A hat with a removable brim. FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a hat with a removable brim. More particularly it relates to a hat with a removable brim which is made substantially from plastic.

BACKGROUND

Brims for hats are typically made from cardboard which is wrapped in fabric and then permanently fixed to the crown of a hat. Many users would like to be able to change the style of brim on a hat by replacing it with another style of brim but are unable to do so with brims which are permanently fixed to hats.

It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing this problem. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

The term "comprising" and derivatives thereof, eg "comprises", if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement "comprises" certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a hat comprising: • a crown ;

• a brim made substantially from plastic; and

• a central link being secured to the crown;

the hat formed such that the brim protrudes outwardly from the crown and the brim is able to releasably engage with the central link.

Preferably the central link has a male connecting member and the brim has a female connecting member adapted to receive the male member. Preferably the brim has a male connecting member and the central link has a female connecting member adapted to receive the male member.

Preferably the male connecting member is an elongate member and the female member is a slot adapted to receive the elongate member.

Preferably the male member has at least one clip and the brim has at least one aperture adapted to receive the clip.

Preferably the central link and brim are configured such that there is a magnetic attraction between them.

Preferably the brim and the central link both have at least one magnet attached to them which are arranged such that they are attracted to each other. Preferably the brim and the central link have at least two magnets, wherein one of the magnets is larger than the other.

Preferably the central link is generally L-shaped. Preferably the brim has an inner part and an outer part which are both adapted such that they can releasably engage with each other. Preferably the brim has at least one medial part between the inner and outer part, the medial part being adapted such that it can releasably engage with the inner and outer parts.

Preferably the parts are able to pivot with respect to each other.

Preferably the outer part has a bottle opener connected to it and the inner or medial part has an aperture adapted to receive and house the bottle opener.

Preferably the outer part of the brim is made substantially from wood or metal.

Preferably the brim is capable of being adjusted in length.

Preferably the brim is fluorescent.

Preferably the brim is transparent.

Preferably the brim or crown has a plastic 3D image protruding from it. Preferably the hat has a front panel which is:

a) adapted to releasably engage with the central link; or

b) adapted to releasably engage with the central link and crown.

Preferably the brim has at least one battery or solar powered light on it.

Preferably the brim is adapted to releasably engage with at least one camera.

Preferably the brim has at least one camera connected to it. In another aspect there is provided a kit of parts suitable for forming a hat, the kit comprising the crown with central link secured to it and the brim as described above. These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings and photos, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a brim which forms part of a hat;

FIG. 3 is a an underneath view of the brim shown in figure 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a central link which forms part of a hat;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the brim and central link when engaged;

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a brim;

FIG. 7 is side view of an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 8 is side view of the hat shown in figure 7 in which the brim has been adjusted;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the hat shown in figures 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 13 is perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 15 is side view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 16 is an underneath perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 17 is a perspective illustrating the hat shown in figure 16 when the central link and brim which form part of the hat are not engaged;

FIG. 18 is an underneath perspective illustrating the hat shown in figure 16 when the central link and brim which form part of the hat are not engaged;

FIG. 19 is perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hat;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the hat in figure 19 when the brim and panel which form part of the hat are not engaged with the central link;

FIG. 21 is a perspective illustrating the central link, panel and crown of the hat shown in figure 19 and a cross sectional view of the panel to central link and crown connection;

FIG. 22 is perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hat; FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a hat; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to figure 1 , a hat 1 has a crown 2 and a detachable brim 3 attached to it. The crown 2, has an upper head covering portion 4 and a lower edge 5 for receiving the head of a user. The crown 2 can be varied in shape and size and can be made from a large variety of materials such as polyester, wool, cotton, canvas etc. As shown the brim 3 protrudes out from the lower edge 5 of the crown 2. The brim 3 is made substantially from plastic and can be wrapped in fabric in some embodiments. The advantages of a plastic brim compared to a traditional cardboard brim are that plastic is more durable than cardboard (e.g. when cardboard gets wet it can lose its shape and can also rot). As plastic brims are not water permeable they can be cleaned with a liquid such as water if for example they get dirty (e.g. get mud etc on them) whereas cardboard brims cannot be cleaned with a liquid as it will damage them if the liquid penetrates the cardboard. Another advantage of plastic brims is that high resolution 3D images and shapes can be applied to them by heat transfer whereas they cannot be applied to cardboard. Furthermore plastic brims can be manufactured to be transparent and/or fluorescent whereas cardboard brims cannot. Plastic brims can also be manufactured into different tailored shapes using plastic injected moulding whereas cardboard brims cannot be. As can be seen the brim 3 is attached to the crown 2 by a central link although the link is not visible in this figure.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a brim 6 which forms part of a hat. The brim 6 shown is made from plastic and is transparent. The brim 6 has a slot 7 adapted to receive a male member (not visible) to enable a female/male fitting.

As shown in figure 3 the brim 6 also two apertures 8 which each receive a clip from the male member (not visible). In some embodiments the brim can be fluorescent (e.g. can have fluorescent paint applied to it) so that it glows in the dark.

Figure 4 shows a central link 9. The link 9 is L-shaped and the upright portion 10 is attached to the crown 2, preferably to the lower edge 5. The upright portion 10 can be attached in a number of ways for example it can be sewn into the crown 2, it can be attached with an adhesive, it can be attached with fasteners etc. In some embodiments the central link 9 forms part of the crown 2 i.e. is manufactured into the crown 2. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the upright portion 10 of the link 9 and the rest of the link 9 can vary in size. The link 9 also has a male member 1 1 which is perpendicular to the upright portion 10. The male member 1 1 is shaped to fit into slot 7 in the brim 6 to enable a female/male fitting. This male/female fitting allows for the brim to be easily removed and replaced when in use. The male member 1 1 also has two clips 12 which are received by apertures 8 when in use. The clips 12 help secure the brim 6 to the link 8. Although only 2 clips are shown it will be appreciated that the number can vary and in some embodiments there are no clips as the male/female fitting of member 1 1 and slot 7 is tight enough to secure the link 9 to the brim 6. The central link 9 is preferably made from plastic although it will be appreciated that other suitable materials can be used. Figure 5 shows the brim 6 and central link 9 when they are connected. In use the male member 1 1 is inserted into slot 7 of the brim 6 and the clips 12 clip into the apertures 8 and secure the link 9 to the brim 6 with the result that the brim is releasably attached to the link 9. In other embodiments the female and male interlocking connections differ and can be for example a U channel and a T shaped member, or a hook and loop type connection i.e. Velcro TM. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of male/female type connections can also be used.

Figure 6 shows an alterative embodiment of a brim 13. This brim 13 has three parts an inner part 14, a medial part 15, and an outer part 16. The inner part 14 has the same mating arrangement as the previously described brim 6 and so has a slot 6 (not visible) and apertures 7 (not visible) so it can engage with a central link 9. The distal end 17 of the inner part 14 is adapted to engage into a locking arrangement with the receiving end 18 of the medial part 15. The medial part 15 also has an end 19 adapted to engage into a locking type arrangement with the receiving end 20 of the outer part 16. These parts 14, 15, 16 can come in different lengths and be interchanged so that the length of the brim 13 is able to be adjusted. In some embodiments the medial part 15 can be removed and outer part 16 can be attached to inner part 14 to shorten the length of the brim 13. Also different graphics, colours and shapes can be used on these interchangeable parts 14, 15, 16 so users can personalise their brim 13. It will be appreciated that the number of parts can vary for example in some embodiments there are only two parts and in other embodiments there are four parts etc. In some embodiments (not shown) the brim has telescoping means such that it can be extended in length.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a brim 21 with three parts, a inner part 22, a medial part 23, and an outer part 24. The parts 22, 23, 24 are connected together by male/female pivot pin type connections 25, 26. The connections 25, 26 enable the shape of the brim to change. Parts 22, 23 24, are interchangeable and come in different lengths which enables the length of the brim 21 to be adjusted. In some embodiments the medial part 23 can be removed and outer part 24 can be attached to inner part 22 to shorten the length of the brim 21 .

Figure 8 shows that medial part 23 can pivot with respect to the inner part 22 and the outer part 24 can pivot with respect to the medial part 23. Graphics or logo and/or wording can be placed on the bottom edge 27 of the outer part 24 so that people viewing the hat from front on will see it when in use. It will be appreciated that the number of parts can vary for example in some embodiments there can be two parts and in other embodiments there can be four or five parts etc.

Figure 9 illustrates that different graphics and colours can be used on interchangeable parts 22, 23 and 24 which allows users to personalise their brim.

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a brim 28. This brim 28 has three parts an inner part 29, a medial part 30, and an outer part 31 . The outer part 31 is connected to the medial part 30 by pins 32 which are received by apertures 33 in the medial part 30. Part 29 and 30 are also connected by a pins/aperture connection but this is not visible. The outer part 31 is preferably made from plastic but in some embodiments it can be metal or wood. It will be appreciated that the number of parts can vary for example in some embodiments there can be two parts and in other embodiments there can be four or five parts etc. In some embodiments (not shown) a bottle opener or a USB can be attached to the outer part 31 and part 30 can have an aperture to receive and house it. Figure 1 1 shows an alternative style of brim 34. This brim has a number of raised plastic features 35. In some embodiments (not shown) battery or solar powered lights can be fixed to the brim. Figure 12 shows a brim 36 in which the distal end 37 is made from wood and this wood is attached to the rest of the plastic brim by way of a male/female connection (not visible). In some embodiments (not visible) the distal end can be made from metal.

Figures 13 and 14 show two further embodiments of brims 38, 39, one is a shovel shaped brim 38 and the other a wave shaped brim 39. When the brim 38 has raised bottom edge 40 a logo and/or wording can be placed on the edge 40 so that people viewing the hat from front on will see it when in use.

In figure 15 the central link 41 is made from plastic and has the image of a lion protruding from the front of the hat. In this embodiment the central link 41

encompasses the whole front of the hat and is attached by way of stitching or is fastened to the rest of the crown along line 42. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments 3D images can be on and also extend from the brim 43. Figure 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a hat 44. As can be seen the hat 44 has a crown 45, a central link 46 and a detachable brim 47 made substantially from plastic. Figures 17 and 18 show the central link 46 in more detail. Like earlier described embodiments the link 46 is secured to the crown 45 has a male member adapted to be received by a slot (not visible) in the brim 47 to enable a female/male fitting. The central link 46 also has two magnets 48, 49 (preferably permanent magnets) attached to the underside of it. The brim 47 also has either a pair of magnets (not visible) or material which is strongly attracted to magnets (e.g. iron, steel, nickel, cobalt etc) such that they are attracted to the two magnets 48, 49. The purpose of the resulting magnetic connection is that it makes the brim 47 and central link 46 connection stronger. As shown in figure 18 there is one larger magnet 48 and one smaller magnet 49. In use a user slides the slot of the brim 47over the male member of the central link on the right hand side which has the smaller magnet 48. This magnet 48 helps the user locate the correct place to connect the brim 47. Once it has been located the brim 47 is attached in a sweeping motion from left to right like the arrow shows in figure 17. To remove the brim 47a user will need to make a sliding motion from right to left as it will be difficult to remove the brim 47from any other direction. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number and location of magnets can vary. Figure 19 shows a further embodiment of a hat 50. The hat has a crown 51 , a detachable brim 52, and a detachable front panel 53 which as can seen has a 3-d image 54 protruding from it. The panel 53 is preferably made substantially from plastic but can be made from any other suitable material. As shown in figure 20 the hat 50 also has a central link 55 which is attached by stitching, adhesive or is fastened etc to the crown 51 . The central link 55 connects to the brim 21 with a male-female connection like that shown in the earlier embodiments and can also have a magnetic connection like shown in figure 18. As can be seen the central link 55 also connects to the panel 53 by a male-female connection which can be seen in figure 21 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the other types of connections can be used (e.g. magnetic, adhesive, buttons etc) and in some embodiments the panel 53 can attach to the crown 51 instead of the central link 55.

Figures 22-24 show alternative embodiments of hats 56, 58, 60 all having removable front panels 57, 59, 61 which as can be seen can come in different shapes and sizes.

References to a brim throughout the specification relate to any type of shading device protruding from a crown including a bill, peak, visor etc. It will appreciated by those skilled in the art that the brims can be varied in shape and size. It will be evident that various types of brims can be applied to the same crown and likewise the same brim can be used with various types of crowns.

All the brim parts previously mentioned can come in different interchangeable sizes and are preferably all made substantially from plastic although in some embodiments the distal end or the outer part of the brim can be made from metal or wood.

Reference to plastic throughout the specification includes synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon, etc, that can be moulded into shape while soft, and then set into a substantially rigid form. In use a user can remove the brim from the hat and either replace it with another brim or put the same brim back on. In embodiments where the brim has a number of different parts a user can interchange these and as such the present invention allows for users to personalise the brim. The invention allows for brims to be interchangeable and different sports teams could for example sell interchangeable brims with designs for each individual player and these brims could be traded among fans. Companies could also sell or give away brims to advertise their products and/or services. It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various

embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example the particular elements of the crown, brim, central link and front panel may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to a hat with a removable plastic brim, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.