US20090126076A1

US20090126076A1 - Cap having an illuminating fan and heating device

Info

Publication number: US20090126076A1
Application number: US11/940,334
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Ochoa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-15
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2009-05-21

Abstract

A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap including a fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotatable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer, and at least one heating device removably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer. A protective cover may also be provided for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device. At least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material having at least one illuminator for projecting light by illuminating the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.

Description

BACKGROUND

Various types of headwear such as hats, caps and the like may be equipped with a battery-driven fan provided at the visor or lid for cooling the wearer by supplying cool, ambient air thereto.
The aforementioned cap design, however, has serious ergonomic drawbacks. For instance, the fan body may be permanently attached to the visor or lid at an opening by way of a retaining ring, flange or bracket. Consequently, the fan is not removably attached to permit wearing of the cap when a cooling function is not required or otherwise needed. Moreover, the cap lacks any mechanism for not only providing cool, ambient air to the wearer, but also providing heat during cold weather climates.
Moreover, during instances when a wearer would like to wear the cap at a sporting event or during other leisure moments, the lid usually blocks or obstructs light projecting toward the wearer. Therefore, it may become difficult for a wearer to comfortably read a publication such as a book, newspaper and the like.
The configuration and size of the battery is such that it makes the cap uncomfortable for the wearer. Particularly, the placement of the battery may be provided at a frontal interior surface of the crown of the cap which contacts the forehead of the wearer, making it uncomfortable to wear, especially for prolonged periods of time.
Lastly, because the fan and its motor are exposed to the elements, the motor, and thus the functionality of the fan, will be compromised if the cap is worn during rain, snow, sleet conditions.
Accordingly, there is a need to mitigate or otherwise reduce the aforementioned limitations.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, embodiments are related to an article of headwear such as a cap, hat or the like including a crown for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid portion connected to a front portion of the crown. Particularly, the lid can include at least one of: a cooling device, one or more heating elements; an attachment mechanism or bracket for removably attaching the cooling device to the lid; at least one motor for driving the heating and/or cooling device; a power source electrically connected to the motor; and a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device.
Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown. In accordance with embodiments, the cap can include at least one of a cooling device removably attached to the lid, the cooling device having a plurality of rotatable blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer and a motor for driving the plurality of rotatable blades; a plurality of illuminating devices for projecting light to the wearer; and at least one heating device removably attached to the crown for providing beat to the wearer.
Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown. In accordance with embodiments, the cap can include at least one of a fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotatable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer; a power source electrically connected to the motor; and a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device. At least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material having at least one illuminator for projecting light by illuminating the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.
Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown. In accordance with embodiments, the cap can include at least one of a cooling device removably attached to the lid for providing cool ambient air to the wearer; at least one heating device removably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer; and a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device.
The cooling device may include a fan having a fan body and a plurality of fan blades that are driven when the fan motor is activated. The fan motor is electrically connected to a power source such as a dry cell battery that is connected to an inner surface of the crown.
The heating device can include one or more inserts composed of a polymeric material having a printed circuit element with a resistance circuit provided thereon. The heating elements may be attached to the inner surface of the crown and may be each electrically connected by wiring to a power source such as a dry cell battery.
In order to permit the wearer to see during poorly lit situations, the fan body and/or the fan blades can be composed of a transparent material provided with one or more illuminators which project light. Such illuminators can take the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that project light with a minimum amount of electric energy. The LEDs may be programmable to change colors. In such case, the fan body can be connected to an electric motor which causes the fan blades to rotate when activated and also causes the fan to project light. Alternatively, a plurality of LEDs may be provided on the bottom and/or top surfaces of the fan body and/or the fan blades. In such case, the LEDs may be electrically connected to the same power source as the heating device and/or the cooling device, or have a separate and distinct power source that is attachable to the crown of the cap.
The cap can be removably secured to the top portion attachment mechanism in order to prevent moisture and/or debris from entering the fan. This can permit the fan to be activated during instances of inclimate weather to prevent the fan from shutting off fro the entry of rain and/or snow. The cap may also be used at the beach to prevent the entry of sand and/or dust particles.
Embodiments are related to a cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap including at least one heating device removably attached to the inner surface of the crown for providing localized heat to the wearer. In accordance with embodiments, each at least one heating device can include a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element which delivers an electrical current thereto. Moreover, the least one heating element is disposed in an insulating jacket composed of at least one of a flexible, durable, insulating, weather-resistant material.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the detailed drawings that show, for purposes of illustration only, the preferred embodiments of the invention.

DRAWINGS

Example FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a cap having an illuminating fan and heating device, in accordance with embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in example FIGS. 1 to 3, in accordance with embodiments, cap 10 having crown portion 11 and lid portion 12 connected to crown portion. Lid portion 12 can include a cooling device for providing cool, ambient air to a wearer. The cooling device can be composed of a fan 20 sized for removable attachment to lid 12 by way of an attachment mechanism such as retaining ring 21. The removability feature of fan 20 makes cap 10 wearable in instances when cooling air is not required since the wearer may simply remove fan 20 from ring 21 for temporary storage.
As illustrated in example FIG. 4, fan 20 can include fan body 22 and electric motor 23 for driving a plurality of rotatable fan blades 24. Motor 23 can be electrically connected by wiring 25 to a power source. The power source can be composed of at least one solar panel or at least one dry cell battery 26. Battery 26 can be removably storable in compartment 27. Compartment 27 can be removably attached using mechanical fastener 28 such as velcro and the like to the inner surface of crown 11. Accordingly, cap 10 may be worn with fan 20 by removing both fan 20 and battery 26 for temporary storage until needed.
Compartment 27 prevents battery 26 from unwanted contact with the head of the wearer, or otherwise exposure of battery 26 to moisture and/or debris. Compartment 27 can be composed of a flexible and durable material such as leather or a polymer and include a pivotable flap which when manipulated upwardly exposes an anterior pocket sized to receive battery 26 and also permit the removal of battery 26 when replacement is required. The power source can include a switch to permit activation or deactivation of fan 20. The switch may be an on/off switch or a variable switch.
In order to permit the wearer to see during poorly lit situations, at least one of fan body 22 and fan blades 24 can be composed of a transparent material provided with one or more illuminators which project light. Such illuminators can take the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that project light with a minimum amount of electric energy. The LEDs may be programmable to change colors. In such case, fan body 22 can be electrically connected to motor 23 causing fan blades 24 to rotate and also project light when activated.
As illustrated in example FIG. 5, in accordance with embodiments, cap 10 can include a cooling device such as fan 13 as described hereinabove, but also one or more heating devices 30 for providing sufficient heat and comfort to the head of the wearer. Heating device 30 can include a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element such as wiring 31 which delivers an electrical current thereto. The resistance heaters of heating device 30 can have a predetermined resistance of sufficient to generate localized heat to the head of the wearer. The heating elements can be encased or otherwise disposed in insulating jacket 32 composed of a flexible, durable, insulating, water-resistant material. Insulating jacket 32 can be provided with a padded layer.
The printed circuit element, i.e., wiring 31 of the heating device 30 can be electrically connected to a second power source such as at least one dry cell battery 33. Alternatively, heating device 30 may be electrically connected to the same power source as fan 20. Battery 33 can be removably storable in a suitable compartment constructed in the same manner as compartment 27. The power source for heating device 30 can also include a separate switch to permit activation or deactivation of heating device 30. The switch may be an on/off switch or a variable switch.
Insulating jacket or housing 32 can be removably attached to the inner surface of crown 11. Because insulating jacket 32 can be removably attached by a mechanical fastener such as velcro to enable the wearer to position heating devices 30 in selected areas along the inner surface of crown 11. For instance, at least one heating device 30 can be placed at a front portion of crown 11 such as behind the sweat pad, at a rear portion of crown 11, and at an upper portion of crown 11 to enable the head of the wearer to be provided with sufficient heat during cold weather situations. Moreover, because heating devices 30 are encased in insulating jacket 32, heating devices 30 can be activated even in rain, snow or windy weather conditions.
While embodiments illustrate a cap having a cooling device and a heating device for providing cooling and heating to a wearer, respectively, cap may include only a heating configuration as described herein.
As illustrated in example in example FIG. 6, cap 10 may include protective cover 40 that can be removably secured on and/or over fan 20 for preventing moisture and/or debris from entering fan 20, and thus, prematurely shutting off fan 20. Cover 40 can be advantageous for permitting activation of fan 20 during instances of poor weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, etc. Cover 40 can also be used at sandy or dusty environments such as the beach to prevent the entry of sand and/or dust particles into fan 20. Cover 40 can be composed of a durable, non-conductive material such as a polymer and/or composite. Cover 40 can be composed of a transparent material that permits illuminating light of fan 20 to be seen.
As illustrated in example in example FIG. 7, a plurality of LEDs 50 can be attached to bottom and/or top surfaces of at least one of fan body 22, motor 23 and fan blades 24 to project light in order to permit the wearer to read when located in a poorly lit environment. In such case, LEDs 50 can be electrically connected to the same power source of at least one of fan 20 and heating device 30, or have a separate and distinct power source attachable to crown 11.
Although embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap comprising:

a cooling device removably attached to the lid, the cooling device having a plurality of rotatable blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer and a motor for driving the plurality of rotatable blades;

a plurality of illuminating devices for projecting light to the wearer; and

at least one heating device removably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer.

2. The cap of claim 1, wherein each at least one heating device comprises a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element which delivers an electrical current thereto.

3. The cap of claim 2, wherein the resistance heaters of the at least one heating device can have a predetermined resistance sufficient to generate localized heat.

4. The cap of claim 3, wherein the at least one heating element is disposed in an insulating jacket.

5. The cap of claim 4, wherein the insulating jacket is composed of at least one of a flexible, durable, insulating, water-resistant material.

6. The cap of claim 1, wherein the cooling device comprises a fan having a fan body and an electric motor for driving a plurality of rotatable fan blades.

7. The cap of claim 6, wherein the electric motor is electrically connected to a power source.

8. The cap of claim 7, wherein the power source comprises at least one dry cell battery removably storable in a compartment.

9. The cap of claim 8, wherein the compartment is removably attached to the inner surface of crown using a mechanical fastener.

10. A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap comprising:

a fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotatable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer;

a power source electrically connected to the motor; and

a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device,

wherein at least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material having at least one illuminator for projecting light by illuminating the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.

11. The cap of claim 10, further comprising at least one heating device removably attached to the crown for providing heat to the wearer.

12. The cap of claim 10, wherein the protective cover is removably secured over the fan.

13. The cap of claim 12, wherein the protective cover is composed of a durable, non-conductive material.

14. The cap of claim 13, wherein the durable, non-conductive material comprises a polymer.

15. The cap of claim 10, wherein the protective cover is composed of a transparent material that permits projection of the illuminating light from at least one of the fan body and fan blades through the protective cover.

16. A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap comprising:

at least one heating device removably attached to the inner surface of the crown for providing localized heat to the wearer, each at least one heating device including a plurality of electrical resistance heaters electrically connected to a printed circuit element which delivers an electrical current thereto.

wherein the at least one heating element is disposed in an insulating jacket composed of at least one of a flexible, durable, insulating, weather-resistant material.

17. The cap of claim 16, further comprising a cooling device removably attached to the lid for providing cool ambient air to the wearer.

18. The cap of claim 17, further comprising a protective cover for covering a top portion of the cooling device for preventing at least one of debris and moisture from impeding the operation of the cooling device.

19. The cap of claim 17, wherein the cooling device comprises a fan having a fan body and an electric motor for driving a plurality of rotatable fan blades.

20. The cap of claim 19, wherein at least one of the fan body and the fan blades is composed of a transparent material having at least one illuminator for projecting light by illuminating the at least one of the fan body and the fan blades.