Patent Publication Number: US-5632046-A

Title: Self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat band for a hat

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention is self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat bands for a hat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,734 teaches a low cost sweat band which is formed of an elastic fabric core of a length to resiliently encircle the head and a low strength, highly absorbent paper fabric cover of excess length which is gathered into a cushioning, absorbent pad by stitching onto the elastic fabric. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,116 teaches a sweat band which has a first component for absorbing copious quantities of perspiration from a user&#39;s skin and a second component for holding the first component against that part of the user&#39;s body from which perspiration is to be adsorbed. The moisture absorbing component has a core of moisture absorbent material covered with a soft, pliable material which will be comfortable to the user and will efficiently promote the absorption of moisture from the user&#39;s skin and the transfer of that moisture to the absorbent core. The second component of the sweat band includes an elongated, elastically extensible member with the ends thereof fixed to opposite ends of the first sweat band component. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,157 teaches a ventilated hat which has an adjusting band. The adjusting band is preferably formed as a moisture absorbent sweat band and extends along the inside of the primary band structure of the hat, in spaced relation thereto to allow circulation of air upwardly and downwardly through a gap between the two bands. At least one and preferably both of the ends of the adjusting band are connected to the primary band structure for relative longitudinal adjusting movement in a relation varying the effective size of the hat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,519 teaches a head band which includes an absorbent material and an elastic material. The head band encircles the head of the user and absorbs sweat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,210 teaches a quick-change sweat band which is designed to be comfortable. The quick-change sweat band is attached to the existing sweat band manufactured in a cap or other head-wear. Primarily, it consists of a loop pile fastener adhered permanently to the existing sweat band, and a hook pile fastener is similarly secured to an absorbent band for engagement with the loop pile fastener. The combination of the hook pile fastener and the pad are quickly removed for replacement and washing when needed, and prevents odors from perspiration in the cap visor and the existing sweat band. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,504 teaches a liner for head coverings including helmets, hats and caps which has a body with a central section and tapered end sections. The body includes absorbing material and is releasably secured to the head covering for easy replacement. The liners are typically disposable and may be formed with a core of thermoplastic containing other fibers sandwiched between facing and backing sheets. The edges and transverse section of the body may be densified. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,210 teaches a disposable sweat liner for a safety hat which provides comfort and safety. The disposable sweat liner is composed of layers of absorbent padding which is covered on the top and bottom with fabric. A pressure-sensitive adhesive tab attaches the disposable sweat liner to the safety hat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,126 teaches a disposable liner which is to be placed inside a head covering so as to be in direct contact with a wearer&#39;s forehead. The disposable liner is formed of an absorbent material such as terry cloth which has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side thereof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,196 teaches a cap which has a cover, a bill, a two-part adjustable band with standard adjustment apertures and fittings and a liner. The liner is attached to the base of the cover by the complementary fastners which are sold and marketed under trademark &#34;VELCRO.&#34; 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a sweat band for a hat which includes a brim and crown which has a base. 
     In a first separate aspect of the invention the sweat band is self-adjusting and includes an elastic material. 
     In a second separate aspect of the invention the sweat band is fabric-covered and includes a fabric material which is attached to the base. 
     Other aspects and many of the attendant advantages will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawing in which like reference symbols designate like parts throughout the figures. 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing in partial cross-section of a hat which includes a crown, a brim and a self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat band according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the hat of FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial elevation view of the hat of FIG. 1 taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 a hat 10 includes a crown 11 and a brim 12. The crown 11 has a base 13 having an inner circumference. In a specific embodiment the inner circumference is 24 inches. The unfinished or blocked hat 10 is generally formed out of either felt or straw. The hat 10 may not include a brim; the hat 10 may include only the base of the crown 11. 
     Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 a self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat band 20 includes an elastic material 21 and a fabric material 22. The elastic material 21 has a length of a first dimension, which is smaller than the inner circumference of the base 13, and a width of a second dimension. The elastic material 21 has a front end, a rear end, a first edge 23 and a second edge 24 running lengthwise. The front end and the rear end lap over each other and are stitched together into a first circle. In a specific embodiment the length of the elastic material 21 is 19 inches and the width of the elastic material 21 is 1/2 inch. The circumference of the first circle which is formed by the stitched together elastic material 21 is 183/4 inches. The fabric material 22 may be selected from a group consisting of silk, cotton, synthetic polymers and blends thereof. The fabric material 22 has a length of the third dimension, which is larger than the inner circumference of the base 13, and a width of a fourth dimension, which is greater than four times the second dimension. The fabric material 22 has a front end, a rear end, a first edge 25 and a second edge 26 running lengthwise. The front end and the rear end are stitched together into a second circle. In the specific embodiment the length of the fabric material 22 is 27 inches and the width of the fabric material 22 is 3 inches. The circumference of the second circle which is formed by the stitched together fabric material 22 is 261/2 inches. The fabric material 22 is folded over along a lengthwise centerline. The elastic material 21 is encased in the folded over fabric material 22 with the first edge 23 of the elastic material 21 being adjacent and contiguous to the lengthwise centerline. Stitches 27 in the fabric material 22, which are adjacent and contiguous to the second edge 24 of the elastic material 21, secure it within. The remainder of the folded over fabric material 22 is attached to the base 13. 
     The unique composition of the elastic material 21 and the fabric material 22 and the method of fabricating and attaching self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat band 20 to the base 13 creates a hat 10 which fits a range of head sizes, which is light and comfortable and which is firmly secured on the head of the wearer. In the specific embodiment the head size of the hat 10 ranges from 19 inches to 231/4 inches. 
     From the foregoing it can be seen that a self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweat band for a hat has been described. It should be noted that the sketches are not drawn to scale and that distance of and between the figures are not to be considered significant. Accordingly it is intended that the foregoing disclosure and showing made in the drawing shall be considered only as an illustration of the principle of the present invention.