# US 4,390,998 A · Prefabricated cap frame

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- Number: US 4,390,998 A
- Document ID: US4390998A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/269,227
- Filed: 1981-06-01
- Granted: 1983-07-05
- Earliest claimed: 1981-06-01
- Assignees: Art Cap Company, Inc.
- Inventors: Paul G. Gallin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4390998A

## CPC

- A42C 5/02: Sweat-bands
- A42B 1/0181: with means for protecting the eyes
- A42C: MANUFACTURING OR TRIMMING HEAD COVERINGS, e.g. HATS
- A42B: HATS; HEAD COVERINGS (headbands A41D20/00; head-scarves A41D23/00)

## Abstract

The cap frame is intended for use in a uniform cap of the type used by military officers, and is a unitary structure of synthetic resin including a perforated band portion with a thickened upper edge for reinforcement and an integral vertical stay portion extending from the upper edge of the band portion to support a grommet for supporting and stretching the top of the cap.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A prefabricated cap frame for a uniform cap of the type having a visor and a grommet for supporting and stretching the top of the cap comprising a one piece structure molded from a flexible synthetic resin and including a perforated band portion in the form of a substantially flat open strip adapted to be curved and joined at the ends to form the hat band,
said band portion including a thickened portion at the upper edge thereof for reinforcement,
and an integral vertical stay portion extending from the upper edge of said band portion.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said thickened portion at the upper edge of said band portion protrudes exclusively at the inside surface of said band portion.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

A structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein
said vertical stay portion includes at least one vertically extending reinforcement rib integrally formed at the inner surface thereof.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein
two vertically extending reinforcement ribs are provided and are positioned equidistant on opposite sides of the center line of said vertical stay portion.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

A structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein
said vertical stay portion is additionally provided with a thickened region extending between said vertically extending reinforcement ribs.

### Claim 6 (depends on 3)

A structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein
said band portion includes a thickened portion in the region directly adjacent to said integral vertical stay portion.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

A structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein
the entire structure is composed of material having a relatively uniform thickness except for the reinforcement ribs and thickened portions specifically recited.

### Claim 8

A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which consists essentially of polyethylene.

### Claim 9

A uniform cap combination comprising a visor and a soft suiting material top with a grommet for supporting and stretching the top of the cap,
and including a one piece synthetic resin prefabricated cap frame combination including a band and stay for supporting the grommet in an elevated position,
said combination band and stay structure including a perforated band portion in the form of a substantially flat open strip which is curved and joined at the ends to form the hat band and which includes a thickened portion at the upper edge thereof for reinforcement,
and said combined structure including an integral vertical stay portion extending from the upper edge of said band portion.

### Claim 10 (depends on 2)

A structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein
said thickened portion at the upper edge of said band portion includes a metal wire reinforcement embeded therein.

### Claim 11 (depends on 3)

A structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein
a metal wire reinforcement is embeded within each of said reinforcement ribs.

### Claim 12

A prefabricated cap frame for a uniform cap of the type having a visor and a grommet for supporting and stretching the top of the cap comprising a structure molded from a flexible synthetic resin and including a perforated band portion in the form of a substantially flat open strip adapted to be curved and joined at the ends to form the hat band,
an integral vertical stay portion extending from the upper edge of said band portion,
and a reinforcement attached at the upper edge of said band portion and extending for the full length thereof,
said reinforcement comprising a metal wire enclosed within a fabric cover and attached by sewing the fabric cover to the upper edge of said band portion.