US20170035140A1

US20170035140A1 - Hat leash

Info

Publication number: US20170035140A1
Application number: US15/216,600
Authority: US
Inventors: S. Dwight Van Slyke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-03
Filing date: 2016-07-21
Publication date: 2017-02-09

Abstract

The present invention is directed, in part, to a device and methods for securing a hat onto a wearer's body during times of vigorous physical activity or during times in which the wearer is in windy or other conditions in which his hat might be lost. In particular, the invention includes a hat, a leash and a cuff wherein the cuff is attached to the leash, and the leash is in turn, is attached to the hat. The cuff is secured to the wearer's arm, ankle, or other appropriate body point, or alternatively, can be attached to a section of the wearer's clothing. The invention is intended to secure the hat so that when the hat is blown off the wearer's head and body during times such as surfing, running and the like, the hat is not lost to the elements because the hat is physically secured to the wearer by means of the cuff and the leash.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62,200,523, filed Aug. 3, 2015, the substance of which is incorporated herein in its entirety
The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for securing a hat to a user's body. In particular, the invention relates to a tethering line that physically attaches a wearer's hat to the wearer's arm or other body part by means of a securing line. In even greater particularity, the invention allows a wearer to maintain possession of his hat during times of physical activity such as during for example surfing and other activities in which a wearer's hat may be lost due to the activity. Further, the hat portion of the invention protects the wearer from harmful UV rays while involved in outdoor activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention keeps a person from losing his or her hat while surfing or while engaged in other similar rigorous activity. The hat element of the invention provides protection from the sun and reduces glare to the wearer.
Modernly, society encourages active and physical activities in order to stay physically fit. Engaging in physical activity burns calories, which helps you lose unwanted weight or stay at a healthy number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of exercise each week to maintain your weight. Increase this number for healthy weight loss. In addition, being physically fit increases your overall lean muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories
To use the invention as embodied herein, a wearer opens the band element and secures it around his arm or leg by closing the band around the arm or leg of the wearer ensuring that the band is closed employing use of the Velcro or button snap apparatus. The wearer then places the hat on his head as usual and thereafter engages in a chosen activity. Regular exercise creates a physically fit body, which helps control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease.
Controlling weight, cholesterol and blood pressure with regular workouts also helps lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People who live an active lifestyle reduce their risk of several types of cancer, primarily colon and breast cancers, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Although the invention is most useful in surfing activity, other activities are included and within the scope of the invention. With regard to surfing activities, tethering devices such as the leash described herein are often used to keep a surfboard from being washed away after rider and board are separated, usually after a wipeout. Today's surf leash is made from a length of pliant and mildly elastic urethane cord. One end is attached to a thin rectangular nylon rail saver (to keep the cord from gouging into the board's rail), which in turn is connected by a looped and knotted piece of nylon rope to a leash plug sunk into the deck of the surfboard near the tail. The other end is attached to a Velcro strap that loops around the surfer's rear ankle. A small metal swivel is added to each end of the urethane cord to prevent it from twisting and kinking.
Surf leashes come in eight basic sizes and styles, from light, quarter-inch-thick, six-foot-long “string” or “comp” leashes used on most high-performance shortboards, to sturdy 10-foot cords used by longboards, as well as ⅓-inch-thick, 18-foot “monster cords” used by paddle-in big-wave surfers. Because the leash trails in the water behind the board's wake and cause a small amount of drag, most surfers try to use the smallest and lightest leash possible. Bigger waves require a longer, thicker leash, because the surfer needs to put more distance between himself and the breaking wave while still strapped to what in effect is a flotation device. Added thickness increases the leash's strength. The leash of the present invention is envisioned with these details and are within the scope of the invention.
With regard to hats, the fashion history of hats has seen cultural and social many changes. Although there are a vast variety of types, some are much more influential than others and have thus lasted longer. Today's hats are not the same as they used to be, evolving into a more comfortable accessory and designed for the active individual. In the past, hats were usually more about fashion than function however, contemporary use of hats has evolved to protect a wearer's head during rigorous or sporting events and activities. Sports hats are an example of hats that are more about function than fashion. Wearing a hat in sports makes it possible to play in rainy or sunny weather because the visor is protecting the player. A review of the prior art reveals a general lack of devices that allow an individual to wear a hat during physically challenging activities or in windy conditions without the fear of losing the hat.
Accordingly, shortcomings in the field of sports hats for the very physically active individual, remain. Further, existing solutions fail to address particular deficiencies that confront consumers seeking alternatives to the existing art remain elusive. The present invention addresses these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention keeps a person from losing his or her hat while surfing or while engaged in other similar rigorous activity. The hat element of the invention provides protection from the sun and reduces glare to the wearer.
The invention further includes a band or cuff element that operates by opening by a variety of means including Velcro, snap button or the like. The band is connected to one end of a flexible or non-flexible line or leash including for example a cable or string such as can be used as a surfboard leash. The other end of the line is attached to the hat element.
To use the invention as embodied herein, a wearer opens the cuff element and secures it around his arm or leg by closing the band around the arm or leg of the wearer ensuring that the cuff is closed employing use of the Velcro or button snap apparatus. The wearer then places the hat on his head as usual and thereafter engages in a chosen activity.
As envisioned herein the invention can be used in a variety of rigorous activities including surfing, cycling, running as well as other like sports and activities or during windy or stormy conditions. Similarly, a variety of hat types can be employed in the present invention for a variety of activities. Likewise, preferred embodiments of the present invention include different types of leashes including materials that are flexible or materials that are non-flexible. Exemplary materials include nylon cable, bungee cord and other materials as are appropriate for securing a hat to the cuff described herein.
The invention permits a wearer to engage in physically active and rigorous activities while wearing a sun shading protective hat without the fear of losing the hat from the wearer's head or possession while engaged in the activities. Similar to a surf board leash wherein a surfboard is tethered to a surfer's leg during surfing, the present invention works similar to retain a hat to the wearer during times of rigorous or windy and stormy conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall depiction of the invention. In particular the Figure illustrates the hat, which can be of any type, the leash and the cuff. The cuff is presented in its closed configuration. In the Figure, the cuff is closed and secured with Velcro.

FIG. 2 is an overall depiction of the invention. In particular the Figure illustrates the hat, which can be of any type, the leash and the cuff. The cuff is presented in its open configuration. An attachment point for the leash is shown on the cuff, the attachment point referred to as the cuff connection apparatus.

FIG. 3 provides illustration of the hat portion of the invention in conjunction with the leash portion of the invention. The leash attaches to the rear section of the hat via a hat connection apparatus.

FIG. 4 provides an alternative embodiment of the invention. In particular, the invention is depicted with snaps that close and secure the cuff around a wearer's arm or other appropriate appendage or section of clothing.

FIG. 5 illustrates the invention as it is worn by an active individual. In particular, the hat, leash and cuff are depicted during an instance of physical activity whereupon the wearer's hat would be blown off during periods of heavy wind conditions. Use of the invention is not limited to runners but rather to all activities in which an active individual whom wishes to wear a hat including but not limited to surfing, swimming, sailing, boating and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a hat connected to a cuff, by a leash, a string, cable or other appropriate material. The invention is designed to address the recurring problem of losing a hat while engaged in sports or other activities requiring a user to engage in vigorous motion. The present invention comprises a hat, a leash (i.e., nylon cable and the like) and cuff capable of being securing to a user's arm, leg, ankle or clothing. A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows a user or wearer of the hat to use the invention with a variety of hat styles and types, including for example a baseball cap, a sun hat or fishing hat. These styles are meant to serve as examples of possible types of hat that can be used with the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention or claims. A user of the present invention will be able to choose between different embodiments of the invention depending on their fashion and activity requirements.
The cuff of the invention is placed around a user's wrist, arm, leg or ankle. Another embodiment of the invention allows a wearer to connect the cuff, via an attachment point and length of leash, to an appropriate attachment position on the wearer's outside clothing as opposed to his arm or ankle for example. The leash connects on one end to the cuff, via a cuff connection apparatus and on the other end to the hat element of the invention via a hat connection apparatus. The hat is worn on a user's head with the hat being any style of hat the wearer desires. In another embodiment, hats will be interchangeable on a single leash, so that hats can be changed for different activities using the same cuff and leash.
As described herein, the terms leash, cord, cable and string are used interchangeably. Likewise, the terms cuff and band are used interchangeably.
The following descriptions references FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the hat functions, and is constructed similar to a standard hat. The hat further comprises a hat connection apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the hat connection apparatus is a piece of fabric connected to one end of the leash that is stitched into the rim of the hat through which the leash passes, or the hat connection apparatus can be a grommet that allows the user/wearer to change hats as he desires. The hat can be constructed from synthetic materials or from natural products such as leather or straw for example. These materials serve as examples for possible embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described herein.
In a preferred embodiment the leash can be a braided piece of chord or line that connects the cuff with the hat. The leash further comprises a hat connection apparatus, and a cuff connection apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hat connection apparatus is a permanently or temporarily affixed connection, and can configured by stitching the leash into the hat, or by knotting the leash through a hat string connection grommet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the cuff connection apparatus is formed by stitching the leash into the cuff material. In one embodiment of the invention the cuff connection apparatus is a clip by which the leash can be detached and reattached to the cuff.
The leash is designed to have a tensile strength sufficient to keep a hat connected even through a heavy surge of ocean water or during periods of heavy winds, for example. In other embodiments of the invention the leash will have adornments. In one embodiment the leash can have beads incorporated into the strand to add aesthetic appeal. The leash is made with either synthetic or natural materials or a combination of such materials. These materials serve as examples for possible embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the cuff is a band of material that can be wrapped and secured around a user's wrist, bicep, leg, ankle or other appropriate part of the body, or which can be secured to a section of the user's clothing. The cuff comprises a cuff connection apparatus and padded band. In a preferred embodiment the cuff connection apparatus is a piece of fabric onto which the leash is stitched. The padded band is constructed with a strip of Velcro embedded into the fabric of the padded band. A strip of Velcro is fitted into the interior of the padded band, and a corresponding strip of Velcro is placed on the exterior of the padded cuff. When the cuff is wrapped around a user's wrist, or other appropriate area, the Velcro hooks and loops to bind together and securing the cuff around the user's arm or other area in which the cuff is connected.
One embodiment of the invention utilizes snaps or buttons to secure the end of the padded cuff around a user's arm, leg, ankle or section of clothing appropriate for securing such a cuff. It is therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that secures a user's hat to the user's person during periods of rigorous activity or in times of heavy winds or rain.
Turning now to the substance of FIGS. 1 to 5 and the preferred embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the invention in its entirety 11. In particular, a hat 10 is shown attached to a leash 12. The leash is attached to the rear section of the hat by being sewn into the hat via a hat connection apparatus 20, or alternatively, by snap, Velcro, grommet or other appropriate means. The leash in turn, is attached by a grommet 18 to a cuff 14 via a cuff connection apparatus 18. The cuff includes an inside Velcro section 17 and an outer section for attaching Velcro 15.
As shown in FIG. 1, the invention is not limited to the particular hat shown. The hat of the invention can include any hat known in the art and which can be configured with the elements of the invention described. In the Figure, the cuff is shown in a closed position with Velcro securing the cuff closed as it would be placed around a wearer's arm or other appendage or appropriate piece of clothing.
FIG. 2 is a depiction of the invention as a whole 11. In particular, the hat 10, which can be of any type appropriate for physical or even non-physical activity, is shown. The hat is attached to a leash 12 via the hat connection apparatus where in turn, the leash is attached to a grommet 18 at the cuff connection apparatus that is configured onto the cuff 16 in an open position via the cuff connection appartus. The cuff includes an inside Velcro section 17 that is configured to secure to an opposite side of the cuff 15 to close the cuff around a wearer's arm, or other appendage, or appropriate piece of clothing on the wearer.
FIG. 3 is a close up perspective of the hat elements of the invention. In particular, the leash 12 is shown sewn into a rear section of the hat 10 and the hat connection apparatus 22. It is within the scope of the invention to include other attachments of the leash to the hat including grommets and other appropriate attachment points.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. As shown, the hat 10, is attached by a leash 12 to a cuff 24. The cuff is attached to the leash by means of a grommet configured onto the cuff connection apparatus 18 or other appropriate attachment means as known in the art. As illustrated, the cuff is shown with snaps 26 that secure the cuff to a wearer's arm or other appropriate appendage or clothing as appropriate.
FIG. 5 illustrates the invention 11 as it is used by an athlete 28. In particular, the hat 10 is shown worn by a jogger 28. The cuff 14 is shown in a closed configuration around the jogger's upper arm. The leash 12 attaches the cuff to the hat essentially securing the hat to the jogger's body thus, preventing loss of the hat in conditions in which the jogger might lose the hat such as in windy or raining conditions.
Certain advantages can be obtained in utilizing the present invention. Foremost, the invention allows a user to secure his hat during times of vigorous physical activity or in times of heavy weather such as high winds.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An hat retaining apparatus for securing a hat to a person's body comprising a hat, a leash and a cuff, a cuff connection apparatus and a hat connection apparatus wherein the leash is attached to the hat by means of the hat connection apparatus and the leash is attached to the cuff by means of the cuff connection apparatus, wherein the hat retaining apparatus prevents loss of the hat during instances of vigorous physical activity or during instances of windy conditions.

2. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hat comprises any hat that the person chooses to wear.

3. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 1 wherein the leash is a cord, a cable, elastic urethane cord or a string.

4. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cuff comprises an inside section, an outside section and a means for securing the outside section to the inside section.

5. The hat retaining of claim 4 wherein the means of securing the outside section of the cuff to the inside section of the cuff comprises Velcro.

6. The hat retaining of claim 4 wherein the means of securing the outside section of the cuff to the inside section of the cuff comprises snaps.

7. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hat comprises a baseball cap, surfer's cap, a swimmers cap or a horse riding hat.

8. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 3 comprising a leash manufactured to a quarter inch to one third inch thickness.

9. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 1 wherein the leash is sewn into the hat.

10. The hat retaining apparatus of claim 1 wherein the leash is attached to the hat by means of the hat connection apparatus, the hat connection apparatus comprising a grommet.

11. The leash of claim 1 wherein the leash is attached to the cuff by sewing the leash onto the cuff.

12. The leash of claim 1 wherein the leash is attached to the cuff by means of the cuff connection apparatus, the cuff connection apparatus comprising a grommet.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cuff is secured to a wearer's arm, wrist, leg or ankle.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cuff is secured a section of the wearer's clothing.

15. A method of securing a hat to a person's body comprising a hat, a leash, a cuff, a hat connection apparatus and a cuff connection apparatus wherein the leash is attached to the hat by means of the hat connection apparatus and the leash is attached to the cuff by means of the cuff connection apparatus, wherein a wearer prevents loss of the hat during instances of vigorous physical activity or during instances of windy conditions by placing the hat on the head, attaching the cuff to a part of the wearer's body or to an attachment point on the wearer's clothing and engaging in physical activity, the leash, the cuff thereby preventing loss of the hat in the event the hat comes off the wearer's head.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the leash is attached to the hat by means of a grommet and the leash is attached to the cuff by means of a second grommet.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the cuff is closed by means of Velcro or snaps to secure to the wearer's body.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the cuff comprises an inside section, an outside section and a means for securing the outside section to the inside section.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the leash comprises a nylon cord, a cable, elastic urethane cord or a string.