Abstract:
A hat accessory which may be used as a flight training aid for creating intentional vision restriction. The hat accessory is adapted to be readily attached to common baseball-style caps. The hat accessory includes a lower bill panel with an upper bill panel bonded to the lower bill panel along an arcuate bonding band. This configuration forms an envelope or pocket for receiving the cap bill. A pair of lateral wings can be provided which are bent in a downward direction to restrict peripheral vision. The hat accessory may be used for other applications including the display of commercial, political, or other messages.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional U.S. application Ser. No. 61/560,854 filed on Nov. 17, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a device which may be affixed to a baseball-style cap brim which can provide multiple functions. In one embodiment, the accessory forms a vision restriction device useable for aircraft instrument flight training. Other embodiments of the product provide a variety of functions including: sports fan display, advertising, golf training aid to restrict the peripheral vision of a golfer, and as a novelty product. These applications are enabled due to the unique design and construction, and simplistic method of attaching the accessory to the bill of an ordinary ball cap. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the training of aviation pilots, as well as for their currency and proficiency certification, (IPC, Instrument Proficiency Check) it is necessary to simulate instrument flight conditions, “IFR”. This is not practical in all flying situations as it is desirable in many instances to have clear visibility or “visual flight rules, VFR” conditions for the safety of the student/pilot and instructor. However, in an effort to learn to fly aircraft without external visual cues, pilots use a device for obscuring their vision outside the aircraft (peripheral/forward cues) i.e. the runway forward and the horizon peripherally. One available device is a large cumbersome hood device which is placed over the pilot&#39;s head and can be hinged in the up and down positions. In the down position, the hood restricts side and forward visibility, confining the student/pilot to the use of flight instruments for flying the aircraft. Another device of this type is so-called “Foggles”, a pair of plastic glasses with a fogged upper visual area for obscuring vision. These devices do not permit the easy use of bi-focals glasses required for some pilots to meet flight medial requirements, let alone larger types of eye wear such as sun glasses. 
         [0004]    The above-mentioned prior art flight training devices work well. However, there is a desire to provide a lighter weight device, and one that can be made inexpensively and can be easily shipped to and transported by a student pilot. The hat accessory in accordance with this invention provides these benefits. The features of the hat accessory are also suited for a variety of applications beyond the flight training device mentioned above. The above-mentioned prior art devices work, but not well when adding anything else over the eyes or in a state of the art flight deck with limited space. Instrument Flight Instructors, the inventors of this hat accessory, developed this device out of necessity while working with their students. The necessity was to provide: a more comfortable device, which is less fatiguing; which does not detracts from training; one that does not induce headaches worn above the ears; one that permits the use of even large sized of eye glasses, bifocals and sun glasses; a device which can be made inexpensively; can be used in the state of the art restricted flight decks; can be easily shipped, folded flat and transported by a student/pilot in a flight bag so that it is always available to the pilot for training and maintaining proficiency. The hat accessory termed the “Hoody” in accordance with this invention provides these benefits and more. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The hat accessory in accordance with an embodiment of this invention is in the form of a first generally flat sheet of rigid material forming a lower bill panel, preferably plastic. A pad of neoprene-type rubber forms an upper bill panel and is affixed to the upper surface of the lower bill panel. The attachment between the upper and lower bill panels form a pocket which receives the bill of a baseball-style cap, enabling the accessory to be readily attached to and detached from ordinary caps. Other embodiments reversed the orientation of the upper and lower bill panels. 
         [0006]    The hat accessory concepts in accordance with this invention may also be used for a variety of purposes beyond the flight training application mentioned previously. For example, it may be desirable to attach various functional and non-functional articles to the bill of a typical baseball-style cap. For example, one wishing to merely extend the brim to provide better sun protection could make use of such a device. Moreover, sports fans, or those wishing to promote or advertise products, or convey other messages could use the hat accessory to display a desired message, object, or sign in a desired manner. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a hat accessory; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a pictorial view of the hat accessory as shown in  FIG. 1  attached to a baseball style cap: 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the hat accessory in accordance with the invention shown in a folded flat condition; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top pictorial view of the hat accessory in accordance with this invention shown installed onto a baseball-style cap; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the lower bill panel of the hat accessory; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the upper bill panel of the hat accessory according to this invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a pictorial view of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a third alternate embodiment of the present invention imitating a football player&#39;s helmet; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a hat accessory with an upwardly projecting fin; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a flip-up panel; 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a sixth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a flocking or surface coating on a bill panel; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 16 and 17  show seventh alternate embodiments of the hat accessory with flocking or surface treatment and showing downwardly projecting panels; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is an eighth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing downwardly projecting panels which obscure or provide tinting for the viewer&#39;s eyes; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a ninth alternate embodiment providing a visor; 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a pictorial view of a tenth alternate embodiment of the hat accessory with flip-up side wings; 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of another flipping panel for alternate embodiments of the hat accessory; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of another flipping panel for alternate embodiments of the hat accessory. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the  FIGS. 1 through 6  and generally designated by reference number  10 . Hat accessory  10  principally comprises bill panel  12  (in this case a lower bill panel) and bill panel  14  (in this case an upper bill panel). As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the bill panel  12  has a generally rectangular plan view outline with a central cut-out section  16  and a pair of protruding bill extension sections  18  which form wings  30  and  32 . One preferred material for forming the bill panel  12  is polyethylene material in a thickness of about 0.030 inch. In this embodiment, the bill section  12  features two score lines  20  and  22  which permit easy folding of the wings  30  and  32  of the bill panel  12 , as will be described in more detail as follows. In this embodiment of hat accessory  10 , bill panel  14  is attached to an upper surface of bill panel  12 . As will be evident from a further description of the invention, this orientation may be reversed in which the flexible bill panel  14  may be affixed underneath bill panel  12 . 
         [0030]    Bill panel  14  may be formed of various materials including neoprene of a thickness of about 0.030 inch. Bill panel  14  features inner and outer arcuate edges  35  and  37  respectively. Bill panel  14  has an accurate/precise shape as shown in  FIG. 6  to permit flexibility in attaching to many differently shaped bills on a cap. Bill panel  14  is attached to bill panel  12  through bonding or stitching along band  24  (or both) as best illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this way, after attachment of bill panel  14  to bill panel  12 , an envelope cavity or pocket  34  is formed which receives the bill  26  of a common “baseball” style cap, even in the most extreme curvature of the bill  28 , or any other hat having a common ball cap type brim extending forwardly over the eyes of a wearer.  FIG. 1A  shows the hat accessory  10  attached to a cap  28  and worn by a user. The relative flexibility and resiliency of bill panel  14  cooperates to retain the hat accessory  10  in a mounted position. For many applications of hat accessory  10  it is optimal that bill panel  14  be mounted on the upper surface of bill panel  12 . This orientation has been found to provide excellent retention of the device onto baseball bill  26 . 
         [0031]    As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the bill extension sections  18  of bill panel  12  form wings  30  and  32  which are folded about score lines  20  and  22  in a downward position as best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Wings  30  and  32  provide the desired obscuration of peripheral vision off to the side of the user. The relative flexibility and resiliency of bill section  14  causes the device to be able to be formed to the curvature of the cap bill  26  and also provide enough friction and retention force to maintain hat accessory  10  in position on the cap  28  while it is being worn. 
         [0032]    It should be noted that the positions of lower bill panel  12  and upper bill panel  14  can be reversed. In such an embodiment, upper bill panel  14  becomes a lower panel and is instead attached to the underside surface of bill panel  12 , which becomes an upper panel. 
         [0033]    While “Hoody” hat accessory  10  is shown in use for obscuring vision for pilots, or what is termed in the industry as a “Hood” or “Flight Hood”, many other embodiments using related design principles are also possible. Examples are: wings  30  and  32  can provide signage for sports teams, special designs signifying a fans team of preference; commercial products; sponsorships; political messages; a golf swing training device; and when made to be translucent, shade the eyes of a driver from the insistent glare of the sun, covering that area that the visor just cannot cover. Moreover, the bill panel  14  of hat accessory  10  could be extended to provide such messaging. Some alternate embodiments of these sorts are described below. In any event, the relatively higher flexibility and elongation of bill panel  14  cooperating with stiffer bill panel  12  and the formation of the bill pocket  34  allow the device to remain affixed to a convention baseball-style cap  28 , or any hat or visor with a similarly shaped bill. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates a first alternate embodiment of a hat accessory in accordance with this invention designated by reference number  36 . For this embodiment, the combination of cap  28  and accessory  36  form an alligator-like appearance which might be suitable, for example, sports teams like the University of Florida “Gators”. For this embodiment, hat accessory  36  includes modified bill panels  12   a  and  14   a,  respectively, having decorative features, including an extending snout, nostrils, and decorative teeth  37  hanging down from the edges of bill panel  12   a.    FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  showing the hat accessory  36  detached from cap  28 . For the application of hat accessory  36  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , flexible bill panel  14   a,  may the positioned on and underneath surface of bill panel  12   a , which is the reverse of panels  12  and  14  described previously. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate hat accessory  38  in accordance with a second alternate embodiment of the invention. Hat accessory  38  is very similar to that shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , except the eyes of the mock alligator are formed as three-dimensional extensions of bill panel  14   b.  For this case, cap  28  can be of an ordinary type. As shown in  FIG. 9 , other indicia  39  such as words or symbols can be displayed as indicated by the “XXXXX”. 
         [0036]      FIG. 11  shows hat accessory  40  in accordance with a third alternate embodiment of this invention in which the same bill panels  14   c  and  12   c  are used respectively, but are attached to a mock football helmet  42 , which is attached to cap  28 . Panels  12   c  and  14   c  cooperate to retain football helmet  42  onto baseball cap  28 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 12  shows hat accessory  44  which includes a folding fin-like projection  46  attached to bill panel  12   d,  as well as a row of downwardly projecting mock teeth  48 .  FIG. 13  is a side view showing one manner of providing the upwardly extending fin  46  with a panel bonded to the upper surface of bill panel  12   d.  In this embodiment, bill panel  12   d  is more rigid than the flexible bill panel  14   d.  As illustrated in the figure, the projecting fin  46  can have other bends or features incorporated into it. Fin  46  is a cut-out of the material forming upper bill panel  14 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 14  shows a fifth embodiment of hat accessory  50  providing a bill extension for a cap  28 . Indicia  39  can be presented. This embodiment lacks the side wings  30  and  32  of the first embodiment. Flexible bill panel  14   e  may be placed on top or bottom surface of rigid bill panel  12   e.    
         [0039]      FIG. 15  shows a sixth embodiment hat accessory  54  which is shown with a covering layer of flocking or material  56  to provide three-dimensional features for the upper surface of either bill panel  12   f  or  14   f  (most likely the bill panel forming the upper surface).  FIG. 16  shows that the flocking can extend over a downwardly projecting panel  58 .  FIG. 17  shows that the material  56  can extend over the entire upper surface of bill panel  14   f  as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 18  shows hat accessory  60  in accordance with an eighth alternate embodiment of this invention in which downwardly projecting panels, including a front panel  62  and side panels  64 , can be provided which can be made of an opaque material or could be tinted to provide sun shielding for the user. As in prior embodiments the position of the more rigid panel  12   g  and the more flexible panel  14   g  can be reversed (as to which forms the upper panel). 
         [0041]      FIG. 19  shows hat accessory  68  in accordance with a ninth alternate embodiment of this invention in which the device further has a pair of extending head band sections  70  which are attached together by hook-and-loop fasteners at their back ends. 
         [0042]      FIG. 20  illustrates hat accessory  74  in accordance with a tenth alternate embodiment of this invention in which features a pair of wings  76  extending from bill panel  12   h  or  14   h  extending in an upward direction. 
         [0043]      FIG. 21  shows hat accessory  78  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of this invention showing a flip down panel  80  which can be extended along the front edge of the bill panels  12  and  14 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 22  shows hat accessory  84  in which bill panel  14  is hinged to move between extended and downward positions. 
         [0045]    While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.