US20150327614A1

US20150327614A1 - Interchangeable Cap

Info

Publication number: US20150327614A1
Application number: US14/567,280
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald J. Garden, SR.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-13
Filing date: 2014-12-11
Publication date: 2015-11-19
Also published as: GB201507910D0; GB2528355A; DE102015107340A1; CA2890984A1

Abstract

An interchangeable cap having removable covers. The cap resembles a baseball cap with a billed portion and a dome shaped portion defining an interior volume. The cap includes a plurality of covers being a first cover, a second cover and a third cover for placement over top thereof. The baseball cap and the first cover provide fasteners. The first cover has an ovoid shape having an open bottom and laces to simulate the appearance of a football. The cap provides a perimeter edge having an open upper, wherein the first cover can be fitted thereover and the perimeter edge of the first cover can be tucked into the open upper thereof. The second cover is ovoid shape to fit over the first cover having an interior volume and a cutout, wherein the laces of the first cover can extend therethrough and remain flush therewith. The third cover comprises a visor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/992,420 filed on May 13, 2014, entitled “Super Fan Football Hat.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to interchangeable cap devices. More specifically the invention relates to an interchangeable cap having a plurality of removable covers. The removable covers include team logos and emblems, and may also have ornamental shapes, such as that of a football.
Conventional caps often provide a dome shaped portion and a billed portion and have logos, names, symbols and the like permanently disposed on the dome shaped portion. This however, limits the user to only being able to wear one style of hat having one type of logo, symbol and the like thereon for display thereof. If a user wishes to show support for different teams, the user must purchase a plurality of caps, which may be expensive. Further, conventional caps do not afford users with a unique shape, such as a football shape that allows one to communicate team spirit and their enthusiasm for the game. Other types of caps may provide a football structure that simulates an actual football; however these caps are not interchangeable and are limited to the original team name and the like.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a new and improved interchangeable cap apparatus having a plurality of interchangeable covers. The invention provides a cap having a billed portion over which various covers can be placed. The invention can be used for changing the exterior appearance of a cap so that various team names and logos can be displayed thereon. The invention can provide a plurality of fasteners, such as magnets, in order to secure the plurality of covers to the billed cap portion, wherein the invention provides hook and loop fasteners for attachment of patches having sports teams, logos and the like disposed thereon.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to caps or hats. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to caps or hats for displaying various sports logos and teams thereon. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Design Patent No. D303036 to Giles provides a cap having a half football structure, wherein the football structure comprises the right half of a football cut sagittally therethrough. The present invention, however, provides an interchangeable cap resembling a baseball cap having a billed portion and a domed portion, wherein a plurality of covers that can be placed thereover as desired by the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,144 to Soergal discloses a baseball cap that includes interchangeable logos, wherein the logos provide hook and loop fastener material that enables them to be detachably secure to the cap portion. While this may be helpful in allowing a user to change various logos on a cap, it offers little utility in the way of sports display and enthusiasm that provides a football like cover that can be detachably secured to a baseball cap apparatus having interchangeable patches.
U.S. Pat. No. D683110 to Smith discloses a football shaped hat that includes a laterally positioned football on the top of the hat, wherein the opposing ends of the football are pointed to the left and right sides, respectively. The present invention, however, provides a baseball style cap with a simulated football cover, a second cover and third cover that enables the users to change the appearance of the baseball cap, wherein the football cover provides an interchangeable patch system.
U.S. Pat. Nos. D417768 and D459574 to Siragusa and Schlegel describe football shaped novelty hats that can be situated lengthwise or widthwise along the head of the user. In contrast, the present invention enables the user to display a plurality of patches having various team names, logos and the like disposed thereon that can be removably attached to a simulated football cover that is secured onto a baseball cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,586 to Brosnan allows for a sports cap having a replaceable trade name and/or logo panel in order to enable the user to display different trade names and logos as desired. The device provides a replaceable panel that can be connected to the sports cap via hook and loop fasteners for removable securement thereto. Still, the present invention provide a plurality of interchangeable elements such as removable covers and an interchangeable patch having logos and the like disposed thereon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,043 relates to a hat that provides interchangeable patches that can be selectively attached thereto, thus enabling the user to display a variety of different phrase and logos. The hat and interchangeable patches provide fastening material for detachable securement to one another. The present invention however, provides an interchangeable cover and patch system, wherein the user can place covers onto a baseball cap and patches can be further placed onto the covers via fasteners.
These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. The above discussed devices do not provide an interchangeable cap having a plurality of covers, wherein a cover resembles a football, and other covers are adapted to receive any of a variety of patches that display team names and logos. In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing cap devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of caps or hats now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new interchangeable cap wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when displaying sports logos, team names and the like while having a unique cap structure.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interchangeable cap device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable cap having a plurality of interchangeable covers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable cap having fasteners thereon for securing one or more ornamental covers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable cap having covers with fasteners for receiving additional covers or patches.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable cap, wherein at least one cover provides a simulated football structure.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable cap, wherein at least one cover can display interchangeable patches thereon.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the baseball cap apparatus having a first cover thereon.

FIG. 2 shows a view of a football shaped cover as positioned for attachment to the baseball cap of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a view of the third cover of the present invention as positioned for securement to the baseball cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the interchangeable cap. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for changing the exterior appearance of a cap in which various sports team names or logos can be displayed. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the interchangeable cap apparatus 11 having a first cover thereon. The invention provides a baseball cap with a dome shaped portion 14 and a billed portion 15. The dome shaped portion 14 can be disposed on the head of a user and includes a perimeter edge. The billed portion 15 is positioned on the perimeter edge. The invention further provides a plurality of covers that can be removably secured to the baseball cap, including a first cover 12, a second cover, and a third cover removably securable to the cap. The dome shaped portion perimeter edge 16 includes a plurality of first fasteners thereon. Preferably, the fasteners are snaps, but may include other types of fasteners such as hook and look fasteners, zippers, buttons, or magnets, among others. The dome shape portion 14 of the baseball cap apparatus 11 has a slight ovoid shape in a preferred embodiment, defining an interior volume with an open bottom and a billed portion 15, wherein the billed portion 15 is connected to the perimeter edge 16 of the baseball cap apparatus 11 in the front thereof forming one unitary body therewith.
The first cover 12 provides a simulated football-like structure defining an interior volume and having an open bottom end, wherein the first cover 12 is adapted to fit over the dome shaped portion 14 of the baseball cap apparatus 11 and comprises a shape that is conducive therewith. The first cover 12 includes a perimeter edge 18 about the bottom end thereof, wherein there is a plurality of second fasteners 19 are disposed on the perimeter edge 18. The second fasteners 19 are adapted to engage with the first fasteners on the dome shaped portion 14. The top of the exterior of the first cover 12 comprises laces 20, wherein the laces 20 provide a first lace 22 that is vertically oriented having a plurality of second laces 21 placed thereover in a perpendicular orientation. The first cover 12 provides a third fastener 24 disposed thereon, wherein the third fastener 24 comprises a rectangular shaped structure in a preferred embodiment to which a patch 25 having a team logo disposed thereon can be attached thereto. Preferably, the third fastener 24 is disposed on a side portion of the first cover 12. In an alternative embodiment, the first cover 12 need not have a third fastener thereon and instead comprises a team name, university name, phrase, character, figure, pattern, advertisement, school name, logo, number, emblem and the like disposed on the first cover via being screen printed, painted, stamped, embroidered, embossed, sewn and/or other suitable techniques.
The patch 25 is adapted to engage with the third fastener 24 of the first cover 12. The patch 24 has a first side and a second side, wherein the second side comprises a fourth fastener thereon. The third fastener 24 of the first cover 12 and the fourth fasteners disposed on the second side of the patch 25 are hook and loop fasteners in a preferred embodiment, however the second fasteners of the first cover 12 and the fourth fasteners of the patch 25 can be an adhesive, snaps, buttons, magnets, zippers and/or other suitable fasteners. The first side of the patch 25 can provide writing disposed thereon, wherein the writing can be team logos, sports team names, university names, numbers, phrases, characters, figures, patterns, advertisements, school names and the like.
FIG. 2 shows a view of the baseball cap apparatus 11 having first fasteners 17 to which the first cover 12 having second fasteners 19 can be attached. The second fasteners 19 of the of the first cover 12 and the first fasteners 17 of the baseball cap apparatus are adapted to engage with one another, wherein the first fasteners 17 are snap buttons in a preferred embodiment, however the first fasteners can be magnets, hook and loop material, adhesives, clips, clasps and/or other suitable fasteners. In an alternative embodiment however, the first cover 12 can be permanently attached to the baseball cap apparatus 11. The user can manually place the open bottom of the first cover 12 over the dome shaped structure 14 of the baseball cap apparatus 11 to which it readily fits thereover, wherein the user can secure the first cover 12 to the baseball cap apparatus.
The first cover 12 provides a half ovoid shaped structure having a straight base portion, wherein the front of the first cover 12 forms a slight rounded point similar to that of a football. The base portion provides a straight edge such that the front of the first cover 12 provides a straight edge. Thus, the first cover 12 comprises a straight edge that goes from the front of the first cover 12 to the back thereof. Similarly, the baseball cap apparatus 11 can comprise a half ovoid shape in a preferred embodiment having a straight edge at the back thereof that is conducive to and adapted to coincide with the ovoid shaped structure of the first cover 12.
The second cover 13 provides a simulated football-like shape defining an interior volume and having an open lower end, wherein the second cover 13 is such that it is adapted to fit over the first cover 12. The second cover 13 is substantially flexible or elastic so that the second cover 13 can be stretched over the first cover 12 and secured thereon by tension. The second cover 13 provides a top, bottom, first side, second side and a second edge, wherein the top comprises an opening 26 having an elongated structure that corresponds with the laces 20 of the first cover 12. The user can manually grasp the second cover 13 and place the open bottom of the second cover 13 over the first cover 12, wherein the laces 20 of the first cover 12 extends through the opening 26 of the second cover 13 and becomes flush with the laces 20 thereof in order to effectuate the appearance of a real football. The side of the second cover 13 includes a team name, logo, or emblem permanently disposed thereon. The team name, logo, emblem and the like can be disposed on the second cover 13 via being screen printed, painted, stamped, embroidered, embossed, sewn and/or other suitable techniques. The second cover 13 can comprise skin like material being removable for placement over the first cover 12, wherein the skin provides a team name, logo, emblem, university name, mascot and the like disposed thereon via being screen printed, painted, stamped, embroidered, embossed, sewn and/or other suitable techniques. The skin can be made from a cowhide leather, vinyl or other suitable material.
FIG. 3 shows a view of the third cover 14 of the present invention having a pocket 27 for securement to the baseball cap apparatus 11. In use, the first cover 12 is placed over the baseball cap apparatus 11 and a second cover 13 can be placed over the first cover 12. The second cover 12 provides a front, back, top, bottom, first side, second side, and comprises a half ovoid shape defining an interior volume forming an open bottom and having a first end and a second end, wherein both the first end and the second end comprise a rounded point that forms a tapered or narrowed base end. The user can place the open bottom of the second cover 13 over the first cover 12, wherein the narrowed base end of the second cover 13 provides a snug fit thereover to ensure a stable securement thereto.
The third cover 14 comprise a visor-like structure similar to the bill portion of a baseball cap having a front, a first side, a second side and a first end and second end, wherein a pocket having an open side is disposed therebetween the first end and the second end, thus extending along the length of the third cover 14. The pocket 27 of the third cover is adapted to receive the billed portion of the baseball cap apparatus 11, wherein the user can manually grasp the third cover 14 and place the open side of the pocket 27 over the billed portion 15 of the baseball cap apparatus 11 for securement thereto. Further, the third cover 14 can include indicia thereon, such as team logos, team names, university names, numbers, phrases, characters, figures, patterns, advertisements, school names and the like. Further, the third cover 14 can be provided in different colors so as to match a team's colors.
The baseball cap apparatus 11 can be made from cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, rayon, polyurethane, urethane foam, urethane elastomer, rubber, plastic, cowhide leather, wool, fleece and/or other suitable materials, wherein the first cover 12, second cover 13 and third cover 14 can be made from leather, rubber, plastic, cotton, cowhide leather, spandex, neoprene, polyester, nylon, wool, fleece and/or other suitable materials. The interchangeable cap or baseball cap apparatus 11 can be easily cleaned via wiping with a cleaning solution, wherein the baseball cap apparatus 11 thereof can be machine washable and dryer compatible.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) An interchangeable cap, comprising:

a dome shaped portion having a perimeter edge;

a billed portion extending from said perimeter edge;

a first cover shaped similarly to a sports ball securable to said dome shaped portion and having a perimeter edge.

2) The interchangeable cap of claim 1, said first cover having a team name, university name, phrase, character, figure, pattern, mascot, advertisement, school name, logo, number, or emblem disposed thereon.

3) The interchangeable cap of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first fasteners disposed on said perimeter edge of said dome shaped portion and having a plurality of second fasteners disposed on said perimeter edge of said first cover, wherein said plurality of second fasteners are adapted to be removably securable to said plurality of first fasteners on said dome shaped portion.

4) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 2, wherein said plurality of first fasteners on said perimeter edge of said dome shaped portion comprise snaps;

wherein said plurality of second fasteners on said first cover comprises snaps adapted to engage with said snaps on said dome shaped portion.

5) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first cover includes a third fastener thereon adapted to removably receive a patch.

6) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 5, wherein said third fastener comprises hook and loop fastening material.

7) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 5, wherein said patch includes a team name, logo, university name, number, phrase, mascot, character, figure, pattern, advertisement or emblem thereon.

8) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 7, wherein said bill member comprises a team name, logo, university name, number, mascot, phrase, character, figure, pattern, advertisement or emblem or emblem disposed thereon.

9) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second cover;

said second cover having an ovoid shape, an open lower end adapted to allow the second cover to be placed over said first cover;

said second cover further having an opening on a top portion thereof so that laces on said first cover can be shown therethrough.

10) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 9, said second cover having a team name, university name, phrase, character, figure, pattern, mascot, advertisement, school name, logo, number, or emblem disposed thereon.

11) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 9, said second cover having a removable skin therein, said skin having a team name, university name, phrase, character, figure, pattern, mascot, advertisement, school name, logo, number, or emblem disposed thereon.

12) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third cover, wherein said third cover comprises a bill member having a first end and a second end, wherein a pocket extends from said first end to said second end and is adapted to receive said billed portion therein.

13) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball of said first cover being adapted to receive writing disposed thereon via a writing implement.

14) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball being a football.

15) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball being a rugby football.

16) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball being a soccer ball.

17) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball being a baseball.

18) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball being a volleyball.

19) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said sports ball being a basketball.

20) The interchangeable cap apparatus of claim 1, said first cover being permanently affixed to said dome shaped portion.