Coverings

Abstract

Described herein are coverings configured for a head which include a mask that extends over at least a portion of a face. The coverings configured for a head may be hats and can include masks which are permanently affixed to the coverings or removable and interchangeable. The mask extends over at least a portion of a face or is folded into the covering.

Description

8002315.00005COVERINGSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 683,606, filed August 15, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.SUMMARY

[0002] Described herein are coverings for heads that include an article that extends over at least a portion of a face.

[0003] In one embodiment, systems are described including: a covering configured for a head, a mask, and an interface configured to allow the mask to extend over at least a portion of a face or be folded into the covering.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure A illustrates a permanent sewn in mask. Therein the mask is shaped and sewn into the back of a hat as described herein.

[0005] Figure B illustrates a hat with VELCRO® sewn in and an interchangeable mask as described herein.

[0006] Figure C illustrates a mask with VELCRO® attachment strips as described herein.

[0007] Figure D illustrates an example of an integrated mask wherein a design carries into the covering as described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Described herein are coverings for heads that include an article that extends over at least a portion of a face.8002315.00005

[0009] A face can be of a mammal such as a human, dog, cat, horse, cow, goat, mule, or the like.

[0010] The covering generally can include a hat, cap, or other head covering and can be referred to herein as a cap, hat, covering, or the like interchangeably. In some embodiments, the covering can be a baseball cap, golf hat, helmet, fedora, top hat, field cap, bowler hat, trucker hat, beach hat, straw hat, beret, safari hat, steampunk hat, wedding hat, western hat, cowboy hat, ascot cap, akubra, balmoral bonnet, bonnet, barretina, beanie, beret bearskin hat, bhaad-gaaule topi, bicorne, biretta, blangkon, boater, boho hat, boonie hat, bork, boss of the plains, boudoir cap, bowler / derby, Breton, bucket hat, budenovka, busby, bycocket, campaign hat, capotain, cappello romano, cartwheel hat, casquette, caubeen, cavalier hat, chengziguan, chilote cap, chullo, chupalla, cloche hat, coal scuttle bonnet, conical Asian hat, coonskin cap, sombrero, cricket cap, custodian helmet, deerstalker, dhaka topi, dixie cup hat, draped turban, dunce cap, fascinator, fedora, fez, flat cap, ghandi cap, gat, Gatsby, side hat, gaung paung, glengarry, green eyeshade, half hat, halo hat, hard hat, hardee hat, hennin, homburg, Icelandic tail-cap, jaapi, kalpak, karakul, kepi, kippah, kolpik, kupiah, kofia, kufi, kolah namadi, kova tembel, labbadeh, makapili hat, mathal, mitre, montera, mortarboard, mushroom hat, newsboy cap, pakul, panama, papkhi, party hat, patrol cap, peach basket hat, peaked cap, phrygain cap, picture hat, pilgrim’s hat, pillbox hat, pith helmet, planter’s hat, poke bonnet, porkpie, printer’s hat, qeleshe, rastacap, rogatywka, sami hat, sailor cap, sailor hat, sajkaca, salakot, santa hat, shako, shovel hat, shtreimel, slouch, smoking cap, sombrero, songkok, sou’western, stetson, student cap, sun hat, tarn o’ shanter, taqiyah, tengkolok, top hat, toque, tuque, trilby, tricorne, trucker hat, tubeteika, tudor bonnet, turban, tyolean hat, umbrella hat, upe, ushanka, utility cover, vueltiao, whoopee cap, wideawake, wizard / witch hat, or zucchetto.

[0011] In some embodiments, the covering can include a brim or bill. In some embodiments, that brim or bill can be on the front of the covering.8002315.00005

[0012] In some embodiments, the article that extends over at least a portion of a face is a mask. The mask can cover at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or can completely cover the face.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mask can include an opening for at least one eye, both eyes, a nose, an ear, both ears, mouth, or a combination thereof.

[0014] The mask can be formed at least partially of a textile, polymer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mask is at least semi rigid. In other embodiments, the mask is not rigid.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mask can be permanently attached to the covering. Permanent attachment of a mask can include, but is not limited to, sewing, gluing, bonding, threading, riveting, welding, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the mask can be removably attached to the covering. Removable attachments can include, but are not limited to VELCRO®, other or additional hook and loop system(s), snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets, zip-lock mechanisms, friction fits, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the interface configured to allow the mask to extend over at least a portion of a face or be folded into the covering can be at the inner area of the covering. In some embodiments, the interface can be at the inner area of a brim or bill of a covering. In other embodiments, the interface can be at the outer area of the covering.

[0017] In some embodiments, the mask is fanciful in nature. The mask can portray a disguise, caricature, mascot, political leader, political figure, athlete, celebrity, cartoon character, movie character, animal, or the like.

[0018] In some embodiments, the mask is not camouflage. In other words, in some embodiments, the mask is configured to draw attention.

[0019] In some embodiments, the systems described herein can include a covering in the form of a hat or cap that includes a bill or other such feature. That bill can function to shade a wearer’s face from the sun and / or rain. In some embodiments, a mask can8002315.00005 be fitted to the back, or opposite side of the hat or cap from the bill, thereby eliminating use of the bill to cover the face when using the mask.

[0020] In some embodiments, the systems described herein can include removable attachments attached around the circumference of the inner area of the covering. In some embodiments, a strip of VELCRO® can be attached around the circumference of the inner area of the covering. In some embodiments, the mask can be fitted to the back, or opposite side of the hat or cap from the bill and / or any angle around the circumference of the inner area of the covering.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mask can completely cover the face and extend beyond the area of the face. The portions of the mask which extends past the face can portray a beard, scarf, necklace, neck, chest, shirt, and / or a combination thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures A, B, and C, system 100 includes covering 102 and mask 104.

[0023] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure A, mask 104 can be permanently attached to covering 102 in the form of a hat. In one embodiment, mask 104 is sewn to covering 102. In other embodiments, mask 104 can be glued, bonded, threaded, riveted, welded to, or otherwise permanently attached to covering 102.

[0024] Further, as illustrated in Figure A, mask 104 is attached to back 106 of covering 102 and not to front 108 identified by bill 110. In other embodiments, mask 104 can be attached to front 108 or even a side thereof. Mask 104 can include portion 112 at least partially attached on inside of covering 102 or outside of covering 102, wherein portion 112 is visible even when a remainder is folded into covering 102. Remainder 114, not included as portion 112, can be folded into covering 102 or be displayed to cover at least a portion of a face.

[0025] In some embodiments, if the mask is a formed or semi-rigid mask, it can fold from convex to concave and sit atop a head when concealed.

[0026] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure B, mask portion 116 can be removable from covering 102. Herein, VELCRO® or other hook and loop system(s) can be used to attach mask portion 116 to covering 102. In some embodiments, the system8002315.00005 can be permanently bonded to a covering or mask, such as by sewing, gluing or otherwise bonding. These types of systems include a first and second piece that attach to one another. Herein, first strip 118 can be located on back rim 120 of covering 102. In other embodiments, first strip 118 can be located on the front rim and / or side rim. In this embodiment, first strip 118 is located inside of covering 102, but in other embodiments, can be located on the outside or other visible surface of covering 102. Second strip 122 can be located on back surface 124 of mask portion 116. In other embodiments, it can be on the front surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, a mask can be attached and removed from a covering on demand or can be interchanged with different masks or coverings.

[0028] In Figure C, mask portion 116 can include a removable first strip 118. Therein, first strip 118 can include adhesive 126 or other bonding compound to attach it to mask portion 116.

[0029] In some embodiments, the hook and loop system can, instead of or in addition to, be a snap, button, zipper, magnet, zip-lock mechanism, friction fit, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0030] In some embodiments, a covering can include or incorporate a design that carries into and / or from a mask. For example, Figure D illustrates an integrated mask wherein the design carries into the covering.

[0031] In some embodiments, the masks include a heating or cooling component of the surface in contact with a face.

[0032] In some embodiments, the covering can further include a pouch configured to house the mask. The pouch can be sewn to the inside or outside of the covering. In other embodiments, the pouch can be attached using a hook and loop system or the like. In one embodiment, the pouch is sewed to the back of the covering.Example 1

[0033] A singer schedules a concert wherein fans line up for admission. A vendor sells masks that include the likeness of the singer with an adhesive strip configured to8002315.00005 attach to the inner brim of a hat. Thousands of fans buy the masks and wear them during the concert.Example 2

[0034] A professional football game is about to start, and fans line up for admission to the stadium. A vendor sells masks that include the likeness of the home football team’s mascot. Thousands of fans buy the masks and wear them during the game.Example 3

[0035] A political candidate schedules a rally wherein fans line up for admission wearing themed baseball hats. A vendor sells masks that include a depiction of an ear with a white bandage that includes an adhesive strip configured to attach to the inner side brim of a hat. Thousands of fans buy the masks and wear them during the rally.Example 4

[0036] Fans line up to see several scheduled basketball games during a tournament in March. A vendor sells both hats with an incorporated first attachment piece and several different college mascot themed masks that include a second incorporated attachment piece configured to attach to the incorporated first attachment piece. Thousands of fans buy the hat and masks and wear them interchangeably during the basketball games.

[0037] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,8002315.00005 inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0038] The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0039] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0040] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto8002315.00005 as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0041] Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0042] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Claims

8002315.00005What is claimed is:

1. A system including: a covering configured for a head, a mask, and an interface configured to allow the mask to extend over at least a portion of a face or be folded into the covering.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the covering is a hat.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the hat includes a brim or bill.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask covers at least 10% of the face.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask extends beyond the area of the face.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask is of a mammal.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask includes an opening for at least one eye.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask is permanently attached to the covering.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface contains means of permanently attaching the covering and said means are selected from a group consisting of sewing, gluing, bonding, threading, riveting, welding, and a combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask can be fitted to the back, or opposite side of the covering.11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the mask is removably attached to the covering.8002315.0000512. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface includes a means of removably attaching the covering and said means are selected from a group consisting of VELCRO®, other or additional hook and loop system(s), snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets, zip-lock mechanisms, friction fits, and a combination thereof.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the means of removably attaching the covering is present around the circumference of the inner area of the covering.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the means of removably attaching the covering is a VELCRO® attachment strip affixed around the circumference of the inner area of the covering.

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