Abstract:
An auxiliary sun shade system and method includes a retaining and adjustment system adaptive to all forms of headgear and an adaptive shading system. The adaptive shading system is repositionable relative to the retaining and adjustment system and includes one or multiple sun shading panels. The retaining and adjustment system may include one or two bands and may have extendable arms that allow attachment to different parts of the headgear for improved adaptation and convenience.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 62/368,838 filed Jul. 29, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference 
     
    
     FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION 
       [0002]    
       FIG. 2 
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to an auxiliary sun shade system and method of using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides an auxiliary sun shade system including alternative retaining and adjustment systems and an adaptive sun shading system or shield when used in combination with headgear. 
       Description of the Related Art 
       [0004]    Applications of sun shields and auxiliary sun visors for headgear are known. 
         [0005]    One conventional example of a sun shield is a visor on the rim of a cap or hat. In these conventional arrangements, the sun shield or auxiliary visor is fixably secured to the headgear and cannot be repositioned relative to the headgear. 
         [0006]    Other conventional examples of sun shields provide shield or visor that is fixably positioned relative to a headgear band or hat support. Examples of these conventional arrangements are known from US Pub. No. 2006/0253957 (Orozco) and US Pub. No. 2008/0066216 (Yun), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein as part of the understanding of those of common skill in the art. 
         [0007]    Unfortunately, for example in US Pub. No. 2006/0253957 (Orozco) a fixed band is placed on a cap and a sun shield is fixably secured to the same. This prevents ready adjustment of the auxiliary shade relative to either the headgear or the user without rupturing the fixed connection between the band and the sun shield. 
         [0008]    A similar concern exists in the conventional US Pub. No. 2008/0066216 (Yun) where a more complex multi-unit visor is also fixably positioned relative to the headgear band. 
         [0009]    For operation of either the &#39;957 or &#39;216 designs, a user must manipulate the sun shield support rotationally around a head gear or hat rendering the conventional process and systems unworkable and inconvenient. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved auxiliary sun shade system and method of using that overcomes at least one of the concerns apparent in the conventional arts. 
       ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An auxiliary sun shade system and method includes a retaining and adjustment system adaptive to all forms of headgear and an adaptive shading system. The adaptive shading system is repositionable relative to the retaining and adjustment system and includes one or multiple sun shading panels. The retaining and adjustment system may include one or two bands and may alternatively have extendable arms that allow attachment to different parts of the headgear for improved adaptation and convenience. 
         [0012]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a readily adjustable sun shade system allowing removable attachment to a hat brim, or repositionable adjustment relative to a user&#39;s hat. 
         [0013]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of one alternative embodiment (with three different shade elements) and a single continuous securing member of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system in combination with a headgear (here a baseball cap). 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a flattened illustration of a second alternative embodiment of the proposed invention (with continuous shade) with a single continuous securing member and an optional snap closure for use on a headgear (for example a baseball cap of the type as noted in  FIG. 1 ). 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a use-illustration of the system of  FIGS. 1 and 2  noting the sun shading positions relative to a user&#39;s head in an illustrative manner only. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system having three shade elements in combination with a headgear (here a baseball cap) and the use of two different types of securing members (continuous and discontinuous) allowing adaptation, and with the discontinuous members in extended positions and secured to the opposite sides of the brim of the baseball cap. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 4  with the discontinuous member shown in a retracted position secured and secured to portions of the continuous member. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system shown in  FIG. 4  without the headgear and with the ends of the discontinuous member disconnected from the continuous member for illustration purposes and noting the slid-able adjustment function. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective top view of the proposed invention similar to  FIG. 4  wherein the discontinuous member is extended and secured to the cap brim and the continuous member extends along the rim of the headgear to ensure secure retainment altogether. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective bottom view of the proposed auxiliary sun shade system as in  FIG. 4  with the sun shade panels arrayed outwardly relative to the continuous and discontinuous members for an improved understanding. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto. 
         [0023]    Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
         [0024]    One of the present inventions is noted in  FIG. 1 , wherein a first retaining and adjusting system  60  of an auxiliary sun shade system  100 A is provided with a continuous member or band  61 , preferably of an elastomeric material, but not restricted thereto. In one alternative, ends of the continuous member are provided through a tensioning toggle member  62  (see  FIG. 1 ) that allows a usable dimension (e.g., the circumference of continuous member  61 ) to be adjusted and tensioned relative to the outer dimension of a headgear or hat  1  having a brim  2  ( FIGS. 1, 3, 4 ). In this manner the usable dimension or inner dimension/diameter of continuous member  61  may be adjusted for a snug fit and released for easy removal therefrom by a user ( FIG. 3 ). One alternative shade system  40  is provided with one or a plurality of sun shade panels. As will be understood throughout, as shown, sun shade panels may be of a single continuous version  40 D (see  FIG. 2 ) or may be formed in a plural arrangement (multiple panels) with a first and a second side sun shade panels  40 A,  40 B and a rear sun shade panel  40 C ( FIGS. 1, 4 ). 
         [0025]    Proximate a top portion of each sun shade panel is formed a continuous open passage  41  that allows the sliding passage of a continuous member  61  (or later a discontinuous member  52  depending upon the embodiment of interest), or optionally both in combination. The outer dimension of the member (or members) of the retaining and adjustment system  60  (or later combined continuous and discontinuous retaining and adjustment system  50 , see  FIG. 6 ) is less than an inner dimension of continuous passage(s)  41  and therefore the sun shade panels  40 A,  40 B,  40 C,  40 D in various arrangements) are slidably adjusted along a length position on the retaining and adjustment systems as discussed herein. As a result, the slidability-function of the open passage  41 , and the optionally static, elastic or stretchy nature of the continuous and/or discontinuous members  61 ,  52 ,  41 , full-adjustability of the sun shades is permitted for a user in any needed sun-angle relative to a user&#39;s head. 
         [0026]    As noted in  FIG. 2 , wherein shade system  40  is provided as a continuous sun shading panel  40 D, or as in later  FIGS. 6, 8  etc., as separate rear sun shade panel  40 C, an adjustment boundary  64  or gap  64  is intentionally provide for a convenient sliding and bending adjustment of the panel and to prevent bunching during a use, and/or to allow a location for a user to grasp a portion of the retaining and adjustment systems  60 ,  50  and adjust any sun shade panel relative thereto. 
         [0027]    In one example, in  FIG. 3 , it will be noted that side sun shade panels  40 A,  40 B may be of any convenient length and may be sufficiently extensive to extend from hat  1  to a user&#39;s shoulders (as shown) for improved sun blocking. Also the sun panels may be of any convenient material or textile and have any suitable shape. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 , a further alternative retaining and adjustment system  50  of an auxiliary sun shade system  100 B is provided where there is both a separate continuous member  51  and a discontinuous member  52  having ends (shown) and adjustable clips thereon  53 ,  53 . A fixing point  54 , proximate toggle  62  is provided between continuous member  51  and discontinuous member  52  to prevent their unintended separation or dislocation, while still retaining the length-distance adjustment function. 
         [0029]    As shown, in a preferred environment, discontinuous member  52  is elastomeric for stretchable adjustment relative to brim  2  of hat  1  for a preference of a user. 
         [0030]    As noted in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , during a use, a user may grasp an adjustable clip  53  (on either end of discontinuous member  52 ) and detach the same from a rest position (removably secured to the continuous member  51 ) and may stretch adjustable clip  53  and one end of the discontinuous member  52  to an extended position on brim  2  of hat  1 .  FIGS. 5, 8  shows a rest condition with clips  53 ,  53  removably secured to continuous member  51 .  FIG. 6  shows a position when clips  53 ,  53  are removed from continuous member  51  in preparation for attaching to brim  2  of hat  1 . As a method of use, one would first position continuous member  51  about a ball cap top, and then discontinuous member  52  would be positioned. 
         [0031]    An exemplary use will be discussed. A user places hat  1  with brim  2  on a head and drapes auxiliary sun shade system  100 A,  100 B or any variant thereof over hat  1 , so that one continuous band or continuous members  61 ,  51  covers the brim  2  portion; and then using the toggle  62  or other securing system is secured snuggly. If auxiliary sun shade system  100 B with discontinuous member  52  is used, a user may optionally extend with clips  53 ,  53  to any portion of the brim  2 , and thereby adjust a sun shade member  40 A- 40 D relative to hat  1 . If auxiliary sun shade system  100 A is provided, then sun shade members  40 A- 40 D are slid relatively along continuous member or band  61  relative to the user and hat  1 . It is noted that using the discontinuous member  52  arrangement provides for increased brim and user coverage to the full extent of hat brim  2 . 
         [0032]    As another alternative embodiment, it will be understood that shade system  40  may be constructed from any convenient draping material, and may be of textile construction or of a film or discontinuous textile construction. The materials for shade system may be reflective, opaque, transparent, translucent, or formed of mesh or otherwise without limitation. Additionally the outer profile shape may be of any continuous form, for example a curved form  40 D ( FIG. 2 ) or a straight strip portion shape  40 A ( FIG. 5 ), or possibly a panel curved to fit over a user&#39;s neck or shoulders (not shown). 
         [0033]    As will be additionally noted in  FIG. 2 , a closure system  80  is provided for secure open ends of the sun shade; here sun shade  40 D but the closure system may be used with any sun shade disclosed herein, including  40 A,  40 B, etc. without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0034]    Closure system  40  may be of any form and have any structure suitable to separably-secure the outer ends together based upon a users desire. Here, closure system  80  includes two extending strap members  81 ,  81  and a snap closure  82 . 
         [0035]    It will also be understood, that as used herein the phrases ‘sun’ or ‘shading’ are understood as the application of common words and will also be understood to be adaptive to any related use within the scope of the present invention. For a non-limited example, a sun shield or sun shade panel will be similarly effective as a wind or rain blocking shield or panel. Additionally the phrases ‘retaining’ or ‘adjusting’ are understood to be adaptive to the headgear and possible use. For example, the proposed invention may be retained on a headgear temporarily and removed post-use, so that the retainment is not permanent. Similarly, adjusting is a relative term intended to reflect the use of the invention. Adjustment of the sun shade is relative to or along either the headgear, the user, or the retaining and engaging system for improved user convenience. 
         [0036]    Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.