BRIM SLEEVE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/665,815, filed Jun. 28, 2024; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of headwear, and more specifically to a brim sleeve configured to fit onto a brim of a cap.

Description of the Related Art

Headwear such as baseball caps and visors are commonly worn for both functional and aesthetic purposes. These caps typically include a crown portion configured to fit over a wearer's head and a forward-projecting brim that provides shade and glare reduction. While the crown portion of a cap is often designed with logos, color variations, and other decorative elements, the brim is typically fixed in shape and style at the time of manufacture, offering limited opportunities for customization or utility enhancements.

Brim sleeves were primarily used for aesthetic customization and basic protective purposes. Wearers would apply a brim sleeve to temporarily change the visual appearance of a cap, such as to match a specific outfit, represent a sports team, or display a particular logo or message. In some cases, brim sleeves were also used to protect the brim from environmental damage like sun exposure, dirt, or wear and tear during regular use. However, conventional brim sleeves suffered from a number of limitations that restricted their practicality and appeal.

A common drawback of prior brim sleeve designs was poor fit and lack of stability. Many sleeves were shaped as simple fabric pockets without contouring to match the specific dimensions of a cap brim, which often resulted in a loose, wrinkled, or sagging appearance. These issues not only detracted from the aesthetic value of the sleeve but also caused the sleeve to slip, shift, or misalign during regular activity or movement. In addition, most brim sleeves offered no functional features beyond decoration, lacking elements such as storage compartments, mounting options for accessories, or secure retention systems.

There is a need for an improved brim sleeve.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a removable brim sleeve that slides over and snugly envelopes the brim of a standard cap. The brim sleeve is formed by an upper section and a lower section joined together along their respective upper and lower convex edges while leaving an opposing pair of upper and lower concave edges spaced apart to define an opening. The opening lets the brim slide into a cavity bounded by the inner side of the upper section and the inner surface of the lower section, with stabilizing corners preserving alignment. Once installed, the outer faces may include decorative aesthetic accessories, a storage pocket, and optional low-profile fitting accessories such as tape, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners for extra retention.

In some embodiments, the brim sleeve further comprises a flexible anchoring tab secured to the lower section. The anchoring tab is configured to wrap around a sweatband of a corresponding cap and tuck a terminal end of the anchoring tab into a flap compartment inside the cap interior. The anchoring tab prevents the brim sleeve from sliding off during vigorous activity.

In some embodiments, the brim sleeve further comprises a longitudinal mounting channel on the outer surface of the lower section. The channel releasably holds elongated accessories such as a miniature camera for point-of-view recording or a slim flashlight for hands-free illumination, enabling the wearer to transform an ordinary cap into a multifunction head-mounted platform.

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

The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiment thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a cap adapted to customize brim appearance is illustrated, depicting a cap and a brim sleeve in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a prospective view of the cap fitted with the brim sleeve according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the cap fitted with the brim sleeve according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cap fitted with the brim sleeve according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the brim sleeve according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the brim sleeve with an anchoring tab in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the brim sleeve with the anchoring tab according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the brim sleeve with the anchoring tab coupled to the cap according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the anchoring tab coupled to the cap according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the brim sleeve with a mounting channel fitted to the cap in accordance with a third illustrate embodiment; and

FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the brim sleeve with mounting channel fitted to the cap according to the third illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

The features, components, and configurations described in connection with the various embodiments illustrated herein may be combined, interchanged, or otherwise modified in any number of ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it is intended that the invention encompasses all such combinations, permutations, and modifications as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

For purposes herein, the term “convex” means an outward curve.

The term “concave” means in inward curve.

Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

General Description of Embodiments

In a general embodiment, a brim sleeve configured to engage a cap is disclosed. The brim sleeve comprises an upper section comprising an upper convex edge and an upper concave edge. The upper section further comprises an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side. The brim sleeve also comprises a lower section comprising a lower convex edge and a lower concave edge, the lower section further comprising an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The lower convex edge is coupled to the upper convex edge. An opening is formed by the upper concave edge and the lower concave edge. The opening is configured to slide over a brim of the cap and cover the brim within a cavity of the brim sleeve, the cavity being defined as the inner side of the upper section and the inner surface of the lower section. An anchoring tab is coupled to the lower section. The anchoring tab comprises a terminal end extending rearwardly from the opening, wherein the terminal end is configured to nest within a sweatband of the cap.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab may be coupled to the inner surface of the lower section.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab may be disposed at a center of the lower section.

In some embodiments, the upper section and the lower section may each comprise a fabric.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab may comprise a fabric.

In some embodiments, the brim sleeve may further comprise a mounting channel coupled to the lower section at the outer surface. The mounting channel may be configured to releasably secure an elongated accessory in a position parallel to a longitudinal axis of the brim sleeve, the longitudinal axis being defined as extending from the opening to a junction of the upper convex edge and the lower convex edge.

In some embodiments, the mounting channel may further comprise a pocket.

In some embodiments, the mounting channel may further comprise one or more straps.

In another general embodiment, a brim sleeve system is disclosed. The brim sleeve system comprises a cap. The cap comprises a crown portion and a brim. The brim is coupled to the crown portion at a lower edge of a front region of the crown portion. The crown portion further comprises a cap interior and a sweatband hingedly coupled to the cap interior. The sweatband forms a flap compartment between the sweatband and the crown portion. The brim sleeve system further comprises a brim sleeve. The brim sleeve comprises an upper section comprising an upper convex edge and an upper concave edge. The upper section further comprises an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side. The brim sleeve also comprises a lower section comprising a lower convex edge and a lower concave edge. The lower section further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The lower convex edge is coupled to the upper convex edge. An opening is formed by the upper concave edge and the lower concave edge. The opening receives the brim and covers the brim within a cavity of the brim sleeve. The cavity is defined as the inner side of the upper section and the inner surface of the lower section. An anchoring tab is coupled to the lower section. The anchoring tab comprises a terminal end extending rearwardly from the opening. The anchoring tab is wrapped around the sweatband and the terminal end is disposed within the flap compartment.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab may be coupled to the inner surface of the lower section.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab may be disposed at a center of the lower section.

In some embodiments, the upper section and the lower section may each comprise a fabric.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab may comprise a fabric.

In some embodiments, the brim sleeve system may further comprise a mounting channel coupled to the lower section at the outer surface. The mounting channel may be configured to releasably secure an elongated accessory in a position parallel to a longitudinal axis of the brim sleeve, the longitudinal axis being defined as extending from the opening to a junction of the upper convex edge and the lower convex edge.

In some embodiments, the mounting channel may further comprise a pocket.

In some embodiments, the mounting channel may further comprise one or more straps.

Each of the components of the brim sleeve described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art. The upper and lower section may comprise stiff materials including thermoplastics and metals. In other embodiments, the upper and lower section may comprise flexible materials including fabrics.

In one aspect, a method for manufacturing the brim sleeve comprising fabric comprises: (i) serge/overlock stick on the upper section; (ii) straight stitch down the serged/overlock top; (iii) piece together and cut the edges/corners off on both ends; (iv) piece together and serge/overlock stick the lower section; (v) fold the serge/overlock stitching to the piece that lower section, then straight stich it down; (vi) cut the remaining edges/corners off; (vii) fold the anchoring tab to measure the placement onto the brim sleeve; and (viii) add the anchoring tab together with the lower section and follow the straight stitching that is already present.

While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

First Illustrated Embodiment

FIGS. 1-5 show the brim sleeve (112) according to a first illustrated embodiment. A cap (100) includes a crown portion (102) formed from a plurality of panels (104) that meet at a lower edge (103) and define an interior sized to receive a wearer's head. A brim (106) projects forward from a front region (105) of the crown portion and presents an upper surface (108) and an opposite lower surface (110) for shading the wearer's face.

A removable brim sleeve (112) is dimensioned to snugly envelope the brim. The sleeve has an upper section (114) secured along an upper convex edge (115) to a lower section (119) at a complementary lower convex edge (120). Opposite those joined edges, an upper concave edge (116) of the upper section remains spaced from a lower concave edge (121) of the lower section, thereby defining an opening (125) through which the brim can be slid. The junctions of the convex and concave edges define corners (124) that help maintain the sleeve's strucutre and provide a crisp outline once installed. Both sections are preferably cut so that the sleeve's structure closely matches the outline of the underlying brim, minimizing wrinkling and drift during use.

Within the upper section, an inner side (117) faces the brim's upper surface, while an outer side (118) remains externally visible. The outer side carries a plurality of aesthetic accessories (130), which may include embroidered letters, numerals, logos, symbols, drawings, or even a state-shaped emblem, allowing the wearer to customize the cap's appearance.

The lower section provides an inner surface (123) that bears against the brim's lower surface and an opposite outer surface (122) that can incorporate a pocket (140) sized to retain small flat items such as photographs or note cards. The pocket's opening may face toward or away from the wearer to suit personal preference.

In some embodiments, the upper section (114) and lower section (119) each comprise fabrics wherein the upper fabric (114) is stitched to the lower facbric (119) at their respective convex edges. The fabric may comprise cotton, vinyl, silk, leather, wool, satin, denim, plastic, suede, polyester, velvet, or a combination thereof.

The brim sleeve (112) can include fitting accessories configured to securely hold the brim sleeve (112) to the brim (106). Fitting accessories can include adhesive or double-sided tape (150). In other embodiments, the fitting accessories may include detachable functionality and can include zippers, Velcro, snap-fit, and other similar attachments.

Second Illustrated Embodiment

FIGS. 6-9 show the brim sleeve (212) according to a second illustrated embodiment. A cap (200) has a forwardly projecting brim (206) joined to a crown portion (202) at a front region (205) along a lower edge (203). The brim (206) comprises an upper surface (208) and a lower surface (210). The brim sleeve (212) is formed by an upper section (214) and a lower section (219), is sized to slide over and closely conform to the brim (206). The upper section (214) comprises an upper convex edge (215) and an upper concave edge (216). Similarly, the lower section (219) comprises a lower convex edge (220) and a lower concave edge (221). The upper section (214) and the lower section (219) are coupled at the upper convex edge (215) and the lower convex edge (220). The upper concave edge (216) remains spaced from the lower concave edge (221) to create an opening (225) for the brim (206) to enter. The transitions between convex and concave edges define stabilizing corners (224).

An inner side (217) of the upper section (214) and an inner surface (223) of the lower section (219) cooperate to form a cavity that friction-fits around the brim (206), leaving an externally viewable outer side (218) and outer surface (222) for decoration.

An anchoring tab (250) is coupled midway along the lower convex edge (221) so that a distal end (251) of the anchoring tab (250) is permanently affixed to the brim sleeve (212) and a free terminal end (252) projects rearward past the opening (225). During installation, the sleeve (212) is pushed fully onto the brim (206), the terminal end (252) is wrapped upward into the cap interior (254), looped around the interior sweatband (255), and tucked into a flap compartment (256) defined between the sweatband (255) and the crown portion (202). Pressure exerted by the wearer's forehead clamps the sweatband (255) against the crown portion (202), pinching the anchoring tab (250) and preventing the sleeve (212) from creeping forward or disengaging during vigorous activity.

In some embodiments, the upper section (214) and lower section (219) each comprise fabrics wherein the upper fabric is stitched to the lower fabric at their respective convex edges. The fabric may comprise cotton, vinyl, silk, leather, wool, satin, denim, plastic, suede, polyester, velvet, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab (250) comprises a fabric allowing it to have the flexibility needed for wrapping around the sweatband (255) of various styled hats. Also, a thin fabric can be beneficial because it will not cause irritation or discomfort to the wearer.

In some embodiments, the anchoring tab (250) is coupled to the inner surface (223) of the lower section (219). This prevents covering the outer surface (222) where decoration may be applied. In some embodiments, the brim sleeve (212) comprises a plurality of anchoring tabs (250) each coupled to the lower section (219).

Third Illustrated Embodiment

FIGS. 10-11 show the brim sleeve (312) according to a third illustrated embodiment. A cap (300) comprising a crown portion (302) terminates at a lower edge (303) and supports a forward brim (306) that shields the wearer's face. A removable brim sleeve (312), similar in overall construction to the first two embodiments, slides over the brim via its opening and presents an upper section (314) and a lower section (319). The sleeve (312) is externally visible on both an outer side (318) of the upper section (214) and an outer surface (322) of the lower section (319), allowing coordinated graphics above and below the brim.

Integral with the lower section (319) is at least one mounting channel (361) extending lengthwise toward a brim tip (360) of the brim (306). The mounting channel (361) may take the form of a sewn-on pocket (363), a set of one or more straps (364), or a hybrid arrangement that releasably captures an elongated accessory aligned parallel to a brim's longitudinal axis defined from a front region (305) of the crown portion (302) to the brim tip (360). Suitable accessories include, but are not limited to, a miniature camera (365) for point-of-view recording and a slim flashlight (366) for hands-free illumination. When a single mounting channel (361) is provided, it is preferably centered beneath the brim (306) to keep the cap (300) balanced on the wearer's head; multiple channels can be staggered laterally to support several devices or to enable ambidextrous access.

The brim sleeve (312) of the illustrated third embodiment may further comprise the anchoring tab (FIG. 6; 250) of the second embodiment to secure the brim sleeve (312) to the brim (306).

FEATURE LIST

• • cap (100; 200; 300)
  • crown portion (102; 202; 302)
  • lower edge (103; 203; 303)
  • plurality of panels (104)
  • front region (105; 205; 305)
  • brim (106; 206; 306)
  • upper surface (108; 208)
  • lower surface (110; 210)
  • brim sleeve (112; 212; 312)
  • upper fabric (114; 214; 314)
  • upper convex edge (115; 215)
  • upper concave edge (116; 216)
  • inner side (117; 217)
  • outer side (118; 218; 318)
  • lower fabric (119; 219; 319)
  • lower convex edge (120; 220)
  • lower concave edge (121; 221)
  • outer surface (122; 222; 322)
  • inner surface (123; 223)
  • corners (124; 224)
  • opening (125; 225)
  • plurality of aesthetic accessories (130)
  • pocket (140)
  • fitting accessories (150)
  • anchoring tab (250)
  • distal end (251)
  • terminal end (252)
  • cap interior (254)
  • sweatband (255)
  • flap compartment (256)
  • brim tip (360)
  • mounting channel (361)
  • pocket (363)
  • one or more straps (364)
  • camera (365)
  • flashlight (366)