Cap With Interchangeable Self-align Visor And Crown

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This disclosure claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/525,657 entitled “Cap with interchangeable visor and crown” and filed on Jul. 8, 2023. The above-identified applications are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to headwear and more specifically to headwear with a detachable visor enabling a wearer to customize cap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

There are varieties of caps accessible in the market including baseball caps. A cap typically has a crown portion and a brim or visor portion that provide shade to the wearer. Currently, caps are available in various pattern, colours, shapes, and sizes. Further, the demands of caps are significantly high due to the rare combination of its function and fashion. However, individuals have to invest in multiple caps to own the cap for each purpose for example, caps for playing sports, caps for providing shade, and caps for safety purpose, and caps as fashion accessories more particularly a cap for aesthetic appearance.

Traditional caps usually come with a fixed shape, limiting the versatility and aesthetic customization options available to the wearer. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for customizable and versatile fashion accessories that allow individuals to express their personal style. While some caps offer minor adjustments, such as adjustable straps and removable logos or embroidery. However, there remains a significant gap in the market for a cap that offers a high degree of customization in terms of its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

US20150135406A1 relates to a cap system comprising a visor portion, a crown portion and size-adjustment straps. The visor of the cap is releasably secured to the crown portion. Additionally, the attachment strips attached with crown and visor portions comprise a neodymium magnet that helps in securing the cap portions together as per the wearer's head size.

US20210251326A1 relates to a cap comprising interchangeable or removable visor portion and a crown portion with an annular base shape to fit the head of a wearer. A first magnetic material coupled to a front portion of the crown. A second magnetic material coupled to the upwardly extending lip portion of the visor. The crown and the visor can be configured to be selectively and releasably coupled to one another through magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.

Conventionally, there exist several caps that offer some degree of customization, including adjustable clasp for adjusting cap's circumference, removable logo and detachable visor. However, none of the existing caps offer a high degree of customization to provide a complete solution for enhancing aesthetic appeal and comfort along with improved functionality.

There is, therefore, a need to develop a detachable cap that offers a high degree of customization.

Although head wear has been the subject of prior updating efforts, a need exists in the art for head wear that allows for interchanging portions of the head wear with magnetic insets for securing the cap portions together that allows the cap to have entirely different look, function, and purpose. This need is met by the headwear system and products shown herein that allow for versatility in a finished product.

Object of the Invention

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a headwear with a detachable visor to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.

The principal object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide the headwear with a detachable visor that enables interchange and replacement of the visor and the button associated with the headwear.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a means for seamless coupling between the crown and the visor portion whereby the overall look, style doesn't get affected.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the headwear with a detachable visor that uses magnetic panels having magnetic insets for securely holding the cap portions.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a self-align interchangeable visor and crown of a cap.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a headwear with the detachable visor that addresses and limits previous challenges related to customization of the cap thereby allowing a wearer to interchange visor and button of the headwear for an entirely different look, function, and purpose.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the headwear with a detachable visor comprises of a crown portion and a detachable visor. The crown portion is configured to fit over a head of a wearer and comprises a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels includes front panels, back panels and side panels. The crown portion is made up from a fabric selected from the group comprising cotton, vinyl, silk, leather, wool, satin, denim, plastic, suede, and velvet. In the embodiment, the detachable visor has a lip portion and the lip portion is configured to have an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The detachable visor extends outwards from the crown portion to provide shade.

In the embodiment, the crown portion further incorporates a sweatband, which is configured to the back and each of the side panels at an inner circumferential periphery. In the embodiment, a first attachment member is secured on a front inner circumferential periphery of the crown portion coupled with a second attachment member secured to an anterior portion of a lip portion of the visor to provide a self-align attachment. In the embodiment, the lip portion of the visor and the front inner circumferential periphery of the crown portion are detachably attached with each other by means of at least two attachment members. The at least two attachment members include a first attachment member and a second attachment member.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, each of the two-attachment member includes a polymagnet. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first attachment member is secured to the front inner circumferential periphery of the crown and the second attachment member is secured to the anterior portion of the lip portion of the visor. In the embodiment, the first attachment member and the second attachment member facilitate attachment/detachment of the crown and the visor.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the posterior portion of the lip portion of the visor comprises a sweatband. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the panels may comprise a meshed panel and/or a plain solid fabric-based panel.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the first attachment member is secured above an edge of the front inner circumferential periphery of the crown to provide an extended fabric member. The extended fabric member facilities appearance of a seamless coupling between the visor and crown.

According to one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the headwear includes a baseball cap and/or a basketball cap.

In one of the embodiments, the at least two attachment members are configured with at least one magnetic snap fit closure to secure the attachment between the at least two attachment members, attaching the crown and the visor. In one of the embodiments, the at least one magnetic snap fit closure comprises a stud eyelet and a socket cap. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, each of the attachment members is configured to have a magnetic button at either side to further secure the attachment between the crown portion and the lip portion. In the embodiment, the first attachment member is configured with the stud eyelets associated with the snap fit closure and the second attachment member is configured with the socket caps. In the embodiment, the size of the grooves in the stud is in accordance with the size of the spring in the socket cap. The spring in the socket grips the groove in the stud to provide a secure attachment between the visor and the crown portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the back panels comprise an adjustable strap that allows the wearer to adjust the circumference of the crown portion in view of offering a proper fit and personalized experience to the wearer.

In one of the embodiments, the exterior surface of the crown portion may include embroidery letters/numbers/symbols/drawings.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the cap has a detachable visor that is easily removable and can be replaced with a different visor portion as per the wearer's requirements or need. The detachable visor is selected from a fit-ball, a half-circle bill, a square bill, and a curved bill.

In one of the embodiments, the wearer may use the crown portion alone to cover the head and showcase different style. In another embodiment, the crown portion is allowed to be paired with the detachable visor. In one of the embodiments, the crown portion is formed of plurality of panels that are sewn together at seams. In one of the embodiments, an apex of the crown portion is configured with a detachable fabric covered button.

In one of the embodiments, each of the attachment members has a shape of isosceles trapezoid, having a pair of non-parallel sides in each of the attachment members and each nonparallel side is inclined at 45 degree from the base of the isosceles trapezoid.

In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the attachment members comprises a first frame and a second frame, facilitating a housing for the polymagnet. Each of the frames of the attachment members comprises a plurality of stitching channels, housing for polymagnet, a rectangular polymagnet and a plurality of interlocking channels with plurality of projections and groves. In the embodiment, the housing comprises a rectangular polymagnet.

In one of the embodiments, the polymagnet is neodymium magnets.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first frame and second frame interlock with each other via a plurality of interlocking channels providing housing to accommodate a polymagnet in the form of a magnetic sheet. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second frame is made up of a thermoplastic polyurethane material, however other material may be used.

In the embodiment, the plurality of stitching channels facilitates attachment of each of the attachment members to the crown portion and the lip portion of the visor by means of stitching or adhesive.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an attachment member comprises of a first frame and a second frame. Each of the first frame and the second frame comprises a housing slot, a plurality of interlocking channels, and a plurality of stitching channels. In the embodiment, the plurality of interlocking channels comprising a plurality of projections and grooves to facilitate interlocking between the first frame and the second frame. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of interlocking channels comprises a magnetic or no magnetic interlocking stair to secure the attachment of the first frame with the second frame. Further, the first frame and the second frame interlock with each other via the plurality of interlocking channels and provide a housing to accommodate a polymagnet sheet. In the embodiment of the present invention, the stitching channels configured individually on the first and second frame to facilitate fabrication of the first and/or second frames to a front anterior portion of a lip portion of a visor and a front inner circumferential periphery of a crown of a cap.

In an embodiment, the housing slot is rectangular.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing slot may comprise other shapes and pattern to accommodate the polymagnet sheet of other shape. In one of the embodiments, the polymagnet sheet comprises an irregular shape.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the housing slot is positioned at the center and the plurality of interlocking channels of the each frames are put together to prepare attachment members.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the interlocking channels may comprise different locking structures and locking mechanisms.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the magnet sheet is a polymagnet. In other embodiments, the magnet sheet is made up from neodymium powder and composite material including silicone and rubber. In the embodiment, the magnetic sheet is programmed to incorporate correlated patterns in order to configure stronger holding force to the target and stronger shear resistance and to self align, and attach the visor with crown portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first attachment member and the second attachment member is soft, flexible and light-weighted.

In some of the embodiments of the present invention, the attachment members may match the color of the sweatband of the cap and the visor. In some of the embodiments of the present invention, the attachment members may be 3-D printed and may be produced by injectable molding.

While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings provided herein. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 illustrates prospective view of a cap in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 2a-2b illustrate a first and second attachment members incorporated at the crown and visor lip portion of the cap in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates second attachment member at anterior portion of the lip portion of the cap in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 4a-4b illustrate the attachment members having 45° inclined non-parallel sides from the base and magnetic buttons in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates attachment member structure and components in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates attachment member cross section showing interlocking between a pair of frames in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 7a-7b illustrates patterns of the polymagnet sheet in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates an interchangeable top button on the crown in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are identified with the same reference numbers. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word “a” or “an” means “at least one”, and the use of “or” means “and/or”, unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.

The invention discloses a headwear with the detachable visor that addresses and limits previous challenges related to customization of the cap thereby allowing a wearer to interchange visor and button of the headwear for an entirely different look, function, and purpose.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 8, various embodiments of headwear with a self-align detachable visor are illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1 a perspective view of the headwear 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the headwear with a detachable visor comprises of a crown portion 102 and a detachable visor 104. The crown portion 102 is configured to be fit over a head of a wearer and comprises a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels includes front panels, back panels and side panels. The crown portion 102 is made up from a fabric selected from the group comprising cotton, vinyl, silk, leather, wool, satin, denim, plastic, suede, and velvet. In the embodiment, the detachable visor 104 comprises a lip portion and the lip portion is configured to have an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The detachable visor 104 extends outwards from the crown portion 102 to provide shade.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the panels of the crown portion 102 are connected with each other through a plurality of seams.

Referring to FIG. 2a-2b to FIG. 4, various views of attachment members associated with the headwear 100 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 2a-2b, In the embodiment, a front inner circumferential periphery of the crown portion 102 meets with the lip portion of the visor 104 by means of a pair of attachment members. In the embodiment, the lip portion of the visor 104 and the front inner circumferential periphery of the crown portion 102 are detachably attached with each other by means of at least two attachment members. The least two attachment members include a first attachment member 106 and a second attachment member 108.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, each of the two attachment members includes a magnetic sheet 110, specifically a polymagnet. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first attachment member 106 is secured to the front inner circumferential periphery of the crown portion 102 and the second attachment member 108 is secured to the anterior portion of the lip portion of the visor 104. In the embodiment, the first attachment member 106 and the second attachment member 108 facilitate attachment/detachment of the crown portion 102 and the visor 104.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first attachment member 106 and the second attachment member 108 are having same structural and functional features.

Referring to FIG. 2b, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the first attachment member 106 is secured above an edge of the front inner circumferential periphery of the crown portion 102 to provide an extended fabric member 114. The extended fabric member 114 facilities appearance of a seamless coupling between the visor 104 and the crown portion 102.

According to one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the headwear includes a baseball cap and/or a basketball cap.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the back panels comprise an adjustable strap that allows the wearer to adjust the circumference of the crown portion 102 in view of offering a proper fit and personalized experience to the wearer.

In one of the embodiments, the exterior surface of the crown portion 102 may include embroidery letters/numbers/symbols/drawings.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the cap comprises a detachable visor 104 that is easily removable and can be replaced with a different visor 104 as per the wearer's requirements or need. The detachable visor 104 is selected from a fit-ball, a half-circle bill, a square bill, and a curved bill.

In one of the embodiments, the wearer may use the crown portion 102 alone to cover the head and showcase different style. In another embodiment, crown portion 102 is allowed to be paired with the detachable visor 104. In one of the embodiments, crown portion 102 is formed of plurality of panels that are sewn together at seams. In one of the embodiments, an apex of the crown portion 102 is configured with a detachable fabric covered button.

In reference to FIGS. 3 to 4a-4b, the posterior portion of the lip portion comprise a sweatband 116. Further the attachment members side ends have 45-degree angle from the base (referring to FIG. 4a) and comprises magnetic button 118 for additional securing with the crown portion (FIG. 4b).

Referring to FIG. 5a-5b, the present invention, each of the attachment members comprises a first frame 120 and a second frame 122, facilitating a housing for the magnetic sheet 110 or the polymagnet. Each of the frames 120, 122 of the attachment members comprises a plurality of stitching channels 124, and a plurality of interlocking channels 112. In the embodiment, the attachment member may be 3d printed or may be produced by injection molding to create the TPU strips. The attachment member is very thin preferably 4 mm. The magnetic sheet is made of neodymium powder and other composite materials such as silicone or rubber.

In one of the embodiments, the attachment members are made of lightweight flexible rubber or silicone and or any materials that would complement the magnets and that would cut weight of the caps.

In one of the embodiments, the polymagnet is neodymium magnets.

In the embodiment, crown portion 102 further incorporates an extended sweatband which is configured to the back and each of the side panels at an inner circumferential periphery.

In some of the embodiments of the present invention, the attachment members may match the color of the sweatband 116 or the cap and/or the visor 104 for better appearance and branding.

In another embodiment, the at least one magnetic snap fit closure comprises a stud eyelet and a socket cap. In the embodiment, the first attachment member 106 is configured with the stud eyelets associated with the snap fit closure and the second attachment member 108 is configured with the socket caps. In the embodiment, the size of the grooves in the stud is in accordance with the size of the spring in the socket cap. The spring in the socket grips the groove in the stud to provide a secure attachment between the visor 104 and the crown portion 102.

Referring to FIG. 5-6, FIG. 6 has a cross section 126 showing interlocking between a pair of frames in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of interlocking channels 112 comprises a plurality of projections and grooves to facilitate interlocking between the first frame 120 and the second frame 122. Further, the first frame 120 and the second frame 122 interlock with each other via the plurality of interlocking channels 112 and provide a housing to accommodate a polymagnet sheet. In the embodiment of the present invention, the stitching channels 124 configured individually on the first frame 120 and second frame 122 to facilitate fabrication of the first and/or second frames 120/122 to a front anterior portion of a lip portion of a visor 104 and a front inner circumferential periphery of a crown portion 102 of a cap.

In an embodiment, the housing slot is rectangular.

Referring to FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, the embodiment of the present invention discloses correlated patterns 128 of the polymagnet sheet in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. In one of the embodiments, the polymagnet sheet are programmed and has correlated patterns in order to configure stronger holding force to the target and stronger shear resistance and to self-align, and attach the visor with crown portion.

Having the correlated patterns 128 facilitating self-alignment of the first attachment member 106 and the second attachment member 108. In the embodiment, the polymagnet exhibits side to side shear force.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the interlocking channels 112 may comprise different locking structure and locking mechanism.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first attachment member 106 and the second attachment member 108 are soft, flexible and light-weighted.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one of the embodiments, a top button 130 on the crown in accordance with the embodiments. The top button 130 is interchangeable.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.

The embodiments described above are intended only to illustrate and teach one or more ways of practicing or implementing the present invention, not to restrict its breadth or scope. The actual scope of the invention, which embraces all ways of practicing or implementing the teachings of the invention, is defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.