U.S. patent application number 11/227273 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for modular hat.
Invention is credited to Robert E. Schneider.
Application Number | 20060053527 11/227273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032225 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060053527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider; Robert E. |
March 16, 2006 |
Modular hat
Abstract
Systems in accordance with the present invention can include
hats having a base and one or more layers removably connectable
with the base and/or one or more layers. Substitute layers can be
interchanged with the one or more layers to create a different
aesthetic or function of the hat. Further, the system can include
one or more badges and/or devices that can be connected with
accessory attachment points of the base and/or layers to further
define a desired aesthetic or enable a desired functionality.
Inventors: |
Schneider; Robert E.;
(Lafayette, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLIESLER MEYER, LLP
FOUR EMBARCADERO CENTER
SUITE 400
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111
US
|
Family ID: |
36032225 |
Appl. No.: |
11/227273 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60609886 |
Sep 14, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/171.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/28 20130101; A42B
1/205 20130101; A42C 5/04 20130101; A42B 3/30 20130101; A42B 1/24
20130101; A42B 3/0433 20130101; A42B 3/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/171.1 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/20 20060101
A42B001/20 |
Claims
1. A hat arrangeable over a crown of a head, the hat comprising: a
base including a brim; wherein when the base is arranged on the
head, at least a portion of the crown is partially exposed; a layer
removably attachable to the base; wherein when the layer is
removably attached to the base and the base is arranged on the
head, the portion of the crown is disposed beneath the layer.
2. The hat of claim 1, wherein the base includes a visor.
3. The hat of claim 1, wherein the layer is removably attached to
the base by one or more of interference snaps, fastening tape,
magnets, latches, and toggles.
4. The hat of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the brim is
adjustable.
5. The hat of claim 1, wherein a gap exists between the base and
the layer such that an airstream can flow between the base and the
layer.
6. The hat of claim 1, further comprising: an accessory attachment
point; wherein the accessory attachment point is adapted to receive
one or both of badge and a device.
7. The hat of claim 1, wherein the device is one or more of a
digital music device, a communication device, a radio signal
receiver, television signal receiver and display, LED lighting, a
fan, and a position indicator.
8. A system for providing a hat arrangeable over a crown of a head,
the system comprising: a hat including: a base having a brim,
wherein when the base is arranged on the head, at least a portion
of the crown is partially exposed, a plurality of layers, each of
the layers being removably attachable to one or both of the base
and another of the layers such that when the plurality of layers
are removably attached the hat is provided; wherein when the hat is
arranged on the head, the portion of the crown is disposed beneath
one or more of the layers.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the base includes a visor.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the layers are removably
attachable to one or both of the base and the another layer by one
or more of interference snaps, fastening tape, magnets, latches,
and toggles.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein a diameter of the brim is
adjustable.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein a gap exists between the base
and the layer such that an airstream can flow between the base and
the layer.
13. The hat of claim 8, further comprising: an accessory attachment
point; wherein the accessory attachment point is adapted to receive
one or both of badge and a device.
14. The hat of claim 8, wherein the device is one or more of a
digital music device, a communication device, a radio signal
receiver, television signal receiver and display, a fan, LED
lighting and a position indicator.
15. The system of claim 8, further comprising one or more
replacement layers; and wherein the one or more replacement layers
are substitutable for one or more of the layers.
16. The system of claim 8, further including a camera removably
attachable with one or both of the base and one or more layers, the
camera being adapted to retain a recording upon detecting an
event.
17. The system of claim 8, wherein: the camera is a panoramic
camera; the event is detected by an accelerometer.
18. A system for providing a hat arrangeable over a crown of a
head, the system comprising: a hat including: a base having a brim,
wherein when the base is arranged on the head, at least a portion
of the crown is partially exposed, a plurality of layers, each of
the layers being removably attachable to one or both of the base
and another of the layers such that when the plurality of layers
are removably attached the hat is provided; wherein when the hat is
arranged on the head, the portion of the crown is disposed beneath
one or more of the layers; and one or more replacement layers
substitutable for one or more of the layers; an accessory
attachment point adapted to receive one or both of badge and a
device.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the layers and the replacement
layers are removably attachable to one or more of the base, another
layer and another replacement layer by one or more of interference
snaps, fastening tape, magnets, latches, and toggles.
20. The system of claim 18, further including a camera removably
attachable with one or both of the base and one or more layers, the
camera being adapted to retain a recording upon detecting an event.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to the following U.S.
Provisional and Design Patent Applications: [0002] U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/609,886, entitled "XAP--New Stylish
Hat/Cap Made of Configurable Solid Materials," filed Sep. 14, 2004,
which application is incorporated herein by reference. [0003] U.S.
Design Patent Application No. ______, entitled "Logo Sports Hat,"
(Attorney Docket Number: XAPP-01001US0) filed Sep. 7, 2005, which
application is incorporated herein by reference. [0004] U.S. Design
Patent Application No. ______, entitled "Logo Sports Hat,"
(Attorney Docket Number: XAPP-01002US0) filed Sep. 7, 2005, which
application is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0005] This invention relates to hats.
BACKGROUND
[0006] Hats come in many shapes and sizes, but are commonly
constructed as a single unit. Many hats, for example baseball caps,
are made from cloth sections sewn together in a permanent fashion,
and therefore have a single look or a single function. Hats made
from sturdier material are used specifically in work environments,
such as construction, and are generally formed as single
utilitarian units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hat in
accordance with the present invention having a base and one or more
layers.
[0008] FIG. 1a is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a base, a plurality
of layers each removably connected with the base, and a plurality
of accessory attachment points for fixing one or both of a badge
and a device.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of still another embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a construction a
base and one or more layers assembled in a receding fashion from
the back of the hat to the crown.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of a still further embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a base, and a
plurality of layers arranged to progressively shield a crown of a
head.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a still further embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a base, and a
plurality of non-symmetrical layers including an accessory
attachment point and a badge removably attached with the accessory
attachment point.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of still another embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a layer including
integrally formed vents allowing air to flow along the inner
periphery of the hat.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of still another embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a construction
allowing air to flow along the inner periphery of the hat.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a still further embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a base, including a
brim with headphones, and a camera removably connected with the
hat.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view of a still further embodiment of a hat
in accordance with the present invention having a base, and a layer
removably connected with the base and providing an aesthetically
desired structure.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of a still further embodiment of a
hat in accordance with the present invention having a base
partially enclosing a head and a latch for fixing a diameter of the
brim.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a side view of a still further embodiment of a
hat in accordance with the present invention including a latch for
fixing a diameter of the brim.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a side view of a still further embodiment of a
hat in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view and FIG. 1a is an exploded view of an
embodiment of a hat 100 in accordance with the present invention.
The hat 100 comprises a base 102 having a brim 106 that encircles a
crown of a head to hold the hat 100 in position on the head. In a
preferred embodiment, the brim 106 can be adjustable to accommodate
a range of head sizes, but in other embodiments the brim 106 can be
"fitted" so that the brim fits an approximate head size, as is
common with baseball caps, for example. The base 102 can be a
single integrally formed unit, or alternatively can having multiple
pieces fixedly associated with one another. For example, a cloth
band can be sewn, snapped or otherwise connected with a subunit to
form the brim 106 of the base 102.
[0021] The base 102 can further include a visor 108 extending from
the brim 106 for shielding a wearer's eyes from sunlight, to
provide a platform for connecting solar panels for providing power
to electronic devices and other objects, to provide a platform for
connecting a light source, etc. As shown, the visor 108 is
integrally formed with the brim 106; however, in accordance with
the modular spirit of the invention, the visor 108 can
alternatively be removably connected with the brim 106, or as
described below, integrally formed with a layer 104 removably
connectable with the base 102.
[0022] As can be seen more clearly in the exploded view of FIG. 1a,
the hat 100 further includes a first layer 104a removably
attachable to the base 102 by way of attachment points 110 and a
second layer 104b removably attachable to the first layer 104a by
way of additional attachment points 110-113 such that the layers
104a-b supplement the surface area coverage of the hat 100 so that
the forehead and/or crown of the head is shielded from outside
exposure to the sun or elements. The attachment points 110-113 can
comprise any number of mating structures or fasteners. For example,
the attachment points 110-113 can be interference snaps, fastening
tape, magnets, latches, and toggles. In a preferred embodiment, the
layers 104a-b can be commercially available in a variety of colors,
rigidity, texture, etc., and having more or fewer features (e.g.,
attachment points for emblems). In this way, a hat 100 can be
customized by the wearer to suit the wearer's taste or mood, or to
suit an event (e.g., to match a favorite team's colors). The hat
100 can be purchased with a basic set of layers 104a-b, or
alternatively, a system can be purchased having multiple bases 102
and/or layers 104 allowing the wearer to reconfigure multiple
different hats right out of the box. In addition to having
commercially available layers 104, "blank" layers can be made
available that allow for individual layer customization. For
example, a "blank" layer can be particularly suited to painting or
other modification. Such a feature can be particularly appealing to
children. Layers 104 can further be sufficiently flaccid (or
rather, less rigid) to allow the layer 104 to be inverted so that a
different exterior is exposed. One of skill in the art will
appreciate that upon reflecting on the teachings of the present
specification, a number of additionally different modifications
will become obvious and are meant to fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0023] In addition to having multiple different external properties
and structural properties, substitute layers can have different
shapes. In such embodiments, additional connecting layers having
likewise different shapes may be necessary. For example, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, four layers 204a-d are substantially
vertically arranged and sweep toward a back of the hat 200,
providing a more "futuristic" and fish scale look. Note that each
layer 204a-d attaches at attachment points along the brim, as well
as to attachment points of adjacent layers. Such a configuration
departs from the embodiment of FIG. 1, in that a single layer does
not connect with all of the attachment points along the brim 202,
but rather the brim 202 connects to multiple different layers
204a-d. In the further embodiment of FIG. 3, a first layer 304a
attaches to the attachment points of the brim 302, with further
layers 304b-d attaching in a fashion that recedes towards the crown
from the back of the head. The layers 304a-d can be substantially
horizontally arranged so that the layers 304a-d build toward the
crown. One of skill in the art can appreciate that the same base
can be used for multiple different embodiments, or alternatively a
base having a different shape and different attachment points can
be substituted to create still another embodiment of a hat in
accordance with the present invention.
[0024] Layers can be arranged, as shown, substantially vertically,
substantially horizontally, or the layers can vary such that one or
more of the layers are arranged substantially vertically, while the
other layers are arranged substantially horizontally. However, it
should be noted that the orientation of the layers as
"substantially vertical" or "substantially horizontal" is merely
used to describe exemplary embodiments. As can be appreciated,
layers can be oriented/arranged in myriad different ways, and are
limited in arrangement, alignment, and orientation on the ability
to provide attachment points on either the base, or one or more
other layers. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes
layer 404a-c that can be built toward the crown and toward the back
of the hat 400 by way of attachment along the brim 402. In still
further embodiments, the layers need not have symmetrical shapes
along an axis from the back of the hat to the front of the hat.
Referring to the plan view of FIG. 5, the layers 504a-c can be
shaped so that right side of the hat 500 includes an additional
accessory attachment point 522 deficient from the left side of the
hat 500.
[0025] Still further, layers can be attached such that layers
appear "in-laid" within other layers. Referring to FIG. 6, in other
embodiments the hat 600 need not be limited to including layers
604a-b that attach to, or build from, bases as shown above in FIGS.
1 through 3. A base 602 can have a plurality of different shapes to
form a subunit on which one or more layers 604 can be attached to
create a customized hat. As shown, the base 602 includes a brim 606
at least partially disposed within the layers 604a-b attached to
the brim 602. A first layer 604a having an integrally formed visor
608 attaches to the brim 402 and further includes attachments (not
shown) arranged in a spine-like fashion from the back of the hat
600 toward the tip of the visor 608. A second layer 604b connects
with the attachments to form a stripe running from the back of the
hat 600 to the front to create a sport look. In such an embodiment,
the base 602 is a simpler structure than those bases shown in
previous embodiments, and provides attachment points upon which
features such as the visor are built. Referring to FIG. 7, an
embodiment is shown in which a base 702 comprising a brim 706 is
removably connected with a single layer 704 constructed for
channeling an airstream 10 along the inner surface of the layer 704
to cool the wearer's head. The same brim 706 can be used for the
embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 because the layers 604a-b/704 can
define features of the hat 600/700.
[0026] FIG. 6 also shows an additional feature integrally formed
with the first layer 604a. The first layer 604a includes a vent 624
arranged such that when the second layer 604b is removably
connected with the first layer 604a, the vent 624 is disposed
between the layers 604a-b so that an airstream 10 can enter the hat
for cooling of the wearer's head. In other embodiments, still other
features can be integrally formed with one or more of the layers.
Further, features can be formed from subcomponents contained in
different layers such that when the layers are combined, the
subcomponents form the feature.
[0027] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the base and the layers of the
hat can include accessory attachment points. For example, referring
to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a hat 200 can include an accessory
attachment point along the visor 220, along a second layer 221, and
across the first layer 222. Accessory attachment points 220-222,
provide a location to affix a badge or a device to the hat, thereby
enabling further customization of the hat. In an embodiment, a
badge can include a team logo, a company logo, a manufacturer's
label, an official seal, etc. Alternatively, a device can be
removably connectable to an accessory attachment point. A side
accessory attachment point 221 can be made suitable to receive a
light-weight flash based MP3 player, for example. In such an
embodiment, accessory attachment points disposed within the inner
surface of one or more layers exposed to a wearer's head can be
removably connected with speakers (also referred to herein as
headphones) extendable over a wearer's ears and electrically or
wirelessly connected with the MP3 player. In such an embodiment,
both the MP3 player attachment point and the speaker attachment
point can be disposed within a replacement layer that can be
purchased separately from the basic system, or optionally can be
included in a package, for example targeting a consumer
demographic. The location of the accessory attachment points can be
modified by replacing one or more layers of a hat with substitute
layers to produce a still different hat.
[0028] While many of the above embodiments have demonstrated
features intended to improve ventilation, accessory attachment
points disposed within the inner surface of one or more layers can
allow for a winter line that in contrast to such embodiments
obstructs airflow to trap heat close to the wearer's head. Further,
attachment points used for pivoting headphones can be used to
attach earmuffs or earflaps for further increasing warmth of the
wearer.
[0029] Miniaturization can allow for any number of devices having
any number of functions to be connected (removably or otherwise)
with the hat. For example, a cellular telephone, a radio and/or
television signal receiver, lights (e.g., light emitting diode
(LED) flashlights, or colored LED lighting), a display (e.g., a
liquid crystal display (LCD)), a personal digital assistant (PDA)
or a computer which can utilize an attached display, a fan for
cooling a wearer's head, etc. LED lighting can be connected, for
example, to overlapping edges of one or more layers so that the one
or more layers appear to glow, or appear to be lit from the
underside of overlapping layers. Displays may be particularly
suited to such a modular, changeable structure. For example,
flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens can allow for
screens displaying images and/or full motion video to be attached
with accessory attachment points of the hat to draw attention to
the hat, or to advertise products by way of the hat. Alternatively,
a flexible OLED screen can provide a visuals to the wearer. For
example, the screen can be attached to an underside of a visor or
bill so that when the visor is flipped down, the screen is viewable
by the wearer. Such flexible OLED displays have been demonstrated
by General Electric, Dow Corning, and Korean manufacturer Ritek. As
mentioned above, a visor can provide a platform for arranging solar
energy collecting materials. For example, researchers at Virginia
Tech University have demonstrated thin, flexible photovoltaic
devices (i.e., solar cells) using polymers and fullerenes. Flexible
solar cells are currently available for purchase by way of
OKSolar.com of Hollywood, Fla. Still further, using nanorods and
liquid plastic semiconductor, researchers at University of
California, Berkeley, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
have created a solar cell that can be painted or sprayed onto a
surface. Such a solution may be ideal for powering devices
removably attached to the hat, and can allow selectively
energizeable coverage area.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 8, in still a further embodiment a camera
830 (such as a panoramic 360 degree camera) can be removably
connected with a hat 800, for example a hat assembled for use in
bicycle riding. The camera 830 can record the surroundings of a
cyclist in constant loop such that the last 10 minutes (or whatever
time increment that memory capacity and compression allows for with
a desired degree of resolution of the captured images). An
accelerometer associated with the camera can control the retention
of video and/or images so that if an impact is detected by way of a
signal sent by the accelerometer, some pre-defined formula for
video and/or image retention can be executed. For example, where
the memory capacity is 10 minutes of recording time the last 5
minutes of the cyclist's ride and the 5 minutes following detection
of an impact can be recorded. One of ordinary skill in the art can
appreciate the variations in formula and amount and timing of
recorded video and/or images. The retained video and/or images can
serve as evidence for determining negligence in civil suits, or can
provide information in hit-and-run accidents, etc.
[0031] In addition, or alternatively, a camera removably attached
with the hat can be selectively activated to take still images
and/or video. For example, many cyclists take bicycle tours as
vacation destinations. A hat mounted camera can allow for images
and/or video to be captured on-the-fly. Camera sophistication can
vary and can be self-contained within the attachable camera module
so that the sophistication of the layer need only be such that an
attachment point be provided. However, in some embodiments, a layer
can include power providing capability (e.g., by way of a battery
connected with an attachment point, or a photovoltaic device as
described above) and communication providing capability, as
desired. Further, an accelerometer can be separately mounted to the
hat rather than exist as a subunit of the attachable camera module
and can communicate with a camera by way of electrical
communication bridge between layers or across a layer, or
wirelessly. Different solutions can be provided for different cost
tiers, demographics, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate the myriad ways in which the devices can be provided on
the different layers.
[0032] It should also be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 8
includes a brim 806 of a base 802 arranged so that the brim 806
traverses the ears of a wearer. Such an arrangement provides the
further advantage that headphones 850 removably attached to
accessory attachment points (not shown) of the brim 806 (or
alternatively, integrally formed with the brim 806) can be
conveniently positioned for listening. Alternatively, the
headphones 850 can be removably attached to accessory attachments
points of a layer (not shown) such that the headphones 850 can
pivot to allow for retraction within the hat 800 when the
headphones 850 are not in use, thereby removing a potential
distraction. It should also be noted that the brim 806 includes a
knob adjustment 840 for adjusting a diameter of the brim 806;
however, in other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
diameter of the brim 806 can be adjusted using other mechanisms,
such as snaps or buckles. One of ordinary skill in the art can
appreciate the different methods for adjusting the diameter of a
hat brim.
[0033] Note also that the embodiment of FIG. 8 further includes a
rear visor 860 upon which photovoltaic cells can be mounted to
provide additional power to the hat 800. Alternatively, an
additional accessory can be connected with an accessory attachment
point of the rear visor 860.
[0034] The modular nature of the invention can allow for myriad
different aesthetic as well as functional variations. For example,
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a hat 900 in accordance with
the present invention in which a base 902 substantially covers the
crown of a head, except for gaping vents 903 formed near the
forehead up toward the crown of the head. An second visor 907 can
be connected with the accessory attachment point 910 and
substantially covering the gaping vents 903. The second visor 907
can include an accessory attachment point 920. This design
whimsically resembles a medieval helmet, and can be assembled to
cheer on a team having such a theme, such as the "Scarlet
Knights".
[0035] In a still further embodiment, the hat can be simpler than
as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9. As shown in FIGS. 10 and
11, a base 1002 of the hat 1000,1100 can include a single layer
1004 (or a plurality of layers 1104a-b) and a latch mechanism
1005,1105 removably attached with the base 1002,1102 and being able
to fix an adjusted brim 1006,1106 in place. The embodiment of FIG.
11 further illustrates illumination 12 of a layer 1104b by way of
LED lighting mounted to one or both of the first layer 1104a and
the overlapped second layer 1104b. As shown in FIG. 12, in still
further embodiments, layers 1204 can have myriad different shapes
and can attach to a base 1202 and/or other layers in myriad
different ways. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate,
upon reflection of the present teachings, that myriad different
modifications can be made within the spirit of the present
invention.
[0036] Materials
[0037] Embodiments of hats in accordance with the present invention
can be made from myriad different materials. In a preferred
embodiment, the hat can be primarily formed of a rigid, or
semi-rigid material selected from one or more of a thermo-formable
plastic, carbon fiber, a light-weight metal (e.g., aluminum and
titanium), a composite, and a ceramic. However, in other
embodiments, the hat can be formed of still other materials. It can
be desirable for the brim, the visor, or some other feature to be
made of a somewhat weaker material. For example, the brim can
include a leather or cloth portion sewn or otherwise permanently
joined to a rigid portion of the brim, the leather or cloth portion
providing comfort and adjustability near a back of the hat. The
material chosen for a structure, whether the structure is a base, a
layer, etc., can be chosen based on the function as well as the
aesthetic of the structure. For example, where a photovoltaic
material is painted on one or more layers, it may be desirable that
the one or more layers themselves be formed of a substantially
non-conductive material, thereby preventing electrical shorting of
the photovoltaic material.
[0038] The base and layers of the hat can be individually molded,
extruded, or otherwise formed either with or without attachment
points and accessory attachment points. Where the base and layers
are formed without attachment points, such structures can be
fixedly added to a component, for example by way of adhesion or
alternatively by punching through the component material and
affixing the attachment points, etc. One of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate the myriad different ways in which attachment
points can be formed within the base and one or more layers.
[0039] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention has been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner
skilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order
to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical
application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to
understand the invention, the various embodiments and with various
modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.
It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *