THE TARP   © Copyright 2011 Thomas B. Beckwith

PROBLEM:

The traditional adjustable, one size fits all, ball cap had one design flaw. Due to the adjustability of the design, it lacked proper sun protection at the back of the cap. Individuals may suffer sunburn and skin damage in that back half-circle portion of the cap.

SOLUTION:

The TARP is unique in that it accomplishes two distinctive tasks. Not only does it give proper sun protection in the lacking area, but it also provides an area to customize the look of a once generic hat. This customization can be done on a number levels. Instances would include team colors, team stripes, and team logos. The level of customization is only limited to the designs of the individual franchises(MLB, NHL, NFL & NBA, etc.). The TARP is designed for  adjustable caps and is made in three sizes-small, medium, and large.  The TARP can be constructed with fabric material of any kind. Although there are many different ways to construct and build the TARP, the simplest method was used for the ease of it's construction and the simplicity of it's installation by the consumer. Using the 3 size templates included as sewing patterns(figures 1-3), it's just a matter of doubling up the material(folding in half upon itself) and sewing the perimeters closed and then sewing on the female velcro into the designated area(marked "A" in figures 1-3 and photo 2). Using the common product of peel-and-stick velcro, the patterns to cut them into user friendly pieces is supplied in figures 1-3 and photos 1 and 2 (marked as "B"). Once the velcro pieces are cut, they are positioned into the corresponding areas of the back of the baseball cap, with the male velcro being used on the cap itself, and the female velcro being used on the finalized TARP pattern. At this stage, the customer should re-adjust the closed hat slightly larger to accomodate the width of the TARPS' material. Align the matching sets of velcro and place the TARP into the back of the hat from the inside(see photo 3), firmly pressing the velcro to assure that it inter-locks. Once installed correctly, the individual user will never feel the TARPS' presence, but will reap the benefits of the sun protection along with the unique customization.

Patented 7/30/11   TBB