Abstract:
Headwear reduces radiation exposure with a brim on a top crown that generally surrounds the head. The brim is above a bottom of the crown to avoid interfering with the ears, face, and/or adjustment strap of the cap, which may be of critical importance for those needing protection from sunlight. Brims are positionable a half-inch or more above the bottom of the crown and may completely or partially extend about the crown. Brims may extend at an angle of 20-degrees or more to provide clearance for the ears, face, and any adjustment structure. Brims may be integral with or nondestructively removable from the crown and may include bands or cut-outs for existing brims, bills, or adjustment structures for fitting of hats to which removable brims are added. Headwear may be rigid or a flexible canvas.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a division of, and claims priority under §120 to, co-pending application Ser. No. 14/835,321 filed Aug. 25, 2015. This parent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Sports caps typically include with a crown portion that covers the head and a bill extending outwardly from the crown to shield the wearer from sunlight or other bright light. The bill extends from a lowest point or bottom of the crown, typically about 90-180 degrees about only a portion of the crown, to provide the shielding function while not obstructing peripheral vision, or, if rotated about the head so that the bill is in back, to allow complete vision with no shielding of the face. The bill is typically semi-rigid, with layers of heavy fabric or cardboard insert to generally maintain shape with some flexibility. Existing sports caps may be fitted or include an elastic portion for improved fit or and/or may include a headband adjustment mechanism to achieve proper fit, including snapbacks, strap-and-clasps, ties, Velcro straps, etc. Sports caps often include signage or branding on the crown and/or bill, sometimes on a specially-vertical display portion of the crown, below which the bill extends. 
         [0003]    Wide brim hats, on the other hand, are conventionally more bulky with a brim that extends from a bottom of the crown about 360 degrees, or the entire crown. The brim provides complete sun/light protection about the crown so as to shade the face, ears, and back of head/neck. Whereas a sports cap brim is typically semi-rigid, a wide-brimmed hat typically includes a flexible brim, such as a canvas brim. Wide brim hats may include an adjustment element for fit; however, because positioning is less important with the full brim, both conventional sports caps and wide-brimmed hats are sized and fitted such that the crown terminates vertically at mid-brow of a wearer. In the case of a sports cap, that the crown rests on a portion of the top of the ear joining the scalp, and the bill extends from this vertical bottom. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Example embodiments include apparatuses that providing ergonomic headwear that reduces radiation exposure. Example apparatuses include or are useable with caps that have a top crown that generally surrounds the head, and example apparatuses include an extension, like a brim, from the top crown. Extensions in example embodiments are above a bottom vertical portion of the crown; that is, the crown extends vertically below the brim so the brim blocks or reflects ultraviolet radiation without interfering with the ears, face, and/or adjustment strap of the cap. For example, the brim may be positioned an inch or more vertically above the bottom of the sides and back of the crown. Example apparatuses may provide brims that completely or partially pass around a perimeter of the crown, and such brims may be opaque and extend several inches to provide desired shading. Such brims may extend at an angle, such as 20-degrees or more, with respect to the vertical, so as to provide clearance for the ears and any adjustment structure. Example apparatuses may include integral brims that are irremovably joined to the crown or removable brims that are joined to the brim by releasable structures. Removable brims may include bands or cut-outs to accommodate existing brims, bills, or adjustment structures for fitting of hats to which the removable brims are added. Such removable brims may have an inner perimeter smaller than an outer perimeter of the cap&#39;s crown to achieve desired higher positioning. Example apparatuses may be rigid or flexible, such as a mesh or canvas. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Example embodiments will become more apparent by describing, in detail, the attached drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus do not limit the example embodiments herein. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an example embodiment headgear apparatus 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a side illustration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of another example embodiment headgear system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a side illustration of the system of  FIG. 3   
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    Because this is a patent document, general broad rules of construction should be applied when reading it. Everything described and shown in this document is an example of subject matter falling within the scope of the claims, appended below. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely for purposes of describing how to make and use example embodiments. Several different embodiments not specifically disclosed herein may fall within the claim scope; as such, the claims may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein. 
         [0011]    It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, “and” and “or” are equivalent to the term “and/or,” which includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0012]    It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” or “fixed” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange routes between two devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. 
         [0013]    As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” and the plural form “indicia” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0014]    It should also be noted that the structures and operations discussed below may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually or sequentially, so as to provide looping or other series of operations aside from the single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments. 
         [0015]    The inventor has recognized that existing hats whose primary purpose is shade often poorly interact with the physiognomies of those most likely to desire shading apparel. Specifically, a common form of cancer in the US—melanoma—is very likely to occur on upper portions of the ear and brow, due to increased ultraviolet exposure of those areas. Melanoma treatment often includes surgical and chemical applications directly to the skin, resulting in areas that are sensitive or should not be touched. As such, patients often avoid clothing or headgear that will directly rest on, or rub against, treatment sites. Yet patients presenting with melanoma are often advised to strictly avoid additional ultraviolet exposure. As such, the inventors have recognized that it is often skin cancer sufferers who would like to both achieve sun/light blocking to the upper face and ears with a wide-brimmed hat but are unable to do so because the brims extend directly against the ear and/or will rub the ear, where melanoma treatment is very likely. More generally, the inventor has recognized that prevention is even preferable to treatment, and a wide-brim hat that does not touch the ears would be more comfortable, thus encouraging preventative measures in the first place. 
         [0016]    To overcome these newly-recognized problems as well as others, the inventor has developed apparatuses that shade wearers from sun and/or other ultraviolet radiation sources, particularly about the ear and brow, without contacting or rubbing potentially sensitive areas, all while permitting customizable adjustment of such apparatuses. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an example embodiment headgear apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , headgear apparatus  100  includes a crown  110  that generally covers the head of a human  10 . Crown  110  may fit snuggly about head of wearer  10 , with a bottom portion  125  that extends down to or near the dorsal attachment of the outer ear to the scalp  11   b  and medial to the upper ear  11   a . Bottom portion  125  may be fitted to the head of wearer  10  and/or may include an adjustment structure  115 , such as an adjustable snap, Velcro, ratchet, tie, and/or elastic band to allow crown to surround and seat on the head of wearer  10 . Crown  110  may be hard or soft and may be fabricated of any material, including a plastic solid or mesh material, fabric, or canvas that substantially blocks ultraviolet transmission. Crown  110  may further include ventilation holes, waterproofing, and additional headgear attachments. 
         [0018]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , apparatus  100  includes a brim  120  that extends outward from crown  110  laterally and away from a head of user  10 . For example, brim  120  may be at a 45-degree angle with a vertical of crown  110 . Brim  120  may similarly be hard or soft, like crown  110 , and fabricated of a shading material, like an opaque canvas, leather, or plastic. Brim  120  may extend completely or partially about a circumference of crown  110 . 
         [0019]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , brim  121  meets crown  110  above lower portion  125  of crown  110 , such lower portion  125  being where crown  110  may rest on or nearly on dorsal connection  11   b  against the head medial to the upper ear  11   a . For example, brim  121  may meet crown  110  a half-inch, one inch, or more above a bottom of crown  110 , such that brim  120  is positioned well above ears  11 . While brim  121  is above a lower portion  125  of crown  110 , the exact distance may be varied based on length and angle of brim  121 . For example, if brim  120  is at a nearly 90-degree angle with respect to a vertical of crown  110 , brim  120  may be only 2 or more inches in length (or width, as determined from an extension from a side of crown  110 ) and placed lower on crown  110  but not interfere with ears  11 . Or, for example, if brim  120  is at a lesser angle, such as 20-degrees with respect to a vertical of crown  110 , brim  120  may be three or more inches in length (or width, as determined from an extension from a side of crown  110 ) and placed several inches above lower portion  125  where crown  110  rests on or nearly on ears at connection  11   b  so as to avoid ears  11 . Other sizings and locations are possible, such that brim  120  provides shading functionality without touching ears  11  or other parts of a human wearer  10 . 
         [0020]    Brim  120  may be attached to, or meet crown  110  about, an inner edge  121  of brim  120 . Inner edge  121  is positioned and/or sized such that brim  120  remains above and away from ears or a face of wearer  10  while apparatus  100  is worn on the head. Inner edge  121  may also be positioned above adjustment structure  115 , permitting user interaction with adjustment structure  115  without interference from brim  120 . In this way, example embodiment headgear apparatus  100  can be adjusted, fitted, or sat upon a head of user  10  through head contact of crown  110  and/or lower portion  125  crown fitting to or resting on or nearly on ears at point  11   b , without interference from brim  120  that will otherwise function to block sunlight or other ultraviolet light sources. 
         [0021]    Brim  120  may be nondestructively removable from crown  110 . Or brim  120  may be integrally affixed with crown  110 . For example, brim  120  may simply abut crown  110  and rest above lower portion  125  by virtue of friction and sizing of inner edge  121 . Or brim  120  may include several snaps, a zipper, Velcro, magnetics, latches, adhesives, ties, and/or any other attaching structure that corresponds with attaching structures on crown  110  in order to removably affix the two at desired positions. Still further, brim  120  may be sewn to, molded with, locked into, or otherwise irremovably joined to crown  110 . All these example types of attachments between brim  120  and crown  110  are positioned to permit brim  120  to meet crown  110  above lower portion  125  so as to avoid ears  11 , adjustment mechanism  115 , and/or facial extremities while shading the same. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side illustration of example embodiment headgear apparatus  100 , illustrating several similar features described in connection with  FIG. 1 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , brim  120  can be uniform or varied. For example, brim  120  may have a longer, baseball cap extension in the front to better cover the face. Apparatus  100  may also include a signage area  116  on a front or other portion of crown  110 . Signage area  116  may be relatively flat and/or vertically upright in order to display a name, logo, phrase, or other visual element. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of another example embodiment headgear system  200 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , an existing or conventional baseball cap  20  with crown  21  and front brim  22  may be outfitted with an additional, higher shade brim  220 . For example, shade brim  220  may effectively convert a baseball cap  20  into a structure like example embodiment headgear apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ) by placing shade brim  220  on cap  20 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , brim  220  may be complete or partial, with a cut-out for an existing brim  22 . Brim  220  may rest on cap  21  via an upper band  221 . 
         [0024]    In order to preserve desired height and shade—so as to prevent interaction with a user&#39;s ears or facial extremities—upper band  221  is sized and/or positioned to meet crown  21  of cap  20  at a vertically higher point. For example, upper band  221  may be sized smaller than crown  20  so as to intersect and rest on the same at a point above a lower edge or portion of crown  20 . Or, for example, upper band  221  may include elastic or an adjustable snap, latch, ratchet, etc. in order to adjust in size to achieve such higher intersection. To further secure brim  220  and cap  20 , brim  220  may include elastic or removable fasteners such as buttons, snaps, straps, magnetic members, Velcro, etc. that correspond to fasteners on cap  20  to secure cap  20  and brim  220  together. Similarly, upper band  221  may be irremovably joined to cap  20  through stitching, gluing, or integral formation, for example. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a side view of example embodiment headgear system  200  showing positioning of brim  220  well above a lower portion and any adjustment structure  25  of cap  20 . Through proper sizing and joining, brim  220  may be positioned above, and not interfere with, existing adjustment structure  25  as well as ears or face of a user wearing system  200 . Brim  220 , however, still provides ample ultraviolet radiation blockage by its size and angle of extension from cap  20 . Brim  220  may be fabricated of any material that provides desired ultraviolet radiation blocking, including rigid and flexible materials and/or those materials matching cap  20 . 
         [0026]    Some example embodiments being described here, it is understood that one or more examples and components thereof may be used in combination and/or in duplication to provide desired non-interfering head shade. It will further be appreciated by one skilled in the art that example embodiments may be varied through routine experimentation and without further inventive activity. For example, although some examples rely on a single headgear structure to achieve desired shade, it is understood that other examples may use several separate pieces, including separate cap and brims, as well as multi-part or plural brims. Variations are not to be regarded as departure from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.