Retractable hat tether device

Abstract

A retractable hat tether apparatus for a hat having a cap portion. The tether apparatus includes a guide base movably mounted to the cap portion for movement thereof along a fixed path between a first position and a second position. A flexible tether includes a first end and an opposite second end thereof mounted to the guide base. A clip device is configured for releasable attachment to a user's clothing. The clip device is mounted to the first end such that, when the guide base moves along the fixed path between the first position and the second position, the tether and the clip device move between a retracted condition, positioning the tether substantially along the fixed path, and an extended condition, positioning the tether at an exterior of the cap portion to enable the clip device to be mounted to the user's clothing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to apparel tether devices, and more particularly, relates to retractable tether devices for hat wear apparel. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Hat wear has historically been a prominent part of style and fashion. One particular style of hat apparel, visored caps, has recently become extremely popular for active outdoor wear and for casual wear. One particular problem associated with these caps, as well as with any visored head wear, is that they can become unexpectedly dislodged from the head of the user under windy conditions or extreme physical activities. This event is particularly bothersome in circumstances where recovery of the hat may not be easily accomplished, such as during sporting activities (e.g., fly fishing, snow-skiing, jet skiing, etc.) or open-air traveling (e.g., motorcycle, convertibles, speedboating, etc.). [0003] Numerous hat retaining devices have been developed to facilitate hat recovery in the afo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Accordingly, the guide portion and the guide base of the mounting assembly cooperate to position the retractable hat tether along the fixed path. This guided positioning effectively eliminates unsightly tether dangle through an efficient structure that reduces complexity and minimizes parts.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, an entire hat assembly is provided which includes a dome-shaped cap member having an interior side thereof, and a mounting assembly having a guide portion affixed to the cap member, and a guide base slideably mounted to the guide portion for movement thereof along a fixed path between a first position and a second position. The hat assembly further includes a clip device configured for releasable attachment to a user's clothing, and an elongated flexible tether having one portion thereof mounted to the clip device, and another portion thereof mounted to the guide base. Thus, when the guide base moves along the fixed path between the first position and the second position, the one portion of the tether and the clip device move between a retracted condition and an extended condition, enabling the clip device to be mounted to the user's clothing.

Problems solved by technology

One particular problem associated with these caps, as well as with any visored head wear, is that they can become unexpectedly dislodged from the head of the user under windy conditions or extreme physical activities.

This event is particularly bothersome in circumstances where recovery of the hat may not be easily accomplished, such as during sporting activities (e.g., fly fishing, snow-skiing, jet skiing, etc.) or open-air traveling (e.g., motorcycle, convertibles, speedboating, etc.).

One problem typically associated with these devices is that during non-use, the lengthy tether is unsupported and dangles or hangs freely.

This free dangle can be quite unsightly, easily tangled or potentially hazardous to small children.

These assemblies, however, are either too complex, do not function adequately or significantly alter the footprint of the head wear.

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