wearer to remove unwanted dust particles, smoke and/or debris opening a path for wearer to see. Pivoted movement of fan 60 can be effectuated manually or automatically. Any such automatic movement can be done by direct wire connection or by wireless means.

Although embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap comprising:

a cooling device pivotably mounted to the lid, the cooling device having a plurality of rotateable blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer and a motor for driving the plurality of rotateable blades, wherein the pivotable mounting of the cooling device permits the cooling to be moved in fore, aft, left and right directions to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the body of the wearer.

2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the cooling device is pivotably mounted to the lid by way of a mounting mechanism.

3. The cap of claim 2, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises:

a bracket sized for receipt in a hole provided in the lid; and

a ball-and-socket arrangement for mounting the cooling device to the bracket

4. The cap of claim 3, wherein the ball-and-socket connection comprises a longitudinal stem having a first end removably connected to the cooling device and a second, distal end fixedly connected to a base provided on the bracket.

5. The cap of claim 4, wherein the first end of the stein terminates into a ball received by a socket provided on the cooling device.

6. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of illuminating devices provided on the cooling device for projecting light.

7. The cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one heating device removeably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer.

8. The cap of claim 7, wherein each at least one heating device comprises a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element which delivers an electrical current thereto.

9. The cap of claim 1, wherein the cooling device comprises a fan having a fan body and an electric motor for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades.

10. The cap of claim 9, wherein the electric motor is electrically connected to a power source.

11. The cap of claim 1, wherein the fan body is removably attached to the lid.

12. A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap comprising:

a fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer;

a mounting mechanism for pivotably mounting the fan to the lid for movement in fore, aft, left and right directions in order to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the wearer; and

a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device.

13. The cap of claim 12, wherein at least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material having at least one illuminator for projecting light by illuminating the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.

14. The cap of claim 12, further comprising a power source electrically connected to the motor.

15. The cap of claim 12, further comprising at least one heating device removeably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer.

16. The cap of claim 12, wherein the protective cover is removeably secured over the fan.

17. A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap comprising:

a cooling device for providing cool ambient air to the wearer;

a mounting mechanism for pivotably mounting the cooling device to the lid for movement in fore, aft, left and right directions in order to direct localized, cool ambient air towards or away from the wearer;

a plurality of illuminating devices provided on the cooling device for projecting illuminating light;

at least one heating device removeably attached to the crown for providing localized heat to the wearer;

a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device.

18. The cap of claim 17, wherein the cooling device comprises a fan having a fan body and an electric motor for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades.

19. The cap of claim 18, wherein at least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material and the illuminating devices are providing in the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.

20. The cap of claim 18, wherein at least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material and the illuminating devices are providing on the surface of the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.