Patent Publication Number: US-2019166940-A1

Title: Hat with detachable and re-adjustable cancer reducing safety shield

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/521,951 filed on Jun. 19, 2017, entitled “DETACHABLE AND RE-ADJUSTABLE CANCER REDUCING SAFETY HEADWEAR” and co-pending U.S. Non provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/011,137. These references are hereby incorporated in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present embodiment generally relates to a hat with cancer reducing safety features. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A need exists for a hat with detachable removable cancer protection device for which is washable and usable as a messaging device. 
     The present embodiments meet these needs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows: 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  depict a top view of an embodiment of a hat with the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 1C  shows a side view of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sunshield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a top view of a hat with semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a bottom view of a portion of a hat with semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a side view of semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a bottom view of a hat with the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts bottom view of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a hat with the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield with a light portion mounted on the headwear according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  depict the slip clips according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  depict an additional embodiment of the slip clip according to one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a hat with detachable and re-adjustable cancer reducing safety protection. 
     The invention relates to a hat with a reversible detachable and re-adjustable cancer reducing portion. 
     The hat has a semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield with a top side and a bottom side and attached to the bill and the main portion of a hat such as a baseball hat. 
     The hat with reversible detachable and re-adjustable cancer reducing portion has a safety region on the top side. 
     The hat has a semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield configured to surround the cap portion of the hat, such as a baseball hat, from a first edge of the bill to a second edge of the bill without covering the bill. 
     The hat has a semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield with an adjustable balanced three point securing system to push the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield against the cap portion while simultaneously preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up the cap portion and off the head of a wearer. 
     The three point securing system has a first connection to a first edge of the bill, a second connection to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection, and a third connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield extends from the back of the baseball hat and the first and second connections are proximate to temples of a wearer, limiting axial movement of said semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield while simultaneously securing the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield to the baseball cap providing a protection for the ears and neck of the user and viewable safety area simultaneously while wearing the hat. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the present hat in detail, it is to be understood that the hat is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways. 
     Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching persons having ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     The present invention relates to a hat with a detachable and re-adjustable cancer reducing safety portion. Hats contemplated herein have a bill and a cap or “head covering portion” which may not cover ears or a neck. 
     The embodiments of the hat reduce the amount of sweat produced by the wearer by providing better ventilation due to the outward extending design. 
     The embodiments of the hat avoid the use of an elastic band over the bill portion of the hat. Therefore, the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield does not ride up over the cap portion of the hat. 
     The invention can aid in preventing sun burns and skin cancer. 
     The invention allows the wearer to have airflow around the ears and neck while providing protection from the sun&#39;s rays. 
     The cancer preventing hat has components that can be interchangeable and adjustable between different types of baseball hats. 
     The invention provides safety reflective material, which can be placed on the headwear to provide nighttime safety benefits as well as daytime cancer preventing benefits. 
     The hat can be customized to provide advertisement for businesses or inspirational call to action messages. 
     The following terms are used herein: 
     The term “adjustable balanced three point securing system” refers to the three points for connecting the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield against the cap portion while preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up the cap portion and off the head of a wearer. There is a first connection to a first edge of the bill, a second connection to a second edge of the bill, and a third connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to a cap midpoint of the cap portion at opposite the bill while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
     The term “adjustable detachable movement-limiting means” refers to an adjustable strap or an adjustable strap with a removable clip that is attached to C shape sun shield for attaching the C shape sun shield to the hat, which can be a baseball cap. 
     The term “cancer reducing” refers to the ability of the hat to prevent penetration of ultraviolet light directly to the neck or directly to the ears of a hat wearer. 
     The term “cap portion and a bill” refers to a baseball hat that covers the head with a solid material, preventing ultraviolet radiation permeation, and having an integral extending bill that flows over the nose of the person. The cap portion is typically made from multiple panels of soft fabric forming a top peak with the bill extending from a segment of the cap portion opposite the peak. 
     The term “C shape sun shield” refers to a protective covering, which can be attached to a baseball cap or any other brimless hat with a bill that is used to protect the wearer from ultra violet rays. 
     The term “clip” refers to clips used for attaching the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sunshield to the side of a cap portion of a baseball cap. 
     The term “detachable” refers to a removable re-attachable safety portion, which can be detached from a cap and then reattached to a cap an unlimited number of times, such as over 100 times without deforming or changing shape. 
     The term “re-adjustable” refers to an ability of the safety portion to be tightened or loosened, to adjust to individual head sizes of a wearer, such as a child size head or a large adult head. 
     The term “safety region” refers to the region on the top side of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield. The safety region can have a reflective sticker chemiluminescent feature or can have a micro-prismatic reflective sticker. The reflective sticker can have a chemiluminescent feature. 
     The term “semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield” refers to a closed cell foam such as expanded vinyl acetate, with a central arc that surrounds the cap portion of the baseball cap from a first edge of the bill to a second edge of the bill without covering the bill. The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield has a top side, a bottom side, and a safety region on the top side. The closed cell foam can have a thickness of 3 mm. 
     Turning now to the Figures,  FIGS. 1A-C  show a top view and a side view of the hat  10  with the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield for a baseball cap without ear or neck protection. 
     The baseball cap has a cap portion  12  integrally connected and a bill  14 . 
     The hat  10  has a semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20 . 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20  can have a top side  21 , a bottom side, and a safety region  24  on the top side  21 . 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20  can be configured to surround the cap portion  12  of the hat  10  from a first edge  15  of the bill  14  to a second edge  16  of the bill without covering the bill. 
     A fabric portion  23  can be used to cover all or a portion of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20 , such as a waterproof plastic sheet which is 1/64th inch in thickness, and can be adhered to the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield with adhesive. 
     In embodiments, the safety region  24  can have a reflective sticker  44 . The reflective sticker  44  can have a chemiluminescent feature or can have a micro-prismatic reflective sticker. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  depict a top and a bottom view of the hat and side view with detailed view of the connectors. 
     The hat  10  can have a removable fastener attached to a cap portion  12 , which is sewn to the bottom side at the midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20 . The removable fastener can be a safety pin attached to the midpoint  39  at the back side of the cap portion  12 . 
     In embodiments, the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20  can be configured to surround the cap portion  12  of the hat  10  from a first edge  15  of a bill  14  to a second edge  16  of the bill without covering the bill. 
     An adjustable balanced three point securing system is shown to push the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20  against the cap portion while simultaneously preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up the cap portion and off the head of a wearer, having a first connection  32  engaging to a first edge of the bill  14  and a second connection  34  engaging to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     In embodiments, a third connection  36  can extend from a midpoint  37  of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield  20  to a cap midpoint  39  of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
     In embodiments, the third connection  36  can be a movement-limiting flexible retention element, which can be selected from the group: a hook and loop fastener, snaps, a spring loaded plastic clip, a button, or a slip clip. 
     In embodiments, the removable fastener can engage the third connection  36 . 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a bottom side  22  of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20 . 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20  is shown with a third connection  36  from a midpoint  37  of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the cap midpoint  39  of the back of the cap portion. 
     The third connection  36  can be a segment of elastic  45 , which is sewn onto the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20  that further engages a hook and loop segment (such as VELCRO™) sewn to the elastic segment for engaging the removable fastener. 
     The illuminating light  46  with a power supply  47  can be mountable to the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield. 
     In embodiments, the power supply  47  can be attached to the semi-rigid outward extending C shape sun shield  20  and power the illuminating light. 
     In embodiments, the hat can have a closable storage element for credit cards  55 . 
     The hat can have a closable storage element for keys  56 . 
       FIG. 3B  depicts another embodiment of a bottom side  22  of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20 . 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20  can have a first connection  32  engaging to a first edge of the bill and a second connection  34  engaging to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20  can have a first slip clip  50   a  secured to a first edge of the bill. A second slip clip  50   b  can be secured to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     In embodiments the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20  can have a third connection  36 . The third connection can be a slip clip  60 , which attaches a midpoint of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield  20  onto the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
       FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of lights  46  mounted on the top side outside perimeter of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield  20  creating a safety lighting depicting the location of a wearer. The light is configured to illuminate in a variety of preset patterns when actuated by the wearer or light to depict a location of a wearer. 
     The light portion  46  is shown mounted on the top side outer perimeter. The lights can flash. The lights can have different modes, such as chase lights, patterns on the headwear. 
       FIG. 5A-5D  depicts the slip clips according to one or more embodiments. 
     Each slip clip  50   a  has a curved top  52  with two notches  58   a - 58   b  on one end for making a connection with the edge of a bill. 
     In embodiments, each slip clip  50   a  has a curved mid portion  58 . 
     The curved mid portion  58  connected the curved top portion  52  to a hooked bottom  56 . The hooked bottom  56  has two teeth  54   a - 54   b  for connecting each slip clip  50  to the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield. 
     In embodiments, the first slip clip  50   a  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) secures to a first edge of the bill. The second slip clip  50   a  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) as the second connection secures to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
       FIG. 6A-6D  depicts an additional embodiment of a slip clip  60 . 
     In embodiments, the slip clip  60  has curvilinear top  62  with one notch  64  integrally connected to a hooked bottom  66  for making a connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
     In embodiments, the hooked bottom  66  has two teeth  68   a - 68   b  for connecting the slip clip  60  to the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield. 
     Example 1—Adult Large Baseball Cap 
     In this first example, the inventive hat can be an adult large baseball cap without ear or neck protection. 
     A semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield that can be 5 and ¼ inches wide and 36 inches along the circumference and covers 280 degrees has a top side can have customized wording, such as “Canyon Cowboys” and a bottom side with a closable storage element for containing keys. In this example, the opening has two hook and loop fasteners at the opening for closing a pocket mounted on the bottom side. 
     The safety region on the top side can have an area of 30×4 inches and is tapered at the ends around the cap portion of the baseball cap without covering the face. 
     The safety region can extend from 1 inch in from a first edge of the bill adjacent the temple area to 1 inch in from a second edge of the bill adjacent the temples of a wearer without covering the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield is secured to the cap portion and bill with an adjustable balanced three point securing system designed to push the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield against the cap portion while simultaneously preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up and over the cap portion and off the head of a wearer. 
     Two spring loaded pivoting clips can be used as the first and second connections. The first clip as the first connection secures to a first edge of the bill. The second clip as the second connection secures to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     VELCRO™ can be used as a third connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. The VELCRO™ is a two piece construct, with a 2 inch long hook portion and 2 inch long loop portion. The hook portion of the VELCRO™ is attached to an elastic segment that is 2 inches long. The loop portion of the VELCRO™ is sewn to the bottom side of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield. The VELCRO™ segment allows the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to be tightened or loosened. Additionally, the two spring loaded pivoting clips can be moved forward along the bill to tighten the connection to the cap portion. 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield extends from the back of the baseball hat, limiting axial movement of said semi-rigid extending C shape sun shield while simultaneously securing the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield to the baseball cap providing protection for the ears and neck of the user and viewable safety area simultaneously while wearing the baseball hat. 
     Example 2—Child Team Baseball Caps 
     In this second example, hat can be a child size baseball cap without ear or neck protection. 
     For the child team, the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield can be 3 and ½ inches wide and 22 inches along the circumference and can cover 280 degrees, having a top side with an area for customized wording for a child&#39;s large cap. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield can be 3 inches wide and 21 inches along the circumference and covers 280 degrees has a top side with a with an area for customized wording for child&#39;s medium cap. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield can be 2 and ½ inches wide and 20 inches along the circumference and covers 280 degrees has a top side with an area for customized wording for a child&#39;s small cap. 
     Each of the team embodiments has a top side with customized wording that says “save money for college” and a bottom side with a closable storage element for the child&#39;s student identification. In this example, a flap secured by additional VELCRO™ can contain the student identification. 
     The safety region can extend from 1 inch in from a first edge of the bill adjacent the temple area to 1 inch in from a second edge of the bill adjacent the temples of a wearer without covering the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield is secured to the cap portion and bill with an adjustable balanced three point securing system to push the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield against the cap portion while simultaneously preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up and over the cap portion and off the head of a wearer. 
     Two slip clips can be used as the first and second connections. The first slip clip as the first connection secures to a first edge of the bill; the second slip clip as the second connection secures to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     VELCRO™ can be used as a third connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. The VELCRO™ is a two piece construct, with a 2 inch long hook portion and 2 inch long loop portion. The hook portion of the VELCRO™ is attached to an elastic segment that is 2 inches long. The loop portion of the VELCRO™ is sewn to the bottom side of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield. The VELCRO™ segment allows the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to be tightened or loosened. 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield extends from the back of the baseball hat, limiting axial movement of said semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield while simultaneously securing the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield to the baseball cap providing a protection for the ears and neck of the user and viewable safety area simultaneously while wearing the baseball hat. 
     Example 3—Adult Large Baseball Cap with Snaps and Clips 
     In this first example, the hat is another baseball cap without ear or neck protection. 
     A semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield that is 5 and ¼ inches wide and 36 inches along the circumference and covers 280 degrees has a top side with a customized area that says “Canyon Cowboys” and a bottom side with a closable storage element for containing keys. In this example, the opening has two hook and loop fasteners at the opening for closing a pocket mounted on the bottom side. 
     The safety region on the top side can have an area of 30×4 inches and is tapered at the ends around the cap portion of the baseball cap without covering the face. 
     The safety region extends from 1 inch in from a first edge of the bill adjacent the temple area such as 1 inch in from a second edge of the bill adjacent the temples of a wearer without covering the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield is secured to the cap portion and bill with an adjustable balanced triangular three point securing system designed to push the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield against the cap portion while simultaneously preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up and over the cap portion and off the head of a wearer. 
     Two spring loaded pivoting clips attached to snaps are used as the first and second connections. The first clip as the first connection secures to a first edge of the bill. The second clip as the second connection secures to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     An additional spring loaded pivoting clip attached to a third snap is used as a third connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield extends from the back of the baseball hat, limiting axial movement of said semi-rigid extending C shape sun shield while simultaneously securing the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield to the baseball cap providing an SPF of 100 for the ears and neck of the user and viewable safety area simultaneously while wearing the baseball hat. 
     Example 4—Child Team Baseball Caps with Clips 
     In this example is another baseball cap without ear or neck protection. 
     For the child team, the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield can be 3 and ½ inches wide and 22 inches along the circumference and can cover 280 degrees, having a top side with an area for customized wording for a child&#39;s large cap. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield can be 3 inches wide and 21 inches along the circumference and covers 280 degrees has a top side with a with an area for customized wording for child&#39;s medium cap. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield can be 2 and ½ inches wide and 20 inches along the circumference and covers 280 degrees has a top side with an area for customized wording for a child&#39;s small cap. 
     Each of the team embodiments has a top side with a customized area that can say “save money for college” and a bottom side with a closable storage element for the child&#39;s student identification. In this example, a flap secured by additional VELCRO™ can contain the student identification. 
     The safety region extends from 1 inch in from a first edge of the bill adjacent the temple area such as 1 inch in from a second edge of the bill adjacent the temples of a wearer without covering the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield is secured to the cap portion and bill with an adjustable balanced triangular three point securing system to push the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield against the cap portion while simultaneously preventing vertical movement of the semi-rigid outward extending C shaped sun shield up and over the cap portion and off the head of a wearer. 
     Two slip clips, are used as the first and second connections. The first slip clip as the first connection secures to a first edge of the bill; the second slip clip as the second connection secures to a second edge of the bill simultaneously with the first connection. 
     An additional slip clip is used as a third connection from a midpoint of the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shaped sun shield to the midpoint of the back of the cap portion while the first and second connections engage opposite sides of the bill. 
     The semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield extends from the back of the baseball hat, limiting axial movement of said semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield while simultaneously securing the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield to the baseball cap providing provides an SPF of 100 for the ears and neck of the user and viewable safety area. 
     Embodiments of the hat include having a safety region that contains a changeable customized area. 
     Embodiments of the hat can include using reflective paint on a portion of the hat. 
     Embodiments of the hat include at least one reflective sticker in the safety region for nighttime safety. 
     Embodiments of the hat include a light electrically connected to a power supply mountable to the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield and wherein the light portion is mounted on the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield. 
     In embodiments, the first and second connections can be snaps, a spring loaded plastic clips, buttons, or slip clips. 
     In embodiments, the clips can pivot. 
     In embodiments, the third connection can be a movement-limiting flexible retention such as a hook and loop fastener, snaps, a spring loaded plastic clip, a button, or a slip clip. 
     In other embodiments, the hat can have one or more closable storage elements for credit cards, keys or money of all of these elements. 
     In embodiments, the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield contains a closed cell foam, such as expanded vinyl acetate. 
     In embodiments, the semi-rigid outwardly extending C shape sun shield can be fabricated from a rigid felt or paper product. 
     In embodiments, the hat can be a hard hat. 
     While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.