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  Headwear systemsUSPTO Application #: 20070245457Title: Headwear systems Abstract: Headwear systems are provided which include hats such as sports caps and the like having one or more detachable liners that enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal. The liners are interchangeable, one with another. The liners include a resilient, non-absorbent core layer made of separate bands different materials that are effective to retain the shape and form of the hat. The liners include a zipper mechanism for enabling removable attachment of the liners to the hat. (end of abstract) Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP - Irvine, CA, US Inventor: Benedick Gelera USPTO Applicaton #: 20070245457 - Class: 002181000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, With Sweats Or Other Supplementary Head Engaging Member The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070245457. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is generally directed to headwear and is more specifically directed to hats, for example, caps, including removable liners. [0002] Hats or caps are commonly provided with a liner, for example, a moisture absorbent material that lines at least a portion of the inner surface of the hat or cap, usually at the forehead region. Typically, such liners are permanently sewn into the cap and are designed to absorb perspiration and/or provide a soft surface for contact with the facial skin of the wearer or to protect the main fabric of the hat from becoming soiled with perspiration and dirt. [0003] Other hats or caps are unlined, and essentially comprise of a single layer of cloth, for example, canvas material. In these caps, the surface of the cap which contacts the skin of the wearer is simply the underside of the generally rough canvas material of which the cap is made. [0004] In either case, each time the hat or cap is worn, the liner or inner surface of the cap material continues to accumulate dirt and perspiration. Naturally, unless the cap is thoroughly washed or cleaned, the cap will eventually become stained, malodorous, and/or generally unattractive from the accumulated grime and perspiration. [0005] Washing a hat or cap is not ideal and the hat or cap may lose its shape and structural integrity. Soaking a cloth cap, for example, in soapy water, tends to alter the fit and even the appearance thereof. [0006] It is commonly accepted that the only solution to is to discard an old worn cap and replace with a new one. It is not uncommon for some wearers to be very reluctant to discard a hat which may have been costly, or to which the wearer has developed a sentimental attachment. Caps which may have special sentimental significance to a wearer may be difficult or impossible to be satisfactorily replaced. [0007] Many removable hat liners have been proposed. Conventional removable hat liners are generally directed to sweatband-style liners that are directed at addressing problems caused by accumulating perspiration. [0008] Hahn, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,985 discloses a disposable sweatband liner for a hat or cap, the liner being attached to the hat or cap by an adhesive strip. [0009] Young, U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,248 teaches a removable sweatband for a hat using snap fasteners. [0010] Moore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,326 discloses a removable, washable sweatband for a hat. The sweatband is attached to a hat using a "zip-lock" type closing means, such as the type used in plastic bags. [0011] Nunnery et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,817 discloses a washable, terry-cloth strip that is connectable to a safety helmet using snap fasteners. [0012] None of the conventional hat liner devices are directed at providing a significant increase in comfort to a wearer or to improving the appearance of a cap. The present invention meets all the needs that are addressed by the prior art and meets other needs as well. [0013] It would be advantageous to provide new hat assemblies, for example, hat assemblies that include removable liners that are more robust, more attractive and provide greater options than those proposed in the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] Accordingly, new headwear systems are provided. The headwear systems of the present invention provide hats or caps that are exceptionally comfortable, versatile and visually appealing. Further, the headwear systems provide effective means for retaining the form and shape of a hat or cap, thereby extending the useful life thereof. [0015] The systems generally comprise a headwear article, such as a fabric cap, for example a sports cap, a hat, or a visor. For purposes of simplicity, the term "cap" is often used herein rather than the term "headwear article". It should be appreciated however that the terms headwear article and cap, as used herein and unless expressly stated otherwise, are intended to include most any type of sports cap, visor, functional headwear, for example, that worn by golfers, beachgoers, surfers, hikers and the like, knit cap, sunhat, straw hat, lifeguard hat, and any other type of headwear that would be useful in systems of the present invention. [0016] The headwear article generally includes a peripheral edge, a crown portion which generally extends around a portion of the interior surface of the headwear article and faces the forehead of a wearer. When the headwear article is worn, the crown portion extends about from ear to ear of a wearer. The headwear article may further include a visor portion extending outwardly away from the crown portion. The headwear article may be made of canvas, denim or other medium or heavy gauge fabric material, for example, a material commonly used to make conventional caps. [0017] The system further comprises at least one liner member that is removably attachable to the crown portion of the headwear article. The liner member has a suitable length for covering at least a portion of the crown portion. The length of the liner member, for example, is about equivalent to the length of the crown portion. The liner member is structured to be removably attached to the crown portion. [0018] Advantageously, the liner member is structured to provide support to the crown portion and maintain a form and shape thereof. In addition, the liner member is structured to provide a smooth, close fit between the crown portion and the liner member. Preferably, the liner member will not buckle or protrude when attached to the crown portion. [0019] For example, in a preferred embodiment, the liner member generally includes a core layer, for example, a resilient core layer, and an outer layer, for example an absorbent, fabric outer layer covering or enclosing at least a major surface of the core layer. The liner member further includes an attachment mechanism for enabling manual, removable attachment of the liner member to the crown portion. [0020] The core layer may comprise a first band and a second band which are aligned in a generally side by side relationship along the length of the liner member. In a particularly useful embodiment, the first band has a greater stiffness than the second band. In some embodiments, the first band is relatively narrower in width than the second band. The core layer may be made of separate bands of different materials. The bands of the core layer are structured to retain the shape and form of the hat such that the hat will stay "new-looking" even after long term wear. [0021] The system is structured such that when the liner member is attached to the headwear article, the generally more supportive first band has an edge that aligns with the peripheral edge of the headwear article. The second band, preferably made of a softer or more flexible material, extends upward and away from the first band. The second band is preferably spaced apart form the peripheral edge by a distance sufficient provide a smooth front appearance to the headwear when worn. For example, the second band extends away from the first band a distance of about 1.0 inch or more. Further, the liner member may include a flexural region located generally along at least a major portion of the length of the liner member. More specifically, the flexural region may provide a hinge formed in the liner member generally between the first band and the second band [0022] The core layer may be made of suitable materials that provided strength and a desired balance of flexibility, resiliency and rigidity to the liner member. In some embodiments, the core layer may be made of non-woven materials, for example, molded polymeric materials. The core layer may be generally non-absorbent, for example, relative to the outer layer. Continue reading... Full patent description for Headwear systems Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Headwear systems 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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