Flexible Wood Billed Hat

Abstract

A bill for attachment to a support element (hat) is provided that comprises a flexible wood layer that can be bent and shaped without cracking. Also provided is a hat in combination with the bill of the present invention. The bill, as well as the hat and bill combination, provide the advantage of being attractive, weather resistant, flexible, and have the ability to be bent and shaped.

1 . A bill for attachment to a support element for at least partially encircling a human head wherein said bill comprises a flexible wood layer. 
   
   
       2 . The bill of  claim 1  wherein said flexible wood layer defines an external surface to the said bill that can be bent and shaped to one's preference without cracking. 
   
   
       3 . The bill of  claim 2  wherein the said flexible wood layer provides a visible wood grain surface to said bill. 
   
   
       4 . The bill of  claim 3  wherein said flexible wood layer has a marking on said visible wood surface in addition to the natural wood grain. 
   
   
       5 . The bill of  claim 4  wherein said marking comprises a decal, a brand recessed within the visible wood surface, or a painting on the wood bill. 
   
   
       6 . The bill of  claim 3  wherein said flexible wood layer is coated with a layer of a waterproofing agent and said visible wood surface is seen through said waterproofing agent. 
   
   
       7 . The bill of  claim 6  wherein the waterproofing agent is a water-based polyurethane. 
   
   
       8 . The bill of  claim 1  wherein said bill comprises a single layer of engineered flexible wood veneer with attached paperbacking. 
   
   
       9 . The bill of  claim 1  wherein said bill may comprise a bill that has been treated with essential oils to create a scented aromatherapy. 
   
   
       10 . The bill of  claim 2  wherein the wood grain appearance is provided by an external layer of real wood veneer exhibiting a wood grain design and which is bonded to said bill. 
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said flexible wood layer is selected from the group consisting of Hawaiian Koa, Brazilian Koa, Eucalyptus, Camphor, Ebony, Sapele, African Angire, Teak, Lacewood, or domestic species such as Oak, Walnut, Maple, Cherry, Mahogany, or Pine, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said flexible wood layer is attached to support element by a flexible water-based glue adhesive.