Headgear strap buckle with display thereon and method for exhibiting a display on same

Abstract

A headgear and method for exhibiting displays, such as company logos, on a buckle used for securing a head strap of the headgear at an adjusted position. The buckle can include, on its outer surface, an embossed pattern and a display layer within the embossed pattern. The display layer can be provided with at least one color different from that of the buckle for ease of viewing. A sealant layer can be deposited over the display layer and the outer surface of the buckle, so as to minimize exposure of the display layer to environmental conditions. A method for exhibiting a display on an outer surface of the buckle is also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A headgear for exhibiting a display, the headgear comprising: 
 a head strap for adjusting a circumference of the headgear about a head of a person;    a buckle through which the head strap extends for securing the head strap at an adjusted position;    a display layer positioned on an outer surface of the buckle and having at least one color different from that of the buckle for ease of viewing; and    a sealant layer deposited over the display layer and the surface of the buckle so as to minimize exposure of the display layer to environmental conditions.    
     
     
         2 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the buckle is made from a metallic material.  
     
     
         3 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the buckle is made from brass.  
     
     
         4 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the buckle includes an embossed pattern on its outer surface.  
     
     
         5 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the display layer is positioned within the embossed pattern.  
     
     
         6 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the display layer includes a plurality of colors.  
     
     
         7 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the display layer includes paint capable of adhering to the buckle.  
     
     
         8 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sealant layer is transparent to permit visualization of the display layer.  
     
     
         9 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sealant layer includes more than one layer to permit sufficient coverage of the display layer and buckle.  
     
     
         10 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sealant layer is made from a material which minimizes oxidation of the buckle in the presence of prolonged exposure to environmental conditions.  
     
     
         11 . A method for exhibiting a display on a headgear, the method comprising: 
 providing a buckle through which a head strap of a headgear can extend for securing the head strap at an adjusted position; applying on an outer surface of the buckle a display layer having at least one color different from that of the buckle for ease of viewing;    depositing a sealant layer over the display layer and the surface of the buckle, so as to minimize exposure of the display layer to environmental conditions; and    positioning the buckle on the head strap used in adjusting a circumference of the headgear about a head of a person.    
     
     
         12 . A method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step of providing includes embossing the outer surface of the buckle to generate a pattern for use as part of the display.  
     
     
         13 . A method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step of applying includes drying the display layer prior to deposition of the sealant layer.  
     
     
         14 . A method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step of applying includes 
 providing the display layer with a plurality of colors; and    drying each color prior to applying successive colors to the display layer, so as to minimize mixing of the colors.    
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the depositing includes drying the sealant layer.  
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step of depositing includes 
 providing the sealant layer with a plurality of layers; and    drying each layer prior to depositing successive layers to the sealant layer, so as to further minimize exposure of the display to environmental conditions.    
     
     
         17 . A headgear for exhibiting a display, the headgear comprising: 
 a head strap for adjusting a circumference of the headgear;    a buckle through which the head strap extends for securing the head strap at an adjusted position; and    a display layer positioned on an outer surface of the buckle and having at least one color different from that of the buckle for ease of viewing.    
     
     
         18 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the buckle includes an embossed pattern on its outer surface.  
     
     
         19 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein the display layer is positioned within the embossed pattern.  
     
     
         20 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 18 , further including a sealant layer deposited over the display layer and the surface of the buckle.  
     
     
         21 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the sealant layer includes more than one layer to permit sufficient coverage of the display layer and buckle.  
     
     
         22 . A headgear as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the sealant layer is made from a material which minimizes oxidation of the buckle in the presence of prolonged exposure to environmental conditions.  
     
     
         23 . A method for exhibiting a display on a headgear, the method comprising: 
 providing a buckle through which a head strap of a headgear can extend for securing the head strap at an adjusted position;    applying on an outer surface of the buckle a display layer having at least one color different from that of the buckle for ease of viewing; and    positioning the buckle on the head strap used in adjusting a circumference of the headgear about a head of a person.    
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , further including the step of depositing a sealant layer over the display layer and the surface of the buckle, so as to minimize exposure of the display layer to environmental conditions.  
     
     
         25 . A method as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein the step of providing includes embossing the outer surface of the buckle to generate a pattern for use as part of the display.  
     
     
         26 . A method as set forth in  claim 24 , wherein the step of depositing includes 
 providing the sealant layer with a plurality of layers; and    drying each layer prior to depositing successive layers to the sealant layer, so as to further minimize exposure of the display to environmental conditions.