Novelty hat

A novelty hat includes a headband with first and second end. The headband generally defines an annular shape and includes velcro closure strips on the ends thereof. At least one of the velcro strips also secures to the headband. A liner and exterior shaped figure extend upwardly from the headband. Stuffing is disposed between the liner and the figure such that the figure forms the shape of an animal head, sports logo or mascot.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to hats. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novelty hat that includes a plush toy, preferably in the form of a realistic animal head which may or may not be a team insignia or logo.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Logo sports hats are well known in the art. Typically, the prior logo hats include sports logos sewn on the front of the hat. Also known, are ball hats with replaceable pennant panels.

Conventional sports logo hats and ball hats with replaceable pennant panels are suitable for sports fans who want their hats to designate their favorite teams. The two-dimensional representations of logos do not stand out, particularly when viewed from a distance, and may not be easily distinguishable from other hats with two-dimensional representations of logos of other teams.

Other novelty hats include three-dimensional representations. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,934 to Pauley, Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,063 to Sullivan. These hats, typically, embody a conventional baseball hat and include three-dimensional ornamentation thereon. That is, ornamentation is secured to the conventional hat. A plush type hat is also shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,603 to Capozzi. Further, each of the hats depicted in the aforementioned patents provide non-adjustable hats, or hats that are adjustable over a relatively small range of sizes. Further, none of the aforementioned patents comprise a hat wherein the hat itself is not a conventional baseball hat, but comprises a plush toy such as a rendition of an actual animal's head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a hat comprising a headband having first and second ends generally defining an annular shape to be placed around the user's head. The hat further comprises a liner extending upwardly from the headband to define a cavity for receiving a user's head. The hat further includes an exterior shaped figure extending from the headband and located exterior of the liner. The hat further comprises a closure comprising a first VELCRO hook and loop strip extending from the first end of the headband, and a second VELCRO hook and loop strip extending from the second end of the headband.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hat that includes a shaped plush material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hat having a headband that can be adjustable over a relatively wide range of hat sizes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the hat made in accordance with the present invention is generally shown at10in the figures. The hat10includes a headband generally indicated at12. The headband12has first14and second16ends. The headband12defines a generally annular shape and is adapted to be placed around a user's head. In the preferred embodiment, the headband12is made of a material having some elasticity. That is, the headband12preferably is made of a stretchable material. It is will appreciated that while the preferred embodiment includes a stretchable headband12, a rigid headband12can also be used within the scope of the present invention.

VELCRO hook and loop strips18,20are secured to the first14and second16ends of the headband12, respectively. More specifically, a first VELCRO hook or loop strip18is secured at the first end14of the headband12. Preferably, the first VELCRO hook or loop strip18comprises a hook-type VELCRO strip.

A second VELCRO hook or loop strip20is secured to the second end16of the headband12. Preferably, the second VELCRO hook or loop strip20is the loop-type VELCRO strip. The hook-type VELCRO strip18secures with the loop-type VELCRO strip20, in conventional manner to secure the headband12.

Additionally, the headband12is preferably is made of a material including loops that could adhere to the hook-type VELCRO strip18. In this manner, the VELCRO hook strip18can be secured to the headband12itself, thus rendering the headband12to be adjustable over a relatively wide range of sizes. The headband12may be made of a material that itself does not fasten to the VELCRO hook strip18. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the headband be covered with a fabric to which the VELCRO hook or loop strip18,20will secure.

The hat10further includes a liner22secured to the headband12. The liner22extends upwardly from the headband12to form a cavity for receiving a user's head. More specifically, the liner22is generally configured in a dome shape to fit over a user's head. Preferably the liner22is of a light-weight, flexible fabric.

An exterior-shapedfigure 24extends upwardly from the headband12and about the exterior of the liner22. The exterior-shapedfigure 24preferably defines the three-dimensional configuration. Thefigure 24can have any configuration, but it is presently preferred that thefigure 24comprise an animal head, a sports team logo, or the like. That is, the exterior-shapedfigure 24is preferably sculpted to provide a fundamental shape such as that of the desired animal, sports team insignia or logo preferred by the user. Preferably, the exterior-shapedfigure 24is made from a soft, plush material. Additional ornamentation such as eyes28may be added to thefigure 24to complete the ornamentation.

In attaching the figure24and liner22to the headband12, different methods may be used. For example, each of the figure24and liner22may independently be secured to the headband12. Alternatively, the figure24and liner22may be secured at the base such as by sewing, and then the combination may be secured such as by sewing to the headband12.

Also, the liner22andfigure 24each have a slit26therein. The slit26extends from the headband12upwardly a distance. The distance may vary depending on the length of the slit desired and the amount of adjustability desired in the hat10. More specifically, the slit26is created as the figure24and liner22preferably attach only to the headband12and not to the VELCRO hook and loon strips18,20. As best seen inFIG. 2, the slit26creates an adjustable opening between adjacent ends of the headband12.

Finally, the hat10may include a stuffing between the liner22and figure24. The stuffing provides necessary support for creating the24. The stuffing can be in areas necessary to create the requisite ornamentation. Preferably, the stuffing is lightweight but provides adequate support between the liner22andfigure 24to maintain the desired shape of the figure24.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner as to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise as is specifically described.