Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hats, and in particular, to hats that can be worn during certain activities, where it is desired to reduce excessive movement of the wearer's head.

Background of the Invention In many sports, the player's competency is dependent on the amount of control that can be exerted over the body during, for instance, a stroke, hit or other movement of the game. During a golf swing, it can be difficult for a player to control all body muscles in a precise manner, to produce a consistently straight and accurate flight path of the golf ball.

One aspect of a favourable golf swing is the reduction of excessive head movement. This is because excessive head movement can cause other body parts to be affected, for instance, the hips, shoulders and feet which in turn, can affect the final swing of the golf club or the final impact point of the golf club during the swing.

To help reduce the problem of excessive head movement, it has been known to attach a light device to the player's head. The player can then see a beam of light on the ground which corresponds to his or her head position. The principle is that the player can then consciously control their head, based on the visual feedback of the head position, as represented by a spot of light, to give an opportunity for instant correction. However, it has been seen that these devices can be difficult to use; they can be expensive and usually they interfere with the player's comfort. Additionally, they are often not allowed to be used in competition play. It is therefore desirable to provide a means for reduction of head movement.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed herein a hat having a brim extending substantially around the head of a wearer, wherein a weight increasing means is provided on a brim of the hat to increase the radius of gyration of the hat. Generally, the weight increasing means is provided at, or adjacent to, a periphery of the brim.

Preferably, the ratio between the radius of gyration and the average radius of the hat, is greater than 75 % .

Typically, the weight increasing means comprises one or more lengths of wire. The wire can be selected from the group consisting of solder wire, copper wire and steel wire.

Alternatively, or additionally, the weight increasing means comprises a length of plastics material affixed to the brim.

Typically, a rim of the brim includes a stiffening member and the weight increasing means is positioned substantially adjacent to the stiffening member.

Generally, the stiffening member and the weight increasing means are integrally formed. The brim can include a fold at the rim and at least one of the stiffening member and the weight increasing means are arranged within the fold.

Preferably, the weight increasing means increases a mass of the hat by between 20 grams and 120 grams. Most preferably the hat and the weight increasing means have a combined mass of between 120 grams and 300 grams. Advantageously, the combined mass is between 175 grams and 225 grams. Generally, a radius of gyration of the hat is increased by at least 5% as a result of inclusion of the weight increasing means. Preferably, the radius of gyration of the hat is increased by an amount between 10% and 100%.

Preferably, a proportion between a radius of gyration of the hat, and a radius of the hat is between 70% and 85%. In another embodiment, the radius of gyration of the hat is increased by 15%.

In a further embodiment, a proportion between the radius of gyration of the hat before the weight increasing means is provided, and the radius of gyration of the hat after the weight increasing means is provided is between 85% and 95%.

Alternatively, a quotient of a mass of the added weight and an average radius of the hat is between 0.1 kg/m and 0.3 kg/m.

In a particular case, a proportion between a mass of the added weight and a mass of the hat before the weight increasing means is provided is between 10% and 30% .

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a hat having a brim extending substantially around the head of a wearer, the brim incoφorating a stiffening member for maintaining stiffness or rigidity near the brim, wherein the stiffening means is increased in mass to cause a sensation of increased inertia, at the wearer's head when rotated.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of modifying a hat, the hat having a brim extending substantially around a crown into which a wearer's head can be placed, the method comprising the step of (a) adding a weight at or around the periphery. Typically, the method comprises the further steps of (b) adjusting the weight to suit the requirements of wearer, and (c) repeating step (b) as required. Generally, the method comprises the further step of: (d) securing the desired added weight to the periphery.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of improving the performance of a golf swing, using the method described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A number of embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an underside perspective view of a hat in accordance with a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional detail of the rim of the hat of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a second embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a third embodiment; Fig. 5 shows an enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a fifth embodiment;

Fig. 7 shows a sectional view along the line VII-VII of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8 shows a sectional view along the line VIII- VIII of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9 shows an enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a sixth embodiment;

Fig. 10 shows an enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a seventh embodiment; Fig. 11 shows an extra-enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with an eight embodiment;

Fig. 12 shows an extra-enlarged sectional detail of a hat rim in accordance with a ninth embodiment;

Fig. 13 shows an underside perspective view of a hat in accordance with a tenth embodiment;

Fig. 14 shows an underside perspective view of a hat in accordance with an eleventh embodiment;

Fig. 15 shows an underside perspective view of a hat in accordance with a twelfth embodiment; Fig. 16 is a table of characteristics for a sample of standard, unmodified hats;

Fig. 17 is a table of data for a Niblick wide brim hat as per column A of Fig. 16, modified in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a graph of added weight recommendations to the Niblick wide brim hat, as per column A of Fig. 16, and a wearer's body mass, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Fig. 19 is a graph of Gyration Proportion 1 (GPI) characteristics, for the hat of Fig. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a graph of the Change in Radius of Gyration characteristics (Δk) for the hat of Fig. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 21 is a graph of Gyration Proportion 2 (GP2) characteristics for the hat of Fig. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 22 is a graph of Weight to Radius Ratio (WR) characteristics of the hat of Fig. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and Fig. 23 is a graph of added weight to standard hat weight ratio, or Mass

Proportion (MP) radio for the hat of Fig. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In hat manufacture, it is a well understood pre-requisite that the hat not be too heavy, and thereby be comfortable for the wearer. As a consequence, the materials from which hats are fabricated are lightweight and not dense. Thus, materials such as straw (raffia), fabrics and felt are widely used. It is also known to provide a a brim stiffening mechanism such as a cable which extends around the periphery of the brim.

However, again such stiffening arrangements are always made as light as possible in order that the hat be comfortable.

With the foregoing prior art, and hat manufacturing practices in mind, in Fig. 1 , a hat 1 is shown comprising a substantially bowl-shaped crown 2, having a oval shaped edge 3. A substantially annular shading brim 4 is extended substantially parallel to a plane formed by the edge 3. The brim 4 is generally flat, but can also be provided with upward or downward curved features. The brim 4 can be substantially rigid or flexible.

Attached to the underside of the brim 4, is a continuous wire shaped weight 5 arranged at or adjacent to the periphery 6 of the brim 4. In the preferred embodiment, the weight 5 is a length of soldering wire, generally containing 50% lead and 50% tin. Fig. 2 details the periphery 6 of the hat 1 , which is created by virtue of a fold 12 of the constructive material of the hat 1. The weight 5, is fixed close to an underside seam line 7 of a fold 12 defining the periphery 6. In the particular embodiment, the weight 5 is stitched in the position illustrated to the brim 4 with cotton thread. Often the fold 12 is provided, not only to provide a neat and durable periphery, but also to assist in a stiffening of the brim 4 as whole.

In embodiments to be described, the added weight complements, or substantially contributes to the stiffening function of the brim 4.

Referring to Fig. 3, a periphery 14, of a hat having a brim 15 is shown. The periphery 14 includes a folded rim 16, and an added weight 17, similar to that of Fig. 2. To assist the stiffening of the brim 15, a stiffening member 8, is included within the folded rim 16 to contribute to the stiffening of the brim 15. The stiffening member 8 can be a substantially rigid wire, such as copper or steel of a suitable gauge. Alternatively, the stiffening member can be formed from a substantially rigid plastics material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride. Further, while the stiffening

member 8 is illustrated as having a circular transverse cross section, other shapes can be used such as oval or ribbon shaped beads.

Turning now to Fig. 4, a periphery 18 is shown in which an added weight 22 and a stiffening member 21 are each provided within a folded rim 22, of the brim 19. As with the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the folded rim can be secured by stitching or alternatively by other means such as with an adhesive.

The embodiment of Fig. 5 shows a periphery 23 of a brim 24 which is provided with a point weight 25, arranged thereabouts. Preferably, a number of point weights 25, are evenly distributed about the circumference of the brim 24 to ensure balance and yet provide a weight distribution relative to the centre of the hat of which the periphery 23 forms a part. For example, 3, 4 or more such weights can be used.

Typically, the cumulative mass of the weights 25 is sufficient to contribute to the mass distribution of the hat, whilst each individual weight 25 is not so heavy as to cause an unacceptable distortion of the brim 24. Fig. 6 shows a periphery 26 of a hat, which incorporates a folded rim and a member 29 enclosed by the fold 28. In this embodiment, the member 29 contributes both to distributing mass from the centre of the hat and also to a stiffening of the brim 27. Thus, in this embodiment, the member 29 represents an integral formation of the weight 22 and member 21 of the embodiment of Fig. 4. For example, the member 29 can be formed by a relatively heavy gauge of copper or steel wire.

Figs. 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment can be formed by a member 30, not unlike the member 29, which performs the integral function, but which can be manufactured of plastics or similar material and affixed to the periphery of the brim of a hat, such as one that does not incorporate a folded rim. As can be seen, member 30 can be circular in transverse cross-section as shown in Fig. 9 or rectangular in transverse cross-section as shown in Fig. 10. Such an arrangement can be useful with felt pressed hats where folded rims are not typically used, compared with straw hats that are typically provided with a folded rim.

Additionally Figs. 9 and 10 each show a brim fabric covering 31 which is attached around the periphery of the brim, so as to conceal the member 30.

Referring to Fig. 11, an added weight member 40 is attachable to the brim 41, using a push fastener 42, conventionally known as a "press stud".

Yet another variation of attaching a weighted member 43 to the brim 46 is shown in Fig. 12. Member 43 is provided with a hook fabric 44 on one plane and a loop fabric 45 is provided on the hat, corresponding to the hook fabric 44, to make contact. The hook and loop fabric 44 and 45 respectively is known under the trade name of "Velcro".

Experiments conducted by the present inventor using a hat configured in accordance with the first embodiment have demonstrated an increase in head stability

that has been found to be advantageous when playing golf, and in particular when swinging a golf club.

The principle understood by the inventor, to be that upon which this advantage is realised, derives from the following relationship:

T ^oc = — (Equation 1)

where ∞ = the angular acceleration (rad.s ^_ 2) of the golfer's head imposed on the golfer's hat as the head is moved. T = the torque of the golfer's head (Nm) imposed on the hat, and

I = the moment of inertia (kg. .2) of the hat.

Therefore, an increase in I will result in a reduction in ° thus helping to keep the golfer's head steady during the golf swing. The following calculations demonstrate how the effect on various physical parameters of the hat can be defined, according to the described embodiments.

Referring now to Fig. 7, dimension "a" is shown, corresponding to the hat's radius in the plane where the maximum radius is seen. The radius "a" is measured horizontally from the hat centre 11, to the hat periphery 6. Fig. 8 shows dimension "b" , corresponding to the hat's radius in the vertical plane where the minimum radius is seen. The radius "b" is also measured from the hat centre 11, to the hat periphery 6.

For another embodiment, the equivalent radius "a" or "b" is common to all vertical planes. In other words, the hat, when viewed from the top or bottom is substantially annular. For practical purposes, the average is taken for dimensions "a" and "b" , as shown in Figs. 7 and 8 respectively, to provide a nominal radius of the hat. Of course, in the case of a circular hat, the average calculation is not applicable. Alternatively, a substantially universal method of determining the average radius of a hat is measure the circumference of the hat, and divide that value by 2π. Such an average radius will apply for circular brimmed hats, and also provides a workable approximation for shaped hats that have an oval circumference (eg. "cowboy" style hats).

A flat disc or cylinder has a "moment of inertia" I, according to the formula:

_ _HAT or 1 = -m τ ² (Equation 2) sh 2 sh av

where m _sn = mass of the disc or cylinder (kg), and r _av = average radius of the disc or cylinder (m).

For practical purposes, Equation 2 is appropriate for calculation of the "moment of inertia" for the hat without the added weight. This is justified on the fact that the shape of the hat, is generally comprised only of flat, circular, or cylindrical shapes.

A thin ring, however, has a "moment of inertia" I, according to the formula:

Ϊ _RING or I = m ( r ) ² (Equation 3) tr tr tr where m _tr = mass of the thin ring (kg), and ^r tr ⁼ radius of the thin ring (m).

For practical purposes, Equation 3 is appropriate for calculation of the "moment of inertia" for the weight that is added to the hat.

The total "moment of inertia" for the hat, including the added weight, can then be determined by summation of Equations 2 and 3 :

ΪTOTAL = JHAT + ΪRING ^{= 1 2 • m} HAT ^r HAT + ^m RING ^r RING

(Equation 4)

Next, the "radius of gyration" is considered. This parameter refers to the distance from the centre of rotation of a rotating body, to the point where the mass can be considered to be concentrated. Note that this parameter is different to the "centre of mass" .

The relevant formulas for radius of gyration, (k) include:

ksh = J (Equation 5)

where k _sn = the radius of gyration of a standard hat (m),

I _sn = total moment of inertia (kg m ² ) of a standard hat, and m _sn = total mass (kg) of a standard hat.

kmh = (Equation 6)

where k^ = the radius of gyration (m) of a modified hat, I _j nh = total moment of inertia (kg.m ² ) of a modified hat, and ^m mh ^{= tota} l ^mass (kg) of ^a modified hat.

The present inventor has conducted experiments to assess the applicability of the foregoing. The results of one specific experiment is shown in Fig. 18.

It is concluded from the specific experiments that the premise as indicated for Equation 1 is valid and that the practical design principles for embodiments can be formulated from various physical parameters proportional to I, m and r.

GPI (Gyration Proportion, Method 1) is the ratio between the radius of a standard hat (without the added weight) to the radius of gyration of a modified hat (with the added weight). The GPI ratio is typically between 70% to 85 % and can depend on the physical body type (i.e. small, medium or large) of the wearer. This characteristic is shown in Fig. 19 for the hat of Fig. 18.

GPI = ( kmh / r _sh ) x 100 (Equation 7)

where r _sn = the average radius of a standard hat (metres), and k _j ih = the radius of gyration of a modified hat (metres).

The Δk (Change in Radius of Gyration) is the change in the radius of gyration, expressed as a percentage, of a modified hat (with the added weight), with the radius of gyration of the same hat without the added weight. The Δk ratio is typically up to 15% and can depend on the physical body type of the wearer. This characteristic is shown in Fig. 20, for the hat of Fig. 18.

Δk = (( kmh - k _sn )/ k _s h ) x 100 (Equation 8)

where k _s h = the radius of gyration of a standard hat (metres), and k _jγjjj = the radius of gyration of a modified hat (metres).

The GP2 (Gyration Proportion, Method 2) is the ratio between the radius of gyration of a standard hat (without the added weight) to the radius of gyration of a modified hat (with the added weight). The GP2 ratio is typically between 85% to 95% and can depend on the physical body type of the wearer. This characteristic is shown in Fig. 21 for the hat of Fig. 18.

GP2 = (k _sh / kmh) x 100 (Equation 9)

where k _sn = the radius of gyration of a standard hat (metres), and k _j nh = the radius of gyration of a modified hat (metres).

The WR ratio is the ratio between the actual added weight with the radius of the brim, such that:

WR = (m _aw / r _s ) x 100 (Equation 10)

where m _aw = the mass of the added weight (kg), and ^r sh ^{= me av} erage radius of the standard hat (metres).

The WR ratio (expressed as a percentage) is typically between 10% and 30% and can depend on the physical body type of the wearer. This characteristic is shown in Fig. 22 for the hat of Fig. 18.

The MP ratio is the ratio between the mass of the added weights and the mass of the standard hat.

MP = ( m _tr / m _sn ) x 100 (Equation 11)

where m( _r = mass of the thin ring (kg), and ^m sh ^{= mass} °f ^tne standard hat (kg)

The MP ratio (expressed as a percentage) is typically between 10% and 30% and can depend on the physical body type of the wearer. This characteristic is shown in Fig. 23 for the hat of Fig. 18.

The weight 5 can be solder wire with different proportions of tin and lead. It need not necessarily be in the form of a single strand, rather it could be flat or comprising a bunch of smaller strands.

The hat need not necessarily be conventional and the modifications according to the described embodiments can be applied to non-conventional hats. For example those hats which are collapsible, by virtue of the outer edge being a flexible wire which, in the open configuration supports a soft fabric, to thus form the hat. Further, the added weight need not be distributed evenly about the hat. For example, oval shaped brims (eg. "cowboy" hats) can have a greater added weight concentration at or near the smallest brim radius, and a smaller added weight concentration at or near the largest brim radius, thus approximating the moment of inertia of a circular ring mentioned above. As shown in Fig. 13, the continuous wire shaped weight 5 of Fig. 1 is replaced with individual point weights 40, each attached near the periphery of the brim. This particular distribution of weight has a "moment of inertia" I, according to the formula:

I = T (mr ² ) (Equation 12)

where m = mass of each point weight (kg) r = average radius of each point weight from the centre of the hat (m).

For practical purposes, Equation 12 is appropriate for calculation of the

"moment of inertia" and then radius of gyration for the group of point weights 40 that are added to the hat.

Figs. 14 and 15 show yet other variations of the distribution of point weights 40 as shown in Fig. 13. Referring to Fig. 16, a sample of hats that the present inventor has experimented with and modified in accordance with the described embodiments are indicated. Various calculations and characteristics have been shown, which will be shown to be relevant in accordance with the formulas as disclosed herein.

Fig. 18 shows the results of the inventor's experiments for a single specific hat being the Niblick wide brim hat as per column 1 of Fig. 17. Accordingly, Fig. 19 to Fig. 23 indicate the corresponding calculated characteristics which can be applied to other hats, in order to determine the corresponding mass or moment of inertia required of the added weight.

Further, it will be appreciated that increasing the weight of the brim of the hat will contribute to retaining the hat on the head of the wearer, particularly under windy conditions.

Numerous modifications and alterations, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications and alterations are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, embodiments of which have been hereinbefore described. For example, the hat substrate can be manufactured of any appropriate material, such as straw, cotton, felt, fur, or synthetic materials.