ADJUSTABLE BRIM FOR A HAT

Abstract

An adjustable brim for use with a hat, such as a baseball-style hat includes a sheath having a rounded shape for positioning around the hat and including a channel, a body, a cord positioned within the channel of the sheath, and an adjustment fastener positioned on the cord for adjusting the size of the sheath. The body includes an inner edge, an outer edge opposite the inner edge, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and the inner edge of the body is connected to the sheath.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/979,494 filed on Feb. 21, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to a hat brim that covers the neck and ears of the wearer. More specifically, the present subject matter provides a cloth hat brim that attaches to the head of the wearer, facing to the back of the wearer, using an adjustable band that wraps around the front of a hat which has a forward-facing visor, such as a baseball cap, crownless visor, or other suitable hats.

The number one risk for skin cancer is sun exposure, so when spending time in the sun, there is an ever-present adverse risk with sun exposure that must be addressed. The best way to help avoid this risk is to completely cover or shade the skin from the sun's UV rays, so many people choose to wear hats of various design, to shield the eyes, ears, face, and neck. A baseball-style cap is preferred by many, because of its ability to shade the eyes from the sun, and it is portable, typically fitting tight to the wearer's head. But, a problem with a baseball-style cap is that it lacks a brim on the sides and back, it does not adequately protect the ears, and neck from the sun. Also anyone who has lost a hat knows without a chinstrap in a wind or a fast moving situation the risk of loss often means removing the hat to keep a hold of it hence, even more sun exposure.

A common problem faced by users wearing hats and other headgear is that hats and headgear often do not fit the user's head perfectly well. For example, some people have smaller or larger than average sized heads such that conventional hat sizes are too big or small, respectively.

Accordingly, a need exists for an adjustable brim which can be placed onto the head, over a baseball-style cap, that shields the ears and neck of the wearer, and that fits and can be secured snugly to the head of any wearer, as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the needs described above, the present application provides an adjustable brim that attaches to a baseball-style cap to provide additional shading around the user's neck and ears. The adjustable brim provided herein includes a sheath that rests around the cap and a body extending outwardly from the sheath to provide shade to the user's neck and ears in addition to the brim of the 102 that provides shade to the face. A cord threaded through the sheath and an adjustment fastener on the cord enable the user to adjust the size of the sheath to fit securely about the hat.

In one embodiment, the body extends along a first portion of the sheath and a second portion of the sheath is free from the body. During use, the second portion of the sheath rests atop the baseball cap forward brim, and the brim of the present application extends along the sides and back of the baseball cap. In some embodiments, the body and the sheath are sewn or otherwise secured together. In other embodiments, the body and the sheath are formed integrally.

The adjustable brim includes a loop or other connection mechanism at a location opposite the second portion of the sheath. While the second portion of the sheath rests atop the baseball cap brim, the loop may engage the adjustable strap of the baseball cap so that the adjustable brim of the present application is secured to the user's baseball cap.

The adjustable brim may also include a pair of loops along the opposing sides of the sheath for receiving ends of a chin strap. In one embodiment, the chin strap extends below the user's chin and includes beads at opposite ends thereof that hold the ends of the chin strap in each loop. The chin strap may include a chin strap fastener at a midpoint along its length which enables the user to adjust the tightness of the chin strap against the chin. In other embodiments, the ends of the chin strap connect to the adjustable brim through snaps, Velcro, or other securement means.

In some embodiments, the cloth brim is pliable, such that it can be bent, folded, or rolled into a smaller size for portability. Once rolled, the cord can be wrapped or looped around the body of the brim and secured by the adjustment fastener. If preferred, a further fastener, such as a carabineer-type fastener, or any method of attachment may be used to attach to the portable brim to a pant loop, bag, or key chain for hands-free transport of the brim while it is not in use.

In a preferred embodiment, a brim for use with a baseball-style hat includes a sheath having a rounded shape for positioning around the hat and including a channel, a body, a cord, and an adjustment fastener. The body includes an inner edge, an outer edge opposite the inner edge, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner edge of the body is connected to the sheath. The cord is positioned within the channel of the sheath, and the adjustment fastener is positioned on the cord for adjusting the size of the sheath. The sheath of the adjustable brim includes an opening through which a portion of the cord extends. The adjustment fastener is secured to the portion extending through the opening.

In some embodiments, one or more loops are positioned on the inner surface of the body. In other embodiments, the sheath of the adjustable brim is integral with brim. The adjustable brim further comprising a chin strap, wherein the one or more loops includes a first and second chin strap loops for receiving first and second ends of the chin strap.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one implementation in accord with the present concept, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view from below of an adjustable brim for a hat.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view from above of the adjustable brim for a hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the adjustable brim for a hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable brim for a hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the adjustable brim for a hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view positioned on a hat of the adjustable brim for a hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is isometric view of the brim folded upon itself of the adjustable brim for a hat of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of an adjustable brim 100 for a baseball-style cap 102 (FIG. 6). The adjustable cloth brim 100 includes a sheath 104 that rests around the cap 102 and a body 106 extending outwardly from the sheath 104 to provide shade to the user's neck and ears in addition to the front brim of the cap 102 that provides shade to the face. A cord 110 (FIG. 2) threaded through the sheath 104 and an adjustment fastener 112 on the cord 110 enable the user to adjust the size of the sheath 104 to fit securely about the hat.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 106 has a planar, arcuate shape with an inner edge 106a that extends along a portion of the sheath 104. The body 106 includes inner and outer surfaces 106b, 106c extending between the inner edge 106a and an outer edge 106b opposite thereof. In addition to the arcuate shape shown in the illustrated embodiment, the spatial relationship between the inner edge 106a and the outer edge 106d may form a shape that is oval, square, draping, or any other shape that effectively covers the neck and ears of the wearer. In some embodiments, the body 106 has a shape that allows for airflow around the neck and ears.

The sheath 104 has a circular shape with an inner channel 105 that extends around the hat 102 of the user and is adjustable in size to fit about the cap 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath 104 comprises a single panel of material including first and second edges 104a, 104b sewn together to form the channel 105. The inner edge 106a of the body 106 is sewn between at least a portion of the first and second edges 104a, 104b of the sheath 104. In other embodiments, the sheath 104 may be formed integrally with the body 106 by attaching a portion of the inner edge 106a of the body 106 onto itself to form the channel 105. In still further embodiments, the sheath 104 may comprise two or more panels of material secured to the body 106. The sheath 104 may attached to the body 106 using a stitch or other suitable method.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sheath 104 includes a first portion 107 along with the inner edge of the body 106 extends and a second portion 109 that is not attached to the body 106. During use, the second portion 109 of the sheath 104 rests against the front brim 100 of the ball cap 102, as shown in FIG. 7. By providing a portion 109 of the sheath 104 that is free from the body 106, the adjustable brim 100 may be rotated so that user can adjust which area of the user's body receive shade and which area of the user's body receive sunlight.

In some embodiments, the channel 105 may extend within only the first portion 107 of the sheath 104 and the second portion 109 of the sheath 104 may include additional material such a fabric insert comprising relatively more resilient material. In still further embodiments, the second portion 109 of the sheath may have a narrow thickness so as to minimize interference with the logo or other information on the front of the baseball cap 102. In other embodiments, the body 106 may extend along the full length of the sheath 104 and overlap the brim 100 of the ball cap 102 as needed.

The cord 110 is positioned within the sheath 104 to allow for adjustment of the brim 100 about the user's cap 102 or head. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second ends 110a, 110b of the cord 110 are secured to opposite ends of the channel 105 that extends along the first portion 107 of the sheath 104. A central portion 110c of the cord 110 extends through and forms a loop at an opening 111 of the sheath 104 at a mid-point of the first portion 107. The cord 110 may be one continuous length of material or a plurality of length of material secured together. The cord 110 may be comprised of cloth, webbing, string, or other suitable material.

The adjustment fastener 112, such as a cord lock as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, is positioned on and moves along the loop of the cord 110 to adjust the fitting of the sheath 104 about the hat 102. The adjustment fastener 112 can be adjusted up and down the loop of the cord 110 such that the sheath 104 can be enlarged and contracted to fit various sizes of hats and/or heads. The adjustment fastener 112 may alternatively comprise a buckle, a leather slide, a knot, or other suitable mechanism.

In other embodiments, the channel 105 extends along the entire length of the sheath 104, and the cord 110 is positioned within the channel 105 so that first and second ends of the cord 110 extend from the opening in the sheath 104.

FIGS. 1 and 4 show the bottom side 106c of the adjustable brim 100 for a baseball-style cap 102. In the illustrated embodiment, at least three loops 114a, 114b, 114c are attached to the bottom surface 106c of the body 106 adjacent the inner edge 106a and sheath 104. The loops 114 may comprise an elastic material, although any suitable material may be used.

A first loop 114a is located on the inner edge 106a away from the second portion 109 of the sheath 104. As the second portion of the sheath 104 sits against the front brim 100 of the ball cap 102 as shown in FIG. 6, an adjustable strap of the ball cap 102 along the back of the hat 102 may be threaded through the first loop 114a to secure the brim 100 to the ball cap 102. In other embodiments, the adjustable strap of the ball cap 102 may be secured to the brim through hooks, snaps, Velcro, or any other suitable means of attachment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the second and third loops 114b, 114c are symmetrically placed along the length of the sheath 104 such that they are diametrically opposite. In an embodiment, a removable chin strap 116 is attached to the second and third loops 114b, 114c of the adjustable brim 100. Each end 116a, 116b of the chin strap 116 may include a bead 118 or other bulbous shaped object to be threaded through the second loop 114b and the third loop 114c, respectively. In alternative embodiments, bulbous shaped object may be “T”-shape, a hook, a clasp, or any such mechanism to attach the chin strap 116 to the adjustable brim 100 via the second loop 114b and the third loop 114c. By including a chin strap 116 that is removable, the user can use the chin strap 116 when convenient or needed, and can store the chin strap 116 and avoid unnecessary components when the conditions do not warrant the chin strap 116.

In other embodiments, the chin strap 116 may attach to the brim 100 through snaps, ties, or other securement means. It is also contemplated that any number of loops 114a, 114b, 114c or other securement means could be included. In still further embodiments, the chin strap 116 may be sewn or otherwise directly secured to the underside of the body 106 along the inner edge 106a adjacent to the sheath 104.

The chin strap 116 may include a chin strap fastener 120 at a midpoint along its length which enables the user to adjust the tightness of the chin strap 116 against the chin. In other embodiments, the ends 116a, 116b of the chin strap 116 connect to the adjustable brim 100 through snaps, Velcro, or other securement means.

FIG. 7 shows the adjustable brim 100 in a folded, compact position. The adjustable brim 100 can be folded such that a substantial part of the sheath 104 and the chin strap 116 are rolled into the center of the body of the brim 106. The cord 110 can be wrapped around the rolled brim body 106 and secured in that configuration by the adjustment fastener 112 to store or transport the adjustable brim 100 in a more convenient fashion.

The adjustable brim 100 may include a carabineer 122, hook, or other means for attaching the brim 100 to a belt loop, another part of clothing, the strap of a bag, or other item.

The body 106 and the sheath 104 of the brim 100 may comprise any fabric material. In some embodiments, some or all of the brim 100 may include a waterproof material. In other embodiments, the outer surface 106b of the body 106 may comprise a waterproof material and the inner surface 106c may comprise a fleece or other soft material.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A brim for use with a hat including an adjustable strap, the brim comprising:

a sheath having a rounded shape for positioning around the hat and including a channel;

a body includes an inner edge, an outer edge opposite the inner edge, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner edge of the body is connected to the sheath;

a cord positioned within the channel of the sheath;

an adjustment fastener positioned on the cord for adjusting the size of the sheath.

2. The brim of claim 1, further comprising one or more loops positioned on the inner surface of the body.

3. The brim of claim 2, wherein the one or more loops includes a loop for receiving the adjustable strap of the hat.

4. The brim of claim 1, further comprising a chin strap attached to one of the bottom surface of the body and the sheath.

5. The brim of claim 4, further comprising a chin strap fastener secured to the chin strap for adjusting the chin strap.

6. The brim of claim 4, further comprising a pair of attachment mechanisms positioned on the inner surface of the body, wherein first and second ends of the chin strap engage the pair of attachment mechanisms.

7. The brim of claim 1, wherein the sheath includes an opening, wherein a portion of the cord extends from the opening, and wherein the adjustment fastener receives the portion of the cord.

8. The brim of claim 7, further comprising a further fastener on the portion of the cord.

9. The brim of claim 1, wherein the inner edge of the body is secured to the sheath.

10. The brim of claim 1, wherein the inner edge of the body extends along a first portion of the sheath and wherein the sheath includes a second portion free from the body.