Patent Abstract:
An apparatus and method are disclosed for protecting a user from environmental effects. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a headpiece having opposing first and second sides. The apparatus further comprises a right elongated panel and a left elongated panel, each having a length greater than a width. The right elongated panel and the left elongated panel are attachable to the headpiece. When attached the right elongated panel extends from the headpiece at the first side and the left elongated panel extends from the headpiece at the second side.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/260,754 entitled “Headgear for Protection Against Environmental Effects” and filed on 12 Nov. 2009 for Devra Wathen, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to hats and headpieces and more particularly relates to hats and headpieces for protection against environmental effects. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Science has shown that the rays of the sun negatively affect a person&#39;s skin. While the skin has some natural protection from the sun, like melanin, the sun&#39;s radiation still damages the skin, causing the skin to tan, burn, freckle, develop moles, and form life-threatening cancers. While the sun can damage the skin all over a person&#39;s body, nowhere is the skin as susceptible to these harms as a person&#39;s face and in particular left side of their body from driving a car. Covering the head like one would the rest of the body with greasy sunscreens is unfeasible. Further, chemicals and lotions that block the sun&#39;s radiation are inconvenient and wear off, needing constant reapplication to fully protect one&#39;s skin. Furthermore most broad-spectrum sunscreens tout miss-leading SPF protection levels and do not protect your skin from both UVA &amp; UVB rays. Skin cancer is on a dramatic rise leading all other forms of cancer and the only way to truly protect oneself is to cover up with clothing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    While people have developed some methods to protect the face and head from the sun&#39;s radiation, because of the head&#39;s visibility to others, many of these methods negatively impact the appearance of the wearer. Coverings designed to protect the head should be fashionable so that a person is not dissuaded from protecting their head from the sun out of the fear of feeling unfashionable. Further, many other methods for skin protection don&#39;t allow a user to determine their desired level of protection. For example, a sun hat may protect the ears but neglect the neck and side of face, or the sun hat may protect the ears and neck but not allow a user to solely protect the neck and side of face. As such, the present disclosure describes a headgear that allows a user to fashionably protect their skin from the damage of the sun, while providing choices to a user as they protect their skin. 
         [0005]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and method that protects a user from environmental effects. Beneficially, such an apparatus and method would also being fashionable and provide users with choices in how they are protected from environmental effects. 
         [0006]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available environmental protection. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, kit, and method for protecting a user from environmental effects that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0007]    The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a headpiece that has opposing first and second sides. The apparatus further includes a right elongated panel having a length greater than a width and a left elongated panel having a length greater than a width. The right elongated panel and the left elongated panel are attachable to the headpiece. When attached, the right elongated panel extends from the headpiece at the first side and the left elongated panel extends from the headpiece at the second side. 
         [0008]    The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a single elongated panel that includes the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel. In one embodiment, the single elongated panel includes a scarf. In another embodiment, the right elongated panel and the left elongated include separate elongated panels. The separate elongated panels may each include a connection edge. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, one or more of the right elongated panel, the left elongated panel, and the headpiece include material that is resistant to ultra-violet radiation. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more detachable means for removable attaching one or both of the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel to the headpiece. In one embodiment, the one or more detachable means includes one or more of a grommet, a button, a clip, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, and a scarf loop. In one embodiment, the headpiece further includes an inner circumference for at least partially resting on the user&#39;s head and the one or more detachable means include a first detachable means on the first side and a second detachable means on the second side. In another embodiment, the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel are substantially permanently affixed to the headpiece. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel have a uniform width throughout the lengths of the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel. In one embodiment, the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel each include a connection edge and a distal end and one or both of the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel taper in width from the connection edge to the distal end. In one embodiment, the taper in width includes one or more of a uniform taper and a non-uniform taper. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, one or more of the headpiece, the right elongated panel, and the left elongated panel are made from a disposable material. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a coupling portion, the coupling portion coupling the left elongated panel to the right elongated panel. 
         [0014]    A kit of the present invention is also presented to protect a user from environmental effects. The kit may include the materials necessary to create and/or use the described apparatus. In particular, the kit, in one embodiment, includes a headpiece having opposing first and second sides. The kit further includes a right elongated panel having a length greater than a width and a left elongated panel having a length greater than a width. The kit further includes one or more of an accessory kit for altering the headpiece to allow connection of the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel to the headpiece, and one or more clips for securing one or more of the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel to the headpiece. The right elongated panel and the left elongated panel are attachable to the headpiece. When attached, the right elongated panel extends from the headpiece at the first side and the left elongated panel extends from the headpiece at the second side. 
         [0015]    The kit may further include one or more of lip balm, sun screen, a pair of gloves, a storage bag, and means for securing the right elongated panel to the left elongated panel. The means for securing the right elongated panel to the left elongated panel may include one or more of, a hook and loop fastener, a clasp, a brooch, and an elastic band. The accessory kit comprises one or more of thread, one or more buttons, one or more grommets, one or more scarf loops, one or more clips, and glue. 
         [0016]    A method of the present invention is also presented for protecting a user from environmental effects. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and kit. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a headpiece comprising opposing first and second sides and providing a right elongated panel having a length greater than a width and a left elongated panel having a length greater than a width. The method further includes attaching the right elongated panel and the left elongated panel to the headpiece. The method further includes placing the headpiece on a user&#39;s head. When placed on the user&#39;s head the right elongated panel extends from the headpiece between the first side and a right side of the user&#39;s head and the left elongated panel extends from the headpiece between the second side and the left side of the user&#39;s head. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the method further includes securing the left elongated panel, the right elongated panel, and the headpiece to the user&#39;s head by securing the right elongated panel to left elongated panel at a securing location. In one embodiment, the right elongated panel is secured to the left elongated panel using one or more of a knot, a hook and loop fastener, a clasp, a brooch, and an elastic band. 
         [0018]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0020]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for protecting a head from environmental effects; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an elongated panel with a non-uniform taper; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an elongated panel with a uniform taper; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an elongated panel with uniform width; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a connection means for connecting an elongated panel to a headpiece using snap fasteners; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a connection means for connecting an elongated panel to a headpiece using a hook and loop fastener; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3C  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a connection means for connecting an elongated panel to a headpiece using clips; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment for securing the headpiece to a wearer&#39;s head; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment for protecting a face with the elongated panels; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment for securing the headpiece around the back of the wearer&#39;s neck; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a kit for storing elongated panels; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a detailed view of the inner circumference of a headpiece; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inside view of a crown with a surface for attaching a scarf loop; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a scarf loop; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 8C  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a scarf; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8D  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inside view of a crown with a surface for attaching multiple scarf loops; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of attaching an elongated panel to a headpiece with a clip; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of attaching an elongated panel to a headpiece with a plurality of clips; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of coupled elongated panels; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11A  is a diagram illustrating a side view of the coupled elongated panels of  FIG. 10  attached to a baseball cap; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 11B  is a diagram illustrating a rear view of the coupled elongated panels of  FIG. 10  attached to a baseball cap. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0044]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are shown to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures and materials are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1  displays a headgear  100  for protecting a user&#39;s head from environmental effects according to at least one embodiment. Headgear  100  comprises a headpiece  110 , a right elongated panel  120 , a left elongated panel  130 , an inner circumference  140 , and a connection edge  150 . The terms, “headgear” and “headpiece”, as used herein, refer to clothing accessories that may be worn on the head. For example, headgear may include hats, caps, hoods, visors, helmets, hard hats, and the like. 
         [0046]    In certain embodiments, headpiece  110  may comprise an inner circumference  140 . The term “inner circumference”, as used herein, refers to the section of the headpiece between the part that contacts the user&#39;s head and the part at the top of the headpiece that faces the user&#39;s scalp. In certain embodiments, the inner circumference  140  of the headpiece  110  may match the circumference of the user&#39;s head at the location where the headpiece  100  rests on the user&#39;s head. In another embodiment, the inner circumference  140  may comprise the circumference of the headpiece  110  near the top of the crown of the headpiece  110  that faces the user&#39;s head. 
         [0047]    In at least one embodiment, the headgear  100  may comprise both a right elongated panel  120  and a left elongated panel  130 . The term “elongated panel”, as used herein, refers to a piece of flexible and/or stretchable material that is longer than its width. For example, an elongated panel may have a width of 7-8 inches and a length of 27-30 inches. Further, the material of the elongated panel may comprise one or more of a textile, plastic, paper, and the like. Further, a hem may reinforce the edges of the elongated panel. In a further embodiment, the material may be resistant to environmental effects. Environmental effects may include the sun, light, wind, rain, snow, germs, chemicals, the cold, and the like. For example, the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  may be constructed from wind and water resistant material that block ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In an alternative embodiment, the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  may not provide protection against environmental effects, but the design of the panel may augment the fashion of the headgear  100 . Also, the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  may be dyed to a desired color. For example, the material may be blue, red, or any other color. Further, the fabric of the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  may display a desired pattern. For example, the material may be plaid or exhibit a desired logo. 
         [0048]    In a further embodiment, the right elongated panel  120  and left elongated panel  130  may comprise a connection edge  150 . The term “connection edge”, as used herein, refers to an edge of an elongated panel that connects to the inner circumference of a headpiece. For example, the connection edge  150  of the right elongated panel  120  and left elongated panel  130  may connect to the inner circumference  140  of the headpiece  110 . In at least one embodiment, the connection edge  150  may detach and reattach to the inner circumference  140  via a detachable means. The detachable means may comprise a series of press in or press on grommets, hand sewn snaps, hook and loop fasteners, clips, and the like. Further, the detachable means may allow the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  to be removed and laundered. By washing the elongated panels, the elongated panels may provide protection to individuals with sensitive skin issues such as rosacea, contact dermatitis, skin cancer, acute and/or severe acne, and the like. Further, by providing clean protection to the wearer, the removable panels may assist in keeping free radicals, chemicals, dirt, bacteria and germs away from the skin. 
         [0049]    In an alternative embodiment, the connection edge  150  may permanently connect to the inner circumference  140 . When the connection edge  150  permanently connects to the inner circumference  140 , the connection edge  150  may connect to the inner circumference  140  via thread, glue, rivets, and the like. After the connection edge  150  connects to the inner circumference  140 , a user may use the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  to protect themselves from the negative effects of the environment. 
         [0050]    In at least one embodiment, the headgear  100  may be disposable. The headpiece  110 , the right elongated panel  120 , and the left elongated panel  130  may be made from the same material. For example, the hat and panels may be made from paper, plastic, a textile, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the headpiece  110 , the right elongated panel  120 , and the left elongated panel  130  may be made from different materials. For example, the headpiece  110  may be constructed of cardboard and the elongated panels may be made from paper. Further, the right elongated panel  120  and the left elongated panel  130  may permanently affix to the headpiece  110 . 
         [0051]    In another embodiment of the disposable headgear  100 , the headpiece  110  may be worn under another hat. For example, the headgear  100  may fit inside the crown of another hat such that the wearer can wear the headgear  100  with a variety of hat styles. A disposable headpiece may allow the wearer to more cheaply or conveniently protect themselves from damaging environmental effects. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate a variety of different exemplary shapes for an elongated panel.  FIG. 2A  illustrates one embodiment of an elongated panel with a non-uniform taper. A non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  may comprise a connection edge  210   a,  a bottom point  220   a,  and a tapered length  230   a.  The connection edge  210   a  may comprise the location of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  that connects to a headpiece. Further, the connection edge  210   a  may be the widest section of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a.  For example, the width of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  at the connection edge  210   a  may be seven to eight inches. 
         [0053]    In certain embodiments, the width of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  may decrease as the tapered length  230   a  moves from the connection edge  210   a  towards the bottom point  220   a.  For instance, the taper from the connection edge  210   a  towards the bottom point  220   a  may be non-uniform. For a section of the length of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  that is nearest the connection edge  210   a,  the tapered length may have a uniform width equal to the width of the connection edge  210   a.  After a determined location on the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a,  the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  may taper to the bottom point  220   a.  For example, when the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  has a length of 27 to 30 inches, the seven to eight inches of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  that are nearest the connection edge  210   a  may have a uniform width of seven to eight inches. The remaining length of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  with a length of 19 to 22 inches may gradually taper forming a point at the bottom point  220   a.  A uniform width at the section of the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  nearest the connection edge  210   a  may allow the non-uniform taper elongated panel  200   a  to cover large areas of the face. 
         [0054]      FIG. 2B  illustrates one embodiment of an elongated panel with a uniform taper. A uniform taper elongated panel  200   b  may comprise a connection edge  210   b,  a bottom point  220   b,  and a tapered length  230   b.  The connection edge  210   b  may be of substantially similar construction to the connection edge  210   a  in  FIG. 2A . The tapered length  230   b  may uniformly taper from a width of seven to eight inches at the connection edge  210   b  to a point at the bottom point  220   b.    
         [0055]      FIG. 2C  illustrates one embodiment of an elongated panel with uniform width. A uniform width elongated panel  200   c  may comprise a connection edge  210   c  and a bottom edge  240 . The uniform width elongated panel  200   c  may have the same width at the connection edge  210   c  and at the bottom edge  240 , and throughout the length of the uniform width elongated panel  200   c.    
         [0056]    Of course, the elongated panels  200   a - 200   c  may be of other shapes and tapers. For example, the elongated panels  200   a - 200   c  may comprise a middle portion that has a smaller width than both end portions. Similarly, the bottom points  220   a  and  220   b  may be of different shapes and configurations, including a rounded configuration that is not shown. 
         [0057]      FIG. 3A  illustrates one embodiment of a connection edge  300   a  using snap fasteners or grommets. The connection edge  300   a  is part of an elongated panel  200  and may comprise a reinforcing fold  310  and snap fasteners  320 . The term “reinforcing fold”, as used herein, refers to a strengthened section of the elongated panel  200  that will protect the fabric of the elongated panel and add strength to the connection edge  300   a.  For example, the fabric of the elongated panel may be folded over at least once to increase the strength of the fabric at the connection edge  300   a.  In another example, interfacing may reinforce the fabric of the connection edge  300   a.  Other materials that could reinforce the connection edge  300   a  may include cardboard, plastic, metal, paper, grommets, snaps by the yard, and the like. The reinforcing fold  310  may protect the fabric from the tension applied to the elongated panel at the snap fasteners  320  while adding strength to the connection edge  300 . 
         [0058]    In certain embodiments, the snap fasteners  320 , which may include grommets, may attach the elongated panel  200  to a headpiece  110  in  FIG. 1 . The term “fasteners”, as used herein, refers to a mechanism that attaches the elongated panel  200  to the headpiece  110 . For example, the fasteners may comprise press-in press-on grommets, hand sewn snap fasteners, snaps by the yard, button holes, rivets, stitching, zippers, and the like. In one embodiment, where snap fasteners attach the elongated panel  200  to the headpiece  110 , either the stud or the socket of the snap fastener may be placed on the connection edge  300   a  of the elongated panel  200 . Further, the snap fasteners may comprise either post or prong type snap fasteners. Snap fasteners may allow the elongated panel  200  to detach and reattach from the headpiece  110 . In other embodiments, the elongated panel may be permanently attached to the headpiece  110 . For example, the connection edge  300   a  of the elongated panel may be sewn to the headpiece  110 . By allowing the user to attach or permanently affix the elongated panel, the user can customize their collection of headwear. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3B  illustrates one embodiment of a connection edge  300   b  using a hook and loop fastener  330 . The hook and loop fasteners may more equally distribute the tension from the elongated panel  200  throughout the entire surface of the connection edge. In another embodiment, the hook and loop fastener  330  (like VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners) may be split into small segments of separate hook and loop fasteners. For example, there may be four different hook and loop fasteners along the length of the connection edge  300   b.    
         [0060]    Also shown in  FIG. 3B  is an alternative connection method employing loops  350 . The loops may be used to connect with buttons attached to the tops of the panels  200 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 3C  illustrates one embodiment of a connection edge  300   c  using a plurality of clips  340 . The connection edge  300   c  may further comprise a reinforcing fold  310  and an elongated panel  200 . The clips  340  may allow an elongated panel  200  to attach to a plurality of hats. In one embodiment, the clips  340  may comprise a plurality of hair extension clips. For example, there may be four different hair extension clips attached to the reinforcing fold  310 . The clips  340  may be located at equal distances along the reinforcing fold  310 . 
         [0062]    As has been aforementioned, a headpiece with attached right and left elongated panels may be used for a variety of purposes. The elongated panels may be used to secure a hat to a wearer&#39;s head, protect the sides of the head and face from the sun, act as a facial cover, and the like. Further, the headpiece with attached elongated panels provides these protections without diminishing the stylishness of the headpiece. 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  illustrates an implementation for securing the headpiece with attached elongated panels to a wearer&#39;s head according to one embodiment.  FIG. 4  comprises a headpiece  400 , a right elongated panel  410 , a left elongated panel  420 , and a securing location  430 . The headpiece  400 , the right elongated panel  410 , and the left elongated panel  420  may be substantially similar to corresponding embodiments described above. 
         [0064]    In certain embodiments, the right elongated panel  410  and the left elongated panel  420  may be secured to one another below a user&#39;s chin. The term, “securing location”, as used herein, refers to the location on both the right elongated panel  410  and the left elongated panel  420  where the different elongated panels are secured to one another. For example, the right elongated panel  410  and the left elongated panel  420  may be tied together at the securing location  430 . By tying the right elongated panel  410  to the left elongated panel  420 , the elongated panels secure the headpiece  400  to the wearer&#39;s head. In an alternative embodiment, the securing location on the right elongated panel  410  may connect to the securing location on the left elongated panel via a hook and loop fastener, a decorative brooch, a clasp, an elastic band, and the like. By allowing different securing options, a wearer can customize the appearance of the headpiece at the securing location  430 . 
         [0065]    In at least one embodiment, by securing the headpiece  400  to the wearer&#39;s head, the wearer can use the elongated panels to protect the sides of the head and face from environmental effects. In one embodiment, to increase the area of the head covered by the elongated panels, the right elongated panel  410  and the left elongated panel  420  may have a uniform width from the length between the headpiece  400  and the securing location  430 . Below the securing location  430 , the right elongated panel  410  and the left elongated panel  420  may begin tapering. The taper of the right elongated panel  410  and the left elongated panel  420  may limit the bulkiness of a knot used at the securing location  430 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment where a headpiece protects a wearer&#39;s face from environmental effects. For example, headpiece  500  may comprise a right elongated panel  510  and a left elongated panel  520 . The right elongated panel  510  and the left elongated panel  520  may have sufficient length to wrap around the wearer&#39;s face such that the right elongated panel  510  and the left elongated panel  520  cover the wearer&#39;s nose and mouth. By covering the wearer&#39;s face and mouth the headpiece  500  may protect the wearer from environmental effects like dust, pollution, chemicals, airborne contaminants, smoke, and germs. 
         [0067]    In a further embodiment, the material of the right elongated panel  510  and left elongated panel  520  may be specially designed to protect against a particular environmental effect. For example, the fabric of an elongated panel may be made of a special fabric that prevents germs, chemicals, or any other airborne contaminants from passing through the fabric. The fabric may also be designed for people with particular respiratory ailments, as it may prevent pollutants from passing through the fabric. Further, the right elongated panel  510  and the left elongated panel  520  may protect a user with a particular skin ailment. For example, a person who has had skin cancer may need extra protection from the sun. The right elongated panel  510  and the left elongated panel  520  may provide the needed protection. By wrapping around the face, the headpiece  500 , with the right elongated panel  510  and the left elongated panel  520 , may provide a plurality of benefits to the wearer. 
         [0068]      FIG. 5B  illustrates one embodiment for attaching the right elongated panel  510  to the left elongated panel  520  behind the neck of the wearer at securing location  530 . At the securing location  530 , the right elongated panel  510  may be secured to the left elongated panel  520 . For example, the securing location  520  may comprise a knot, a hook and loop fastener, a clasp, a brooch, an elastic band, and the like. By securing the elongated panels over the neck, the wearer can also protect the neck from environmental effects. 
         [0069]    While the elongated panels may protect against environmental effects, sometimes the wearer may desire to expose themselves to the environment. Some embodiments may include elongated panels that may be removably attached to the headpiece for selective attachment and removal. For example, on a rainy day, the wearer may solely want to wear the headpiece. At these times, the wearer may remove the elongated panels from the headpiece and store the elongated panels in a kit, according to one embodiment. 
         [0070]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a kit for storing elongated panels. The kit  600  may store the elongated panels in a storage bag  610 . The storage bag  610  may further store other items that are useful for protecting against environmental effects. For example, the kit  600  may also include gloves  620 , sunscreen  630 , a lip balm applicator  640 , a clip  650 , and the like. Also, the kit  600  may also store items for protecting a headpiece and the elongated panels. For example, the kit  600  may further include protective tape  640 , water-proofer, and the like. Further, the kit  600  may also include a clip  650  for attaching the panels to a wide variety of hats. The clip  650  may comprise a plurality of hair extension clips that are permanently sewn to the elongated panels. The kit  600  may increase the functionality of the headpiece by giving the wearer a place to store the elongated panels when they are not being used, and also providing further materials to increase one&#39;s protection against environmental effects. 
         [0071]    In certain embodiments, a headpiece can be altered for attaching elongated panels to the hat.  FIG. 7  illustrates a detailed view of the inner circumference  700  for a headpiece. The detailed inner circumference  700  may include a sweat band  710 , a headpiece crown  720 , and fasteners  730 . To alter a normal headpiece, the fasteners  730  may be attached to the sweat band  710 . The fasteners may comprise fasteners such as snaps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. For example, the fasteners  730  may comprise snaps sewn directly to the sweat band  710 . In one embodiment, the fasteners  730  comprise five evenly spaced snaps. 
         [0072]    In a further embodiment, the sweat band  710  may be reinforced to the headpiece crown such that the pull of the elongated panels on the sweat band  730  will not pull the sweat band out of the hat. The fasteners that attach to the elongated panels may be installed into a wide variety of hats. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate other embodiments for protecting a wearer&#39;s head from environmental effects. In one embodiment, a loop may be affixed to the inside surface of the crown of a headpiece and a scarf can be threaded through the loop. After the scarf is threaded through the loop, the two ends of the scarf hang down around the user&#39;s head where they can provide substantially similar protection as the elongated panels described above. Other embodiments may include more than one loop. For example, various embodiments may include two, three, four, or any other number of loops. 
         [0074]      FIG. 8A  illustrates one embodiment of an inside view of a crown with a surface for attaching a scarf loop. For example, a detailed crown  800  may comprise a loop attachment surface  810 , an inside crown surface  820 , and a back label  830 . The inside crown surface  820  may comprise the surface of the crown of a headpiece that faces a wearer&#39;s head. The term “loop attachment surface”, as used herein, refers to a surface on the inside crown surface  820  to which a scarf loop may attach. For example, the loop attachment surface  810  may comprise a hook and loop fastener, grommets, snaps, rivets, thread, or other attachment means. Further, the loop attachment surface  810  may be oriented on the inside crown surface  820  such that the length of the scarf loop may be attached running from the back of the headpiece towards the front of the headpiece. Thus, the openings of the loop may face the left and right sides of the headpiece. When a scarf is inserted into the loop this may result in forming left and right elongated panels, which may be used as described in other embodiments described herein. 
         [0075]      FIG. 8B  illustrates one embodiment for a scarf loop. The term “scarf loop”, as used herein, refers to a loop that may be secured to an inside surface on the crown of a headpiece through which a scarf may be threaded. For example, a scarf loop  840  may comprise a crown attachment surface  850 . The scarf loop  840  may be a loop formed from fabric, plastic, rubber, string, and the like. The crown attachment surface  850  may attach to the loop attachment surface  810  in  FIG. 8A . The crown attachment surface  850  may comprise a hook and loop fastener, grommets, snaps, rivets, or thread. The scarf loop  840  may be detachable from the inside crown surface  820 . Further, the scarf loop  840  may permanently attach to the inside crown surface  820 . In at least one embodiment, a headpiece may be modified such that a scarf loop  840  may attach to the inside crown of a hat. 
         [0076]      FIG. 8C  illustrates one embodiment for a scarf. A scarf  860  may be of a width substantially similar to the elongated panels. The length of the scarf  860  may be longer than the combined length of the elongated panels, such that both ends of the scarf  860  descend below the hat to a substantially similar length as that of the elongated panels when the scarf  860  is threaded through the scarf loop  840 . For example, the elongated panels may descend below the headpiece by a length of 26 inches. The scarf may be 60 inches in length so that when the scarf  860  is threaded through the scarf loop  840  both ends of the scarf  860  also descend below the hat by a length of 26 inches. One of skill in the art will understand in light of the present description that other lengths and widths may also be desirable depending on the size of the headpiece, the size of the user, use of the headpiece and scarf, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the scarf  860  may directly attach to the loop attachment surface  810 . The scarf embodiment provides substantially similar functionality as the elongated panels. 
         [0077]      FIG. 8D  illustrates an embodiment of an inside view of a crown with multiple surfaces for attaching a scarf loops. For example, a detailed crown  800  may comprise multiple loop attachment surfaces  810 , an inside crown surface  820 , and a back label  830 . In the depicted embodiment, four loop attachment surfaces  810  are shown. The inside crown surface  820  may comprise the surface of the crown of a headpiece that faces a wearer&#39;s head. Similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 8A  the loop attachment surfaces  810  may comprise a hook and loop fastener, grommets, snaps, rivets, thread, or other attachment means. Further, the loop attachment surfaces  810  may be oriented on the inside crown surface  820  such that the length of the scarf loop may be attached running from the back of the headpiece towards the front of the headpiece. Thus, the openings of the loop may face the left and right sides of the headpiece. When a scarf is inserted into the loops this may result in forming left and right elongated panels, which may be used as described in other embodiments described herein. 
         [0078]      FIG. 9A  illustrates one embodiment of attaching elongated panels to a headpiece with a clip. A headpiece with clipped panels  900   a  may comprise a clip  910   a,  a headpiece  920 , an elongated panel  930 , and a sweatband  940 . The term “clip”, as used herein, refers to a device that secures an elongated panel to a headpiece. For example, the clip  910   a  may secure the connection edge of the elongated panel  930  to the sweatband  940 . The clip  910   a  may be sewn onto the elongated panel  930  and attach to the inside of a hat. 
         [0079]    In one embodiment, the clip may use spring tension between two rigid flanges where the spring tension pushes the two rigid flanges into one another. The clip  910   a  may squeeze the connection edge of the elongated panel  930  and the sweatband  940  between the two rigid flanges. In a further embodiment, the clip  910   a  may pin the elongated panel  930  to the sweatband  940 . Also, the clip  910   a  may pin the elongated panel  930  to the crown of the headpiece  920 . Further, the clip  910   a  may use a variety of means to secure an elongated panel  930  to a headpiece  920 . By securing the elongated panel  930  to the headpiece  920 , the clip  910   a  may allow a wearer to attach panels to a variety of hats without altering the hat. 
         [0080]      FIG. 9B  illustrates one embodiment of attaching elongated panels to a headpiece with a plurality of clips. The headpiece with clipped panels  900   b  may comprise an elongated panel  930  (shown transparent in the figure to show the attached clips  910   b ), a headpiece  920 , and clips  910   b.  The clips  910   b  may comprise a plurality of clips that attach to different locations along the inside of a hat. The clips  910   b  may be similar to a series of hair extension clips or another type of clip that may attach to a headpiece  920 . 
         [0081]    Turning now to  FIG. 10  coupled elongated panels  1000  are shown. The coupled elongated panels  1000  include a left elongated panel  1010  having a left connection edge  1012  and a right elongated panel having a right connection edge  1022 . The left and right elongated panels  1010 ,  1020  are coupled together via a coupling portion  1030 . The left and right connection edges  1012 ,  1022  comprise a plurality of snap connectors  1032  for attachment to a headpiece. As will be understood by one skilled in the art and in light of the present disclosure significant variation may be possible. For example, the variations of the shapes of the left and right elongated panels  1010 ,  1020  connection edges  1012 ,  1022  an detachment means  1032  as set forth previously may apply to the coupled elongated panels  1000  in varying embodiments. 
         [0082]    Significant variation is also possible with the coupling portion  1030 . According to the depicted embodiment, the coupling portion  1030  comprises a portion of the left elongated panel  1010  and the right elongated panel  1020  which have been attached using thread. In other embodiments, the elongated panels  1010 ,  1020  may be attached along the coupling portion  1030  using a variety of attachment means or detachment means such as glue, rivets, snap fasteners, grommets, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, clips, and the like. For example, any of the attachment means discussed in relation to the connection edges  1012 ,  1022  may also be applicable to the coupling portion  1030 . 
         [0083]    Additionally, the coupling portion  1030  may be formed in a variety of manners. For example, the coupling portion  1030  may comprise a separate piece of material which has been connected between the left elongated panel  1010  and the right elongated panel  1020 . In other embodiments, the left elongated panel  1010 , the right elongated panel  1020 , and the coupling portion  1030  may be formed of a single piece of material. Other embodiments may include multiple pieces of material, multiple layers, and/or other configurations without limitation. 
         [0084]    The coupled elongated panels  1000  and coupling portion  1030  may be desirable in some embodiments. For example, the left elongated panel  1010  and right elongated panel  1020  being coupled together may limit losing of one of the panels  1010 ,  1020 . Additionally, the coupling portion  1030  may provide additional protection for the neck of a user. For example, if a user wears a hat that provides no protection for the neck the coupling portion  1030  may provide the protection if needed. This may be the case with baseball caps or other hats having no brim or a small brim at the rear of the hat. Because similar hats are often used for sporting activities, the coupled elongated panels  1000  may be desirable in sporting environments. 
         [0085]      FIG. 11A-11B  depicts the coupled elongated panels  1000  attached to a cap  1102 .  FIG. 11A  is a side view of the cap  1102  and attached coupled elongated panels  1000 . The right elongated panel  1020  and coupling portion  1030  are visible.  FIG. 11B  is a back view of the cap  1102  and attached coupled elongated panels  1000 . The left elongated panel  1010 , the right elongated panel  1020 , and the coupling portion  1030  are visible. 
         [0086]    As the elongated panels may function with a wide variety of headpieces, while protecting the wearer against environmental effects. The present invention may allow the wearer to recreate safely, reducing fear of damage from the sun, germs, chemicals, or other environmental threats, while wearing a fashionable item. 
         [0087]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0