U.S. patent application number 11/350958 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for modular electrical headwear systems.
Invention is credited to Michael King Proctor.
Application Number | 20060212994 11/350958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37033695 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060212994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Proctor; Michael King |
September 28, 2006 |
Modular electrical headwear systems
Abstract
The present invention relates to modular electrical headwear
systems for use in charging electrical devices and operating
electrical devices on an article of headwear. One embodiment
includes utilizing a photovoltaic cell on the visor of a hat to
generate solar electricity. A battery is disposed on the backstrap
of the hat for storing solar electricity and providing existing
electricity to a variety of electrical devices. Various chargers,
lights, fans, motorized objects, etc may be located on an article
of headwear and utilize some form of electrical current for
operation. An electrical charger may used to charge a user's cell
phone while they wear the article of headwear. Various electrical
components may be releasably secured to an article of headwear to
allow a user to interchange, upgrade, add, and remove components
from a personalized electrical headwear system.
Inventors: |
Proctor; Michael King;
(Provo, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRTON AND MCCONKIE
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE,
SUITE 1800
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
37033695 |
Appl. No.: |
11/350958 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60656339 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/245 20130101;
A42B 1/244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/171 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/04 20060101
A42B001/04 |
Claims
1. An electrical headwear system comprising: an article of headwear
configured to receive an electrical system; an electrical power
source coupled to the article of headwear; and at least one
electrical device coupled to the article of headwear and
electrically coupled to the electrical power source.
2. The electrical headwear system of claim 1, wherein the article
of headwear includes a visor, and wherein the electrical power
source is a photovoltaic cell disposed on the visor.
3. The electrical headwear system of claim 1, wherein the article
of headwear includes a backstrap, and wherein the backstrap
includes a battery.
4. The electrical headwear system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one electrical device is a charger configured to electrically
charge a cell phone.
5. The electrical headwear system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one electrical device is at least one light disposed on the article
of headwear.
6. The electrical headwear system of claim 5, wherein the at least
one light includes a light that illuminates the field of vision of
a wearer of the article of headwear.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/656,339, filed Feb. 25, 2005, entitled
"VARIOUS HEADWEAR ACCESSORY EMBODIMENTS"; which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/651,320, filed Feb. 9,
2005, entitled "MODULAR ELECTRICAL HEADWEAR SYSTEMS."
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to modular electrical headwear
systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to
modular electrical systems for use in charging electrical devices
and operating electrical devices on an article of headwear.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention and Related Art
[0005] Headwear serves many functions and purposes. Headwear is
worn to protect the head and/or other parts of the upper body from
various things such as sun and rain. Headwear may also serve as an
ornamental component of a wardrobe. Headwear may have the potential
to attract attention to the wearer or make a statement relative to
the wearer's identity or group affiliation. In some cultures,
headwear is worn to show respect and modesty.
[0006] One common form of headwear is known as a hat. The top
portion of a hat is often referred to as a crown while the bottom
portion which surrounds the head substantially above the ears is
often referred to as the base. Most styles of hats include at least
one bill and/or flap attached to the base at various locations and
that project or depend therefrom as determined by fashion or the
intended utility of the headwear system.
[0007] One problem with existing hats and headwear systems is the
inability to accommodate to a wide variety of circumstances and/or
styles. In order to accommodate various affiliations, situations
and styles people are forced to own multiple hats which is both
expensive and inconvenient. Therefore, there is a need in the
industry for a headwear system that is customizable to a wide
variety of utilitarian needs, styles and affiliations. In addition,
there is a need for a wide variety of accessories.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to modular electrical headwear
systems for use in charging electrical devices and operating
electrical devices on an article of headwear. One embodiment
includes utilizing a photovoltaic cell on the visor of a hat to
generate solar electricity. A battery is disposed on the backstrap
of the hat for storing solar electricity and providing existing
electricity to a variety of electrical devices. Various chargers,
lights, fans, motorized objects, etc may be located on an article
of headwear and utilize some form of electrical current for
operation. An electrical charger may used to charge a user's cell
phone while they wear the article of headwear. Various electrical
components may be releasably secured to an article of headwear to
allow a user to interchange, upgrade, add, and remove components
from a personalized electrical headwear system.
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in
the description that follows and in the appended claims. The
features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of
the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the
invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will
be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a modular electrical headwear system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0013] The present invention relates to modular electrical headwear
systems for use in charging electrical devices and operating
electrical devices on an article of headwear. One embodiment
includes utilizing a photovoltaic cell on the visor of a hat to
generate solar electricity. A battery is disposed on the backstrap
of the hat for storing solar electricity and providing existing
electricity to a variety of electrical devices. Various chargers,
lights, fans, motorized objects, etc may be located on an article
of headwear and utilize some form of electrical current for
operation. An electrical charger may used to charge a user's cell
phone while they wear the article of headwear. Various electrical
components may be releasably secured to an article of headwear to
allow a user to interchange, upgrade, add, and remove components
from a personalized electrical headwear system. While embodiments
of the present invention are directed at modular electric headwear
systems, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present
invention are applicable to other areas.
[0014] Reference is initially made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a
modular electrical headwear system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The system is designated
generally at 100. The illustrated system 100 includes a crown 105
with a fixably attached visor 115. A photovoltaic cell 110 is
disposed on the visor to generate electricity through exposure to
solar radiation. The generated electricity from the photovoltaic
cell 110 is stored in a battery 125 located on the rear of the
crown 105 on a backstrap (not shown). A series of wires 130
interconnect the electrical devices. The battery 125 is also
coupled to a headlamp 120 that illuminates the field of view of a
wearer of the headwear system 100. The battery 125 is also coupled
to an illuminated decorative display 135 in the shape of a smiley
face. In addition, the battery is electrically coupled to a charger
140 that is configured to charge a cell phone. Various switches,
voltage regulators, resistors, and other electrical components may
be added to provide additional functionality to the system 100. In
addition, the electrical devices may be releasably coupled to the
crown 105 and visor 110 such that a user could interchange and
relocate devices to desired locations on the crown 105 or visor. It
should also be noted that various other electrical devices may be
used and remain consistent with the present invention.
[0015] Additional embodiments include coupling audio devices to the
headwear system. For example, a releasably coupled button could
generate music independently or utilizing electricity from a power
source located on the headwear system 100. Alternatively, the audio
device could be included on a backstrap, patch, or an external plug
in device that is coupled to the headwear system. The headwear
system could provide a sound output and electrical power source for
an external audio device such that an external audio device would
merely need to be plugged-in.
[0016] Another alternative embodiment includes incorporating
various illumination devices including a patch, button, visor,
backstrap, etc. The illumination devices are configured to generate
light using devices including but not limited to light tubes, fiber
optic wire, LEDs, lightbulbs, chemical illumination, etc. For
example, a releasable patch could be configured with a fiber optic
cable shaped in the form of a Christmas tree, to allow for
displaying an illuminated Christmas tree at desired times.
[0017] Yet another alternative embodiment relates to incorporating
various electrical devices into the headwear electrical system
including but not limited to an alarm, a sonic bug repellent
device, a cooling fan, a plug-in cell phone, a plug-in music
device, and a plug in-heat generation device. The alarm could be
any type of electrical device that triggers an alarm when a
particular event occurs. The sonic bug repellent device is an
electrical device configured to generate a sonic audio wave
designed to repels insects. The cooling fan can be used to provide
additional ventilation to a user. A plug-in cell phone may be a
hands free cell phone device configured to mechanically and
electrically couple with the article of headwear and the headwear
electrical system. A plug-in music device may also be any type of
music device configured to mechanically and electrically couple
with the article of headwear and the headwear electrical system.
Likewise, a plug-in heat generation device may be any type of heat
generation device configured to mechanically and electrically
couple with the article of headwear and the headwear electrical
system.
[0018] In another embodiment, a Bluetooth.RTM. compatible handset
is incorporated into the headband so that a user can answer a cell
phone by using controls located by the hat. Similarly, an Mp3
player or similar digital music player could be incorporated into
the headband and controlled by manipulating features of the
cap.
[0019] Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present
invention relate to modular electrical headwear systems. More
particularly, the present invention relates to modular electrical
systems for use in charging electrical devices and operating
electrical devices on an article of headwear. The present invention
may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its
spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are
to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *