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  Modular headwear systemUSPTO Application #: 20060174398Title: Modular headwear system Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular system for creating customizable headwear. One embodiment of the present invention includes a crown with a base portion. The outer surface of the crown includes at least one releasable attachment system to allow various accessories to be releasably attached thereby creating unique headwear configurations. In addition, the base portion of the crown includes a releasable attachment system that also allows various other accessories to be attached to create unique headwear configurations. A visor may be fixably or releasably coupled to the base portion to create a baseball cap headwear configuration. Likewise, a releasable backstrap may be coupled to the base portion of the crown to adjust the size of the crown and display a logo or symbol. (end of abstract) Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie 1800 Eagle Gate Tower - Salt Lake City, UT, US Inventor: Michael K. Proctor USPTO Applicaton #: 20060174398 - Class: 002209130 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, Combined With Diverse Article The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060174398. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to headwear, and in particular to a modular system for creating customizable headwear. [0003] 2. Background [0004] Headwear serves many functions and purposes. Headwear is worn to protect the head and/or other parts of the upper body from various things such as sun and rain. Headwear may also serve as an ornamental component of a wardrobe. Headwear may have the potential to attract attention to the wearer or make a statement relative to the wearer's identity or group affiliation. In some cultures, headwear is worn to show respect and modesty. [0005] One common form of headwear is known as a hat. The top portion of a hat is often referred to as a crown while the bottom portion which surrounds the head substantially above the ears is often referred to as the band or base. Most styles of hats include at least one bill and/or visor attached to the base at various locations and that project or depend therefrom as determined by fashion or the intended utility of the headwear system. [0006] One problem with existing hats and headwear systems is the inability to accommodate to a wide variety of circumstances and/or styles. In order to accommodate various affiliations, situations and styles people are forced to own multiple hats which can be both expensive and inconvenient. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a headwear system that is customizable to a wide variety of utilitarian needs, styles and affiliations. SUMMARY [0007] The present invention relates to a modular system for creating customizable headwear. One embodiment of the present invention includes a crown with a base or band portion. The outer surface of the crown includes at least one releasable attachment system to allow various accessories to be releasably attached thereby creating unique headwear configurations. In addition, the base portion of the crown includes a releasable attachment system that also allows various other accessories to be attached to create unique headwear configurations. A visor may be fixably or releasably coupled to the base portion to create a baseball cap headwear configuration. Likewise, a releasable backstrap may be coupled to the base portion of the crown to adjust the size of the crown and display a logo or symbol. [0008] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. [0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a modular headwear system in accordance with the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a modular headwear system including a fixably attached visor; and [0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a modular headwear system illustrating a backstrap recess and a releasable backstrap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0013] Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe presently preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of the presently preferred embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. [0014] The present invention relates to a modular system for creating customizable headwear. One embodiment of the present invention includes a crown with a base portion. The outer surface of the crown includes at least one releasable attachment system to allow various accessories to be releasably attached thereby creating unique headwear configurations. In addition, the base portion of the crown includes a releasable attachment system that also allows various other accessories to be attached to create unique headwear configurations. A visor may be fixably or releasably coupled to the base portion to create a baseball cap headwear configuration. Likewise, a releasable backstrap may be coupled to the base portion of the crown to adjust the size of the crown and display a logo or symbol. Also, while embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a modular headwear system, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other applications as well. [0015] Reference is initially made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a modular headwear system in accordance with the present invention. The headwear system is designated generally at 100. The headwear system 100 includes a crown 110 and various attachments or accessories which are capable of being releasably attached to the crown 110. The crown further includes a base portion 115 shown in phantom because it is located on the bottom internal portion of the crown. The base portion 115 supports the shape of the crown 110 and provides an internal releasable attachment system for attaching releasably attachable accessories to the bottom of the crown 110. The illustrated system 100 includes two releasable ear flaps 160, 165, a visor 150, and a neck guard 165. The illustrated releasable attachment system for these accessories utilizes Velcro. The accessories 150, 155, 160, 165 are all configured to be attached to the internal surface of the base portion 115. Each of the accessories 150, 155, 160, 165 may also include an internal releasable attachment system such that additional accessories can be releasably attached on top of the accessory. It should also be noted that the base portion 115 may include various flaps and folding configurations that minimize any discomfort an individual may experience as a result of the releasably attached accessories. In addition, the flaps and folding configurations may also serve to hide or conceal the appearance that the releasably attached accessories are releasably attached rather than fixably attached. [0016] The crown 110 further includes at least one releasable attachment system on the external surface 130. The illustrated external surface releasable attachment systems include a front Velcro attachment system 120 which allows an accessory patch, such as a smiley patch 140, to be releasably attached to the external surface 130 of the crown 110 in the manner shown. In addition, a button system 125 is located at the top of the external surface 130 of the crown 110. The button system 125 allows an accessory, such as a flower 145, to be releasably attached to the topmost portion of the external surface 130 of the crown 110. It should be noted that various releasable attachment systems can be located anywhere on the external surface of the crown 110 and remain consistent with the invention. [0017] Although the illustrated embodiments show only Velcro and button type releasable attachment systems, it should be noted that any releasable attachment system could be used for attaching accessories and remain consistent with the present invention. For example, other releasable attachment systems might include adhesive, puddy, interlocking members, etc. In addition, although the illustrated embodiments show dome shaped crowns, it should be noted that any shape can be used and remain consistent with the present invention. For example, a headband, cowboy hat, bush hat, sailor hat, paperboy hat, yamaka, kippot, beanie, skullcap, hood, bandana, etc. Likewise, the base portion may be completely integrated with the crown in embodiments that do not shape support. [0018] Reference is next made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a modular headwear system including a fixably attached visor. The illustrated modular headwear system is designated generally at 200. The system 200 includes a crown 210 and a visor 250. The crown 210 has an external surface 230 which includes various releasable attachment systems including a front Velcro section 220. A fixed button top 225 is located on the topmost portion of the external surface 230 of the crown. The visor 250 is fixably coupled to the crown 210 in a conventional manner. The visor 250 has a top surface 252 which includes a releasable attachment system 255. The illustrated releasable attachment system 255 utilizes Velcro. A smiley accessory 260 and a letter logo accessory 265 are releasably coupled to the top surface 252 of the visor 250 utilizing the releasable attachment system 255. [0019] Reference is next made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a modular headwear system illustrating a backstrap recess and a releasable backstrap. The illustrated modular headwear system is designated generally at 300. The system 300 includes a crown 310, a visor 350, and a backstrap 370. The crown 310 further includes a base portion 315 that runs along the bottom section of the crown 310 and provides support. The base portion 315 also includes a releasable attachment system 322. The crown 310 has an external surface 330 which includes a releasable attachment system 325 located at the topmost portion of the crown 310. The illustrated releasable attachment system 325 utilizes Velcro. The crown 310 and the external surface 330 also include a backstrap recess 320 located opposite the visor 350. The backstrap recess 320 is shaped to allow for adjustment to the hat size of the crown. [0020] The backstrap 370 includes a releasable attachment system 380 that is designed to conform to the releasable attachment system 322 on the base portion 315 of the crown 310. The illustrated releasable attachment system 380 utilizes Velcro technology. The backstrap 370 also includes a logo 375. The backstrap 375 can be placed in the backstrap recess 320 of the crown and used to adjust the overall hat size of the crown by adjusting the locations at which the releasable attachment systems 322, 380 couple together. In addition to adjusting the size of the crown 310, the logo 375 can always be centered within the backstrap recess 320 by adjusting the locations at which the releasable attachment systems 322, 380 couple together. Continue reading... Full patent description for Modular headwear system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Modular headwear system 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. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Modular headwear system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Headwear visor Next Patent Application: Customizable jeans garment Industry Class: Apparel ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Modular headwear system patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 1.20667 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , |
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