Patent Publication Number: US-2022225719-A1

Title: Hat having chin strap members

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to a hat comprising cords connecting the band to chin strap members, which are adjustable for positioning beneath the chin of the wearer. 
     STATE OF THE ART 
     Hats for water sports like surfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, stand-up paddle board, kayaking, sailing, per instance, are important for the sports people due to the utility of the hats about the sun protection, the eye protection from glare and the protection from water splashes. 
     A common problem in the state of the art is that wind and water may pull on the hat during the practice of these sports. A critical, but very common event, occurs when a person is under water, after falling off the board or when diving through under a wave, and the current and force of the water and waves may pull on every clothing the person is wearing. In the case of a hat, if it is not secured properly to the head of the user, it will either fall off or pull back, while still secured around the neck. This situation may cause a discomfort or even a serious injury to the user. 
     Another problem in the known hats of the prior art is that the models designed to be used in water sports, per instance, are very visible. In other words, the elements of the hat functioning as adjusting and locking members of the hat to the head have relatively bigger proportions and are prepared from materials, which are highly visible, leading to a poor design. Furthermore, the large adjusting and locking members of the hat can push into the delicate throat area or sometimes sit right on the jawbone, which can cause discomfort, or prevent the wearer from tightening the chin strap securely. In the prior art, are revealed hats with these features, as it seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,229A (MCLEOD, JODY E.; ROSENTHAL, BROCK J.), 16 Jun. 1998, FIG. 1; in JP2012102436A (DIC PLASTICS INC), 31 May 2012, FIG. 1; and in US2011055997A1 (TYLER RONALD), 10 Mar. 2011, FIG. 1. These hats may have the looking member positioned in un uncomfortable position near the ear and the adjusting members have a flat and large design. 
     Another problem related to the relatively bigger proportions of the adjusting and locking members of the hat to the chin is the undesirable developing of markable tanning lines on cheek, ear and neck where the chinstrap is positioned. 
     The hats comprised in the prior art use materials that stretch and therefore under pressure, will stretch and widen. Therefore, the hats of the prior art are more likely to fall off the head when, through external forces, the material stretches. 
     Therefore, there is a necessity in the state of the art concerning the development of hats having a special construction that allows them to stay on the head during the sports practices. There are challenges to be overcome related to development of more suitable forms of adjustable chin straps to secure the hat to the head and to design of more adjustable back straps to ensure tight fit. There is a necessity of developing new solutions with strong materials to overall prevent the use of chungy fabrics, trims and buckles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to promote an understanding of the principles according to the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments shown in the figures and to the language used to describe them. In any event, it is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the present invention to the contents of the figures. Any subsequent changes or modifications of the inventive features herein and any further applications of the principles and embodiments of the invention illustrated which would normally occur to a person skilled in the art having the possession of this disclosure are within the scope of the claimed invention. 
         FIG. 1 —is a side view of the hat according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2 —is a head down view of the hat according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 —is a rear view of the hat according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A —is a view of locking members used in an embodiment of the hat according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B —is a view of another locking members used in another embodiment of the hat according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C —is a view of another embodiment of locking members that may be employed in the hat according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5 —is a view of preferred embodiments referred to the attachment points of the cords to the brim; and 
         FIG. 6 —is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the hat according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
     
         
         
           
             a hat ( 1 ); 
             a main hat portion ( 2 ); 
             a brim ( 3 ); 
             a band ( 4 ); 
             a first cord ( 5 ); 
             a second cord ( 6 ); 
             a frontal right-side attachment zone ( 7 ); 
             a rear right-side attachment zone ( 8 ); 
             a frontal left-side attachment zone ( 9 ); 
             a rear left-side attachment zone ( 10 ); 
             a first chin strap member ( 11 ); 
             a second chin strap member ( 12 ); 
             a first locking member ( 13 ); 
             a second locking member ( 14 ); 
             a frontal panel ( 15 ); 
             a frontal right-side panel ( 16 ); 
             a frontal left-side panel ( 17 ); 
             a rear right-side panel ( 18 ); 
             a rear left-side panel ( 19 ); 
             a rear opening ( 20 ); 
             a resilient tab in the male connector ( 21 ); 
             an opening in the female connector ( 22 ); 
             a third locking member ( 23 ); 
             a fourth locking member ( 24 ); 
             a knob ( 25 ); 
             an opening ( 26 ); 
             a forehead zone ( 27 ); 
             an occipital zone ( 28 ); 
             an adjustable length member ( 29 ); 
             an opening for the passage of the adjustable length member ( 30 ); 
             a strap member ( 31 ); 
             an unlocking button ( 32 ); 
             a frontal reference point ( 33 ); 
             a rear reference point ( 34 ); 
             a frontal right-side attachment point ( 35 ); 
             a rear right-side attachment point ( 36 ); 
             a frontal left-side attachment point ( 37 ); 
             a rear left-side attachment point ( 38 ); 
             a top of the main hat portion ( 39 ); 
             a length of the arc from the frontal reference point to the rear reference point (L); 
             a length of the arc from the frontal right-side attachment point to the rear right-side attachment point or a length of the arc from the frontal left-side attachment point to the rear left-side attachment point (d 1 ); 
             a length of the arc from the frontal right-side attachment point to the frontal reference point or a length of the arc from the frontal left-side attachment point to the frontal reference point (d 2 ); 
             a length of the arc from the rear right-side attachment point to the rear reference point or a length of the arc from the rear left-side attachment point to the rear reference point (d 3 ); 
             a length of the arc from the top of the main hat portion to the frontal reference point (d 4 ); and 
             a length of the arc from the top of the main hat portion to the rear reference point (d 5 ). 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
         The present invention refers to a hat ( 1 ) comprising:       

     a main hat portion ( 2 ) and a brim ( 3 ), the main hat portion ( 2 ) having an inside surface and an outside surface; 
     a band ( 4 ) disposed around a bottom portion of the inside surface of the main hat portion ( 2 ) having a first cord ( 5 ) having a first end attached to a frontal right-side attachment zone ( 7 ) in the band ( 2 ) and a second end attached to a rear right-side attachment zone ( 8 ) in the band ( 2 ); 
     a second cord ( 6 ) having a first end attached to a frontal left-side attachment zone ( 9 ) in the band ( 2 ) and a second end attached to a rear left-side attachment zone ( 10 ) in the band ( 2 ); 
     a first chin strap member ( 11 ) connected to the first cord ( 5 ); 
     a second chin strap member ( 12 ) connected to the second cord ( 6 ); 
     a first locking member ( 13 ) attached to the first chin strap member ( 11 ); and 
     a second locking member ( 14 ) attached to the second chin strap member ( 12 ); wherein the first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) have a cross section substantially circular; 
     the first chin strap member ( 11 ) and the second chin strap member ( 12 ) have a slidable movement along the respective outer surfaces of the first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ); and 
     the first chin strap member ( 11 ) and the second chin strap member ( 12 ) are connectable between first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ) and are further adjustable for positioning beneath the chin of the wearer. 
     The present invention also comprises a method for retaining the hat on a person&#39;s head, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
     a) Positioning the main hat portion ( 2 ) on the head;   b) Adjusting the length of the first chin strap member ( 11 ) and second chin strap member ( 12 ) for positioning them beneath the chin of the wearer;   c) Locking the first chin strap member ( 11 ) and second chin strap member ( 12 ) by means of the first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ).   

     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frontal right-side attachment zone ( 7 ) and the frontal left-side attachment zone ( 9 ) are located adjacent to the intersection between the band ( 4 ) and the brim ( 3 ). Furthermore, the rear right-side attachment zone ( 8 ) and the rear left-side attachment zone ( 10 ) may be located adjacent to the intersection between the band ( 4 ) and respectively the rear right panel ( 18 ) and rear left panel ( 19 ). 
     As it is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , concerning about preferred embodiments of the abovementioned attachment zones, the ratio d 1 :L is equal or superior to 11.0:29.5, wherein:
         a) d 1  is a length of the arc from the frontal right-side attachment point ( 35 ) to the rear right-side attachment point ( 36 ) or a length of the arc from the frontal left-side attachment point ( 37 ) to the rear left-side attachment point ( 38 ); and   b) L is a length of the arc from the frontal reference point ( 33 ) to the rear reference point ( 34 ).       

     The embodiments of the present invention, having the ratio d 1 :L equal or superior to 11.0:29.5, contribute to a higher stability of the hats, allowing them to stay properly fitted on the head of the wearer, even when strong waves or winds, per instance, strike against the position of the hat. 
     As it is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in a more preferred embodiment of the attachment zones of the cords to the brim, the ratio d 2 :L is equal or inferior to 10.5:29.5 and the ratio d 3 :L is equal or inferior to 7.0:29.5, wherein:
         a) d 2  is a length of the arc from the frontal right-side attachment point ( 35 ) to the frontal reference point ( 33 ) or a length of the arc from the frontal left-side attachment point ( 37 ) to the frontal reference point ( 33 );   b) d 3  is a length of the arc from the rear right-side attachment point ( 36 ) to the rear reference point ( 34 ) or a length of the arc from the rear left-side attachment point ( 38 ) to the rear reference point ( 34 ); and   c) L is a length of the arc from the frontal reference point ( 33 ) to the rear reference point ( 34 ).       

     As it is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) have the same length and have the cross-sectional area substantially circular. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the pairs selected from the first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ) or the third locking member ( 23 ) and the fourth locking member ( 24 ) are interconnected by conventional male and female means. 
     Concerning about the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first chin strap member ( 11 ) or the second chin strap member ( 12 ) comprises a strap to adjust the length of the strap member beneath the chin, in order to adjust tightly the hat to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the strap to adjust the length of the strap member beneath the chin is attached to the conventional male locking member of the chosen one selected between the first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ). Therefore, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the first locking member ( 13 ) is a male connector which is attached to the first chin strap member ( 11 ), wherein such first chin strap member ( 11 ) comprises a strap to adjust the length of the strap member beneath the chin. Otherwise, in another embodiment according to the present invention, the second locking member ( 14 ) is a male connector which is attached to the second chin strap member ( 12 ), wherein such second chin strap member ( 12 ) comprises a strap to adjust the length of the strap member beneath the chin. In each abovementioned case, the other locking member has a female connector. 
     As can be better seen in  FIG. 3 , in another embodiment of the present invention, the hat comprises a rear opening ( 20 ) located between the main hat portion ( 2 ) and the band ( 4 ). Furthermore, the hat may comprise a third locking member ( 23 ) and a fourth locking member ( 24 ) and optionally an adjustable length member ( 29 ) and a strap member ( 31 ). 
     The pairs consisting of the first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ) and the third locking member ( 23 ) and the fourth locking member ( 24 ) can be preferably selected from any locking device illustrated in  FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C . Although, it must be understood that other common devices used as locking members belong to the scope of protection of the present invention, such as an adjustable tuck strap with slide closure or a self strap metal buckle closure. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as can be better seen in  FIG. 4A , the conventional male mean comprises a resilient tab in the male connector ( 21 ) and the conventional female mean comprises an opening in the female connector ( 22 ). When performing a locking movement, the two resilient tabs in the male connector ( 21 ) engage in the opening in the female connector ( 22 ). When performing an unlocking movement, the two resilient tabs in the male connector ( 21 ) are squeezed while simultaneously the opening in the female connector ( 22 ) is pulled out. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, as can be better seen in  FIG. 4B , the conventional male mean comprises a resilient tab in the male connector ( 21 ) and the conventional female mean comprises an opening in the female connector ( 22 ) and an unlocking button ( 32 ). When performing a locking movement, the two resilient tabs in the male connector ( 21 ) engage in the opening in the female connector ( 22 ). When performing an unlocking movement, the two resilient tabs in the male connector ( 21 ) are pulled out from the female connector ( 22 ) when unlocking button ( 32 ) is pressed. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, as can be better seen in  FIG. 4 c   , at least one of the pairs selected from the first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ) or the third locking member ( 23 ) and the fourth locking member ( 24 ) are interconnected by strap connection members wherein the male strap connector member has a plurality of knobs ( 25 ) and the female strap connector member has a plurality of openings ( 26 ). This locking device allows a proper adjustment of the length. 
     In another embodiment according to the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the third locking member ( 23 ) and the fourth locking member ( 24 ) are strap connection members, as seen in  FIG. 4C , they are attached to the respective end portions of the band ( 4 ) in the rear left-side attachment zone ( 10 ) and in the rear right-side attachment zone ( 8 ). 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the pairs selected from the first locking member ( 13 ) and the second locking member ( 14 ) or the third locking member ( 23 ) and the fourth locking member ( 24 ) are interconnected by adjustable hook and loop tape, per instance a Velcro™ tape. 
     The first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) may comprise a single strand or comprise, in a preferred embodiment, a bundle of fibres twisted together. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) are prepared from materials having a high Young&#39;s Modulus, showing a low proportional deformation, namely a small change in length divided by original length, when submitted to a stress load. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a polymer or a composite can be used in the preparation of the first cord ( 5 ), the second cord ( 6 ), the first chin strap member ( 11 ) and the second chin strap member ( 12 ). The polymers and copolymers can be selected from one or more of the groups consisting of polyester, polyamides, polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymers of polyester-polypropylene, copolymers of polyester-polyamide and copolymers of polyester-polypropylene-polyamide. The first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) can also be prepared from composites, selected from cords having a core made of polypropylene and a polyamide cover. 
     The properties of the material selected to be used in the first cord ( 5 ) and in the second cord ( 6 ) may lead to a desirable thin range of diameter, contributing for the proper staying of the hat on the head of the wearer. The diameter of the cross-sectional area is in the range from 1 mm to 5 mm. The diameter of the of the first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) can be selected, although not limited, to commercially available sizes, per instance 1 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm or 4 mm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cord ( 5 ) and the second cord ( 6 ) are made of a 3 mm polyester round cord. 
     The main hat portion ( 2 ), the brim ( 3 ) and the band ( 4 ) may be prepared from several materials used to prepare the components of a hat, for example, polyester, 3D mesh fabric, synthetic fabric made from the acrylonitrile monomer, synthetic polymers, based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides, cotton, cotton blends, jersey mesh, wool, acrylic/wool blends, denim, sneaker mesh and moisture wicking fabrics. 
     The brim also can be made of a plastic material, which is sewn inside of the selected fabric. 
     In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the hat according to the present invention comprise parts made out 3D mesh fabric, which allows for maximum ventilation and is important as the product is often used in warm climate. This fabric prevents the head from overheating and creates greater comfort for the wearer. When the wearer is practicing a water sport, the polyester 3D mesh fabric further allows a quick draining of the water and therefore is superior to hats that have just eyelets. A quick drainage is important to preventing the crown of the hat trapping water, hence increasing the pull effect, and to improving the comfort of the wearer. 
     The 3D mesh fabric, also called spacer fabric, can be made out of polyester, polyamide or polypropylene, their combinations or other synthetic materials. A spacer fabric is a three-dimensional knitted fabric comprising two separate knitted substrates which are joined together or kept apart by spacer yarns. The initial layer contributes for moisture release, the interior layer contributes for air flow the third outer layer contributes for heat dissipation. There are two basic types of spacer fabrics, the warp-knitted spacer fabric and the weft-knitted spacer fabric. Other properties related to 3d mesh fabrics are a good compression strength, a proper pressure redistribution, a good malleability, high shock absorption, comfortable padding characteristics, optimal spring-back effect and a good durability. 
     The first locking member ( 13 ), the second locking member ( 14 ), the third locking member ( 23 ) and the fourth locking member ( 24 ) can be made out of known rigid plastic materials. 
     The technical features of the present invention can be applied to any kinds of hats, comprising those wherein the brim covers the whole perimeter of the head. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the hat is a cap. In a more preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the cap is to be used when practicing water sports. 
     One of the advantages of the hat according to the present invention is the achievement of a “invisibility” design related to the cords and to the chin strap members. The constructive features of such components allow an increasing attractiveness by resembling more the construction of a normal baseball hat as worn on land. Baseball hats worn on land are considered more attractive as they have no chin straps. However, for a surf hat to fulfil its function and not fall off the head, it requires effective cords, chin strap members and locking members as those that are comprised in the hat of the present invention. In this sense, the materials used and the mode as the several parts of the hat area attached among themselves, per instance the attachment zones to the cords, are technical features that solve a technical problem related to the development of safer hats. 
     The circular cross-section of the cords is a technical essential feature that contributes to the sliding of the two chin strap members along the outer surfaces of the cords and to the more effective adjustment beneath the chin of the user, enhancing the stability of the hat on the head. The sliding of the two chin strap members along the outer surfaces of the cords also contributes to best fit and adjustment to different head shapes. On the other hand, when a hat has adjusting and strap members completely flat to tighten it beneath the chin, the sliding of the adjusting flat member is not smooth as the sliding provided by the cords having substantial circular cross-section. 
     Another advantage referred to a hat according to the present invention is that the unique combination of features comprising the dimensions of the cords and the chin strap members provides a way that tanning lines on face and neck are kept to a minimum. The round construction of the cords means that very little of the skin is covered and through slight movements of the position, there will be no visible tan line on cheek, ears or side of neck. Furthermore, the thin locking members under the chin further contribute to minimise the occurrence of tanning lines. 
     The first and the second locking members can have smaller dimensions, about 10 mm, which contributes to the comfort of the wearer. 
     The cords are prepared from materials having a high Young&#39;s Modulus, showing no substantial flexibility and, so, they contribute to prevents the hat to be pulled off the head or slide over the head of the wearer, even under extreme conditions, per instance in underwater conditions or submitted to the impact of waves. 
     Another advantageous feature of the hat according to the present invention is referred to a better fitting of the hat on an occipital zone of the wearer&#39;s head. Therefore, the band perimeter covers from a forehead zone to an occipital zone, contributing to a better fitting of the hat and preventing it falls off under pressure due to, per instance, the impact of waves. In a preferred embodiment to achieve this advantageous result, the ratio d 5 :d 4  is equal or superior to 19.0:15.0. Another suitable range according to the present invention is that the ratio d 5 :d 4  is equal or superior to 20.5:16.0, wherein:
         a) d 4  is a length of the arc from the top of the main hat portion ( 39 ) to the frontal reference point ( 33 ); and   b) d 5  is a length of the arc from the top of the main hat portion ( 39 ) to the rear reference point ( 34 ).       

     Another advantageous feature related to a smaller perimeter from the main hat portion to the band in the front in comparison to the opposite measure going to the rear position is referred to prevent the brim to sit too deep on the forehead, which would reduce range of vision and therefore prevent the wearer from seeing well, which is very important to perform the sport and prevent possibly life threatening injuries. 
     Besides that, the brim can be flipped up, which contributes to providing a better view to the wearer, when the wearer is, per example, face down paddling on a board. This effect is achieved through tension of the arc of the brim, so that the brim can hold a neutral position or a flipped-up position. Besides that, it is not required any hook and loop tape or similar to achieve the flipped-up position. 
     In another embodiment according to the present invention, the chin strap member can be stashed away by embedding in at least one loop which is attached to the inside surface of a main hat portion, making it a multipurpose hat. By means of this feature, the hat may function both as surf hat, when chin strap members are in use, and as a normal hat like a baseball hat, when worn with the chin strap members stashed away and invisible. 
     In another embodiment according to the present invention, the materials selected to prepare the main hat portion can be malleable, allowing the hat to be fully foldable and easily put in a pocket or bag. 
     The terms “about” and “approximately” are understood to refer to a range of values of plus or minus 10% of the number specified. 
     The term “substantially” is understood to refer a condition that the actual value is within the range of about 10% of the desired value, variable or related limit, particularly within about 5% of the desired value, variable or related limit or especially within about 1% of the desired value, variable or related limit. 
     The subject matter described above is provided as an illustration of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting it. The terminology employed for the purpose of describing specific embodiments in accordance with the present invention should not be construed to limit the invention. As used in the description, definite and indefinite articles, in their singular form, aim at the interpretation of including also the plural forms, unless the context of the description explicitly indicates the contrary. It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include”, when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of features, elements, components, steps and related operations but do not exclude the possibility of other features, stages and operations are also contemplated. 
     All changes, if they do not modify the essential features of the claims which follow, are to be considered within the scope of the protection of the present invention.