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  Binocular to hat attachmentUSPTO Application #: 20060037125Title: Binocular to hat attachment Abstract: A Quick and easy attachment system for linking a light weight headgear and a binocular for steady hands free viewing without fatigue. The headgear functions as an attractive hat or cap with visor and is comfortable for continuous use with or without the binocular attached. The attaching system offers multiple embodiments, functions and adjustments for differing conditions and wearers. Options include, flip up or fixed visor. (end of abstract) Agent: Anthony Mcdowell - Jasper, TN, US Inventor: Anthony McDowell USPTO Applicaton #: 20060037125 - Class: 002209130 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, Combined With Diverse Article The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060037125. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to improved method and means for head mounting binoculars used for magnifying distant objects. BACKGROUND [0002] Binoculars are commonly used for sporting events, concerts, bird and animal watching, surveillance, and scenery viewing. There are many models that are compact and lightweight enough to easily be carried in a pocket in typical clothing. Hand-held binoculars have the disadvantage of amplifying the tremors of the hands so the magnified view appears to shake. Long-term use of binoculars is fatiguing to the arms, and demands that one or both hands are not available for other tasks. A tripod may be used to steady a binocular from hand tremors, and offer hands free operation without fatigue, but is expensive, bulky, and far less portable. [0003] There is a wide variety of headgear in the marketplace having various embodiments of visor, bill, brim, screen, shade, or other projections extending from the forehead of the wearer, extending outward above the eyes for a distance of a few inches. The purpose of the projections is generally to protect the eyes and face from glaring light, rain, or falling or blowing contaminants. Hats and caps of many types are commonly worn as decorative apparel apart from their protective functions; many display logos, advertising, slogans, and other attributes of stylistic value to the individual wearing the headgear. [0004] Other types of headgear with projections over the eyes are for enhancing vision, such as the affixation of optical lenses to a visor like projection for jewelry repair, or other close work, they are not in conformance with headgear worn as apparel. [0005] There are patents describing head mounted vision enhancement for military use, they offer the advantage of hands-free use, and are more stable than hand-held vision enhancement devices. These vision systems are complex and costly. They require bulky and/or heavy framework, and do not cosmetically blend in a civilian environment. [0006] There have been attempts to head mount binoculars to headgear for sports viewing such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,369,958 and 6,614,603 issued to Himmele. The Himmele patents disclose a flip-up visor with binocular and radio devices attached. U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,846 to Truesdale combines a cooling fan, a binocular with adjustable flip-up mount, and radio to headgear. The Himmele and Truesdale devices are useful for sporting events, they offer steady hands-free viewing, yet they are not suitable for continuous wearing in public since they look much different than headgear typically worn. The devices are bulky to carry when not being worn, and they have a limited range of adjustment. There are numerous head mounted radio devices in the market, so combining a radio device with the headgear adds to the cost, weight and bulk of the device, and contributes to the non-standard appearance. The combinations of a fan in the Truesdale device further contributes to bulk and a non-standard appearance. The Himmele and Truesdale combinations do not have structures that allow for quick and easy detachment and reattachment of the binocular device. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,710 to Jensen discloses a clip type device to secure a typical binocular to a visor, and/or bill of a hat or cap. The device is not adjustable, and it offers no means to temporarily swing the binocular out of the field of view while keeping the binocular affixed to the headgear. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,178 to Goldstein et al discloses a binocular system of lenses removably mounted to a hat like headgear. The complex binocular is not suited for hand held use apart from the headgear. The optics have features unnecessary for the mass market; for instance costly lens options for military applications that filter out laser light. The attachment lacks means for an adjustment range needed to meet the special needs of a wide variety of users and situations; for instance there is no means for adjusting the tilt of the binocular relative to the headgear. [0009] There is a need for method and means of head mounting a binocular to headgear that is quickly and easily attachable, and having the basic appearance and convenience of headgear typically worn in public. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention combines the advantages of the prior art while removing objectionable limitations. The first object of the invention is that the headgear be cosmetically similar to hats and caps commonly seen in public, having the same style and appearance of current trends in headgear. Another object that the present invention offers the ability to quickly attach, remove, and re-attach the binocular to the headgear; so the headgear may be worn at any or all times, while the binocular is carried separately and conveniently in ones pocket or purse. Yet another major object is to offer optional features such as a flip-up/pivoting cap bill, hat brim or open top visor that enables wearer to momentarily remove binocular from field of view while retaining any other preset adjustments. Yet another object is the ability to use the binocular as a normal hand-held unit. So in non engineering terms, one would leave home with this purpose built cap for an outing, the same as with a conventional ball cap, wearing it all day if so desired. Then at anytime be able to attach this compact binocular with its full adjustability that is easily carried in a pants pocket. And the whole cap interface and binocular could be appropriate for and simple enough to be used by everyone including children, at baseball, football, NASCAR events, etc. [0011] Other objectives are low cost, light weight and ease of manufacture. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those versed in the arts after reading the detailed specifications to follow. [0012] It will be appreciated by those versed in the art that there are many embodiments encompassed by the present invention. For instance there is wide variety of styles for headgear; therefore the cosmetically and physically attributes of the invention will differ, but all variations will share the elements taught by the present invention in the descriptions to follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one preferred embodiment. [0014] FIG. 2 shows two different connection linkages in folded and deployed conditions. [0015] FIG. 3 is a view of an embodiment of the invention from the perspective of the user. [0016] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the range of motion of an embodiment. [0017] FIG. 5 is a top view showing the range of motion of an embodiment. [0018] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view. [0019] FIG. 7 is a top view showing one method of attachment. [0020] FIG. 8 is a top view showing another method of attachment. Continue reading... Full patent description for Binocular to hat attachment Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Binocular to hat attachment patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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