Patent Publication Number: US-8112821-B1

Title: Sweat-absorbing liner for use with headwear and associated method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates to sweat-absorbent liners for headwear and, more particularly, to a disposable sweat-absorbent liner for effectively preventing sweat and debris from running into a user&#39;s eyes or staining their headwear. 
     2. Prior Art 
     In the past, it has been common to have a variety of sweatbands positioned within headwear for absorbing sweat on the forehead of an individual during sporting activities such as golf, tennis or baseball and/or outdoor activities. Typically, such sweatbands are a part of a cap, hat or sun visor. These sweatbands are usually made of a moisture absorbing material to absorb the sweat on the forehead of an individual to prevent it from rolling down the face. Unfortunately, the moisture absorbing qualities of the materials used are not always suitable for absorbing excessive amounts of sweat generated during high energy activities. 
     Furthermore, such sweatbands lining the lower inside portion of the headwear are also supposed to prevent the head of the user from directly contacting the material of the hat or cap. These sweatbands are rarely completely effective in preventing moisture from migrating into the material of the hat or cap itself. The headwear, unless constructed of moisture impervious materials such as solid plastic as would be true of a protective helmet, is thus likely to become rapidly stained by sweat, oil, grease and dirt and thus rendered unattractive. A stained hat or cap may thus be discarded well before the end of its useful lifetime. It is, therefore, desirable to have additional means for protecting a hat or cap from the migration of moisture and other contaminants through the sweatband into the material of the hat or cap. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,162 to Yanagihara discloses a perspiration absorbing pad capable of easily preventing clothes from being stained with perspiration. The pad includes a body made of a material which is thin, has softness, stretching properties and flexibility and is excellent in moisture absorbing properties, the body having sufficient dimensions to cover any portion of the clothes which is subject to a stain of perspiration, an active adhesive applied to one surface of the body, and a release paper covering the adhesive coated surface. The pad is usable as a disposable pad. Unfortunately, this prior art example does protect a user&#39;s hat from damage caused by perspiration while wearing the hat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,277 to McConville discloses an improved sweat band. The sweat band includes an elastic band adapted to fit around a user&#39;s head and a length of sponge cloth intermittently attached along spaced apart locations to the elastic band. Only the ends and spaced apart segments of the strips are attached to the elastic band, therefore allowing the elastic band to stretch without being restricted by the inelastic sponge material. In the preferred embodiment, a tubular fabric wrap surrounds the elastic band and the length of sponge cloth to provide additional absorption and also to provide comfort to the user. Unfortunately, this prior art example does protect a user&#39;s hat from damage caused by perspiration while wearing the hat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,932 to Brown discloses a forehead perspiration collector and discharger constructed primarily of various sizes of vinyl or rubber tubing. The larger sized tube of the device having absorption apertures rests upon the wearer&#39;s forehead for taking in perspired fluids whereby the smaller tubes direct any contained excess fluids out to the rear discharge site. An elastic cord is joined to sliding cord retainers which rides over the tubular sides of the device which serves as an adjustable enclosure for securing to a wearer&#39;s head. Unfortunately, this prior art example does protect a user&#39;s hat from damage caused by perspiration while wearing the hat. 
     Accordingly, a need remains for a disposable absorbent liner for headwear and the like in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy to use, is durable yet lightweight in design, is versatile in its applications, and provides hat wearers with an effective means of protecting their skin and headwear from the sometimes detrimental effects of perspiration. 
     The present invention provides an effective barrier between the wearer&#39;s forehead and the eyes during critical moments at 90 degrees plus temperatures, especially when the person is unable to wipe their brow, which could result in a botched play in the game or even worse, an injury that could have been avoided while working with power equipment. Being soft and gentle, the disposable liner is extremely comfortable to wear, providing users with absorbent cushioning about the head area. As a result, bumps and rashes that result from chafing can virtually be eliminated. 
     Furthermore, by providing an effective barrier between the wearer&#39;s head and the hat, use of the present invention alleviates the problem of stains and soils that result from sweating. Because of this, use of the apparatus can advantageously and effectively extend the life of the garment and save the user considerable amounts of money in replacement costs. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for effectively preventing sweat and debris from running into a user&#39;s eyes or staining their headwear. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are provided by a disposable-sweat-absorbent liner for headwear and the like. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a perspiration-absorbing apparatus conveniently includes a core member which has a curvilinear shape and is removably positioned along a posterior face of the existing headwear. Such a core member is positioned above a bill portion of the existing headwear. The core member is formed from a water-impermeable and non-corrosive material that is deformably resilient such that the core member conforms to a contour of the user head after the existing headwear is positioned on the user forehead. 
     The core member effectively includes a centrally disposed female member which has a cavity formed therein and is provided with open lateral ends in fluid communication with the cavity. The core member further includes first and second male members which are slidably interfitted through the open lateral ends respectively and are adjoined with each other within the cavity. Further, each of the first and second male members is independently positional within the cavity such that a longitudinal length of the core member is adapted between extended and shortened positions at either one of the lateral ends as desired by the user. 
     The apparatus further includes a liner removably engaged directly with the core member and directly positioned along a posterior face thereof. Such a liner advantageously includes an adhesive layer and a perspiration-absorbing layer directly coupled thereto. Such an adhesive layer is removably affixed to the core member in such a manner that the core member and the liner are maintained at a substantially stable position along the posterior face of the existing headwear. The liner has a plurality of monolithically formed rectilinear outer edges configured to form a substantially rectangular shape. 
     The liner further includes a layer of rubber statically juxtaposed adjacent to the perspiration-absorbing layer and extending parallel thereto. Such a rubber layer has a medial longitudinal edge conjoined with a medial longitudinal edge of the perspiration-absorbing layer. The rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers are positioned on an anterior face of the liner. The adhesive layer is conveniently positioned on a posterior face of the liner. The liner is wrapped about the core member in such a manner that the rubber layer lies over an anterior face of the core member while the perspiration-absorbing layer lies over a posterior face of the core member such that the core member is intercalated between the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers respectively. 
     The rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers have coextensive respective surface areas and thicknesses for effectively assisting the core member to remain at a substantially stable position while positioned along the posterior face of the existing headwear. The liner has longitudinal and latitudinal lengths that are respectively greater than longitudinal and latitudinal lengths of the core member so that an outer perimeter of the core member is inwardly disposed adjacent to an outer perimeter of the liner. 
     A method for absorbing perspiration from a user forehead while wearing an existing headwear includes the steps of: providing a core member which has a curvilinear shape; providing and removably engaging a liner directly with the core member by directly positioning the liner along a posterior face of the core member, the liner including an adhesive layer, a perspiration-absorbing layer directly coupled thereto, and a plurality of monolithically formed rectilinear outer edges configured to form a substantially rectangular shape; removably positioning the core member along a posterior face of the existing headwear such that the core member is positioned above a bill portion of the existing headwear, the core member being formed from a water-impermeable and non-corrosive material that is deformably resilient; maintaining the core member and the liner at a substantially stable position along the posterior face of the existing headwear by removably affixing the adhesive layer to the core member; and conforming the core member to a contour of the user head after the existing headwear is positioned on the user forehead. 
     The method further includes the steps of: providing a centrally disposed female member which has a cavity formed therein and being provided with open lateral ends in fluid communication with the cavity; providing first and second male members; and adapting a longitudinal length of the core member between extended and shortened positions at either one of the lateral ends by independently and slidably interfitting the first and second male members through the open lateral ends respectively such that the first and second male members adjoin each other within the cavity. 
     The method further includes the steps of: providing and statically juxtaposing a layer of rubber adjacent to the perspiration-absorbing layer by extending the rubber layer parallel to the perspiration-absorbing layer; conjoining a medial longitudinal edge of the rubber layer with a medial longitudinal edge of the perspiration-absorbing layer; positioning the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers on an anterior face of the liner; positioning the adhesive layer on a posterior face of the liner; and wrapping the liner about the core member in such a manner that the rubber layer lies over an anterior face of the core member while the perspiration-absorbing layer lies over a posterior face of the core member such that the core member is intercalated between the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers respectively. 
     The method further includes the step of: maintaining surface friction between the rubber layer and the posterior face of the existing headwear by positioning the rubber layer between the posterior face of the existing headwear and the anterior face of the core member. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     It is noted the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a liner, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a liner, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the  FIG. 1  liner, taken along line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the  FIG. 2  liner, taken along line  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a broken view showing a front perspective of a core member in use with an existing hat; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing an interior of the existing hat with the core member posterior on an anterior side thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing an interior of the existing hat with the liner adhesively disposed over the core member; 
         FIG. 8  is a broken view showing a front perspective of the core member with the liner adhesively attached thereto; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the core member and liner, taken along line  9 - 9 , as seen in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view showing an adjustable core member, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view showing the  FIG. 10   a  core member adapted to an elongated position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures. 
     The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in  FIGS. 1-10   b  by reference numeral  10  and is intended to provide a disposable sweat-absorbent liner for headwear and the like. It should be understood that the apparatus  10  may be used to absorb sweat along many different types of surfaces and should not be limited in use to only lining the interior surface of a baseball cap  11 , for example. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  a disposable sweat-absorbent liner  10  includes a core member  21  which has a curvilinear shape and is removably positioned along a posterior face of the existing headwear  11 . Such a core member  21  is positioned above a bill portion  12  of the existing headwear  11  and may be suitably sized and shaped to span across a major longitudinal length of the posterior face. For example, the core member  21  preferably extends from eyebrow to eyebrow across a user&#39;s forehead but may be retrofitted to accommodate various surfaces that are prone to excreting sweat, for example. The core member  21  may be formed from a water-impermeable and non-corrosive material that is deformably resilient such that the core member  21  conforms to a contour of the user head after the existing headwear  11  is positioned on the user forehead. Suitable materials may include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and other acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes, etc., as well understood by one skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 ,  10   a  and  10   b , the core member  21  includes a centrally disposed female member  22  which has a cavity  23  formed therein and is provided with open lateral ends  24  in fluid communication with the cavity  23 . While the cavity is not explicitly shown in the figures, one skilled in the art understands that the cavity is housed inside of the female member  22 . The core member  21  further includes first and second male members  25 ,  26  which are slidably interfitted through the open lateral ends  24  respectively and are adjoined with each other within the cavity  23 . Further, each of the first and second male members  25 ,  26  is independently positional within the cavity  23  such that a longitudinal length of the core member  21  is adapted between extended and shortened positions at either one of the lateral ends  24  as desired by the user. Such a combination allows a user to adjust the apparatus to make it fit within different types of headwear more comfortably. The combination of such claimed elements is not rendered obvious by one skilled in the art because it provides an unpredictable and unexpected result that overcomes shortcomings associated with a fixed-length core member  21 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  the apparatus further includes a liner  27 ,  27 ′ removably engaged directly, without the use of intervening elements, with the core member  21  and directly, without the use of intervening elements, positioned along a posterior face thereof. Such a liner  27 ,  27 ′ includes an adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′ and a perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′ directly, without the use of intervening elements, coupled thereto. Such an adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′ is removably affixed to the core member  21  in such a manner that the core member  21  and the liner  27 ,  27 ′ are maintained at a substantially stable position along the posterior face of the existing headwear  11 . Further, the adhesive layer is temporarily shielded by a peel-off protective layer  70 ,  71 ′ that should be removed from the adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′ when a user is prepared to position the liner  27 ,  27 ′ within a preexisting hat. The liner  27 ,  27 ′ has a plurality of monolithically formed rectilinear outer edges  30 ,  30 ′ configured to form a substantially rectangular shape. 
     The liner  27 ,  27 ′ further includes a layer of rubber  31  statically juxtaposed adjacent to the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′ and extending parallel thereto. Such a rubber layer  31  has a medial longitudinal edge  32  conjoined with a medial longitudinal edge of the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′. The rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers  31 ,  29 ,  29 ′ are positioned on an anterior face  50  of the liner  27 ,  27 ′. The adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′ is positioned on a posterior face  51  of the liner  27 ,  27 ′. The liner  27 ,  27 ′ is wrapped about the core member  21  in such a manner that the rubber layer  31  lies over an anterior face  52  of the core member  21  while the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′ lies over a posterior face  53  of the core member  21  such that the core member  21  is intercalated between the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers respectively  31 ,  29 ,  29 ′. Advantageously, a ridge  50  of the hat  11  is intercalated between the core member  21  and the adhesive layer  28  for allowing the core member to slidably abut ridge  50  when a user frequently adjusts a position of the headwear during extended use and thereby tolerate shifting movements between the present invention  10  and the user&#39;s forehead, for example. Such a combination within the liner  27 ,  27 ′ provides the apparatus  10  with maximum comfort while also maximizing the liners  27 ,  27 ′ ability to absorb perspiration and the like. 
     The rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers  31 ,  29 ,  29 ′ have coextensive respective surface areas and thicknesses for assisting the core member  21  to remain at a substantially stable position while positioned along the posterior face of the existing headwear  11 . The liner  27 ,  27 ′ has longitudinal and latitudinal lengths that are respectively greater than longitudinal and latitudinal lengths of the core  21  member so that an outer perimeter of the core member  21  is inwardly disposed adjacent to an outer perimeter of the liner  27 ,  27 ′. The combination of such claimed elements is not rendered obvious by one skilled in the art because it provides an unpredictable and unexpected result that solves the shortcoming of premature and undesirable movement of the core member  21  when the user adjusts the headwear over extended periods of time. 
     The apparatus  10  may, in one embodiment, include an absorbent liner  20  that is suitably sized and shaped for effectively adhering to the inside of a hat, baseball cap or other headwear  11 . Of course, the disposable absorbent liner  20  may be produced in a variety of alternate shapes and sizes for different sweat absorption applications, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Each disposable liner  20  may be produced of a soft and cottony synthetic fabric material. The disposable liner  20 , in a preferred embodiment, may have a half-moon shape that effectively accommodates the unique interior curvature of hats or caps, which are essential and advantageous for ensuring no irritating bumps or folds are formed in the disposable liner  20  upon application thereof. Such a disposable liner  20  may, in a preferred embodiment, measure ten inches in length, one and one half to two and one half inches in width, and one sixteenths inches in thickness. 
     To conveniently facilitate easy attachment to hats, the apparatus  10  may have a durable adhesive material, centrally coated on the rear surface of each liner  20  for advantageously and effectively adhering to the plastic shield behind the front panel of a baseball cap or visor  11 . Of course, the disposable liners  20  could be sold in packages containing multiple liners  20  or as single units, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In use, the disposable sweat-absorbent liner  20  for headwear  11  is simple and straightforward to operate. First, the user removes the disposable liner  20  from its packaging. Turning the headwear  11  over, the user then adheres the disposable liner&#39;s  20  sticky backing around the headwear&#39;s  11  interior rim, as well as within the dome. Thus fortified with the liner  11 , the headwear is ready to be donned. As the user goes about daily activities, the disposable liner  20  effectively absorbs any perspiration around the head and neck area, advantageously serving as a barrier between the skin and the headwear. After use, the disposable liner  20  may be quickly and easily peeled away from the headwear, and simply tossed in the closest garbage receptacle. 
     The present invention, as claimed, provides the unexpected and unpredictable benefit of an apparatus  10  that is convenient and easy to use, is durable yet lightweight in design, is versatile in its applications, and provides hat wearers with an effective means of protecting their skin and headwear from the sometimes detrimental effects of perspiration. The present invention provides an effective barrier between the wearer&#39;s forehead and the eyes during critical moments at 90 degrees plus temperatures, especially when the person is unable to wipe their brow, which could result in a botched play in the game or even worse, an injury that could have been avoided while working with power equipment. 
     Being soft and gentle, the disposable liner  20  is extremely comfortable to wear, providing users with sweat-absorbent cushioning about the head area. As a result, bumps and rashes that result from chafing can virtually be eliminated. Furthermore, by providing an effective barrier between the wearer&#39;s head and the headwear  11 , use of the present invention alleviates the problem of stains and soils that result from sweating. Because of this, use of the apparatus  11  can advantageously and effectively extend the life of the garment and save the user considerable amounts of money in replacement costs. 
     In use, a method for absorbing perspiration from a user forehead while wearing an existing headwear  11  includes the steps of: providing a core member  21  which has a curvilinear shape; providing and removably engaging a liner  27 ,  27 ′ directly with the core member by directly positioning the liner  27 ,  27 ′ along a posterior face of the core member  21 . The liner  27 ,  27 ′ preferably includes an adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′, a perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′ directly coupled thereto, and a plurality of monolithically formed rectilinear outer edges  30 ,  30 ′ configured to form a substantially rectangular shape. The method may further include the step of removably positioning the core member  21  along a posterior face of the existing headwear  11  such that the core member  21  is positioned above a bill portion of the existing headwear  11 . The core member  21  is preferably formed from a water-impermeable and non-corrosive material that is deformably resilient. The method may further include the steps of maintaining the core member  21  and the liner  27 ,  27 ′ at a substantially stable position along the posterior face of the existing headwear  11  by removably affixing the adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′ to the core member  21 ; and conforming the core member  21  to a contour of the user head after the existing headwear  11  is positioned on the user forehead. 
     In use, the method may further include the steps of: providing a centrally disposed female member  22  which has a cavity  23  formed therein and being provided with open lateral ends  24  in fluid communication with the cavity  23 ; providing first and second male members  25 ,  26 ; and adapting a longitudinal length of the core member  21  between extended and shortened positions at either one of the lateral ends  24  by independently and slidably interfitting the first and second male members  25 ,  26  through the open lateral ends  24  respectively such that the first and second male members  25 ,  26  adjoin each other within the cavity  23 . 
     In use, the method may further include the steps of providing and statically juxtaposing a layer of rubber  31  adjacent to the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′ by extending the rubber layer  31  parallel to the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′; conjoining a medial longitudinal edge of the rubber layer  31  with a medial longitudinal edge of the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′; positioning the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers  31 ,  29 ,  29 ′ on an anterior face of the liner  27 ,  27 ′; positioning the adhesive layer  28 ,  28 ′ on a posterior face of the liner  27 ,  27 ′; and wrapping the liner  27 ,  27 ′ about the core member  21  in such a manner that the rubber layer  31  lies over an anterior face of the core member  31  while the perspiration-absorbing layer  29 ,  29 ′ lies over a posterior face of the core member  21  such that the core member  21  is intercalated between the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers  31 ,  29 ,  29 ′ respectively. 
     In use, the method may further include the step of: maintaining surface friction between the rubber layer  31  and the posterior face of the existing headwear  11  by positioning the rubber layer  31  between the posterior face of the existing headwear  11  and the anterior face of the core member  21 . Thus, a user can effectively maintain the present invention  10  in a suitable position along the forehead during extended periods of wearing the headwear  11 . 
     While the invention has been described with respect to a certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. The assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.