HEADWEAR EMBELLISHMENT SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/719,568 filed on November 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to headwear, such as baseball caps. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a dedicated area on headwear to receive removably attachable embellishments.

BACKGROUND

Headwear, such as hats, caps, beanies, and similar items, are available in a wide range of styles and designs to cater to the diverse preferences and needs of users. Many individuals purchase multiple types of headwear to match various outfits, occasions, or personal tastes. A common desire among users is to customize their headwear to reflect their personality or style, or for a marketing event. This customization is often achieved through the application of stickers, patches, or other embellishments.

However, the use of stickers presents several challenges. Stickers may not adhere well to the fabric of the headwear, leading to issues such as peeling or wearing out over time. When a sticker is removed, it often leaves adhesive residue on the fabric, which can be difficult to clean and may permanently scar the headwear. Furthermore, even if a sticker remains intact, users may wish to change it periodically to update the look of their headwear. The process of removing and replacing stickers exacerbates the problem of adhesive residue and potential fabric damage.

Sewn patches offer a more durable solution compared to stickers, as they do not suffer from peeling or residue issues. However, sewn patches come with their own set of drawbacks. Once a patch is sewn onto headwear, it is permanently affixed and cannot be easily removed or replaced without risking damage to the fabric. This lack of flexibility limits the user's ability to modify their headwear as desired.

Given these challenges, there is a clear need for a system and method that enables users to attach and remove stickers or other embellishments to headwear in a way that avoids adhesive residue, permanent scarring, and the limitations of permanent affixation. Such a solution would allow users to customize their headwear easily and frequently without causing damage, thereby enhancing the versatility and longevity of their headwear.

The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, a customizable headwear system comprises an embellishment base member coupled to headwear (e.g., hat, beanie, etc.), wherein the embellishment base member comprises a first surface for receiving an adhesive of an embellishment (e.g., sticker). In some embodiments, the embellishment comprises a curve to match the curvature of the headwear. In some embodiments, the embellishment base member may be made from plastics, silicones, rubbers, metals, glass, carbon fiber, or other materials or combinations thereof that are sufficiently smooth and semi-rigid so as to receive an embellishment thereon.

In some embodiments, customizable headwear system comprises an embellishment base member and an embellishment removably couplable thereto via snaps, hook and loop, magnets, or other coupling mechanisms, wherein the embellishment comprises a design on a front side.

In some methods of use, a user would apply (e.g., sticker) or couple (e.g., snap) an embellishment to the embellishment base member. When desired, a user may remove the embellishment by pulling it away from the embellishment base member. When the embellishment is a sticker, in the event any adhesive residue remains on the embellishment base member, a user may easily clean the embellishment base member using water or cleaners. The user may then apply a new embellishment of their choosing. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a user can easily change between graphics, logos, phrases, or anything else the user would like to show on their headwear without damaging the headwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of customizable headwear system with a sticker attachable thereto;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front, bottom, side perspective view of an embellishment base member configured to be coupled to headwear of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embellishment base member configured to be coupled to headwear of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an embellishment base member configured to be coupled to headwear of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of customizable headwear with an embellishment attachable thereto of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embellishment of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of customizable headwear with an embellishment attachable thereto of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embellishment of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of customizable headwear with an embellishment attachable thereto of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embellishment of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of customizable headwear with an embellishment attachable thereto of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embellishment of a customizable headwear system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view of customizable headwear with an embellishment attachable thereto of a customizable headwear system; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embellishment of a customizable headwear system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. 

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As previously discussed, there is a need for a system and method that enables users to attach and remove stickers or other embellishments to headwear in a way that avoids adhesive residue, permanent scarring, and the limitations of permanent affixation. Such a solution would allow users to customize their headwear easily and frequently without causing damage, thereby enhancing the versatility and longevity of their headwear. The customizable headwear disclosed herein solves these problems and others.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in some embodiments, customizable headwear system 100 comprises an embellishment base member 102 coupled to an item of headwear 101, wherein the embellishment base member 102 comprises a first surface 104 for receiving an adhesive of an embellishment 106 (e.g., sticker). As shown, the embellishment base member 102 does not need to be entirely smooth, but may have debossed designs 103, or other styles on the first surface 104, so long as there is sufficient surface area for an embellishment 106 to viably couple (e.g., adhere) thereto. However, in some embodiments, the first surface 104 is completely smooth, without designs. The embellishment base member 102 may be coupled to the headwear 101 via stitching, permanent adhesives, rivets, or other mechanisms so as to remain effectively permanently attached thereto.

As best seen in FIGS. 2-3, the embellishment base member 102 may comprise an channel 108 near a perimeter of the embellishment base member 102 for receiving stitching therethrough for securing to the headwear 101. The first surface 104 may be circumscribed by a first ridge 110, with a second ridge 112 circumscribing the first ridge 110, with the channel 108 interposed between the first and second ridges 110, 112. However, while a channel 108 is shown and described, it will be appreciated that other methods of securing the embellishment base member 102 to the headwear 101, as discussed earlier, is contemplated herein.

In some methods of use, a user would apply an adhesive-backed embellishment 106 to the embellishment base member 102, which is coupled to the desired headwear 101 (e.g., baseball cap). When desired, a user may remove the adhesive-backed embellishment 106 by peeling it away from the embellishment base member 102. In the event any adhesive residue remains on the embellishment base member 102, a user may easily clean the embellishment base member 102 using water or cleaners. The user may then apply a new embellishment 106 of their choosing. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a user can easily change between graphics, logos, phrases, or anything else the user would like to show on their headwear 101 without damaging the headwear 101.

Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the embellishment base member 102 may comprise a curve 114 (e.g., 8.72 degrees) along the longitudinal length, or otherwise be flexible enough to match the curvature of the headwear 101. In other words, the curve 114 allows the embellishment base member 102 to sit flush against the surface of headwear 101 that is curved, such as the baseball cap shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the degree of curvature may depend upon the headwear, with the degree of curvature being complementary to the desired headwear.

In some embodiments, the embellishment base member 102 may be made from plastics, silicone, rubber, metals, glass, carbon fiber, or other materials or combinations thereof that are sufficiently smooth and semi-rigid so as to receive an embellishment 106 thereon without deforming.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, a headwear system 200 is shown, wherein the embellishment base member 202 is coupled to the headwear 101 (such as via stitching) and comprises a plurality of first snap members 204A-D (e.g., sockets) on its front surface 205. The embellishment 206 comprises a graphic or design 208 on the front side 210 and a plurality of second snap members 212A-D (e.g., posts) on a rear side 214, each second snap member 212A-D configured and positioned to mate with a respective first snap member 204A-D. In other words, a user may apply an embellishment 206 of their choice by aligning the second snap members 212A-D with the respective first snap members 204A-D and may apply force until mated, effectively coupling the embellishment 206 to the headwear 101. When a user desires to change the embellishment 206, they simply unsnap the embellishment 206 (i.e., apply sufficient outward force so as to decouple the second snap members 212A-D from the first snap members 204A-D) from the embellishment base member 202, select a new embellishment 206 with the desired design, and couple the snaps once again.

The first snap members 204A-D and second snap members 212A-D may be made of any suitable material, including metals, but in a preferred embodiment, are manufactured from plastics or other materials that are resistant to corrosion. Like other embodiments, the embellishment 206 may be flat, curved, or flexible so as to complement the shape of the headwear 101. It will be understood that the embellishment 206 may be made from plastics, silicones, rubbers, metals, glass, carbon fiber, or other materials or combinations thereof that support the use of second snap members 212A-D and allow for application of a design 208 on the front side 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, a headwear system 300 is shown, wherein the embellishment base member 302 is coupled to the headwear 101 (such as via stitching) and comprises a plurality of first magnets 304A-D on its front surface 305. The embellishment 306 comprises a graphic or design 308 on the front side 310 and a plurality of second magnets 312A-D configured on a back side 314 and positioned to each magnetically couple with the first magnets 304A-D, respectively. In other words, a user may apply an embellishment 306 of their choice by aligning the second magnets 312A-D with the respective first magnets 304A-D until they magnetically couple, thereby coupling the embellishment 306 to the headwear 101. When a user desires to change the embellishment 306, they simply decouple the embellishment 306 (i.e., apply sufficient outward force so as to decouple the second magnets 312A-D from the first magnets 304A-D) from the embellishment base member 302, select a new embellishment 306 with the desired design, and couple the magnets 312A-D to 304A-D once again.

It will be understood that the embellishment 306 may be made from plastics, silicones, rubbers, metals, glass, carbon fiber, or other materials or combinations thereof that support the use of second magnets 312A-D and allow for application of a design 308 on the front side.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, a headwear system 400 is shown, wherein the embellishment base member 402 is coupled to the headwear 101 (such as via stitching) and is made of magnetic metals or otherwise comprises a magnetic layer 404 (e.g., ferrite, iron, nickel, steel etc.), which may be exposed or, as shown, embedded within the embellishment base member 402. Embedding the magnetic layer 404 may be beneficial to protect the magnetic layer 404 from exposure to the elements, thereby preventing corrosion. This is particularly beneficial for when a user desires to wash their headwear 101. The embellishment base member 402, therefore, may be manufactured from plastics, rubbers, or other materials that are resistant to corrosion, yet still allow the magnetic field to penetrate therethrough. However, in some embodiments, powdered ferrite may also be used with a binding agent such as rubber or plastic to provide a magnetic surface that is corrosion resistant.

The embellishment 406 comprises a graphic or design 408 on the front side 410 and comprises a magnetic rear surface 412, which may be an exposed layer or may be embedded within the embellishment 406. In some embodiments, the embellishment 406 may comprise powdered ferrite on the rear surface 412 and rubber, PVC, polyresin, thin metal, porcelain, epoxy, or a mixture of some of these materials on the front side 410, resulting in a flexible embellishment 406 (similar to a printed fridge magnet) with the rear surface 412 being magnetic.

In other words, a user may apply an embellishment 406 of their choice by aligning the embellishment 406 with the embellishment base member 402 until they magnetically couple, thereby coupling the embellishment 406 to the headwear 101. When a user desires to change the embellishment 406, they simply decouple the embellishment 406 (i.e., apply sufficient outward force so as to decouple the magnets) from the embellishment base member 402, select a new embellishment 406 with the desired design, and magnetically couple them once again.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-12, a headwear system 500 is shown, wherein the embellishment base member 502 is coupled to the headwear 101 (such as via stitching) and comprises a plurality of first hook and loop portions 504A-D (e.g., Velcro®) on its front surface 505. The embellishment 506 comprises a graphic or design 508 on the front side 510 and a plurality of second hook and loop portions 512A-D (complementary to the first hook and loop portions 504A-D) configured on a back side 514 and positioned to each couple with the first hook and loop portions 504A-D, respectively. In other words, a user may apply an embellishment 506 of their choice by aligning the second hook and loop and pressing them together to couple them, thereby coupling the embellishment 506 to the headwear 101.

It will be understood that the embellishment 506 may be made from textiles (e.g., patches), plastics, silicones, rubbers, metals, glass, carbon fiber, or other materials or combinations thereof that support the use of second hoop and loop portions 512A-D and allow for application of a design 508 on the front side.

When a user desires to change the embellishment 506, they simply decouple the embellishment 506 (i.e., apply sufficient outward force so as to decouple the second hook and loop portions 512A-D from the first hook and loop portions 504A-D) from the embellishment base member 502, select a new embellishment 506 with the desired design, and couple the second hook and loop portions 512A-D to the first hook and loop portions 504A-D once again.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, a headwear system 600 is shown, headwear 101 comprises a plurality of first snap members 602A-D (e.g., sockets) integrated into a front surface 604 of the headwear 101. The embellishment 606 comprises a graphic or design 608 on the front side 610 and a plurality of second snap members 612A-D (e.g., posts) on a rear side 614, each second snap member 612A-D configured and positioned to mate with a respective first snap member 602A-D. In other words, a user may apply an embellishment 606 of their choice by aligning the second snap members 612A-D with the respective first snap members 602A-D and may apply force until mated, effectively coupling the embellishment 606 to the headwear 101. When a user desires to change the embellishment 606, they simply unsnap the embellishment 606 (i.e., apply sufficient outward force so as to decouple the second snap members 612A-D from the first snap members 6042-D) from the headwear 101, select a new embellishment 606 with the desired design, and couple the snaps once again.

It will be understood that the embellishment 606 may be made from plastics, silicones, rubbers, metals, glass, carbon fiber, or other materials or combinations thereof that support the use of second snap members 612A-D and allow for application of a design 608 on the front side.

The headwear systems 100-600 disclosed herein have several benefits. For example, they allows users to change their style or message without purchasing additional headwear. It also allows brands and organizations to change embellishments to reflect changing campaigns, seasons, or events, creating a cost-effective way to continuously refresh a branded item. This flexibility allows for quick adaptation to market demands or promotional needs, making the customizable headwear system 100-600 an attractive option for both consumers and businesses seeking adaptable, customizable products. Additionally, it encourages repeat purchases of stickers or other embellishments, fostering long-term customer engagement for businesses. It further provides users with a dynamic, low-commitment way to showcase their individuality, whether through personal interests, team affiliations, or promotional messaging. This aligns well with consumer trends toward customization and sustainability, as the embellishment base member enables multiple uses without damaging the headwear.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that the customizable headwear system disclosed herein solves the need for a system and method that enables users to attach and remove stickers or other embellishments to headwear in a way that avoids adhesive residue, permanent scarring, and the limitations of permanent affixation. This solution allows users to customize their headwear easily and frequently without causing damage, thereby enhancing the versatility and longevity of their headwear.

It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.