U.S. patent application number 10/071601 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for headgear with detachable and interchangeable elastic bands.
This patent application is currently assigned to Porter & Caudillo Licensing Associates, LLC. Invention is credited to Caudillo, Ryan, Porter, Heath.
Application Number | 20020108165 10/071601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27490918 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020108165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porter, Heath ; et
al. |
August 15, 2002 |
Headgear with detachable and interchangeable elastic bands
Abstract
Headgear are disclosed, having a body and a strap which is
removable from the body so as to be replaceable and
interchangeable. Each of the straps may have a logo or other
indicia displayed thereon. By interchanging straps with varying
indicia, the user can change the decorative appearance of the
headgear. In addition to its decorative function, the strap may be
elastic and when attached to the body proximate opposed ends of a
headband of the headgear such that the elastic nature of the strap
will allow the headgear to expand or contract to conform to the
head size of a wearer. The strap has opposed ends and is removably
connected to the body by attachment means which may comprise hook
assemblies permanently connected to the opposed ends of the strap,
the hook assemblies each engaging respective grommets set into the
body.
Inventors: |
Porter, Heath; (Blue
Springs, MO) ; Caudillo, Ryan; (Kansas City,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHUGHART THOMSON & KILROY, PC
120 WEST 12TH STREET
KANSAS CITY
MO
64105
US
|
Assignee: |
Porter & Caudillo Licensing
Associates, LLC
|
Family ID: |
27490918 |
Appl. No.: |
10/071601 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60267838 |
Feb 10, 2001 |
|
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|
60267839 |
Feb 10, 2001 |
|
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60267845 |
Feb 10, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/195.2 ;
2/209.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/22 20130101; A42B
1/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/195.2 ;
2/209.13 |
International
Class: |
A42B 001/00 |
Claims
what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as
follows:
1. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a
detachable elastic band wherein: a) said body includes a headband
forming a lower portion of said body and said headband includes
terminal ends positioned in spaced relation to one another
proximate a rear of said body; and b) said elastic band includes
opposed ends each of which is releasably attachable to said body
proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends.
2. The item of headgear as in claim 1 wherein said elastic band is
a first elastic band and said item of headgear further includes a
second elastic band interchangeable with said first elastic
band.
3. The item of headgear as in claim 2 wherein said first elastic
band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second
elastic band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second
indicia being different from said first indicia.
4. The item of headgear as in claim 1 wherein: a) said body
includes a pair of grommets, each of said grommets being set into
said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal
ends; b) said elastic band includes a pair of hooks, each of said
hooks being attached to a respective one of said band opposite
ends; and c) said elastic band is releasably attachable to said
body by bringing each of said hooks into engagement with a
respective one of said grommets.
5. The item of headgear as in claim 1 and further including a brim
extending outwardly from a front of said body.
6. The item of headgear as in claim 5 wherein said item of headgear
comprises a baseball cap.
7. The item of headgear as in claim 5 wherein said item of headgear
comprises a visor.
8. An item of headgear comprising: a) a body having a headband
forming a lower portion of said body, said headband including
terminal ends positioned in spaced relation to one another
proximate a rear of said body; b) an elastic band having opposed
ends; and c) attachment means for releasably attaching each of said
band opposed ends to said body proximate a respective one of said
headband terminal ends.
9. The item of headgear as in claim 8 wherein said attachment means
comprises: a) a pair of grommets, each of which is set into said
body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends; and
b) a pair of hooks, each of which is attached to a respective one
of said opposed ends of said band, said hooks being engageable into
said grommets to releasably attach said band to said body.
10. The item of headgear as in claim 8 wherein said elastic band is
a first elastic band and said item of headgear further includes a
second elastic band interchangeable with said first elastic
band.
11. The item of headgear as in claim 10 wherein said first elastic
band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second
elastic band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second
indicia being different from said first indicia.
12. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a
detachable elastic band wherein: a) said body includes a rear
portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an opening
formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said lower
edge; and b) said elastic band includes opposed ends each of which
is releasably attachable to said body at a respective attachment
point, said attachment points being located on opposite sides of
said opening such that, when attached to said body, said band
extends across said opening.
13. The item of headgear as in claim 12 wherein said elastic band
is a first elastic band and said item of headgear further includes
a second elastic band interchangeable with said first elastic
band.
14. The item of headgear as in claim 13 wherein said first elastic
band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second
elastic band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second
indicia being different from said first indicia.
15. The item of headgear as in claim 12 wherein: a) said body
includes a pair of grommets, each of said grommets being set into
said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal
ends; b) said elastic band includes a pair of hooks, each of said
hooks being attached to a respective one of said band opposite
ends; and c) said elastic band is releasably attachable to said
body by bringing each of said hooks into engagement with a
respective one of said grommets.
16. The item of headgear as in claim 12 and further including a
brim extending outwardly from a front of said body.
17. The item of headgear as in claim 16 wherein said item of
headgear comprises a baseball cap.
18. The item of headgear as in claim 16 wherein said item of
headgear comprises a visor.
19. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a
detachable elastic band wherein: a) said body includes a pair of
grommets set therein; and b) said elastic band includes opposed
ends and a pair of hooks, each of said hooks being attached to a
respective one of said opposite ends; wherein c) said elastic band
is releasably attachable to said body by bringing each of said
hooks into engagement with a respective one of said grommets.
20. The item of headgear as in claim 19 wherein said body includes
a headband forming a lower portion of said body, said headband has
terminal ends in spaced relation to one another, and said grommets
are each set into said body proximate a respective one of said
headband terminal ends.
21. The item of headgear as in claim 19 wherein said body includes
a rear portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an
opening formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said
lower edge; and said grommets are set into said body on opposing
sides of said opening such that, when attached to said body, said
band extends across said opening.
22. An item of headgear comprising: a) a body having a headband
forming a lower portion of said body, said headband including
terminal ends positioned in spaced relation to one another
proximate a rear of said body; b) a band having opposed ends; and
c) attachment means for releasably attaching each of said band
opposed ends to said body proximate a respective one of said
headband terminal ends.
23. The item of headgear as in claim 22 wherein said band is
elastic and said attachment means comprises: a) a pair of grommets,
each of which is set into said body proximate a respective one of
said headband terminal ends; and b) a pair of hooks, each of which
is attached to a respective one of said opposed ends of said band,
said hooks being engageable into said grommets to releasably attach
said band to said body.
24. The item of headgear as in claim 22 wherein said band is a
first band and said item of headgear further includes a second band
interchangeable with said first band.
25. The item of headgear as in claim 24 wherein said first band
includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second band
includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia
being different from said first indicia.
26. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a
detachable band wherein: a) said body includes a rear portion and a
lower edge, said rear portion having an opening formed therein,
said opening extending upwardly from said lower edge; and b) said
band includes opposed ends each of which is releasably attachable
to said body at a respective attachment point, said attachment
points being located on opposite sides of said opening such that,
when attached to said body, said band extends across said
opening.
27. The item of headgear as in claim 26 wherein said band is a
first band and said item of headgear further includes a second band
interchangeable with said first band.
28. The item of headgear as in claim 27 wherein said first band
includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second band
includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia
being different from said first indicia.
29. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a
detachable band including indicia displayed thereon, wherein: a)
said body includes a pair of grommets set therein; and b) said band
includes opposed ends and a pair of hooks, each of said hooks being
attached to a respective one of said opposite ends; wherein c) said
band is releasably attachable to said body by bringing each of said
hooks into engagement with a respective one of said grommets.
30. The item of headgear as in claim 29 wherein said body includes
a headband forming a lower portion of said body, said headband has
terminal ends in spaced relation to one another, and said grommets
are each set into said body proximate a respective one of said
headband terminal ends.
31. The item of headgear as in claim 29 wherein said body includes
a rear portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an
opening formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said
lower edge; and said grommets are set into said body on opposing
sides of said opening such that, when attached to said body, said
band extends across said opening.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of copending provisional
applications 60/267,838; 60/267,839 and 60/267,845 all filed Feb.
10, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to the field of headgear, and more
particularly to an item of headgear having a body and an elastic
band releasably connected to the body so as to be replaceable and
interchangeable with alternative elastic bands to change the
appearance of the headgear.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Items of headgear such as baseball caps, tennis visors and
fishing caps are well known in the art. It is also well known to
provide such items of headgear with an adjustment strap so as to
make the item adjustable to fit persons of varying head size. These
adjustment straps are often connected to the rear of the cap body
so as to span an opening formed therein. The opening allows for
expansion and contraction of the cap body while the strap limits
the expansion to a selected size.
[0006] One common type of adjustment strap comprises a pair of
interlocking plastic halves, each of which has a first end which is
fixedly connected to the body of the cap. One of the halves
includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes. The other half
includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced detents, projections
or pins which engage the holes to connect the halves together. By
selectively matching the detents to selected ones of the holes, a
user can vary the size of the cap. One problem with this type of
adjustment strap is that the straps are not very durable and tend
to break. Because the straps are permanently affixed to the cap
they are not replaceable and the cap must, therefore, be discarded
when the straps break. In addition, these straps allow only
incremental adjustment of the cap size.
[0007] Other known adjustment straps use buckles, buttons, snaps,
hook and loop fasteners, etc. to vary the length of the strap. One
thing that all of these straps have in common is that at least one
end of the strap is permanently affixed to the cap body.
[0008] Another type of cap designed to fit a range of head sizes
uses an elastic headband to allow for expansion and contraction of
the cap. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,540 to Byoung Woo Cho
discloses a free-size cap having a multi-gore shell with a
uniaxially stretchable headband which is permanently affixed to the
shell. The side and rear gores of the shell are also formed of a
uniaxially stretchable fabric to allow the cap to expand and
contract to fit the user.
[0009] One reason for the popularity of baseball caps and other
items of headgear is that they often display logos or other indica
that reflect the wearer's personality, interests, or beliefs. These
indicia may be the logo of the cap manufacturer, the logo of a
manufacturer of other goods, the logo of a sports team, the name or
number of a favorite player, etc. Other types of indica may be of a
comical nature, such as a humorous phrase, or picture of a cartoon
character. Some indicia may be purely ornamental without conveying
any message whatsoever. The indicia may simply be a color scheme
chosen to match the wearer's mood or outfit. The indicia displayed
on known items of headgear is generally permanently imprinted on
the item, such as by embroidery or silk screen printing. If the
user, therefore, wishes to display different indica on different
occasions, he or she must own multiple items of headgear from which
to select.
[0010] One prior attempt to allow for variation in the appearance
of an item of headgear is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,640 to
Anthony Pizzacar. The device comprises a nameplate which is
removably attachable to the adjustment strap of a conventional
baseball cap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention comprises various articles of
headgear, each of which has a body and a strap which is removable
from the body so as to be replaceable and interchangeable with
alternate straps. Each of the straps may have a logo or other
indicia displayed thereon, and the indicia may vary between straps.
By interchanging straps with varying indicia, the user can change
the decorative appearance of the headgear. In addition to its
decorative function, the strap may be elastic and attached to the
body proximate opposed ends of a headband of the headgear such that
the elastic nature of the strap will allow the headgear to expand
or contract to conform to the head size of a wearer. The strap has
opposed ends and is removably connected to the body by attachment
means which may comprise hook assemblies permanently connected to
the opposed ends of the strap, the hook assemblies each engaging
respective grommets set into the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baseball cap which
comprises a first embodiment of the present invention taken from
behind and above the cap.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the baseball cap taken from
beneath the cap.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the baseball cap showing usage of
interchangeable straps having different logos printed thereon.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the baseball cap taken from
the inside of the cap and looking rearwardly.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary edge view the removable
elastic strap of the baseball cap showing a hook assembly
thereof.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a visor which comprises a
second embodiment of the present invention taken from beneath and
to one side of the visor.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of a fishing cap which comprises a
third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of
this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof
[0020] Certain terminology will be used in the following
description for convenience in reference only and will not be
limiting. For example, the words "upwardly," "downwardly,"
"rightwardly," and "leftwardly" will refer to directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and
"outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from,
respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being
described and designated parts thereof Said terminology will
include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and
words of a similar import.
[0021] First Embodiment
[0022] Referring to the drawings in more detail, and in particular
to FIGS. 1-5, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a
baseball cap which represents a first embodiment of the present
invention. The cap 1 generally comprises a body or crown 3 and a
removable elastic band or strap 5 which is attachable to the body 3
to allow for variation in size of the cap 1. The body 3 may be
formed by stitching together a plurality of gores or panels 7 in a
conventional fashion to form a generally hemispherical shaped body
3 having a lower edge 9. The body 3 is shown in FIG. 2 as
comprising six panels 7 which are designated by reference numerals
7a-7f. The panels 7 include front panels 7a and 7b, side panels 7c
and 7d, and rear panels 7e and 7f. A brim 13 is attached to the
body 3 proximate the front panels 7a and 7b so as to extend
outwardly therefrom. One or more of the panels 7 may be equipped
with ventilation holes 15 which provide air circulation to the
interior of the cap 1. The ventilation holes 15 may be reinforced
by grommets 17 to prevent tearing or unraveling of the respective
panels 7.
[0023] A semi-circular cutout or opening 19 is formed in the rear
of the body 3 through rear panels 7e and 7f and extends upwardly
from the lower edge 9. A headband 21 is fastened to the interior of
the body 3 along the lower edge 9. The headband 21 has terminal
ends 23 and 25 in register with the edges of the opening 19 (see
FIG. 4). The elastic band 5 is releasably attachable to the body 3
by suitable attachment means so as to generally span the opening 19
between the terminal ends 23 and 25 of the headband 21. The elastic
nature of the band 5, in combination with the semi-circular opening
19, allows the cap 1 to expand and contract to adjust to the head
size of an individual.
[0024] A preferred attachment means for releasably attaching the
band 5 to the body 3 comprises a pair of grommets 27 set into the
body 3 acting in combination with hook assemblies 29 secured to
opposing ends of the strap 5. The grommets 27 are each set into a
respective one of the rear panels 7e and 7f proximate the
respective terminal end 23 or 25 of the headband 21. As best seen
in FIG. 5, the hook assemblies 29 each include a hook 31 fixedly
attached to a clamp 33 which serves to permanently attach the
respective hook 31 to the strap 5. Each clamp 33 includes a pair of
opposed flanges 35 having teeth 37. The clamps 33 are attached to
the strap 5 by placing a respective end of the elastic strap 5
between the flanges 35 of a respective clamp 33 and compressing the
flanges 35 together, driving the teeth 37 into the strap 5. The
strap 5 is releasably attached to the body 3 by inserting the hooks
31 into the grommets 27.
[0025] Because the straps 5 are easily removable from the body 3 of
the cap 1, it becomes possible to alter the appearance of the cap 1
by providing a plurality of straps 5 having different appearances
and interchanging the straps 5, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, a
first strap 5a may have a first logo or indicia 39 displayed
thereon whereas a second strap 5b displays a second logo or indicia
41 which is different from the first indicia 39. The second strap
5b may also have a different color than the first strap 5a. A
wearer can, therefore, significantly change the appearance of a cap
1 having strap 5a attached by removing the strap 5a and
substituting strap 5b in its place.
[0026] Second Embodiment
[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, the reference numeral 100 generally
designates a visor which represents a second embodiment of the
present invention. The visor 100 generally comprises a visor body
103 and a removable elastic band or strap 105 which is attachable
to the body 103 to allow for variation in size of the visor 100.
The body 103 may be formed by stitching together a plurality of
gores or panels 107 in a conventional fashion to form a generally
U-shaped body 103. The body 103 is shown as comprising four panels
107 which are designated by reference numerals 107a-107d. The
panels 107 include front panels 107a and 107b, and rear panels 107c
and 107d. The body 103 includes an upper edge 108, a lower edge 109
and spaced apart ends 111 and 112. A brim 113 is attached to the
body 103 proximate the front panels 107a and 107b so as to extend
outwardly therefrom.
[0028] A gap or opening 119 is formed in the rear of the body 103
between the body ends 111 and 112. A headband 121 is fastened to
the interior of the body 103 along the lower edge 109. The headband
121 has terminal ends 123 and 125 in register with the body ends
111 and 112, respectively. The elastic band 105 is releasably
attachable to the body 103 by suitable attachment means so as to
span the opening 119 between the terminal ends 123 and 125 of the
headband 121. The elastic nature of the band 105 allows the visor
100 to expand and contract to adjust to the head size of an
individual wearer.
[0029] A preferred attachment means for releasably attaching the
band 105 to the body 103 comprises a pair of grommets 127 set into
the body 103 acting in combination with hook assemblies 129 secured
to opposing ends of the strap 105. The grommets 127 are each set
into a respective one of the rear panels 107c and 107d proximate
the respective terminal end 123 or 125 of the headband 121. The
hook assemblies 129 each include a hook 131 fixedly attached to a
clamp 133 similar to the clamps 33 previously described. The strap
105 is releasably attached to the body 103 by inserting the hooks
131 into the grommets 127. As described above in conjunction with
the cap 1, the removable nature of the strap 105 allows a user to
alter the appearance of the visor 100 by interchanging amongst a
plurality of straps 105 having different appearances.
[0030] Third Embodiment
[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, the reference numeral 200 generally
designates a cap which represents a third embodiment of the present
invention. The cap 200 generally comprises a cap body 203 and a
removable elastic band or strap 205 which is attachable to the body
203. Unlike the bands 5 and 105 or the previous embodiments, the
band 205 is purely decorative and does not serve to allow for
variation in size of the hat 200. The cap 200 is depicted as a
fishing cap of the well-known type having a generally bucket shaped
body 203 having a lower edge 209 and an annular brim 213 attached
to the lower edge 209 so as to extend outwardly from the body
203.
[0032] The elastic band 205 is releasably attachable to the body
203 by suitable attachment means, such as a pair of grommets 227
set into the body 203 acting in combination with hook assemblies
229 secured to opposing ends of the strap 205. The grommets 227 are
each set into the body 203 in spaced relation to one another
proximate the front of the cap 200. The hook assemblies 229 each
include a hook 231 fixedly attached to a clamp 233 similar to the
clamps 33 previously described. The strap 205 is releasably
attached to the body 203 by inserting the hooks 231 into the
grommets 227. Again, the removable nature of the strap 205 allows a
user to alter the appearance of the cap 200 by interchanging
amongst a plurality of straps 205 having different appearances.
[0033] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the
present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is
not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts
described and shown. In particular the hook and grommet attachment
means described is only a preferred means for attaching the strap
5, 105 or 205 to the respective body 3, 103 or 203, and it is to be
understood that any of a wide variety of other known attachment
means could be used. For example, the elastic strap could be
attached to the respective body using snaps, buttons, hook and loop
fasteners (Velcro.RTM.), buckles, or any other attachment means
which allows for both ends of the strap to be easily detached from
the body.
[0034] In addition, the grommets 27, 127 and 227 are shown herein
as being of an elongate shape having a length sized to receive
respective hooks 31, 131 or 231 formed of flat material having a
width which is less than the length of the grommets. It is to be
understood, however, that the grommets and hooks could be of
different shapes than those shown, for example round grommets could
be used to receive hooks formed of wire or other material of
generally round cross section. It is also to be understood that
other articles of clothing including pants and shirts could be
designed to include pairs of grommets 27 or other fastening means
to which the straps 5 could be interchangeably attached with the
hook assemblies 29 or corresponding fastening means.
* * * * *