Hat blinder

Abstract

A hat blinder includes a brim portion; a first side wing portion; and a second side wing portion. The brim portion is constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and the lower panel are configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat. The first side wing portion and second side wing portions are configured to be substantially orthogonal to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 809,873, filed on Aug. 20, 2024, said U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 809,873, filed on Aug. 20, 2024, claiming priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 534,138, filed on Aug. 23, 2023. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 809,873, filed on Aug. 20, 2024, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No 63 / 534,138, filed on Aug. 23, 2023, is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] In a number of sporting activities, it is often advantageous to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources. One available device that accomplishes this goal is a specialty hat which incorporates side panels and other features that provide additional vision and light obstruction. These specialty hats work well, but there is a desire to provide a less cumbersome device that can be easily attached to an existing team ball cap and easily removed and stowed when not in use.

[0003] In many sports and activities, a traditional ball cap is worn for extended periods, and the peripheral vision obstruction and additional shading provided by such specialty hats is not always desired.

[0004] As example of a conventional hat accessory to protect rain from a user's glasses is disclosed in Published Great Britain Patent Application Number 1,477,818 and illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a peak extension portion 10 is formed from transparent plastics sheet material. The portion 10 is divided along its front to rear center line into two identical parts (12, 14). The two parts (12, 14) are hinged together by tape 16 adhesively secured to the two parts (12, 14) along their adjacent edges, a respective piece of the tape lying along both the upper and lower sides of the joint.

[0005] Elongate side portions (22, 24) of transparent plastics sheet material are hinged to the side edges of the peak extension portion 10 by tape (26, 28) adhesively secured to the portion 10 and the transparent or translucent side portions (22, 24) along the side edges of the portion 10, a respective piece of the tape lying along each side of each joint. Each side portion (22, 24) extends from the front edge 30 of the peak extension portion 10 to beyond the rear edge 32 of the portion 10.

[0006] The hat accessory is attached to the underside of the hat's brim using strips of fastening material, such as a loop and hook system.

[0007] The above described conventional hat accessory is constructed of multiple rigid pieces secured together with tape.

[0008] Moreover, the above described conventional hat accessory is attached to the hat's brim using a fastening material that is held in place by a tacky substance, thereby allowing the conventional hat accessory attachment system to fail when the tacky substance loses its tackiness.

[0009] Lastly, the above described conventional hat accessory fails to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources.

[0010] In another prior art embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a fabric hat blinder 100 has been constructed to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources. As illustrated in FIG. 2, fabric hat blinder 100 includes a double layer brim section 110. The double layer brim section 110 includes a double layer brim pocket area 113, a first side panel 111, and a second side panel 112. The double layer brim pocket area 113 has an opening (not shown) configured to receive a brim of a hat (not shown). The double layer brim pocket area 113 also has a center point 115 which is at the center of the arc of the front of the double layer brim pocket area 113.

[0011] The first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 are formed on either side of the double layer brim pocket area 113. The first side panel 111 has a junction interface 117 which connects to a first strap 150. The second side panel 112 has a junction interface 116 which connects to a second strap 140. The first strap 150 and the second strap 140 have attachment areas 155 and 145, respectively, which are configured to enable the first strap 150 to be securely attached to the second strap 140.

[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the double layer brim pocket area 113 has an inner arc 119 that goes from junction interface 117 to junction interface 116, wherein the inner arc 119 at junction interface 117 and the inner arc 119 at junction interface 116 are substantially parallel.

[0013] FIG. 2 further illustrates that lines 136 and 137 from the center point 115, which is at the center of the arc of the front of the double layer brim pocket area 113, to the inner arc 119 at junction interface 116 and the inner arc 119 at junction interface 117, respectively, form an angle X°. This angle, in the prior art embodiment, is approximately 40°.

[0014] The fabric used to construct the hat blinder of FIG. 2 exhibits inherent bending stiffness, which causes the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 to tend to remain substantially coplanar with the double layer brim pocket area 113 rather than draping orthogonally along the sides of the hat brim. As a result, the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 tend to fail to position the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 in a configuration that effectively blocks glare from peripheral directions.

[0015] This tendency is further increased by the construction of the double layer brim pocket area 113, which is formed by joining two layers of fabric, such as by stitching. The layered construction increases the bending stiffness of the double layer brim pocket area 113, thereby further encouraging the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the double layer brim pocket area113.

[0016] Thus, when the inner arc 119 at junction interface 117 and the inner arc 119 at junction interface 116 are substantially parallel, the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 are formed with a resulting outward angle of approximately X° when measured from the center point 115, which is at the center of the arc of the front of the double layer brim pocket area 113, at the front of the brim pocket to the inner arc 119 at junction interface 116 and the inner arc 119 at junction interface 117.

[0017] This configuration causes the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 to remain substantially planar with the double layer brim pocket area 113, preventing the first side panel 111 and the second side panel 112 from folding downward orthogonal to the edge of the hat brim.

[0018] Thus, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which is constructed of non-rigid material.

[0019] Also, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which is constructed of fabric and is configured to allow the side panels to hang downward in a manner orthogonal to the edge of the hat brim.

[0020] Moreover, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which can be easily attached to and removed from a hat.

[0021] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which can be attached to the hat and avoid failures due to a loss of tackiness used in the hat attachment system.

[0022] Additionally, it is desirable to provide a non-rigid hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which can be easily stored, such as in a user's pocket.

[0023] Also, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which easily conforms to the shape or contours of the hat.

[0024] It is further desirable to provide a single piece hat accessory, which does not require user construction, to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources.

[0025] Lastly, it is desirable to provide a hat accessory to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources which allows for peripheral vision and glare elimination or reduction independently for each side of the user.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art hat accessory;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates another prior art hat accessory;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a hat accessory configured to allow side panels to hang downward in a manner orthogonal to the edge of the hat brim;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a comparison of the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of FIG. 3 engaging a hat;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of FIG. 3 engaging a hat;

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3 engaging a hat;

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the double layer brim section of FIG. 3;

[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the double layer brim section of FIG. 3

[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the double layer brim section of FIG. 3 showing a hat brim pocket;

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of FIG. 3; and

[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a further embodiment of FIG. 3.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. It is noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts may be properly illustrated.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a fabric hat blinder 200 has been constructed to reduce or eliminate peripheral vision and glare from oblique light sources. As illustrated in FIG. 3, fabric hat blinder 200 includes a double layer brim section 210. The double layer brim section 210 includes a double layer brim pocket area 213, a first side panel 211, and a second side panel 212. The double layer brim pocket area 213 has an opening (not shown) configured to receive a brim of a hat (not shown).

[0041] The double layer brim pocket area 213 also has a center point 215 which is at the center of the arc of the front of the double layer brim pocket area 213.

[0042] The first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 are formed on either side of the double layer brim pocket area 213. The first side panel 211 has a junction interface 217 which connects to a first strap 250. The second side panel 212 has a junction interface 216 which connects to a second strap 240. The first strap 250 and the second strap 240 have attachment areas 255 and 245, respectively, which are configured to enable the first strap 250 to be securely attached to the second strap 240. The attachment areas 255 and 245 may be snaps or a hook and latch system.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the double layer brim pocket area 213 has an inner arc 219 that goes from junction interface 217 to junction interface 216, wherein the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 are not parallel.

[0044] FIG. 3 further illustrates that lines 236 and 237 from the center point 215, which is at the center of the arc of the front of the double layer brim pocket area 213, to the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217, respectively, form an angle Y°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle, Y°, is approximately 65°. The angle Y° is such that the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 are not parallel. More specifically, the angle Y° should be greater than 40°, preferably greater than 45°.

[0045] In other words, the angle Y′ should cause the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 not to be parallel.

[0046] The fabric used to construct the hat blinder of FIG. 3 exhibits inherent bending stiffness; however, configuring the angle Y° to cause the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 not to be parallel, the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 do not remain substantially coplanar with the double layer brim pocket area 213, but rather drape orthogonally along the sides of a hat brim. As a result, the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 tend to position the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 in a configuration that effectively blocks glare from peripheral directions.

[0047] Thus, when the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 are not substantially parallel or not parallel, the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 are formed with a resulting outward angle of approximately Y° when measured from the center point 215, which is at the center of the arc of the front of the double layer brim pocket area 213, at the front of the brim pocket to the inner arc 219 at junction interface 216 and the inner arc 219 at junction interface 217.

[0048] This configuration causes the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 to fold downward, in an orthogonal manner, to the edge of a hat brim.

[0049] When the geometry of the hat blinder, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is such that the junction interface 217 and the junction interface 216 extend outward at an increased angle of approximately Y°, the fabric is forced to buckle or deform along the curved radius of the hat brim. This induced buckling overcomes the natural bending stiffness of the material and causes the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 to fold downward, in an orthogonal manner, to the hat brim.

[0050] The downward folding effect positions the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 in a configuration that effectively obscures peripheral glare and blocks incoming sunlight from lateral directions.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a comparison of the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the configuration of the straps 140, 150, 240, and 250 form an angle Z° because straps 140 and 150 (associated with the embodiment of FIG. 2) are substantially parallel and straps 240 and 250 (associated with the embodiment of FIG. 3) are not parallel.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates the hat accessory of FIG. 3 attached to a cap. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a hat (cap) accessory includes an upper bill panel 2113. The hat (cap) accessory also includes first side panel 211 and second side panel 212.

[0053] The hat (cap) accessory is secured to a hat 300, via strap 250 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory.

[0054] It is noted that, alternatively, straps may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory around the hat 300 and the wearer's head.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a hat (cap) accessory includes upper bill panel 2113. The hat (cap) accessory also includes first side panel 211 and second side panel 212.

[0056] The hat (cap) accessory is secured to a hat 300, via strap 250 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory.

[0057] It is noted that, alternatively, straps may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory around the hat 300 and the wearer's head.

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a hat (cap) accessory includes upper bill panel 2113. The hat (cap) accessory also includes first side panel 211 and second side panel 212.

[0059] The hat (cap) accessory is secured to a hat 128, via straps 240 and 250 and a hat brim pocket (not shown), having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory. The straps 240 and 250 include connection mechanisms 245 and 255 to connect the straps 240 and 250 together. The connection mechanisms 245 and 255 may be snaps or a latch and hook system.

[0060] It is noted that, alternatively, straps 240 and 250 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory around the hat 300 and the wearer's head.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an upper bill panel 2113 includes bill extension sections 2112 and 2111, which form the top side of the side wings or panels. The bill extension sections 2112 and 2111 are folded at stitch lines 2133 and 2134 in a downward position. The upper bill panel 2113 also includes stitching 2135 that holds the upper bill panel 2113 to a lower bill panel (not shown).

[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a lower bill panel 2213 includes bill extension sections 2212 and 2211, which form the bottom side of the side wings or panels. The bill extension sections 2212 and 2211 are folded at stitch lines 2233 and 2234 in a downward position. The lower bill panel 2213 also includes stitching 2235 that holds the lower bill panel 2213 to an upper bill panel (not shown).

[0063] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3 showing a hat brim pocket, having a volume. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a hat (cap) accessory 200 includes upper bill panel 2113. The hat (cap) accessory 200 also includes side wings 212 and 211. Stitching 238 holds the upper bill panel 2113 and a lower bill panel 2213. The upper bill panel 2113 and a lower bill panel 2213 are not stitched together along section 2132 so as to form a hat brim pocket 2131, having a volume.

[0064] The hat (cap) accessory 200 is secured to a hat (not shown), via straps 240 and 250 and hat brim pocket 2131, having a volume, formed in the hat (cap) accessory 200. The straps 240 and 250 include connection mechanisms 245 and 255 to connect the straps 240 and 250 together.

[0065] It is noted that, alternatively, straps 240 and 250 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 200 around the hat and the wearer's head. Thus, the connection mechanisms 245 and 255 are not required.

[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a hat (cap) accessory 200 includes attachment sites 262 and 264 on upper bill panel 2113. The hat (cap) accessory 200 also includes attachment sites 260 and 266 on side wings 212 and 211, respectively.

[0067] The attachment sites 262 and 264 on the upper bill panel 2113 and the attachment sites 260 and 266 on side wings 212 and 211, respectively, are configured to enable to allow a user to keep the side wing 212 or side wing 211 folded up above the hat bill to allow peripheral vision on one or both sides. The attachment sites 260, 266, 264, and 262 may be snaps or a latch and hook system.

[0068] It is noted that, alternatively, straps 240 and 250 may be a single elastic band to provide elasticity to fit around the hat and the wearer's head and tension to secure the hat (cap) accessory 200 around the hat and the wearer's head.

[0069] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a further embodiment of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a hat (cap) accessory 200 includes a continuous elastic band strap 280 instead of straps to secure the hat (cap) accessory 200 to a hat (cap) (not shown).

[0070] As noted above, the bill panels are stitched together around their perimeter except in the brim pocket area. The perimeter stitch line continues along the sides of the brim pocket, having a volume, to snugly hold the hat brim. The perimeter stitching also attaches straps to the rearward ends of the bill panels. In this way, an envelope cavity or pocket, having a volume, is formed which receives the bill of a common ‘baseball style cap,’ or any other hat having a common ball cap type brim extending forwardly over the eyes of a wearer.

[0071] The upper and lower bill panels may be formed of various materials including cloth, fabric, or neoprene.

[0072] It is also noted that the side wings may include weights to assist in maintaining the side wings in a substantially orthogonal orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

[0073] Additionally, the side wings may include a formable stiffening member, such as a wire, to assist in maintaining the side wings in a substantially orthogonal orientation or a user's desired orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

[0074] The straps are attached behind the wearer's head to retain the hat accessory in a mounted position. While securing the hat accessory to the wearer's hat and head, straps also provide tension to hold side wings in position to obstruct wearer's peripheral vision.

[0075] The side wings provide a desired obscuration of peripheral vision off to the sides of the wearer.

[0076] Flexibility and stretching of hat accessory enable the hat accessory to be able to be formed to the curvature of a cap bill and maintain a desired position of the side wings.

[0077] In summary, the hat accessory is formed by two pieces of fabric stitched together to form a pocket, having a volume, for the hat bill along with the side panels that provide the vision and light obstruction features. The hat accessory also includes straps attached to the combined pieces of fabric to connect at the rear of the hat to retain the hat accessory in position on the wearer's head.

[0078] A hat blinder comprises a brim portion; a first side wing portion; and a second side wing portion; the brim portion being constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel; the upper panel and the lower panel being configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat.

[0079] A hat blinder comprises a brim portion; a first side wing portion; a second side wing portion; the brim portion being constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel; the upper panel and the lower panel being configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat; the first side wing portion having a first junction interface; the second side wing portion having a second junction interface the brim portion having a center point at a center of an arc of a front of the brim portion and an inner arc from the first junction interface to the second junction interface; the brim portion having an angle formed by the center point, the inner arc at the first junction interface, and the inner arc at the second junction interface; the angle having a value such that the inner arc at the first junction interface and the inner arc at the second junction interface are no parallel.

[0080] The angle may be greater than 40°. The angle may be greater than 45°. The angle may be 65°.

[0081] The first side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat. The second side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

[0082] The brim portion, the first side wing portion, and the second side wing portion may be constructed of non-rigid material.

[0083] The brim portion, the first side wing portion, and the second side wing portion may be constructed of fabric, cloth, or neoprene.

[0084] The first side wing portion and the second side wing portion may include weights.

[0085] The first side wing portion and the second side wing portion may include a formable stiffening member.

[0086] The first side wing portion and the second side wing portion may include a wire configured to assist in maintaining the first side wing portion and the second side wing portion side wings in a pre-determined orientation with respect to the brim of the hat.

[0087] The hat blinder may include a first strap, operatively connected to the first side wing portion, having a first connection mechanism; and a second strap, operatively connected to the second side wing portion, having a second connection mechanism; the first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the second connection mechanism.

[0088] The hat blinder may include an elastic band strap having a first end operatively connected to the first side wing portion and a second end operatively connected to the second side wing portion.

[0089] The hat blinder may include a first connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a second connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a third connection mechanism located on the first side wing portion; and a fourth connection mechanism located on the second side wing portion; the first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the third connection mechanism; the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the fourth connection mechanism.

[0090] The first connection mechanism may be configured to connect to the third connection mechanism independently of the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to the fourth connection mechanism.

[0091] The first side wing portion may be constructed of the upper panel and the lower panel. The second side wing portion may be constructed of the upper panel and the lower panel.

[0092] The hat blinder may include a first connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a second connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the brim portion; a third connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the first side wing portion; and a fourth connection mechanism located on the upper panel of the second side wing portion; the first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the third connection mechanism; the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to the fourth connection mechanism.

[0093] The first connection mechanism may be configured to connect to the third connection mechanism independently of the second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to the fourth connection mechanism.

[0094] The hat blinder may include a first stitched boundary between the brim portion and the first side wing portion; and a second stitched boundary between the brim portion and the second side wing portion.

[0095] The first side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal, at the first stitched boundary, to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat. The second side wing portion may be configured to be substantially orthogonal, at the second stitched boundary, to the brim portion when the brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

[0096] It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above.

Claims

1. A hat blinder comprising:a brim portion;a first side wing portion;a second side wing portion;said brim portion being constructed of an upper panel and a lower panel;said upper panel and said lower panel being configured to form a pocket, having a volume, for receiving a brim of a hat;said first side wing portion having a first junction interface;said second side wing portion having a second junction interfacesaid brim portion having a center point at a center of an arc of a front of said brim portion and an inner arc from said first junction interface to said second junction interface;said brim portion having an angle formed by said center point, said inner arc at said first junction interface, and said inner arc at said second junction interface;said angle having a value such that said inner arc at said first junction interface and said inner arc at said second junction interface are no parallel.

2. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said angle is greater than 40°.

3. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said angle is greater than 45°.

4. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said angle is 65°.

5. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first side wing portion is configured to be substantially orthogonal to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat;said second side wing portion being configured to be substantially orthogonal to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

6. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of non-rigid material.

7. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of fabric.

8. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brim portion, said first side wing portion, and said second side wing portion are constructed of neoprene.

9. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:a first strap, operatively connected to said first side wing portion at said first junction interface, having a first connection mechanism; anda second strap, operatively connected to said second side wing portion at said second junction interface, having a second connection mechanism;said first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said second connection mechanism.

10. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:an elastic band strap having a first end operatively connected to said first side wing portion at said first junction interface and a second end operatively connected to said second side wing portion at said second junction interface.

11. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:a first connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said brim portion;a second connection mechanism located on said upper panel of said brim portion;a third connection mechanism located on said first side wing portion; anda fourth connection mechanism located on said second side wing portion;said first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said third connection mechanism;said second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being configured to connect to said fourth connection mechanism.

12. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first connection mechanism is configured to connect to said third connection mechanism independently of said second connection mechanism first connection mechanism being connected to said fourth connection mechanism.

13. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:a first stitched boundary between said brim portion and said first side wing portion; anda second stitched boundary between said brim portion and said second side wing portion.

14. The hat blinder as claimed in claim 13, wherein said first side wing portion is configured to be substantially orthogonal, at said first stitched boundary, to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat;said second side wing portion being configured to be substantially orthogonal, at said second stitched boundary, to said brim portion when said brim portion engages the brim of the hat.

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