Temperature Control Hat

Abstract

A hat that is operable to reduce the surface temperature of the head of a wearer wherein the hat is configured to promote an airflow the wearer's head. The hat includes a body that is formed to create a cavity sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head. A brim is integrally formed with the body and extends outward therefrom. A plurality of mounting members are present with a portion thereof being secured to the brim and a second portion extending inward into the cavity. The mounting members are operable to create a void intermediate the head of a user and the hat wherein the void is consistent in width from the lower edge of the body to the top area of the body proximate the crown of a head of a wearer. A mounting band is further included to secure the hat to the head.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present relates generally to temperature controlling apparel, more specifically but not by way of limitation headwear that is operable to assist a wearer in regulating the temperature of the wearer's head in warm environments.

BACKGROUND

Regulating human body temperature is an important part of overall safety when being exposed to extreme temperatures. In cold weather care must be taken to wear the proper amount of layers to ensure body heat is maintained. For hot weather, controlling body temperature and ensuring the safety of individuals exposed thereto poses many challenges. Typically in hot weather there are at least three parameters that must be dealt with in order to ensure the safety of the individuals. In hot weather individuals are inevitably exposed to the sun, which poses many risks to the user. Proper attire such as breathable long sleeve shirts and pants are recommended for those that will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Other parameters that must be managed are the temperature and humidity. Ingestion of the proper amount of fluids is crucial to ensuring the safety of any individual exposed to these parameters. One item of apparel that is commonly used to provide relief from some of the aforementioned parameters is a hat. Hats are known in the art and many styles are available to choose from to wear. From baseball hat to pith style and many others, all hats typically have a dome or similar shaped cavity and brim that extends from the lower edge thereof. Depending on the style, the brim can effectively shade the wearer's face and neck from the sun.

One problem with existing hat designs is their inability to regulate airflow around the head. Conventional hats are biased against the head of the user proximate the lower edge of the cavity configured to receive the user's head. It is common for a void to be present intermediate the crown of the head and the hat. This design essentially traps the air therebetween resulting in an increased temperature of the surface of the crown of the head. While some hat designs have a few holes in the top portion, no existing technology provides airflow around the entire portion of the head inserted into the hat.

Accordingly, there is a need for a temperature controlling hat that is mounted to the wearer such that the hat provides air circulation around the entire portion of the wearer's head that is inserted into the hat so as to reduce the temperature of the user's head in hot conditions and provide increased comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a temperature controlling hat having a cavity portion operable to receive a head therein wherein the temperature controlling hat is mounted to the wearer so as to maintain a void between the inner surface of the cavity and the wearer's head.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature controlling hat operable to reduce the temperature of the crown of the wearer's head that includes a brim extending outward from the cavity portion.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature controlling hat wherein the body of the hat is manufactured from an insulative material.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a temperature controlling hat that is operable to reduce the temperature proximate the crown of the head of the wearer that includes a plurality of mounting members.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature controlling hat that is operable to reduce the surface temperature of the head of the user that includes a mounting band coupled to the plurality of the mounting members.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature controlling hat that promotes airflow around the surface of the head of the wearer wherein the plurality of mounting members are provided in several alternative embodiments.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a mounting member alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting member; and

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting member of the present invention; and

FIG. 5B is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting member of the present invention; and

FIG. 5C is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting member of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a temperature controlling hat 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1 herein, an embodiment of the temperature controlling hat 100 is illustrated therein. The temperature controlling hat 100 includes a body 10 that is formed in a generally dome shaped manner having an exterior surface 12 and an interior surface 14. The body 10 is formed to create cavity 18 wherein cavity 18 is sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head therein. While the body 10 is illustrated herein as being dome-shaped, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be formed in numerous different shapes so as to form a cavity operable to receive a portion of a human head therein. In the preferred embodiment, the body 10 is manufactured from a polystyrene material such as but not limited to Styrofoam. Materials such as polystyrene assist in the body 10 being able to act as an insulator. In this preferred embodiment, it is further contemplated that the exterior surface 12 could be a layer of protective material such as but not limited to plastic in order to provide extended durability of the body 10. While in the preferred embodiment the body 10 is manufactured from a polystyrene material, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be manufactured from numerous different materials in order to achieve the desired results discussed herein.

Extending outward from the body 10 proximate lower circumferential edge 25 is a brim 20. The brim 20 extends outward from the body 10 and functions to provide shade for a portion of the user's face and neck. The brim 20 is integrally formed with the body 10 and can be manufactured from a similar material as the body 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that brim 20 could be manufactured in numerous different lengths extending outward from the body 10. Additionally, it should be recognized that the brim 20 could be manufactured so as to completely encircle the body 10 or only partially encircle the body 10.

Secured to the brim 20 and extending inward towards the opening 15 of the cavity 18 are a plurality of mounting members 40. The mounting members 40 function to assist in the securing of the temperature controlling hat 100 to a head of a user while maintaining a void 22 proximate the lower circumferential edge. The void 22 intermediate the lower circumferential edge 25 and a head of a user is critical in providing the desired temperature reduction results disclosed herein in Table 1. The void 22 created by the mounting members 40 promotes a consistent airflow between the interior surface 14 of the body 10 and the portion of the head of a wearer that is inserted into the cavity 18. The maintaining of the void 22 completely around the body 10 proximate the lower circumferential edge 25 ensures introduction of fresh air and expelling of air present in the portion of the void 22 intermediate the interior surface 14 of the body 10 and the portion of the wearer's head. The void 22 is consistent in width from the crown area 9 to the lower circumferential edge 25. This consistent width of the void 22 is created by the mounting members 40 and the mounting band 30. While no particular width of the void is required, good results have been achieved having a void 22 that is approximately three-quarters of an inch to one inch in width.

The mounting members 40 are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic or metal. The mounting members 40 include a body 45 that is planar in manner having a first portion 47 that is secured to brim 20 using securing element 49. A second portion 51 contiguously formed with first portion 47 creates loop 53 that is operable to receive keeper 55. Keeper 55 is secured to mounting band 30 utilizing suitable durable techniques. Mounting member 40 includes third portion 57 contiguously formed with the second portion 51 and is secured to the first portion 47 opposite brim 20 utilizing suitable durable techniques. In the preferred embodiment of the temperature controlling hat 100 at least three mounting members 40 are included. While three mounting members 40 are included in the preferred embodiment of the temperature controlling hat 100, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that more than three or less than three mounting members 40 could be utilized.

Keeper 55 is journaled through loop 53 and secured to mounting band 30. The mounting band 30 is manufactured from a suitable durable elastic material such as but not limited to nylon. The mounting band 30 is operable to engage a portion of a wearer's head in order to securely maintain the position of the temperature controlling hat on the wearer while maintaining void 22 as described herein. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the mounting band 30 could be removably secured to the mounting members 40 so as to provide a technique to remove for cleaning and/or replacement. While a mounting band 30 has been disclosed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ends of the mounting members 40 could be configured to engage the head of a wearer without the need for a mounting band.

Referring in particular to FIG. 2 herein, an alternative embodiment of a mounting member 110 is illustrated herein. The mounting member 110 is manufactured from a suitable durable rigid material and is planar in manner. A first portion 111 is secured to the brim 20 using durable techniques and extends inward toward cavity 18. Contiguously formed with first portion 111 is second portion 112 wherein the second portion 112 is bent in a modified oval type configuration so as to create aperture 113. Aperture 113 functions to receive therethrough the mounting band 30 wherein the mounting band 30 and the mounting member 110 provide the desired securing technique to a wearer's head wherein the void 22 is maintained as previously described herein.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3, and alternative embodiment of a mounting member 125 is illustrated therein. The mounting member 125 includes a first portion 126 secured to the brim 120 utilizing suitable durable techniques. Contiguously formed with the first portion 126 is second portion 128. Second portion 128 includes end 127 that is secured to the interior surface 14 of body 10 utilizing suitable durable techniques. Second portion 128 is formed so as to create aperture 129 wherein the aperture 129 is operable to receive the mounting band 30 therethrough. Mounting member 125 provides an embodiment that is secured to the brim 20 and additionally secured to the interior surface 14 of the body 10 for applications that may require such a mounting technique. While a particular shape of mounting member 125 is illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the mounting member 125 could be formed in numerous different shapes and still be secured to the brim 20 and the interior surface 14 of the body 10.

Illustrated herein in FIG. 5A is an alternative embodiment for a mounting member 150. The mounting member 150 is flat and planar in manner and includes portion 152 that is of suitable size so as to be secured to a section of a brim of an exemplary hat. Section 154 is contiguously formed with portion 152 and is manufactured to be arcuate in shape. Section 154 is configured to operably couple with the mounting band 30 wherein knob 156 functions to maintain the mounting band 30 in position on section 154. The mounting member 150 functions like mounting member 40 providing a technique to secure an exemplary hat to a head of a wearer wherein the void 22 is maintained therearound.

Referring in particular to FIG. 5B herein, an alternative embodiment of a mounting member 160 is illustrated therein. Mounting member 160 includes a first portion 162 that is flat and planar in manner and is operable to be secured to a portion of a brim of an exemplary hat. A second portion 164 is integrally formed with first portion 162 and is arcuate in shape. Secured to second portion 164 is first arm 166 and second arm 168. First arm 166 and second arm 168 are L-shaped and include sections 161 that extend downward with sections 163 extending inward to create slot 167. Slot 167 is operable to receive therein a portion of the mounting band 30. Mounting member 160 functions like mounting member 40 providing a technique to secure an exemplary hat to a head of a wearer wherein void 22 is maintained therearound.

Illustrated in FIG. 5C herein is an alternative embodiment of a mounting member 170. Mounting member 170 includes first portion 172 that is flat and planar in manner being operable to be secured to a portion of a brim of a hat. First portion 172 includes a first end 171 and a second end 173. Proximate end 173 is hinge 176. Secured to hinge 176 is second portion 174. Second portion 174 is arcuate in shape and is operable to receive a portion of mounting band 30. Hinge 176 functions to provide adjustment of position of portion 174 and allows movement thereof.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4 herein an alternative embodiment of a temperature controlling hat 200 is illustrated therein. The temperature controlling hat 200 includes a body 210 that is formed to create cavity 208 wherein cavity 208 is sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head therein. The body 210 is manufactured from similar materials as body 10 previously described herein. Integrally formed with body 210 is brim 220. Brim 220 extends outward from the body 210 and is perpendicular thereto. The brim 220 includes an inner edge 221 and an outer edge 222. Secured to inner edge 221 is mounting member 230. The mounting member 230 is planar in manner and extends inward towards the cavity 208. The mounting member 230 is manufactured from a suitable durable material and functions to provide a mounting technique wherein a void is present intermediate the interior surface of the body 210 and the portion of a head that has been inserted into the cavity 208. Perpendicularly formed with the mounting member 230 is a mounting band 240. The mounting band 240 is manufactured from a suitable flexible material and is operable to engage the head of a wearer of the temperature controlling hat 200. Journaled through the mounting member 230 are a plurality of apertures 250. Apertures 250 function to promote airflow within the void present between the body 210 and the surface of the head of the wearer.

Illustrated in FIG. 6 herein is an alternative embodiment of a temperature controlling hat 300. The temperature controlling hat 300 includes body 310 formed to create cavity 308 sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head therein. Body 310 is manufactured from similar materials as body 10 previously described herein. Integrally formed with body 310 is brim 320, which extends outward from body 310. Brim 320 includes a lower circumferential edge 321. A plurality of mounting members 330 are secured to brim 320. The mounting member 330 are flat and planar in manner having a first end 332 and a second end 334. Proximate first end 332 the mounting members 330 are secured to the brim 320 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The second end 334 of the mounting members 330 extend inward towards cavity 308 creating void 350. The void 350 is present proximate the lower circumferential edge 321 as well as being maintained between the interior surface of the body 310 and the portion of the head of a wearer that has been inserted into the cavity 308. The void 350 functions to provide the desired temperature regulation of the temperature controlling hat 300. Secured to the second end 334 of the mounting members 330 is the mounting band 340. The mounting band 340 is perpendicular to the mounting member 330 and is manufactured from a suitable flexible material. Mounting band 340 functions to secure the temperature controlling hat 300 to a wearer.

Listed below in Table 1 are exemplary results from testing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The results are exemplary and are based on the environmental test conditions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that varying environmental conditions would produce result variations. It is however to be understood that regardless of environmental test conditions, the preferred embodiment of the temperature controlling hat 100 is operable to reduce the temperature proximate the top of the wearers' head by at least eight degrees Fahrenheit.

TABLE 1
			White	Baseball	Present
Hat Type	Pith	Straw	Straw	Cap	Invention
Interior Hat Crown Temp.	101.5	122.0	117.0	105.0	87.5
Top of Wearer's Head	94.5	94.5	99.5	101.5	86.0
Temp.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hat operable to reduce the surface temperature of the head of the wearer comprising:

a body, said body being formed to create a cavity, said cavity having an interior volume sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head therein, said body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said body having a lower circumferential edge;

a brim, said brim being integrally formed said body, said brim being proximate said lower circumferential edge, said brim extending outward from said body; and

a plurality of mounting members, said plurality of mounting members having a first portion being secured to said brim, said plurality of mounting members having a second portion extending inward into said cavity, said plurality of mounting members operable to provide a void, said void being present intermediate the interior surface of said body and a head of a wearer, said void being present proximate said lower circumferential edge, said void operable to promote airflow around a head of a wearer.

2. The hat as recited in claim 1, and further including a mounting band, said mounting band being operably coupled to said plurality of mounting members, said mounting band operable to assist in securing the hat to a wearer's head.

3. The hat as recited in claim 2, wherein said second portion of said plurality of mounting members includes an aperture, said aperture configured to receive a portion of said mounting band.

4. The hat as recited in claim 3, wherein said plurality of mounting members include a first end and a second end, said first end being secured to said brim, said second end being secured proximate to said first end opposite said brim.

5. The hat as recited in claim 4, wherein said body is manufactured from a polystyrene material.

6. The hat as recited in claim 5, wherein said void is approximately ¾ inch to 1 inch in width.

7. The hat as recited in claim 6, wherein the hat is operable to reduce the surface temperature of the top of the wearer's head by at least eight degrees.

8. A hat operable to reduce the temperature of the surface of the head of a wearer comprising:

a body, said body being formed to create a cavity, said cavity having an interior volume sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head therein, said body having a top area being proximate a crown of a head of a wearer, said body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said body having a lower circumferential edge, said body being manufactured from an insulative material;

a brim, said brim being integrally formed said body, said brim being proximate said lower circumferential edge, said brim extending outward from said body,

a plurality of mounting members, said plurality of mounting members having a first section being secured to said brim, said plurality of mounting members having a second section extending inward into said cavity, said plurality of mounting members operable to provide a void, said void being present intermediate the interior surface of said body and a head of a wearer, said void being present proximate said lower circumferential edge and being consistent in width extending to said top area of said body, said void operable to promote airflow around a head of a wearer;

a mounting band, said mounting band being secured to said plurality of said mounting members, said mounting band being manufactured from a flexible material, said mounting band operable to assist in securing the hat to a head of a wearer.

9. The hat as recited in claim 8, wherein said plurality of mounting members include a first end and a second end, said first end being secured to said brim, said second end being secured to the interior surface of said body.

10. The hat as recited in claim 8, wherein said plurality of mounting members further include an aperture, said aperture being configured to receive a portion of said mounting band.

11. The hat as recited in claim 8, wherein said second section of said plurality of mounting members is arcuate in shape, said second section being configured to operably couple to said mounting band.

12. The hat as recited in claim 8, wherein said second section of said plurality of mounting members include a first arm and a second arm, said first arm and said second arm being L-shaped, said first arm and said second arm forming a slot, said slot operable to receive a portion of said mounting band.

13. The hat as recited in claim 12, wherein said void is approximately ¾ inch to 1 inch in width.

14. The hat as recited in claim 13, wherein the hat is operable to reduce the surface temperature of the top of the wearer's head by at least eight degrees.

15. A temperature controlling hat operable to reduce the surface temperature of the head of a wearer through promotion of airflow therearound comprising:

a body, said body being formed to create a cavity, said cavity having an interior volume sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head therein, said body having a top area being proximate a crown of a head of a wearer, said body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said body having a lower circumferential edge, said body being manufactured from an insulative material;

a brim, said brim being integrally formed said body, said brim having an upper surface and a lower surface, said brim being proximate said lower circumferential edge, said brim extending outward from said body,

a plurality of mounting members, said plurality of mounting members having a first portion being secured to said brim, said plurality of mounting members having a second portion extending inward into said cavity, said second portion of said plurality of mounting members formed wherein at least a portion thereof is arcuate in manner said plurality of mounting members operable to provide a void, said void being present intermediate the interior surface of said body and a head of a wearer, said void being present proximate said lower circumferential edge and being consistent in width extending to said top area of said body, said void operable to promote airflow around a head of a wearer;

a mounting band, said mounting band being secured to said plurality of said mounting members, said mounting band being manufactured from a flexible material, said mounting band operable to assist in securing the hat to a head of a wearer.

16-20. (canceled)