U.S. patent application number 10/826418 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-09 for protective attachment assembly for headgear.
Invention is credited to Sonne, Lawrence Julius, Stockdale, Mark Eugene.
Application Number | 20040244095 10/826418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33493197 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040244095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sonne, Lawrence Julius ; et
al. |
December 9, 2004 |
Protective attachment assembly for headgear
Abstract
The present invention relates to an improved method and device
for temporarily affixing a protective attachment assembly 20 to a
headgear 30 having a headband inner surface 36. The stiffener 10
has an arched shape between the two ends 16 and 16A with a left tab
12 and a right tab 12A both having first projections 19 and second
projections 19A that provide frictional holding when inserted
between the headband inner surface 36 and the perimeter surface 35
of the headgear 30. A center tab 13B consists of an upper relief
radius 13 that will accommodate a ponytail 40 and a protruding
lower radius 13A that provides stabilizing support when placed over
the adjustment strap 33 of the headgear 30.
Inventors: |
Sonne, Lawrence Julius;
(Okemos, MI) ; Stockdale, Mark Eugene; (Julian,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAWRENCE JULIUS SONNE
PO BOX 830, OKEMOS, MI, 48805-0830
4864 HILLCREST AVE
OKEMOS
MI
48864-1631
US
|
Family ID: |
33493197 |
Appl. No.: |
10/826418 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60463640 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/175.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/0187
20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/175.4 |
International
Class: |
A42B 001/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A protective headgear attachment assembly that attaches to a
headgear device having an internal headband with an upwardly facing
inner channel between the headband and the headgear with the
protective attachment assembly comprising: a) a stiffener having
opposed ends forming a plane; b) a stiffener having opposed ends
forming a plane with both ends of the stiffener connected to a tab
and sharing a common plane and i) the tabs extending beyond the
width of body of the stiffener in a downward direction on opposed
ends and ii) the tabs having a frictional surface on opposing
surfaces. c) a stiffener having and arc shape between the opposed
ends; d) a stiffener having a relief on the upper edge of the arc
between the opposed ends to accommodate a ponytail; e) a stiffener
having a protruding tab on the lower edge of the arc between the
opposed ends providing additional support for the protective
headgear attachment; f) a stiffener constructed of a pliable
material such as plastic or a fibrous material; g) a stiffener
attached to a material body that drapes downward from the stiffener
to shield the neck, ears and sides of face of the wearer from areas
not protected by the headgear device.
2. A protective headgear attachment assembly as in claim 1 with a
pocket between layers of the material body where an absorbent
material may be placed to hold a liquid for cooling or warming or
an insect repellant or particular scent may be applied for release
over time or for electrical wiring for a heating element or
lighting to be enclosed.
3. A protective headgear attachment assembly as in claim 1 where
the material body is designed in the particular shape of an
object.
4. A protective headgear attachment assembly as in claim 1 where
the material body is made of multiple layers of disposable material
that may be removed along a tear line to expose a new layer.
5. A protective headgear attachment assembly as in claim 1 where
the material body is made of a specific material that aids the
identification the wearer in an obvious or discrete manner.
6. A protective headgear attachment assembly as in claim 1 where
the outward facing side is imprinted with particular images or
words.
7. A stiffener as in claim 1 fabricated from flat material and the
frictional surface created by mechanical impressions.
8. A stiffener as in claim 1 fabricated from flat material and the
frictional surface created by applying a material or adhesive to
the surface of the stiffener.
9. A stiffener as in claim 1 made in a mold with the frictional
surface created by protrusions extending from the surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an improved method for temporarily
affixing a protective attachment assembly to a headgear having a
headband inner surface. In particular, the present invention
relates to a method of securing a protective attachment assembly
made of a stiffener affixed to a material such as cloth to a
headgear such as a baseball cap with a upturned headband with a
headband inner surface in such a way that it is readily removable,
requires no modification the headgear, and the protective
attachment assembly may be screen printed upon after the material
is attached to the stiffener.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Sun shields to attach to a headgear such as a baseball cap
are well know to protect the wearer from the elements of sun, rain
and wind. Most hats offer limited protection for the neck, ears,
and sides of the face from the elements. Protection of these areas
has been accomplished by affixing a shield to the back and sides of
the hat. These shields are typically made of cloth and have tabs to
affix them to the hat. Printing a logo or message upon the outfaced
side of the cloth creates a banner for advertising or
promotion.
[0005] The promotional products industry utilizes the services of
the screen-printing industry that typically prints garments with a
vinyl-based ink that dries when heated in a drying oven. The drying
oven has temperatures high enough to melt or significantly deform
most plastics. A sun shield that is inexpensive, easy to
manufacture, can be printed upon after assembly, and will withstand
the temperature of the ink drying oven is desirable.
[0006] Typically the sun shields presently available are directly
sewn to the hat, cannot be detached, and cost two to three times
the price of a plain hat. Prior designs of sun shields that have
been presented either do not secure well to the hat, are cumbersome
to attach, impinge upon the ears with attachment tabs or clips or
require modification to the hat prior to attachment, such as
installing Velcro. Further disadvantages of prior designs are that
some have materials that will deform when passing through the
drying oven or the cloth must be printed before being affixed to
the attachment mechanism.
[0007] The related art shows various methods of attaching sun
shields to hats. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,225 to
Mathers; U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,535 to Bruder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,120
to Gifford; U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,334 to Collette; U.S. Pat. No.
5,081,717 to Shedd; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,074 to Newman; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,048,128 to Watson; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,609 to
Bridges.
[0008] Mathers describes a headgear attachment comprising
substantially rectangular engagement clips having an upper and
lower portion with the upper portion attached to the fabric
material and the lower portion extending downward so as to engage
in the upward turned inner band of a hat and the lower edge on the
hat. This arrangement depends on the upward turned inner band of
the hat to have a certain dimension and requires considerable
dexterity by the user to install the protective headgear
attachment. Additionally there is no provision for supporting the
attachment between the two clips as in the middle back of the hat,
thus the attachment may droop in the rear due to lack of support.
Additionally it does not take in account that the typical head is
spherical and a straight line headgear attachment will naturally
have a low point in the center rear of the head as the
circumference of the average head at the lower edge of the typical
hat is above the midpoint or equatorial circumference thus creating
a great circle type line having an arched line when projected in
the planar dimension. The flat layout and straight line placement
of the engagement clips positions the material attached to hang
straight down and impinge upon the shoulders of the wearer causing
dragging and pulling upon the attachment assembly when the wearer
turns their head. Additionally the lower portion the two engagement
tabs are located at a position directly over the wearer's ears thus
impinging directly upon the ears.
[0009] Bruder describes a hat sunguard of a substantially
rectangular body having a pair of pockets and a centrally
positioned notch along the upper portion of the body. The pockets
are defined by stitching a double thickness of fabric material or
tabs to the cloth that are formed of plastic material and the
pockets or tabs are frictionally pinched between the interior
opposite sides of the upturned hatband. There is no provision for
supporting the attachment between the two pockets as in the middle
back of the hat thus allowing the sun guard to droop in the rear
due to lack of support. Additionally it does not take in account
that the typical head is spherical and a straight line sun guard
will naturally have a low point in the center rear of the head as
the circumference of the average head at the lower edge of the
typical hat is above the midpoint or equatorial circumference thus
creating a great circle type line having an arched line when
projected in the planar dimension. The flat layout and straight
line between the pockets of the invention positions the material to
hang straight down and impinge upon the shoulders of the wearer
causing dragging and pulling upon the material when the wearer
turns their head.
[0010] Gifford describes an attachment with a flat strip extruded
from a low density polyethylene material with slitted tabs at
opposite ends having U-shaped tongues that slip over the top of the
hatband into the pocket there behind or accommodated to the
internal sizing strap of a hardhat. Additionally the invention
pertains to an attachment for a headgear for protecting the wearer
against the sun and for displaying an image such as a logo. There
is no provision for supporting the attachment between the two
slitted tabs as in the middle back of the hat thus allowing the
attachment for a headgear to droop in the rear due to lack of
support. Additionally it does not take in account that the typical
head is spherical and a straight line attachment for a headgear
will naturally have a low point in the center rear of the head as
the circumference of the average head at the lower edge of the
typical hat is above the midpoint or equatorial circumference thus
creating a great circle type line having an arched line when
projected in the planar dimension. The flat layout and straight
line between the pockets of the invention positions the material to
hang straight down and impinge upon the shoulders of the wearer
causing dragging and pulling upon the material when the wearer
turns their head. Furthermore the low-density polyethylene will not
retain its shape when passing through the temperatures of a typical
screen print drying oven if the product is embellished with an
image or a logo after the cloth is assembled to the flat strip of
polyethylene assembly, when utilizing standard of the industry
screen-printing practices.
[0011] Collette describes a hat with a semi-rigid blinder assembly
on either side having front and back edges. A sunshade to
compliment the hat comprises a fabric and a band fixedly attached
to the fabric that is wrapped around the wearer's head such that
the fabric covers the wearer's ears and neck. The design includes a
special manufacture hat with blinder assemblies and a separate
sunshade with an attached strap. The sunshade has no special or
unique means of attachment to the hat and is placed on the head
before or after installing the hat. The design does not tie the hat
and sunshade together in any mechanical fashion other than proximal
alignment. The attached strap on the sunshade, if worn under the
hat, presents an additional pressure to the head and may interfere
with the fit of the hat.
[0012] Shedd describes a headgear attachment to protect the neck
and sides of the face in the form of a material such as cloth with
a contourable stiffener around the perimeter edge. In the preferred
embodiment the method of attachment to a headgear, such as a
baseball cap, is with three spring-loaded binder clips that are
riveted to the headgear attachment. The binder clips are typically
made of rigid materials that have hard edges so that the clip will
sustain the forces of the built in spring. These clips would be
positioned one on either side of the hat and one in the back of the
hat as shown in the drawings. Concurrent with the placement of the
side clips are the wearer's ears that may come in direct contact
with the clips. Additionally, a hard un-flexible clip would present
a significant discomfort to the wearer should he have outside
contact against the clip while wearing the headgear attachment.
Other means of attachment are mentioned such as Velcro, snaps,
buttons, rivets, grommets, plastic strips, and flat bands of
plastic, acrylic or latex coated wire, though specific shapes,
means, and placement are not indicated. The clips as shown would
render the assembled headgear attachment difficult for logo or
advertising imprinting in the accepted practices of the screen
print industry.
[0013] Newman describes a neck sunshade constructed of a fabric of
about one half the diameter of a baseball cap permanently attached
to a stretchable elastic ringlet which is slightly smaller than the
diameter of the cap and will expand to fit over the cap while the
elastic is disposed along a top surface of the bill portion of the
cap in a front portion and the sunshade is disposed along a rear
portion of the cap. There are no provisions to prevent the portion
of the sunshade at the very back of the wearer's head from slipping
downward thus exposing a portion of the wearer's head to the sun
and elements. Additionally, the stretchable elastic required to
maintain attachment of the sunshade with the wearer would exert a
constant contracting force on the wearer's head that may be
undesirable.
[0014] Watson describes a one-piece headwear with a semi-rigid
visor portion, a kerchief portion and a ribbon portion. The
crescent visor is affixed to the rectangular kerchief and the
ribbon holds the assembly in place by circling the head from the
front to back and tying in the back thus holding the assemblage
upon the wearer's head. There is no allowance for the wearer to
wear their favorite baseball cap and the kerchief portion is
significantly convoluted when worn thus obscuring any possible logo
or imprint on the kerchief portion.
[0015] Bridges describes a substantially rectangular protective
drape that is attached to a hardhat with Velcro along one edge
necessitating the installation of complimentary Velcro to the
appropriate locations on the inner wall of the hardhat. This
attachment solution requires the application of complimentary
Velcro to each additional piece of headgear in order to accept the
protective drape. Additionally the installation of Velcro to a
banded hat such as a baseball cap would place the Velcro in direct
contact with the wearer's head when not utilizing the protective
drape.
[0016] Of only minimal interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,943 to
Clement showing a flexible weather shield that can be attached to
any hat with a forward visor and rear size adjustment system. An
elastic band is utilized similar to the previously mentioned Newman
design with the inclusion of a rear fastening system that attaches
to the rear adjustment system of the hat. It further includes an
adjustment system for the wearer's comfort as well as a closure
system on the left and right front edges of the shield to enable
the shield to be closed over a forward portion of the wearer's
neck. The illustrations show Velcro being utilized at the fastening
and adjustment closures.
[0017] There remains the need for a protective attachment assembly
for headgear that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, can be
readily screen printed on automatic presses, will pass through
screen printing drying oven temperatures unaffected, can be worn
with almost any hat design, will function with a wide variety of
materials and fabrics, is comfortable to wear, is easy to install
on a typical hat, requires no modification to the hat, can be
conventionally laundered by the wearer, conically drapes away from
the bottom of the hat and neck naturally, will not impinge upon the
wearer's ears, stores readily inside the hat while installed, and
will not become casually dislodged while being worn.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION--OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0018] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present
invention are:
[0019] (a) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that will frictionally maintain contact with the inner sides of the
upturned headband of a headgear and will not become casually
dislodged;
[0020] (b) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
with a mechanical means of support at the rear adjustment opening
of a headgear such as a baseball cap;
[0021] (c) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that conforms to the natural arc curvature of the head of the
wearer;
[0022] (d) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that will accommodate the ponytail of the wearer;
[0023] (e) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that can be economically manufactured with accepted cut-and-sew
industry and practices;
[0024] (f) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that can be readily adapted to automatic multi-color screen
printing presses;
[0025] (g) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that is unaffected by the normal temperatures of the typical screen
print industry ink drying ovens;
[0026] (h) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that may be utilized with most any headgear design with an upturned
inner headband;
[0027] (i) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that will function with a wide variety of materials and
fabrics;
[0028] (j) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that is comfortable to wear while having minimal contact with the
wearer's ears, shoulder and neck;
[0029] (k) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that requires no modification to the complimenting headgear;
[0030] (l) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that can be laundered by conventional washing and drying;
[0031] (m) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that stores readily inside the headgear while remaining engaged
with the inner headband of the headgear while being worn; and
[0032] (n) to provide a protective attachment assembly for headgear
that will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i),
(j), (k), (l) and (m) as listed previously with the identical
design and assembly.
[0033] Further objects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The present invention relates to an improved method for
temporarily affixing a protective attachment assembly to a headgear
having an upturned headband with an inner surface. The invention
calls for a substantially planar flexible stiffener of a plastic or
other material to have an upwardly turned arched shape with a tab
protruding downward on either end of the arc with a frictional
surface or protrusions on both sides of the tabs and having a
central tab protruding downward to additionally support the
attachment assembly with a relief cut above the central tab. The
assembly comprising the above mentioned stiffener directly attached
to a shield of material or cloth. In particular, the present
invention relates to a method of securing a protective attachment
assembly made of a material such as cloth to a headgear such as a
baseball cap with a headband inner surface in such a way that it is
readily removable, requires no modification the headgear, and the
protective attachment assembly may be screen printed upon after the
material is attached to the stiffener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a planar view of the stiffener 10.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view A-A of FIG.
1.
[0037] FIG. 1A is a planar view of the embodiment of the protective
attachment assembly 20 constructed in accordance with the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross sectional view B-B of FIG.
1A.
[0039] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the protective attachment
assembly 20 attached to a partial view of a headgear 30.
[0040] FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view C-C of FIG.
1B.
[0041] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the protective attachment
assembly 20 attached to a headgear 30 shown on a person.
[0042] FIG. 2C is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 1C.
[0043] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the protective attachment
assembly 20 attached to a shown on a person with a ponytail.
[0044] FIG. 2D is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 1D and the
cross-sectional view D-D.
REFERENCE LETTERS AND NUMERALS
[0045] A-A cross-sectional view of right tab 12A through first
projection 19 and second projection 19A
[0046] B-B cross-sectional view of protective attachment assembly
20 and stiffener 10
[0047] C-C cross-sectional view of headgear 30 and protective
attachment assembly 20
[0048] D-D cross-sectional view of a ponytail 40A
[0049] 10 stiffener
[0050] 11 left central section
[0051] 11A right central section
[0052] 12 left tab
[0053] 12A right tab
[0054] 13 upper radius
[0055] 13A lower radius
[0056] 13B center tab
[0057] 14 left upper edge
[0058] 14A right upper edge
[0059] 15 left lower edge
[0060] 15A right lower edge
[0061] 16 left outer edge
[0062] 16A right outer edge
[0063] 17 left lower tab edge
[0064] 17A right lower tab edge
[0065] 18 left inner tab edge
[0066] 18A right inner tab edge
[0067] 19 first projection
[0068] 19A second projection
[0069] 20 protective attachment assembly
[0070] 21 material body
[0071] 22 left material edge
[0072] 22A right material edge
[0073] 22B lower material edge
[0074] 22C upper material edge
[0075] 22D material fold over edge
[0076] 23 edge finish line
[0077] 23A attachment line
[0078] 23B material pocket
[0079] 24 left material radius edge
[0080] 24A right material radius edge
[0081] 25 promotional area
[0082] 30 headgear
[0083] 31 adjustment opening
[0084] 32 adjustment opening edge
[0085] 33 adjustment strap
[0086] 34 lower perimeter edge
[0087] 35 perimeter surface
[0088] 36 headband inner surface
[0089] 37 crown
[0090] 38 visor
[0091] 40 ponytail
[0092] 40A ponytail cross section
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0093] FIG. 1 shows a stiffener 10 made of preferably a resilient
plastic like material. The stiffener 10 has a left central section
11 and a right central section 11A. The left central section 11 has
a left upper edge 14 and a left lower edge 15 and the right central
section 11A has a right upper edge 14A and a right lower edge 15A
respectively. The left upper edge 14 and the left lower edge 15 and
the right upper edge 14A and the right lower edge 15A are described
by preferably an arc shape and are preferably parallel arc
segments. Joining the left central section 11 and the right central
section 11A is a center tab 13B. The center tab 13B has an upper
radius 13 and a lower radius 13A. The upper radius 13 joins the
left upper edge 14 to the right upper edge 14A. The lower radius
13A joins the left lower edge 15 to the right lower edge 15A. At
the end of the left central section 11 and the right central
section 11A opposing the center tab 13B is a left tab 12 and right
tab 12A respectively. The left tab 12 has a left outer edge 16 and
the right tab 12A has a right outer edge 16A respectively. The left
outer edge 16 and right outer edge 16A are preferably perpendicular
at the point of intersection to the tangent of the left upper edge
14 and the right upper edge 14A respectively. The left outer edge
16 and the right outer edge 16A describe the opposing boundaries of
left tab 12 and right tab 12A respectively. The left tab 12 and
right tab 12A have a left lower tab edge 17 and a right lower tab
edge 17A respectively that intersect with the left outer edge 16
and the right outer edge 16A respectively. The left lower tab edge
17 and right lower tab edge 17A are preferably arc segments
parallel to the arc of the left upper edge 14 and the right upper
edge 14A. The tangent of the left lower tab edge 17 and the tangent
of the right lower tab edge 17A are preferably perpendicular to the
intersection of left outer edge 16 and the right outer edge 16A
respectively. The left tab 12 and right tab 12A have a left inner
tab edge 18 and a right inner tab edge 18A respectively. The left
inner tab edge 18 and the right inner tab edge 18A are preferably
perpendicular to the tangent of the left lower tab edge 17 and the
tangent of the right lower tab edge 17A respectively. The left
inner tab edge 18 and the right inner tab edge 18A describe the
opposing inner boundaries of left tab 12 and right tab 12A. The
left inner tab edge 18 and the left lower tab edge 17 and the left
outer edge 16 and the left upper edge 14 describe the boundaries of
the left tab 12. The right inner tab edge 18A and the right lower
tab edge 17A and the right outer edge 16A and the right upper edge
14A describe the boundaries of the right tab 12A. Within the
boundaries and on opposing surfaces of the left tab 12 and the
right tab 12A is a frictional surface indicated by a first
projection 19 and a second projection 19A in the preferred
embodiment. The first projection 19 and the second projection 19A
are in multiples on the left tab 12 and the right tab 12A in the
preferred embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view A-A of FIG. 1. The
sectional view A-A through the right tab 12A shows the first
projection 19 and second projection 19A protruding from opposite
surfaces of the stiffener 10. The left tab 12 and the right tab 12A
each have multiple first projection 19 and second projection 19A
protuberances creating a frictional surface on opposing planar
surfaces in the preferred embodiment.
[0095] FIG. 1A shows a planar view of the stiffener 10 attached to
a material body 21. The material body 21 has a left material edge
22 and a right material edge 22A. The left material edge 22 is in
approximate alignment with the left outer edge 16 of the stiffener
10 and the right material edge 22A is in approximate alignment with
the right outer edge 16A respectively of the stiffener 10. The
material edge 22 and the right material edge 24A are joined to a
left material radius edge 24 and a right material radius edge 24A
respectively in the preferred embodiment. The left material radius
edge 24 and the right material radius edge 24A are joined by a
lower material edge 22B. Opposing the lower material edge 22B is an
upper material edge 22C. The upper material edge 22C is parallel to
and preferably is in contact with the left upper edge 14 and the
right upper edge 14A of the stiffener 10 and denotes a fold line in
the preferred embodiment. Between the upper material edge 22C of
the material body 21 and the left lower edge 15 and the right lower
edge 15A of the stiffener 10 is a material fold over edge 22D in
the preferred embodiment. The material fold over edge 22D is
parallel to the upper material edge 22C in the preferred
embodiment. Between the upper material edge 22C of the material
body 21 and the left lower edge 15 and the right lower edge 15A of
the stiffener 10 is an attachment line 23A. The attachment line 23A
is between the left outer edge 16 and the right outer edge 16A and
preferably parallel and between the left upper edge 14 and the left
lower edge 15 and the right upper edge 14A and the right lower edge
15A of the stiffener 10 in the preferred embodiment. The attachment
line 23A may be accomplished by sewing or by adhesive or by
mechanical bonding or by removable means such as hook and loop or
snaps or another method such that the stiffener 10 is securely
fastened to the material body 21. The material body 21 may be a
variety of materials that are specific to the particular
application. The Stiffener 10 and the material body 21 create a
protective attachment assembly 20. The protective attachment
assembly 20 has an edge finish line 23. The edge finish line 23 is
approximately parallel to and forms a pocket 23B with the left
material edge 22 and the right material edge 22A and the lower
material edge 22B and the left material radius edge 24 and the
right material radius edge 24A in the preferred embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 1B shows the protective attachment assembly 20 fitted
to a headgear 30. The headgear 30 shown is of a baseball style with
a crown 37 and a visor 38. The crown 37 is attached to a perimeter
surface 35. The perimeter surface 35 has a lower perimeter edge 34.
The lower perimeter edge 34 is attached to a headband inner surface
36. Between the headband inner surface 36 and the perimeter surface
35 is attached an adjustment strap 33. The adjustment strap 33 is
shown located on the opposite side of the perimeter surface 35 as
the visor 38. The perimeter surface has an adjustment opening 31
between the adjustment strap 33 and the crown 37. The adjustment
opening 31 is shown in the shape of an ellipse and has an
adjustment opening edge 32. The center tab 13B of the stiffener 10
is shown in the center of the adjustment opening 31. The upper
material edge 22C is shown positioned at the apex of the adjustment
opening edge 32. The adjustment strap 33 is shown in contact with
the center tab 13B of the stiffener 10. The right tab 12A of the
stiffener 10 is shown between the inside of the perimeter surface
35 and the headband inner surface 36. The material body 21 of the
protective attachment assembly 20 is shown protruding below the
lower perimeter edge 34 of the headgear 30.
[0097] FIG. 2B is an enlarged partial cross sectional view C-C
showing the right tab 12A positioned between the inner surface of
the perimeter surface 35 and the headband inner surface 36. The
first projection 19 and the second projection 19A are shown in
contact with the inner surface of the perimeter surface 35 and the
headband inner surface 36.
[0098] FIG. 1C shows the protective attachment assembly 20 fitted
to a headgear 30 fitted to a person.
[0099] FIG. 2C shows an enlarged partial view of the protective
attachment assembly 20 and the headgear 30. The upper material edge
22C is shown at the apex of the adjustment opening edge 32. The
lower radius 13A of the stiffener 10 is shown in contact with the
adjusting strap 33. The protective attachment assembly 20 is shown
covering the adjustment opening 31.
[0100] FIG. 1D shows the protective attachment assembly 20 fitted
to a headgear 30 fitted to a person with a ponytail 40.
[0101] FIG. 2D shows an enlarged partial view of the protective
attachment assembly 20 and the headgear 30 with a sectional view
D-D of the ponytail 40A. The upper material edge 22C is shown
deformed toward the upper radius 13 by the ponytail 40A that is
shown at the apex of the adjustment opening edge 32. The lower
radius 13A of the center tab 13B is shown overlapping the
adjustment strap 33.
[0102] Operation:
[0103] To use the protective attachment assembly 20 requires a
headgear 30 with an headband inner surface 36. The drawings depict
a headgear 30 such as a baseball style cap with the adjustment
opening 31, however any hat with an inner headband creating an
upward facing open channel between the inner edge of the headband
and the inner edge of the perimeter of the hat will function
similarly. Placing the left tab 12 and the right tab 12A of the
protective attachment assembly 20 into the upward facing open
channel created by the juncture of the headband inner surface 36
and the inner surface of the perimeter surface 35 of the headgear
30 positions the protective attachment assembly 20 for use. The
center tab 13B may also be positioned into the upward facing open
channel created by the juncture of the headband inner surface 36
and the inner surface of the perimeter surface 35 if the headgear
does not have an adjustment opening 31.
[0104] One feature of the invention is that it shields the neck and
ears and side of the face of the wearer from the elements and other
undesirable affects.
[0105] Another feature of the invention is that it covers and
protects the wearer in the area behind the head where the
adjustment opening 31 is located on a headgear 30 baseball style
cap above the adjustment strap 33.
[0106] Another feature of the invention is that the frictional
surface as depicted by first projection 19 and second projection
19A secures the protective attachment assembly 20 to the headgear
30 without modifying the headgear 30. The protective attachment
assembly 20 becomes more secure when the headgear 30 is worn due to
the frictional projections 19 and 19A, yet the protective
attachment assembly 20 can be readily removed when the headgear is
removed from the head.
[0107] Another feature of the invention is the center tab 13B helps
secure the protective attachment assembly 20 to the headgear 20 by
overlapping the adjustment strap 33. The center tab 13B also
stabilizes the protective attachment assembly 20 and provides
three-point suspension in a headgear with a continuous headband
inner surface 34 and without the adjustment opening 31.
[0108] Another feature of the invention is the relief created by
the upper radius 13 that will accommodate a wearer's ponytail in
normal attachment configuration.
[0109] Another feature of the invention is that the arched shape of
the stiffener 10 contours to the great circle arch shape of the
wearer's head resulting in the attached material body 21 hanging
conically away from the shoulders, ears, and neck of the
wearer.
[0110] Another feature of the invention is that the center of the
protective attachment assembly 20 has a promotional area 25 that
may be utilized for printing of information or graphics or
advertising.
[0111] Another feature of the invention is that is may be utilized
as a receptacle and time release surface for repellants or oils for
protection from insects. Desirable scents may be applied to the
material body 21 to identify or mask the wearer such as for hunting
or military operations.
[0112] Another embodiment of the invention is accomplished when the
material body 21 of the protective attachment assembly 20 is
constructed from a variety of specific materials to provide
shielding from natural elements such as solar rays, wind, dust,
cold, snow, rain and natural particulate precipitation from
volcanic activity and manufacturing hazards such as metal melting
furnaces and material removal operations. A puncture resistant
material may be employed to create a shield from explosives and
shrapnel and from jet engine blast on flight decks of aircraft
carriers.
[0113] Another embodiment of the invention is accomplished when the
material pocket 23B is filled partially or completely with a
weighted material for contour or lofting control of the material
body 21. The pocket 23B may also be filled with a material that is
impregnated with a substance for moisture retention and slow
release so as to create evaporative cooling for the wearer. The
pocket 23B may enclose a heating element that is powered by
electricity or chemicals to aid in warming the wearer. A material
may be enclosed inside the material pocket 23B that is impregnated
with a bug repellent to protect the wearer from annoyance and bites
from flying insects.
[0114] Another embodiment of the invention is accomplished when the
material body 21 is made of a reflective or colored or a specific
material that can be impregnated with a substance or chemical so as
to identify the wearer in an obvious or discrete manner. Certain
coatings that are not normally obvious by the casual observer but
that can be viewed or read by specialized equipment would make the
wearer discemable for a specific event or time and thus the
personnel that have been issued the specific treated or coated
protective attachment assembly 20 can be discretely identified.
[0115] Another embodiment of the invention is accomplished when the
material body 21 is designed such that it has a specific shape or
length. The material body 21 can be cut to resemble a car or a
soccer ball or a skateboard or other item and the material body 21
may be slit-vented and printed upon to further embellish the
specific shape. The material body 21 may also be made of
exceptionally long and light weight colored material and may have
several different independent pieces secured to the stiffener 10 so
that the material would wave in the relative wind either naturally
or due to the movements of the person wearing it.
[0116] Another embodiment of the invention is accomplished when the
material body 21 is made of a multi-layer disposable material that
has a perforated tear line below the left tab 12 and the right tab
12A of the stiffener 10. The tear line would allow persons wearing
the protective attachment assembly 20 such as painters and spray
applicators and people in the food service industry and in
slaughter houses to discard the soiled outer layer of material and
continue to have protection for the neck and ears and sides of the
face. The disposable layers could be made of thin yet resilient
material and could be imprinted in the promotional area 25 with a
sequence of promotions for related supplier merchandise or
advertising.
[0117] Advantages:
[0118] Accordingly, the reader will see that the protective
attachment assembly for headgear of this invention can be
incorporated into a variety of shapes, designs, and materials. In
addition, the protective attachment assembly for headgear provides
multiple functions to include protection from the sun, wind, rain,
and cold, advertising space on the material attachment, evaporative
cooling by soaking the material attachment in water, and an
inexpensive one-time use disposable item for protection in dirty
environments and for messy occupations. Furthermore, the protective
attachment assembly for headgear has the additional advantages in
that
[0119] it provides an additional mechanical means of support at the
rear of a headgear and at the adjustment opening of a headgear such
as baseball cap providing three point suspension;
[0120] it conforms to the natural arc curvature of the head of the
wearer;
[0121] it accommodates a wearer's ponytail
[0122] it can be economically manufactured and assembled with
accepted cut-and-sew practices;
[0123] it can be readily adapted to automatic multi color screen
printing press
[0124] it is unaffected by the normal temperatures of the typical
screen print industry ink drying ovens;
[0125] it may be utilized with most any headgear design with an
inner upturned headband;
[0126] it will function with a wide variety of materials and
fabrics;
[0127] it is comfortable to wear having minimal contact with the
wearer's ears, shoulder and neck;
[0128] it requires no modification to the complimenting
headgear;
[0129] it can be laundered by conventional washing and drying;
[0130] it stores readily inside the headgear while remaining
engaged with the inner headband of the headgear and can be worn in
this fashion; and
[0131] it will accomplish the above listed advantages with the
identical design and assembly.
[0132] Although the description above contains much specificity,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example the
protective attachment assembly for headgear can be incorporated
into specific designs and materials suitable for use in desert,
volcanic, arctic, tropical, and wet environments. Industrial
manufacture and steel mills, painting and sandblasting, and the
meat packing industry are additional options, as well as military
camouflage and flack protection, camouflage for sportsmen and
search and rescue reflective designs. Out-door activities to
include inline skating, mountain biking, volley-ball and other
sports may utilize unique shapes, colors and materials to include
streamers, vents in the fabric, and multiple layers. Disposable
units utilizing a cardboard stiffener with similar qualities would
serve the painting and foodservice industries.
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