US20100325780A1

US20100325780A1 - Headwear and clothing jewelry device

Info

Publication number: US20100325780A1
Application number: US12/494,363
Authority: US
Inventors: Sean J. Scanlan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2010-12-30

Abstract

An ornamentation device is preferably a jewelry device for temporary attachment to headwear or clothing. The device has two superimposed sides joined at a portion of their periphery and spaced apart from each other at an opposite portion of their periphery to create an opening into which the headwear/clothing would be inserted. A retaining member, such as a spring bar, on the inner surface of one side firmly holds the device to the headwear/clothing until the retaining member is manipulated to release the headwear/clothing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to any type of headwear such as hats, caps, and beanies, and specifically serves as a jewelry device which allows the user to adorn the appearance of the headwear by easily attaching and removing the device as desired.
Headwear comes in different varieties and purposes. There are many types of headwear, such as hats, caps, bandanas, visors, trucker hats, doo rags, beanies, helmets, head bands or any other attire which covers a portion of the person's head.
Headwear is worn for particular purposes, such as protection from weather, safety, and as a piece of a uniform. Others are worn for fashion purposes, generally to alter or enhance ones appearance or image. Apart from its purpose, the headwear absolutely changes the appearance of the wearer.
Additionally, the headwear and clothing jewelry can be utilized and modified for other pieces of clothing known to those skilled in the art. For example: a collar, belt, cuff, necktie, piece of pet clothing or any other piece of clothing material.
Furthermore, it is possible the headwear and clothing jewelry can be utilized and modified for other objects or living organisms known to those skilled in the art. For example: a folder, car visor, papers, doll, body part of an organism, plant, or any other object which can fit in its functional place.
The headwear previously described is what the invention directly refers to. When the headwear and clothing jewelry device is applied to the headwear, it alters the appearance of the headwear and the person wearing it. The purpose of the headwear and clothing jewelry device is to flatter the appearance of the wearer once applied without damaging the headwear. It is also designed to remain motionless even when subject to challenging movements.
Evidently, this type of device would be attractive and popular when desired to decorate and enhance the appearance of headwear.
2. Description of Prior Art
Jewelry and headwear have existed for millenniums. Although similar jewelry pieces exist today, they all differ in functional and objective aspects.
Jewelry such as, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, pins, and watches, are all made to sparkle, bling, shine, decorate, stand out, and ultimately flatter a person's image. However, they have never been proposed to be used in this specific manner and design in order to adorn headwear. “Gold teeth” or teeth jewelry have primarily been manufactured to be worn as a fashion statement. However, they are molded to a person's teeth and not headwear.
Pins and badges are made to be attached by clipping or puncturing clothing material. The pins that are attached to hats are normally punctured through hats or screwed directly onto the hat, and usually serve as ornaments.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,714 describes a clipboard device attached to the underside bill of the hat by puncturing the bill, for the specific purpose to keep note cards. U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,180 has a similar intent to enhance the appearance of headwear, requiring at least one opening in the headwear through which both sides of the ornament are permanently connected to each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Listed below are several objects and advantages of my invention.

- a) A primary object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that draws attention and interest from the observer.
- b) An object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device manufactured separate from the headwear.
- c) An advantage and object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that can be easily attached to the headwear and detached from the headwear by the wearer.
- d) An object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that allows the wearer to attach and detach the jewelry device without damaging the headwear.
- e) An advantage and object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that is almost impossible to remove itself unless ready to be manually removed by the wearer.
- f) Another important object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device molded in a specific shape to fit a part of the headwear or bill of the headwear.
- g) Still another object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that is circular.
- h) Still yet another object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that is oval.
- i) Another object of the invention is to provide headwear and clothing jewelry device that includes a certain geometric shape or design.

In accordance with this invention the headwear and clothing jewelry comprises two sides which are preferably shape retaining and which are connected together at a portion of their periphery. The remainder of the periphery includes a portion spaced apart to create an opening so that the jewelry device can then be positioned around a headwear or article of clothing which would fit into the opening. The inner surface of one of the sides has a retaining member which extends toward the inner surface of the other side. A preferred form of containing member is a resilient member and more preferably a spring bar. When the headwear or article of clothing is inserted into the opening of the sides, it is then held firmly in place by the retaining member. When it is desired to remove the headwear and clothing jewelry, the retaining member is manipulated so that it no longer mounts the headwear or article of clothing. At least one outer surface of one of the sides contains jewelry or some form of decoration or ornament which would be visible when the headwear and clothing jewelry is mounted to the headwear or article of clothing.

THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device and a fitted cap prior to the attachment, the fitted cap being a type of headwear.

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on a bill of a fitted cap of FIG. 1 after the attachment.

FIG. 3 is an underside perspective view of headwear and clothing jewelry device on a bill of a fitted cap of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the top or bottom side of headwear and clothing jewelry device including the spring bar.

FIG. 5 shows a front elevational view of the open side of headwear and clothing jewelry device including the spring bar.

FIG. 6 shows a side elevational view of the headwear and clothing jewelry device including the spring bar.

FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of the spring bar.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a few variations of headwear and clothing jewelry device.

FIG. 9 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of a bandana, the bandana being a type of headwear.

FIG. 10 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on a rim of a hat, the hat being an alternative type of headwear.

FIG. 11 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on a bill of a visor, the visor being an alternative type of headwear.

FIG. 12 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of a headband, the headband being a type of headwear.

FIG. 13 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of a plastic hair band, the hair band being a type of headwear.

FIG. 14 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of a turban, the turban being an alternative type of headwear.

FIG. 15 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of the beanie, the beanie being an alternative type of headwear.

FIG. 16 is a view in perspective of a smaller size of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of the beanie of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on a bill of an adjustable cap, the adjustable cap being a type of headwear.

FIG. 18 is a view in perspective of a smaller size of headwear and clothing jewelry device on a bill of an adjustable cap of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a view in perspective of headwear and clothing jewelry device on an edge of an adjustable cap of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is a headwear and clothing jewelry device that allows the user to decorate the headwear for a purpose to flatter the user's appearance while wearing it. It is made to be easily attached to a desired location on the headwear by the user, and easily removed without damaging the headwear. The preferred embodiment of the headwear and clothing jewelry device invention itself is one whole piece. The headwear and clothing jewelry device as one whole piece includes two main superimposed sides and an opening through which the headwear or clothing is inserted. The two superimposed sides could be of the same or of differing size and/or shape.
The structural arrangement of the jewelry device preferably includes one or more spring bars located as a retaining number on the underside or inner surface of either side of the jewelry device.
The jewelry of this invention is preferably made of precious metals which can be embodied by any precious stones, crystals, rhinestones, or gems. This invention can also be made of other metals, fabric, plastic, wood, or stones.
The spring bar(s) inside of the jewelry device provide a means for gripping each side of the device to the headwear. The holding pressure results from bending of the clips which securely tightens the grip of the device, and appears as one with the headwear to the observer. The headwear and clothing jewelry device does not require any piercing, screwing, hooking, nailing, gluing, or tying. Again, this jewelry device is attached to the headwear by means of sliding and gripping to an edge of the headwear or bill of the headwear. However, it is possible the headwear and clothing jewelry device can be modified by those skilled in the art wherein the spring bar retaining member is substituted by any other suitable retaining member or method of attaching. For example: a type of spring device, type of resilient filling, such as a clay filling, a silicone filling, a foam filling, a rubber filling; a type of magnetic mechanism; a type of adhesive substance; a hook or any other type of hooking mechanism; a type of pin or any other type of pinning or puncturing mechanism, a screw or any other type of screwing mechanism, any other alternative means of holding, gripping, clipping, clasping, securing or attaching method which does not damage the headwear.
Referring to FIG. 1 and also to the remaining drawing figures, the reference numeral 10 is used to identify the headwear and clothing jewelry device.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 1, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 prior to the attachment to a bill 12 of a fitted cap 14, the fitted cap 14 being a type of headwear. The arrow shows a random desired direction of placement of the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 to a bill 12 of a fitted cap 14.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 2, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on a bill 12 of a fitted cap 14 of FIG. 1. It is noted that the headwear and clothing jewelry 10 is molded in an oval shape to perfectly fit the curve of the bill 12 of the fitted cap 14 after the attachment.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 3, shows an underside plan view of the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on a bill 12 of a fitted cap 14 of FIG. 1.
The general embodiment and structure of the present invention is illustrated through different angles in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. This general structure consists of two components including the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 and the spring bar 8 which is installed at the time of manufacturing. It is apparent that the spring bar 8 must be small enough to fit the opening of the two sides of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 through which also a part of headwear is intended to be inserted.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 4, shows a plan view of the top or bottom side of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 including the spring bar 8 located between the two sides.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 5, shows a front view and the inside of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 including the spring bar 8.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 6, shows a plan view of the side of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 including the spring bar 8, clearly demonstrating the opening 9 through which a portion of the headwear is inserted. As shown in FIG. 6 the device 10 includes a first side 4 and a superimposed second side 6 secured together at a portion 5 of their periphery. The remainder of the periphery includes a portion (opposite connected portion 5) where the sides 4 and 6 are spaced apart from each other to form the opening 9 through which the headwear or article of clothing would be inserted and would be held in place by the spring bar 8 which acts as a retaining member.
As noted above, while spring bar 8 is the preferred form of retaining member, other forms might be used including various forms of resilient retaining members such as any form of spring device, or a resilient filling such as a foam filling, a clay filling, a silicone filling or a rubber filling. Other forms of retaining member could be a magnet, adhesive or a hook or other form of hooking mechanisms as well as a pin or other type of pinning or puncturing mechanism. In addition, a screw or other type of screwing mechanisms could also be used. Preferably the retaining device should not damage the headwear or article of clothing.
FIG. 6 thus shows the retaining member or spring bar 8 mounted to an inner surface of one of the sides such as the inner surface of side 6 and extending toward the other side 4. Ornamentation, such as jewelry or other types of decoration or indicia/information is located on the outer surface of at least one of the sides 4 and 6 depending on how the device 10 is to be used. In that regard, if both sides 4 and 6 would be exposed and visible, then it is preferable that the jewelry or other ornamentation be provided on the outer surfaces of both sides 4 and 6. If one of the sides is to be completely concealed then it is not necessary that the concealed side have the jewelry or other ornamentation or decoration.
Preferably the sides 4,6 of the device 10 are made of a shape retaining material which could have some stiffness and the retaining member such as spring bar 8 would be used to accommodate the thickness of the headwear or article of clothing being inserted through opening 9. In that manner, the resiliency or springiness provided by the retaining member which is secured to the inner surface of one of the sides would act to impart a force toward the inner surface of the opposite side thereby firmly clamping the inserted headwear or article of clothing. The two sides 4,6 could be made initially of separate members of the same or of differing size and/or shape connected together at the portion 5 of their periphery or could initially be a single member bent along a fold line where the fold line would be the area of peripheral connection 5.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 7, shows a separate plan visual of the side of the spring bar 8, which is illustrated as an installed component of the headwear and clothing jewelry 10 in FIGS. 4-6. Depending on the structure and size of the headwear and clothing jewelry, the spring bar 8 can also vary in its size, shape, and utility respectively. FIGS. 4-6 are not drawn to scale, however they show the basic structure of the headwear and clothing jewelry 10 as one whole piece.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 8, shows a plan view of the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 in a few different variations of desired design. The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 may include any oval shape 10A, any other geometric shape 10B, or any other smaller rectangular shape 10C. Regardless of its shape and size, the headwear and clothing jewelry device must have two sides, such as sides 4,6, and an opening, such as opening 9, through which a portion of the headwear or clothing is inserted. The headwear and clothing jewelry device can include an oval, rectangular, circular, and polygonal, any geometric shape, or any other desired shape. It can be any size, shape, color, or form, so as to make the headwear and clothing jewelry device most applicable to the headwear, and importantly more or less aesthetically noticeable.
The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 can be formed out of any desired material and be any overall shape and size. A smaller size version of the headwear and clothing jewelry device is made to be equally applicable to both smaller headwear and bigger headwear. A medium or larger size version of the headwear and clothing jewelry device as well is made to be equally applicable to both smaller and bigger headwear. The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 ranging in size and shape is formed to be applicable to the headwear regardless of the size or style of the headwear.
The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 is suitable for use with any type of headwear, some of which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9-19. The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 is also suited for other various types of headwear not discussed or shown in the drawings. The term “headwear” as used herein, includes caps, hats, beanies, visors, bandanas, hoods, headbands, turbans, berets, or any other garment that comes in contact of a portion of a person's head. Therefore, the headwear and clothing jewelry is applicable to all headwear types.
Upon placement onto the headwear, the two sides 4,6 of the jewelry device 10 are brought into a gripping contact of two sides of the headwear, and remain stationary. This ensures that the headwear and clothing jewelry device cannot move, fall off the headwear, or become lost, unless physically removed by a person.
The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 is intended to be manufactured and sold separate from the headwear. The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 is formed as one whole piece without requiring contact of headwear. It is a personal preference of the consumer to apply the jewelry device to the headwear of choice, thus allowing the consumer to have the option of wearing a headwear and clothing jewelry device on a myriad of headwear types.
This way, the distributors of the headwear will likely welcome the benefits that the headwear and clothing jewelry device provides, given that their product lines in combination with headwear and clothing jewelry device will provide a new and distinct appeal to the consumers.
The headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 can be made from various different materials. The jewelry of the headwear and clothing jewelry device can be made from expensive material, such as precious metals (i.e. silver, gold, white gold, platinum). The jewelry may also be embedded with precious stones and crystals (i.e. diamonds, Safire, topazes, jade, Swarovski crystals), which can vary in size, shape, color, karats, and quantity. Nonetheless, the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 can be formed from virtually any other type material including other metals, plastic, fabric, wood, rock, or composite materials. In addition, any other type of ornamentation or piece of jewelry may be added or attached to the headwear and clothing jewelry as desired.
It is also possible to make the headwear and clothing jewelry device available for fitting. Because customer satisfaction is important, the inventor of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 may offer the consumers the option to choose the shape, size, and material of the jewelry device 10, thus making the jewelry more suitable to the specific headwear model and more desirable to the consumer's preferred appeal. Upon its exposure, the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 may also have an objective to be an ornament used as a vehicle to carry symbolic representation of sports, religion, country, politics, music or any other consumers' preferred group of association or symbol or picture of choice. The size, shape, form, content, and material of the headwear and clothing jewelry device would take into account limitations concerning the headwear itself and the desired appearance of the finished product.
Many options may become apparent for the headwear and clothing jewelry device. For example, more than one piece of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 may be worn simultaneously on any given headwear as mentioned above. While wearing multiple headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 at any given time, each one may vary in shape, size, and form.
As a result, the headwear and clothing jewelry device provides a fashion statement, a method to accent the headwear, and ultimately distinguish and flatter the wearer's appeal. Without the use and benefit of the headwear and clothing jewelry device, most headwear appears plain, simple, and dull. Clearly, the intention of the headwear and clothing jewelry device is to demonstrate an appealing, hip, and fashionable style.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 9, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of the bandana 16, the bandana 16 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 10, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on a rim 18 of a hat 20, the hat 20 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 11, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on a bill 22 of a visor 24, the visor 24 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 12, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of a headband 26, the headband 26 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 13, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of plastic hair band 28, the plastic hair band 28 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 14, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of turban 30, the turban 30 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 15, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of a beanie 32, the beanie 32 being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 16, is shown a smaller size of the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of a beanie 32, of FIG. 15. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 demonstrate by way of comparison that different sizes of headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 can be used on any given type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 17, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on a bill 34 of an adjustable cap 36, the adjustable cap being an alternative type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 18, is shown a smaller size of the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on a bill 34 of an adjustable cap 36, of FIG. 17. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 demonstrate by way of comparison that different sizes of headwear and clothing jewelry 10 can be used on the bill of any given type of headwear.
Referring in particular now to FIG. 19, is shown the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 on an edge of the adjustable cap 36 of FIG. 17.
By way of comparison, FIGS. 17-19 show how the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 of any size or shape can be worn on various locations of any given type of headwear. By way of comparison, FIGS. 17-19 also show how varying locations and sizes of the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 can alter the appearance of the headwear, thereby changing the look and personalizing the style of the wearer.
It is also noted that when the headwear and clothing jewelry device 10 is placed onto a bill or brim of the headwear, that both sides are visible. However, when the headwear and clothing jewelry is applied to the edge of the worn headwear, then only one (outer) side is visible, while the other is located in between the headwear and the wearer's head.
The headwear and clothing jewelry is to be attached and joined to any edge of the headwear or edge of the bill of the headwear, for the purpose of decorating, enhancing, and enriching aesthetics of the headwear and the person wearing the headwear. The headwear and clothing jewelry can range in size, shape, or form, or hold any circular, oval, or polygonal shape. The spring bar(s) permanently attached to either inner side of the jewelry device grips its two inner sides to the edge of the headwear once attached. Thus, making the jewelry piece secure to wear, and simple and safe to attach and detach from any type of headwear. Any other item or material may also be attached to the headwear and clothing jewelry. The methods of attaching headwear and clothing jewelry to the headwear are further described herein.
This invention has been shown, described, illustrated, and explained in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment and structure. It will be understood by those in this art that other and further changes and additions, modifications and embellishments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An ornamentation device for temporary attachment to headwear/clothing comprising a pair of superimposed sides securing together over a portion of their periphery, said sides being spaced from each other over at least a portion of the remainder of their periphery to create an insert opening, a retaining member secured to the inner surface of one of said sides and extending toward the inner surface of the other of said sides whereby a portion of a headwear/clothing inserted through said insert opening by sliding said device over an edge of the headgear/clothing and is firmly held between said inner surfaces of said sides and may be detachably removed upon manual manipulation of said retaining member, and ornamentation being on the outer surface of one of said sides to be visible when said one of said sides is exposed in view while said device is mounted to the headwear/clothing.

2. A device of claim 1 wherein said ornamentation is selected from the group consisting of jewelry, symbol of sports or religion or country or politics or music, advertisement, logo and decoration.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said ornamentation is jewelry.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said retaining member is a spring bar.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said sides are made of shape retaining material.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said sides are of one piece construction having a fold line which comprises said portion of their periphery.

7. The device of claim 5 in combination with headgear/clothing having an exposed edge, said device being slid over said edge, and said spring bar pressing against said edge to firmly and detachably mount said device to said headgear/clothing.

8. The device of claim 4 in combination with headgear/clothing having an exposed edge, said device being slid over said edge, and said spring bar pressing against said edge to firmly and detachably mount said device to said headgear/clothing.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said retaining member has resiliency to be resiliently biased against the headwear/clothing.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein said retaining member is selected from the group consisting of a spring member, a resilient filling, magnetic mechanism, adhesive substance, a hooking mechanism, and a pin/puncturing member.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said ornamentation is on the outer surface of both of said sides.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said sides are made of shape retaining material.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein said sides are of one piece construction having a fold line which comprises said portion of their periphery.

14. The device of claim 1 in combination with headgear/clothing having an exposed edge, said device being slid over said edge, and said spring bar pressing against said edge to firmly and detachably mount said device to said headgear/clothing.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said headwear/clothing is selected from the group consisting of caps, hats, beanies, visors, bandanas, hoods, headbands, turbans, and berets.

16. The device of claim 1 in combination with an article of clothing having an exposed edge, said device being firmly and detachably mounted around said edge, and said article of clothing being selected from the group consisting of a collar, a belt, a cuff, a necktie, doll clothing, and pet animal clothing.

17. The device of claim 1 in combination with an object, said device being firmly and detachably mounted to said object, and said object being selected from the group consisting of a folder, a car visor, a stack of papers, a part of a doll, a body part of an organism, and a plant.