1. A method of testing the functionality of optically controlled switches in a reconfigurable antenna defined by an array of switches and pad antenna elements, the method comprising:
closing a first plurality of selected switches from the array of switches to configure a first conductive path between a feed point and a first test point, wherein the first conductive path is defined by the first plurality of selected switches and pad antenna elements;
applying a first test signal to the feed point;
monitoring the first test point for the first test signal; and
determining that the first plurality of selected switches have operated in response to receiving the first test signal at the first test point.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
closing a second plurality of selected switches from the array of switches to configure a second conductive path between the feed point and a second test point, wherein the second conductive path is defined by the second plurality of selected switches and pad antenna elements, and wherein at least one switch of the second plurality of selected switches is different from at least one switch of the first plurality of selected switches;
applying a second test signal to the feed point;
monitoring the second test point for the second test signal; and
determining that the second plurality of selected switches have operated in response to receiving the second test signal at the second test point.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second conductive paths are serpentine paths through the array of switches and pad antenna elements.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
separating the reconfigurable antenna into quadrants.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
testing the switches in each quadrant separately.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second test signals are one of direct current continuity signals and alternating current continuity signals.
7. A method of testing an optically controlled switch in a reconfigurable antenna, the method comprising:
closing a plurality of selected switches from an array of switches to configure a plurality of conductive paths between one or more feed points and one or more test points with the controlled switch as a member of each of the conductive paths;
applying one or more test signals to each of the configured conductive paths;
monitoring the one or more test points for receipt of the one or more test signals; and
determining that the controlled switch has properly closed in response to receiving the test signals for each of the conductive paths.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the configuring of the one or more conductive paths isolates the controlled switch by including the optically controlled switch in each of the conductive paths.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
storing path information and the results of the monitoring of the one or more test points associated with the conductive path information in a memory.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein determining the functionality of the switch further comprises:
comparing and analyzing results of the monitoring of test points associated with different conductive paths to isolate the functionality of the switch.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more test signals are at least one of direct current continuity signals and alternating current continuity signals.
12. A tester for testing optically activated switches in a reconfigurable antenna, the tester comprising:
a switch control circuit to manipulate a plurality of selected optically switches in the reconfigurable array to form a conductive path between a feed point and a test point in the reconfigurable array;
a test signal output circuit to output one or more test signals to the feed point in the reconfigurable antenna;
a test circuit analyzer to monitor the one or more test points for the one or more test signals; and
a controller to control the switch control circuit, the test signal output circuit and the test circuit analyzer, and to identify an inoperable optically activated switch when the inoperable optically activated switch is an only common member of a plurality of optically activated switches of each of a plurality of tested conductive paths.
13. The tester of claim 12, further comprising:
a memory to store conductive path information and associated results of the monitoring of the one or more test points.
14. The tester of claim 12, wherein the controller processes results of the monitoring of the one or more test points to determine the functionality of one or more of the optically activated switches.
15. The tester of claim 12, wherein the switch control circuit is further in communication with the configuration controller to direct the configuration controller to manipulate the optically activated switches in the reconfigurable array.
16. The tester of claim 12, wherein the test signal output circuit outputs one of direct current continuity signals and alternating current continuity signals.
17. A system for testing optically controlled switches in a reconfigurable antenna, the system comprising:
a means to manipulate the optically controlled switches to form at least one conductive path between at least one feed point and at least one test point;
a means to provide at least one test signal to the at least one feed point;
a means to monitor the at least one test point in response to the at least one test signal; and
a means to determine the functionality of at least one of the optically controlled switches based on the monitoring of the at least one test point.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the switches are coupled between adjacent pad antenna elements.
19. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining that at least one of the first plurality of selected switches are inoperable in response to failing to receive the first test signal at the first test point;
determining that at least one of the second plurality of selected switches are inoperable in response to failing to receive the second test signal at the second test point;
comparing the first plurality of selected switches with the second plurality of selected switches to identify at least one switch that is a member of the first plurality of selected switches and the second plurality of selected switches; and
determining that the at least one identified switch that is a member of the first plurality of selected switches and the second plurality of selected switches is an inoperable switch.
20. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining that the optically controlled switch is inoperable in response to failing to receive the test signal at at least two of the conductive paths, wherein only the optically controlled switch is a common member of the conductive paths.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A ventable ski hat for enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat, the ventable ski hat comprising:
a superficial insulative fabric layer, the superficial insulative fabric layer comprising two lateral superficial edges, two lateral superior superficial regions, two intermediate superior superficial regions, two medial superior superficial regions, a superficial fold region, an inferior superficial region, and a superficial layer perimeter, the superficial fold region dividing the superficial insulative fabric layer into substantially identical superficial lateral halves;
a deep moisture-wicking fabric layer, the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer comprising two lateral deep edges, two lateral superior deep regions, two intermediate superior deep regions, two medial superior deep regions, a deep fold region, an inferior deep region, and a deep layer perimeter, the deep fold region dividing the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer into substantially identical deep lateral halves, the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer being positioned in adjacency to the superficial insulative fabric layer, the deep layer perimeter substantially coinciding with the superficial layer perimeter, the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer and the superficial insulative fabric layer being folded about the superior fold region and the deep fold region, the medial superior superficial regions and the medial superior deep regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-anterior seam, the lateral superior superficial regions and the lateral superior deep regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-posterior seam, the lateral superficial edges and the lateral deep edges being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed posterior seam, the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions thus defining a substantially elliptical superior vent aperture, the vent aperture comprising a major axis, a minor axis, an anterior vent end and a posterior vent end, the vent aperture being medially aligned from the superior-anterior seam to the superior-posterior seam, the inferior superficial region and the inferior deep region thus defining a double layer band-receiving edge;
zipper means, the zipper means comprising an anterior zipper end, a posterior zipper end, laterally extending attachment fabric, and slidable fastener means, the laterally extending attachment fabric being stitched to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions, the anterior zipper end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior zipper end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the slidable fastener means being intermediate the laterally extending fabric medially aligned from the anterior vent end to the posterior vent end substantially parallel with the major axis, the slidable fastener means for selectively opening and closing the vent aperture;
a mesh fabric layer, the mesh fabric layer comprising an anterior mesh end and a posterior mesh end, the mesh fabric layer being stitched to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions in adjacency to the zipper means, the anterior mesh end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior mesh end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the mesh fabric layer and the zipper means thus cooperatively forming a selectively ventable, mesh-filtered vent, the mesh-filtered vent being substantially elliptical when in a fully open state; and
an insulative head band member, the insulative head band member comprising a superior band attachment edge, an inferior crown-receiving edge, a band fold region, and two lateral band edges, the insulative head band member being folded about the band fold region, the lateral band edges being stitched to one another to form a band seam, the superior band attachment edge being stitched to the band-receiving edge, the band seam being in inferior adjacency to the posterior seam, the inferior crown-receiving end for receiving a skier’s head, the skier’s head comprising a superior head surface, the mesh fabric layer and zipper means being in spaced relation in superior adjacency to the superior head surface thus defining an insulative air layer, the slidable fastener means thus enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat from the insulative air layer.
2. The ventable ski hat of claim 1 wherein the major axis has a measured dimension ranging from about 5 inches to 6 inches and the minor axis has a maximum measured dimension of about 1.5 inches.
3. The ventable ski hat of claim 2 wherein the mesh fabric layer is substantially taut when the mesh-filtered vent is in a fully open state.
4. The ventable ski hat of claim 3 wherein the superficial insulative fabric layer and the insulative head band member comprise fleece material.
5. The ventable ski hat of claim 4 wherein the superficial insulative fabric layer, the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer, the zipper means, the mesh fabric layer and the insulative head band member each comprise coordinate coloration.
6. A ventable ski hat for enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat, the ventable ski hat comprising:
a superficial fabric layer, the superficial fabric layer comprising two lateral superficial edges, two lateral superior superficial regions, two intermediate superior superficial regions, two medial superior superficial regions, a superficial fold region, an inferior superficial region, and a superficial layer perimeter, the superficial fold region dividing the superficial fabric layer into substantially identical superficial lateral halves;
a deep fabric layer, the deep fabric layer comprising two lateral deep edges, two lateral superior deep regions, two intermediate superior deep regions, two medial superior deep regions, a deep fold region, an inferior deep region, and a deep layer perimeter, the deep fold region dividing the deep fabric layer into substantially identical deep lateral halves, the deep fabric layer being positioned in adjacency to the superficial fabric layer, the deep layer perimeter substantially coinciding with the superficial layer perimeter, the deep fabric layer and the superficial fabric layer being folded about the superior fold region and the deep fold region, the medial superior superficial regions and the medial superior deep regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-anterior seam, the lateral superior superficial regions and the lateral superior deep regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-posterior seam, the lateral superficial edges and the lateral deep edges being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed posterior seam, the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions thus defining a substantially elliptical superior vent aperture, the vent aperture comprising a major axis, a minor axis, an anterior vent end and a posterior vent end, the vent aperture being medially aligned from the superior-anterior seam to the superior-posterior seam, the inferior superficial region and the inferior deep region thus defining a double layer band-receiving edge;
zipper means, the zipper means comprising an anterior zipper end, a posterior zipper end, laterally extending attachment fabric, and slidable fastener means, the laterally extending attachment fabric being stitched to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions, the anterior zipper end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior zipper end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the slidable fastener means being intermediate the laterally extending fabric medially aligned from the anterior vent end to the posterior vent end substantially parallel with the major axis, the slidable fastener means for selectively opening and closing the vent aperture, the zipper means thus forming a selectively ventable vent, the vent being substantially elliptical when in a fully open state; and
a head band member, the head band member comprising a superior band attachment edge, an inferior crown-receiving edge, a band fold region, and two lateral band edges, the head band member being folded about the band fold region, the lateral band edges being stitched to one another to form a band seam, the superior band attachment edge being stitched to the band-receiving edge, the band seam being in inferior adjacency to the posterior seam, the inferior crown-receiving end for receiving a skier’s head, the skier’s head comprising a superior head surface, the zipper means being in spaced relation in superior adjacency to the superior head surface thus defining an insulative air layer, the slidable fastener means thus enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat from the insulative air layer.
7. The ventable ski hat of claim 6 wherein the ventable ski hat comprises a mesh fabric layer, the mesh fabric layer comprising an anterior mesh end and a posterior mesh end, the mesh fabric layer being stitched to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions in adjacency to the zipper means, the anterior mesh end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior mesh end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the mesh fabric layer and the zipper means thus cooperatively forming a selectively ventable, mesh-filtered vent.
8. The ventable ski hat of claim 6 wherein the mesh fabric layer is substantially taut when the mesh-filtered vent is in a fully open state.
9. The ventable ski hat of claim 7 wherein the superficial fabric layer comprises an insulative fabric, the deep fabric layer comprises a moisture-wicking fabric, and the head band member comprises an insulative fabric.
10. The ventable ski hat of claim 8 wherein the major axis has a measured dimension ranging from about 5 inches to 6 inches and the minor axis has a maximum measured dimension of about 1.5 inches.
11. The ventable ski hat of claim 9 wherein the superficial insulative fabric layer and the head band member comprise fleece material.
12. The ventable ski hat of claim 7 wherein the superficial fabric layer, the deep fabric layer, the zipper means, the mesh fabric layer and the head band member each comprise coordinate coloration.
13. A ventable ski hat for enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat, the ventable ski hat comprising:
a superior hat member, the superior hat member comprising two lateral edges, two lateral superior regions, two intermediate superior regions, two medial superior regions, a fold region, and an inferior region, the superior hat member being folded about the fold region, the medial superior regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-anterior seam, the lateral superior regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-posterior seam, the lateral edges being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed posterior seam, the intermediate superior regions thus defining a vent aperture, the vent aperture comprising a longitudinal axis, a latitudinal axis, an anterior vent end and posterior vent end, the vent aperture being medially aligned from the superior-anterior seam to the superior-posterior seam, the inferior region thus defining a band-receiving edge;
zipper means, the zipper means comprising an anterior zipper end, a posterior zipper end, laterally extending attachment fabric, and slidable fastener means, the laterally extending attachment fabric being stitched to the intermediate superior regions, the anterior zipper end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior zipper end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the slidable fastener means being intermediate the laterally extending fabric medially aligned from the anterior vent end to the posterior vent end substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis, the slidable fastener means for selectively opening and closing the vent aperture, the zipper means thus forming a selectively ventable vent; and
a head band member, the head band member comprising a superior band attachment edge, an inferior crown-receiving edge, a band fold region, and two lateral band edges, the head band member being folded about the band fold region, the lateral band edges being stitched to one another to form a band seam, the superior band attachment edge being stitched to the band-receiving edge, the band seam being in inferior adjacency to the posterior seam, the inferior crown-receiving edge for receiving a skier’s head, the skier’s head comprising a superior head surface, the zipper means being in spaced relation in superior adjacency to the superior head surface thus defining an insulative air layer, the slidable fastener means thus enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat from the insulative air layer.
14. A ventable ski hat of claim 13 wherein the superior hat member comprises a superficial fabric layer and a deep fabric layer.
15. The ventable ski hat of claim 14 wherein the ventable ski hat comprises a mesh fabric layer, the mesh fabric layer comprising an anterior mesh end and a posterior mesh end, the mesh fabric layer being stitched to the intermediate superior regions in adjacency to the zipper means, the anterior mesh end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior mesh end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the mesh fabric layer and the zipper means thus cooperatively forming a selectively ventable, mesh-filtered vent.
16. The ventable ski hat of claim 15 wherein the mesh fabric layer is substantially taut when the mesh-filtered vent is in a fully open state.
17. The ventable ski hat of claim 16 wherein the mesh-filtered vent is substantially elliptical when in a fully open state, the mesh-filtered vent thus comprising a major axis and minor axis, the major axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis, the minor axis coinciding with the latitudinal axis.
18. The ventable ski hat of claim 14 wherein the superficial fabric layer comprises an insulative fabric, the deep fabric layer comprises a moisture-wicking fabric, and the head band member comprises an insulative fabric.
19. The ventable ski hat of claim 17 wherein the major axis has a measured dimension ranging from about 5 inches to 6 inches and the minor axis has a maximum measured dimension of about 1.5 inches.
20. The ventable ski hat of claim 13 wherein the superficial fabric layer and the head band member comprise fleece material.
21. The ventable ski hat of claim 15 wherein the superficial fabric layer, the deep fabric layer, the zipper means, the mesh fabric layer and the head band member each comprise coordinate coloration.
22. A ventable hat for enabling a wearer to selectively vent body heat, the ventable hat comprising:
a hat member, the hat member comprising two lateral edges, two lateral superior regions, two intermediate superior regions, two medial superior regions, a fold region, and an inferior region, the hat member being folded about the fold region, the medial superior regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-anterior seam, the lateral superior regions being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-posterior seam, the lateral edges being stitched to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed posterior seam, the intermediate superior regions thus defining a vent aperture, the vent aperture comprising a longitudinal axis, a latitudinal axis, an anterior vent end and posterior vent end, the vent aperture being medially aligned from the superior-anterior seam to the superior-posterior seam, the inferior region thus defining a crown-receiving edge; and
zipper means, the zipper means comprising an anterior zipper end, a posterior zipper end, laterally extending attachment fabric, and slidable fastener means, the laterally extending attachment fabric being stitched to the intermediate superior regions, the anterior zipper end being adjacent the anterior vent end and the posterior zipper end being adjacent the posterior vent end, the slidable fastener means being intermediate the laterally extending fabric medially aligned from the anterior vent end to the posterior vent end substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis, the slidable fastener means for selectively opening and closing the vent aperture, the zipper means thus forming a selectively ventable vent, the inferior crown-receiving end for receiving a wearer’s head, the wearer’s head comprising a superior head surface, the zipper means being in spaced relation in superior adjacency to the superior head surface thus defining an insulative air layer, the slidable fastener means thus enabling a skier to selectively vent body heat from the insulative air layer.
23. The ventable hat of claim 22 wherein the hat member comprises a superficial fabric layer and a deep fabric layer.
24. The ventable hat of claim 23 wherein the superficial fabric layer comprises an insulative fabric layer and the deep fabric layer comprises a moisture-wicking fabric.
25. A ventable hat for enabling a user to selectively vent body heat, the ventable hat comprising:
a superior vent portion and an inferior crown-receiving portion, the vent portion comprising an anterior-superior portion, a posterior-superior portion and a selectively-veritable vent aperture, the vent aperture extending intermediate the anterior-superior portion and the posterior-superior portion, the vent aperture comprising open-closure means, a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis being longitudinally and medially aligned from the anterior-superior portion to the posterior-superior portion, the vent aperture being positionable in unobstructed spaced relation in superior adjacency to a user’s superior head surface, the vent aperture for forming a continuous, insulative air layer intermediate the user’s superior head surface and the open-closure means, the open-closure means for enabling the user to selectively vent body heat from the continuous, insulative air layer.
26. The ventable hat of claim 25 wherein the vent aperture comprises a mesh fabric layer, the mesh fabric layer and the open-closure means thus forming a selectively-ventable, mesh-filtered vent.
27. The ventable hat of claim 25 wherein the open-closure means is defined by a zipper, the zipper having a main axis, the main axis coinciding with the major axis.
28. The ventable hat of claim 25 wherein the vent aperture is substantially elliptical when in a fully open state.
29. The ventable hat of claim 25 wherein the ventable hat comprises a superficial fabric layer and a deep fabric layer, the superficial fabric layer comprising an insulative fabric material, the deep fabric layer comprising a moisture-wicking fabric material.
30. The ventable hat of claim 25 wherein the major axis has a measured dimension ranging from about 5 inches to 6 inches and the minor axis has a maximum measured dimension of about 1.5 inches.
31. A method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat, the method of manufacture comprising the steps of:
providing a superficial insulative fabric layer, a deep moisture-wicking fabric layer, a mesh fabric layer, and zipper means, the zipper means comprising laterally extending attachment fabric and slidable fastener means;
cutting a superficial insulative fabric layer pattern from the superficial insulative fabric layer, the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern comprising two lateral superficial edges, two lateral superior superficial regions, two intermediate superior superficial regions, two medial superior superficial regions, a superficial fold region, an inferior superficial region, a superficial layer superior perimeter, and a superficial layer inferior perimeter, the superficial fold region dividing the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern into substantially identical superficial lateral halves;
cutting a deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern from the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer, the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer comprising two lateral deep edges, two lateral superior deep regions, two intermediate superior deep regions, two medial superior deep regions, a deep fold region, an inferior deep region, a deep layer superior perimeter and a deep layer inferior perimeter, the deep fold region dividing the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern into substantially identical deep lateral halves;
cutting an insulative head band member pattern from the superficial insulative fabric layer, the insulative head band member pattern comprising a superior band attachment edge, an inferior crown-receiving edge, and two lateral band edges;
cutting a mesh fabric layer pattern from the mesh fabric layer, the mesh fabric layer pattern comprising an anterior mesh end and a posterior mesh end;
positioning the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer in superior adjacency to the superficial insulative fabric layer, the deep layer perimeter substantially coinciding with the superficial layer perimeter, the a superficial fold region coinciding with the deep fold region;
folding the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern and the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern about the superior fold region and the deep fold region, the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern being deep to the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern;
marking a zipper location, the zipper location being located at the two intermediate superior superficial regions and the two intermediate superior deep regions;
stitching the medial superior superficial regions and the medial superior deep regions to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-anterior seam;
stitching the lateral superior superficial regions and the lateral superior deep regions to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-posterior seam;
stitching the lateral superficial edges and the lateral deep edges to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed posterior seam;
backstitching the zipper location;
stitching the laterally extending attachment fabric to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions to form a zipper attachment seam;
stitching the mesh fabric layer pattern to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate deep regions in adjacency to the zipper means to form a mesh attachment seam;
stitching the lateral band edges to one another to form a posterior band seam; and
stitching the superior band attachment edge to the band-receiving edge to form a superior band seam, the posterior band seam being in inferior adjacency to the posterior seam.
32. The method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat of claim 31 wherein the method comprises an additional step after positioning the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern in superior adjacency to the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern, the additional step comprising the step of pinning the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern to the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern.
33. The method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat of claim 32 wherein the method comprises an additional step after backstitching the zipper location, the additional step comprising the step of pinning the laterally extending attachment fabric to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions.
34. The method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat of claim 33 wherein the method comprises an additional step after stitching the laterally extending attachment fabric to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions, the additional step comprising the step of pinning the mesh fabric layer pattern to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate deep regions.
35. The method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat of claim 34 wherein the method comprises an additional step after stitching the lateral band edges to one another, the additional step comprising the step of pinning the superior band attachment edge to the band-receiving edge.
36. The method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat of claim 31 wherein the method comprises additional steps after stitching the laterally extending attachment fabric to the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions, the additional steps comprising the steps of:
adjusting the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern and the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern, the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern being deep to the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern;
top-stitching the intermediate superior superficial regions and the intermediate superior deep regions to form a rectangle pattern, the rectangle pattern enveloping the slidable fastener means; and
adjusting the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern and the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern, the superficial insulative fabric layer pattern being deep to the deep moisture-wicking fabric layer pattern.
37. The method of manufacturing a ventable ski hat of claim 31 wherein the method comprises an additional step after stitching the superior band attachment edge to the band-receiving edge, the additional step comprising the step of surge stitching the superior-posterior seam, the superior-anterior seam, the posterior seam, the mesh attachment seam, the superior band seam, and the posterior band seam.
38. A method of manufacturing a ventable hat, the method of manufacture comprising the steps of:
providing a hat member fabric pattern and zipper means, the zipper means comprising laterally extending attachment fabric, and slidable fastener means;
cutting a hat member pattern from the hat member fabric pattern, the hat member pattern comprising two lateral edges, two lateral superior regions, two intermediate superior regions, two medial superior regions, a fold region, and an inferior region, the fold region dividing the hat member pattern into substantially identical lateral halves;
folding the hat member pattern about the fold region;
stitching the medial superior regions to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-anterior seam;
stitching the lateral superior regions to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed superior-posterior seam;
stitching the lateral edges to one another in juxtaposed relation to form a closed posterior seam; and
installing open-closure means at the intermediate superior regions.
39. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 38 wherein the step of installing open-closure means at the intermediate superior regions is defined by stitching the laterally extending attachment fabric to the intermediate superior regions to form a zipper attachment seam.
40. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 39 wherein the method comprises an additional step after providing a hat member fabric pattern and zipper means, the additional step comprising the step of cutting a head band pattern from the hat member fabric pattern, the head band pattern comprising a superior band attachment edge, an inferior crown-receiving edge, and two lateral band edges.
41. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 40 wherein the method comprises an additional step after stitching the laterally extending attachment fabric to the intermediate superior regions, the method comprising the additional step of stitching the lateral band edges to one another to form a posterior band seam.
42. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 41 wherein the method comprises an additional step after stitching the lateral band edges to one another to form a posterior band seam, the method comprising the step of stitching the superior band attachment edge to the inferior edge to form a superior band seam, the posterior band seam being in inferior adjacency to the posterior seam.
43. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 39 wherein the method comprises an additional step after folding the hat member pattern about the fold region, the additional step comprising the step of marking a zipper location, the zipper location being located at the two intermediate superior regions.
44. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 39 wherein the method of manufacture comprises an additional step after stitching the lateral edges to one another, the additional step comprising the step of backstitching the zipper location.
45. The method of manufacturing a ventable hat of claim 42 wherein the method of manufacture comprises an additional step after stitching the superior band attachment edge to the inferior edge to form a superior band seam, the additional step comprising the step of surge stitching at least one hat seam, the hat seam being chosen from the group consisting of the superior-posterior seam, the superior-anterior seam, the posterior seam, the superior band seam, and the posterior band seam.
46. A ventable hat for enabling a user to selectively vent body heat, the ventable hat comprising:
a superior vent portion, an inferior crown-receiving portion, a superficial fabric layer, and a deep fabric layer, the superficial fabric layer comprising an insulative fabric material, tho deep fabric layer comprising a moisture-wicking fabric material, the vent portion comprising an anterior-superior portion, a posterior-superior portion and a selectively-ventable vent aperture, the vent aperture extending intermediate the anterior-superior portion and the posterior-superior portion, the vent aperture comprising open-closure means, a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis being medially aligned along a user’s head, the user’s bead comprising a superior head surface, the open-closure means being in spaced relation in superior adjacency to the superior head surface thus defining an insulative air layer intermediate the user’s superior bead surface and the open-closure means, the open-closure means for enabling the user to selectively vent body heat from the insulative air layer.