Head Covering With Removable Liner

Abstract

A liner for a hat and a hat with a liner is provided comprising a smooth material sewn together, according to a pattern, covering an interior portion of the hat. An attachment apparatus removably attaching the liner to the interior of the hat is included on the hat and liner. The hair of the hat wearer is thereby protected from damage and breakage while wearing the hat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

The present invention claims priority to a US provisional patent application entitled BERET WITH REMOVEABLE LINER, Ser. No. 62/522,324 filed on Jun. 20, 2017, disclosure of which is included herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of manufactured garments and pertains particularly to methods and apparatus for modifying military style head coverings to prevent unnecessary discomfort and hair breakage for a user when adorning same.

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

In the art of manufactured garments, military style head coverings in most countries, for example a beret or patrol cap, are fabricated from wool including felted wool or other natural fibers. Military veterans who have longer hair including dense curly and or coarse hair may have problems wearing current style military issued head gear because of a fact that hair strands can become caught up and entangled with wool fibers, or other natural fibers of the head covering causing discomfort and breakage. These fibers also extract and absorb moisture from the hair, which causes the hair to become dry and brittle. While this problem may exist relative to both female and male wearers, it typically affects female wearers more because they have more hair that may be puffy, curly, kinky or coarse and therefore make more contact with the wool material and is likely to become entangled in the fibers of the beret causing the wearer discomfort while damaging the hair. Specifically, women were not necessarily considered when designing military hats as they were not part of the military in large numbers at the time.

Some manufacturers have provided non-military headgear with permanently attached underside where by the linings may be sewn onto the underside of a wool cap and may interface with the user's head preventing tangles between the hair and wool fibers. The problem is debris such as makeup, worn by the user, sweat and perfume may translate from the hair, forehead and face of the user on to the permanent liner and the entire hat must be cleaned to remove the debris. Again, a specific problem for women in the military required to wear said head coverings.

Therefore, what is clearly needed is a beret, beanie, patrol cap or 8 point military style cap with a removable liner that solves the problems mentioned above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A liner for a hat is provided, comprising a smooth material sewn together, covering an interior portion of the hat. An attachment apparatus may also be provided removably attaching the liner to the interior of the hat. In this embodiment, with the liner inserted in the hat, a user wears the hat and liner thereby protecting hair of the user from damage while wearing the hat.

One embodiment of the invention may provide a material pattern specific to the interior of the hat used to create the liner. The hat liner may fit into a military issue beret, a military issue beanie, a military issue patrol hat or a military issue 8-point hat in other embodiments.

An alternative embodiment provides that the hat the liner attaches to is manufactured from anyone of natural or synthetic fibers capable of entangling and otherwise damaging hair of the user when worn. The natural fiber may be any one of a group including felted wool, wool, and cotton. The synthetic fibers may be anyone of a group including nylon and polyester.

Another embodiment provides a zipper or hook and loop mechanisms as an apparatus for attaching the liner to the hat. In this embodiment the mechanisms may be integral to both the liner and the hat. Additionally, the smooth material of the liner may be satin or silk. In some embodiments an extra material flap may be attached over the attachment mechanisms in order to protect the wearers hair and head from interacting directly with the attachment device. Additionally, the liner is removable and washable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a model screen shot depicting a right side view of an ethnic women modeling a military beret modified according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a model screen shot depicting a rear view of the ethnic women and military beret of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of the military beret of FIGS. 1 and 2 without a liner.

FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the military beret liner of FIG. 1 removed from the host military beret of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a hidden zipper beret to beret liner interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the beret of FIG. 1 without a tubular band adapted with a removable liner.

FIG. 6B is an underside view of the beret of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a crown pattern for beret 101 of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is an elevation view of a band pane pattern for beret 101 of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a military style 8-point hat adapted with a removable liner.

FIG. 7B is an underside view of the military style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an elevation view of a crown pattern for the military style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is an elevation view of a pocket pattern for the military style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is an elevation view of a side panel pattern for the military style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern for the military style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a beanie adapted with a removable liner.

FIG. 8B is an underside view of the beanie of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an elevation view of a beanie pattern.

FIG. 8D is an elevation view of a beanie pattern with an opening.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a military style patrol hat adapted with a removable liner.

FIG. 9B is an underside view of the military style patrol hat of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9C is an elevation view of a crown pattern for the military style patrol hat of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D is an elevation view of a pocket pattern for the military style patrol hat of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an elevation view of a side panel pattern for the military style patrol hat of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10B is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern for the military style patrol hat of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor provides a hat or headgear liner designed to provide a smooth interface between headgear commonly made from wool or felted wool. Although the liner can be mated with any type of headgear, the preferred embodiment is military style caps including a beret, beanie style, patrol and 8 point caps with removable liners. The present invention is described in enabling detail below relative to one or more than one embodiment of the present invention. Specific descriptions provided for a drawing of one style military hat is understood to translate to all styles of military hats provided in the present specification.

The inventor provides a hat or headgear liner designed to provide a smooth interface between headgear commonly made predominantly from wool or felted wool. Other materials and fibers used in manufacture of military style hats may include cotton fibers, polyester, nylon, wool felt, other natural fiber felts, or a blend of any of these materials.

The present invention is described in enabling detail below relative to one or more than one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a model screen shot 100 depicting a right side view of a woman modeling a military beret modified according to an embodiment of the invention. Beret 101 is fabricated of wool or felted wool and is modified in this example to accept a modular beret liner 105 as is visible through a portion of wool material removed in this view. Beret 101 includes a tubular band 103, that in one embodiment may accept a draw string. Band 103 may be made of leather or nylon that is folded over itself and stitched to the edge of the woolen beret material. In one embodiment band 103 has elasticity. Beret liner 105 may be manufactured of a satin material or a silk-based fabric that stays cool, maintains moisture in the hair, and is comfortable to the wearer wherein no hair becomes caught in the wool or felted wool material. In one example a satin material may typically have a dull side and a shiny side that would interface with the user. Beret liner 105 may comprise a single layer of material or more than one layer of material overlaid without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this example, a hidden zipper line 102 may be attached to beret 101 at one side by at least one stitching 108 and on the beret liner side by at least one stitching 107. A hidden zipper includes a base zipper strip to which the zipper architecture (left and right zipper tracks) is sewn on to, and at least one material flap (not illustrated here) that is sewn onto the zipper strip extending at least to the zipper line and thus hides the zipper line from view. In this example, beret liner 105 may be removed from beret 101 by unzipping liner 105 from beret 101 and washed whereupon it may be reinstalled on the beret using the same zipper architecture.

FIG. 2 is a model screen shot depicting a rear view of the ethnic women and military beret 101 of FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 2, beret 101 is depicted in rear view showing a zipper head 106. Zipper head 106 is typically a steel zipper head but it may be manufactured from a variety of materials including aluminum, brass, or other metals. In one embodiment zipper 106 may be manufactured of a polymer. The position of zipper head 106 is at the rear of military beret 101 for convenience to the wearer. The wearer's hair is likely to be much thicker at the rear of the head thereby making a rear placement of zipper head 106 logical to reduce discomfort such as the zipper head pressing against the forehead of the wearer. Zipper head 106 may be tucked under the material flaps intrinsic to the hidden zipper architecture.

In one embodiment a zipper head cover flap (not illustrated) may be provided to further hide the zipper head. Such a flap may be a piece of material sewn onto the beret band 103 and may include a snap or a hook and loop interface that incorporates and anchor point hook or loop on the beret liner 105. Beret band 103 may be a leather or nylon strip folded over and sewn over the edge of the beret material and then to itself. In one embodiment a loop is formed within band 103 to accept a drawstring. In another embodiment no draw string is provided.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of military beret 101 of FIGS. 1 and 2 without a liner. Referring now to FIG. 3, beret 101 is viewed from the underside without the beret liner 105 installed. At least one stitch 108 may connect part of the zipper to beret 101, more particularly to an overlapped material excess of band 103 extending into the beret. Stitch 108 may also secure a material flap around the periphery of band 103 wherein such a material flap hides a left zipper track 104. The edge of such a material flap may be defined as a material edge 114. For purpose of clarity, left zipper track 104 is rendered visible in this view, however in actual practice it may be hidden beneath the material flap implemented to provide the hidden zipper in a closed zipped form.

The width of such a material flap might be defined as a distance between stitching 108 and material edge 107 where the material edge may extend to just cover or to slightly overlap left zipper track 104. In this example, a zipper base component and a zipper stop component (not illustrated) are positioned at the rear in line with the model view of FIG. 2. In this example, there is no installed zipper head such as zipper head 106 because it is installed on the right zipper track sewn on to the beret liner. The fact that the zipper head is installed on the material liner (right zipper track) allows a user to don the military beret 101 without the liner if desired where no contact irritation between the zipper head and wearer's head would occur.

FIG. 4 is an overhead view of military beret liner 105 of FIG. 1 removed from the host military beret of FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 4, Material liner 105 includes a right zipper track 110 attached to the liner material via at least one stitching 109. There may be more than one stitching such as a second stitching 111. Zipper head 106 is depicted as butted up against a zipper stop component 116 of the hidden zipper architecture. Zipper pull component 113 may be accessed to advance or retard the zipper head along the track.

In a preferred embodiment, zipper head 106 may be positioned all the way back against the seat component designed to accept the left zipper track 104 installed on the beret to form closed zipper 102. Material edge 112 may represent the edge of a flap material sewn onto the zipper strip and extending to cover zipper track 110 or just beyond the zipper track. In one embodiment the hidden zipper flaps are made of the original materials such as wool flap for the beret side and a satin flap for the beret liner side wherein the flaps cooperated to cover the zipper hardware and appear as a seam when the zipper is closed. In another embodiment the hidden zipper may be covered by a single flap originating either from the beret liner or from the beret.

Referring now back to FIG. 1, a removable makeup and/or sweat absorbing strip of material such as a cotton material or another absorbent material may be provided as an accessory that may be applied using hook and loop or snap attachment to the beret liner at an area of the liner that meets the user's forehead once the beret liner is installed in the beret. The absorbent strip may be removed from the beret liner and washed when needed. Beret liner 105 may be unzipped from beret 101 so that it might be washed and dried as needed.

In one embodiment, beret liner 105 may be attached using hook and loop system and or snaps to an inner side of beret 101. However, in a preferred embodiment a hidden zipper is used because of consistent position of the zipper components allow for a quicker installation. Moreover, the hidden zipper allows for an ascetic view of the inside of the beret where the zipper is hidden from view and does not come into contact with the wearer's hair or skin reducing or eliminating discomfort for the user. Likewise, a material patch may also be provided to cover the zipper head and pull handle at the rear portion of the beret such that the zipper head or handle does not interfere with the user's hair or head. In one embodiment zipper components may be painted or colored in line with the colors of the military beret.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a hidden zipper beret to beret liner interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 5, a partial cut view from the beret to liner interface depicts a hidden zipper connection interface partly open to expose the separated zipper tracks to the left of the zipper head 106 in this example. It is noted herein that a beret flap with material edge 107 and the beret liner flap with the material edge 112 meet just over the closed zipper track effectively hiding the track and preventing the track from contacting the wearer directly.

Stitching 108 on the beret and 109 on the beret liner are visible in this view and may or may not generally coincide with the beginning edges of each material flap. It is noted herein that each material flap may be contiguous materials for example formed from the materials of the beret and the beret liner. In another embodiment, the material flaps may be provided with the zipper and may be functional on the zipper before it is installed on the beret and beret liner respectively. Underlying zipper strip material may be a canvass like material or any durable use material.

The removable hat liner of the present invention may include a sweat band that may attach to the liner material at a position covering at least a user's forehead. In one embodiment, a sweat band may be extended in length to cover most or all the user's head around the forehead preferably at the hairline through the back of the neck. In this embodiment the sweat band is detachable ahead of the hat liner. The method and apparatus of the invention may be provided and customized to a wide variety of head cover, more particularly military style head covers such as an eight point military style hat also known as a “barrack cover” to such as a simple beanie type cap. Slight modifications may be made in the design of the removable liner to accommodate disparate hat architectural features.

FIG. 6A is a side view of beret 101 of FIG. 1 adapted with a removable liner and without tubular band 103. Referring momentarily back to the description of FIG. 1, beret 101 includes a band 103 sewn about the opening in the beret that may accept a draw string. This is an optional feature and should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In this view, the zipper attachment interface between the hat liner (not visible in this view) and the beret material is represented by zipper track 102 (see FIG. 1) that wraps around the beret in the direction of the arrows. Zipper head 106 (FIG. 2) is referenced positionally herein at the rear portion of beret 101 although that is not a requirement of the invention.

FIG. 6B is an underside view of beret 101 of FIG. 6A. In this view, a removable beret liner 105 is provided in a hidden manner as described previously and represented herein by zipper track 102 that extends around the perimeter of the beret. Zipper head 106 is represented herein positionally at the rear of the beret. A sweat band is not illustrated in this example but may be assumed present. The sweat band may be designed to completely cover all of the zipper components providing additional protection for the wearer. The zipper track may also be isolated from the user's head by the overlapping material flaps covering the zipper track. The zipper head 106 may also have a detachable flap covering sewn in at the back of the beret such that the flap may include a hook and loop or snap connection to allow the user to detach one end to have access to the zipper and reattach the flap end to the liner covering the zipper position and providing an additional measure of comfort to the user.

FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a crown pattern 120 for beret 101 of FIG. 6A. Crown pattern 120 represents a cut pattern for at least one size crown to fabricate beret liner 105.

FIG. 6D is an elevation view of a band pane pattern 121 for beret liner 105 of FIG. 6B. Band pane pattern 121 represents a cut pattern for at least one size band pane to fabricate beret liner 105.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a military style 8-point hat 122 adapted with a removable liner. Hat 122 is a traditional military style hat worn by marines and sailors is sometimes referred to as a utility cap or cover. Hat 122 includes an 8-point crown 123 and a bill 124. Bill 124 is sometimes referred to as a visor.

A hat to liner interface is represented herein by zipper track 102 extending about the periphery of hat 122. Approximate zipper head position on zipper track 102 is represented herein by element 106. Dashed lines depicted on bill 124 represent bill stitching. Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of the left and the right zipper parts, one to the hat material and one to the hat liner 125 (FIG. 7B) material.

FIG. 7B is an underside view of military style 8-point hat 122 of FIG. 7A. In this view, removable hat liner 125 is visible. In one embodiment, a removable hat liner such as hat liner 125 may include one or more attachment mechanisms such as hook and loop, for example, strategically locate top center or there about for enabling the liner to be attached to the inside of the crown of the hat, in this case 8-point hat 122. Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of the left and the right zipper parts, one to the hat material and one to the hat liner material. Dashed lines depicted on bill 124 represent bill stitching.

The zipper track is represented herein by zipper track 102. The zipper head is represented herein by element number 106 depicting the approximate position of zipper head at the rear of 8-point military style hat 122.

FIG. 7C is an elevation view of a crown pattern 126 for military style 8-point hat liner 125 of FIG. 7B. Crown pattern 126 represents a cut pattern for at least one size crown to fabricate for 8-point military style hat liner 125.

FIG. 7D is an elevation view of a pocket pattern 127 for military style 8-point hat 122 of FIG. 7A. Pocket pattern 127 represents a cut pattern for at least one size pocket to fabricate for 8-point military style hat liner 125.

FIG. 7E is an elevation view of a side panel pattern 128 for military style 8-point hat 122 of FIG. 7A. Side panel pattern 128 represents a cut pattern for at least one size of side panel to fabricate for 8-point military style hat liner 125.

FIG. 7F is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern 129 for the military style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A. Sweat band pattern 129 represents a cut pattern for at least one size of sweat band to fabricate for 8-point military style hat 122. This sweatband may be attached and positioned at the wearers forehead wrapping around the hairline at the forehead extending to a position at the back of the wearers neck.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a beanie 130 adapted with a removable liner. Beanie 130 may include a peripheral tubular band (103) for a draw string like beret 101 of FIG. 1, though none is illustrated here. The dashed lines in this view represent stitching adjacent to a zipper track represented herein as zipper track 102 (FIG. 1). The approximate position of the zipper head is represented by element 106. On every style hat, the zipper interface enabling attachment and detachment of the hat liner is hidden from view beneath at least one material flap. A hat liner 131 is just visible in this view. The dashed lines represent stitching adjacent to zipper track 102.

FIG. 8B is an underside view of beanie 130 of FIG. 8A. Beanie 130 may include a peripheral tubular band like band 103 of FIG. 1 for a drawstring in one embodiment. Beanie hat liner 131 may include one or more attachment mechanisms roughly centered on the back side of the liner interfacing with the underside top of the beanie. The attachment mechanism may be hook and loop, a button, zipper, stitching, pin, removable fabric glue or other attachment means.

The dashed lines in this view represent stitching adjacent to a zipper track represented herein as zipper track 102 (FIG. 1). The approximate position of the zipper head is represented by element 106.

FIG. 8C is an elevation view of a beanie pattern 132. Beanie pattern 132 represents a beanie cut pattern for at least one size of beanie for fabricating beanie 132.

FIG. 8D is an elevation view of a beanie pattern 133 with an opening. Beanie pattern 133 represents a beanie cut pattern with an opening for fabricating beanie 133 in the case of a beanie with an opening therein.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a military style patrol hat 134 adapted with a removable liner. Hat 134 is a traditional military style patrol hat worn by soldiers and airmen. Hat 134 includes a crown 140 and a bill 135. Bill 135 is sometimes referred to as a visor.

A hat to liner interface is represented herein by zipper track 102 extending about the periphery of hat 122. Approximate zipper head position on zipper track 102 is represented herein by element 106 at the rear portion of patrol hat 134. Dashed lines depicted on bill 124 represent bill stitching. Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of the left and the right zipper parts, one to the hat material, and one to the hat liner material.

FIG. 9B is an underside view of military style patrol hat 134 of FIG. 8A. In this view, removable hat liner 136 is visible. In one embodiment, a removable hat liner such as hat liner 136 may include one or more attachment mechanisms such as hook and loop, for example, strategically locate top center or there about for enabling the liner to be attached to the inside of the crown of the hat, in this case patrol hat 134. Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of the left and the right zipper parts, one to the hat material and one to the hat liner material. Dashed lines depicted on bill 135 represent bill stitching.

The zipper track is represented herein by zipper track 102. The zipper head is represented herein by element number 106 depicting the approximate position of zipper head at the rear of military style patrol hat 134.

FIG. 9D is an elevation view of a crown pattern 137 for military style patrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Crown pattern 137 represents a crown cut pattern for at least one size of crown for fabricating military style patrol hat 134.

FIG. 9E is an elevation view of a pocket pattern 138 for military style patrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Pocket pattern 138 represents a cut pattern for at least one size pocket to fabricate for military style patrol hat 134.

FIG. 10A is an elevation view of a side panel pattern 139 for military style patrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Side panel pattern 139 represents a cut pattern for at least one size side panel to fabricate for military style patrol hat 134.

FIG. 10B is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern 141 for military style patrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Sweat band pattern 141 represents a cut pattern for at least one size sweat band to fabricate for military style patrol hat 134.

In one embodiment of the present invention, hat liner material has more than one layer. In this embodiment a cushion material such as sponge, cotton padding, or other soft or cushioning materials might be sewn into the hat liner in one or more strategic locations that would present on the head of the wearer of the head covering.

This embodiment may be applicable to the hat styles described herein and further to sporting hats such as baseball uniform hats, or to light weight work hats like painting hats, the cushioning provided in the liner and washable with the liner, and wherein the cushioning may provide the user with some protection against potential damage caused by shock of colliding with another object like a cabinet for a painter, or a deflected baseball for a baseball player. Still further applications for traditional and new types of head coverings are possible.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the arrangement of elements and functionality for the invention is described in different embodiments in which each is exemplary of an implementation of the invention. These exemplary descriptions do not preclude other implementations and use cases not described in detail. The invention is limited only by the breadth of the claims below.

Claims

1. A liner for a hat, comprising;

a smooth material sewn together, covering an interior portion of the hat; and

an attachment apparatus removably attaching the liner to the interior of the hat;

wherein with the liner inserted in the hat, a user wears the hat and liner thereby protecting hair of the user from damage while wearing the hat.

2. The liner of claim 1, wherein the hat liner is created from a material pattern specific to the interior of the hat.

3. The liner of claim 2, wherein the hat is a military issue beret.

4. The liner of claim 2, wherein the hat is a military issue beanie.

5. The liner of claim 2, wherein the hat is a military issue patrol hat.

6. The liner of claim 2, wherein the hat is a military issue 8-point hat.

7. The liner of claim 1, wherein the hat the liner attaches to is manufactured from anyone of natural or synthetic fibers capable of entangling and otherwise damaging hair of the user when worn.

8. The liner of claim 7, wherein the natural fiber is any one of a group including felted wool, wool, and cotton.

9. The liner of claim 7, wherein the synthetic fibers are anyone of a group including nylon and polyester.

10. The liner of claim 1, wherein the attachment apparatus is anyone of a zipper or hook and loop mechanisms.

11. The liner of claim 1, wherein the smooth material is satin or silk.

12. The liner of claim 10, wherein the zipper and hook and loop mechanisms are protected from the user's head via an additional material flap covering the mechanism.

13. The liner of claim 1, wherein the liner is removable from the hat and washable.

14. A hat comprising;

a liner enabled to protect hair of a wearer;

wherein the liner is manufactured from a smooth material insertable in an interior of the hat and includes an attachment apparatus removably attaching the liner to the interior of the hat.

15. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issue beret.

16. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issue beanie.

17. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issue patrol hat.

18. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issue 8-point hat.

19. The hat of claim 14, wherein the smooth material is satin or silk.

20. The hat of claim 14, wherein the attachment apparatus is anyone of a zipper or hook and loop mechanisms.