TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus operable to releasably attach an instrument or apparatus to a hat or cap, and more specifically to a mount operable to connect a device (e.g., a near-eye display device) to a hat or cap.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional devices for attaching instruments (e.g., writing implements) to a safety-helmet/hard-hat are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,602 issued to Barry discloses an implement holder for a safety helmet. A holder is formed of molded plastic having a first clamp for releasably engaging an edge portion of the safety helmet to detachably mount the holder thereon, and a second clamp projecting outwardly from one jaw of the first clamp for detachably receiving and holding a slender object such as a pencil or a pen.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,066, 154 issued to Renaud discloses a pencil support for a security hat. The support includes a generally flat member which is formed of a slight curvature enabling it to rest against the surface of the security hat. The generally flat member comprises a curved tongue projecting therefrom to support and hold a pencil or elongated object. The security hat of Renaud includes a sheath provided on the two sides thereof, and the support includes a rectangular strip located in the sheath. The rectangular strip and sheath secure the support to the bottom edge of the security hat.

[0004] Thus, the provision of a hat mount operable to be affixed to a generally soft cap (e.g., a common baseball-style cap) to support an instrument and/or apparatus and having increased efficacy and manufacturing efficiencies has not been contemplated. Other advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter will be rendered evident to those skilled in the art SUMMARY

[0005] In a first exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides for an

[0005] instrument holder for headwear, the instrument holder including a first hanger and a second hanger coupled with the first hanger. The instrument holder also includes a center finger coupled with and located between the first and second hangers; and an instrument mount coupled with the center finger. The first and second hangers are operable to bias relative to the center finger whereby a portion of a cap is operable to be positioned between the first and second hangers and the center finger.

[0006] In a second exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a hat mounting system including a hat, a first hat mount coupled with the hat, and a second hat mount coupled with the hat. The first and second hat mounts each include a first hanger, a second hanger coupled with the first hanger, a center finger coupled with and located between the first and second hangers; and an instrument mount coupled with the center finger. The first and second hangers are operable to bias relative to the center finger whereby a portion of the hat is operable to be positioned between the first and second hangers and the center finger.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein as part of the specification. The drawings described herein show embodiments of the present disclosure and are illustrative of selected principles and teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, the drawings do not disclose all possible implementations of the presently disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of an hat mount according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hat mount according to FIG. 1 attached to a cap.

[00010] FIG. 3 is a back view of the hat mount according to FIG. 2 attached to the cap.

[00011] FIG. 4 is a front view of a hat mount and an instrument mount coupled therewith according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [00012] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded side view of the hat mount and instrument mount according to FIG. 4.

[00013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the hat mount and instrument mount according to FIG. 4.

[00014] FIG. 7 is a top view of the of the hat mount and instrument mount according to FIG. 4.

[00015] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the of the hat mount and instrument mount according to FIG. 4.

[00016] FIG. 9 is a back view of the hat mount and instrument mount according to FIG. 4.

[00017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hat mount and instrument mount according to FIG. 4.

[00018] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cap according to FIG. 2.

[00019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an instrument according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[00020] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded side view of the hat mount and an instrument mount according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[00021] FIG. 14 a perspective view of a hat mounting system having first and second hat mounts according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[00022] FIG. 15 is a front view of a hat mount according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[00023] FIG. 16 is a side view of the hat mount according to FIG. 15.

[00024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the hat mount according to FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00025] It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies and systems illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions, or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements in various embodiments described herein may be commonly referred to with like reference numerals within this section of the application.

[00026] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, a hat mount 100 includes a first hanger 102, a second hanger 104, and a middle finger 106. The first hanger 102 includes a first finger 108 and a second finger 1 10 connected via a first bridge 112. The first and second fingers 108, 1 10 and the first bridge 112 define a first gap 1 14. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first gap 1 14 is defined by the first and second fingers 108, 110 and the first bridge 1 12 to form a generally upside-down U- shaped geometry. In another embodiment, the first gap 114 defines a generally upside-down V-shaped geometry. In still another embodiment, the first gap 1 14 defines a generally C-shaped geometry.

[00027] The second hanger 104 includes a third finger 1 16 and a fourth finger 1 18 connected via a second bridge 120. The third and fourth fingers 1 16, 1 18 and the second bridge 120 define a second gap 122. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the second gap 122 defines a generally upside-down U-shaped geometry. In another embodiment, the second gap 122 defines a generally upside-down V- shaped geometry. In still another embodiment, the second gap 122 defines a generally C-shaped geometry.

[00028] The second finger 1 10 is coupled with the middle finger 106 and the fourth finger 118 via a third bridge 124. The first, second, and third bridges 112, 120, 124 are portions of the hat mount 100 which couple one or more other portions of the hat mount 100. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the hat mount 100 also includes a plate 150 coupled with the third bridge 124. The plate 150 includes a cover stop 170. The first finger 108 and the third finger 116 extend downwardly from the first and second bridges 112, 120 respectively when the hat mount 100 is oriented in a generally upright position. In an embodiment, the first and third fingers 108, 1 16 include a lower portion 108A, 1 16A increasing in width. The lower portions 108A,

1 16A provide increased surface area operable to increase the wearer’s comfort and increased surface area operable to decrease movement relative to an item of headwear.

[00029] The second finger 110, the middle finger 106, and the third bridge 124 define a third gap 126. The fourth finger 1 18, the middle finger 106, and the third bridge 124 define a fourth gap 128. The first gap 1 14 defines a first vertical stop surface 130, the second gap 122 defines a second vertical stop surface 132, the third gap 126 defines a third vertical stop surface 134, and the fourth gap 128 defines a fourth vertical stop surface 136. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, in an embodiment, the hat mount 100 is operable to be secured/affixed to a cap 140. The cap 140 includes a crown 142 having a rim 144 defining a head opening. A visor 146 is connected with the crown 142. In an embodiment, the cap 140 is baseball style cap (e.g., a six-panel crown coupled with a visor). In another embodiment, the cap 140 is a hat or cap not including a visor, such as, but not limited to, a knit cap (e.g., beanie), beret, or ascot cap.

[00030] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the hat mount 100 is secured to the cap 140 such that the cap rim 144 is woven through the third and fourth gaps 126, 128. When the hat mount 100 is secured to the cap 140 the middle finger 106 is located adjacent to an exterior surface of the cap crown 142, and the first and second hangers 102, 104 are located adjacent to an interior surface of the cap crown 142. In an embodiment, the bottom periphery of the cap rim 144 abuts the third and fourth vertical stop surfaces 134, 136 when the hat mount 100 and the cap 140 are coupled.

[00031] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, one or more surfaces of the first finger 108, the second finger 110, the middle finger 106, the third finger 1 16, the fourth finger 1 18, the first bridge 112, and the second bridge 120, is barbed, ribbed, or ridged. For example, the inward facing surface of the middle finger 106 may include barbs 148A, and the outward facing surface of the second and fourth fingers 1 10, 1 18 may include barbs 148B. In another embodiment, one or more surfaces of the first finger 108, the second finger 1 10, the middle finger 106, the third finger 1 16, the fourth finger 1 18, the first bridge 112, and the second bridge 120, is coated with an adhesive. In another embodiment, one or more surfaces of the first finger 108, the second finger 1 10, the middle finger 106, the third finger 116, the fourth finger 1 18, the first bridge 1 12, and the second bridge 120, is coupled with a low durometer material, i.e., a resilient/elastic material such as, but not limited to, an open-cell foam. The barbs 148, the adhesive, and the low durometer material are operable to facilitate maintenance of a relative position of the hat mount 100 to the cap 140.

[00032] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 1 1 , the cap 140 includes a sweatband 154 located about the interior of the cap rim 144. The cap sweatband 154 and an inside surface 156 of the crown 142 and/or the rim 144 define a pocket 158. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the crown 142 and the sweatband 154 may be manufactured unitary and integral or may be produced of two or more materials coupled together (e.g. , via sewing or adhesive). The first and third fingers 108, 1 16 may be positioned between the cap sweatband 154 and the inside surface 156 of the crown 142 inside the pocket 158. When the hat mount 100 is secured to the cap 140 the sweatband 154 is woven into/located in the first and second gaps 1 14, 122. In this way, the hat mount 100 is secured to the cap 140 by a pressure exerted by the first and second hangers 102, 104 and the middle finger 106 against the cap 140, and by a position of the first and third fingers 108, 1 16 in the pocket 158 (making it impossible for the hat mount 100 to slide down and off of the cap 140).

[00033] In an embodiment, the hat mount 100 is unitary and integral and composed of a single material type, not including the aforementioned adhesive coatings and low durometer material. In another embodiment, the hat mount 100 is composed of at least two different materials. The first and second fingers 108, 1 10, the first bridge 1 12, the third and fourth fingers 1 16, 1 18, and the second bridge 120 may comprise a semi-rigid resilient material that enables the hat mount 100 to at least partially conform to the curvature of the wearer’s head. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, 10 and 13, in an embodiment, the hat mount 100 includes a pad 180 coupled with the plate 150. When the hat mount 100 is coupled with the cap 140, the pad 180 at least partially abuts a wearer’s head. The pad 180 may comprise a resilient material operable to at least partially conform to the wearer’s head. In an embodiment, the pad 180 may comprise a polymeric foam.

[00034] Referring now to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the first hanger 102, the second hanger 104, the middle finger 106, and the third bridge 124 comprises a material and geometry operable to exert a force FA in a first direction and a force FB in a second direction generally towards the first direction when the hat mount 100 and the cap 140 are coupled together. The first and second hangers 102, 104 may be operable to bias relative to the middle finger 106. Additionally, the first finger 108 may be operable to bias relative to the second finger 1 10 and the third finger 116 may be operable to bias relative to the fourth finger 118, whereby the first and third fingers 108, 1 16 may be located in the cap pocket 158 and the second and fourth fingers 110, 1 18 may be located adjacent a radially inward surface of the sweatband 154.

[00035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 6, in an embodiment, the hat mount 100 further comprises a first aperture 160 in the plate 150. The first aperture 160 may be a through hole disposed through first and second opposing surfaces of the plate 150. In an embodiment, the first aperture 160 is threaded for accepting a threaded fastener. The hat mount plate 150 may also include a second aperture 162. The second aperture 162 may be a through hole disposed through first and second opposing surfaces of the plate 150. The second aperture 162 may be threaded for accepting a threaded fastener 230 (see FIG. 6).

[00036] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the hat mount 100 may include an instrument mount 200. The instrument mount 200 includes a plate 206 having a hole 208 through which a mechanical fastener 210 is used to fasten the instrument mount 200 to the hat mount plate 150. The instrument mount plate 206 includes an upper rail 202 and a lower rail 204 located thereon. The upper and lower rails 202, 204 are operable to attach a near-eye display device 300 (see FIG. 12) to the hat mount 100. The near-eye display device 300 includes a corresponding mounting rail operable to selectively and slidably connect with the upper and lower rails 202, 204 of the instrument mount 200. The hat mount 100 facilitates location of a display of the near-eye display device 300 within a field-of-view of a wearer of the cap 140. Upper rail 202 and lower rail 204 may be adapted in shape to the particular instrument being attached to the cap 140 via the hat mount 100. Therefore, persons skilled in the art will recognize that instruments other than the near-eye display device 300 may be utilized with the hat mount 100.

[00037] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, an instrument mount 350 may be utilized with the hat mount 100. The instrument mount 350 includes a backing plate 352 operable to be coupled with the hat mount 100 via plate 150. The instrument mount 350 also includes an instrument holder 354 having a block 356 through which a first instrument aperture 358 and a second instrument aperture 360 are located. A first instrument may be releasably attached/coupled with the instrument mount 350 by positioning a portion of the first instrument (or a portion of an element coupled therewith) at least partially through the first instrument aperture 358. Similarly, a second instrument may be releasably attached/coupled with the instrument mount 350 by positioning a portion of the second instrument (or a portion of an element coupled therewith) at least partially through the second instrument aperture 360. The first and second instruments may be coupled with the instrument mount 350 simultaneously.

[00038] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, in an embodiment, the hat mount plate 150 includes a cover stop 170. The cover stop 170 may comprise a protrusion or lip located adjacent to the middle finger 106. The cover stop 170 is operable to prevent rotation of the instrument mount 200 and therefore undesired rotation of an attached instrument (e.g., near-eye display device 300). Additionally, the cover stop 170 may be utilized to align the instrument mount 200.

[00039] The instrument mount 200 may also include a backing plate 220 having an aperture 228 located therethrough. In an embodiment, the threaded fastener 230 is positioned through the aperture 228 and engaged with the threads of the second aperture 162, thereby coupling the instrument mount 200 with the hat mount 100. The second aperture 162, the aperture 228, and the threaded fastener 230 may be used for alignment and/or positioning of the instrument mount 200 relative to the hat mount 100. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, a spacer 172 may be coupled with the hat mount plate 150. The spacer 172 is operable to locate the instrument mount 200. [00040] It is to be understood that the instrument mount 200 may take on other shapes and have other components as needed to fasten an instrument to the hat mount 100. It is to be further understood that some instruments may have a mount attached thereto or may have mounts integrated therewith, in which case a separate instrument mount is not required and the instrument is attached directly to the hat mount 100.

[00041] In one embodiment, the instrument to be attached is the near-eye display device 300. In another embodiment, the instrument may be one or more light sources such as, but not limited to, a torch or flashlight. In another embodiment, the instrument may be one or more cameras. In yet another embodiment, the instrument may be one or more microphones.

[00042] It is to be understood that the terms“cap” and“hat” as utilized herein are interchangeable. It is to be understood that more than one hat mount 100 may be attached to a hat at any one time. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a first hat mount 100 is attached to the right side of the cap 140 and a second hat mount 400 is attached to the left side of the same cap 140.

[00043] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the hat mount 400 includes the first hanger 102, the second hanger 104, and the middle finger 106. The first hanger 102 includes a first finger 108 and a second finger 1 10 connected via a first bridge 1 12. The first and second fingers 108, 1 10 and the first bridge 1 12 define a first gap 1 14. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the first gap 114 is defined by the first and second fingers 108, 110 and the first bridge 1 12 to form a generally upside- down U-shaped geometry.

[00044] The second hanger 104 includes a third finger 1 16 and a fourth finger 1 18 connected via a second bridge 120. The third and fourth fingers 1 16, 1 18 and the second bridge 120 define a second gap 122. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the second gap 122 defines a generally upside-down U-shaped geometry. The second finger 110 is coupled with the middle finger 106 and the fourth finger 1 18 via a third bridge 124. The first, second, and third bridges 1 12, 120, 124 are portions of the hat mount 400 which couple one or more other portions of the hat mount 400. [00045] In contrast to the hat mount 100, the hat mount 400 locates the instrument mount 200 approximate the distal end of the middle finger 106. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, the middle finger 106 is shorter than the second finger 1 10 and the fourth finger 1 18 of the first and second hanger 102, 104. In an embodiment, the hat mount 400 is utilized to couple a hat mounted auxiliary battery 500 with the cap 140. A cable may be utilized to electrically connect the auxiliary battery 500 with the near-eye display device 300.

[00046] It is to be understood that the instrument mount 200 may be designed to hold more than one independent instrument at a time. In an embodiment, the instrument mount 200 may be coupled with a first instrument and an independent second instrument simultaneously; for example, the instrument mount 200 may be coupled with a recording device comprising a camera and a separate audio recording device (e.g., microphone) operable separately or together.

[00047] One or more features of the embodiments described herein may be combined to create additional embodiments which are not depicted. While various embodiments have been described in detail above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms, variations, and modifications without departing from the scope, spirit, or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments described above are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.