Apparel – Head coverings – Having crown and horizontally extending brim
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-13
2001-05-15
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3741)
Apparel
Head coverings
Having crown and horizontally extending brim
C002S175200, C002S181000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230330
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hats, and in particular, hats adapted to function as rainwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional dress hats, cowboy hats, baseball caps and other hats provided with a brim are not well suited for extended use in the rain. In particular, the construction methods used are such that portions of the hat, for example, the crown region, are assembled by stitching. The stitching creates holes in the fabric which causes leaks.
While it is known to provide a hat having a layer of waterproofing material or fabric incorporated into the hat, it is also desirable to provide a sweatband within the crown of the hat, especially in case of dress or cowboy hats. For cowboy-type hats, the sweatband may also function to retain a chinstrap or the lke. Sewing of the sweatband to the hat punctures the waterproofing layer and cause leaking to occur.
Numerous prior art hats incorporate GORETEX® or similar waterproof and breathable materials. However, in each of these cases the hat is not a dress hat, baseball or cowboy-type hat having the rigid, shaped construction typical of such hats nor exposed seams and sweatbands. Representative hats constructed from waterproof and breathable materials include U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,382 to Chopko et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,622 to Kaufman.
While the above noted prior art teaches GORETEX® or other waterproof and breathable materials within a hat construction, none of the prior art teaches securing a GORETEX® or other waterproofing sheet to both the underside of the brim and interior of the crown portion of the hat. In addition, the prior art fails to disclose hats having both a sweatband and layer of waterproof material sewn to the hat in a manner whereby the waterproof layer is not compromised in it's ability to repel moisture. Most importantly, none of the prior art teaches connection of a GORETEX® liner or insert to a hat, especially a seamless sheet of GORETEX® or similar material.
In view of the above, the present invention was developed.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dress hat, baseball cap, cowboy hat or other hat having a sheet or layer of waterproofing material and a sweatband incorporated into the hat without puncture of the waterproofing sheet or layer.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a sandwich-type construction for a waterproof hat whereby the waterproof material is disposed between an upper hat and an underhat without the expense of lamination.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a dress hat or cowboy hat having a single, seamless sheet of waterproof material incorporated into the hat.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a economical manufacture method for a novel waterproof dress hat including a sweatband.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof dress hat construction that is substantially leak-free and waterproof.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a dress hat or cowboy hat having the aesthetic features traditionally associated with such hats while also incorporating into the hat waterproof construction materials.
In summary, the present invention is directed to a hat comprising a crown having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a brim extending from the crown, the brim having a outer perimeter edge, a liner constructed from waterproof material and having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the liner comprising a crown and a brim interconnected at a joined surface extending only from the liner interior surface, the liner is adjacent the interior surface of the crown and is at least secured to the brim at the outer perimeter edge and a sweatband attached at the joined surface to the waterproof liner with stitches.
The present invention is also directed to a hat comprising a crown having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a brim extending from the crown and having an underside, a seamless insert constructed from waterproof material, the insert positioned adjacent the crown interior surface and the brim underside, a lining having an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising a crown portion and a brim portion interconnected therebetween at a joined surface extending only from the lining interior surface, the lining being interfit within the crown and adjacent the insert and secured to the brim underside and, a sweatband attached to the lining at the joined surface with stitches.
The present invention is further directed to a method for making a hat, the method comprising the steps of providing a crown having an exterior surface and an interior surface, securing a brim to the crown, the brim having a perimeter edge, providing a liner of waterproof sheet material having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the liner comprising a crown stitched to a liner brim at a joining surface extending only from the liner interior surface, positioning the liner adjacent to the interior surface of the crown, securing the liner only to the brim, providing a sweatband sized to interfit within the crown and stitching the sweatband to the liner at the joined surface.
The present invention is additionally directed to a method for making a hat comprising the steps of providing an upperhat comprising a crown having an exterior surface and an interior surface, securing an upperhat brim to the upperhat crown, the upperhat brim having an underside, providing a seamless insert of waterproof material, the insert having an exterior surface and an interior surface, positioning the insert adjacent each of the upperhat crown interior surface and the upperhat brim underside, providing a lining having interior and exterior surfaces and comprising a lining crown stitched to a lining underbrim at a joining surface extending only from the lining interior surface, positioning the lining against the insert and within the upperhat crown and adjacent the upperhat brim underside to thereby sandwich the insert between the lining and the upperhat, securing the lining and the insert to at least the brim of the upperhat, providinq a sweatband sized to interfit within the crown of the upperhat and stitching the sweatband to the lining at the joined surface.
The above objects and advantages will be apparent from the various embodiments as set forth in the detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1222528 (1917-04-01), Cohen
patent: 1658590 (1928-02-01), Clements
patent: 3479668 (1969-11-01), Bigler
patent: 4378606 (1983-04-01), Snowden
patent: 5495622 (1996-03-01), Kaufman
patent: 5636382 (1997-06-01), Chopko et al.
patent: 6151712 (2000-11-01), Lampi
Bollman Hat Company
Calvert John J.
Moran Katherine
Shlesinger, Arkwright & Garvey LLP.
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