Abstract:
A structure with extensible/retractable panels, which provides variable surface area for items such as headgear brims, furniture tops, etc., includes a first panel, a second panel pivotally mounted to the first panel, and a third panel pivotally mounted to the first panel. The second and third panels are rotatable from a retracted position in which the second and third panels are positioned underneath the first panel, and a deployed position in which the second and third panels extend beyond both the length and width of the first panel.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to a structure with extensible/retractable leaves, to provide a variable surface area for supporting, covering or shading purposes.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Although headgear having a retractable visor slideably mounted under a fixed brim or visor, or a releasably attachable brim or visor extension fastenable to a fixed brim or visor are well known, these structures are generally only capable of extending either the length or the width of the visor, not both the length and width. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,915 discloses a removable cap visor extension that is attachable to a visor of a cap or hat either by sliding the visor through slots in an extension unit or by clasping the extension unit onto a visor of a cap with fasteners. The removable cap visor is not retractable, but instead is either attached or not attached to the cap or hat. Accordingly, the disclosed removable cap visor does not allow continuously variable adjustment of the length and does not allow any adjustment of the width of the visor.  
           [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,218 discloses a hat having an extensible visor which is inserted into a slot of a fixed visor or brim to facilitate variable adjustment of the length of the visor. However, the disclosed extensible visor does not permit variable adjustment of both the length and width of the visor.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,830 discloses a visor for use as a brim component for a hat or cap. The brim is both retractable and extendable, and is also swivelable and rotatable around the circumference of the head of the wearer. However, the visor is only swivelable with respect to the hat, and does not allow pivoting of the extensions with respect to the fixed brim to adjust the width of the visor.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,371 discloses a cap with adjustable side visors disposed on opposite sides of a main fixed visor. Each side visor has a flap pivotally mounted thereto which is moveable from a first position disposed within the respective side visor to a second position extending downwardly therefrom to vary the shading desired by the user. However, the flaps do not provide a visor extension that achieves variable adjustment of both the length and width of the visor.  
           [0006]    Other patents that disclose caps having an extensible visor that allows adjustment of the length of the visor, but not the width of the visor, include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,006; 5,075,898; 5,197,150 and 5,839,125. These patents all recognize the desirability of being able to adjust the length of a visor, whereas U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,371 recognizes the desirability of being able to adjust the length of a side visor portion to provide more shading on one or both sides of the cap. However, none of these patents acknowledge the desirability of being able to adjust both the length and width of a visor, and none of these patents suggest a suitable structure for achieving adjustment of both the length and width of a visor.  
           [0007]    The art relating to structures having a support surface with an area that is adjustable is perhaps best exemplified by the furniture art. Heretofore, most tables, desks, and other articles of furniture having a variable area support surface generally utilized a removable leaf, or a leaf extension that is either slideably mounted, or pivotally mounted to the furniture for rotation from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. These extensible structures have certain disadvantages. For example, removable leaves do not allow variable adjustment of the surface area on which items may be supported on the table or other article of furniture, and must generally be transported to and from a storage location when a larger or smaller surface area is desired. Leaves that are either pivotally or slideably connected to the article of furniture eliminate the need for storage and transportation. However, the slideably mounted leaves only allow adjustment of either the length or width of the support surface of an article of furniture, not both the length and width. Similarly, the leaves that are rotatably mounted to the support surface of an article of furniture are typically rotatable through an axis substantially within the plane of the support surface of the article of furniture from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, and therefore only allow expansion of either the length or width of the table, not both, and do not provide the option of variable adjustment of the support surface area.  
           [0008]    Similar structures used to supplement the surface area in other environments typically suffer from the same disadvantages of furniture having conventional extensible/retractable leaves.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The invention provides a structure with extensible/retractable leaves that allow variable adjustment of the surface area of an object. The structure includes a first panel, and second and third panels each pivotally mounted to the first panel, the second and third panels being pivotable into any position between a first position in which superposition of the second and third panels is minimized and a second position in which superposition of the second and third panels is maximized.  
           [0010]    In one aspect of the invention, the structure is utilized to provide a hat or cap brim that is extensible in both the width and length direction of the brim to provide variable shading as desired, depending on conditions and the activities in which the wearer is engaged.  
           [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the structure with extensible/retractable leaves is used to provide an article of furniture having a surface area that can be expanded or retracted in both the length and width direction as desired.  
           [0012]    These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a top view of a cap having a brim with extensible/retractable leaves in accordance with the invention, with the leaves shown in a fully retracted position.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 1, with the extensible/retractable leaves in the fully retracted position.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a top view of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the extensible/retractable leaves shown in a fully extended position.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , with the extensible/retractable leaves in a fully extended position.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , with a portion of the brim removed to illustrate details of the extensible/retractable leaves of the brim.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIGS.  1 - 5 , with the extensible/retractable leaves in a fully extended position.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of the cap shown in FIGS.  1 - 6 , which illustrates the manner in which the various components of the cap are assembled.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a side view of the cap shown in FIGS.  1 - 7 , with the extensible/retractable leaves in a fully retracted position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a side view of the cap shown in FIGS.  1 - 8  with the extensible/retractable leaves of the brim in a fully extended position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a side view of a headgear comprising a headband and a brim similar to the brim on the cap of FIGS.  1 - 9 .  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a top view of a table utilizing the structure with extensible/retractable leaves to provide variable surface area.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the table shown in FIG. 11.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a top view of the table shown in FIG. 11, with the extensible/retractable leaves in a fully extended position.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a top view of a table with extensible/retractable leaves on opposite ends of the table in a fully deployed position.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the table shown in FIGS.  11 - 13 , with the extensible/retractable leaves in a fully extended position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]    Shown in FIGS.  1 - 9  is a cap  10  having a brim  15  with extensible/retractable leaves  16 ,  17 , each of which is pivotally mounted to a main brim member  18 . Main brim member  18  is typically fixed to cap  10  in a conventional manner. Extensible/retractable leaves  16 ,  17  are pivotally attached to opposite ends of main brim member  18  and are rotatable around pivot pins  21 ,  20  to allow the effective area of the brim to be expanded in both the length and width directions.  
         [0029]    In the fully retracted position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and  8 , extensible/retractable leaves  16 ,  17  are completely covered and generally concealed by main brim member  18  and secondary guide member  28 , whereby the effective surface area of adjustable brim  15  is equal to the area of main brim member  18 . Each of the extensible/retractable leaves  16 ,  17  are pivotable into any position between a first position in which superposition of the extensible/retractable leaves with main brim member  18  is minimized (i.e., extension and surface area are maximized) as shown for example in FIGS.  3 - 6 , and a second position in which superposition of extensible/retractable leaves  16 ,  17  with main brim member  18  is maximized (i.e., leaves  16  and  17  are fully retracted to minimize surface area of brim  15 ) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Movement of leaves  16  and  17  can be either independent or dependent. However, in the illustrated embodiment movement of extensible/retractable leaves  16  and  17  is coordinated (i.e., structure is provided to cause leaves  16  and  17  to be extended and retracted together). This mechanism includes a guide  22  secured to the underside of main brim member  18 , a pin  23  that extends through an elongate linear slot  24  through guide  22 , an elongate arcuate slot  25  through leaf  17 , an elongate arcuate slot  26  through leaf  16 , and an elongate slot  27  through a secondary guide member  28 . Pin  23  includes a head section  29  which is wider than slot  24 , and is therefore retained between main brim member  18  and guide  22 . Leaves  16 ,  17  and secondary guide member  28  are sandwiched between guide  22  and a flange portion  30  of an actuator  31  fastened to the shank portion of pin  23 . In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners  32  and  33  cooperate with pins  20  and  21  respectively to hold the various brim components  16 ,  17 ,  18  and  28  together in a layered relationship. In this illustrated embodiment, a shank portion of fasteners  32  and  33  are received in axial bores extending through pins  20  and  21  respectively. Fasteners  32  and  33  may be secured to pins  20  and  21  respectively by means of an interference fit, frictional engagement, adhesives, or various other means. Various alternative means for assembling the components of the brim may also be utilized, provided that each of the extensible/retractable leaves  16  and  17  may be rotated with respect to main brim member  18  to supplement the effective area of brim  15  in both the length and width directions.  
         [0030]    The effective area of brim  15  may be expanded by grasping actuator  31  and pushing outwardly toward the edge of the brim  15  in a direction coinciding with the longitudinal direction of slot  27 . This causes pin  23  attached to actuator  31  to engage the outer edge of slots  26  and  25  of extensible/retractable leaves  16  and  17  respectively, whereby leaf  16  is rotated outwardly around pin  21  and extensible/retractable leaf  17  is rotated outwardly around pin  20 . Leaves  16  and  17  may be retracted by moving actuator  31  in an opposite direction away from the edge of brim  15 , or by pushing inwardly on the outward edges of extended leaves  16  and  17 .  
         [0031]    In the illustrated embodiment, leaves  16  and  17  are essentially mirror images of each other. This, along with slots  25  and  26 , guide slot  24 , and pin  23 , and optional guide slot  27  ensure that brim components  16  and  17  are extended equally to provide brim symmetry. Such symmetry is generally desired for aesthetic reasons. However, the slots and guides are not essential to achieving a brim structure which may be expanded in both the length and width directions.  
         [0032]    Shown in FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the structure with extensible/retractable leaves described above with respect to FIGS.  1 - 9  is utilized with a headband, rather than with a cap. Headgear  110  includes a headband  111  attached to a structure with extensible/retractable leaves as generally described above. The extensible/retractable leaves structure includes a main brim  118 , a first extensible/retractable leaf  116 , a second extensible/retractable leaf  117 , and a guide member  128 . Brim structure  115  of headgear  110  may be similar to the brim structure  15  described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 9 . Thus, FIG. 10 illustrates that the structure with extensible/retractable leaves may be utilized with any of a variety of different hats, caps, headbands, and various other headgear.  
         [0033]    Shown in FIGS.  11 - 14  is an article of furniture  200 , such as a desk or table, having a first panel  210  which provides a horizontal support surface or work surface  212 . A second panel  216  and a third  217  are each pivotally mounted onto the underside of first panel  210 , whereby they may be rotated between a retracted position as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein panels  216  and  217  are entirely superposed beneath first panel  210  (i.e., a position in which superposition is maximized), and a second position in which panels or leaves  216  and  217  are rotated around pivot pins  221  and  220  respectively into a position in which superposition of the second and third panels  216  and  217  is substantially reduced, whereby the effective area of support surface  212  is increased in both the length and width directions. As illustrated in FIG. 15, extensible/retractable leaves  216  and  217  may be provided at one end of first panel  210 , and additional extensible/retractable leaves  218  and  219  may be provided at an opposite end of first panel  210 .  
         [0034]    As with the headgear illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 10 , articles of furniture and other structures employing the extensible/retractable leaves may be provided with a means for deploying leaves  216  and  217  in a symmetrical fashion. This means may be generally similar to those described for extensible/retractable visor  15 .  
         [0035]    In addition to headgear and articles of furniture, the disclosed structure with extensible/retractable leaves may be utilized for a variety of other purposes, such as for various platforms, trays, etc.  
         [0036]    The actuator used with the structure (e.g., actuator  31 ) may be directly or indirectly connected to the extensible/retractable leaves or panels, and can be slideably, rotationally or otherwise manipulated to effect movement of the leaves or panels. The actuators may or may not be lockable. Additionally, the pivot pins can be suitably configured to function as actuators. Actuators can be situated at various locations on the visor assembly. When only one fixed visor panel is used, it can be located above or below the visor extensions. Fixed and rotatable visor panels can be made from cardboard, fabric, plastic, wood or any other suitable material.  
         [0037]    The structures of this invention may employ more than two extensible/retractable panels which may be deployed and retracted in a manner similar to that of the illustrated embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are to be interpreted to require at least two extensible/retractable panels and encompass structures having three or more extensible/retractable panels.  
         [0038]    The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.