Headband with retractable visor

Abstract

The headband with retractable visor is convertible headwear that can be used as a headband that holds the wearer's hair in place in the absence of sun. When the need arises, the headwear converts into a visor that shields the wearer's eyes and face from the effects of bright sunlight. A push-button mechanism is employed to cause the visor to extend from the headwear or retract therein, as desired. Hinges are provided to permit angular visor adjustment when in the extended position.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/213,901, filed Jul. 27, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to wearing apparel, and more particularly to a headband with retractable visor that is convertible for use either as a headband or as a sun visor.

2. Description of the Related Art

When engaged in outdoor activity, it is often necessary to shade one's eyes and face from the effects of bright sunlight. Typically, a hat having a large visor or brim is employed to afford the needed protection. Often however, a few clouds roll in to block the sun or the outdoor arena is shifted to shaded areas, and the hat with the visor becomes an unneeded and unwanted extra object to be carried or uncomfortably worn. It would certainly be advantageous if the cumbersome visor could be temporarily stored and the hat employed as a simple headband for wear when no sunlight problems exist. It would even be more advantageous if the visor could quickly be restored in an extended position if needed. Thus, a headband having a retractable visor solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The headband with retractable visor is convertible headwear that can be used as a headband that holds the wearer's hair in place in the absence of sun. When the need arises, the headwear converts into a visor that shields the wearer's eyes and face from the effects of bright sunlight. A push-button mechanism is employed to cause the visor to extend from the headwear or to retract therein, as desired. Means are provided to permit angular visor adjustment when in the extended position.

Accordingly, the invention presents headwear that can be converted from a headband to a protective visor. Conversion is easy and may be quickly accomplished. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a headband and retractable visor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of the headband and retractable visor of FIG. 1, shown with the visor in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the headband and retractable visor of FIG. 1, the visor being shown in its optional extended position in phantom.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the headband with retractable visor, designated generally as 10 in the drawings, comprises a member 12 of substantially circular configuration having an open portion 13 in its circumference, as does a conventional headband. Member 12 is fabricated from suitable material (plastic, metal, wood, etc.) that has a resilient feature that allows it to be deformed and revert to its original conformation. This permits the member 12 to fit snugly to heads of different sizes. Member 12 is covered in a lightweight, sporty fabric 12a. A visor 14 is mounted to member 12. Visor 14 is fabricated from a thin, pliable fabric capable of collapsing in folds. The fabric of visor 14 is coordinated with the fabric 12a for aesthetic purposes. A mechanism is employed to extend or retract visor 14. The mechanism includes a button 16 that is employed to activate the mechanism. Button 16 is mounted on member 12. A hinge 18 is provided to adjust the angle of the visor 14 when the visor is in its extended position.

In use, the headwear may be employed as a headband (FIG. 2) for normal wear. When desired, simply pushing button 16 will cause visor 14 to extend and the headwear can be worn in a manner to protect the eyes and face from the effects of sunlight, as shown in FIG. 1.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A convertible headband, comprising:

a substantially circular member having a circumference, the circular member having an open portion formed in the circumference, the circular member forming a headband;

a visor attached to the circular member;

a mechanism for extending and retracting the visor relative to the circular member.

2. A convertible headband according to claim 1, wherein said circular member is covered with a lightweight fabric.