GB2540143A

GB2540143A - A headwear device

Info

Publication number: GB2540143A
Application number: GB1511785.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Elise Pegg Gemma; Michael Pegg Ian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-07-06
Filing date: 2015-07-06
Publication date: 2017-01-11
Also published as: GB201511785D0

Abstract

A hat suitable for a younger user comprising an upper head portion (1), a front panel (3), and side sections (2), wherein the front panel comprises a holder for a light source (7) and the upper head portion comprises an animal styling. The animal styling may include at least one eye (5) and one ear (6). The light source (7) may be a self-contained displaceable unit. The front panel (3) may include a lacuna (14) in which the light source is held and may also include a transparent or translucent screen and elastication. The side sections may form a displaceable continuous side skirt and a rear section. The side sections may include means of fastening to one another (4) either below the chin or above the head of the user such as hook and loop portions.

Description

A HEADWEAR DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a headwear device, in particular a headwear device for low-light usage; more particularly but not exclusively a headwear device for younger users.

Background

Increasing unpredictability of weather is a factor in many societies. As a result many users, in particular younger users may require headwear or hats, and often if available adaptable headwear.

It can however be problematic to persuade younger users to wear hats, despite the benefits.

Younger users may require a light source in lower light conditions, for example dusk, dawn or stormy weather. Adaptable headwear may also allow for use in a plurality of climatic conditions.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

International patent application WO 2014 144 276 (WATERS) discloses a lighted headgear comprising: a head-fitting portion having inner and outer surfaces; a light source for projecting illumination forwardly from the head- fitting portion; a power source mounted to the head-fitting portion and electrically coupled to the one or more light sources to provide power thereto; a switch device mounted to the head-fitting portion and electrically coupled to the power source and the light source for selectively energizing the light source; a light holder in which the light source is received and mounted to the head- fitting portion to orient the light source to project light forwardly from the head-fitting portion.

United States patent application US 8 813 268 (FITZGERALD) discloses a lighted headwear comprising: a brim; and a light unit located within the brim, the light unit comprising; a holder having at least one chamber and an axis therethrough; at least one lens located within the chamber and secured to the holder; and at least one light source located within the holder and separate and axially spaced from the at least one lens such that light produced by the light source projects through the chamber and out of the lens; such that the at least one lens and the at least one chamber together converge light from the at least one light source to produce a beam of light narrower and further in distance than a beam of light produced by the at least one light source without the lens and chamber.

Chinese utility model CN 201 192 098 (GUANGXI) discloses a safety lightening helmet which comprises a hat body and a peak, wherein a size adjusting belt is arranged at the rear part of the hat body; a helmet shell is arranged in the hat body; LEDs are respectively arranged at the top of the hat body and on the size adjusting belt; more than one LED is arranged on the surface of the hat body; an LED is embedded into the front brim of the hat brim; a control circuit board is arranged inside the hat brim; the LED is connected with the control circuit board and the power supply via conducting wires; ventilating holes are formed on the helmet shell; and a protective layer is arranged on the inner surface of the helmet shell. In addition to the functions of illumination and caution, the safety lightening helmet can protect the head against the hurt of the external impact force.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a headwear device suitable for a younger user; the device comprising an upper head portion, a front panel, and side sections, wherein the front panel comprises a holder for a light source and the upper head portion comprises an animal styling.

In some embodiments the device may be largely or wholly water-resistant.

In some embodiments the side sections are arranged to cover the user’s ears so as to provide extra warmth as needed.

In some embodiments the side sections are configured to be displaced so as to provide cover for the user’s ears. Advantageously therefore the device may be used for colder climates by folding down the ear sections. In some embodiments the sections may be part of a wholly displaceable section, which section may be attached and detached to the upper portion by press-studs, poppers, zipper, or hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RTM).

In an embodiment the side sections are continued to rear of the upper head portion, so as to form a continuous side skirt.

In other embodiments the side sections are separate so as to provide depending ear cover solely and allow freedom of head movement.

In some embodiments the side section s may comprise a closure means, for example so as to close under the user’s chin. Said closure means may comprise hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RTM) or buckles or buttons or other means of providing a temporary secure closure means. Said closure means may be configured to allow closure over the top of the upper head portion.

In some embodiments the rear of the head portion comprises a curvature to accommodate the user’s neck and allow freedom of head movement.

In some embodiments the animal styling comprises at least one ear extending from the upper portion.

In some embodiments the animal styling comprises at least one eye arranged on the upper portion or front panel.

In some embodiments the front panel or part thereof is displaceable so as to allow insertion of or access to the light source. For example in some embodiments the front panel comprises a pocket. In other embodiments the panel comprises a cover, for example a displaceable cover, which cover may be used to close over or onto the light source. The front panel may comprise elastication so as to maintain the light source in place securely.

In some embodiments the light source comprises a displaceable part, comprising a light emitting diodes, or plurality of light emitting diodes. This part may be embodied in a discrete part that may be replaced as required, for example to allow a plurality of light effects.

In an embodiments the part comprises an energy source, wherein the part comprises rechargeable and/or displaceable batteries or battery. In some further embodiments the device may comprise a battery charging means, for example at least one solar photovoltaic cell.

The light source may be provided with a control mechanism, which control mechanism may comprise an activation control. Such activation control may comprise a pressure sensitive switch, for example wherein the part may be squeezed to its sides, or which may be pressed to a face.

In other embodiments a control mechanism may be situated elsewhere in or on the device, for example wherein the mechanism is comprised in at least one switch situated on the upper portion, panel or sections.

In some embodiments the upper head portion includes a liner. Said liner may be displaceable.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figures 4 show the second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the device;

Figures 5 show isometric exploded views of a sixth embodiment of the device; and

Figures 6 show isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1 with side skirt closed over the upper head portion.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 4 there are shown embodiments of the device having an upper portion 1 for covering the top of the user’s head and an integrated side skirt, comprising side sections 2 and a rear section 22.

The upper head portion includes two upstanding ears 6 and stitched eyes 5.

The upper head includes a foremost flap 3 which comprises the front panel. The flap is a continuation of the upper head portion and sewn or adhered to either side to maintain the panel flush with the upper head portion. In some embodiments the top edge may be sewn or adhered in part or whole, or provided with covering to prevent ingress of water or moisture into the panel and the light source.

In the pictured embodiment the panel includes a central lacuna through which the displaceable light source 7 shines. The light source comprises a self-contained unit.

In further embodiments the lacuna 14 may be comprised by a transparent or translucent shield, so as to limit ingress to the light unit.

The rear section includes an upwards curvature 9 which advantageously accommodates the user’s neck and head movement.

The side skirts comprise a closure means 4, which comprises two straps. These straps include hook and loop portions 8.

The light unit comprises a lens 10, control or activation means 13, perimeter 11 to contain the battery and workings, and lip 12 to sit behind the panel and prevent egress of the light unit from the lacuna.

With reference to Figures 5 the sixth embodiment has a displaceable side skirt. This skirt interfits between outer 201 and inner 202 upper portion layers. The outer layer includes popper parts 21, and the skirt includes corresponding popper parts 20 to an outer face, such that in use the skirt is held beneath the outer layer and ingress of moisture or air is limited.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised 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, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. 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 as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A headwear device suitable for a younger user; the device comprising an upper head portion, a front panel, and side sections, wherein the front panel comprises a holder for a light source and the upper head portion comprises an animal styling.

2. A headwear device according to claim 1 wherein the upper head portion includes at least one ear.

3. A headwear device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the upper head portion includes at least one eye.

4. A headwear device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the light source comprises a displaceable unit.

5. A headwear device according to claim 4 wherein the front panel includes a lacuna.

6. A headwear device according to claim 4 wherein the front panel includes a transparent or translucent screen.

7. A headwear device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the panel includes elastication.

8. A headwear device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the side sections are continuous, so as to form a rear section and a continuous side skirt.

9. A headwear device according to claim 8 wherein the skirt is displaceably secured to the upper head portion.

10. A headwear device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the side sections include a closure means to close to one another.

11. A headwear device according to claim 10 wherein the closure means allows closure of the side sections above and below the upper head portion.

12. A headwear device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the closure means comprises hook and loop portions.

13. A headwear device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 1.