REVERSIBLE SUN VISOR

This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Utility Patent Application, Serial No, 13/788,737, entitled "Reversible Sun Visor," filed February 13, 2013, which is a Continuation in Part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 13/401 ,532, entitled "Sun Visor Hat," filed on February 21 , 2012, both currently co-pending, and fully incorporated herein by this reference.

B DKGROU^ 1 , Field of Invention

The terms headgear, headwear, or headdress, date back to ancient times, and are the names given to an element of clothing worn on one's head for a variety of purposes. Some of these purposes might be protection against cold, heat, or rain, fashion and decoration, religious use, medical use, or even for disguise efforts and social reasons.

2, Discussion of the Prior Art

Bonnets, as worn by women and girls, were hats worn out doors which were secured by tying under the chin and were often designed with some type of peak or visor. Bonnets worn by men and boys are generally disfurnished from hats by being soft and having no brim.

Caps are generally soft and often have no brim or just a peak (like on a baseball cap). For many centuries women wore a variety of head-coverings which were called caps. For example, in the 18th and 19th centuries a cap was a kind of head covering made of a flimsy fabric; it was worn indoors or under a bonnet by married women, or older unmarried women.

A fillet or circlet is a round band worn around the head and over the hair. Elaborate and costly versions eventually evolved into crowns, but fillets could be made from woven bands of fabric, leather, beads or metal. Fillets are unisex, and are especially prevalent in archaic to renaissance dress.

Hair covers, such as helmets, are used to prevent loose hair from contaminating food or work areas. A snood is a net or fabric bag pinned or tied on at the back of a woman's head for holding the hair. Scarves are used to protect styled hair or keep it tidy. Shower caps and swim caps prevent hair from becoming wet or entangled during activity.

Hats often have a brim all the way around the rim, and may be either placed on the head, or secured with hat-pins (which are pushed through the hat and the hair). Depending on the type of hat, they may be properly worn by men, by women or by both sexes.

Modem hoods are generally soft head coverings which are an integral part of a larger garment, like an overcoat, shirt or cloak. Historically, hoods were either similar to modern hoods, or a separate form of headgear. In medieval Europe hoods with short capes, were extremely common, and later evolved into elaborate and adaptable hats.

Women's hoods varied from close-fitting, soft headgear to stiffened, structured hoods or very large coverings made of material over a frame which fashionable women wore over towering wigs or hairstyles to protect them from the elements.

The most common purpose of headgear is for protection. The most common use of headgear is as protection for the head and eyes. A baseball cap is used by sports players to keep the sun out of their eyes, and by some chefs to keep the hair out of their food. Traditionally, silk chefs hats are used for this purpose. A rein hat has a wide rim to keep the rain out of the wearer's face. Some traditional types of hat like the Mexican sombrero also serve this purpose.

There are also the full ranges of helmets. There are also hats that are worn for protection from the cold. These include many varieties of fur hats,

Headgear is also an article of fashion. The formal man's black silk top hat was formerly an indispensable portion of the suit, and women's hats have, over the years, attained a fantastic number of shapes. These showpiece creations were created more as works of art than as practical items of fashion, and may be worth thousands or millions of dollars. The hat as an article of formal wear has fallen out of fashion, though some kinds of hats other than baseball caps may be included in young people's subculture fashions,

Some headgear is known for its religious significance and worn for religious practice. Observant Jewish men wear, small cloth skull-caps, called yarmuike, because they believe the head should be covered in the presence of God. Some Jewish men wear the religious headwear at all times, others in the synagogue. Married Jewish women wear a headscarf.

Similar to the Jewish headgear, religious head garments are worn by Roman Catholic clergy. Male Sikhs are required to wear turbans.

In Islam, the headscarf is worn by women because it is considered modest. Muslim men also wear a skullcap. Until more recent times, men in most Muslim societies were rarely seen without headdress of some sort.

The black satin pillbox-shaped skullcap is worn by the Buddhist priests in

China. In earlier times, it was a very saucer-shaped , cap.

Switzerland is home to the Cup-and-Ring skullcap, a straw cap with embroidered flowers, a small pompom in the center, and velvet strips sewn round it in rings. This cap was traditionally worn by shepherds for luck and married men (for fertility).

Headgear such as crowns and tiaras are worn in recognition of noble status especially among royalty. Wigs are worn traditionally by judges and barristers of Commonwealth nations. Feathered headpieces are worn by various Native North American and South American indigenous peoples.

A bandana is a type of large, usually colorful, kerchief, usually worn on the head or around the neck of a person or pet and is not considered to be a hat. Bandanas are frequently printed in many patterns. Bandanas are most often used to hold hair back, either as a fashionable head accessory, or for practical purposes.

In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a durable single piece head garment that is stretchabie, collapsible, foidabie, reversible, printable, washable, and adaptable to any persons head. The present invention is a versatile piece of headgear styled as a sun visor or a cap, incorporating the many attractive qualifies of ballcap-sfyle hat with the utility and convenience of durable maieriais and sunglass-securing straps.

The present invention is formed of two layers, each having the

appearance of a finished piece of headgear, such as a sun visor. As most hats are formed, the present invention has a brim, or "bill," a crown, and a strap, in the case of a sun visor style cap. If styled as a ballcap, the crown covers the entire head. The present invention however, mates the back of the two layers creating a reversible embodiment.

A portion of foam rubber, such as neoprene, is sandwiched between the two layers of the bill providing some shape to the bill in use. The strap or crown is formed of durable fabrics and elastics providing a secure and comfortable fit for nearly any sized head.

The present invention further incorporates integral fabric loops on the temple portion of the head strap or crown for the securing a pair of glasses when not worn by the user,

DESCRIPTION OF THE .DRAWINGS

The nature, objects, and advantages of the accessory for the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein:

Figure 1a is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, formed as a reversible sun visor, showing the bill, the crown, elastic strap, sunglass retaining loops, and the interaction of each of the various parts shown in a first configuration;

Figure 1 b is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, formed as a reversible sun visor, showing the bill, the crown, elastic strap, sunglass retaining loops, and the interaction of each of the various parts shown reversed into a second configuration;

Figure 2 is a right side view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1a showing the right side of the crown, elastic strap, bill, and the sunglass retaining loop;

Figure 3 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1a, showing a screen-printed image on the crown, the bill, and the sunglass retaining loops formed into the temples of both sides of the invention;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1a, showing the bill, the crown with a screen-printed image, the elastic strap, and a pair of sunglasses secured by the sunglass retaining loops of the present invention; Figure 5 is a close-up depiction a preferred embodiment of the sunglass retaining ioops of the reversible sun visor of the present invention, showing one of the four Ioops affixed to the temple portion of the sun visor;

Figure 8 is a close-up depiction a preferred embodiment of the sunglass retaining ioops of the reversible sun visor of the present invention, showing one of the two Ioops that is passed through the crown of the visor and affixed to the crown, each half of the loop creating a sunglass retaining loop on both sides of the crown;

Figure 7 is a cross section taken along the line 7 - 7 from Figure 1 , showing the layered construction of the bill, including the inner layer, sandwiched between the first outer later and the second outer later;

Figure 8 is a right side view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 , showing the head strap partially formed of an elastic material; and

Figure 9 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, formed as a reversible ballcap, showing the crown, bill, and sunglass retaining loops, with an image printed on the crown, and with interior features shown in dashed lines.

Referring initially to Figure 1a, a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the reversible sun visor of the present invention is shown in a first configuration and generally labeled 100. A bill 102 is affixed to a crown 104 which is in turn affixed to a head strap 106. The head strap 108 has a first end 107 and a second end 109. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 107 of head strap 106 is affixed to a right temple 108 and the second end 109 of head strap 106 is affixed to a left temple 110 of the crown 104, resulting in a circular shaped reversible sun visor 100 generally sized to fit around a human head. The bill 102 is affixed to the crown 104 at a seam 118.

In the first configuration, the bill 102, crown 104 and head strap 108 generally have an interior 101 and an exterior 103, A first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 is affixed to the exterior 103 of the crown 104 near the right temple 108, Similarly, a second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 is affixed to the exterior 103 of the crown 104 near the left temple 110. In a preferred embodiment, a first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 is affixed to the interior 101 of the crown 104 near the right temple 108 and a second interior sunglass retaining loop 115 is affixed to the interior 101 of the crown 104 near the left temple 110.

The interior 101 and the exterior 103 of reversible sun visor 100 are functionally identical allowing the user to reverse the wear of the reversible sun visor 100 as desired, During use, the user may reverse the reversible sun visor 100 from the first configuration to a second configuration such that interior 101 becomes a new exterior 105 and exterior 103 becomes a new interior 107, As shown in Figure 1b. after a user reverses the reversible sun visor 100 from the first configuration to the second configuration, the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 are each now located on the new interior 107 while the first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 and second interior sunglass retaining loop 115 are now located on the new exterior

10: 5

Returning to Figure 1 a, the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and the second exterior sungiass retaining loop 114 appear as loops of material on the exterior 103 of the crown 104, in use. Similarly, the first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 and the second interior sunglass retaining loop 115 appear as loops of material on the interior 101 of the crown 104, in use. The first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112, the second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114, the first interior retaining loop 113 and the second sunglass retaining loop 115 are each formed from a loop of material affixed to the crown 104. In an embodiment, the loops of material comprising the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112, the second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114, the first inferior retaining loop 113 and the second sunglass retaining loop 115 are independent of each other, for a total of four straps independently affixed to crown 104 of the reversible sun visor

100.

Referring now to Figure 2, a side view of reversible sun visor 100 is shown. The bill 102 is shown where it is affixed to crown 104 at a seam 118. First exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 is shown adjacent to right temple 108, where head strap 108 is affixed to crown 104, Arms 122 of sunglasses 120 are shown as they would be fit through first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 (not shown in Figure 2). in an embodiment, the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112, the second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114, the first interior retaining loop 113 and the second sunglass retaining loop 115 are each constructed from a material providing at least some friction such that when the arms 122 of sunglasses 120 are inserted, the sunglasses 120 do not inadvertently fall out of the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and the second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114. In an alternative embodiment, the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and the second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 are coated in a rubber or similar material in order to provide a friction contact surface, preventing the arms 122 of a pair of glasses 120 from sliding out of the sunglass retaining loops.

In general, the bill 102 and crown 104 are created from two structurally identical finished layers with one finished layer correlating to the interior 101 and the other finished layer correlating to the exterior 103. Each finished layer is a separate panel of material. The finished layer correlating to the interior 101 may be a different material from the finished layer correlating to the exterior 103. Accordingly, the finished layer correlating to the inferior 101 may be a different color than the finished layer correlating to the exterior 103. The finished layers correlating to the interior 101 and the exterior 103 are stitched or otherwise fastened together at the edges. In an alternative embodiment however, some physical features such as first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 and second interior sunglass retaining loop 115 may be omitted, allowing the reversible sun visor 100 to only have first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 for use in a first configuration and no visible sunglass retaining loops when reversed into a second configuration. Similarly, other physical characteristics such as graphics or other features may be incorporated onto the finished layer correlating to the exterior 103 but not include any such graphics or features onto the finished layer correlating to the interior 101 , allowing such graphics or features to be visible based upon whether the sun visor is reversed into a second configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the bill 102 and the crown 104 are each formed of two identically shaped panels of material stitched together over an inner layer 130 in between two outer layers 132 and 134, as shown in Figure 7. The material used to construct the outer layers 132 and 134 of bill 102 (shown in Figure 7) and crown 104 may be any durable and customizable material such as, cotton, canvas, polyester or other suitable fabric known in the art. It is to be understood that both layers of the crown 104 and bill 102 have printable areas upon which the manufacturer can print, embroider, or otherwise emblazon logos or other graphics.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, right temple 108 may have a single loop comprising a first exterior sunglass retaining loop 140a and a first interior sunglass retaining loop 140b. Similarly, left temple 110 (not shown in Figure 8} may have a single loop comprising a second exterior sunglass retaining loop 142a (not shown in Figure 8) and a second interior sunglass retaining loop 142b (not shown in Figure 8). Specifically, a single loop of material is partially passed through right temple 108 of crown 104 to create first exterior sunglass retaining loop 140a and first interior sunglass retaining loop 140b. The same is accomplished on the opposite side, a single loop of material is partially passed through left temple 110 of crown 104 to create a second exterior sunglass retaining loop 142a and a second interior sunglass retaining loop 142b. First interior sunglass retaining loop 140b and second interior sunglass retaining loop 142b become available to the user when the reversible sun visor 100 is turned inside-out.

In a preferred embodiment, head strap 106 is formed entirely from an elastic material, extending around the back of the user's head, from right temple 108 to left temple 110. This amount of elastic material in head strap 106 that extends from right temple 108 to left temple 110 generally provides a greater amount of stretch in the elastic material, as is known in the art. Referring back to Figure 1 , the head strap 106 provides stretch in the direction 118 which accommodates a wide range of head sizes providing a "one size fits all construction,"

In an alternative preferred embodiment, head strap 106 is formed entirely from an absorbent material with the same elastic characteristics as described above. In such an embodiment, the head strap 106 can be formed from a cotton- elastic weave providing comfort and absorbent characteristics to the reversible sun visor, in both reversible modes of use. Such an absorbent material may further be extended to the crown 104. This embodiment would be useful as a headband in a situation where the user is sweating.

Referring now to Figure 3, a front view of the reversible sun visor 100 is shown. Crown 104 is shown, imprinted with a logo 124 on the exterior 103 of crown 104. The reversible nature of reversible sun visor 100 of the present invention allows the user to select at least one logo 124 for use on the exterior 103 of crown 104. An additional, different logo 124 may be imprinted upon the interior 101 of crown 104 for display when the wearer turns the reversible sun visor 100 "inside-out" from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In an embodiment, both sides of reversible sun visor 100 may be imprinted with different logos 124 or constructed from materials of different colors or characteristics. In such an embodiment, one side of the crown 104 may be cotton terry cloth or velour, increasing absorbent characteristics attractive for use in sports, while the other side may be a sturdier material such as canvas and imprinted with the users favorite sports team logo 124. Also shown in this Figure are the first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and the second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 affixed to exterior 103 of crown 104,

Referring now to Figure 4, an isometric view of the reversible sun visor 100 is shown with a pair of sunglasses 120 attached. Sunglasses 120 are placed against crown 104 and above bill 102, with arms 122 extending through first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114. Second exterior sunglass retaining loop 114 is not shown in this Figure as it is not visible from this aspect.

Referring to Figure 5, a close up view of a preferred embodiment of the reversible sun visor 100 is shown. First exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 (first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 is shown in dashed lines) are depicted as individual straps affixed to each of the interior 101 and exterior 103 of right temple 108,

Figure 8 is an alternative preferred embodiment wherein first exterior sunglass retaining loop 112 and first interior sunglass retaining loop 113 are formed as a single loop, passed through the crown 104 and affixed in place, such that a portion of the single loop extends from both the interior 101 and exterior 103 of crown 104.

Referring now to Figure 7, the cross section of bill 102 along line 7 - 7 from Figure 1 is shown. This same cross section 7 - 7 (in Figure 3) is also used to describe the cross section of crown 104, Inner layer 130 is provided in order to maintain the shape of bill 102 and crown 104. First outer layer 132 and second outer layer 134 are stitched around inner layer 130 and maintain the inner layer's 130 position within bill 102 and crown 104. Inner layer 130 is previously referenced in Figures 3 and 4, shown in dashed lines where it is affixed within bill 102 and crown 104. Both layers are referred to as "outer" layers due to the reversible nature of the invention.

In use, the user places the reversible sun visor 100 on his or her head, expanding the elastic material in head strap 108 to fit the size of the user's head. The tension applied to the user's head by head strap 106 also pulls the bill 102 and the crown 104 into the appropriate curved shape across the user's forehead.

If is common for prior art hat manufacturers to utilize a cardboard core or hard plastic within the bill or brim of a traditional hat. While the cardboard or hard plastic core serves to maintain the shape of the accessory, such as a ballcap or standard sun visor, if crumpled or otherwise folded the cardboard or hard plastic core will distort and not come back to its original shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer 130 of reversible sun visor 100 is contemplated as a pliable layer of foam or foam rubber, such as neoprene or similar materials known in the art. When bill 102 is crumpled, folded and put in a pocket, or stuffed in a bag, it does not suffer the same distortion as traditional cardboard or hard plastic cores within hats. Thus, when reversible sun visor 100 is unfolded and placed on the user's head, the characteristics of the foam rubber return the bill 102 to its original shape and the head strap 108 applies a slight amount of tension, curving the bill 102 and the crown 104 around the user's forehead. The same is true when reversible sun visor 100 is turned inside out and reversed from the first configuration to the second configuration: the combination of the elastic in the head strap 108 and the inner layer 130 serve to curve bill 102 into the appropriate shape about the user's forehead whether the reversible sun visor 100 is in the first configuration or the second configuration. The inner layer 130 is also a durable material, standing up to repeated washes and heat.

The flexible and foldable nature of the reversible sun visor 100 further allows a user to wear it under another helmet or similar head gear, Any absorbent characteristics introduced through the use of specific absorbent materials help to reduce sweat in the users eyes, while providing the user with the convenience of a sun visor once the heSmet is removed,

Referring now to Figure 8, a side view of an alternative embodiment of the reversible sun visor 150 is shown with a larger crown 154 and head strap 156. In this embodiment, the head strap 158 comprises an elastic portion 158 and a fabric portion 180, The size of the elastic portion 158 is variable based upon desired size range of reversible sun visor 150. Fabric portion 180 of head strap 156 may be formed using the same material as bill 102 and crown 104 or another practical material known in the art. Fabric portion 180 may also be formed of an absorbent material.

While the main characteristics of the reversible sun visor 150 are substantially the same as previous embodiments, head strap 156 allows for different designs and provides additional space for larger logos 124. Some elastic materials 158 are not conducive to screen printing or embroidery, so fabric portion 180 is contemplated for that purpose. Such a construction for head strap 158 further provides additional sizing options for different sized users or hat size ranges. While a "one size fits all" construction is contemplated, it is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that such a construction for adults will not necessarily be practical for a child's hat. Thus, a smaller version of a "one size fits all" is also contemplated for children and those with smaller sized heads.

Reversible sun visor 150 is formed with sunglass retaining loop 182, which is mirrored on the opposite side of the embodiment (not shown) and on the interior 101 of the crown as before. This embodiment is fully reversible as in previous embodiments. Referring now to Figure 9. an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown as a reversible ballcap 200. A bill 202 is affixed to a crown 204 and an integrated head strap 208 shown in dashed lines. Reversible ballcap 200 differs from reversible sun visor 100 primarily in the crown 204, wherein the crown 204 covers the user's entire head. Head strap 208 is integrated in the bottom of crown 204, but still provides versatile sizing options as in previous embodiments.

A first exterior sunglass retaining loop 212 and a second exterior sunglass retaining loop 214 are visible on both temple areas 208 and 210 of the reversible ballcap 200, as they secure the arms 122 of sunglasses 120. Analogous first interior sunglass retaining loop (not shown) and second interior sunglass retaining loop (not shown) are also affixed in the same position at temple areas 208 and 210, on the inferior of reversible ballcap 200 but are not visible from this aspect.

Inner layer 230 is shown in dashed lines where it is affixed between the two outer layers of bill 202. The reversible ballcap 200 may be inverted, as explained above with regard to the reversible sun visor and worn with the opposite side out.

In an embodiment, the crown 204 is constructed with extra material proving the appearance of a "floppy" style ballcap. The purpose of this is twofold. First, crown 204 is flexible or floppy and fits neatly under a helmet, providing additional layer for warmth in cold weather or insulation when the weather is hot. Furthermore, the head strap 206 or even the entire inside (or reverse side) of reversible bal!cap 200 may be lined with an insulating material such as wool or PolarTech fleece, The additional fabric in the reversible balicap 200 allows the user to also pull the head strap 208 down and cover the ears,

While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.