Hat having wide brim and detachable chin strap

Abstract

A hat for a person to wear on the golf course and off the golf course is provided. The hat is lightweight and comfortable to wear and yet is also durable to be worn in all weather conditions. The hat includes a crown and a wide brim than extends around the circumference of the crown to protect the wearer from outdoor weather elements such as sun, rain, wind, and snow. The hat also includes a detachable chin strap that can be removed and stored inside an interior pocket of the hat. In one embodiment, the rear region of the crown includes an opening for receiving a portion of the hair, for example, a ponytail, of the person wearing the hat. This opening can be closed by opposing first and second flaps.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A hat for a wearer, comprising:
 a crown portion having an inside surface and an outside surface, the crown having a base and a top piece;   a brim that extends outwardly from the crown base and is disposed completely around the perimeter of the crown base;   the brim having a first aperture for receiving one end of a chin strap; and a second aperture for receiving a second end of a chin strap;   a chin strap releasably attached to the brim, the strap having a first end segment for inserting through the first aperture of the brim, a second end segment for inserting through the second aperture of the brim, and an intermediate segment disposed between the first and second end segments, so that the strap forms a continuous loop and extends along the right and left sides of a wearer's face and around their chin area.   
     
     
         2 . The hat of  claim 1 , wherein the inside surface of the crown includes a pocket. 
     
     
         3 . The hat of  claim 2 , wherein the pocket is opened and closed by opposing first and second flaps that can be releasably joined together. 
     
     
         4 . The hat of  claim 3 , wherein the flaps are joined together by a snap button fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The hat of  claim 3 , wherein the flaps are joined together by hook and loop fabric fasteners. 
     
     
         6 . The hat of  claim 3 , wherein the flaps are joined together by an opposing button and button hole. 
     
     
         7 . The hat of  claim 1 , wherein the hat further comprises an adjustable tightening member for adjusting the circumference of the crown. 
     
     
         8 . The hat of  claim 1 , wherein the crown and brim are made from a canvas fabric. 
     
     
         9 . A hat for a wearer, comprising:
 a crown portion having an inside surface and an outside surface, the crown having a base, a top piece, a forward region, and a rear region;   a brim that extends outwardly from the crown base and is disposed completely around the perimeter of the crown base;   the brim having a first aperture for receiving one end of a chinstrap; and a second aperture for receiving a second end of a chinstrap;   a chin strap releasably attached to the brim, the strap having a first end segment for inserting through the first aperture of the brim, a second end segment for inserting through the second aperture of the brim, and an intermediate segment disposed between the first and second end segments, so that the strap forms a continuous loop and extends along the right and left sides of a wearer's face and around their chin area; and   an opening in the rear region of the crown for receiving a portion of hair of the wearer.   
     
     
         10 . The hat of  claim 9 , wherein the rear opening is opened and closed by opposing first and second flaps that can be releasably joined together. 
     
     
         11 . The hat of  claim 9 , wherein the hat further comprises an adjustable tightening member for adjusting the circumference of the crown. 
     
     
         12 . The hat of  claim 9 , wherein the crown and brim are made from a canvas fabric.