Patent Publication Number: US-2011055997-A1

Title: All season baseball cap

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/275,098 filed Aug. 25, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “All Season Baseball Cap.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to the field of headgear, and more specifically to the field of baseball caps, and even more specifically to the field of baseball caps having ear flaps. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art has put forth several designs for baseball caps having ear flaps. Among these are: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,149,121 to I. Kronenberger describes a combined cap and ear muffs comprising a removable fur ear muff or fur band liner. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,640,199 to J. H. Funk describes headwear comprising a billed cap and oval ear muffs that slide down from the side of the cap. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,859 to Gilbert C. Gerhardt describes a cap comprising ear flaps that fold down from the inside of the cap. 
     None of these prior art references describe the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved baseball cap having ear flaps that are securable inside the cap or unfolded for ear coverage when needed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of the baseball cap of the present invention showing the ear flaps in the down position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of the baseball cap of the present invention showing the ear flaps folded up and secured inside the cap. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the most popular types of hat worn by consumers today is the simple baseball cap. Featuring a fitted skull cap and extended bill which serves as a visor to block the sun, baseball caps are worn by men and women alike. Whether adorned with the logo of a favorite sporting team or sporting goods company, or simply produced in a pretty pattern or color, baseball hats afford consumers a protective covering to keep the head warm, hide a bald spot or even discreetly camouflage a “bad hair” day. Unfortunately, during cold weather, consumers must forego wear of a much loved baseball cap because these devices do not provide adequate warmth. Simply stated, while a baseball cap prevents heat from escaping the head, the design of these caps leaves the ears exposed, thus resulting in bright red and frigid ear lobes when spending time outdoors during cold weather. 
     Having recognized the need for a modification to the design of baseball caps which enables consumers to comfortably keep their ears warm when spending time outdoors in cold weather, the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the All Season Baseball Cap, was developed. As the name implies, the All Season Baseball Cap is just that; a specially designed ball cap that can be worn throughout the year, regardless of seasonal temperatures. Double stitched and reinforced, the All Season Baseball Cap is manufactured from a variety of materials including cotton, wool and canvas, for example. Similar in appearance to a traditional baseball cap, the All Season Baseball Cap comprises a simple fitted beanie on the front base of which a bill visor is integrally attached. In an embodiment, the cap itself is adjustable, with a simple plastic or leather fastener positioned at the base of the cap in the rear for use in customizing the unit to fit the wearer&#39;s head. As with traditional baseball caps, the bill portion of the All Season Baseball Cap is reinforced with a cardboard or plastic insert. 
     The novel feature of the All Season Baseball Cap however, and what sets this product apart from traditional ball caps is found in the two, easily accessed ear muffs, incorporated into the design of the unit. Appropriately positioned on each side of the cap so as to rest directly over the ears when accessed, these ear flaps are essentially triangular shaped panels featuring a cushiony warm lining, manufactured of cotton or wool. 
     An easily accessed self affixing hook and loop strap fastener extends from the base of each ear flap and is comfortably secured beneath the chin during use. Designed to rest flush against the sides and top of the hat when not in use, these ear muffs blend with the overall design of the cap and can be adorned with logos or other decorative imagery, providing a striking contrast to the cap itself. 
     As with other caps boasting ear muffs, the All Season Baseball Cap&#39;s ear muffs are secured together on top of the cap when not in use. The ear muffs are fastened to the top of the cap via a specially designed fastener designated as an “RT” clamp. The RT clamp corresponds with simple interlocking fasteners positioned on the base of each ear flap, securing the ear muffs to the top of the hat. Thus to access the ear muffs, the user need only press down on the RT clamp, releasing the muffs, positioning them over the ears and securing them beneath the chin. 
     The All Season Baseball Cap can be produced in a variety of vibrant colors and printed designs. This stylish hat can also be adorned with various logos of professional and amateur sporting teams. 
     The All Season Baseball Cap is an innovative invention which offers consumers a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the All Season Baseball Cap provides consumers an effective, yet more user-friendly modification to the design of baseball caps. A line of stylish ball caps boasting easily accessed ear muffs which serve to keep the ears warm and toasty when spending time outdoors, the All Season Baseball Cap enables consumers to sport their favorite ball cap throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. Eliminating the need to wear bulky stocking caps, scarves and similar headgear to keep the ears warm, with the All Season Baseball Cap, wearers simply release the unique RT clamp, accessing the attached ear muffs and they are ready to go! Serving to keep the head and ears warm when spending time outdoors during cold weather, this unique product provides a fully functional baseball cap to be worn during the Spring, Summer and Fall months. Boasting an adjustable fitted cap and extended bill, the All Season Baseball Cap serves to block the bright light of the sun from the eyes, while providing an attractive covering for the head. Produced in a myriad of vibrant colors and attractive designs, there is an All Season Baseball Cap to meet the needs of any consumer, young or old, male or female. Manufactured of durable, high quality materials, the All Season Baseball Cap will withstand many winters of continued use. 
     The All Season Baseball Cap is an innovative invention which effectively alleviates the challenges already faced when dressing to protect the body from wintry chill. An attractive baseball cap boasting easily accessed ear muffs, this practical product will be enjoyed by children as well as adults. Affordably priced, the All Season Baseball Cap will be well received by the general consumer populace. 
     Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.