U.S. patent application number 11/626761 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for game face gear.
Invention is credited to WARREN D. NICHOLS, DOUGLAS H. NIEDRICH.
Application Number | 20070192934 11/626761 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38426576 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070192934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NIEDRICH; DOUGLAS H. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
GAME FACE GEAR
Abstract
A hat with a built-in facemask mounted on the rear side of the
hat. By reversing the hat so that the bill is in the back of the
head, and the facemask over the hunter's face, a hunter can use one
hand to install a camouflage facemask for hunting, and in the same
motion move the bill of the hat to the rear of his head so that it
would not interfere with the draw of a bow.
Inventors: |
NIEDRICH; DOUGLAS H.;
(BELLEVUE, ID) ; NICHOLS; WARREN D.; (HAILEY,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DYKAS, SHAVER & NIPPER, LLP
P.O. BOX 877
BOISE
ID
83701-0877
US
|
Family ID: |
38426576 |
Appl. No.: |
11/626761 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60766520 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/0187 20210101;
A42B 1/24 20130101; A42B 1/0184 20210101; A42B 1/0188 20210101;
A42B 1/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/171 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/04 20060101
A42B001/04 |
Claims
1. A clothing device for use by outdoors users, comprising: a hat
body with a rear bottom edge, a flexible face mask attached to said
rear bottom edge, and configured to hang freely from said rear
bottom edge of said hat body, and to be foldable into said hat body
to be worn in a storage configuration, with said face mask
dimensioned to cover the user's entire face and neck, so that a
user may reverse the hat 180 degrees to move the face mask to cover
his face for use in hunting.
2. The clothing device of claim 1, in which said hat body further
comprises a hat bill.
3. The clothing device of claim 1, in which said face mask further
comprises a pair of eyeholes positioned for a user to see
through.
4. The clothing device of claim 1, in which said face mask further
comprises a moldable material adjacent to the rear bottom edge of
the hat, for forming portions of said face mask into ear scoops
adjacent the user's ears, for aiding the user in hearing.
5. The clothing device of claim 1, in which said face mask is
removable, and may be attached or removed from said hat body by the
user.
6. The clothing device of claim one, in which said face mask
further includes positions for holding in headphones adjacent to
the users ears, for listening to an audio device.
7. The clothing device of claim 3, which further includes eye flaps
for covering said eyeholes, for sun protection when the face mask
is worn over the user's neck.
8. The clothing device of claim two, in which said bill further
comprises a left and right bill sides which join the hat bottom
edge, and in which said face mask further includes a left and right
face mask side which joins said hat bottom edge, with the device
configured so that the bill sides and the face mask sides are
positioned approximately 1/2 inch to 11/2 inch apart.
9. The clothing device of claim one in which said face mask further
includes a mask border made of heavier material than said face
mask, in order to increase the mask's resistance to movement in the
wind.
10. A flexible face mask configured for removable attachment to a
rear bottom edge of a hat, and configured to hang freely from said
rear bottom edge of said hat, and to be foldable into said hat body
to be worn in a storage configuration, with said face mask
dimensioned to cover the user's entire face and neck, so that a
user may reverse the hat 180 degrees to move the face mask to cover
his face for use in hunting, with said face mask further comprising
attachment means for attachment to one or more attachment strips;
and a plurality of attachment strips for attaching to the rear
bottom edge of the hat body, with said attachment strips configured
for attachment to said hat and to said face mask.
11. The face mask of claim 9 in which said face mask includes a
forehead lobe, for covering a gap around an adjustment strap of
said hat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority date of the provisional
application entitled Happy Hunter Hat filed by Warren Nichols on
Jan. 24, 2006, with application Ser. No. 60/766520.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for
hunting, and more particularly to hat with an attached face
mask.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Camouflage is an important tool of a hunter. Camouflage
serves to break up the outline of the hunter, and makes it harder
for an animal to see the hunter. One situation in which camouflage
is especially useful is when trying to cover a hunter's face. Not
only are animals able to spot two eyes more readily than other
features in the environment, but a hunter's light colored face can
appear quite contrasting to the surrounding green and brown tones
in the environment. What hunters sometimes do to prevent their
light face from being easily visible to animals, is to put
coloration on their skin in the form of black, green and brown,
camouflage paint. One disadvantage with using camouflage paint is
that it can be uncomfortable on the skin, and it tends to make a
mess out of the hunter's hands and clothes.
[0004] An alternative to camouflage paint on a hunter's face is the
use of a facemask. The facemask has the disadvantage that it can
obscure the hunter's vision when he is traveling and make it hard
to see things at a distance. It also restricts the hunter's
peripheral vision.
[0005] In a typical hunting situation, disguising the face is only
needed when an animal is at close range to the hunter. One
situation is when a hunter is in a hidden position, and an animal
either wanders close to him, or is called close to the hunter by a
call used by the hunter. When the animal comes close to the hunter,
the hunter would need to put on a facemask in order to disguise the
bright appearance of his face. At that moment it is exactly the
time that a hunter needs to put on a facemask, but it is also the
worst time to put on a facemask because he has to put his weapon
down, use both hands to put on the facemask, possibly take a hat
off, then put it back on once the facemask is adjusted, pick up his
weapon, look around and try to find animal again, and by that time
the animal most likely has seen the hunter's movement, heard the
hunter, and is long gone. Additionally the typical face mask is
hot, cumbersome, bulky, reduces hearing, and is slow to put on.
[0006] What is needed is a facemask to camouflage a hunter's face
which can be instantly available to the hunter when needed, but
which can be out of the way of the hunter's vision when it is not
needed. Ideally it would allow the hunter to put a mask covering
over his face at the same time as turning the bill towards the
rear. The bill of a hat needs to be turned towards the rear in the
case of archery hunting, because when the hunter pulls the
bowstring it tends to be pulled against the bill of the hat, and
either dislodge the hat or throw the aim of the bow off.
[0007] Also needed is a facemask which is always ready to be used,
but which can be tucked away inside a hat or removed from the hat
so that the hat may be used when the hunter is driving or doing
other non-hunting activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is a clothing device for use by people in the
outdoors. The clothing device includes a hat body, which can be a
billed or baseball type hat, or can be a hat with a soft brim
around the bottom edge of the hat. The hat has a bottom edge, to
which the bill or brim is attached. The clothing device also
includes a flexible facemask. The facemask is attached to the rear
bottom edge of the hat, on the opposite side as the bill in the
case of a baseball type hat. The facemask is configured to hang
freely from the bottom edge of the hat body, and to be foldable
into the hat body so that it can be worn in a storage
configuration. In this way, a person may wear the hat with the
facemask down when he is in the field, and tuck the facemask into
the interior of the hat when he wears the hat driving or to
town.
[0009] The facemask shades the neck of the user, but its primary
role is to serve as a facemask for hunting. When used by a hunter,
the hat would be reversed when the hunter wanted to cover his face.
When the hat is reversed, the bill of the hat would be over the
hunter's neck, and the facemask would be over his face. The
facemask is dimensioned so that it covers the user's entire face
and neck.
[0010] The facemask can be of a sheer material which is suitable
for seeing through without the use of eyeholes. However, it can
also be provided with eyeholes and the user can adjust the hat so
that the eyeholes match the location of his eyes by adjusting the
position of the hat on his head. One optional feature of the
facemask is that it can include a moldable material which can be
shaped into a form selected by the user. The moldable material
would be positioned adjacent the rear bottom edge of the hat, along
the edges of the facemask. The user could form the moldable
material into ear scoops adjacent the user's ear. These ear scoops
aid in directing sound to the user's ear and thus increases ability
to hear.
[0011] The invention can be configured so that the facemask is
removable, and in this form would be attached or removed from the
hat body by the user. One embodiment of the facemask includes
positions for holding headphones in the facemask, so that the
headphones are adjacent to the user's ear. These headphones can be
used to listen to a radio, recorded music on a number of different
types of devices or for wireless communication from one person to
another. Similarly, a microphone may be built in to the facemask
for wireless communication between users. The headphones and
microphone can be separate from the facemask and be attachable to
the facemask by the use of pocket snaps or hook and loop
attachments. A version of the headphone can also include these
devices built into the facemask.
[0012] In those versions of the facemask which include eyeholes,
the eyeholes can be provided with a way to close or cover the
holes. The holes can be covered with a hook and loop closure, snaps
or other devices. The eyeholes can also be covered by flaps of
fabric which can be secured in place over the eyeholes by similar
means. The purpose for covering the eyeholes is to provide further
protection for the user when the facemask is positioned over the
user's neck.
[0013] When the hat utilized is a type of hat which includes a
bill, the bill would contain a left and right side which join at
the bottom edge of the hat. The facemask also includes a right and
left side of the facemask which also join the bottom edge of the
hat. A preferred configuration of the device is one in which there
is a separation between the side of the bill and the side of the
facemask of approximately 1/2 inch to 11/2 inches. An optimal space
between these two parts of the device is approximately 1 inch.
[0014] The facemask preferably includes a mask border which is made
of a heavier material than the facemask. This heavier border is
provided to increase the mask resistance to movement in the
wind.
[0015] In the kit version of the device, a flexible facemask is
provided for removable attachment to the rear bottom edge of the
user's hat, and the flexible facemask is configured to hang freely
from the rear bottom edge of the hat body. Like the facemask
described above, the facemask of this version is configured to be
foldable into the hat body so that it can be worn with the facemask
out of sight. The facemask is dimensioned to cover the user's
entire face and neck, so that when it is hanging down from the hat
and moved to hang over the user's face, the user's entire face and
neck are blocked from view by the facemask. Attachment strips are
provided for this version of the facemask, so that the attachment
strips may be attached to the hat. Once the attachment strips are
attached to the hat, the facemask may be attached to the attachment
strips. The attachment strips may be attached to the hat by
adhesive means, or by other conventional means of attachment. The
facemask would be attached to the attachment strips by hook and
loop surfaces, or other similar methods. If the facemask is
provided to be attached to a hat of the user, one version of the
facemask would include an enlarged area in the forehead region of
the face, which would cover the gap which is typically found around
the adjustment strap in a baseball type hat. This area of the hat
would be covered so that when the bill part of the hat is over the
user's face, the facemask would block light from entering around
the gap around the adjustment strap of the hat. Similarly, when
this version of the hat is reversed so that the facemask is over
the user's face, and the bill is over the user's neck, the mask
would cover the skin of the user's forehead, so that would not
appear as a white area to a game animal. It would also prevent
sunburn of the forehead.
[0016] The facemask is preferred to be in a generally parabolic
shape, with a more or less straight edge opposite the parabolic
curve. The straight edge would be attached to the brim or bottom
edge of the hat.
[0017] The hat and facemask can be made of a fabric which absorbs
odor, such as Scentloc.RTM. or Scentblocker.RTM. fabric, or other
commercially available scent reducing fabric brands. The hat is
preferably made of a stretchable material. Mouth and nose holes are
also optional features of the facemask, and may further include
multiple fabrics so the user may mold the most comfortable shape
around his face and nose.
[0018] The purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the
public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners
in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or
phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the
nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.
The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the
application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
[0019] Still other features and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of
the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode
contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects
all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings
and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of the hat with mask in the hat
position.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of the hat with mask with the hat and
mask rotated to a hunting position.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hat showing the device in kit
form with a detachable facemask.
[0023] FIG. 4a is a version of the hat showing closeable eye holes
and a coverage lobe.
[0024] FIG. 4b is a view of the facemask showing the eye holes
closed.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of a version of the hat and mask which
includes additional devices and pockets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments
thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below
in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed,
but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0027] In the following description and in the figures, like
elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of
"or" indicates a non-exclusive alternative without limitation
unless otherwise noted. The use of "including" means "including,
but not limited to," unless otherwise noted.
[0028] Several preferred embodiments are shown in the figures. FIG.
1 shows the hat and mask device of the invention, which is
designated as 10 in the figures. The device includes a hat 12, a
facemask 14. The hat 14 includes in the preferred embodiment a bill
16 and a periphery 18. The periphery includes a front periphery and
a rear periphery 20 and 22, with the bill attached to the front
periphery 20 of the hat and the facemask attached to the rear
periphery 22 of the hat. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is
included a pair of eye holes 24, but it is to be understood that
eyeholes are not required for this device to work. There are many
sheer fabrics which are available which can be provided as a
facemask 14, through which the user 26 can easily see with very
little obstruction to his vision. FIG. 1 shows the hat with mask
device 10 of the invention in a position in which the bill 16 is
over the user's face and the facemask 14 is over the user's
neck.
[0029] The hat can be made of a number of different materials,
including cotton, cotton polyester blends, nylon, of other
materials. The face mask can also be made of a number of materials,
including those listed above, as well as Gore-Tex, lycra, cool max,
Scentloc.RTM. or Scentblocker.RTM. fabrics, or any other fabric
that met the physical needs of the mask. A generally stretchy
material works best, so that a "one size fits all" mask
configuration can be utilized.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows the hat with mask 10 in a hunting position. In
the hunting position, the facemask 14 is over the user's face, and
the hat 12 is reversed so that the bill 16 is over the user's neck.
The transition from the hat position to the hunting position shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 is accomplished merely by reversing the hat so
that the bill points backwards instead of forwards. This allows a
facemask to cover the user's face, neck and eyes, to reduce the
user's visibility to animals. The facemask can be made of a number
of different fabrics or color patterns, including various types of
camouflage color patterns. Shown in FIG. 1 is a mask edge 28 which
is preferably made of a thicker and heavier material than the rest
of the facemask 14. The mask edge 28 is provided to add increased
weight and stiffness to the facemask 14, to resist deflection of
the facemask 14 by wind. This weighted edge 28 can also be formed
by rolling up the facemask material, and sewing it in place. The
facemask 14 can include a moldable strip 30 which is a material
which can be molded by the user to form either a flat area
continuous with the mask edge 28, or a scoop like region adjacent
to the user's ears (not shown). When molded into the form of a
scoop like feature, the moldable strip 30 can be used to create a
shape which reflects sound into the user's ear, and thus improves
hearing for the user. The facemask shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
preferably of a lightweight material which may easily be inverted
into the hat 12, so that the hat may be worn with the mask
completely concealed inside the hat and on top of the user's
head.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a version of the hat with mask in which the
facemask 14 is attachable and removable from the periphery 18 of
the hat 12. This version of the invention can be provided in kit
form, with one or more attachment strips 32 provided for attachment
adjacent the periphery 18 of the hat. The attachment strips can be
adhesive on the back, and hook and loop on the opposite side. The
facemask 14 can have a strip of hook and loop fabric which
corresponds to the attachment strips 34. In this way, the facemask
of the invention can be added to any of the user's hats by use of
attachment strips 32. One version of hat can be provided without a
bill, or with a detachable bill 34. The detachable bill 34 can be
attached to the hat 12 by use of attachment strips 32 or by the use
of snaps 36, or other attachment devices. The facemask 14 can also
be attached by the use of snaps 36.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a version of the hat in which the eye holes 24
include cover flaps 38. The cover flaps 38 can be fixed in an open
position as shown FIG. 4a, or can be closed to a closed position as
shown in FIG. 4b. Hook and loop fabric patches are one way to
secure the cover flaps in the open or closed position, as shown in
FIGS. 4a and 4b. The purpose of the cover flaps 38 is to give the
user the option of having a mask with or without eye holes, and
also to allow the user to cover the eyeholes so that when the
facemask is oriented over the user's neck, he will not be sunburned
by sun coming through the eyeholes 24. When the facemask of FIGS.
4a and 4b is utilized as a kit in which the facemask is added to
another hat, the facemask can include a coverage lobe 40. The
coverage lobe 40 is to cover the region of the hat adjacent to the
adjustment strap. There is usually a gap in this area in many hats,
and the coverage lobe blocks the sun from passing through that
region of the hat. This has the advantage of providing sun
protection when the face mask is in the hat position, and it covers
an area that could be a glaring light spot on the user's face when
the facemask is in the hunting position.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a version of the hat and facemask combination
of the device in which the hat includes one or more pockets 42
adjacent to the periphery 18 of the hat. The facemask 14 can be
attached to the hat as has been discussed above. The facemask can
include pockets to hold a microphone 44 and earpieces 46. The
earpieces 46 and microphone can also be built into the fabric of
the facemask 14, or can be secured to the facemask either
externally or internally. The pockets can be utilized for holding
such articles as batteries, FM radio, mp3 player, music players of
various types, two way radio transmitter and receiver, or other
similar devices.
[0034] In order to optimize the functionality of the facemask 14,
it is preferable that there be a gap 48 between the edge of the
facemask 14 and the edge of the bill 16. It is preferable that this
gap be approximately 1/2 to 11/2 inches in width. The facemask is
configured so that it covers the entire face of the user, including
the user's ears and the user's neck.
[0035] A strap can be attached to the facemask for adjusting the
facemask for fit on the user's face. The strap would store along
the edge of the facemask, and when the face mask is in use in front
of the user's face, could be used to secure the facemask to the
users head by extending from one edge of the facemask to the other
edge of the facemask, behind the users head and neck.
[0036] Eye lenses or lens can also be added to the face mask, to
users with the need for prescription glasses, so that they don't
have to wear their eyeglasses. The covers for the eyeholes may also
have the coloration of eyes, to serve as predator deterrent for a
predator stalking the user from behind him. A further feature is a
mirror which can be attached to the bill of the hat, and can be
folded into a storage position, or folded into a position available
for a user to use the mirror to see objects behind him.
[0037] While there is shown and described the present preferred
embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that
this invention is not limited thereto, but may be variously
embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From
the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *