Topless Bucket Hat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid hat having a shape of a visor and a bucket hat. The hat can feature a strap or headband to secure to a wearer's head, and a brim extending therefrom to protect a wearer's face, neck, and ears from sunlight. The hat offers circumferential sun protection of a bucket hat, while allowing for the wearer's hair to extend freely above the headband by having an open aired top portion, similar to a visor. The hat can include an adjustable strap/cord and brim to selectively fit the hat to form a closed circular loop to circumscribe the head of the wearer. The hat can be adjusted by a drawstring which is concealed in a decorative sleeve disposed around the headband. The drawstring can be cinched to adjust the diameter of the headband to fit the size of head of a wearer.

Claims

1. A topless bucket hat comprising: an open topped bucket hat comprising a circular headband section having an open upper edge and an open lower edge, wherein said upper edge is positioned above said lower edge when said topless bucket hat is worn by a wearer; a brim section circumferentially connected to said lower edge, wherein said brim section radially extends downward and outward from said lower edge, and further wherein said circular headband section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; and a flexible cord retained around said exterior surface, wherein said flexible cord includes a cord lock for selectively adjusting a diameter of said flexible cord.

2. The topless bucket hat of claim 1, wherein said adjusting of said diameter of said flexible cord adjusts a diameter of said circular headband section.

3. The topless bucket hat of claim 2, wherein said exterior surface includes a sleeve for retaining said flexible cord.

4. The topless bucket hat of claim 3, wherein said sleeve includes at least one opening therethrough for accessing a terminal end of said flexible cord.

5. The topless bucket hat of claim 4, wherein said flexible cord is a drawstring.

6. The topless bucket hat of claim 4, wherein said diameter of said flexible cord is adjustable from about 5.0 inches to about 9.0 inches.

7. The topless bucket hat of claim 1, wherein said cord lock is a snap loop.

8. The topless bucket hat of claim 1, wherein said circular headband section is elastic.

9. A topless bucket hat comprising: an open topped bucket hat comprising an adjustable headband section having an open upper edge and an open lower edge, wherein said upper edge is positioned above said lower edge when said bucket hat is worn by a wearer; an adjustable brim section circumferentially connected to said lower edge, wherein said brim section radially extends downward and outward from said lower edge, and further wherein said circular headband section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; and a hook and loop fastener for adjusting a diameter of said headband section and said brim section.

10. The topless bucket hat of claim 9 further comprising a flexible cord retained around said exterior surface, wherein said flexible cord includes a cord lock for selectively adjusting a diameter of said headband section.

11. The topless bucket hat of claim 10, wherein said adjusting of said diameter of said flexible cord adjusts a diameter of said headband section.

12. The topless bucket hat of claim 11, wherein said exterior surface includes a sleeve for retaining said flexible cord.

13. The topless bucket hat of claim 12, wherein said sleeve includes at least one opening therethrough for accessing a terminal end of said flexible cord.

14. The topless bucket hat of claim 13, wherein said flexible cord is a drawstring.

15. The topless bucket hat of claim 13, wherein said diameter of said flexible cord is adjustable from about 5.0 inches to about 9.0 inches.

16. The topless bucket hat of claim 9, wherein said cord lock is a snap loop.

17. The topless bucket hat of claim 9, wherein said headband section is elastic.

18. A topless bucket hat comprising: an open topped bucket hat comprising an adjustable headband section having an open upper edge and an open lower edge, wherein said upper edge is positioned above said lower edge when said bucket hat is worn by a wearer; a brim section circumferentially connected to said lower edge, wherein said brim section radially extends downward and outward from said lower edge, and further wherein said circular headband section includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; a hook and loop fastener for adjusting a diameter of said brim section; and a drawstring retained around said exterior surface, wherein said drawstring includes a cord lock for selectively adjusting a diameter of said headband section.

19. The topless bucket hat of claim 18, wherein said exterior surface includes a sleeve for retaining said flexible cord.

20. The topless bucket hat of claim 19, wherein said headband section is elastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adjustable topless bucket hat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another potential embodiment of the topless bucket hat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a user wearing one potential embodiment of the adjustable topless bucket hat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps of donning one potential embodiment of the hybrid hat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing yet another potential embodiment of the hybrid hat of the present invention having both the hook and loop fastener and the drawstring in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a hat that allows the hair of wearer to flow freely while wearing the hat. There is also a long felt need in the art for a hat that provides enhanced protection against the sun. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved hat that allows the users to adjust the size of the hat to fit to different head sizes. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified hat that does not cover the head, and therefore prevents the hairstyle of the wearer from being disturbed. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hat that prevents the wearer from getting worried about his or her hairstyle while wearing hats. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a hat that ensures a single hat can fit to a plurality of wearers having different head sizes. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved hat that offers all-encompassing (i.e. circumferential) sun protection while allowing for the wearer's hair to fly free.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, discloses a novel topless bucket. The topless bucket hat includes a hook and look fastener strap having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The hook fastener disposed on the exterior surface at one end of the strap and the loop fastener on the interior surface at an opposing end. The hook fastener and the loop fastener are detachably-attached to form a closed circular adjustable opening for circumscribing the head of a wearer. The bucket hat further includes a brim extending radially from a lower edge of the strap in a continuous and uniform manner. The exterior surface includes a decorative band and a logo for aesthetic purposes.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adjustable topless bucket hat 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The topless bucket hat 100 of the present invention is designed as a combination of an adjustable visor and a conventional bucket hat. The topless bucket hat 100 does not have a bucket top or crown of a conventional bucket hat and therefore, allows a wearer's hair to fly free and does not cause sweating on the head. More specifically, the bucket hat 100 includes a circular headband section 102 having an upper edge 104 and a lower edge 106. The hat 100 having the circular headband section 102 can be worn on the head such that the upper edge 104 is positioned above the lower edge 106 when the hat 100 is worn by a wearer. A brim 108 radially extends down from the lower edge 106 of the circular section 102 in a substantially uniform and continuous manner to provide a conventional bucket hat appearance and to protect the wearer from sunlight. The top section 102 includes an exterior surface 110 and an interior surface 112 wherein the interior surface 112 touches the skin and/or hair of the wearer when the topless bucket hat 100 is worn by the wearer and the exterior surface 110 is visually exposed to other users. A decorative band or sleeve 113 can be sewn or detachably-attached to the exterior surface 110 of the circular section 102 for providing aesthetic appeal and a colorful design to the hat 100. In the present embodiment, a drawstring or a flexible cord 114 can be concealed into the decorative band or sleeve 113 and the drawstring 114 can be used for adjusting the size of the top section 102 to snugly fit around the head of the wearer. The drawstring 114 allows the hat 100 to fit heads of varying sizes in an inconspicuous and unobtrusive manner. In a relaxed and non-stretched position of the drawstring 114, the drawstring 114 can be completely concealed in the decorative band or sleeve 113 and can be stretched rearwardly to fit to a wearer's head. In this regard, when donned by a wearer, typically, the drawstring 114 extends out from drawstring openings 116, 120 preferably positioned at the back of the head of the wearer. The drawstring 114 rests comfortably against the head of the wearer and helps the hat 100 fit snugly on wearers having various head sizes. The elastic and stretchable material of the top section 102 also helps the hat 100 to snugly fit to heads of larger sizes. A snap loop or cord lock 122 is used for securing the length of the cord 114 in the decorative band 113 by pulling the cord 114 through the snap loop 122.

[0028] It should be appreciated that the hat 100 of the present invention does not have a crown, similar to a visor, and provides a continuous opening on the top of the head of the wearer to offer the all-encompassing sun protection of a conventional bucket hat due to presence of the brim 108, while allowing for the wearer's hair to fly free. The exterior surface 110 of the headband section 102 can optionally have a logo or other indicia 118 for display. Preferably, the logo 118 is positioned opposite to the opening 116, thereby allowing the logo 118 to be visually present in the front when the hat 100 is donned by the wearer.

[0029] The drawstring 114 can be made from a flexible material such as strands of cotton, polyester, nylon or the like. In some embodiments, the drawstring 114 can be made from an elasticized material, such as multiple thin elastic bands combined within flexible cotton piping. The drawstring 114 includes sufficient length to surround the entire circumference of the decorative band or sleeve 113.

[0030] The topless bucket hat 100 is unisex and can come in various colors and designs. The width or extension of the brim 108 up to brim edge 1080 can be about 2.75″ and the width of the headband 102 can be about 2.75″. The brim 108 provides an adequate shield from the sunlight while the headband section 102 can cover the side of the head of the wearer. The decorative band or sleeve 113 can be about 0.75″ in width and conceals the drawstring 114 therein. The diameter of the circular headband section 102 can be about 9.0″ in a first relaxed orientation, and the drawstring 114 can be clinched/cinched to decrease the diameter to 5.0″ or even smaller to fit various head sizes in a second orientation (i.e. adults and youths).

[0031] The topless bucket hat 100 can be made from a breathable and weatherproof material that is machine-washable. Preferably, the hat 100 can be made from one or more of a cotton, a leather, a denim, woven and non-woven polymeric materials and others.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the topless bucket hat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the topless bucket hat 200 includes a stretchable hook and loop fastener strap 202 having a first end 204 and a second end 206. The hook and loop fastener strap 202 includes a top edge 208 and a lower edge 210 and a brim 212 radially extending down from the lower edge 210 of the strap 202 in a substantially uniform and continuous manner. The strap 202 and the brim 212 can be a one-piece unit with the common first end 204 and the common second end 206. The strap 202 includes a decorative band 216 and the interior surface 218 can be adhered to the skin or hair of a wearer of the hat 200. A hook fastener 220 can be disposed on the exterior surface 214 at the first end 204. A loop fastener 222 can be disposed on the interior surface 218 at the second end 206. The hook fastener 220 and the loop fastener 222 are detachably attached to each other without twisting the strap 202. The strap 202 forms a generally closed loop around the head and the brim 212 protects and shields the user therebelow from sunlight while the top of the head of the user remains open similar to an open air top portion of a visor. Other selectively detachable fasteners, such as snaps, Velcro™, temporary adhesive, or any other type of detachable fastener, can also be used in the present embodiment. The strap 202 can contain a sweatband for providing comfort to the wearer.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a user wearing the adjustable topless bucket hat 100 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The hat 100 when worn by a user 300 provides adequate shielding to the wearer 300 from sunlight by the brim 108. The brim 108 remains uniform and can maintain its shape to provide an appearance of a conventional bucket hat. The decorative panel or band 113 can be of any color, and to snugly fit the strap 102 around the sides, front, and back of the head 302 of the wearer 300, the drawstring 114 can be pulled as described in FIG. 1. It is to be appreciated that the top of the head 304 and the hair 306 of the user 300 are not covered by the strap 102 and remain open allowing the wearer's hair 306 to extend freely thereabove similar to a visor. The open area provides ventilation and prevents excessive sweating on the head of the wearer 300, thereby providing desired comfort to the wearer 300. The drawstring 114 enables the wearer 300 to snugly fit the hat 100 around the wearer's head.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps of donning the hybrid hat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, the hybrid hat is worn over the head by holding the brim of the hat such that the strap circumferentially covers the sides, front, and back of the head while leaving the top of the head open aired. The brim laterally and radially extends around the sides, front, and back of the head (Block 402). Alternatively, the strap can be worn like a headband and the hook and loop fastener are separably attached to each other at the back of the head. Then, for a snug fit and based on the requirements and head size of the wearer, the drawstring can be pulled towards the back of the head to clinch/cinch the selected size (i.e. circumference) of the strap (Block 404). Finally, the position of the strap can be adjusted by the user for the brim to provide adequate protection from the sunlight (Block 406).

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the hybrid hat of the present invention having both the hook and loop fastener and the drawstring in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the hybrid hat 300 comprises a hook fastener 506 and a loop fastener 508 that are used for attaching the strap 502 and the brim 510 around the head of the wearer. Further, the drawstring or cord 512, concealed in the decorative band 514, can be used for a snug fit of the hat as per the size of the head of the wearer. The present embodiment includes the other features (such as having Logo 504) of other embodiments of the present invention described supra.

[0036] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “hybrid hat”, “topless bucket hat”, “crownless bucket hat”, “hat”, and “bucket hat” are interchangeable and refer to the topless bucket hat 100, 200, 500 of the present invention.

[0037] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the topless bucket hat 100, 200, 500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the topless bucket hat 100, 200, 500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the topless bucket hat 100, 200, 500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the topless bucket hat 100, 200, 500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the topless bucket hat 100, 200, 500 can be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0038] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0039] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.