FUN CAP WITH A MOTOR

Abstract: This invention consists of a cap with a visor provided with two hands in the front which move automatically, that can be used for entertaining and promotional purposes.

Description: Object of the invention This invention is based on a standard cap incorporating a variant of automated movement for any kind of promotional use. Background of the invention Many different sorts of caps are used for promotional purposes, with or without movement, but no one has ever heard of a cap incorporating a fully automatic clapping function. Among them can be cited caps as the one covered by ES290411U, wherein the clapping function is achieved manually by means of a strip actionned by the bearer or the one covered by ES1022411U, wherein the caps bears attached herewith a fan actuated by an electric motor. Description of the invention In a cotton canvas (3), cap with a visor (10), baseball-type, two protruding moving elements (1) are fitted into the seams of the 2 front panels on each side of the bill and parallel to the edges of the visor. This item is to be considered as a fun cap, perfect for promotional use (Figure 1). The moving elements are made up of two pieces of fabric sewn together face to face, forming a bag padded with foam or another material in order to give it consistency and simulate a hand or another shape depending on the intended promotional use (Figure 2). Another piece of mesh fabric is sewn inside the two front panels for proper ventilation of the user's forehead. Between the front panels and the mesh fabric, a U-shaped plastic (polycarbonate) strip is fitted, the arms of which come out of the seams on each side of the front; these two inserts are sandwiched into the tip of the moving parts to maintain them stiff and roughly horizontal, acting also as a return spring when a clapping movement is simulated. On top of the visor, a small box (2) housing the mechanism actuating the moving parts, the batteries and the printed circuit, is fitted between the hands and fastened to the front of the cap (outside) (Figure 3). The actuation is provided by a miniaturized electric D.C. motor (5) such as those used in toys. Pulses are delivered by an electronic device to the motor with a view to simulating the clapping action - if the moving parts are hands - or putting into motion the element used for promotional purposes. The clapping movement is achieved by using nylon threads (4) fastened to the moving elements on one end (hands or whatever), which go through the holes (8) on both sides of the mechanism box and wind up onto the shaft (9) of the motor to which is fastened the other end. When the motor is energized, the threads wind up and when it is de-energized, the threads unwind and the hands open out due to the elastic spring effect produced by the plastic strip (polycarbonate) fitted inside the front panels and inserted into the moving elements for proper rigidity and positioning. The path of the moving elements is limited by the nylon threads of sufficient diameter to overcome the strength applied by the plastic strip inserted in the cap and the advertising element. The control electronics is based on a microcontroller particularly a small printed circuit (7) housed inside the mechanism box (2), that regulates the number of times the motor is energized and de-energized. The microcontroller also regulates the number of clapping cycles each time the mechanism is operated, i.e. the pre-determined sequence of cycles - according to the advertising company's specifications - which is completed before the mechanism stops automatically leaving the motor and the moving parts in rest position. Initially, the solution chosen for actuating the mechanism is a membrane-type switch fitted on the edge of the visor. Further developments might feature a microphone for voice-actuation. The energy required for the clapping movement is provided by two dry cell batteries 1.5v (6) located inside the box that can be accessed easily by opening the snap-on tab of the box lid. Attached is a number of diagrams to help understand the operation and the location of the different elements.

Claims: Motor-powered fun cap (3) with crown and visor (10), that includes two moving elements (1) fitted into 2 front panels on both sides of the visor which are automatically actuated by a mechanism powered by an electric motor (5), characterized in that said mechanism comprises two nylon threads (4) fastened to the moving elements (1) and to the motor shaft (9) and winding up onto the shaft to bring the elements closer when the motor is energized and, when the motor is de-energized and stops, the threads unwind due to an element acting as a return spring, said mechanism further comprising a microcontroller that periodically energize and de-energize said motor (5). Motor-powered fun cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the element acting as a return spring is constituted by a plastic strip fitted inside the front panels and inserted into the moving elements (1) for proper rigidity and positioning. Motor-powered fun cap according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microcontroller is particularly a small printed circuit (7).

Inventors: VEGA GARCIA VINCENTA, VEGA GARCIA, VINCENTA
Applicants: HERRERO VEGA VICTORIA, VEGA GARCIA VINCENTA, HERRERO VEGA, VICTORIA, VEGA GARCIA, VINCENTA
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A42B1
IPC codes: A42B1