Apparel – Head coverings – Combined with diverse article
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-20
2001-07-10
Mohanty, Bibhu (Department: 3741)
Apparel
Head coverings
Combined with diverse article
C002S244000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256796
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a novelty device and is particularly related to a novelty cap or hat having a fan-like structure mounted on the cap, which can be readily opened and closed as desired. The fan novelty cap not only attracts attention but also has entertaining, promotional and marketing values.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various novelty hats are available and have been used for the purpose of attracting attention or for promotional and marketing purposes in the fields of sports and social or political activities. One such novelty hat is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,626 issued May 18, 1999 to Ward Fleming, the inventor named in the present application. The hat described in said patent has a dome-shaped body, e.g., a cap, that fits over the head of the wearer, and a fan-like structure pivotally attached to at least three points, i.e., the front end, the rear end and the center of the dome-shaped body as shown therein in
FIGS. 2 and 3
. The fan-like structure itself is formed of a strip of fabric having an accordion folding. In its closed position, the accordion folding rests on the dome-shaped body and is attached to the surface of the dome-shaped body by various methods or means, such as by adhesive, sewing or stapling, taping, Velcro®, and the like. The disclosure of said patent is fully incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention provides a novelty cap with a fan-like structure which varies in its construction from the novelty hat described in said patent, and which may also be used for the purpose of attracting attention, or for promotional and marketing purposes. The novelty hat of the present invention constitutes a variation from and/or improvement over the heretofore-used novelty hats, including the novelty hat described in the aforementioned patent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novelty device having a fan-like structure pivotally mounted at the top of a dome-shaped body, e.g., a cap, to create a pivot point at the rear of the cap. The fan-like structure is formed by a strip of fabric having an accordion folding defined by a plurality of fin-like members pivotally attached at the rear end of the cap. In closed position, the strip rests conformally on top of the cap. When the person wearing the cap tilts his or her head backward, the accordion folding opens into a fan-like structure. The bottom most fin-like member is weighted, i.e., is provided with a weight such as, e.g., a metal bar, which serves to maintain the fan-like structure in fully open position. It may be returned to its closed position by hand or by bending the head forward to counteract the effect of the weighted fin-like member. If desired, the cap with the fan-like structure mounted thereon can be worn in combination with a mask, such as a mask used for Halloween or at Mardi Gras. Moreover, the fan-like structure may be mounted on a backpack or a bag with sewn in zip pockets designed to releasably retain the fan-like structure.
The fan-like structure may bear a slogan or promotional material which becomes visible when the structure is in open position.
The dome-shaped body on which the fan-like structure can be mounted is not limited to hats and caps, but may be an attachment to an eraser that fits on the end of a pencil.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 17064 (1928-08-01), Fischer
patent: D. 182999 (1958-06-01), Glass
patent: 3026525 (1962-03-01), Gyorfy
patent: 5903926 (1999-05-01), Fleming
Fan Hats LLC
Miskin Howard C.
Mohanty Bibhu
Tsui-Yip Gloria
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