Lighted hat

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DESCRIPTION

HAT WITH LIGHT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Number 61 / 156,464 filed February 27, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation in part of International Application Number PCT / US08 / 87542, filed December 18, 2008, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Number 61 / 014,726, filed December 18, 2008. 2007, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field relates to hands-free lighting devices and, in particular, lighted hats capable of providing illumination for a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Often an individual desires a focused light to illuminate an area while performing a task or a light directed in a general forward direction along their line of sight for visibility. Holding a flashlight is an option, but such lighting devices are often cumbersome and can deprive the task of completion because only one hand is available for the task since the other hand is holding the flashlight. As a result, hands-free lighting is desirable so that both hands are available to perform a task in bright conditions.

Headgear is known to include added light sources to illuminate an area within the wearer's line of sight. The light source can be an LED mounted on a part of the brim of a baseball-style hat. Generally, these hats have the LED mounted to direct the light forward of the brim so that the axis of the LED is parallel with the axis of the longitudinal direction of the brim. With these hats if a user wishes to illuminate an object located in a specific location of the user, the user must move their entire head or hat to direct the brim and the light emitted from there towards the particular object. If the object is located far away, then the user can direct the lighting by moving the cap so that the brim extends horizontally generally or parallel to the ground to provide a beam of light to illuminate the remote object or area. If the object is located close to, close to, and below the wearer's face, then the wearer must move the brim of the cap down to a lowered position so that the hat provides a beam of light to illuminate the nearest object. . Many

ES 1 077 908 U times, the downward movement of the hat will require the wearer to bend their neck. This movement can be unwanted because it can be uncomfortable for some people.

For example, US Patent No. 5,741,060 to Johnson discloses a lighted hat with two lamps connected to a mounting plate secured to the lower outer surface of a hat brim. The light sources are both fixed so that they project the light forward. If the user wishes to adjust the lighting to be directed in another direction, the user must still tilt his head or the hat itself in an up, down, left or right direction. These lamps also hang substantially below the visor portion and include relatively large sockets that are welded to the mounting plate. Both the mounting plate and the sockets are externally attached to the underside of the visor portion and are easily visible by an observing third party thereby creating an unsightly and unnatural appearance. The external arrangement of these large and bulky sockets and lamps can also be within the user's peripheral vision, which can be distracting, and / or can even block or interfere with a user's vision. Additionally, since these lamps are fixed, illumination is only available in the general forward direction of the wearer of the hat.

In another example, US Patent No. 6,056,413 to Urso discloses a light connected to a brim of a baseball-style cap. The Urso light is a light bulb received in a socket with the light that is rotatably connected below the visor. The swivel mount allows the light to be rotated in a downward or upward direction to provide light to a location the user chooses to illuminate. This configuration allows a user to focus light in a forward direction to provide illumination directly in front of the user or to rotate the light source in a downward direction to provide illumination at a location below the visor. Rotating lights are undesirable as they introduce complexity and moving parts to the hat that can fail during repeated use. Although Urso's light rotates, it can still only project light to one location or area at a time. Similar to Johnson's hat, the Urso light is also bulky and hangs noticeably below the brim. The large profile of this light and the mounting apparatus can similarly block or interfere with a view of the wearer as well as create an unsightly appearance to third parties viewing the hat with light, especially when the light is turned downward.

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Additionally, Urso mounts a power supply and the switch in a portion of the crown of the hat with the wiring running in between through a swivel joint of the light source. Over time, it is possible that the wiring that runs through the twist joint may fail due to repeated bending as the light is twisted up and down.

In another example, US Patent No. 6,994,445 to Pomes describes a baseball cap that has a light source within a portion of the brim of the hat. In one embodiment, the light source is mounted within a hollow compartment of the wing to be oriented in a horizontal or parallel position with respect to the axis of the longitudinal direction of the wing. A reflector is located in the compartment to reflect the light provided by the light source in a downward direction below the wing. Requiring the illumination beam to be reflected only provides indirect illumination that is less precise and more difficult to control and direct than a beam of illumination emanating directly from a light source. In another example, Pomes 15 discloses a light source that is mounted vertically orthogonal to the axis of the longitudinal direction of the wing within the gap such that the light source is pointed in a downward direction relative to the wing. To allow the light source to fit into the wing in this vertical orientation, Pomes teaches that the wing can have a thickened section to make room to receive the light source. Since Pomes describes 20 a light source mounted in a vertical orientation but still attached within the brim location, the brim profile may be thicker than desired so that it does not have the typical streamlined, thin appearance of a hat. traditional baseball. Furthermore, the particular orientation of the light source with respect to the wing is likely to provide illumination in a downward direction that only illuminates an area directly below the visor. Neither Pomes configuration is ideal for illuminating objects that can be placed within reading or viewing distance in front of the user. Additionally, projecting light directly under the visor as in Pomes can also cause glare or project light into the wearer's eyes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the light headgear is disclosed where a plurality of sources are mounted on the headgear to provide outward illumination to at least two different areas or in at least two different directions of the headgear. In one form, the light sources are mounted on a wing of the headdress and oriented to provide outward illumination at different angles relative to each other. A source of light

ES 1 077 908 U can be one or more LEDs mounted to direct the illumination forward of the brim and provide a beam of illumination to areas that are located at distances that are relatively remote from the hat. Another light source may be one or more LEDs mounted on the brim and oriented to direct a beam of illumination at an angle downward and transverse to the first beam of illumination thereby providing illumination to an area closer to the hat. Such lighted hats advantageously allow a user to illuminate areas at close working distances, such as at a reading distance in front of the user, or areas at distances much further away from the user at the same time and without the need for the user of the hat move the hat or rotate the light sources.

In another form, a light holder to be mounted on the headdress as well as the headdress with the light holder mounted thereon is disclosed. The light stand can be mounted on the brim of the headdress to fix the light sources in a particular orientation. In one aspect, the light support includes a mounting base one or more bezels or light support modules that extend at a downward and slanting angle away from the base. The bracket portions or bezels are sized to receive the light sources and, in one approach, hold multiple light sources at the same fixed oblique angle of inclination relative to the base. In this way, the light stand advantageously allows multiple light sources to be secured to the headdress in a quick and easy manner in which more than one light source is oriented in the same direction to provide illumination in a downward sloping direction. . In another aspect, the light module is relatively thin and compact. This allows the light holder to remain largely undetectable thereby allowing the hat to maintain a streamlined and natural appearance in contrast to previous Johnson, Urso, and Pomes hats that require bulky modules on the outside of the brim or a thick brim to accommodate. a hole big enough to hold a light source in there. In this sense, the low profile of the light support allows it to be mounted either internally of the wing structure such as between the wing insert and the fabric cover or externally to the fabric cover without impairing the functionality or appearance of the touched.

In one form, the light stand is added to the illuminated hat through a mounting patch portion or other mounting surface located on the brim of the headdress, such as along a portion of the covering material that extends around wing. In this way, through an approach, the light support and the

ES 1 077 908 U lights thereof, are secured to the mounting patch formed in the material covering the wing rather than to the retentive insertion of the wing. This mounting patch preferably has a thickness thereof that is greater than the thickness of the wing covering material to form a secure mounting location and preferably stiffer or harder for the light support than the thinner wing covering material. . The light support is preferably secured to the covering material with adhesive, and the mounting patch advantageously keeps the outer surface of the material covering the wing free of residual adhesive, which may otherwise tend to seep through the covering material. thinner, such as fabric, commonly used for hat brims. In this way, the mounting patch prevents blemishes or stains that form on the outer surfaces of the wing-covering material by blocking the adhesive from absorbing and / or seeping through the wing-covering material. In one example, the mounting patch can be made of a non-absorbent material that prevents the adhesive from seeping through the material covering the wing. In another example, the mounting patch can be a thick layer of material that blocks the adhesive from leaking through the material covering the wing. For example, the mounting patch can be embroidered by sewing which can be a non-absorbent material and sewn to extend through the material covering the wing fabric to be thicker than the material covering the fabric. To this end, stitched embroidery provides the additional benefit of providing an excellent location for the inclusion of indicia such as logos, brand names, etc. for promotional purposes that can be sewn in there.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the brim of a lighted hat having an LED mounted thereto to project a beam of light in a forward direction and an LED mounted thereto to provide illumination in a downward direction;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a brim of a lighted hat having an LED along the edge of the perimeter of the brim and an LED below the brim at an intermediate position along the axis of the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the wing of FIG. 2 showing the LED located on the edge of the perimeter of the wing that provides illumination in a forward direction and the LED located below the wing in the intermediate position that is inclined at an angle downwards relative to the wing;

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FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a lighted hat having a first LED on the edge of the perimeter of a brim to provide illumination in a forward direction and a second LED on the edge of the perimeter of the brim to provide illumination in one direction. down;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an illuminated hat showing a light stand for mounting LEDs to a lower part of the brim and an LED on the edge of the perimeter of the brim;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the light stand having a slim mounting base that includes two annular housing parts spaced apart along the base and configured to receive the LEDs in a fixed orientation therein to provide illumination in a direction transverse to the plane of the base;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a light stand;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a light stand showing the slim mounting base and one of the parts of the annular housing extending below the mounting base to receive an LED therein, and a protrusion extending above of the mounting base to receive at least one end part of the LED;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the light stand showing the two protrusions spaced apart along the mounting base;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the wing showing the light holder mounted on the material covering the wing with an LED received in the housing part such that an outermost end of the LED does not extend past an outermost edge of the part of the accommodation;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the wing showing an alternative light holder mounted in the material covering the wing with an LED received in a part of the housing such that an outermost end of the LED extends past the outermost edge of the part of the accommodation;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the wing showing the light holder mounted on a lower major surface of the wing insert with an LED received in the housing portion to provide illumination in a direction below the wing;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the wing showing the light holder mounted in a section outside the material covering the wing with an LED received in the housing part to provide illumination in a downward direction;

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FIG. 14 is a Bottom plan view of the wing that has the LEDs received in the light holder that is added to the material covering the wing to provide illumination in a downward direction and that has an LED mounted on the edge of the wing's perimeter to provide illumination in a forward direction;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative light stand having two housing portions sized to receive two LEDs therein;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of a mounting patch on the underside of the wing with the annular housing portions of the light mount partially protruding through the openings in the mounting patch;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the embroidered wing mounting patch showing indicia sewn onto its bottom surface;

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the wing having an embroidered portion of the non-absorbent material with the light carrier adhered thereto;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the wing that includes the part of the embroidered mounting patch and another part embroidered on the bottom of the wing that identifies the location of an activation switch therein;

FIG. 20 is a partial, side cross-sectional view of the embroidered portion covering the activation switch of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an elevated view of a light stand cover having a base plate that includes two projections spaced apart from each other to receive the two parts of a light stand housing and to be fixed through the material covering the wing. to the light stand;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the light support capable of being received by the light support cover of FIG. 21 having slots configured to accept staples to secure the light support to the light support cover through the material covering the wing;

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of a lighted baseball hat having a brim and a light support integrally added thereto as a one-piece body and configured to provide illumination in an under-brim direction;

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of a lighted hat showing a light stand that houses LEDs on a lower part of the brim and an LED on an edge of the perimeter of the brim;

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FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the light stand having two projections spaced apart to receive the light sources, and a switch cover portion of the light stand;

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the light stand of FIG. 25 showing the light bracket added to a hat brim with an offset to separate the bracket mounting base from the brim insert;

FIG. 27 is an elevational sectional view of the light stand of FIG. 25 showing a pair of offsets separating the bracket mounting base from the wing insert and including an arcuate configuration for the portion of the switch cover located adjacent to a switch actuator;

FIG. 28 is an elevational sectional view of an alternate light mount showing each offset in the form of a pair of rib projections to separate the mount base of the mount from the wing insert;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of another light stand having a mounting base that includes two projections for receiving the light sources and a portion of the switch cover with the projections including ribs as additional offsets;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of an alternative light stand having a different arrangement of upward projection offsets to receive the light sources therein and the cover portion of the switch;

FIG. 31 is a side sectional view of a rotatable light module mounted to a brim of a hat showing the light module rotated to a forward-facing configuration;

FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of the rotating light module of FIG. 31 showing the light module rotated in a forward and downward facing configuration;

FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of a wing mounted light module with a transparent part showing the light module projecting light in the forward and downward directions through the use of a light redirecting element. ;

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of a brim for a hat having a forward-facing LED mounted on a perimeter of the brim and a downward-facing LED mounted on a lower part of the brim through a fabric covering. of the wing;

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FIG. 35 is a side sectional view of a brim for a hat having a forward-facing LED mounted on a perimeter of the brim and a downward-facing LED mounted on a bottom of the brim within an opening in a cover. wing tissue;

FIG. 36 is a side sectional view of a brim for a hat having a forward-facing LED mounted on a perimeter of the brim and a downward-facing LED mounted on a lower portion of the brim within a portion of the canopy. the lower part of the wing covering LED facing downwards;

FIG. 37 is a side sectional view of a brim for a hat having a forward-facing LED mounted on a perimeter of the brim and a downward-facing LED mounted at least partially within the brim and configured to project light to a redirection element mounted on a lower part of the wing;

FIG. 38 is a side sectional view of a brim for a hat having a forward facing LED and a downward facing LED both mounted to a lower part of the brim and within a portion of the lower part of the brim canopy. ; and

FIG. 39 is a side sectional view of a brim for a hat having a rotating lamp mounted to a lower part of the brim showing the lamp rotating between a forward facing position and a downward facing direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general, the various aspects described herein refer to hands-free lighting, components thereof, and other accessories therefor. As further described below, hands-free lighting may include light headdresses such as hats, including baseball caps, hoods, visors, military or law enforcement helmets or headgear, bicycle helmets, or other light headgear that they have the lights positioned thereon to provide illumination in a forward and / or downward direction of the user.

In one aspect, hands-free lighting is capable of simultaneously providing illumination in multiple directions while maintaining a streamlined, natural configuration associated with traditional headgear. Multiple light sources can be placed on one wing of the light headgear to project a beam of light in at least two different directions, thereby allowing a user to illuminate different areas, such as areas at different distances from the user, without the user

ES 1 077 908 U need to tilt or turn your head. In another aspect, the light sources can be mounted with a light stand or mounting element that is added to the brim to provide illumination in different directions, while still allowing the brim of the headdress to maintain a low profile for a slim and slim appearance. natural. In one form, the light stand is advantageous in that it provides an easy and convenient way to mount more than one light source inclined in the same direction with respect to the wing. In another aspect, the lighted hat may include a relatively thick mounting portion or patch located on the brim to provide a more secure mounting location or surface for the light stand. In one example, the light support can be added to an interior surface of the wing through the mounting portion using adhesive, stitching, stitches, ultrasonic welding, Sailboat, or any suitable fixing techniques so that the light support hides considerably within the wing. In another example, the light support is added to the mounting portion inside of a covering material that extends around the adhesive wing, and the mounting portion functions as a barrier to minimize and preferably prevent contamination. adhesive leaking or leaking through the wing covering material. The mounting part, therefore, helps to minimize the appearance of residual adhesive on the outer surface of the wing cover, which may otherwise form an unsightly stain or other mark. Additional details are described below with reference to a baseball cap, but it will be appreciated that this is only one example of a particular application. The hands-free lighting described herein can be incorporated into other types of headgear as well.

In general, the lighted hat and other headdress described herein includes the light sources, which are preferably LEDs, mounted at different locations on the hat. To power these light sources, a variety of different power assemblies can also be used that employ varying mechanisms to generate power. For example, as disclosed in the US Application Applicant Serial Number 11 / 941,558, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the mechanisms for generating power may include 30 power generators using renewable energy, such as solar, wind, or kinetic energy, or various configurations of battery to generate electrical power that definitely powers the variety of light sources that can be included in the hats described. For example, a laminated condenser can be formed by the wing structure with outer layers of tissue that are saturated with 35 carbon nanotubes while the middle tissue layer is untreated. Both

ES 1 077 908 U outer layers can be charged such as through a conventional power source or through a solar cell panel on the hat or brim portion thereof. While the following description and illustrations may describe a conventional battery power source, renewable power generators as described in the '558 application may be included in the hat embodiments. In some cases, it may be desirable to include a charging port 805 in the hat such as along the outer edge of the brim. Furthermore, while the preferred headgear is a baseball-type hat or cap, the power mounts and light sources can also be mounted to any suitable headgear, such as visors, helmets, headbands, hoods, or the like.

A first embodiment of hands-free lighting 10 having a light source 11 configured to direct light in multiple directions is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In this embodiment, the light source 11 can be mounted on a hat with light and, in particular, on a part of the brim 16 of the hat with light. The 15 FIG. 1-3 illustrate the brim portion 16 generally without an associated head or crown portion 12, but it will be appreciated that any common crown or other head-fitting portion that does not cover the wearer's head may be employed such as with visors. With reference to FIG. 1, light source 11 includes a plurality of light sources 34 and 36, preferably LEDs, to provide illumination in multiple directions. twenty In this embodiment, the brim 16 of the lighted hat generally extends in a longitudinal direction along an axis B of the brim, and the lighted hat 10 has the light source 34 positioned to direct the light generally along the wing B axis and light source 36 mounted on wing 16 and configured to direct light inclined relative to wing B axis along an axis T extending downward from and transverse or obliquely to axis B wing.

By one approach, the light sources 34 and 36 are configured to illuminate objects in areas that are different distances away from the hat. For example, the light source 34 can be configured to emit light along the B axis of the wing to illuminate an object or a location at a relatively remote distance from the user, such as about four to about six feet from the user. . The light source 36 can be configured to emit light at an angle to the B axis of the wing along the T axis to illuminate an object or location closer to the user, such as at a reading distance of approximately 3 inches to about 30 inches. These two areas are illuminated without requiring the user to move their head in any given direction. That is, this configuration

ES 1 077 908 U allows multiple distances to be illuminated simultaneously or at alternate times thereby allowing a user to see both objects at a distance and objects at a closer distance, without requiring the displacement of the hat, only the displacement of the eyes of the Username. This setup can be valuable in the military or law enforcement field, for example. This positioning of the light source 36 below the wing is concealed considerably below the wing, which provides a beam of illumination whose light source is not so easily seen by an observing third party.

Returning to more of the details, the forward light source 34 is mounted at or adjacent to an edge of the perimeter 29 of wing 16, and preferably along the center line of wing 16, as shown in FIG. 2. Light source 34 may be a long-range beam light source, which may include a relatively narrow cone of light 20, having a light cone of from about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees to project illumination at relatively far distances. of the user. The second light source 36 may be a short-range or downward-looking beam light source and be mounted to the brim of hat 16 remote from the edge of perimeter 29, such as on a lower major surface 31 of brim 16 as shown. best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. For this purpose, the light source 36 may be mounted on the lower major surface 31 of the hat brim 16 and spaced intermediate between a forwardmost portion of the edge of the perimeter 29 and the lower leading edge portion of an adjusting portion of the hat. head of the headdress or crown 14, such as a distance 33 approximately midway, and preferably more than half the distance in the longitudinal direction 35 between the front edge 29 and the rear edge 27 of the hat brim 16, as shown in FIG. 2. This positioning of the light source 36 is advantageous because it directs the light within a lower field of view of the user to provide illumination at a reading or working distance but at the same time avoids directing the light towards others who are close to the user of the device. hat, which can disadvantageously shine in the eyes of others. Furthermore, this positioning of the light 36 can provide illumination while considerably obscuring the light source from an observing third party as mentioned above.

By way of an approach and with reference to FIG. 3, the short-range beam light source 36 mounted on the lower surface 31 of the brim 16 is inclined at an angle D1 relative to the axis B of the brim extending through the brim of the hat 16 so that the cone light 21 from there is directed downward and toward

ES 1 077 908 U in front of the brim of the hat 16 to illuminate an area relatively close to the brim of the hat 16. The angle of inclination D1 can vary such as between 15 degrees to about 40 degrees and can be selected based on the configuration of the hat and its intended use. In an example where the light source 36 is used for reading, the angle of inclination D1 can be around 30 degrees. In another example where the light source 36 is used for running, the angle of inclination D1 may be around 20 degrees so that the light is directed out more forward of the user so that they can see the path that they are on. they are running. In still another example, the tilt angle D1 may preferably be 25 degrees to provide a mid-range distance. Regarding LED power, the light source is a 10,000 MCD or higher power light emitting diode, although other LED outputs may be acceptable. Light source 36 may have a light cone 21 of from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees to provide a wider and less focused beam of light than the narrower light cone 20 from light source 34. By mounting the light source 36 away from the edge of the perimeter of wing 29 to be spaced therefrom and tilting the light downward and forward, the direction of light beam 21 does not shine in the direction of other third party observers close to the person who wears the hat with light and also directs the light and dazzles away from the wearer's eyes.

The light source 34 is preferably positioned to extend from the edge of the perimeter 29 of the brim of the hat 16 to direct the light forward of the wearer. By one approach, the light source 34 can also be tilted slightly with respect to the axis B of the wing at a tilt angle D2, but is tilted by a smaller angle D2 than the light 36. For example, light 34 can be tilted from 0 to about 15 degrees downward from axis B, and more preferably, about 5 to about 15 degrees. To project light to further distances, the light 34 can be a 20,000 MDC light emitting diode having a light cone of about 15 to about 20 degrees.

Preferably, the light sources 34 and 36 are separated from each other by being mounted in different parts of the brim of the hat 16. For example and as mentioned above, the light source 34 is mounted to extend from the edge of the outer perimeter of the brim 29 , and the light source 36 is mounted to extend downward from the larger surface 31 which forms the lower surface of the wing or the bottom. As a result of this configuration and positioning of lights 34 and 36, light cone 21 and light cone 20 preferably do not intersect or overlap each other.

ES 1 077 908 U yes and they provide discrete, separate lighting cones for different purposes (eg far lighting and near lighting). When both lights 34 and 36 are powered, the user will not need to redirect their head to focus the light on near or far objects. The user simply needs to move their eyes without significant head movement as the hat already directs lighting in two different directions and orientations. Of course, lights 34 and 36 can be powered together or separately as needed for particular situations. In other examples, it might be desirable to have a short-range beam light source 36 positioned closer to the illumination beam 20 provided by the long-range beam LED 34 to provide some overlap in the light beams 20 and 21 at a distance spread out from the wing. In other situations, it may also be desired to have the short-range beam LED 36 to provide an illumination beam at a smaller tilt angle in which the short-range beam light source 36 positioned below the wing 16 could have a lighting beam 21 partially blocked by the underside of wing 16 due to the small tilt angle.

Referring again to FIG. 2, this form of lighted hat 10 may also include a single or multi-function switch 41 located on the surface of the lower brim 31. In one aspect, the switch 41 may be a multi-position switch that includes one or more positions or modes, such as at least one 4-position switch to select varying lighting modes. For example, switch 41 can select either long-range beam or short-range beam illumination or both at the same time, vary the intensity of one or both light sources 34 and 36, vary the color, and Similary. The switch 41 may be a push-button switch, a slide switch, a rotary switch, or the like. The switch 41 can be located at the bottom of the wing 16 as shown in FIG. 2 or it can be located on the edge of the perimeter of wing 29.

To power the light source, the lighted hat may include at least one, and preferably two, battery packs mounted in the hat. In one configuration, both battery packs are electrically connected to both short beam and long beam lights, but in another configuration, one battery pack is electrically connected to the short beam and the other pack Battery pack electrically connects to high beam lights. In this situation, the battery settings can be optimized for each

ES 1 077 908 U set of lights. For example, additional battery power can be provided for either short-beam or long-beam light as may be the case in providing power for additional illumination.

In another example, the lighted hat 10 may include multiple long-range beam or short-range beam light sources mounted adjacent to or on the edge of perimeter 29 on the brim of hat 16 as shown in FIG. 4. By one approach, the lighted hat 10 may include at least two light sources 40 and 42, preferably LEDs, that are spaced from one another on opposite sides of a center line of the hat brim 16, as provided in the US patent No. 6,659,618 of the Applicant, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. By having two separate LEDs on either side of the center line of the brim, the lighted hat 10 can provide enhanced illumination by doubling the illumination of the wearer's viewing or work area. By positioning the light source away from the center line of the hat and maintaining the spacing of LEDs 40 and 42 from each other on brim 16, the inner hats offer improved depth perception of an area to be illuminated because the lighting of separate LEDs 40 and 42 provide well-defined shadows and textures to objects being illuminated. The LEDs 40 and 42 can each be long-range beams, short-range beams, or a combination thereof as described above and thus incorporate the various characteristics (i.e., tilt angles, widths of beam, and the like) for each type of LED, but each is positioned on or adjacent to the edge of the perimeter 29.

In one example, LED 40 may be a short-range beam light source (similar to LED 36) mounted on the edge of perimeter 29 of wing 16 and positioned on wing 16 to provide a beam of illumination along an axis T that is approximately 15 degrees to approximately 40 degrees from the B axis of the wing described above. Because the LED 40 is arranged at the edge of the perimeter 29, the illumination beam will illuminate an area slightly forward of the area relative to the light source of the short-range beam 36 described above so that the illuminated area does not include areas under wing 16. In one example, the LED 40 can be positioned at a tilt angle D1 of about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees from the B-axis of the brim while also being concealed considerably within the brim 16 to allow the hat 10 to maintain a natural, slim appearance. . In this example, LED 42 can be a long-range beam light source (similar to LED 34) also mounted on the edge of the perimeter

ES 1 077 908 U of wing 16 and located in wing 16 to provide a beam of illumination generally along the B axis of the wing. LED 42 can provide a beam of illumination for additional distances from the user, such as about 4 feet to about 6 feet. To maintain the natural and slim appearance of the hat, the LEDs 40 and 42 can be concealed considerably within the brim 16 so that the outer ends of the same only project a short distance from the brim 16 or, alternatively, are flush with the edge of the perimeter of the wing 29.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-14, another exemplary light hat 110 is illustrated that integrates light sources configured to illuminate in multiple areas or directions. The hat 110 is illustrated as a baseball-type cap 112 having a crown 114 and a brim 116 projecting forward from a portion of the lower, front edge of the crown 114 although other types of headgear are also contemplated. In this embodiment, the hat 110 is designed to provide illumination from the light sources, which are generally configured to focus the illumination at a variety of different distances from the hat.

110. By one approach, the hat 110 has the light sources mounted on the brim 116 to project the light cones along different axes.

In particular, the light hat 110 includes a first or long-range beam light source 130 at or near an edge of the perimeter 129 of the wing 116. The light from the long-range beam 130 may be similar to the beam light. long-range range 34 previously described. The hat 110 also includes a second or short-range beam light source 132 that is remote from the edge of the perimeter of the brim 129 and preferably mounted immediately along a lower major surface 131 of the underside of the brim. The light 132 may be similar to the short-range or downward-looking beam light 36 previously described.

With reference to FIGS. 5, the lighted hat 110 includes a lighted bracket or hat light mount, a light mount mount, or a hat light mount 200 to secure the light source 132 to the lower major surface 131 of brim 116 By one approach, light support 200 is used to secure two separate light sources 206 and 208 in a fixed position relative to wing 116 to illuminate an area below wing 116. As shown in FIG. 5, the light stand 200 can be secured to the brim 116 of the light hat 110 and positioned to allow the light sources 206 and 208 to direct the illumination in a downward and forward direction away from the lower major surface 131 of the brim. 116 and at a viewing distance

ES 1 077 908 U close to the user. Light source 130, on the other hand, can direct illumination in a direction generally along the B axis of the wing as described above.

With reference to FIGS. 6, a shape of the light support or light mounting of the hat 200 is shown in more detail. By one approach, the light support 200 includes an elongated mounting base or member 202 and the light support or housing portions or light modules 204 sized to receive light sources 206 and 208. Preferably, mounting base 202 has a plate-like body that is thin and flat to have a minimum thickness thereby allowing light support 200 to be attached adjacent to or flange 116 while maintaining the traditional thin and natural appearance of flange 116. Elongated mounting base 202 includes an elongated bottom surface 210 and opposite, top surface 212 as best shown in the side view of FIG. 8. The lower surface 210 is generally flat and, by one approach, includes a lower section of the light support portions 204 that extend below the lower surface 210. The upper, opposite surface 212 is also generally flat and includes a section top or rear projection of the light holder parts 204. The light stand 200, and in particular the mounting base 202 thereof, may be made of a flexible and / or elastic material, such as a plastic or rubber material, so that the base 202 is flexible enough to fit and bend. to the curvature typically found in the brims of baseball-type hats. Other suitable flexible materials can be used for the light support 200 including a cardboard or rubber-like material or other elastic material. In addition, the light holder 200 can be made of an aluminum or other heat dissipating material which can be particularly useful for higher power LEDs.

By one approach, the mounting base 202 has a thin, generally rectangular shape that includes rounded corners 205 connecting the opposite front and rear edges 214 and 216 (extending longitudinally generally parallel to each other) with the edges of the opposite side 218 and 220 (extending parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to longitudinal edges 214 and 216). A side of the base or axis in the longitudinal direction P extends along and from the plane of the mounting base 202 and generally parallel to the opposite side edges 218 and 220 and generally perpendicular to the opposite front and back edges. 214 and 216.

ES 1 077 908 U

Portions of light stand 204 connect to mounting base 202 and are configured to receive light sources 206 and 208 therein. By one approach the parts of the light stand 204 can be seamlessly integrated with the mounting base 202 to provide a one-piece light stand 200 and thereby allow secure coupling of the light sources 206 and 208 to the light stand. 200 and hat 110. In one example, the light support portion 204 includes the spaced housing portions or bezels 222 and 224 on one side of the base 202 and the corresponding spaced protrusions 225 and 227 on the other side of the base 202. The lower housings 222 and 224 can be spaced apart from each other and attached to the bottom surface 210 of the mounting base in an integral construction to provide the light support 200 in one piece. As discussed below, housings 222 and 224 have an opening or cavity therein dimensioned to receive light sources 206 and 208 at least partially therein. Housings 222 and 224 secure light sources 206 and 208 in an orientation to provide illumination beams in a direction away from bottom surface 210 of the mounting plate at an angle generally transverse to the B axis of the wing at which it is located. Mount the light bracket 200 to the wing. To this end, housings 222 and 224 may have a lateral wedge configuration to extend in a downward direction from the surface of base 210 at an oblique angle of inclination relative to axis P of the base of mounting base 202. Housings 222 and 224 each have an axis T extending transversely to and at a downward inclination β (FIG. 8) to the axis P of the mounting base plate 202. The axis T of the housing extends along the axis of the longitudinal direction that generally defines a body of each housing 222 and 224. In one example, the axis T of the housing is inclined approximately 15 degrees to approximately 40 degrees from the axis P from the plate, thereby setting the light sources 206 and 208 respectively at the oblique angle of about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees from the axis P of the plate.

By one approach, each lower section of the light housings or housing parts 222 and 224 may have a hollow, generally cylindrical body 226 that extends from the lower surface 210 of the mounting base 202 to a distal end 228 thereof. . Each hollow body 226 has a pocket or socket 231 capable of receiving and housing light sources 206 and 208, such as LEDs in the fixed configuration described above.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13, housing bodies 226 are shown in more detail. By one approach, housing body 226 includes a

ES 1 077 908 U annular wall 250 extending about the axis T. Annular wall 250 may extend from the surface of the base 210 in a direction generally transverse thereto. The distal end 228 has a generally circular outer end surface 230 that forms an opening to the pocket or cavity 231 to receive the light source therein. In this manner, the light source can be securely mounted in cavity 231 and encircled by wall 250 to orient the light in a direction to provide illumination generally along the T axis of the housing. The light stand 200 therefore provides an easy and convenient way to mount two separate light sources 206 and 208 on the underside of a brim of the hat and tilt both light sources at the same time and at the same tilt angle towards down default.

In one approach, the light sources 206 and 208 may be LEDs secured in the cavity 231 of the hollow body 226 of each housing 222 and 224. The LED may have a cylindrical lens body portion with an outermost cap portion 232 configured to emanate a beam of illumination from a chip located within the lens portion. In one example, the LED is positioned so that the wall 250 surrounds the body of the LED while the outermost cap of the lenses 232 projects past the outer surface 230 of the body of the annular housing 226 as shown in FIG. 11 . Preferably, wall 250 still extends axially beyond the light chip. The configuration of FIG. eleven allows the LED to provide direct illumination to a location with a wider cone of light because there is little or no interference with it or reflection from an interior portion of the hollow body 226. In another embodiment, such as that of FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, the LED can be secured within the cavity 231 so that the outermost cap of the light source lenses 232 is completely housed within the hollow body 226 and is flush or otherwise not. it extends past the outer surface 230 of housing 226. In this configuration the light chip is hidden further back in cavity 231. This allows an internal portion 251 of the housing wall 250 to provide a more focused narrow beam of light and / or to be a cloaking device to block out incident or errant light while also providing the benefit of having the wall 250 to protect the lenses. damage LED if the lighted hat falls off.

With reference back to FIG. 9, the light holder portions 204 also include rear protrusions 225 and 227 that extend above the top surface 212 of mounting base 202. Protrusions 225 and 227 provide a

ES 1 077 908 U socket or base to seat the light sources 206 and 208. For example, each protrusion 225, 227 can be considerably hollow so that the cavity 231 of the housings 222 and 224, respectively, also extends into the corresponding protrusions to allow the protrusions at least partially to receive the light sources 206 and 208 therein. In one example, light sources 206 and 208 are LEDs and each has two leads 234 and 236 that extend generally upward through annular housings 222 and 224 and into protrusions 225 and 227. Protrusions 225 and 227 each has an outer surface 242 in which two separate apertures 238 and 240 are located. These apertures are configured to extend through outer surface 242 into cavity 231. Each of the light sources 206 and 208 is positioned in the cavity 231 such that the two conductors 234 and 236 of each of the light sources 206 and 208 extend through the openings 238 and 240 to mount snugly. Secure lights 206 and 208 in housings 226 and locate conductors for connection to various electrical components of the hat.

In this way, light support 200 serves as a mounting frame for LED light sources 206 and 208 so that after light support 200 is added to wing 116, mounting of LEDs 206 and 208 to the wing, and from the wiring harness to LEDs 206 and 208 in a relatively straightforward and simple way. To this end, after the light support 200 is secured to the wing 116, the LEDs 206 and 208 are fixed in the cavities 231 of the housing parts 222 and 224 and the protrusions 225 and 227 so that their leads 234 and 236 extend out through the rear openings 238 and 240 to be connected to the wiring of a switch and the power source, such as a battery pack carried in the crown portion along the lower sweatband of the same.

In one embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 10-13, the light holder 200 can be added to the brim 116 of the lighted hat and fixed to provide illumination in a forward direction and below the brim. Alternatively, light support 200 may be attached to provide illumination in other directions below the brim including away from the user, a rearward direction toward the user, a lateral direction, or a combination thereof. Wing 116 may include a retentively shaped wing element or insert 287 having upper major surface 286 and lower major surface 288 with an upper wing covering material 290 extending over upper upper wing surface 286 and a material covering the lower wing 291 that extends over the larger surface of the wing

ES 1 077 908 U lower 288. In the example of FIGS. 10 and 11, the light support 200 can be added to the material covering the lower wing 291 in a fixed orientation to provide forward and downward illumination from below the wing 116 while still remaining largely undetectable and unnoticeable by individuals. They see hat 110 because it is mounted to be substantially covered by brim covering material 291 between bottom surface 288 of insert 287 and covering material 291. Alternatively, the light stand 200 can be attached to different locations on the wing to provide a variety of different configurations to provide illumination.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 10 and 11, the light support 200 is added to an inner surface section 292 of the material covering the lower flange 291 and is positioned in a space 296 between the lower main surface 288 of the wing and the lower covering material 291 created by the offsets, gaps, or protrusions 225 and 227 that separate the material 291 from the more rigid insert 287. For this purpose, the material covering the flange 291 has separate apertures 294 and 295 (FIG. 5) to receive each of the separate housings 226 that extend therethrough. The lower surface 210 of the mounting base 202 may be secured to the interior 292 of the material covering the lower flange 291 by adhesive, staples, Sailboat, sewing, stitching, ultrasonic welding, or other attachment mechanisms. Thus configured, the light support 200 is positioned in the inner section 292 of the material covering the lower flange 291 so that the annular housings 222 and 224 and the light sources 206 and 208 at least partially extend through the openings. 294 and 295, respectively, to provide illumination in a generally forward and downward direction away from the lower major surface of wing 288 to illuminate an area that is at a relatively close distance from the user as described above.

By mounting the light holder 200 to the inner surface 292 of the material covering the lower brim 291 as discussed above, the natural thickness of the brim 116 is considerably maintained and thereby allows the brim 116 to maintain its natural, streamlined appearance of a cap type. typical baseball. Housings 222 and 224 and light sources 206 and 208 can extend only a short distance through openings 294 and 295 to provide adequate illumination while still remaining considerably hidden from third party observers and not interfering with or blocking the line. user vision. In this configuration, the outermost portion of the curved cap of the lenses 232 of the

ES 1 077 908 U LED light sources 206 and 208 are only minimally exposed on the exterior of wing 116 to allow a direct beam of illumination to illuminate an area below wing 116. This configuration allows direct lighting to be provided without the use of any reflector or diffuser.

The protrusions 225 and 227 extending from the upper surface 212 of the light support 200 contact the portions of the lower major surface 288 of the insert 287 of the wing 116 to form the space of the wing 296 located between the material covering the lower wing. 291 and the lower major surface 288 of the wing insert 287. Using light support 200 to form and / or maintain brim space 296, hat 110 advantageously includes a space dimensioned to allow cables, electrical connections, circuit boards, and other conductive pathways and electronic components to be housed within space 296. For example, the inner wing space 296 can be used to connect a power source to the switch (s) and / or the light sources while being hidden from view. In one example, the light source conductors 234 and 236 may extend out of the protrusions 225 and be connected by a conductive path to a switch that is arranged on the wing 116 or a battery or power source arranged on the wing. or elsewhere in the lighted hat 110, such as within a sweatband of the hat 110. The heights of annular protrusions 225 and 227 are quite short (e.g., about 1mm) to provide a relatively small wing span 296 with only enough room to house all the electrical connections necessary to provide proper operation of the light sources while that the streamlined appearance of the hat 110 is still maintained and, at the same time, does not significantly alter the natural thickness of the brim 116. In this sense, since hat brims are typically curved up towards the lateral center if the light support 200 is centered under the brim of the hat, the additional space to thicken the brim by space 296 will be negligible since the wing will still have parts thereof extending below the bottom of wing space 296 particularly along the outer lateral parts of the wing, and in this way it will not be very noticeable at all for third parties.

In another example and with reference to FIG. 12, the light support 200 can also be added to the lower major surface 288 of the wing insert 287 more than the inner surface 292 of the material covering the lower wing 291. With this approach, the wing element retentively 287 may have an opening

ES 1 077 908 U

289 which creates a passageway or slot to receive the projections 225 and 227 so that the base 202 and an upper surface 212 thereof can remain flush with the lower surface 288 of the wing 116. In this case, the separating projections 225 and 227 would hook the material covering the upper flange 290 to create a space between the material 290 and the insert 287 for receiving electrical components, such as wiring, therein. In this example, the light support 200 can be added to the lower major surface 288 of wing 116 by adhesive, stitching, stitching, stapling, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or other attachment mechanisms.

In another example and with reference to FIG. 13, the light support 200 can be added to an outer surface 293 of the material that covers the lower flange 291 more than the inner surface 292. Using this approach, the upper surface 212 of the mounting plate can be added to the material that covers the 291 wing using an adhesive, staples, sailboat, stitching, stitching, ultrasonic welding, or other attachment mechanisms. The material covering wing 291 may have openings 294 and 295 that provide a passageway from a location below wing 116 to a location above the material covering wing 290 for reception of protrusions 225 and 227. The protrusions or gaps 225 and 227 work much the same way as previously described to create space between the 297 wing insert and the lower covering material 291 for the wiring harness and, if desired, other electrical components, such as a switch. When the light source 206 or 208 is an LED, the conductors 234 and 236 thereof can extend through the openings 294 and 295 respectively to contact the electrical connections and other conductors that are located above the material covering the wing. lower 291.

To provide illumination at a reading distance, the light support 200 can be added to the wing 116 and, in particular, to the material covering the lower wing 291 in a variety of locations relative to the edge of the perimeter of wing 129. At a embodiment and with reference to FIG. 14, the light support 200 is remotely separated from the edge of the perimeter 129 of wing 116. In this example, the light support 200 may be located on the wing 116 at an approximately central position relative to a length and width of the wing 116. In another example, the length of the wing can be approximately 80 millimeters between the trailing edge. 27 and the leading edge 129 along the axis B of the longitudinal direction of the wing and the light support 200 is positioned so that the light sources are spaced approximately 25 millimeters apart.

ES 1 077 908 U approximately 28 millimeters from the edge of the front perimeter 129. The housings 222 and 224 that hold the light sources 206 and 208 can be separated by a distance of approximately 35 millimeters to approximately 65 millimeters from one another and tilted toward down at an angle of about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees from the P-axis of the mounting base plate 202. In this example, the light sources 206 and 208 are preferably LEDs each having a light cone 121 of from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees. In one example and still referring to FIG. 14, the light sources are separated a distance of 65 millimeters and have light cones of 40 degrees. This configuration will provide optimal illumination at a distance of about 3 inches to about 30 inches from light sources which is a distance just past the edge of the perimeter 129 of wing 116 at a normal reading distance from a user. As shown in FIG. 14, 40 degree light cones will generally overlap at a point O that is about 3 inches to about 8 inches from the light sources. At a distance of less than about 3 inches from the light sources, areas of dark shadows or darkness are present, with no light between the light cones 121 causing parts of objects seen within that distance to be generally unlit. It will be appreciated that the above dimensions and distances are exemplary only and can be varied as needed for particular applications. In addition, the light support 200 could be configured to carry only one light source or more than two light sources.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 14, the long-range beam light source 34, 130 as described above can be added adjacent to or on the edge of the perimeter 129 and used in combination with the light sources 206 and 208 received on the light stand 200. The long-range beam light source 34, 130 may be positioned to extend from the edge of the perimeter 129 of the brim of the hat 116 to direct the light forward of the wearer. By one approach, the long-range beam light source 34 can also be tilted relative to the B axis of the wing at a tilt angle D2, but is tilted at a smaller angle D2 than the carried light sources 206 and 208. by the light support 200. For example, the long-range beam light 34, 130 can be tilted 0 degrees to about 15 degrees downward from the B-axis, and preferably about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees. By one approach, the LED 34, 130 is located on the center line of wing 116. More specifically, the light from the long-range beam 34 may be a 20,000 MCD light emitting diode having a light cone of

ES 1 077 908 U about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees sloping downward from the central axis B of the longitudinal direction of the wing about 5 degrees. Together, the long-range beam light source 34, 130 and the light sources 206 and 208 received in the light support 200 can project illumination at different distances in a similar manner as described above.

In another embodiment and now referring to FIG. 15, an alternative light bracket 300 is shown that includes a mounting base 302 similar to the mounting base 202 described above with two bracket parts 304. The bracket parts 304 may include partitions or protrusions 325 and 327 and housings or modules 322 and 324 spaced apart from each other and extending from the bottom surface 310 of the mounting plate similar to the front bracket 200. Housings 322 and 324 may each have a body 336 sized to each hold and receive two separate light sources 306 and 308 where the light sources are preferably LEDs. By one approach, each of housings 322 and 324 includes two cavities 331 that are each sized to receive an LED. Also, similar to the light holder 200 above, each of the protrusions 325 and 327 has four openings (not shown in this embodiment) that extend through the housing to the cavity 331, to receive the leads from the LEDs. The four openings will be configured to receive a pair of leads from each of the two LEDs that are housed in each housing 322, 324. The conductors pass through the openings to the area that is exterior to the light support 300 where they can then be electrically connected to a switch, circuit board, power source, or other component by an electrical connection between them, such as through cabling. This configuration allows housings 322, 324 to each receive and hold two or more LEDs in one orientation to provide beams of illumination in a downward direction below wing 116. Each part of the housing 322 and 324 can fixedly hold one LED oriented to be the light source of the long-range beam such as at a small angle of inclination relative to the B axis of the wing, for example 10 degrees, with the other LED being it is held securely so that it is oriented to be the light source of the short-range beam or that it faces downward, for example at a tilt angle of 25 degrees to the B-axis of the wing. In this way, a stereo effect is created to provide enhanced depth perception by the short-range beam and long-range beam LEDs due to their separation from each other through the base 302 in the separate housing parts 322 and 324. Alternatively, each part of the housing can be

ES 1 077 908 U configured to support the LEDs only in one orientation either the long-range beam or the short-range beam, or both parts of the housing can be configured so that they all support their respective LEDs therein in the same orientation as in the short-range beam orientation.

In another example and with reference to FIGS. 16-20, a lighted hat 412 is shown having a brim 416 with a covering portion or mounting patch 400 that extends along a section of brim 416 to provide an inconspicuous surface to which the light support 200. The mounting patch 400 can therefore be provided in the material covering the lower flange 291. Mounting patch 400 may be slightly larger than the footprint of light stand 200 described above to provide a surface on which the entire mounting base 202 can be received. In one example, mounting patch 400 may be an area elongated having an embroidery track configuration by stitching, one or more additional fabric layers, or one or more fabric layers having an elongated embroidery part immediately afterwards. Preferably, the mounting patch 400 is embroidered by stitching that extends through the cover material 291 to form the part of the cover patch 400 on both sides of the material that covers the lower flange 291. In another example, the patch 400 may be silk screen paint, an iron on patch, a double layer tissue or paper material, or any other material that creates a larger, more uneven, or stiffer part of the 416 wing. The patch 400 can be sewn to the fabric material 291 to form a thicker portion of the brim 416, but still be in a thin or flat configuration thereby allowing the lighted hat 412 and specifically the brim 416 of the hat 412 to maintain its natural streamlined appearance. For example, the thickness of the lower layer 291 of the fabric material may be approximately less than 0.5mm and the thickness of the embroidered patch portion 400 may be approximately 1mm.

Preferably and as shown in FIG. 17, the mounting patch 400 is formed of embroidered stitches that form an outer surface 404 with a rough, textured, or rough surface characteristics formed through a plurality of adjacent tightly packed stitches, seams, other stitches to form the patch 400 thereof of yarn or yarn. The outer surface 404 may include alphanumeric or graphic content, such as a logo or insignia to mark the name of a company or manufacturer of the product. The embroidery stitches preferably extend through fabric 291; in this way, the mounting patch 400 also has an embroidered inner surface 406 that can

ES 1 077 908 U include similar tightly packed stitches, seams, or other stitches to form a rigid, textured, or rough surface consistent with the characteristics of embroidery or other needlework or sewing techniques. Inner surface 406 is below and spaced from a lower major surface 408 of wing 416 and provides an improved mounting surface for receiving light support 200 described above. The textured interior surface 406 may provide more stability for adhering the mounting base 202 to the light holder 200 thereby creating a more secure adhesion to the wing cover material 291 (which is preferably woven) to prevent any displacement or displacement. unwanted sliding of light holder 200 during operation. By way of example, the embroidered stitches can have a stitch density of approximately 1800 stitches per square inch with threads that are approximately 0.005 inches thick.

The light support 200 can be added to the inward or inward facing surface 406 of the mounting patch 400 by adhesive, stitching, stitching, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or other attachment mechanisms. In one example, the light support 200 is added by adhesive 405, such as a hot cure glue or cyanoacrylate, positioned between the bottom surface 210 of the mounting base 202 and the interior surface 406 of the mounting patch 400 to provide a secure adhesion between the light support 200 and the preferred fabric material covering the wing, as best shown in FIG. 18. Commonly, the material used for the material that covers the brim 291 in baseball style hats is a fabric that tends to have absorbent properties that transfers liquids or fluids through the material through the process of capillary action. Thus, if the liquid adhesive is used to mount the light holder 200 directly to the tissue, The adhesive (which can be heated to a generally liquid state to fix the light support 200 to the material covering the wing 291) will also be absorbed through the material covering the wing 291 and transferred by capillary action through the material 291 to an outer section of material covering wing 291 which generally corresponds to the area to which light support 200 is added. This can cause an unwanted stain or blemish on an outer section of the material covering the 291 wing.

The mounting patch 400, on the other hand, provides a surface for mounting the light holder 200 that is configured so that the adhesive will generally not absorb through it or is thick enough so that the adhesive cures or solidifies before the outer surface 404 of the

ES 1 077 908 U same. In one example, the mounting patch 400 can be a thread, yarn, paper, non-absorbent, or other fabric material, such as the tightly stitched embroidered patch, that is effective in keeping the outer surface 404 generally free of adhesive so that there are no stains or defects on the outer surface 404 or other outer section of the material covering the wing 291. The patch 400 can also be thicker than the material covering the wing 291 or have multiple layers to block the liquid adhesive from passing through the material 291 to the outer surface 404. If the surface 400 is thicker than the material of the wing 291, as mentioned above, the adhesive can harden and cure before it has time to reach the outer surface 404. Furthermore, in the example where the light holder 200 is sewn or stitched to the brim, the use of the mounting patch 400 can adequately hide the seam marks or stitches on the outer surface 404 due to its increased thickness which it exhibits. hence a more aesthetic appearance.

Mounting patch 400 also has apertures 410 and 411 sized and arranged to allow housings 222 and 224 of light bracket 200 to pass through to a location below wing 416. Light bracket 200 can be added to the patch. 400 wherein the lower surface 210 of the mounting base 202 engages with the inner surface 406 of the patch 400 and is added thereto by the thin-set adhesive 405 described above (FIG. 18) to allow the 416 wing to maintain a slim and natural appearance. Openings 410 and 411 can be aligned with openings covering wing 294 and 295 thereby providing a complete passageway from an area located in wing 416 (from wing space 296) to an area located outside and below the wing 416. This configuration allows annular housings 222 and 224 to pass at least partially through both apertures 294 and 295 and apertures 410 and 411 to allow illumination to be provided from light sources 206 and 208 secured in annular housing 222 and 224.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, wing 416 may also include an activation switch 441 mounted thereon. The material that covers the wing 291 may also include a portion that covers the switch 414 that can include features and characteristics similar to the mounting patch 400 discussed above. By one approach, the switch cover 414 can be generally circular and sized to overlap the activation switch 441 contained within the wing and covered by the wing fabric 291. The switch cover 414 can be formed

ES 1 077 908 U by embroidered stitches extending through the wing material 291 to form an inner surface 417 and an outer surface 418 (on opposite sides of the lower wing covering material 291) that either has textured surfaces or rough similar to those previously treated with patch 400. In this example, the activation switch 441 may be a push-button switch having an actuator in the form of a plunger capable of being depressed to activate at least one light source in an illuminated state. The plunger may be depressed again to deactivate a light source that is currently in the illuminated state or to change the state of any other light source that is in electrical communication with the components of the lighted hat 412. The activation switch 441 can be positioned between the material covering the wing 291 and a lower major surface 408 of the wing insert. Without the switch cover 414, a user may have difficulty finding the location of the activation switch 441 and its plunger when the switch 441 is covered by the material covering the wing 291. This can cause a user to click on a portion of the material covering wing 291 that is not in general alignment with the plunger of the activation switch 441. In addition, a user may depress the material covering wing 402 to contact the plunger of the activation switch 441, however, the material covering wing 402 will slide through the plunger without actually causing the plunger to be depressed since the The area of ​​the wing being pushed is not generally aligned with the switch plunger. With the increased rigidity provided by the thicker, embroidered switch cover 414, perfect alignment with the switch plunger is less important as the user pushes on the switch cover 414 to move it toward the wing insert since the stiffer switch cover 414 will still depress the switch plunger.

The outer surface 418 of the switch cover 414 may have a similar textured surface as described when the outer surface 404 of the mounting patch 400 was treated. The texture of the outer surface 418 provides the user with an indication of the location of the plunger. of the activation switch 441 by a touch of the finger. In one example, a user only needs to run a finger along the material covering the relatively smooth flange 291 until it passes through the textured outer surface 418 thereby indicating to the user where the activation switch 441 is located. In addition, the texture of the outer surface 418 provides more traction for a user's finger which makes it more difficult for the finger to slide off or move from the outer surface 418 while

ES 1 077 908 U attempting to depress the activation switch 441. Similarly, the inner surface 41 has a similar texture as described when the inner surface 406 of the mounting patch 400 was treated. In one example, the plunger of the switch Trigger 441 is mounted on wing 416, as in the insert, to be separated from inner surface 417 on wing 416. When a user presses on the outer surface 418, the material covering the wing 291 moves to contact the plunger of the activation switch 441. The texture of the interior surface 417 provides a roughened surface for contacting the plunger thereby allowing the plunger is more easily depressed while preventing the plunger from sliding or displacing 10 away from the material covering wing 291.

Returning to a further example and with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, a light holder cover 500 may be used to help secure and / or conceal the light holder 200 in the fabric of wing 291. The light holder cover 500 may be made of a flexible plastic material. or rubber and include projections or caps 502 and 504 positioned to receive housings 222 and 224, respectively, of light support 200. Each projection 502 and 504 includes an aperture 506 to allow illumination from light sources 206 and 208 to illuminate a distance below wing 116 and close to the user. The cover of the light stand 500 could also be made of aluminum or another material that dissipates heat.

The light support cover 500 will preferably be attached to an outer section of material that covers the wing 291, but can be attached to the light support 200 or housings 222 and 224 thereof. For example, light stand 200 may have slots 508 located in mounting base 202 and configured to receive staples. In this example, the staples can be inserted through portions of the cover of the light holder 25 500, the material that covers the wing 291, and be securely received through the slots 508 of the light holder 200 in a sandwich assembly. Such a construction securely attaches the light support 200 to the cover 500 with the material covering the wing 291 in a configuration sandwiched between the light support 200 disposed on the inner surface 292 of the material covering the wing 291 and the cover of the wing. light support 500 arranged on the outer surface of the material covering wing 291.

In another example, the light support 200 can be connected to the light support cover 500 by sewing or embroidering the light support 200 to the light support cover 500 with the material covering the wing 291 sandwiched in between. In yet another example, the light support 200 can be added to an outer section of the material.

ES 1 077 908 U covering wing 291, and the light holder cover 500 can then be added directly to the light holder 200 or cover 291 through adhesive, glue, sewing, embroidery, ultrasonic welding, staples or others fixing mechanisms. The rubber or flexible material of the cover 500 helps provide a strong and flexible housing for the light holder 200 and helps protect the light sources contained therein from damage caused by any contact while still allowing the light sources provide lighting at a location forward and below wing 116.

Referring now to FIG. 23, another embodiment of a light headgear 610 is shown having a crown 612 and a wing portion 616 having light sources configured to provide illumination in a generally forward direction. Wing portion 616 may contain a long-range beam light source 34 disposed at a perimeter edge 629 thereof configured to provide illumination in a generally forward direction. The long-range beam light source 34 is preferably an LED configured to be at least partially concealed in the wing portion 616, as described above, to be considerably concealed and thereby maintain the natural and reasonable appearance of the headgear. light 610. A short-range beam light source 36 may be arranged at a location below wing 616 to provide illumination in a forward direction and below wing 616 as described above. The short-range beam light source 36 may be LEDs received on the light holder 200 as generally described above. In this embodiment, the wing portion 616 and the light support 200 immediately thereafter can be constructed from a substantially one-piece body in which the support 200 is integrally added or molded to the wing portion 616. A common method of Manufacturing that could be used to provide this configuration may be an injection mold manufacturing process. This configuration generally provides a strong, integral light support 200 fused under the brim portion 616 to provide illumination in a direction below the brim portion 616. In another example, the entire lighted hat 610 may be a body. One-piece including light stand 200 and long-range beam light source 34. This can provide added stability to the entire hat thereby making it more durable for a variety of different activities.

With reference to FIGS. 24-30, another exemplary form of light headgear 700 is illustrated including one or more light sources 702 configured to illuminate at

ES 1 077 908 U multiple addresses. Headdress 700, in the form of a baseball-type hat, is shown to have a crown 704 and a brim 706 projecting forward from a portion of the lower, leading edge 708 of crown 704. In this embodiment, the hat 700 is designed to provide illumination from the light sources 702 mounted on the brim 706, which are generally configured to direct the illumination to at least two different directions and / or distances from the hat 700. The sources 702 light can have light cones with a range of around 15 degrees to around 40 degrees, as discussed above.

Similar to the light sources discussed with the previous embodiments, the plurality of light sources 702, which are preferably LEDs, can be configured and arranged in the light hat 700 to provide illumination in multiple directions. In the illustrated form, the brim 706 of the lighted hat 700 extends generally in a longitudinal direction along the axis B of the brim. The lighted hat 700 has at least one light source 703 positioned to direct light generally along axis B of the longitudinal direction of the brim and at least one light source 705 mounted on brim 706 to direct light in a angle with respect to the B axis of the wing, such as along the T axis extending downward from and transversely or obliquely to the B axis of the wing. In these embodiments, the light sources 702 are configured to illuminate objects in areas that are different distances away from the hat 700. For example, the light source 703 configured to emit light along the B axis of the wing will provide illumination on an object or location at a relatively remote distance from the user, such as about four feet to about six feet from the user, and light source 705 configured to emit light at an angle to the B axis of the wing along the T axis will provide illumination on an object or location at a distance closer to the user, such as at a reading or working distance of about 3 inches to about 30 inches, without requiring the user to move their head in any given direction. This configuration allows multiple distances to be illuminated simultaneously or at alternate times to thereby allow a user to view both objects at a distance and objects at a closer distance without substantial tilt or head or hat movements with light 700 used in this regard. .

In this form, hat 700 includes an externally mounted light stand or hat light mount 710 for housing and / or receiving at least one light source 705, and preferably two lower light sources 705, in one

ES 1 077 908 U fixed orientation to direct light along the T axis to an area forward and below wing 706. External light support 710 is mounted on or adjacent to a lower major surface 714 of wing 706, so that the light sources 705 direct the light generally away from the lower major surface 714 of the wing 706. The light holder 710 and the components thereof can be made of an elastic and / or flexible material such as a rubber or plastic material so that the light holder 710 can fit and bend with the wing 706. The material used to make the light holder 710 can furthermore be opaque so that the light emitted from the light sources 705 cannot considerably pass through to prevent loss of light entering the eyes of a user causing glare in the glasses. used by a user.

With reference to FIGS. 24-25, the external light bracket 710 includes a mounting base 716 with an integral light bracket portion 718. The mounting base 716 preferably has a generally flat and thin configuration, for example about 1mm thick, to minimize the thickness of the mounting base 716 so that the wing 706, with the light support 710 thereon , Maintain a slim, natural, generally streamlined appearance similar to a traditional brim. Mounting base 716 also includes an upper surface 720 configured to be positioned adjacent the outer lower major surface 714 of wing 706 and a lower surface 722 configured to face an area below wing 706. As discussed in more detail later, the upper surface 720 is added to the exterior of the covering material that extends across the lower surface of the wing. By one approach, the upper and lower surface portions 720, 722 are generally rectangular with rounded ends to have a generally flat track configuration.

As illustrated, the support portion 718 includes gaps, offset, or ribs 725 projecting from the top surface portion 720 (FIG. 26) and the light housing portions or bezels 726 projecting from the upper surface portion. from the lower, opposite surface 722, such as along the axis T discussed above. In one approach, the bezels 726 are in the form of a tubular housing having a cavity 724 therein for the light sources 705 with the axis T extending centrally therethrough. In one example, the T-axis may meet the B-axis of the wing at an angle in the range of about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees. The bezels 726 are configured to receive and at least partially support at least a bottom surface 728 of the light sources 705. As stated

As illustrated, the housing portions 726 project along the T-axis to minimize projection of material downward from the lower major surface 714 of wing 706 to minimize interference with a user's field of view. Preferably, an interior surface of each cavity 724 is dimensioned and profiled to substantially match the shape of the light sources 705 such as LED lenses so that the light sources 705 are tightly supported in a fixed orientation therein. . By one approach, the bezels 726 are stiffer than the adjacent portions of the mounting base 716.

In one form, the light sources 705 are LEDs with a lens portion 730 and an annular projection rim 732 positioned rearward of the lens portion 730. The cavities 724 may include an annular projection 734 followed longitudinally by a groove. annular 736 sized to receive and support rim 732 of light source 705. Projection 734 is configured to flex to allow flange 732 to pass during installation of light source 705 in cavity 724 and thereafter to return in shape to rearwardly support flange 732.

By one approach, the bezels 726 may have a longitudinal length such that a wall 727 that forms the bezels extends beyond the lens portions 730 of the light sources 705. In this configuration, the light cone of the light source 705 may partially intersect with an interior surface 735 of cavity 724. This allows cavity 724 to protect light source 705 from damage if the lighted hat 700 is dropped. Additionally, this configuration provides more focused light from the LED and prevents stray light from reaching the user's eyes and interfering with the user's viewing because a distal end 721 of the cavity provides a concealer or cloaking device located between the LED 705 and the user's eyes. If the wearer has glasses, such loss of light reaching the glasses lenses can cause unwanted glare when the lights are turned on. Alternatively, the bezels 726 may have a longitudinal length that extends axially beyond an illumination generating component, such as a light chip 737 of the light source 705, but not beyond the portion of the lenses 730. This configuration allows the light source 705 to provide a more direct portion of illumination to a location below the wing without substantial interference or reflection from the cavity 724 and also provides the cloaking function as described above.

ES 1 077 908 U

Light holder 710 further includes a portion that covers switch 738 (FIG. 25). The portion covering the switch 738 may be located intermediate the housing portions 726 along with the base 716 as illustrated in FIGS. 25, 27, and 29, to one side of the housing portions 726 in the base 716 as illustrated in FIG. 30, or other suitable locations, such as generally in front of or behind the housing portions 726. The portion covering the switch 738 may be a portion of flexible outward curved or convex material, which may be used to identify the location of the hat switch 742 and / or to provide a space in which an actuator can be located. pushbutton 740 of switch 742 as shown in FIG. 27. Switch 742 then electrically connects to light sources 705 to control power thereto. Preferably, the bezels 726 extend down a vertical axis V that extends generally perpendicular to the B axis of the wing of the portion that covers the switch 738. In this way, the bezels 726 act as a switch guard to lock in some In some cases, unanticipated activation of the switch because the bevel may stop an adjacent surface (such as a nested hat brim for example) from engaging the switch 742. This can also provide protection on the sides of the switch 742 adjacent to the housing portions 726, such as from unwanted actuation of the switch 742 or damage to the switch 742 by dropping the hat or the like. Alternatively, switch 742 can be detached from light holder 710, as discussed above.

As previously mentioned, the external light support 710 can be made of rubber or elastomeric material. As such, the light holder 710 can be formed by molding which allows indicia, such as a company brand or product name, to be easily molded into the lower surface 722 thereof. To this end, the portion covering switch 738 may further include alphanumeric and / or graphic content, such as a company trademark.

The light sources 705 arranged in the light holder 710 may be high intensity LEDs that output high intensity light cones. In such a case, the light support 710 may further include a heat sink 745 therein, such as composed of aluminum, tin, or other conductive material to spread the heat generated by the LEDs. The heat sink 745 may be in thermal communication with the LEDs and located around the cavities 724, sandwiched between the bracket and the wing, extending through the mounting base portions 716, or at other appropriate locations on the wing. hat.

ES 1 077 908 U

In this embodiment, the light support 710 is added to the exterior of the lower major surface 714 of the wing 706, such as by embroidery, staples, adhesive, welding, or the like, and more preferably to an outer covering material 744 disposed on the lower major surface 714 of wing 706 as best shown in FIGS. 24, 26, 27, and 28. To this end, light support 710 may include a groove or channel 746 adjacent to a perimeter edge 748 of light support 710. Groove 746 advantageously provides a thinner cross-section through which a needle or staple can pass to secure support to the wing or, alternatively, considerably hides threads, staples, or other mechanical fasteners from view because such fastener is received within groove 746. Additionally, apertures 750 may be provided (FIG. 26, 27, and 28) in the covering material 744 through which the displacements or ribs 725 can extend so that the support 710 (and in particular the base of the support 716 thereof) can be mounted flush with the wing . Beneficially, the offsets 725 may include an upper drop 752 configured to support or contact the lower major surface 714 of the wing 707, such as separating the mounting base 716 from the lower major surface 714 of the wing 707. The switch 742, discussed above, can then be positioned within this small space provided by the offsets 725 in alignment with the portion covering the switch 738, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and

28. FIG. 28 provides an alternative form in which the offsets include a pair of spaced ribs 725, which provides a more stable engagement of bracket 716 to the lower surface of wing 706. FIG. 29 provides yet another alternative form of offset or ribs 725 in which the tops of the bezels 726 extend through the base 716 and project beyond the top surface 720. In this way, the ribs 725 are mounted to the rear of the bezels 726.

With reference back to FIG. 24, the lighted hat 700 further includes at least one top light source 754 mounted to a perimeter edge 756 of brim 706, and preferably a front edge 758 of brim 706, which may include a relatively narrow cone of light, such as a cone of light from about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees. The upper light source 754 is positioned to extend from the edge of the perimeter 756 of the brim of the hat 706 to direct the light forward of the wearer. The upper LED can be received in a front, center notch of wing 707 and can be snugly hooked up and down there by the upper and lower fabric cover material to be captured in between. Through a

In an approach, the upper light source 754 extends generally parallel to the B axis of the wing. By another approach, the upper light source 754 can be tilted relative to the B axis of the wing from 0 degrees to about 15 degrees down from the B axis of the wing, and preferably 5 to 15 degrees. More specifically, the top light source 754 may be a 20,000 MCD light emitting diode having a 20 degree cone of light that slopes downward from the B-axis of the brim that extends through the hat brim 706 around 5 degrees. Together the top light source 754 and the bottom light sources 705 received in the light support 710 can illuminate multiple distances.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the electrical connections 760 extend between the switch 742, the lower light sources 705, the upper light source 754, and a power source 762, such as batteries mounted in the crown 704 and specifically in the sweatband 764. of the same, or other mechanisms of electrical generation. Electrical connections 760, such as wiring, can be arranged adjacent to flange 706 or within grooves provided in flange 706 and specifically at flange insert 287 or simply captured between the insert and the fabric cover. Thus configured, the switch 742 can be actuated to illuminate the light sources 705, 754 sequentially independently of one another or simultaneously so that a wearer of the lighted hat can illuminate areas at different distances. As shown, the power source is on the crown of the hat, but this is only exemplary as the power source can be located anywhere on the hat.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-39, alternative lighting configurations are provided in a hat brim 800 to project light to at least two different areas and / or directions. In general, these embodiments are described with wing 800 having an upper major surface 802 and a lower major surface 804, which may have an upper fabric cover part 806 and / or a lower fabric cover part 808 disposed immediately after , respectively. The embodiments below are described with respect to the positioning of one or more light sources 810 and various wing configurations. It is to be understood that the light sources 810 may be electrically coupled to a power source disposed on or within the brim 800 or other part of the hat, such as a part of the crown. The configurations may further include a switch electrically coupled to light sources 810 and the power source to control power to light sources 810. The switch can be arranged on wing 800 or

ES 1 077 908 Or other parts of the hat, such as the crown. Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 31-39 can be used individually, in any combination, or in combination with any of the previously described embodiments.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32, a rotary module 812 is mounted on or adjacent to the upper major surface 802 of wing 800, may be contained within a cavity formed in wing 800, or mounted around wing 800. Rotary module 812 includes a base swivel 814 mounted on wing 800, and is preferably secured to or through upper fabric covering portion 806 by adhesive, stitching, hardware, welding, or the like. The base 814 rotationally or rotatably attaches to a light module 816 through a pivot point 817 that extends generally transverse to the B axis of the wing. Light module 816 includes a cavity 819 therein configured to receive at least one light source 818 such that light source 818 projects light forward of module 816. In one approach, an interior surface 820 of the cavity of the module 819 includes a reflective coating material, or layer, such that the portions of a cone of light projected from the light source 818 that contacts the interior surface 820 are reflected back. rearward in the forward projection light beam to project out of an aperture 822 in front of the projection portion 816. The aperture 822 may have a transparent or translucent cover or window disposed therethrough to provide additional protection for the light source 818. To facilitate turning, the wing 800 may also include an aperture or cutout 823 sized to allow the module 816 to pivot. down through it, as shown in FIG. 32. Thus configured, the light module 812 can be manipulated by a user to rotate up and down between a forward direction position, as shown in FIG. 31 above the wing, and a downward direction position, as shown in FIG. 32 extending through and below the wing. Preferably, the light module 812 is configured to maintain position at any desired angle, such as by adjusting the pivot point 817, squeezing the pivot point 817, which has a plurality of notches or grooves that cooperate with the ridges. between base 814 and module 816, or similar.

In FIG. 33, another embodiment of a light module 824 is shown mounted on or adjacent to the upper major surface 802 of the wing 800. The light module 824 includes a swivel base 826 mounted on the upper major surface 802, such as in or through of the upper fabric covering portion 806 by adhesive, stitching, hardware, welding, or the like. Base 826 rotatably or pivotable

ES 1 077 908 U is attached to a projection module 828 through a pivot point 829 that extends generally transverse to the B axis of the wing. Projection module 828 is sized to receive one or more light sources 810, and preferably two light sources 810 therein. Preferably, the module 828 includes the two light sources both in front in the forward direction, but one is configured as a downward light source 830 and the other is configured as a forward direction light source 832. In one form, the downward projecting light source 830 may be secured within the projection module 828 to direct light in a generally downward direction and the forward projecting light source 832 may be secured within the projection module. 828 to direct the light in a generally forward direction along the B axis of the wing. Both 830 and 832 light sources can be oriented along the B axis of the wing with a light redirecting mechanism 834 (i.e. prism, mirror, and the like) positioned in front of the light downward 830 to redirect the light emitted from the downward projecting light source 830 generally downward and transverse to the B axis. That is, both lights 830 and 832 project light along the B axis of the wing, but the light redirection mechanism 834 redirects the light beam from the light source 830 to be projected at an oblique angle to the B axis of the to. In one form, the light redirection mechanism 834 is adjustable to allow a hat wearer to alter the lighting direction at a variety of distances below and / or forward of the brim 800. Wing 800 further includes a window 836 of transparent or translucent material located adjacent to projection module 828, and preferably along the downward projection path of light to allow light projected downward from light source 830 and light redirection mechanism 834 to pass through window 836 to an area below wing 800. As illustrated, window 836 extends through wing 800 and may include a part of the upper wing window 838, a part of the middle wing window 840, and a part of the lower wing window 842. in which each part is transparent or translucent. Alternatively, window 836 could be a single piece secured to wing 800 and fabric cover portions 806, 808 or an opening could be provided through wing 900 and / or fabric cover portions 806, 808 to allow least partially the cone of light projected by the downwardly directed light source 830 pass through.

Next, FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate yet another embodiment of a hat with light for projecting illumination in multiple directions. In this embodiment, the

ES 1 077 908 U ala 800 includes at least two light sources 810 to direct the light in two different areas. Specifically, a lower light source 844 is mounted to the lower major surface 804 of the wing 800, such as through the lower fabric covering portion 808, as illustrated in FIG. 34. Alternatively, the lower light source 5 844 may extend through an aperture 845 provided in the lower tissue covering portion 808, as illustrated in FIG. 35. The lower 844 light source can be mounted generally perpendicular to the B axis of the wing to direct lighting along the T axis as shown, or it can be mounted at an angle to the B axis of the wing to direct the light to a more position. forward, as discussed above. Wing 800 further includes an overhead light source 846 mounted on a perimeter 848 of wing 800 generally along axis B of the wing. The upper light source 846, however, can be tilted slightly with respect to the B axis of the wing, as discussed above. Thus configured, the upper and lower light sources 846, 844 are mounted on wing 800 to provide light in different directions and / or areas in particular illumination in directions that are perpendicular to each other.

Still another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 36. In this embodiment, wing 800 again includes at least two light sources 810 to direct light in two different areas or along two different axes. Specifically, a lower light source 850 is mounted on the lower major surface 804 of wing 800. In this embodiment, wing 800 20 and / or lower fabric covering portion 808 thereof include a downward projection canopy or enclosure 852 that houses lower light source 850 below wing 800. canopy 852 is preferably transparent or translucent or has transparent or translucent window portions thereof such that light projected from the lower light source 850 can pass through to illuminate an area below the wing 800. Alternatively, the lower fabric covering portion 808 itself may be sufficiently transparent or translucent so that light from the light source 850 can be projected through. As illustrated, the lower light source 850 is inclined with respect to the B axis of the wing to extend along the T axis; however, other angles can be used as discussed above. In one form, the canopy 852 can be formed of a generally rigid material to provide protection for the lower light source 850 from damage, such as when the hat is dropped or stacked. In another form, the canopy 852 may be formed of a generally flexible material, such that a user can manipulate the tilt of the lower light source 850. This embodiment further includes an upper light source 854 mounted on a perimeter 856 of the wing 800

ES 1 077 908 U generally along the B axis of the wing. The upper light source 854, however, can also be tilted slightly relative to the B-axis of the wing, as discussed above.

Returning to FIG. 37, another embodiment is illustrated with wing 800 having at least two light sources 810 for directing light in two different areas or directions. A lower light source 858 is received within wing 800 such as in a cavity or other space therein and is considerably hidden from view. The lower light source 858 is preferably secured in a downward direction transverse, and in some approaches perpendicular, to the B axis of the wing, as illustrated in FIG. 37. A light redirecting mechanism 860 (i.e. prism, mirror, and the like) is mounted on the lower major surface 804 of wing 800 at a position below the lower light source 858 so that the mechanism 860 redirects the light. projected downward from the lower light source 858 to a further forward direction, such as along the B axis of the wing. In one form, the mechanism 860 can rotate with respect to the B axis of the wing so that a user can also redirect light from the light source 858 to a variety of areas by altering the angle of the mechanism 860 so that the light source 858 can project light into the reading or viewing area treated with the previous embodiments. An overhead light source 862 may be further mounted on a perimeter 864 of the wing 800 generally along the axis B of the wing. The upper light source 862, however, can also be tilted slightly relative to the B-axis of the wing, as discussed above.

In FIG. 38, wing 800 includes at least two light sources 810 mounted on lower major surface 804 to direct light to different areas or in different directions. Wing 800 and / or lower fabric covering portion 808 includes a downwardly extending canopy or enclosure 866 that encloses both light sources 810 in there between lower major surface 804 of wing 800 and canopy 866. Preferably, the canopy 866 may be generally wedge-shaped and formed of transparent and translucent materials and / or include one or more transparent or translucent windows adjacent to each light source. In this form, the canopy includes light sources 810 with a downwardly directed light source 868 that extends and projects illumination along the T axis and a forward directed light source 870 that projects illumination along the T axis. Wing B, as discussed above. The light source 870 can be alternately tilted with respect to the B axis of the wing, as discussed above. In one form, the canopy 866 can be formed of a generally rigid material to provide protection for

ES 1 077 908 U damage light sources 868, 870, such as when the hat is dropped or stacked. In another form, the canopy 866 can be formed of a generally flexible material, so that a user can manipulate the inclination of the light sources 868, 870 as desired. As shown, the canopy 866 is a wedge-type enclosure that relies below the underside of the wing 804 to minimize the thickness of the wing.

In FIG. 39 A rotating light module 872 is mounted on the lower major surface 804 of the wing 800, such as in or through the lower fabric covering portion 808. The light module 872 includes a surface mounted rotating base 874 lower major, such as by adhesive, stitching, hardware, welding, or the like. The light module 872 further includes a projection module 876 rotatably and rotatably attached to the base 874 through a pivot point 877 generally transverse to the B axis of the wing. The projection module 876 includes an interior gap that forms a cavity 879 sized to receive at least one light source 878 therein. By one approach, an interior surface 880 of the cavity of the module 879 may include a coating, layer, or reflective materials disposed at least partially immediately thereafter such that the portions of a cone of light emitted from the light source 878 that contact the Inner surface 880 is reflected to project out of an opening 882 of the projection module 876. Aperture 882 may further include a transparent or translucent window or cover therethrough to provide additional protection for the light source 878. Thus configured, the projection module 876 can be manipulated into a variety of positions between a first position to direct the light. light generally forward and along the B axis of the wing to a second position which directs the light perpendicular to the B axis of the wing as well as an infinite number of positions in between. This allows the wearer of the hat with light to alter the illumination direction of the light source 878. This can be achieved, for example by appropriate pressure of the pivot point 877, by squeezing the pivot point 877, which has a plurality of notches. or grooves cooperating with the ridges between base 874 and module 876, or the like.

It will be understood that various changes can be made in the details, materials, and adaptations of the parts and components that have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of light hats as claimed by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention.