Field of the invention
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The present invention relates to a headgear and, more particularly, to a hat, cap or other type of head covering with pockets for carrying an audio device, headphone and earplug wires.
Background of the invention
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The use of music players and other portable audio devices continues to increase each year as the size and weight of the devices continue to shrink. A common problem associated with these devices when being used while participating in sports or involved in any other activity is how to carry them. Many runners, walkers, bikers and the like simply carry the devices in their hands. Others carry the devices in their shirt or pant pockets, carrying bag or in a fanny pack.
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However, each of these means of carrying the audio device results in wires extending a significant distance between the audio device and the headphones or earplugs. When running, biking, walking, participating in other sporting activities or performing any other activity, the wires extending up a person's body to his or her head are a nuisance that often hinders the person's ability to efficiently perform the activity and detracts from the overall atmosphere for which the music was intended.
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The US patent publication No.
US8,316,467 discloses a headwear with pockets for carrying an MP3 player and wires. One of the pockets is structured to secure the MP3 player and the other pocket is structured to secure the headphone wires therein. By disposing the pockets on the headgear, the audio device is in close proximity to the wearer's head, thereby minimizing the length of wire extended between the audio device and the headphones or earplugs and allowing the wearer to perform a desired activity without the wires getting in the way.
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Similar headgear is disclosed in the US patent application publication No.
US2011/0000941 . The headgear includes a pocket for securing a media player to the interior of the headgear. The pocket defines at least one opening configured for receiving the media player. In one embodiment, the headgear includes controls for operating the media player while the headgear is being worn. Similar attempts are disclosed in the Chinese utility model registration No.
CN205866096 , international patent application publication No.
WO2016029552 , the US patent publication No.
US9259046 , the US patent application publication No.
US2009180658 , the US patent application No.
US2009175482 , the US patent publication No.
US7974432 , Korean patent publication No.
KR200418743 , the US patent application publication No.
US2011219522 and US patent application publication No.
US2009210995 .
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Accordingly, there is still a need in the art for an improved means not only for easy carrying, but also for controlling music players and other audio devices, as well as for providing secure way of carrying - devices are not damaged. Any such device should allow for easy and reliable hands-free operation of the audio device and also allow ease of carrying the audio device with its headphones or earplugs and allow the wearer to perform the desired activity without any hindrance from the audio device and/or its wires.
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The present invention is particularly suited to overcome those problems that remain in the art in a manner not previously known.
Summary of the invention
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The invention is a headgear, such as a cap or hat, that integrates audio functionality. It consists of an inner and outer fabric layer and features a visor at the front. Above the visor, a pocket is formed between the fabric layers, accessible through an opening with a zipper. This pocket houses an audio device, such as a music player, radio, or smartphone. The audio device connects to a pair of earbuds through wires. These wires are routed between the fabric layers to each side of the hat, where they exit through small holes, allowing the earbuds to be inserted into the user's ears. Additionally, the hat includes small pockets on both sides to store the earbuds when not in use. The visor of the hat integrates control buttons that connect to the audio device via internal wiring. These buttons enable the user to control the audio playback. The device is also equipped with Bluetooth® functionality, allowing it to pair with other smart devicesThe design offers convenience and portability, making it suitable for users who want to listen to music or take calls while on the go without carrying additional devices. This headgear design combines audio functionality, ergonomic usability, and aesthetic integration to create a multifunctional product. It enhances user convenience, improves comfort, and ensures seamless interaction with audio devices, all while maintaining a stylish and practical appearance.
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The headgear comprises the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer, and the visor portion. The visor portion is formed by a lower visor layer and an upper visor layer and attached to the front part of the headgear. The headgear comprises a pocket formed in the front part of the headgear in the area above the visor portion and between said fabric layers with an opening in the outer fabric layer, wherein the opening extends parallel to the visor portion and comprises a zipper for opening and closing said opening. The audio device is located in said pocket. Arrangement of the pocket in the front part of the headgear allows for easy insertion and removal of the audio device from the pocket. The zipper closure for the pocket ensures that the audio device is securely stored and easy to access when needed.
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The headgear comprises a right earbud and a left earbud connected to said audio device by means of respective wires. The wire of each earbud runs from said pocket between the two fabric layers to the sides of the hat, where the wire exits the headgear through a hole made in the outer fabric layer, so that both earbuds at the ends of the wires can be inserted into the ears of the user of the headgear. Routing the wires through the headgear allow the wearer to perform a desired activity without the wires getting in the way.
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In addition, the headgear comprises two earbud pockets, wherein one earbud pocket is formed on a left side of the headgear and another earbud pocket is formed on a right side of the headgear. Both earbud pockets are attached to the outer fabric layer of the headgear. Each earbud pocket is configured so that the earbud with its wire can be removably stored in each earbud pocket. This feature eases carrying of the earbuds when they are not in use.
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Moreover, the headgear comprises at least three control buttons built in the lower layer of the visor portion. The control buttons are connected to the audio device via wires that run from the control buttons between the lower layer and the upper layer of the visor portion to the pocket of the headgear and connect to the audio device, as a result of which the audio device can be controlled by said control buttons under the visor portion. In result of this, the buttons are easily reachable, and wires are not getting in the way of the wearer. Moreover, the buttons are protected from a rain and sunlight as the same applies to the audio device and earbuds. In addition, as all elements are integrated seamlessly into the headgear it does not look bulky or visually unappealing.
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In one embodiment of the invention the audio device may comprise a Bluetooth® module configured to provide a Bluetooth® connection of the audio device to any other smart device of the user of the headgear. The inclusion of a Bluetooth® module allows seamless wireless connection to smart devices, eliminating the need for wired connections and offering a modern, hassle-free experience. This functionality enhances versatility, allowing the cap to pair with various devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
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In another embodiment of the invention the headgear may comprise six control buttons integrated into the underside of the visor portion of the headgear.
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The audio device integrated into the headgear may be further selected from the group comprising a music player, a radio, and a smartphone.
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In result of aforementioned, the invention provides hands-free audio functionality. The integration of an audio device into the headgear allows users to listen to music or take calls without the need for external devices like headphones or speakers. The earbuds are conveniently stored in built-in pockets, ensuring they remain tangle-free and accessible, which enhances portability. The placement of control buttons on the visor allows users to easily adjust volume, skip tracks, or control playback without removing the cap or interacting directly with an external device. These buttons are ergonomically positioned and integrated into the visor, making them intuitive and easily accessible. The concealed placement of wires between the fabric layers maintains the headgear's sleek appearance while protecting the wiring from damage or tangling. The internal pocket for the audio device eliminates the need for external attachments, contributing to a compact, visually appealing design. Routing the wires through the fabric layers and providing exit holes near the ears ensures that the wires do not dangle or get in the way, preventing distractions and enhancing comfort. The design minimizes external bulk, making the headgear lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The placement of the audio device inside a dedicated pocket protects it from external elements like dust, sweat, or rain, improving the longevity of the device. The positioning of the control buttons and earbuds ensures user comfort and easy interaction without disrupting the headwear's primary function as headgear. The earbud storage pockets prevent loss or damage to the earbuds, ensuring they are always within reach.
Brief description of the invention
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The drawings illustrate through examples embodiments of the invention falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a headgear (1) with the additional members built into it. For a more convenient understanding of the essence of the invention, the members that are built into the headgear (1) and are not visible from the relevant view are illustrated with dashed lines.
- Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the headgear (1), where three control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) are built into the visor portion (4).
- Fig. 3 is a front view the headgear (1) as seen in Fig. 1 and 2.
- Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, where the headgear (1) comprises six control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C; 14D; 14E; 14F).
- Fig. 5 is a side view of the headgear (1) as seen in Fig. 4, where both earbuds (11; 12) are inserted into their respective headphone pockets (8). Hence, the earbuds (11; 12) that are not visible from the relevant view are illustrated with dashed lines.
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the elements built into the headgear (1) for one embodiment of the invention having three control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) and Bluetooth® connection.
- Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the elements built into the headgear (1) for another embodiment of the invention having six control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C; 14D; 14E; 14F).
Detailed description of the embodiments
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Fig. 1 illustrates a headgear (1) with the additional members built into it. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the headgear (1) as seen in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a front view of the same headgear (1). For a more convenient understanding of the essence of the invention, the members that are built into the headgear (1) and are not visible from the relevant view are illustrated with dashed lines.
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Fig. to 3 illustrates the headgear (1) comprising an inner fabric layer (2) and an outer fabric layer (3), and further comprising a visor portion (4) formed by a lower visors layer (41) and an upper visor layer (42) and attached to the front part of the headgear (1). The headgear (1) further comprises a pocket (5) formed in the front part of the headgear (1) in the area above the visor portion (4) and between said fabric layers (2; 3) with an opening (6) in the outer fabric layer (3). The opening (6) extending parallel to the visor portion (4) and comprising a zipper (7) for opening and closing said opening (6). The headgear (1) comprises an audio device (10) located in said pocket (5), and a right earbud (11) and a left earbud (12) connected to said audio device (10) by means of respective wires (13). The wire (13) of each earbud (11; 12) runs from said pocket (5) between the two fabric layers (2; 3) of the headgear (1) to the sides of the headgear (1), where the wire (13) exits the headgear (1) through a hole (31) made in the outer fabric layer (3), so that both earbuds (11; 12) at the ends of the wires (13) can be inserted into the ears of the user of the headgear (1). The headgear comprises two earbud pockets (8). One earbud pocket (8) is formed on a left side of the headgear (1) and another earbud pocket (8) is formed on a rights side of the headgear (1). Both earbud pockets (8) are attached to the outer fabric layer (3) of the headgear (1). Each earbud pocket (8) is configured so that the earbud (11; 12) with its wire (13) can be removably stored in each earbud pocket (8). The headgear comprises three control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) built in the lower layer (41) of the visor portion (4). The control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) are connected to the audio device (10) via wires (15) that run from the control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) between the lower layer (41) and the upper layer (42) of the visor portion (4) to the pocket (5) of the headgear (1) and connect to the audio device (10), in result of which the audio device (10) can be controlled by said control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) under the visor portion (4).
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In a configuration of the invention with three control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) as seen in Figs. 1 to 3, with the middle control button (14A) the wearer of the headgear (1) switches on/off the audio device (10) and picks up or rejects the calls from the wearer's device (21) received to the audio device (10) via the Bluetooth® module (20). Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the elements built into the headgear (1) for the embodiment of the invention having three control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C) and Bluetooth® connection. With the left side control button (14B) the wearer of the headgear (1) controls the volume (up) and switches tracks (forward). With the right-side control button (14C) the wearer of the headgear (1) controls the volume (down) and switches tracks (backwards). In other embodiment of the invention, it can be that with the left side control button (14B) the wearer of the headgear (1) controls the volume (down) and switches tracks (backwards) and with the right-side control button (14C) the wearer of the headgear (1) controls the volume (up) and switches tracks (forward).
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Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, where the headgear (1) comprises six control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C; 14D; 14E; 14F). Fig. 5 is a side view of the headgear (1) as seen in Fig. 4, where both earbuds (11; 12) are inserted into their respective headphone pockets (8). The earbuds (11; 12) are not normally visible and hence illustrated with dashed lines. In comparison with the previously described embodiment of the invention this embodiment comprises six control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C; 14D; 14E; 14F) instead of three. Fig. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the elements of the headgear (1) comprising these six control buttons (14A; 14B; 14C; 14D; 14E; 14F). In the following embodiment, with the control button (14A) the wearer of the headgear (1) switches tracks (backwards), with the control button (14B) the wearer of the headgear (1) starts or pauses a music track, with the control button (14C) the wearer of the headgear (1) switches tracks (forwards), with the control button (14D) the wearer of the headgear (1) controls volume (down), with the control button (14E) the wearer of the headgear (1) switches on/off the audio device (10), with the control button (14F) the wearer of the headgear (1) controls volume (up).
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While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the figures and have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is defined by the following claims.