Cap shape retainer

Abstract

A cap shape retainer member includes an elongated portion that is interconnectable with the brim of a cap when the brim is in a planar condition. The retainer member is plastically deformable with a single operation to a shape corresponding to the desired curved condition of the brim. When in the desired curved condition, the retainer member resists biasing forces in the brim biasing the brim toward the planar condition.

1 . A cap comprising: 
 a crown portion;    a brim portion bendable between a generally planar condition and a desired curved condition, said brim portion, when in said desired curved condition, having a biasing force biasing said brim toward said planar condition; and    a shape retainer member interconnected with said brim, said shape retainer member being plastically deformable to a shape corresponding to said desired curved condition, said shape retainer member substantially entirely resisting said brim biasing force when said retainer member is so plastically deformed;    whereby said shape retainer member retains said brim portion in said desired curved condition.    
     
     
         2 . A method for retaining the shape of a brim of a cap comprising the steps of: 
 providing a cap having a brim in a planar condition, the brim having a pre-determined amount of elasticity;    providing a retainer member having an elongated portion;    interconnecting the retainer member to the brim;    bending the brim to a desired curved condition; and    resisting with the retainer member a biasing force of the brim that biases the brim toward the planar condition.